Polycarp the Martyr

Usher called Polycarp, “The angel of the church of Smyrna.”

Smyrna was under the jurisdiction of the Roman Empire. The roman authorities had been following the letter of conduct by Trajan. They left Christians to their own business unless a third party had a dispute and brought it to their attention. Once a Christian was accused the Romans were instructed to question them and urge them to recant their beliefs, to swear to Caesar. If a Christian turned from his faith he was let loose, if not he was submitted to tortures. The volume of persecution during this stage of history varied on the whims of the people and the Emperor at the time who wished to keep image before them. In this climate begins the story of Polycarp's martyrdom.

A small group of Christians was led willingly before authorities. The whole group refused to recant and worship the false gods of the Romans. One brave elderly man among them named Germanicus was especially vocal of his stance. The crowd implored Germanicus to recant on account of his old age. The cruelties that were being encouraged disconcerted Germanicus. He no longer desired to walk in such a world where Christians were persecuted. Germanicus boldly called for the beasts to be let loose upon him. This act infused the crowds even more, such that they began to cry, "Death to the Atheists!" and "Bring Polycarp!"

The courageous Polycarp remained placid when news of these outbursts first came to his ears. He knew his Lord would take care of him and he was focused on taking caring of those entrusted to him at his church in Smyrna. Those closest to Polycarp feared for his life and continued to importune him to leave the city. At first Polycarp was resilient and decided to stay in the city, but like a father allowing his children to finally have their way, he listened and left the middle of the tumults.

Polycarp continued quietly in the woods with some of his followers, breaking bread and communing with them. Soon however the irascible crowds came looking for Polycarp. He fled to another house at the aid of his flock; the crowds enraged and eager for blood were relentless in their pursuit. It became apparent to Polycarp that this death, this martyrdom to ensue, was the will of God. He stopped running and waited peacefully in the presence of his king and his faithful sheep.

Eusebius gives us an account of Polycarp asking for a final meal to be prepared. Understanding that his death what close at hand, Polycarp took part in the meal and then ask to be undisturbed for an hour to pray. His pursuers and his disciples who were near heard his words, and listened in awe at the peace of this Apostolic Father. Such was the demeanor of Polycarp that many of his pursuers bewailed their actions. The early Christians had a belief about the martyrdom they would most likely face. One so eager to run into the hands of authorities was not acting out of a humble faith in our Lord but in a prideful expectation of glory and renown. There is one such story of a follower of Christ who seemingly jumped into the arms of the Roman guard, only to buckle under persecution and recant his belief in Christ Jesus. As such, it is interesting to see that Polycarp was not so eager to give himself to persecution; even though he was reluctant at first to leave the city in the midst of uprising against Christians. We can see that this was not out of a desire for glory but a concern for those entrusted to his care.

The stadium awaited Polycarp and all the raucous crowds there in. As he walked into the midst of the wolves, a comforting voice was heard beseeching Polycarp, to “Be strong, Polycarp, and play the man.” Not many confessed to hearing the voice but those that did were filled even more with awe for this man.

The crowd and the commotion rose higher and higher, word spreading that a leader of the Christians was being examined. The proconsul watched as Polycarp came before him, thinking this was just another Christian. He asked him if he was indeed Polycarp, and when Polycarp confessed that he was, the proconsul began his normal questioning. “Have regard for thine age” and other such things that a proconsul was expected to implore those facing death. “Swear by the genius of Caesar; repent and say, away with the Atheists.” Polycarp groaned, and raised his eyes to heaven; His countenance almost of disgust at the lost goats of this world. Lifting his hand and pointing at the ruthless crowd before him, he proclaimed, "Yes. Out with the Atheists."

The judge could not believe it and he maintained his position asking Polycarp to let go of these silly beliefs he held that were leading him to a gruesome death. Appeal to Caesar and forget God. Polycarp was promised to go free if he would but deny this man they called Christ. Polycarp replied, "For eighty-six years I have served him, and he has done me no evil. How could I curse my king, who saved me?"

The proconsul now threatened Polycarp with wild beasts, ready to tear his every limb. "Call them", answered Polycarp, "for repentance from bad to worse is a choice we cannot make." "I will cause you to be consumed by fire."To which Polycarp replied, "You threaten with a fire which burns for an hour, and after a little is quenched, for you know not the fire of the future judgment and of the eternal punishment which is reserved for the impious. But why do you delay? Do what you will."

These final words amazed the proconsul and cemented his decision to burn Polycarp at the stake. He called out to his servants to proclaim in the streets, "Polycarp hath confessed to be a Christian." No sooner was the news made known than all peoples entered the stadium. The whole city it seemed was in an uproar. Gentiles, and Jews alike swarmed like bees, screaming for the execution of this heretic to Rome.

As Polycarp quietly and obediently was led to the stake and tied, he offered up a powerful prayer. "Father of your beloved Son Jesus Christ, through whom we have received the knowledge of you, the God of angels and of powers and of the whole creation and of the entire race of the righteous who live in your presence, I bless you that you deemed me worthy of this day and hour, that I might receive a portion in the number of the martyrs, in the cup of Christ, unto resurrection of the eternal life, both of soul and of body, in the immortality of the Holy Spirit. Among these may I be received before you this day, in a rich and acceptable sacrifice, as you, the faithful and true God, have beforehand prepared and revealed, and have fulfilled. Wherefore, I praise you also for everything; I bless you, I glorify you, through the eternal high priest, Jesus Christ, your beloved Son, through whom, with him, in the Holy Spirit, be glory unto you, both now and for the ages to come, Amen."

Polycarp stood within the flames and awaited his end. A soldier cast a spear into Polycarp even as the flames consumed him. It was the end of his life, and the beginning of his life. He went to join his savior in heaven.

---

image - google images