Skip to content

See that ye all follow the bishop, even as Jesus Christ…

“See that ye all follow the bishop, even as Jesus Christ does the Father, and the presbytery as ye would the apostles; and reverence the deacons, as being the institution of God. Let no man do anything connected with the Church without the bishop. [] Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the…” quote by Ignatius of Antioch
Download Open image
“See that ye all follow the bishop, even as Jesus Christ does the Father, and the presbytery as ye would the apostles; and reverence the deacons, as being the institution of God. Let no man do anything connected with the Church without the bishop. [] Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude [of the people] also be; even as, wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church. [] Whatsoever [the bishop] shall approve of, that is also pleasing to God, so that everything that is done may be secure and valid.”

Ignatius of Antioch

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He stresses hierarchical authority in the Church, linking obedience to bishops with divine approval.

In simple terms: Obey church leaders to stay aligned with God.

Key Takeaway

Follow ecclesiastical guidance.

Themes

faith authority community

Mood

reverent serious

Type

theological instructional

When to use this quote

  • church governance
  • religious education
  • ritual practice

Key Concepts

ecclesiology obedience

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is authority always aligned with divine will?
  • What if a bishop errs?
A Different Perspective

May suppress individual conscience.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Ignatius of Antioch

Explore all 72 Ignatius of Antioch quotes

More Apostles quotes

Browse all 366 Apostles quotes