Polycarp


 * ~ c.70-156 ||
 * =[[image:250px-Burghers_michael_saintpolycarp.jpg width="266" height="329" align="left"]]= || Polycarp was a direct pupil of the apostle John, connecting him to both the biblical apostles and the age of the early church fathers. He write many letters to the church at Philippi, in which he encourages the members to remain strong in their faith and to flee from materialism. He also instructed the members in the proper handling of financial dishonesty that was creeping into the church.

He served as the bishop of the church at Smyrna and was recognized as one of the early combatants of Christian heresies. He rejected the teachings of Marcion, an influential heretic who tried to create a "new brand" of Christianity by redefining God and rejecting Old Testament teachings.

The death of Polycarp is one of the most documented events of antiquity. The emperors of Rome had unleashed bitter attacks against the Christians during this period, and members of the early church recorded many of the persecutions and deaths.

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 * Polycarp was arrested on the charge of being a Christian. Amidst an angry mob, the Roman proconsul took pity on such a gentle old man and urged Polycarp to proclaim, "Caesar is Lord". To this Polycarp responded, "Eighty-six years I have served Christ, and He never did me any wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?" Steadfast in his stand for Christ, Polycarp refused to compromise his beliefs, and thus, was burned alive at the stake. He died for one reason - his unyielding faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ. ||
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