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Polycarp's Epistle to the Philippians and His Martyrdom
Glory to God for the men of old who endured the persecutions of this world with joy and faith. Much can be learned from those who have looked death in the face and yet remained true to the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
Polycarp was such a man who learned from the great apostle John. Even under the threat of death, he remained true to his beloved bridegroom, Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, amen!
Even today, some 2000 years later, we have his own words and are able to learn from his wisdom. May you be blessed as you read this book. Amen.
Polycarp was such a man who learned from the great apostle John. Even under the threat of death, he remained true to his beloved bridegroom, Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, amen!
Even today, some 2000 years later, we have his own words and are able to learn from his wisdom. May you be blessed as you read this book. Amen.
62 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2009
115 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Polycarp
75 books31 followersPolycarp (Greek: Πολύκαρπος, Polýkarpos; Latin: Polycarpus; AD 69 – 155) was a 2nd-century Christian bishop of Smyrna. According to the Martyrdom of Polycarp he died a martyr, bound and burned at the stake, then stabbed when the fire failed to touch him. Polycarp is regarded as a saint and Church Father in the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran churches.
It is recorded by Irenaeus, who heard him speak in his youth, and by Tertullian, that he had been a disciple of John the Apostle. Saint Jerome wrote that Polycarp was a disciple of John and that John had ordained him bishop of Smyrna.
The early tradition that expanded upon the Martyrdom to link Polycarp in competition and contrast with John the Apostle who, though many people had tried to kill him, was not martyred but died of old age after being exiled to the island of Patmos, is embodied in the Coptic language fragmentary papyri (the "Harris fragments") dating to the 3rd to 6th centuries. Frederick Weidmann, their editor, interprets the "Harris fragments" as Smyrnan hagiography addressing Smyrna–Ephesus church rivalries, which "develops the association of Polycarp and John to a degree unwitnessed, so far as we know, either before or since". The fragments echo the Martyrology, and diverge from it.
With Clement of Rome and Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp is regarded as one of three chief Apostolic Fathers. The sole surviving work attributed to his authorship is his Letter to the Philippians; it is first recorded by Irenaeus of Lyons."
-- Wikipedia
Books about Polycarp
https://www.goodreads.com/characters/...
It is recorded by Irenaeus, who heard him speak in his youth, and by Tertullian, that he had been a disciple of John the Apostle. Saint Jerome wrote that Polycarp was a disciple of John and that John had ordained him bishop of Smyrna.
The early tradition that expanded upon the Martyrdom to link Polycarp in competition and contrast with John the Apostle who, though many people had tried to kill him, was not martyred but died of old age after being exiled to the island of Patmos, is embodied in the Coptic language fragmentary papyri (the "Harris fragments") dating to the 3rd to 6th centuries. Frederick Weidmann, their editor, interprets the "Harris fragments" as Smyrnan hagiography addressing Smyrna–Ephesus church rivalries, which "develops the association of Polycarp and John to a degree unwitnessed, so far as we know, either before or since". The fragments echo the Martyrology, and diverge from it.
With Clement of Rome and Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp is regarded as one of three chief Apostolic Fathers. The sole surviving work attributed to his authorship is his Letter to the Philippians; it is first recorded by Irenaeus of Lyons."
-- Wikipedia
Books about Polycarp
https://www.goodreads.com/characters/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 24, 2024
The first letter feels like it was ripped straight out of the New Testament. Dripping with scripture and encouragement from the early church bishop, Polycarp. The second letter regarding his martyrdom is just absolutely inspiring. The grace of the martyrs will never cease to fill me with awe and love for God.
“The fire, making the appearance of a vault, like the sail of a vessel filled by the wind, made a wall round about the body of the martyr; and it was there in the midst, not like flesh burning, but like a loaf in the oven or like gold and silver refined in a furnace. For we perceived such a fragrant smell, as if it were the wafted odor of frankincense or some other precious spice.”
“The fire, making the appearance of a vault, like the sail of a vessel filled by the wind, made a wall round about the body of the martyr; and it was there in the midst, not like flesh burning, but like a loaf in the oven or like gold and silver refined in a furnace. For we perceived such a fragrant smell, as if it were the wafted odor of frankincense or some other precious spice.”
January 19, 2021
Os escritos de Policarpo, bispo de Esmirna, são compostos por uma carta muito parecida com as epístolas de Inácio e um relato de seu martírio em Roma. A carta, assim como as de Inácio, expressam ao mesmo tempo a cristandade apaixonada e a devoção à vida "aperfeiçoada", com indicação de mérito. O resultado é uma espécie de evangelho moralizado, com muito mais peso para o comportamento do que a Bíblia imputa.
Quanto ao relato do martírio, ele é ao mesmo tempo muito bonito e também mitológico, com eventos fantásticos que tornam a história muito mais heróica do que ela deve ter sido. Tem cheiro de extrapolação medieval (ou talvez até da própria época do martírio), para engrandecer a história e a pessoa tornada santa de Policarpo. Apesar disso, a resignação e a voluntariedade do sacrifício são frutos do Espírito, e expressam o avivamento original da igreja primitiva, mesmo que já com os primeiros sinais de envelhecimento diante do Amor do Evangelho.
Quanto ao relato do martírio, ele é ao mesmo tempo muito bonito e também mitológico, com eventos fantásticos que tornam a história muito mais heróica do que ela deve ter sido. Tem cheiro de extrapolação medieval (ou talvez até da própria época do martírio), para engrandecer a história e a pessoa tornada santa de Policarpo. Apesar disso, a resignação e a voluntariedade do sacrifício são frutos do Espírito, e expressam o avivamento original da igreja primitiva, mesmo que já com os primeiros sinais de envelhecimento diante do Amor do Evangelho.
August 27, 2024
Sadly no in depth review. I am currently reading/re-reading many of the works in the early fathers and do not have time to write an in depth review, but I encourage anyone and everyone to go back through these same works (all for free on CCEL:https://www.ccel.org/fathers & I am finding them in audio source as well for free and putting them together here:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp...)
August 18, 2025
Polycarp’s Epistle to the Philippians and the account of his martyrdom provide a very sobering and encouraging look into the life of the early Christian church. Irenaeus says that Polycarp knew Jesus’ apostles and was particularly taught by the Apostle John. Jerome and Eusebius even suggest that it was said John made Polycarp a bishop at Smyrna which is where Polycarp’s life ministry took place. The Epistle was likely written in the first half of the 2nd century and the account of his martyrdom likely shortly after the middle of that century.
Polycarp writes to the Philippian church in response to some recent scandal involving one of their elders caught up in greed. Polycarp begins with a greeting, congratulating the church for their continued joy in Christ since the days of the apostles, citing the assurance they have in their salvation being a gift according to Ephesians Chapter 2. He reminds them of how Paul wrote letters to them and taught them God’s word and Polycarp states a careful study of these letters will enable them to grow strong. I’ll note that I find that to be an interesting piece of evidence for early authoritative Apostolic orthodoxy and that these letters were not merely read aloud but studied carefully in the early Church.
Polycarp continues to provide ethical instruction for holy living. While there is exhortation applicable to all, there is a particular emphasis on instruction for servants (both deacons and presbyters) in the church and young men. He emphasizes living beyond reproach with kindness, charity, chastity, zeal and discernment. He repeatedly emphasizes the importance of not being attached to money. He sums up the importance of such living by saying, “When a man is not able to practice self-control in these matters, how can he urge it on another?” He further urges the church to be open to future reconciliation with this disgraced leader saying, “do not treat such people as enemies, but reclaim them as diseased and straying members, so that you may preserve the whole of your community intact.”
I’ll mention a few interesting doctrinal notes from this letter preceding the later Church’s development of a more systematic theology. Polycarp uses very familiar Pauline deterministic language. He speaks of Christians as “the elect of God… by the will of God through Jesus Christ” and as those “destined to believe in Our Lord Jesus Christ and His Father.” He also speaks of repentance and perfect fellowship as things “granted” by the Lord. We also see very early affirmation (outside of the biblical text) of a substitutionary understanding of Christ’s atonement. Polycarp says Christ “took the weight of our sins up to the Cross… for our sakes— that we might live in Him— He endured everything.” Polycarp uses this picture of Christ’s endurance as the foundation and model for the Christian life by imitating Christ’s endurance and I think the importance of this imitation in the early Church is conveyed with particular strength in the later account of Polycarp’s martyrdom. Finally, while it is only noted briefly, Polycarp also seems to assume male headship when he encourages his intended audience to “instruct your wives in the faith delivered to them” and to instruct them in love and chastity.
Overall, the letter provides a warm and wise pastoral encouragement to the early church with allusions to early church doctrine and New Testament citations. It’s a powerful document testifying to the continuity of early Christian orthodoxy founded on apostolic teaching.
The Martyrdom of Polycarp was written by a collection of eyewitness testimonies from the church in Smyrna at the request the Philomelian church in Phrygia and explicitly intended for dissemination amongst all the churches “in any place.” As the introduction puts it, the account of Polycarp’s martyrdom is “remarkably free from legendary matter.” Many early church martyrdom accounts are based on visions and extraordinary supernatural occurrences which I suspect are likely influenced by cultural biases and superstitions. While there are some references that potentially reflect these cultural biases such as the account of Polycarp’s body baking rather than burning in the fire and having an aroma like incense, the account generally presents itself very objectively citing the times, dates and compositors of the account.
Polycarp’s composure and willingness to embrace martyrdom on behalf of Christ are emphasized in this account. He is presented as one who did not seek to flee from persecution but as one who had entirely entrusted his life into the providence and will of the Lord. The specifics around the reason for his arrest are not given beyond his refusal to declare Caesar as Lord. The Christians are referred to by the Romans as “atheists” for refusing to believe in the Roman gods. When encouraged to denounce the “atheists”, Polycarp instead turns the accusation against the jeering crowd and waving towards them groaningly says, “Away with the atheists!” After this continued refusal to renounce his faith in Jesus Christ and defer to the lordship of the Emperor, Polycarp famously says, “For six and eighty years I have been serving Him, and He has done no wrong to me; how, then, dare I blaspheme my King who has saved me!” Those are precious words indeed and ones I hope we might have the privilege to echo in our twighlight years.
When threatened with beasts or fire (the latter of which he was ultimately condemned to), Polycarp is unfazed stating, “The fire which you threaten is one that burns for a little while, and after a short time goes out. You evidently do not know the fire of the judgment to come and the enteral punishment, which awaits the wicked.”
It should be mentioned again that the account seeks to emphasize Polycarp’s imitation of Christ in death both in his betrayal by friends and his composure. Indeed, the early church saw suffering as a calling to imitate Christ. And yet, perhaps contrary to other martyrdom accounts, martyrdom is not said to be something to be sought out. A fellow professing Christian named Quintus had allegedly offered himself for martyrdom as well and then lost heart and renounced his faith in front of the beasts in the arena. The writer of Polycarp’s martyrdom account states, “For this reason, then, brethren, we do not commend those who volunteer to come forward, since this is not the teaching of the gospel.” This clarification helpfully rebukes the error of asceticism and reminds us that Christ’s suffering, not ours, is the basis of our justification. As such, suffering ought not to be sought as if it were meritorious but humbly and faithfully accepted as one’s lot according to the providence of God if the Lord wills.
Overall, these works relating to Polycarp give us a picture of a joyful, wise, discerning and godly shepherd, who diligently carried on the teaching of Christ’s apostles in all circumstances. He serves as a powerful example to all Christians and was granted the titles by those who cried out for him to be executed: “The teacher of Asia, the father of the Christians, the destroyer of our gods.”
Polycarp writes to the Philippian church in response to some recent scandal involving one of their elders caught up in greed. Polycarp begins with a greeting, congratulating the church for their continued joy in Christ since the days of the apostles, citing the assurance they have in their salvation being a gift according to Ephesians Chapter 2. He reminds them of how Paul wrote letters to them and taught them God’s word and Polycarp states a careful study of these letters will enable them to grow strong. I’ll note that I find that to be an interesting piece of evidence for early authoritative Apostolic orthodoxy and that these letters were not merely read aloud but studied carefully in the early Church.
Polycarp continues to provide ethical instruction for holy living. While there is exhortation applicable to all, there is a particular emphasis on instruction for servants (both deacons and presbyters) in the church and young men. He emphasizes living beyond reproach with kindness, charity, chastity, zeal and discernment. He repeatedly emphasizes the importance of not being attached to money. He sums up the importance of such living by saying, “When a man is not able to practice self-control in these matters, how can he urge it on another?” He further urges the church to be open to future reconciliation with this disgraced leader saying, “do not treat such people as enemies, but reclaim them as diseased and straying members, so that you may preserve the whole of your community intact.”
I’ll mention a few interesting doctrinal notes from this letter preceding the later Church’s development of a more systematic theology. Polycarp uses very familiar Pauline deterministic language. He speaks of Christians as “the elect of God… by the will of God through Jesus Christ” and as those “destined to believe in Our Lord Jesus Christ and His Father.” He also speaks of repentance and perfect fellowship as things “granted” by the Lord. We also see very early affirmation (outside of the biblical text) of a substitutionary understanding of Christ’s atonement. Polycarp says Christ “took the weight of our sins up to the Cross… for our sakes— that we might live in Him— He endured everything.” Polycarp uses this picture of Christ’s endurance as the foundation and model for the Christian life by imitating Christ’s endurance and I think the importance of this imitation in the early Church is conveyed with particular strength in the later account of Polycarp’s martyrdom. Finally, while it is only noted briefly, Polycarp also seems to assume male headship when he encourages his intended audience to “instruct your wives in the faith delivered to them” and to instruct them in love and chastity.
Overall, the letter provides a warm and wise pastoral encouragement to the early church with allusions to early church doctrine and New Testament citations. It’s a powerful document testifying to the continuity of early Christian orthodoxy founded on apostolic teaching.
The Martyrdom of Polycarp was written by a collection of eyewitness testimonies from the church in Smyrna at the request the Philomelian church in Phrygia and explicitly intended for dissemination amongst all the churches “in any place.” As the introduction puts it, the account of Polycarp’s martyrdom is “remarkably free from legendary matter.” Many early church martyrdom accounts are based on visions and extraordinary supernatural occurrences which I suspect are likely influenced by cultural biases and superstitions. While there are some references that potentially reflect these cultural biases such as the account of Polycarp’s body baking rather than burning in the fire and having an aroma like incense, the account generally presents itself very objectively citing the times, dates and compositors of the account.
Polycarp’s composure and willingness to embrace martyrdom on behalf of Christ are emphasized in this account. He is presented as one who did not seek to flee from persecution but as one who had entirely entrusted his life into the providence and will of the Lord. The specifics around the reason for his arrest are not given beyond his refusal to declare Caesar as Lord. The Christians are referred to by the Romans as “atheists” for refusing to believe in the Roman gods. When encouraged to denounce the “atheists”, Polycarp instead turns the accusation against the jeering crowd and waving towards them groaningly says, “Away with the atheists!” After this continued refusal to renounce his faith in Jesus Christ and defer to the lordship of the Emperor, Polycarp famously says, “For six and eighty years I have been serving Him, and He has done no wrong to me; how, then, dare I blaspheme my King who has saved me!” Those are precious words indeed and ones I hope we might have the privilege to echo in our twighlight years.
When threatened with beasts or fire (the latter of which he was ultimately condemned to), Polycarp is unfazed stating, “The fire which you threaten is one that burns for a little while, and after a short time goes out. You evidently do not know the fire of the judgment to come and the enteral punishment, which awaits the wicked.”
It should be mentioned again that the account seeks to emphasize Polycarp’s imitation of Christ in death both in his betrayal by friends and his composure. Indeed, the early church saw suffering as a calling to imitate Christ. And yet, perhaps contrary to other martyrdom accounts, martyrdom is not said to be something to be sought out. A fellow professing Christian named Quintus had allegedly offered himself for martyrdom as well and then lost heart and renounced his faith in front of the beasts in the arena. The writer of Polycarp’s martyrdom account states, “For this reason, then, brethren, we do not commend those who volunteer to come forward, since this is not the teaching of the gospel.” This clarification helpfully rebukes the error of asceticism and reminds us that Christ’s suffering, not ours, is the basis of our justification. As such, suffering ought not to be sought as if it were meritorious but humbly and faithfully accepted as one’s lot according to the providence of God if the Lord wills.
Overall, these works relating to Polycarp give us a picture of a joyful, wise, discerning and godly shepherd, who diligently carried on the teaching of Christ’s apostles in all circumstances. He serves as a powerful example to all Christians and was granted the titles by those who cried out for him to be executed: “The teacher of Asia, the father of the Christians, the destroyer of our gods.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2020
A glorious window into early church life, teachings, doctrines, and ultimately the perfection of Polycarp as he joyfully and willingly offered the fullest measure of devotion to our Lord Jesus Christ. While I recognize there is speculation surrounding the veracity of the account of Polycarp's martyrdom (the fire didn't consume him, an audible voice of confirmation coming from heaven as he entered the arena of death, his vision of a flaming pillow predicting his impending martyrdom, and a dove leaving his side as it was pierced), I have come to believe that the Apostolic Gifts of the Spirit were still largely in effect at this time and therefore, on faith, I believe this account. Our Lord Christ, in his great mercy, has often worked through various means in history to succor his saints in their greatest trials. I believe the Lord could and would do the same for any saint today. It is not our Lord's majesty and power that is lacking, it is our faith. Lord, I believe, help my unbelief. Every Christian should read this and be encouraged in the Spirit of Christ. Hard times and persecution are upon the catholic church today and undoubtedly await us in days ahead. May we first look to Christ as our hope and secondly to the great saints who have gone before as their examples of how to suffer well for our King. We are sojourners, looking towards a better land.
March 31, 2020
I recommend any Christ follower read this book. Its a quick, simple read. It’s not theologically dense, nor does it have too many new ideas, as it quotes from the New Testament canon quite a lot. What it does have, is a warmth for Christ and a comfort in suffering that could only come from a lifetime spent treasuring the Lord, as can be seen from his martyrdom account, “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?” We can learn a lot about how to live our lives today as Christians and how we can treasure Christ more from this short read
December 17, 2022
Imagine yourself sitting before the feet of our older brothers. Our forefathers. Great men of the faith, who willingly laid down their lives for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A refresher of the love, faith, and hope of the primitive Church. An eye-opener to the devotion believers had in those early days under much persecution and much heresy. An epistle saturated in the very Word of God. The very words of a disciple of the Apostle John.
I would recommend anyone to read these works of the primitive Church. It is uplifting, humbling, and formative to our modern Americanized Christian minds. The work is an encouragement to devote ourselves to Christ as faithful soldiers, walking in accordance with that perfect love which was shown towards us as weak men. Praise be to God our Father! Praise be to our Lord Jesus Christ, who is our everlasting High Priest! Praise be to the Holy Spirit, who faithfully establishes us in Christ Jesus our Lord! Amen.
I would recommend anyone to read these works of the primitive Church. It is uplifting, humbling, and formative to our modern Americanized Christian minds. The work is an encouragement to devote ourselves to Christ as faithful soldiers, walking in accordance with that perfect love which was shown towards us as weak men. Praise be to God our Father! Praise be to our Lord Jesus Christ, who is our everlasting High Priest! Praise be to the Holy Spirit, who faithfully establishes us in Christ Jesus our Lord! Amen.
June 8, 2024
A good start in reading old historical accounts of the christian faith.
Just started going through church history last year, and this book (or I should say two letters), were really encouraging to my faith. Reading about the faith of Polycarp helps me to know how we ought to strive in honoring God with our day to day lives. Not just going through the motions with bible reading and prayers. But actually diving deeper into the scripture for personal growth and practical godly living. As well as being refreshed and finding strength from God through much prayer. We should strive for excellence as believers in Christ. Because we never know when He may call us home like He did Polycarp and the other saints of old. Wonderful book!
Just started going through church history last year, and this book (or I should say two letters), were really encouraging to my faith. Reading about the faith of Polycarp helps me to know how we ought to strive in honoring God with our day to day lives. Not just going through the motions with bible reading and prayers. But actually diving deeper into the scripture for personal growth and practical godly living. As well as being refreshed and finding strength from God through much prayer. We should strive for excellence as believers in Christ. Because we never know when He may call us home like He did Polycarp and the other saints of old. Wonderful book!
February 14, 2021
Re: Philipperbrevet: Polykarpos känns ganska typiskt som en biskop (i motsats till en teolog) i denna skrift - han lämnar inga hänförande påståenden, betonar organisationens väl och ve, citerar väl valda stycken ur bibeln och manar till trohet och förstående. Jag är inte imponerad, men han erbjuder åtminstone en väg att förstå de som vill få kyrkan att vara något slags socialrörelse (gud i vår gemenskap) snarare än en rörelse mot en mer upphöjd Gud (gud i höjden, gud i vår nästa, gud i naturen).
Re: Polykarpos martyrdom: Denna text är läsvärd. Den är djupt imponerande i det mod som Polykarpos uppvisar.
Re: Polykarpos martyrdom: Denna text är läsvärd. Den är djupt imponerande i det mod som Polykarpos uppvisar.
November 17, 2022
Really interesting writings from the church fathers. The first one a letter written by Polycarp (a disciple of John) and the second letter an account of Polycarp’s martyrdom. I enjoyed the letter written by Polycarp and the tone of the letter reminds me of John’s writings. I feel skeptical of the account of his martyrdom. Reading it feels more like legend then historical events. An introduction to the account highlights how scholars believe there is a good chance that material was added to this document much later so there is a chance some of the account is not accurate. Nonetheless still an interesting read!
April 2, 2023
It's fascinating to read the words of Polycarp from the 2nd century. Polycarp was a direct student of the Apostle John. One thing I noticed is that his language quotes exactly some King James Bible verses. What is so fascinating about this is that the King James Bible didn't exist for another 1500 years. So this leads me to conclude that the King James Bible drew from the same source Polycarp, a student of John, drew from. Remember that John literally knew Jesus Christ while He was on earth. This leads me to conclude the King James Bible is the true translation Christians should read from. I don't see any other way around it.
January 28, 2022
Though the short letter is not inspired, as the Niacin council and Polycarp admits. The writings reflect the thoughts of the early church. Though not all of his later views stayed true to inspires text. This script uses themes connected to the ideals of the inspired Apostles.
Polycarp, like John lived into his 80's. He was the first martyr recorded after the post Apostolic era was the student of John the Apostle. And the elder in Smyrna when John wrote to this church in Revelation. Warning of persecution and death...
Polycarp, like John lived into his 80's. He was the first martyr recorded after the post Apostolic era was the student of John the Apostle. And the elder in Smyrna when John wrote to this church in Revelation. Warning of persecution and death...
July 15, 2020
Loved the essence of the book!
Polycarps letter to the Philippians was full of the words and teachings of the Bible, He therefore must of been singleminded in his devotion to its teachings to the point of living by them constantly. We all should reach for this goal. His death was nothing short of a miracle. I am curious as why the word Catholic occurs so many times throughout this book. It's not found in the Bible!
Polycarps letter to the Philippians was full of the words and teachings of the Bible, He therefore must of been singleminded in his devotion to its teachings to the point of living by them constantly. We all should reach for this goal. His death was nothing short of a miracle. I am curious as why the word Catholic occurs so many times throughout this book. It's not found in the Bible!
July 6, 2024
Life and spiritual changing book
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the martyrdom of Polycarp. It provided in the words of Apostle Paul (aka the "suffering Apostle") manifestation and an example of "sufficient grace." The various views on the account of Polycarp's' prophecy, the direction given by Christ, numerous theophanies, witnesses during and after the martyrdom is Spirit filled. I am happy to have this ebook in my growing theological library.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the martyrdom of Polycarp. It provided in the words of Apostle Paul (aka the "suffering Apostle") manifestation and an example of "sufficient grace." The various views on the account of Polycarp's' prophecy, the direction given by Christ, numerous theophanies, witnesses during and after the martyrdom is Spirit filled. I am happy to have this ebook in my growing theological library.
December 28, 2017
The epistle is mainly comprised of quotes from the Bible. The account of his martyrdom is interesting and a good reminder of the amazing faithfulness of Polycarp, His unswerving devotion to God, even in the face of torture and death, and His willingness to remain in an environment hostile to the Gospel.
November 16, 2021
For those seeking to know how the very early Christian church 'fathers' felt and what they advised Christians to strive for, this short, quick read is very good. The first part of the book is the letter from Polycarp to the Philippians and the second part of the book is a letter from Christians in Smyrna (a city in present-day Turkey) to the church about Polycarp's death.
January 13, 2022
The Early Church
Getting to read the writings of one of the early Church Fathers is a blessing. You get to hear Polycarp's concern for those he was writing to. There is also a detailed account of his death. This book is for everyone who wants to get a better understanding of the early Church.
Getting to read the writings of one of the early Church Fathers is a blessing. You get to hear Polycarp's concern for those he was writing to. There is also a detailed account of his death. This book is for everyone who wants to get a better understanding of the early Church.
February 9, 2023
A CHURCH FATHER
The first half of this short book is some of the writings of Polycarp himself. The second half of the book is an account of Polycarp's death as a martyr, by eyewitnesses to his interrogation and death. I recommend it to anyone interested in the Church Fathers and early Christian writings.
The first half of this short book is some of the writings of Polycarp himself. The second half of the book is an account of Polycarp's death as a martyr, by eyewitnesses to his interrogation and death. I recommend it to anyone interested in the Church Fathers and early Christian writings.
March 6, 2018
Excellent real time historical account
Polycarp was a great man of God, martyred in Smyrna, and friend and student of the Apostle John. He also knew and had read many of Paul’s letters, as evidenced in his own letter to the Philippians. Well worth reading.
Polycarp was a great man of God, martyred in Smyrna, and friend and student of the Apostle John. He also knew and had read many of Paul’s letters, as evidenced in his own letter to the Philippians. Well worth reading.
June 21, 2021
A Miracle Demonstrated God’s Approval Of Polycarp’s Faith
Stirring account of how a man offered himself to be martyred for the sake of Jesus Christ. God created a miracle to demonstrate His approval of Polycarp’s faith.
Stirring account of how a man offered himself to be martyred for the sake of Jesus Christ. God created a miracle to demonstrate His approval of Polycarp’s faith.
April 1, 2022
This is a very simple copy and paste from "The Ante-Nicene Fathers - Volume One". Even the footnotes are still in the text, but start at 338 and aren't available in the book.
The content is great, of course.
The content is great, of course.
March 1, 2025
Polycarp's use of Scripture is somewhat wooden: he just quotes the Scriptures over and over again in a new arrangement. But his dedication to prayer for the church is remarkable and seems to be the backbone of his faith which culminates in his martyrdom.
April 30, 2020
Interesting
Written for those who are searching for as much information as possible about the history of the earliest Christians, and how they persevered.
Written for those who are searching for as much information as possible about the history of the earliest Christians, and how they persevered.
December 27, 2020
Simple and sound teaching. Moving account. Thankful for this. Hard to know how accurate, but I see no reason for radical skepticism.
December 1, 2021
Polycarp quotes “money is the root of all evil”
Modern Bible translations translate it into “money is the root of all kinds of evil”.
Who’s right?
April 20, 2022
Jezu ufam tobie
God give us your grace. St. Polycarp, pray for us.
Our Christian history; May we be worthy of your salvation, Lord.
God give us your grace. St. Polycarp, pray for us.
Our Christian history; May we be worthy of your salvation, Lord.
September 17, 2022
Whoa is all I can say. If I have a fraction of the faith of Polycarp when I'm old I'll consider mine a life well lived.
October 10, 2022
Where have all the good Christians gone? We need more Polycarps today.
October 18, 2023
Marvel at the nobility of mind!
April 25, 2024
Necessary read
O for men of our age to walk as Polycarp did. The Lord give us his courage and strengthen our faith.
O for men of our age to walk as Polycarp did. The Lord give us his courage and strengthen our faith.
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