Ignatius had no authority to change a law of God! His letter
confirms the truth of Paul's warning that wolves would enter into the early church and speak perverse things. "For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also OF YOUR OWN SELVES shall men arise, **speaking perverse things**, to draw away disciples after them." Acts 20:29-30 (KJV) We must use the teaching of Jesus and the Old Testament Scriptures for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and for instruction in righteousness. All things must be rejected if they don't agree with them. (including the letter of Ignatius) THE SCRIPTURES PRE-EXIST THE CHURCH Timothy was born at Lystra and had a Greek father and a Jewish mother. His grandmother (Lois) and mother (Eunice) taught him the scriptures from childhood. So, when Paul wrote these words to Timothy, he was referring ONLY to the Old Testament Scriptures: "And that from a CHILD thou hast known the holy scriptures, WHICH ARE ABLE TO MAKE THEE WISE UNTO SALVATION THROUGH FAITH WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." 2 Tim 3:15-16 An Old Testament saint, Timothy's grandmother, believed in Jesus because the scriptures testified of him. That second letter of Paul to Timothy (Now part of The New Testament) gives us irrefutable evidence that The Old Testament Scriptures have greater authority than the traditions of the church. Donna Kupp |