Remember Me, as Jesus Christ Also Remembers You
Ignatius writes to the churches in Asia Minor, reminding them to pray for the Church of Antioch and himself as he faces martyrdom in Rome.
Ignatius of Antioch expresses gratitude and love to the recipients of his letter, urging them to remember him in prayer as he faces persecution and imprisonment for the sake of God. He asks for prayers for the Church of Antioch and sends his blessings in the name of God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Ignatius acknowledges the honor of suffering for God and encourages the believers to hold on to their common hope in Christ.
Text
My soul be for yours and theirs whom, for the honour of God, ye have sent to Smyrna; whence also I write to you, giving thanks to the Lord, and loving Polycarp even as I do you. Remember me, as Jesus Christ also remembers you, who is blessed for evermore. Pray ye for the Church of Antioch which is in Syria, whence I am led bound to Rome, being the last of the faithful that are there,
who yet have been thought worthy to carry these chains to the honour of God. Fare ye well in God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, our common hope, and in the Holy Ghost. Fare ye well. Amen. Grace [be with you].
Sermon Outline
- Introduction
- Remembrance and Intercession
- Closing and Benediction
- Farewell and Blessing
- Remembering the Church of Antioch
Key Quotes
“Remember me, as Jesus Christ also remembers you, who is blessed for evermore.” — Ignatius of Antioch
“Pray ye for the Church of Antioch which is in Syria,” — Ignatius of Antioch
Application Points
- We should pray for one another, especially in times of need or persecution.
- We should remember and intercede for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are facing challenges.