I first learned about the martyrdom of Polycarp three years ago—during my freshman year of college. A Lutheran Pastor—who I frequently listen to—made a video about this 2nd century Christian martyr. After watching the video and learning more about Polycarp of Smyrna, I have since considered Polycarp to be my favorite Christian martyr. Therefore, I chose to make this post about the story of Polycarp’s martyrdom. I pray that Christians today in America may share in Polycarp’s bold confidence in confessing the Lord Jesus Christ,
Who was Polycarp?
Polycarp was a Christian bishop in mid-2nd century Asia Minor (i.e. Turkey). He was an old man at the time of his martyrdom (in his eighties). What’s fascinating about Polycarp is that he was a disciple of the Apostle John. At the time of his death it’s possible that Polycarp was the last living person to have personally known John. Regardless, Polycarp was a beloved figure in the Early Christian Church.
At that time, tension was building up in the Roman Empire. Even though Rome had not yet begun large-scale persecutions of Christians, the Roman authorities were becoming unhappy with Christians in the early-to-mid 2nd century AD. The Christians in the Roman Empire rejected to worship the official gods and goddesses of the Roman Empire. That’s where the story of Polycarp comes in. There’s a 2nd century eyewitness account of this story called The Martyrdom of Polycarp. This work gives us the details of this Early Christian’s death.
“Thy Will be Done”
Sadly, a persecution broke out against Christians where Polycarp lived. Christians in the area persuaded Polycarp to leave and hide out in the countryside. The Roman authorities found Polycarp after they tortured two young men to giving away Polycarp’s location.
When the time for Polycarp’s arrest came, he did not try to flee. Instead, Polycarp replied with “the will of the Lord be done” when the time came.
Before the Romans took him away, Polycarp offered food and drink to his captors. This generous offer allowed Polycarp to pray two hours. Then, the Romans brought Polycarp to the city for his eventual martyrdom.
“Away with the Atheists!”
Polycarp arrived in an arena where Christians were killed by wild beasts. While he entered the arena, Polycarp heard a voice tell him “Be strong, and play the man”. Other people heard the voice as well, but no one saw the speaker. Many believed that it was the Lord Jesus himself who spoke those words to encourage his servant Polycarp.
The Roman official (“proconsul”) met Polycarp in the arena. The proconsul asked Polycarp to “swear by the fortunes of Caesar; Repent; Say, ‘Away with the Atheists.’” Back then, the Romans believed that Christians were “atheists” for not worshipping the Roman pantheon. In the early Roman mindset, denying polytheism was to essentially be an atheist.
With a raucous crowd around him, Polycarp mockingly responded “Away with the atheists!” to the crowd. You have to appreciate the audacity that Polycarp possessed in this frightening circumstance.
Then, the Roman proconsul had another demand for Polycarp: deny the name of Jesus of Christ and I [the proconsul] will set you free (paraphrased). To the proconsul, that seemed like a simple request.
Fortunately, Polycarp did apostatize from the faith. However, his response was truly astounding: “Eighty and six years have I served him, and in nothing hath he wronged me; and how, then, can I blaspheme my King, who saved me?”
Polycarp did not reject Jesus. Instead, he confessed the name of Jesus Christ before men. The Roman proconsul then decided to have Polycarp burned to death. As Polycarp was about to die, he made the following beautiful prayer:
“O Lord God Almighty, the Father of thy beloved and blessed Son Jesus Christ, by whom we have received the knowledge of Thee, the God of angels and powers, and of every creature, and of the whole race of the righteous who live before thee, I give Thee thanks that Thou hast counted me, worthy of this day and this hour, that I should have a part in the number of Thy martyrs, in the cup of thy Christ, to the resurrection of eternal life, both of soul and body, through the incorruption [imparted] by the Holy Ghost. Among whom may I be accepted this day before Thee as a fat and acceptable sacrifice, according as Thou, the ever-truthful God, hast fore-ordained, hast revealed beforehand to me, and now hast fulfilled. Wherefore also I praise Thee for all things, I bless Thee, I glorify Thee, along with the everlasting and heavenly Jesus Christ, Thy beloved Son, with whom, to Thee, and the Holy Ghost, be glory both now and to all coming ages. Amen.”
To the crowd’s surprise, the fire did not burn Polycarp. The fire did not consume him, and that miracle angered the Romans. The Roman authorities finally brought about Polycarp’s martyrdom after the executioner stabbed him.
Polycarp died that day confessing the name of Jesus Christ. Polycarp died as a martyr and hero for Christians. We should look forward to meeting Polycarp in the resurrection.