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Polycarp: Difference between revisions
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'''Polycarp of Smyrna''' (c. 69 – c. 155 AD) was a prominent Christian bishop and martyr in the early Church. He is revered as one of the Apostolic Fathers, known for his close association with the apostles and for his writings that provide insights into the early Christian community. It is said that he was appointed bishop of Smyrna by John himself. | '''Polycarp of Smyrna''' (c. 69 – c. 155 AD) was a prominent Christian bishop and martyr in the early Church. He is revered as one of the Apostolic Fathers, known for his close association with the apostles and for his writings that provide insights into the early Christian community. It is said that he was appointed bishop of Smyrna by John himself. | ||
== Martyrdom == | |||
During the 2nd century, a persecution broke out against Christians, accusing them of being atheists & thus demanded the death of Polycarp. He was betrayed by a fellow servant of his own household & was brought on trial before a multitude of heathen, urged to revile Christ & pay homage to Caesar. | |||
'''From the Martyrdom of Polycarp:''' | |||
"Then, the proconsul urging him, and saying, <q>Swear, and I will set you at liberty, reproach Christ;</q> | |||
Polycarp declared, <q>Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He never did me any injury: how then can I blaspheme my King and my Saviour?</q> | |||
And when the proconsul yet again pressed him, and said, <q>Swear by the fortune of Cæsar,</q> he answered,<blockquote>"Since you are vainly urgent that, as you say, I should swear by the fortune of Cæsar, and pretend not to know who and what I am, hear me declare with boldness, I am a Christian. And if you wish to learn what the doctrines of Christianity are, appoint me a day, and you shall hear them."</blockquote>Polycarp thereafter was sentence to death by burning. According to the tradition of his martyrdom, he remained uninjured by the flames & it was commanded that he instead pierced by a dagger in the midst of the fire, sealing his fate as a martyr for Christ. | |||
== References to Polycarp == | == References to Polycarp == | ||