Apostles Quote by Ignatius of Antioch
“You must all follow the lead of the bishop, as Jesus Christ followed that of the Father; follow the presbytery as you would the Apostles; reverence the deacons as you would God's commandment.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Epistle to the Smyrneans, c. 110 AD
Obedience to church hierarchy mirrors obedience to divine authority.
In simple terms: Follow religious leaders as you follow God.
Key Takeaway
Respect institutional guidance.
Themes
faith
authority
obedience
Mood
serious
inspirational
Type
theological
instructional
When to use this quote
- worship services
- religious education
- community decisions
Key Concepts
church hierarchy
spiritual discipline
apostolic succession
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you discern right from imposed rules?
- When is questioning authority appropriate?
A Different Perspective
Blind obedience may suppress personal conscience.
![“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](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d0a/ignatius-of-antioch-9526_apostles_see-that-ye-all-follow-the-bishop-even-a_2176370.jpg)
![“Listen to these words of [apostle] Paul: "We war not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, and the rulers of the darkness of this world and spiritual wickedness that's in high places." It's in "high places" that the plot against Black and Brown, and poor White is going…” quote by Louis Farrakhan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/152/louis-farrakhan-1264_apostle-paul_listen-to-these-words-of-apostle-paul-we_95649.jpg)
