One of our very early church fathers, Polycarp, was the
Bishop of Smyrna (modern-day Izmir in Turkey) in the second century. Born around AD 70, tradition tells us he was personally
discipled by the Apostle John and was appointed by the Apostles as leader of
the church in Smyrna – one of the cities noted in Revelation Chapter 2.
Not much is known about Polycarp’s ministry, other than
it being long and fruitful. It is known
that he was a fierce opponent of heretical teaching, including Marcionism and
Gnosticism. Some letters from him to the
church in Philippi survive, instructing them to persevere in the faith and some
practicalities in how to avoid financial dishonesty in the church.
Bishop Polycarp is most noted for his death. At the very old age of 86, during one of the
Roman persecutions, some friends encouraged him to flee. He reluctantly fled to an estate outside the city. While in hiding, he claimed to have received
a vision. He did not reveal the details
of the vision, but simply declared to his friends, “I must be burned alive.” When the Romans caught up to him, he went
willingly.
During his trial, the Roman Proconsul conducting the
trial felt sorry for him because of his advanced age. Polycarp was offered immunity if he would
just speak the words, “Caesar is Lord” and offer a pinch of incense to a statue
of Caesar. Polycarp responded, “Eighty-six
years I have served Him and he has never done me wrong. How, then, can I blaspheme my King who saved
me?” Polycarp’s refusal greatly angered the
official, and he condemned the elderly Bishop to be burned at the stake. Polycarp replied, “Come, do what you
will. Why do you delay?” When the soldiers carrying out the execution
moved to nail the bindings in his hands to the stake he refused, stating that God
would give him the strength to remain in the fire.
Polycarp died while praying aloud. The early accounts of his death indicate that
many people who witnessed his death came to faith.
Packer, J.I., 131 Christians Everyone Should Know, Holman
Publishing, 2000.
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