Polycarp

Polycarp was born in the city of Smyrna, about 69 A.D. He is one of the best known of the Apostolic Fathers, probably because of the spectacular account of his martyrdom under Marcus Aurelius in 155 A.D.

Polycarp was reared by a noble Christian lady named Callisto, and must have become a Christian himself at a very early age. He was acquainted with several of the apostles of Jesus Christ, and was actually a disciple of the apostle John. According to Jerome and Tertullian, John consecrated Polycarp as bishop of Smyrna shortly before his own death.

As bishop, Polycarp was well-beloved by the people in his church. He was evidently a simple, honest, tender-hearted saint, full of the love of God for his people. When the persecution arose, they tried desperately to protect him, even risking their own lives to save his.

Because of his close association with the apostle John and other leaders of the first century church, Polycarp was in a unique position to combat and refute heresy. He was especially effective against the Marcionites, who rejected the Old Testament and the incarnation of Christ. By repeating the personal testimony of John, he proved that Christ really was born in the flesh, and that Jesus and the apostles all believed the Old Testament to be necessary and inspired.

The controversy over the date of Easter, which caused so much bitterness between the Eastern and Western church, had its origins during the lifetime of Polycarp. He made a journey to Rome expressly for the purpose of reconciling the two sides. Although he was unable to solve the problem, there at least developed a qood spirit of unity with Anicetus, the bishop of Rome.

It was during this visit to Rome that he is said to have passed Marcion on the street. Marcion called out to him, “Polycarp! Don’t you recognize me?” Polycarp responded, “Yes, I recognize you, the first-born of Satan!” If this reply seems strong, it may be a reflection of the influence of John, who wrote, “Every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God...”, and, “By this...the children of the devil are obvious...”

Polycarp wrote a letter to the Philippians, which is full of quotations from the books of the New Testament. He warned them to pray for those who were persecuting them, and reminded them they were saved by grace rather than by works.

Being a Christian under Roman rule was never easy, but it became more and more difficult as the second century progressed. Committed Christians were considered to be atheists, because they did not worship the Roman gods, and were in danger of the death penalty for their refusal to worship the emperor. The persecutions reached a peak in Smyrna in February of 155 or 156. The city was full of people from the surrounding towns and villages who had come to witness the sports in the arena.

The favorite spectacle was the death of Christians as they were thrown to wild beasts. A number of Christians, in hope of a martyr’s crown, willingly offered themselves. When these were all killed, the bloodthirsty crowd demanded more. Someone shouted, “Get Polycarp,” and the idea swept the crowd. Fortunately, someone was able to warn Polycarp in time. He at first resisted the thought of running for his life, and would rather have submitted to the mob, but his friends prevailed on him to flee. They hid him safely at a farm not far from the city.

While at this farm, Polycarp dreamed that his pillow was on fire. He understood this to mean that he would soon be burned alive. He moved to another farm, but the soldiers finally caught some slaves, who under torture revealed where he was hiding. Polycarp amazed his captors by greeting them warmly and offering them food. After a lengthy prayer (nearly two hours), he went with them to the arena.

The crowd roared when they saw who it was. The proconsul urged him to revile Christ and worship the emperor, but he refused. “For 86 years I have served him, and he has never wronged me. How can I blaspheme my King and Savior?” The crowd called for lions, but it was too late in the day for that. It was decided instead to burn him at the stake. He asked to not be tied, claiming that the same one who would enable him to endure the flames would also enable him to stand without ropes or nails. They built a huge fire, and the flames leaped up around his body. They appeared, however, not to touch him. In frustration, a soldier was ordered to stab him. According to the account, so much blood gushed out of this wound that the fire was extinguished. His bones were collected by his friends, and given a Christian burial.

Polycarp was not a great theologian, and was not trained in philosophy or government. Yet his holy life and heroic death were an inspiring example to his followers, and to us, to stand firm in the faith to which we have been called, and to be true to Jesus Christ even unto death.