Who is St Polycarp?
St Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, disciple of St. John the Apostle, was a highly respected and revered Christian leader during the first half of the second century. He was born c. 69 AD, and died c.155 AD.
Living among many pagans, and under a government that opposed Christianity, St Polycarp and other Christians faced persecution. It is described that St Polycarp followed Jesus' footsteps and "led and fed his flock", by giving his life to save his people from persecution in Smyrna. He was also influential in writing part of the New Testament, writing the letters to the Philippians. He also fought against heresy. St Polycarp taught that Christians must do God’s will, walk in truth, keep all of God's commandments, and love whatever He loved. Christians must refrain from all fraud, avarice, detraction, and rash judgment. They must repay evil with forgiveness and mercy. He taught that one must pray all the time, so as not to be led into temptation, fast, persevere and be joyful. St Polycarp died a martyr. After being captured by the Romans, he was tied to a pole and was pressured to say "Away with the atheists" (the Christians were regarded as atheists at the time), and he would be let go. St Polycarp refused to say this, although he would've been burned alive if he didn't. His death was described as a phenomenon. Because he refused to say this phrase, he was set on fire, but the flames didn't kill him. It is described that the flames simply formed an arc around his body. They then pierced a dagger into his side, the amount of blood putting out the fire. This phenomenon can only be explained as a heavenly act. 7 |