Chapters
The Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians (Long Version)
Chapters
More
Chapter 19: Three Famous Mysteries.
NOW THE VIRGINITY OF MARY WAS HIDDEN FROM THE PRINCE OF THIS WORLD: as was also her child, and the death of the Lord; three renowned mysteries, which were accomplished quietly, but have been revealed to us. A star shone in heaven above all that came before it, and its light was indescribable, while its newness astonished people. All the other stars, along with the sun and moon, joined together in a chorus to this star. It far outshone them all in brightness, and there was a sense of wonder about where this new spectacle came from. Thus, worldly wisdom became foolishness; conjuring was seen as trivial; and magic became utterly absurd. Every law of wickedness vanished; the darkness of ignorance was dispelled; and tyrannical authority was destroyed, God being manifested as a man, and man showing power as God. Yet neither was the first a mere imagination, nor did the second imply a simple humanity; but the one was absolutely true, and the other a purposeful arrangement. Now that began which was perfected by God. From then on, everything was in a state of upheaval, because He planned the abolition of death.