Ironically there are some from church history who are remembered not only by what they did and taught, but more so by how they died. One such individual was a man and church leader, who had learned of Jesus through the apostle John and eventually became the leader of the church of Smyrna in Asia Minor during the early decades of the second century. He died as a martyr in 155 AD at the age of 85 or 86. Today he is considered a saint by the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Lutheran and Anglican Churches.
From the account of Polycarp’s death we get a glimpse of the life and faith of early church leaders. We know of Polycarp through two primary sources, his letter to the Philippians that touched on some of the same themes as Paul’s letter to the same church. The other source is known as the Martyrdom of Polycarp, written from the church of Smyrna to other churches to communicate what had happened to Polycarp.
During the persecution of some Christians at Smyrna, those martyred exhibited great peace and patience as they suffered, moving some of the observers to tears and conversion to Jesus. The majority, however, were enraged and called for the death of Polycarp, the leader of the church in Smyrna. When Polycarp learned that the officials, commanded by a man named Herod, were looking for him, he desired to remain in the city, but his friends convinced him to depart and stay at a farm a short distance away . There he prayed for the churches. Having fallen into a trance, he saw his pillow engulfed in flames and realized he would be burned alive. Departing to yet another farm, he remained there until the officials found him after having tortured two boys who had served Polycarp.
Finding Polycarp in a bed upstairs, the officials were surprised by his age. Polycarp first commanded that food and drink be provided for the officials, then requested that he be allowed to pray for an hour, which was granted. Polycarp then prayed for two. Witnessing this, some repented for having come against such a venerable old man. Arriving in the city, Polycarp was met by Herod and his father Nicetes, who had him join them in their carriage. There they tried to persuade him to declare Caesar as Lord and offer incense, but Polycarp refused. After threatening him, they made get out of the carriage and walk to the stadium as the crowd roared. As he entered he heard a voice tell him to be strong and be the man. The Christians with Polycarp also heard the voice, but did not know its source. The presiding Proconsul urged Polycarp to confess Caesar and declare away with the atheists. In response Polycarp looked at the crowd and declared “Away with the Atheists”. At the persistence of the Proconsul, Polycarp responded: “Fourscore and six years have I been His servant, and He hath done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King who saved me?” Polycarp offered to make an explanation of his faith, but the Proconsul told him to make his appeal to the crowd, to which Polycarp explained that the Proconsul being a government official was worthy of an explanation, but the crowd not so. Upon Polycarp’s refusal to confess Caesar, he threatened him with wild beasts, but Polycarp told him to bring them on. Then he threatened him with fire, but Polycarp responded that he only had fire that burned for a season but was ignorant of the eternal fire of judgment.
Declaring to the crowd that Polycarp had confessed to being a Christian, the crowd called for the lion, but the Proconsul declared that this would not be lawful since he had already closed the games. Then they called for Polycarp to be burned alive in accordance to the vision Polycarp had before. After building the pile of wood, they desired to nail Polycarp to it, but he told them that God would give him grace to endure the flames and remain in the fire, so they tied him to it. Then Polycarp prayed thanking God for the honor to be counted among the martyrs and asking to be received into His presence. After lighting the fire, the aroma of baked bread filled the arena, not the smell of burning flesh, but the fire could not kill him, reminiscent of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the Old Testament, so the executioner was sent in to kill Polycarp with a dagger. When he did so a dove flew out and blood came out which extinguished the fire. When the Christians came to claim Polycarp’s body, the Jews opposed them and declared that they would begin worshiping Polycarp as they did Christ. Therefore the Proconsul had Polycarp’s body burned according to the Roman custom. Afterwards the Christians came and gathered his bones and put them in a suitable place.
Due to his martyrdom, Polycarp became even more well-known than other martyrs. Polycarp’s and others willingness to be martyred may seem strange to us who do not face the same trials that they did, but it gives us a glimpse into how precious they understood following Jesus. They saw it as an honor and privilege to lay their life down for Jesus. Those ancient believers would probably quite agree with the words of a 20th Century martyr, Jim Eliot, who wrote in his journal: “He is no fool, who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose”. Throughout the history of the church the death of martyrs has not accomplished what their murderers desired, but actually the opposite. Historically, martyrs have inspired others to seek out Jesus and follow him. Their example gives yet another confirmation of Jesus’ words to his disciples, not to fear those who can only kill the body, but fear the one who can destroy both body and soul in hell (Matthew 10:28).
David Freitag 