[Writing before his impending martyrdom, Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, ca. 115 writes] The delights of this world and all of its kingdoms will not profit me. I would prefer to die in Jesus Christ than to rule over all the earth. I seek him who died for us, I desire him who rose for us. I am in the throes of being born again. Bear with me, beloved; do not keep me from living, do not wish me to die. I desire to belong to God; do not give me over to the world, and do not seduce me with perishable things. Let me see the pure light; when I am there, I shall be truly fulfilled at last. Let me imitate the sufferings of my God. If anyone has God within, understand what I want and have sympathy for me, knowing what drives me on.

The prince of this world would snatch me away and destroy my desire to be with God. So let none of you who will be there give satan help; side rather with me, that is, with God. Do not have Jesus Christ on your lips and the world in your hearts. I no longer wish to live, as people count life. And I shall have my way, if you wish it so. Wish it, then, so that you too may have God’s favor. Pray for me that I may reach my goal [of martyrdom]. If I am to suffer, it will be because you loved me well; if I am rejected, it will be because you hated me. If I attain to God I will be something.

—Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, Letter to the Trallians 8