apostolicfathers0201clem - Carmel Apologetics

IGNATIUS THE MARTYR. 25
'
It seems probable therefore that the appellative Nurono ' is due to
this passage in the Epithronian Orations. The great reputation of
Severus would give currency to this interpretation of the name
'
'
'
Ignatius,' and the Syriac equivalent Nurono would pass into general
use in the Syrian Churches. The wide popularity of these Epithronian
Orations is shown by the fact that two Syriac versions of them are
extant. It is not likely that Severus, writing in Greek, used the
word Nurono himself, and Zahn (/.
v. A. p. 73 sq) is probably right
in conjecturing that it was introduced by the Syriac
translator to
explain the meaning'. It is needless to add that the derivation of the
name 'Ignatius' from 'ignis' is altogether false. Not improbably,
like Gnatius, it is connected with gnascor (nascor), gnatus (natus).
Around the other name Theophorus, likewise borne by Ignatius,
much superfluous controversy has gathered. A significance has been
assigned to it which the facts do not warrant. It has been regarded
as a title of honour bestowed upon the saint by his admirers, and
allusions have been discovered in several passages of his epistles to
this imaginary glorification of the martyr (see the notes on Magii. i,
Trail. 4, Sinyrn. 5). All such references melt away in the light of
criticism. On the other hand, an attempt
has been made" to discredit
it
altogether as a later interpolation in the addresses of the epistles.
This view disregards the evidence of manuscripts and versions, which is
absolutely unanimous in favour of the word at every
only plea
occurrence. Its
is the fact that the earliest fathers take no notice of this
designation of the saint. No doubt, if it had possessed the signithat
Nurono, that is, Infiamcd, as we also contemporary with Severus, and of which
say, was derived from hence; for the extant Mss bear the dales A. D. 563, 569,
Romans call the fire which is lighted up 576, is preserved in great part in Mss
and in flames, ignis. Who then is he that in the British Museum (Wright's Catal.
has in himself the flame, that is to say, p. 546 sq) and the Vatican (Assem.
the lamp of divine love, and is inflamed Bibl. Apost. Vat. Cod. AISS. Catal. in.
by the desire to suffer for Christ The p. 241 sq), but the portion containing
same who also in writing to the Romans this homily is wanting. Otherwise a comsays,'
etc. (Cureton C. I. p. 247). The parison of the two translations might
prescience evidently should not be as- have enabled us to arrive approximately
cribed to Ignatius himself, as in the at the original words of Severus. A
present text, but to God or to the person translator would have to deal freely with
who gave him the name. the Greek here, and the insertion of a
'
The translation of Severus, which word like Nicrono was a necessity. See
is here quoted, was made by Jacob of a similar instance in Pallad. Hist. Latis.
Edessa, A.D. 701 (Wright's Catal. of 1112, 1 1 14 (ed. Migne), 'episcopatus, in-
Syr. MSS in the Brit. Mus. p. 534 sq). spectio.'
The older version (probably by Paul of ^ ggg jj_
p ^^_
Callinicus), which must have been nearly