Polycarp was the last known living link to the apostles themselves. As a young man, he had sat at the feet of the Apostle John, hearing firsthand accounts of Jesus' life and teaching. This connection would sustain him through decades of faithful ministry—and ultimately, through martyrdom.
Disciple of Apostle John
Irenaeus, who knew Polycarp in his youth, later wrote: "I could tell you the place where the blessed Polycarp sat to preach the Word of God. I can tell of his going out and coming in, the whole tenor of his life, his personal appearance, how he would speak of the conversations he had held with John and with others who had seen the Lord."
Persecution Comes to Smyrna
By 155 AD, Polycarp was an elderly bishop, at least 86 years old. When persecution broke out in Smyrna, the authorities sought him out. Warned that his arrest was imminent, Polycarp initially fled to a farmhouse. But when soldiers arrived, he welcomed them as friends, offered them food and drink, and asked only for an hour to pray. That hour stretched to two as those present marveled at his fervent devotion.
Polycarp's Martyrdom and Final Testimony
Brought before the proconsul in the arena, Polycarp faced the ultimatum that had claimed so many Christian lives: curse Christ and offer sacrifice to the emperor, or die.
His response has echoed through the centuries: "Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He never did me any injury; how then can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?"
When threatened with wild beasts and fire, Polycarp remained unmoved. "You threaten me with fire which burns for an hour, and after a little is extinguished," he replied, "but are ignorant of the fire of the coming judgment and of eternal punishment, reserved for the ungodly."
As flames surrounded him, witnesses reported that his body was not consumed but glowed like gold and silver being refined. He prayed: "O Lord God Almighty, the Father of thy beloved and blessed Son Jesus Christ, I bless thee that thou hast thought me worthy of this day and this hour."
The guards finally dispatched him with a sword. Polycarp had kept faith for 86 years—and his witness continues to inspire believers who face their own moments of testing.
