The Martyrdom of Polycarp
An early account of Polycarp's martyrdom and his faithful witness to Christ in the face of persecution and death.
Themes that emerged
From the margins
A quote from this book
Hearing their arrival, he descended and conversed with them. Those present marveled at his age and steadfastness, some asking, “Was such great effort necessary to apprehend such a venerable man?” Immediately then, at that moment, he ordered food and drink prepared for them, whatever they desired, while requesting an uninterrupted hour for prayer. Upon their consent, he stood and prayed, filled with God’s grace,...
Date
- c. AD 155-160
Summary
The Martyrdom of Polycarp recounts the arrest, trial, and execution of the elderly bishop Polycarp of Smyrna. Rather than renounce Christ to save his life, Polycarp remains faithful and accepts death. The work presents martyrdom not as something Christians should recklessly seek, but as faithful endurance when persecution comes, and is one of the earliest surviving Christian martyrdom accounts outside the New Testament.
Memorable Quotations
Hearing their arrival, he descended and conversed with them. Those present marveled at his age and steadfastness, some asking, “Was such great effort necessary to apprehend such a venerable man?” Immediately then, at that moment, he ordered food and drink prepared for them, whatever they desired, while requesting an uninterrupted hour for prayer. Upon their consent, he stood and prayed, filled with God’s grace, continuing for two complete hours, astonishing his listeners, causing many to regret pursuing such a devout and venerable elder.
My thoughts
This is a beautiful example of living Christ’s teaching to “turn the other cheek.” Rather than responding with anger or fear, Polycarp showed kindness and hospitality to those who came to arrest him. His conduct was so remarkable that some of his captors began to regret the task they had been given.
[…] then pressed him, stating, “Swear, and I’ll release you, denounce Christ”; Polycarp declared, “Eighty-six years I’ve served Him, and He never wronged me: how can I blaspheme my King and Savior?”
The flames, forming themselves into an arch shape, resembling a ship’s sail filled with wind, encircled the martyr’s body like a ring. He appeared inside not as burning flesh, but as baking bread, or as gold and silver glowing in a smelter. Furthermore, we detected such a pleasant fragrance [emanating from the pyre], as though frankincense or similar valuable aromatics were burning there.
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.