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