Polycarp was an important early Christian bishop and martyr. He lived from around 69 AD to 155 AD and served as the bishop of Smyrna, an important early church located in modern day Turkey. Polycarp is best known for his martyrdom, which was described in a letter from the church of Smyrna recounting his death. He is also noted for his connection to the apostles, particularly John, and his role in defending orthodox Christianity against early heresies.
Polycarp was born in the first century AD and lived to an old age. Not much is known about his early life, but stories connect him with the apostle John and others who had seen Jesus. Irenaeus, an early church father, said that Polycarp was appointed bishop of Smyrna by apostles and was a disciple of John. While the exact nature of this relationship is debated by scholars, early traditions clearly link Polycarp with the first generation of Christians. This gave him credibility and authority in the early church.
Polycarp served as bishop during the first half of the second century. This was a formative time as Christianity spread and began to establish itself throughout the Roman empire. As a disciple of the apostles, Polycarp provided a living memory of their teachings and leadership. He defended orthodox theology and refuted heresies, particularly Gnosticism which threatened to distort the gospel. Irenaeus said that Polycarp opposed the Gnostic teacher Marcion “to his face” when Marcion was spreading his views in Smyrna. Polycarp taught adherence to the “faith that has been handed down to us from the apostles.” He provided stability and resisted false teaching in a time of theological debate within Christianity.
The most famous story about Polycarp comes from a letter describing his martyrdom. At the age of 86 he was arrested and brought to the arena in Smyrna to be killed. The proconsul urged Polycarp to deny Christ saying, “Swear by the fortune of Caesar…Repent and say, ‘Away with the atheists!'” Polycarp waved his hand at the pagan crowd and said, “Away with the atheists!” He was threatened with being thrown to wild beasts but remained resolute. When Polycarp was burned at the stake but did not die, he was finally killed with a dagger. The letter says “his martyrdom was accounted by all [the Christians] no less precious than the most noble and just of men.” Polycarp’s refusal to renounce his faith even at the point of death became legendary.
Polycarp left behind one surviving work, a Letter to the Philippians, written around 110-140 AD. This letter encouraged the Philippian church to remain strong in the faith and provides insight into early Christian theology and practice. Polycarp emphasizes perseverance amidst persecution, obedience to church authority, moral behavior, and avoidance of heresy. He quotes extensively from the gospels and epistles, treating them as scripture. Polycarp’s teachings reflect emerging Christian orthodoxy while also showing the development of church hierarchy and structure. His letter served as an important model for early Christian writers.
In summary, Polycarp occupied a crucial place in early Christianity. As a disciple of the apostles, he provided a vital link to the first generation of believers. His long service as Bishop of Smyrna helped establish Episcopal church leadership. He defended orthodoxy against heresy in formative theological debates. His brave martyrdom inspired countless later Christians to remain faithful under persecution. And his surviving letter gives valuable insight into Christian doctrine and practice in the early second century. Though little is known of his life, his influence reverberated long after his death, cementing his legacy as one of the most significant Christian leaders and theologians of the post-apostolic era.
Early Life and Association with the Apostles
Polycarp was born around 69 AD, although the exact date is uncertain. He lived during the Apostolic Age and into the mid-2nd century (c. 155 AD), dying at the age of 86. Not much is definitively known about his family or early life. Some accounts say he was born to Jewish parents in Smyrna (in modern-day Turkey) and was converted to Christianity as a child. Other sources suggest he was born into a Christian family. Whenever he was converted, it is clear he became a devoted follower of Christ from a young age.
Sources link Polycarp to the apostles, particularly John. Irenaeus, an early bishop and church father, wrote that Polycarp “was not only instructed by apostles, and conversed with many who had seen Christ, but was also, by apostles in Asia, appointed bishop of the Church in Smyrna.” This suggests he had personal contact with the apostles and first generation of believers. The nature of his relationship with John is debated. One account claimed Polycarp was appointed as bishop of Smyrna by John. Some contend John was his instructor and mentor. Regardless, early traditions connect Polycarp with those who had direct knowledge of Jesus and the founding of the church.
Tertullian, another church father, referred to Polycarp as John’s appointed successor and said John ordained him as the Bishop of Smyrna. While modern scholars question the specifics, it’s clear Polycarp was closely associated with John and regarded as carrying on his legacy into the 2nd century. Polycarp incorporated John’s gospel and letters extensively in his writings, indicating direct or indirect mentorship. This gave Polycarp authority and credibility as one taught by those who had known Jesus personally.
In summary, Polycarp had contact with the first generation of Christians during his formative years. Early accounts link him to the apostles generally and John specifically as a student and mentee. Polycarp acquired knowledge of Christian origins and theology directly from the source. This shaped him into a defender of orthodoxy and gave him clout when combating later heresies in the church. His association with the apostles, though the exact details are hazy, stamped him as their authorized successor to carry on their mission.
Bishop and Shepherd of the Church in Smyrna
Polycarp served as Bishop of Smyrna (in modern day Turkey) for much of his life. Smyrna was one of the seven churches addressed in Revelation and an important early center of Christianity. When exactly Polycarp assumed this role is uncertain. As noted above, some accounts say he was appointed Bishop of Smyrna by the apostle John around 100 AD. Other sources place his becoming bishop a few decades later. Whenever installed, Polycarp was widely recognized as Bishop of Smyrna by the early to mid-2nd century.
As bishop, Polycarp provided leadership and oversight of the church in Smyrna. He likely performed typical episcopal functions like administering the sacraments, presiding at worship, ordaining clergy, and preaching. Polycarp saw his primary responsibility as protecting the church from heresy and false teaching. In his surviving Letter to the Philippians, he encourages adherence to “the word of righteousness” delivered by Jesus and handed down by the apostles. He emphasizes loyalty to church superiors and avoidance of false doctrine.
Polycarp served as an important link between the apostolic and post-apostolic eras. As bishop for likely over 50 years, his tenure spanned the sub-apostolic age when orthodox theology and a mono-episcopal church hierarchy were still developing. Polycarp provided a living memory of the apostles’ teachings and model. He also passed down their writings, treating them as authoritative scripture and preserving their legacy for future generations.
Around 130 AD, Polycarp traveled to Rome to discuss theological differences emerging in the church with Bishop Anicetus. They could not reach full agreement but parted on amicable terms, deferring to each other’s authority in their respective regions. This meeting demonstrated Polycarp’s role as a respected bishop and defender of orthodoxy at a time of increasing doctrinal debates within Christianity.
In summary, Polycarp’s long tenure as Bishop of Smyrna made him one of the most important church leaders of his day. He provided stability and resisted heresy during a transitional period between the apostolic founders and later church authorities. His oversight and protection preserved orthodox theology in a vital early church. Polycarp’s service as bishop exemplified emerging episcopal authority, hierarchy, and consolidation of power that would soon become standard in the church.
Theological Contributions and Defense Against Heresy
Throughout his life, Polycarp opposed false teaching and reinforced the theology passed down from the apostles. As noted above, he regarded this as a primary responsibility in his role as bishop. Several specific theological battles stand out in Polycarp’s ministry.
The most prominent was against early Gnostic teachers. Gnosticism was one of the first major heresies to threaten orthodox Christianity. Gnostics rejected the material world as evil and claimed secret spiritual knowledge was required for salvation. They denied Christ’s incarnation and resurrection. Polycarp condemned these beliefs as contradictory to the gospel. Around 125 AD, Polycarp encountered Marcion, a prominent Gnostic teacher, and rebuked him “to his face” when Marcion tried spreading his views in Smyrna.
Polycarp also opposed Quartodecimanism, a disagreement over the date for celebrating Easter. While a seemingly minor issue today, at the time it involved larger debates about authority and orthodox practice in the church. Polycarp argued for observing Easter on Nissan 14, following John’s precedent, while others wanted to celebrate on a Sunday. Polycarp discussed this issue with Anicetus when visiting Rome around 130 AD. They could not reach agreement but maintained cordial relations. The dispute demonstrated Polycarp’s commitment to apostolic tradition.
In his Letter to the Philippians, Polycarp emphasizes adherence to orthodoxy and avoidance of false “opinions of the wicked.” He stresses obedience to bishops and deacons as safeguards against heresy. Polycarp includes numerous references to New Testament writings, signaling their growing authority as scripture in the church. His teachings reflect an emerging Christian orthodoxy while still demonstrating development and diversity of practice.
In summary, Polycarp opposed early heresies like Gnosticism which threatened to distort the gospel message. He advocated adherence to teachings passed down from the apostles. While some disagreements like Quartodecimanism remained, Polycarp helped establish a foundation of orthodox theology that was formalized in later centuries. His writings and influence as bishop provided a bulwark against false teaching during a formative period of Christian history.
Martyrdom and Legacy
Polycarp is best known and remembered for his martyrdom around 155 AD at the age of 86. When arrested and brought to trial, he boldly refused to renounce his faith before Roman authorities, even under threat of death. His courageous example, preserved in a letter from the church in Smyrna, inspired countless later Christians facing persecution. Along with other early martyrs, Polycarp helped establish a tradition of absolute commitment to Christ even in the face of death.
Prior to his arrest, Polycarp had a vision of his pillow burning with flames. When his persecutors came for him, Polycarp greeted them graciously and ordered food brought to share with his captors. He remained calm and steadfast during his trial, refusing to swear loyalty to Caesar and denounce Christ. “For eighty-six years I have served him and he has done me no wrong,” Polycarp declared. “How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?”
When Polycarp was threatened with being burned alive, he responded, “You threaten me with a fire that burns only briefly and after just a little while is extinguished, for you are ignorant of the fire of coming judgment and eternal punishment reserved for the ungodly.” He told his captors, “Bring what you will.” Condemned to be burned at the stake, Polycarp prayed aloud as the flames engulfed him and miraculously did not die. He was eventually killed with a dagger. The church in Smyrna wrote a letter describing his “many sufferings” and unwavering faith that inspired other believers facing persecution.
Polycarp’s legacy lived on after his death. Later generations revered him as a model of faithfulness and martyrdom. His Letter to the Philippians was preserved and widely copied. Along with Clement of Rome and Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp is considered one of the three Apostolic Fathers due to his close ties to the apostles. These three represented the end of the apostolic era and bridge to the early church fathers and Christianity of later centuries. Polycarp’s influence is still felt today through his writings and supreme example of Christian discipleship in the face of death.
The Letter of Polycarp to the Philippians
Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians is the only work from him that survives intact today. It offers valuable insight into Christian theology and practice around 110-140 AD, during the early development of the post-apostolic church. The letter covers a wide range of topics in only 14 short chapters.
Polycarp encourages the Philippian church to exhibit “righteousness,” love, and ethical behavior. He exhorts them to adhere to teachings passed down from Jesus to the apostles, which includes turning away from heresy and false doctrine. Polycarp emphasizes obedience to church authorities including presbyters (elders), deacons, and bishops. He treats New Testament writings as divinely inspired scripture on par with the Old Testament.
Polycarp quotes extensively from various New Testament books using introductions like “the Scripture says…” This signals their growing authority as canonical Christian scripture. He utilizes sayings of Jesus found now only in the gospels, indicating knowledge of early oral and written traditions about Christ’s life and teachings. Polycarp also offers early attestation to beliefs like Jesus’ incarnation, betrayal by Judas, crucifixion, and resurrection.
While short, Polycarp’s letter represents an important milestone in early Christian history. It provides a window into Christian thought and practice around 130 AD, including development of church offices, adherence to apostolic tradition, response to heresy, and canonization of New Testament scripture. Along with 1 Clement and the writings of Ignatius, it forms a trio of late 1st/early 2nd century Christian documents that offer invaluable snapshots from the post-apostolic era.
Conclusion
In summary, Polycarp occupied a pivotal place in early Christianity. Born in the 1st century AD, his long life bridged the apostolic and post-apostolic ages. His association with John and other apostles linked him to the earliest years of the faith. As Bishop of Smyrna for much of his life, Polycarp provided stability and leadership during a transitional period. He opposed early heresies like Gnosticism, defending orthodox theology passed down from the apostles that became foundational for the church. Though known chiefly for his brave martyrdom at age 86, Polycarp left an enduring legacy through his teaching and defense of Christian orthodoxy in a time of doctrinal debate and change within the young church.
Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians encapsulates emerging Christian beliefs and practices around 130 AD. Along with Clement of Rome and Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp was one of the three Apostolic Fathers who represented the end of the apostolic era. Revered by later generations as a faithful martyr, his life and influence bridged the world of the apostles and the early church fathers of the 2nd and 3rd centuries. For his pivotal role in transmitting apostolic Christianity into the post-apostolic age, Polycarp stands out as one of the most important early Christian leaders of the generation after the first apostles.