Ransom theory, Church Fathers, & Mary?

[bindybox]

I came across a quote by the Church Father St Ignatius of Antioch about Mary:

"The maindenhood of Mary and her childbearing and also the death of the Lord were hidden from the prince of the world- three resounding mysteries wrought in the silence of God."

Is St Ignatius advancing the “Ransom Theory” as used by C.S. Lewis in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe? Why else would the death of Jesus be hidden from Satan?

Does anyone else know about these “resounding mysteries” from another source (e.g. Emmerich’s Dolorous Passion, or or other Church Fathers)?

 

[I_A]

Could we get a reference to see if it is legit and read it in context?

 

[I_A]

More:
I searched for a couple words in google. “maindenhood of Mary and her childbearing and also” brought no results.
“resounding mysteries wrought in” only brought a brief quote from Hidden Jesus: A New Life.

This must mean it is either

1. spurious quote (I doubt it because this text briefly quotes it.)
2. not a common translation (most newer translations are covered by copyright laws, most of the translations online are older and therefore public use.)
3. a work attributed to St. Ignatius but is in fact spurious

One good thing to know about the writings of St. Ignatius (they’re really awesome) was that many in the early church considered his works on the same level as those of St. Paul. Therefore many heretical groups later wrote works and attributed those to him to make their ideals more acceptable.

See New Advent’s Article on St. Ignatius Antioch

I checked out www.catholic.com’s section referencing early church father’s staments about Mary and it didn’t reference St. Ignatius of Antioch. Now that’s not definitive yes or no, but Ignatius is before some of the other people they quoted.

I am leaning towards this is a work not written by him but attributed to him by malfactors, but thats just an ignorant unstudied first guess. You see why its so important to know where quotes are coming from?

BTW, you should read his writings, they’re great! You could proably print them off and read one overy few days or every day ro something, they’re really inspiring. Expeically after reading his letter to the Romans you too will want to be enthusiastic and want to be fed to beats to glorify God. Okay, that doesn’t sound so fun, but read his letters, trust me, they’re great!

 

[Todd_Easton]

I_A_:

Could we get a reference to see if it is legit and read it in context?

The quote is from Ignatius of Antioch’s letter To the Ephesians, chapter XIX:
Now the virginity of Mary was hidden from the prince of this world, as was also her offspring, and the death of the Lord; three mysteries of renown, which were wrought in silence by God.

 

[Ruthie]

Todd’s right; I checked. (DH gave me the Ante-Nicene Fathers, all 10 volumes, for Christmas, bless his heart!)

There is a footnote that says the phrase, “of renown” in literal translation is “of noise.”

“Now the virginity of Mary was hidden from the prince of this world, as was also her offspring, and the death of the Lord; three mysteries of renown, which were wrought in silence by God.”

I think this may be wordplay on the “loudness” of the conception, nativity, and crucifixion, against the quietness in which God worked them.

Perhaps it also echoes back to Elijah’s experience in 1 Kings 19:11-12:

And he said, “Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a %between%still %between%small %between%voice. (RSV)

 

[I_A]

I apologize, it was simply a different translation. (Thats why I shouldn’t jump the gun.)