“If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord.”
Romans 14:8
Imagine what it would’ve been like to be a child sitting at the feet of an old man who had walked with Jesus. That’s what most believe happened to young Polycarp who was discipled from an early age by the revered Apostle John. This instilled in Polycarp a great desire to defend the truth as he grew up, defending it even with his life.
Polycarp became the bishop of Smyrna (in modern Turkey) in the early 2nd century. He was known for his orthodox preaching and for standing against heresies. But what we remember most about him is his noble death around AD 156. When he was brought before the local proconsul for refusing to worship the Roman gods, the leader pitied the elderly man. He begged Polycarp to just worship the gods and save his life. Polycarp responded, “For 86 years I have served [Jesus], and he has done me no evil. How could I now blaspheme my King and my Savior?”
That day he was burned at the stake, then stabbed when the fire failed to consume his body. Everyone who saw it was amazed by his serene spirit.
Polycarp became the bishop of Smyrna (in modern Turkey) in the early 2nd century. He was known for his orthodox preaching and for standing against heresies. But what we remember most about him is his noble death around AD 156. When he was brought before the local proconsul for refusing to worship the Roman gods, the leader pitied the elderly man. He begged Polycarp to just worship the gods and save his life. Polycarp responded, “For 86 years I have served [Jesus], and he has done me no evil. How could I now blaspheme my King and my Savior?”
That day he was burned at the stake, then stabbed when the fire failed to consume his body. Everyone who saw it was amazed by his serene spirit.
Scripture Focus
Acts 7:54-60
Insight
“You threaten fire that burns for an hour and is over. But the judgment on the ungodly is forever.” (Polycarp, AD 69–155)
Bible In A Year
- 1 Kings 19-20
- Proverbs 9
- Hebrews 12
