The Authenticity of Ignatius' Letters

The discussion centers around the authenticity of the letters attributed to St. Ignatius of Antioch, emphasizing that seven specific letters are recognized as genuine, while others are considered forgeries. The historical debate among scholars highlights a divide between Protestant reformers like John Calvin, who dismissed Ignatius' letters as apocryphal, and Catholic scholars who defend their authenticity. This exemplifies a broader crisis in the early Protestant era, where the validity of many ancient Christian documents was in question. Ultimately, the consensus today supports the seven letters in the middle recension as authentic, reaffirming their importance in understanding early Christian beliefs.