# On The Gospels The writings of Ignatius, one of the early Church fathers, provide substantial evidence that the Gospels must predate him. In his letters, Ignatius frequently references passages found in the Gospels, including key sayings of Jesus. For instance, in his *Letter to the Ephesians*, he cites verses like [John 6:33](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/JHN.6.33). These are not isolated instances, as he refers to Gospel passages consistently across his letters to various churches, such as his *Letter to the Magnesians*, where he mentions [Luke 6:46](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/LUK.6.46) and [2 Timothy 4:12](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/2TI.4.12). Ignatius’ familiarity with these texts suggests that the Gospels were already circulating and well-established before his writings around **110 AD**. He also references Acts, Hebrews, James, and 1 Peter. The way he integrates Gospel teachings into his letters further supports the idea that these texts were already considered authoritative within early Christian communities. Below are some examples of his references to Scripture: >[!quote] *Ignatius, Letter to the Smyrnaeans, 7:1*: >"Take note of those who hold heterodox opinions on the grace of Jesus Christ which has come to us, and see how contrary their opinions are to the mind of God. They are in the same position as those who do not confess the Eucharist to be the flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ, which suffered for our sins and which the Father, of His goodness, raised up again." >See [Luke 22:19](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/LUK.22.19) >[!quote] *Ignatius, Letter to the Ephesians, 1:1*: >"Jesus Christ, our God, was truly begotten by the Father, through the Holy Spirit, and was made flesh, that we might become partakers of the divine nature." >See [John 3:16](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/JHN.3.16) >[!quote] *Ignatius, Letter to the Trallians, 10:2*: >"For the Son of God suffered for our sins, and He bore our iniquities in His own body on the tree. He humbled Himself, and became obedient even to the death of the cross." >See [Philippians 2:8](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/PHP.2.8) >[!quote] *Ignatius, Letter to the Ephesians, 5:3*: >"Therefore whoever does not meet with the congregation thereby demonstrates his arrogance and has separated himself, for it is written: 'God opposes the arrogant.' Let us, therefore, be careful not to oppose the bishop, in order that we may be obedient to God." >See [James 4:6](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/JAS.4.6) and [1 Peter 5:5](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/1PE.5.5) These examples illustrate how Ignatius’ letters reflect both direct quotations and thematic allusions to New Testament writings, solidifying the case for the early circulation and authority of these texts.