The Epistle of Polycarp
Polycarp encourages Christians toward faith, righteousness, perseverance, and practical obedience to Christ.
Themes that emerged
From the margins
A quote from this book
Despite never having seen Him, you trust in Him with indescribable and glorious joy. Many long to experience this joy, recognizing that salvation comes through grace rather than human effort, according to God’s purpose through Jesus Christ.
Date
- c. AD 110–140
Summary
Polycarp of Smyrna writes to the Christians at Philippi with practical encouragement for Christian living. Drawing heavily upon New Testament teaching, he discusses faith, righteousness, marriage, Church leadership, care for others, perseverance, and resistance to greed and false teaching. The letter also provides an important connection between the apostolic generation and the developing Church of the second century.
Memorable Quotations
Despite never having seen Him, you trust in Him with indescribable and glorious joy. Many long to experience this joy, recognizing that salvation comes through grace rather than human effort, according to God’s purpose through Jesus Christ.
Let us be vigilant in prayer and consistent in fasting, pleading with the all-seeing God to lead us not into temptation, as the Lord declared, “The spirit is eager, but human nature is frail.”
Source
The Apostolic Fathers: Complete Collection of Early Church Fathers, Including Shepherd of Hermas, Didache, Epistles of Ignatius, Martyrdom of Polycarp, Clement, Barnabas, Diognetus and Commentary.
Compiled by Robert Kingswell
Published by Eterna Verba Publishing.
Kindle edition.
Note: Quotations on this page are taken from this edition unless otherwise stated.