|
Polycarp (Feb
23rd), was one of the most important leaders of the
Church in the generation that immediately followed the Apostles. He is the first
great figure of the Church about whose life we possess much authentic personal
information—detailed and documented by the ancient congregation in Smyrna (in
present-day Turkey). Born in 70, Polycarp was a pupil of St. John the
Evangelist. In 107, he became Bishop of Smyrna He wrote an epistle to the Church
in Philippi (still extant) which was used as Scripture in churches well into the
5th century. In his 49 years as bishop of Smyrna he came to be profoundly
revered for his leadership and holiness. In die 150's, a brutal persecution of
Christians arose, and local crowds turned on the 86-year old bishop. He was
arrested, but before he went with his captors he gave them a meal while he
prayed alone for an hour. Polycarp was tried and executed publicly by spear and
fire on Feb. 23rd, 156.
An actual eyewitness account
survives to this day. It is greatly detailed, and quotes Polycarp's own words
extensively. Being ordered to curse Christ in front of the crowd, he replied,
"Eighty-six years I have served him, and he never did me any wrong. How can I
blaspheme my King who saved me?" He then spoke of his faith and the doctrines of
Christianity to the Proconsul who was struck with admiration for the old man's
gentleness, confidence, and grace. The Proconsul was reluctant to have Polycarp
killed, but his hand was forced by the mob. |
