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  WRITINGS OF POLYCARP OF SMYRNA
  by Polycarp of Smyrna
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Writings of Polycarp of Smyrna (c. AD 155). Polycarp of Smyrna was an early
church father whose writings have been preserved for the edification of the
church.

  Chapters: 3

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  TABLE OF CONTENTS
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    0. Writings of Polycarp of Smyrna
    1. Epistle to the Philippians
    2. Martyrdom of Polycarp

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  CHAPTER 0: WRITINGS OF POLYCARP OF SMYRNA
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  CHAPTER 1: EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS
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The Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians 1 Date: Between AD 108 and AD 167,
probably around AD 135 Sources: 1, 2, 3

Opening Polycarp, and the presbyters2 with him, to the Church of God sojourning
at Philippi: Mercy to you, and peace from God Almighty, and from the Lord Jesus
Christ, our Saviour, be multiplied.

Chapter I.-Praise of the Philippians. I have greatly rejoiced with you in our
Lord Jesus Christ, because ye have followed the example3 of true love [as
displayed by God], and have accompanied, as became you, those who were bound in
chains, the fitting ornaments of saints, and which are indeed the diadems of the
true elect of God and our Lord; and because the strong root of your faith,
spoken of in days4 long gone by, endureth even until now, and bringeth forth
fruit to our Lord Jesus Christ, who for our sins suffered even unto death, [but]
"whom God raised froth the dead, having loosed the bands of the grave."5 "In
whom, though now ye see Him not, ye believe, and believing, rejoice with joy
unspeakable and full of glory; "6 into which joy many desire to enter, knowing
that "by grace ye are saved, not of works,"7 but by the will of God through
Jesus Christ.

Chapter II.-An Exhortation to Virtue. "Wherefore, girding up your loins,"8
"serve the Lord in fear"9 and truth, as those who have forsaken the vain, empty
talk and error of the multitude, and "believed in Him who raised up our Lord
Jesus Christ from the dead, and gave Him glory,"10 and a throne at His right
hand. To Him all things11 in heaven and on earth are subject. Him every spirit
serves. He comes as the Judge of the living and the dead.12 His blood will God
require of those who do not believe in Him.13 But He who raised Him up from the
dead will raise14 up us also, if we do His will, and walk in His commandments,
and love what He loved, keeping ourselves from all unrighteousness,
covetousness, love of money, evil speaking, false witness; "not rendering evil
for evil, or railing for railing,"15 or blow for blow, or cursing for cursing,
but being mindful of what the Lord said in His teaching: "Judge not, that ye be
not judged;16 forgive, and it shall be forgiven unto you;17 be merciful, that ye
may obtain mercy;18 with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you
again;19 and once more, "Blessed are the poor, and those that are persecuted for
righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of God."20

Chapter III.-Expressions or Personal Unworthiness. These things, brethren, I
write to you concerning righteousness, not because I take anything upon myself,
but because ye have invited me to do so. For neither I, nor any other such one,
can come up to the wisdom21 of the blessed and glorified Paul. He, when among
you, accurately and stedfastly taught the word of truth in the presence of those
who were then alive. And when absent from you, he wrote you a letter,22 which,
if you carefully study, you will find to be the means of building you up in that
faith which has been given you, and which, being followed by hope, and preceded
by love towards God, and Christ, and our neighbour, "is the mother of us all."23
For if any one be inwardly possessed of these graces, he hath fulfilled the
command of righteousness, since he that hath love is far from all sin.

Chapter IV.-Various Exhortations. "But the love of money is the root of all
evils."24 Knowing, therefore, that "as we brought nothing into the world, so we
can carry nothing out,"25 let us arm ourselves with the armour of
righteousness;26 and let us teach, first of all, ourselves to walk in the
commandments of the Lord. Next, [teach] your wives [to walk] in the faith given
to them, and in love and purity tenderly loving their own husbands in all truth,
and loving all [others] equally in all chastity; and to train up their children
in the knowledge and fear of God. Teach the widows to be discreet as respects
the faith of the Lord, praying continually27 for all, being far from all
slandering, evil-speaking, false-witnessing, love of money, and every kind of
evil; knowing that they are the altar28 of God, that He clearly perceives all
things, and that nothing is hid from Him, neither reasonings, nor reflections,
nor any one of the secret things of the heart.

Chapter V.-The Duties of Deacons, Youths, and Virgins. Knowing, then, that "God
is not mocked,"29 we ought to walk worthy of His commandment and glory. In like
manner should the deacons be blameless before the face of His righteousness, as
being the servants of God and Christ,30 and not of men. They must not be
slanderers, double-tongued,31 or lovers of money, but temperate in all things,
compassionate, industrious, walking according to the truth of the Lord, who was
the servant32 of all. If we please Him in this present world, we shall receive
also the future world, according as He has promised to us that He will raise us
again from the dead, and that if we live33 worthily of Him, "we shall also reign
together with Him,"34 provided only we believe. In like manner, let the young
men also be blameless in all things, being especially careful to preserve
purity, and keeping themselves in, as with a bridle, from every kind of evil.
For it is well that they should be cut off from35 the lusts that are in the
world, since "every lust warreth against the spirit; "36 and "neither
fornicators, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, shall
inherit the kingdom of God,"37 nor those who do things inconsistent and
unbecoming. Wherefore, it is needful to abstain from all these things, being
subject to the presbyters and deacons, as unto God and Christ. The virgins also
must walk in a blameless and pure conscience.

Chapter VI.-The Duties of Presbyters and Others. And let the presbyters be
compassionate and merciful to all, bringing back those that wander, visiting all
the sick, and not neglecting the widow, the orphan, or the poor, but always
"providing for that which is becoming in the sight of God and man; "38
abstaining from all wrath, respect of persons, and unjust judgment; keeping far
off from all covetousness, not quickly crediting [an evil report] against any
one, not severe in judgment, as knowing that we are all under a debt of sin. If
then we entreat the Lord to forgive us, we ought also ourselves to forgive;39
for we are before the eyes of our Lord and God, and "we must all appear at the
judgment-seat of Christ, and must every one give an account of himself."40 Let
us then serve Him in fear, and with all reverence, even as He Himself has
commanded us, and as the apostles who preached the Gospel unto us, and the
prophets who proclaimed beforehand the coming of the Lord [have alike taught
us]. Let us be zealous in the pursuit of that which is good, keeping ourselves
from causes of offence, from false brethren, and from those who in hypocrisy
bear the name of the Lord, and draw away vain men into error.

Chapter VII.-Avoid the Docetae, and Persevere in Fasting and Prayer. "For
whosoever does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh, is
antichrist; "41 and whosoever does not confess the testimony of the cross,42 is
of the devil; and whosoever perverts the oracles of the Lord to his own lusts,
and says that there is neither a resurrection nor a judgment, he is the
first-born of Satan.43 Wherefore, forsaking the vanity of many, and their false
doctrines, let us return to the word which has been handed down to us from44 the
beginning; "watching unto prayer,"45 and persevering in fasting; beseeching in
our supplications the all-seeing God "not to lead us into temptation ,"46 as the
Lord has said: "The spirit truly is willing, but the flesh is weak."47

Chapter VIII.-Persevere in Hope and Patience. Let us then continually persevere
in our hope, and the earnest of our righteousness, which is Jesus Christ, "who
bore our sins in His own body on the tree,"48 "who did no sin, neither was guile
found in His mouth,"49 but endured all things for us, that we might live in
Him.50 Let us then be imitators of His patience; and if we suffer51 for His
name's sake, let us glorify Him.52 For He has set us this example53 in Himself,
and we have believed that such is the case.

Chapter IX.-Patience Inculcated. I exhort you all, therefore, to yield obedience
to the word of righteousness, and to exercise all patience, such as ye have seen
[set] before your eyes, not only in the case of the blessed Ignatius, and
Zosimus, and Rufus, but also in others among yourselves, and in Paul himself,
and the rest of the apostles. [This do] in the assurance that all these have not
run54 in vain, but in faith and righteousness, and that they are [now] in their
due place in the presence of the Lord, with whom also they suffered. For they
loved not this present world, but Him who died for us, and for our sakes was
raised again by God from the dead.

Chapter X.-Exhortation to the Practice of Virtue.55 Stand fast, therefore, in
these things, and follow the example of the Lord, being firm and unchangeable in
the faith, loving the brotherhood,56 and being attached to one another, joined
together in the truth, exhibiting the meekness of the Lord in your intercourse
with one another, and despising no one. When you can do good, defer it not,
because "alms delivers from death."57 Be all of you subject one to another58
having your conduct blameless among the Gentiles,"59 that ye may both receive
praise for your good works, and the Lord may not be blasphemed through you. But
woe to him by whom the name of the Lord is blasphemed!60 Teach, therefore,
sobriety to all, and manifest it also in your own conduct.

Chapter XI.-Expression of Grief on Account of Valens. I am greatly grieved for
Valens, who was once a presbyter among you, because he so little understands the
place that was given him [in the Church]. I exhort you, therefore, that ye
abstain from covetousness,61 and that ye be chaste and truthful. "Abstain from
every form of evil."62 For if a man cannot govern himself in such matters, how
shall he enjoin them on others? If a man does not keep himself from
covetousness,63 he shall be defiled by idolatry, and shall be judged as one of
the heathen. But who of us are ignorant of the judgment of the Lord? "Do we not
know that the saints shall judge the world? "64 as Paul teaches. But I have
neither seen nor heard of any such thing among you, in the midst of whom the
blessed Paul laboured, and who are commended65 in the beginning of his Epistle.
For he boasts of you in all those Churches which alone then knew the Lord; but
we [of Smyrna] had not yet known Him. I am deeply grieved, therefore, brethren,
for him (Valens) and his wife; to whom may the Lord grant true repentance! And
be ye then moderate in regard to this matter, and "do not count such as
enemies,"66 but call them back as suffering and straying members, that ye may
save your whole body. For by so acting ye shall edify yourselves.67

Chapter XII.-Exhortation to Various Graces. For I trust that ye are well versed
in the Sacred Scriptures, and that nothing is hid from you; but to me this
privilege is not yet granted.68 It is declared then in these Scriptures, "Be ye
angry, and sin not,"69 and, "Let not the sun go down upon your wrath."70 Happy
is he who remembers71 this, which I believe to be the case with you. But may the
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ Himself, who is the
Son of God, and our everlasting High Priest, build you up in faith and truth,
and in all meekness, gentleness, patience, long-suffering, forbearance, and
purity; and may He bestow on you a lot and portion among His saints, and on us
with you, and on all that are under heaven, who shall believe in our Lord Jesus
Christ, and in His Father, who "raised Him from the dead.72 Pray for all the
saints. Pray also for kings,73 and potentates, and princes, and for those that
persecute and hate you,74 and for the enemies of the cross, that your fruit may
be manifest to all, and that ye may be perfect in Him.

Chapter XIII.-Concerning the Transmission of Epistles. Both you and Ignatius75
wrote to me, that if any one went [from this] into Syria, he should carry your
letter76 with him; which request I will attend to if I find a fitting
opportunity, either personally, or through some other acting for me, that your
desire may be fulfilled. The Epistles of Ignatius written by him77 to us, and
all the rest [of his Epistles] which we have by us, we have sent to you, as you
requested. They are subjoined to this Epistle, and by them ye may be greatly
profited; for they treat of faith and patience, and all things that tend to
edification in our Lord. Any78 more certain information you may have obtained
respecting both Ignatius himself, and those that were79 with him, have the
goodness to make known80 to us.

Chapter XIV.-Conclusion. These things I have written to you by Crescens, whom up
to the present81 time I have recommended unto you, and do now recommend. For he
has acted blamelessly among us, and I believe also among you. Moreover, ye will
hold his sister in esteem when she comes to you. Be ye safe in the Lord Jesus
Christ. Grace be with you all.82 Amen.

1: The title of this Epistle in most of the mss. is, "The Epistle of St.
Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, and holy martyr, to the Philippians."

2: Or, "Polycarp, and those who with him are presbyters. "

3: Literally, "ye have received the patterns of true love."

4: Phil. i. 5.

5: Acts ii. 24. Literally, "having loosed the pains of Hades."

6: 1 Pet. i. 8.

7: Eph. ii 8, 9.

8: Comp. 1 Pet. i. 13; Eph. vi. 14.

9: Ps. ii. 11.

10: 1 Pet. i. 21.

11: Comp. 1 Pet. iii. 22; Phil. ii. 10.

12: Comp. Acts xvii. 31.

13: Or, "who do not obey him."

14: Comp 1 Cor. vi. 14; 2 Cor. iv. 14; Rom. viii. 11.

15: 1 Pet. iii. 9.

16: Matt. vii. 1.

17: Matt. vi. 12, 14; Luke vi. 37.

18: Luke vi. 36.

19: Matt. vii. 2; Luke vi. 38.

20: Matt. v. 3, 10; Luke vi. 20.

21: Comp. 2 Pet. iii. 15.

22: The form is plural, but one Epistle is probably meant. [So, even in English,
"letters" may be classically used for a single letter, as we say "by these
presents." But even we might speak of St. Paul as having written his Epistles to
us; so the Epistles to Thessalonica and Corinth might more naturally still be
referred to here].

23: Comp. Gal. iv. 26.

24: 1 Tim. vi. 10.

25: 1 Tim. vi. 7.

26: Comp. Eph. vi. 11.

27: Comp. 1 Thess. v. 17.

28: Some here read, "altars."

29: Gal. vi. 7.

30: Some read, "God in Christ."

31: Comp. 1 Tim. iii. 8.

32: Comp. Matt. xx. 28.

33: Politeuswmeua, referring to the whole conduct; comp. Phil. i. 27.

34: 2 Tim. ii. 12.

35: Some read, anakuptesuai, "to emerge from." [So Chevallier, but not Wake nor
Jacobson. See the note of latter, ad loc.] 36: 1 Pet. ii. 11.

37: 1 Cor. vi. 9, 10.

38: Rom. xii. 17; 2 Cor. viii. 31.

39: Matt. vi. 12-14.

40: Rom. xiv. 10-12; 2 Cor. v. 10.

41: 1 John iv. 3.

42: Literally, "the martyrdom of the cross," which some render, "His suffering
on the cross."

43: [The original, perhaps, of Eusebius (Hist. iv. cap. 14). It became a
common-place expression in the Church.] 44: Comp. Jude 3.

45: 1 Pet. iv. 7.

46: Matt. vi. 13; xxvi. 41.

47: Matt. xxvi. 41; Mark xiv. 38.

48: 1 Pet. ii. 24.

49: 1 Pet. ii. 22.

50: Comp. 1 John iv. 9.

51: Comp. Acts v. 41; 1 Pet. iv. 16.

52: Some read, "we glorify Him."

53: Comp. 1 Pet. ii. 21.

54: Comp. Phil. ii. 16; Gal. ii. 2.

55: This and the two following chapters are preserved only in a Latin version.
[See Jacobson, ad loc.] 56: Comp. 1 Pet. ii. 17.

57: Tobit iv. 10, xii. 9.

58: Comp. 1 Pet. v. 5.

59: 1 Pet. ii. 12.

60: Isa. lii. 5.

61: Some think that incontinence on the part of the Valens and his wife is
referred to. [For many reasons I am glad the translators have preferred the
reading pleoneciaj. The next word, chaste, sufficiently rebukes the example of
Valens. For once I venture not to coincide with Jacobson's comment.] 62: 1
Thess. v. 22.

63: Some think that incontinence on the part of the Valens and his wife is
referred to. [For many reasons I am glad the translators have preferred the
reading pleoneciaj. The next word, chaste, sufficiently rebukes the example of
Valens. For once I venture not to coincide with Jacobson's comment.] 64: 1 Cor.
vi. 2.

65: Some read, "named;" comp. Phil. i. 5.

66: 2 Thess. iii. 15.

67: Comp. 1 Cor. xii. 26.

68: This passage is very obscure. Some render it as follows: "But at present it
is not granted unto me to practise that which is written, Be ye angry," etc.

69: Ps. iv. 5.

70: Eph. iv. 26.

71: Some read, "believes."

72: Gal. i. 1.

73: Comp. 1 Tim. ii. 2.

74: Matt. v. 44.

75: Comp. Ep. of Ignatius to Polycarp., chap. viii.

76: Or, "letters."

77: Reference is here made to the two letters of Ignatius, one to Polycarp
himself, and the other to the church at Smyrna.

78: Henceforth, to the end, we have only the Latin version.

79: The Latin version reads "are," which has been corrected as above.

80: Polycarp was aware of the death of Ignatius (chap. ix.), but was as yet
apparently ignorant of the circumstances attending it. [Who can fail to be
touched by these affectionate yet entirely calm expressions as to his martyred
friend and brother? Martyrdom was the habitual end of Christ's soldiers, and
Polycarp expected his own; hence his restrained and temperate words of
interest.] 81: Some read, "in this present Epistle."

82: Others read, "and in favour with all yours."


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  CHAPTER 2: MARTYRDOM OF POLYCARP
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The Encyclical Epistle of the Church at Smyrnam Concerning the Martyrdom of the
Holy Polycarp Chapter I.-Subject of Which We Write.

Chapter II.-The Wonderful Constancy of the Martyrs.

Chapter III.-The Constancy of Germanicus. The Death of Polycarp is Demanded.

Chapter IV.-Quintus the Apostate.

Chapter V.-The Departure and Vision of Polycarp.

Chapter VI.-Polycarp is Betrayed by a Servant.

Chapter VII.-Polycarp is Found by His Pursuers.

Chapter VIII.-Polycarp is Brought into the City.

Chapter IX.-Polycarp Refuses to Revile Christ.

Chapter X.-Polycarp Confesses Himself a Christian.

Chapter XI.-No Threats Have Any Effect on Polycarp.

Chapter XII.-Polycarp is Sentenced to Be Burned.

Chapter XIII.-The Funeral Pile is Erected.

Chapter XIV.-The Prayer of Polycarp.

Chapter XV.-Polycarp is Not Injured by the Fire.

Chapter XVI.-Polycarp is Pierced by a Dagger.

Chapter XVII.-The Christians are Refused Polycarp's Body.

Chapter XVIII.-The Body of Polycarp is Burned.

Chapter XIX.-Praise of the Martyr Polycarp.

Chapter XX.-This Epistle is to Be Transmitted to the Brethren.

Chapter XXI.-The Date of the Martyrdom.

Chapter XXII.-Salutation. The Encyclical Epistle of the Church at Smyrnam
Concerning the Martyrdom of the Holy Polycarp

------------ The Church of God which sojourns at Smyrna, to the Church of God sojourning in Philomelium,1 and to all the congregations2 of the Holy and Catholic Church in every place: Mercy, peace, and love from God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, be multiplied.

Chapter I.-Subject of Which We Write.

We have written to you, brethren, as to what relates to the martyrs, and
especially to the blessed Polycarp, who put an end to the persecution, having,
as it were, set a seal upon it by his martyrdom. For almost all the events that
happened previously [to this one], took place that the Lord might show us from
above a martyrdom becoming the Gospel. For he waited to be delivered up, even as
the Lord had done, that we also might become his followers, while we look not
merely at what concerns ourselves but have regard also to our neighbours. For it
is the part of a true and well-founded love, not only to wish one's self to be
saved, but also all the brethren.

Chapter II.-The Wonderful Constancy of the Martyrs.

All the martyrdoms, then, were blessed and noble which took place according to
the will of God. For it becomes us who profess3 greater piety than others, to
ascribe the authority over all things to God. And truly,4 who can fail to admire
their nobleness of mind, and their patience, with that love towards their Lord
which they displayed?-who, when they were so torn with scourges, that the frame
of their bodies, even to the very inward veins and arteries, was laid open,
still patiently endured, while even those that stood by pitied and bewailed
them. But they reached such a pitch of magnanimity, that not one of them let a
sigh or a groan escape them; thus proving to us all that those holy martyrs of
Christ, at the very time when they suffered such torments, were absent from the
body, or rather, that the Lord then stood by them, and communed with them. And,
looking to the grace of Christ, they despised all the torments of this world,
redeeming themselves from eternal punishment by [the suffering of] a single
hour. For this reason the fire of their savage executioners appeared cool to
them. For they kept before their view escape from that fire which is eternal and
never shall be quenched, and looked forward with the eyes of their heart to
those good things which are laid up for such as endure; things "which ear hath
not heard, nor eye seen, neither have entered into the heart of man,"5 but were
revealed by the Lord to them, inasmuch as they were no longer men, but had
already become angels. And, in like manner, those who were condemned to the wild
beasts endured dreadful tortures, being stretched out upon beds full of spikes,
and subjected to various other kinds of torments, in order that, if it were
possible, the tyrant might, by their lingering tortures, lead them to a denial
[of Christ].

Chapter III.-The Constancy of Germanicus. The Death of Polycarp is Demanded. For
the devil did indeed invent many things against them; but thanks be to God, he
could not prevail over all. For the most noble Germanicus strengthened the
timidity of others by his own patience, and fought heroically6 with the wild
beasts. For, when the proconsul sought to persuade him, and urged him7 to take
pity upon his age, he attracted the wild beast towards himself, and provoked it,
being desirous to escape all the more quickly from an unrighteous and impious
world. But upon this the whole multitude, marvelling at the nobility of mind
displayed by the devout and godly race of Christians,8 cried out, "Away with the
Atheists; let Polycarp be sought out!"

Chapter IV.-Quintus the Apostate.

Now one named Quintus, a Phrygian, who was but lately come from Phrygia, when he
saw the wild beasts, became afraid. This was the man who forced himself and some
others to come forward voluntarily [for trial]. Him the proconsul, after many
entreaties, persuaded to swear and to offer sacrifice. Wherefore, brethren, we
do not commend those who give themselves up [to suffering], seeing the Gospel
does not teach so to do.9 Chapter V.-The Departure and Vision of Polycarp. But
the most admirable Polycarp, when he first heard [that he was sought for], was
in no measure disturbed, but resolved to continue in the city. However, in
deference to the wish of many, he was persuaded to leave it. He departed,
therefore, to a country house not far distant from the city. There he stayed
with a few [friends], engaged in nothing else night and day than praying for all
men, and for the Churches throughout the world, according to his usual custom.
And while he was praying, a vision presented itself to him three days before he
was taken; and, behold, the pillow under his head seemed to him on fire. Upon
this, turning to those that were with him, he said to them prophetically," I
must be burnt alive."

Chapter VI.-Polycarp is Betrayed by a Servant. And when those who sought for him
were at hand, he departed to another dwelling, whither his pursuers immediately
came after him. And when they found him not, they seized upon two youths [that
were there], one of whom, being subjected to torture, confessed. It was thus
impossible that he should continue hid, since those that betrayed him were of
his own household. The Irenarch10 then (whose office is the same as that of the
Cleronomus11 ), by name Herod, hastened to bring him into the stadium. [This all
happened] that he might fulfil his special lot, being made a partaker of Christ,
and that they who betrayed him might undergo the punishment of Judas himself.

Chapter VII.-Polycarp is Found by His Pursuers. His pursuers then, along with
horsemen, and taking the youth with them, went forth at supper-time on the day
of the preparation12 with their usual weapons, as if going out against a
robber.13 And being come about evening [to the place where he was], they found
him lying down in the upper room of14 a certain little house, from which he
might have escaped into another place; but he refused, saying, "The will of
God15 be done."16 So when he heard that they were come, he went down and spake
with them. And as those that were present marvelled at his age and constancy,
some of them said. "Was so much effort17 made to capture such a venerable man?18
Immediately then, in that very hour, he ordered that something to eat and drink
should be set before them, as much indeed as they cared for, while he besought
them to allow him an hour to pray without disturbance. And on their giving him
leave, he stood and prayed, being full of the grace of God, so that he could not
cease19 for two full hours, to the astonishment of them that heard him, insomuch
that many began to repent that they had come forth against so godly and
venerable an old man.

Chapter VIII.-Polycarp is Brought into the City.

Now, as soon as he had ceased praying, having made mention of all that had at
any time come in contact with him, both small and great, illustrious and
obscure, as well as the whole Catholic Church throughout the world, the time of
his departure having arrived, they set him upon an ass, and conducted him into
the city, the day being that of the great Sabbath. And the Irenarch Herod,
accompanied by his father Nicetes (both riding in a chariot20 ), met him, and
taking him up into the chariot, they seated themselves beside him, and
endeavoured to persuade him, saying, "What harm is there in saying, Lord
Caesar,21 and in sacrificing, with the other ceremonies observed on such
occasions, and so make sure of safety? "But he at first gave them no answer; and
when they continued to urge him, he said, "I shall not do as you advise me." So
they, having no hope of persuading him, began to speak bitter22 words unto him,
and cast him with violence out of the chariot,23 insomuch that, in getting down
from the carriage, he dislocated his leg24 [by the fall]. But without being
disturbed,25 and as if suffering nothing, he went eagerly forward with all
haste, and was conducted to the stadium, where the tumult was so great, that
there was no possibility of being heard.

Chapter IX.-Polycarp Refuses to Revile Christ.

Now, as Polycarp was entering into the stadium, there came to him a voice from
heaven, saying, "Be strong, and show thyself a man, O Polycarp!" No one saw who
it was that spoke to him; but those of our brethren who were present heard the
voice. And as he was brought forward, the tumult became great when they heard
that Polycarp was taken. And when he came near, the proconsul asked him whether
he was Polycarp. On his confessing that he was, [the proconsul] sought to
persuade him to deny [Christ], saying, "Have respect to thy old age," and other
similar things, according to their custom, [such as], "Swear by the fortune of
Caesar; repent, and say, Away with the Atheists." But Polycarp, gazing with a
stern countenance on all the multitude of the wicked heathen then in the
stadium, and waving his hand towards them, while with groans he looked up to
heaven, said, "Away with the Atheists."26 Then, the proconsul urging him, and
saying, "Swear, and I will set thee at liberty, reproach Christ; "Polycarp
declared, "Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He never did me any
injury: how then can I blaspheme my King and my Saviour? "

Chapter X.-Polycarp Confesses Himself a Christian. And when the proconsul yet
again pressed him, and said, "Swear by the fortune of Caesar," he answered,
"Since thou art vainly urgent that, as thou sayest, I should swear by the
fortune of Caesar, and pretendest not to know who and what I am, hear me declare
with boldness, I am a Christian. And if you wish to learn what the doctrines27
of Christianity are, appoint me a day, and thou shalt hear them." The proconsul
replied, "Persuade the people." But Polycarp said, "To thee I have thought it
right to offer an account [of my faith]; for we are taught to give all due
honour (which entails no injury upon ourselves) to the powers and authorities
which are ordained of God.28 But as for these, I do not deem them worthy of
receiving any account from me."29 Chapter XI.-No Threats Have Any Effect on
Polycarp. The proconsul then said to him, "I have wild beasts at hand ; to these
will I cast thee, except thou repent." But he answered, "Call them then, for we
are not accustomed to repent of what is good in order to adopt that which is
evil;30 and it is well for me to be changed from what is evil to what is
righteous."31 But again the proconsul said to him, "I will cause thee to be
consumed by fire, seeing thou despisest the wild beasts, if thou wilt not
repent." But Polycarp said, "Thou threatenest me with fire which burneth for an
hour, and after a little is extinguished, but art ignorant of the fire of the
coming judgment and of eternal punishment, reserved for the ungodly. But why
tarriest thou? Bring forth what thou wilt."

Chapter XII.-Polycarp is Sentenced to Be Burned.

While he spoke these and many other like things, he was filled with confidence
and joy, and his countenance was full of grace, so that not merely did it not
fall as if troubled by the things said to him, but, on the contrary, the
proconsul was astonished, and sent his herald to proclaim in the midst of the
stadium thrice, "Polycarp has confessed that he is a Christian." This
proclamation having been made by the herald, the whole multitude both of the
heathen and Jews, who dwelt at Smyrna, cried out with uncontrollable fury, and
in a loud voice, "This is the teacher of Asia,32 the father of the Christians,
and the overthrower of our gods, he who has been teaching many not to sacrifice,
or to worship the gods." Speaking thus, they cried out, and besought Philip the
Asiarch33 to let loose a lion upon Polycarp. But Philip answered that it was not
lawful for him to do so, seeing the shows34 of wild beasts were already
finished. Then it seemed good to them to cry out with one consent, that Polycarp
should be burnt alive. For thus it behooved the vision which was revealed to him
in regard to his pillow to be fulfilled, when, seeing it on fire as he was
praying, he turned about and said prophetically to the faithful that were with
him, "I must be burnt alive."

Chapter XIII.-The Funeral Pile is Erected.

This, then, was carried into effect with greater speed than it was spoken, the
multitudes immediately gathering together wood and fagots out of the shops and
baths; the Jews especially, according to custom, eagerly assisting them in it.
And when the funeral pile was ready, Polycarp, laying aside all his garments,
and loosing his girdle, sought also to take off his sandals,-a thing he was not
accustomed to do, inasmuch as every one of the faithful was always eager who
should first touch his skin. For, on account of his holy life,35 he was, even
before his martyrdom, adorned36 with every kind of good. Immediately then they
surrounded him with those substances which had been prepared for the funeral
pile. But when they were about also to fix him with nails, he said, "Leave me as
I am; for He that giveth me strength to endure the fire, will also enable me,
without your securing me by nails, to remain without moving in the pile."

Chapter XIV.-The Prayer of Polycarp.

They did not nail him then, but simply bound him. And he, placing his hands
behind him, and being bound like a distinguished ram [taken] out of a great
flock for sacrifice, and prepared to be an acceptable burnt-offering unto God,
looked up to heaven, and said, "O Lord God Almighty, the Father of thy beloved
and blessed Son Jesus Christ, by whom we have received the knowledge of Thee,
the God of angels and powers, and of every creature, and of the whole race of
the righteous who live before thee, I give Thee thanks that Thou hast counted
me, worthy of this day and this hour, that I should have a part in the number of
Thy martyrs, in the cup37 of thy Christ, to the resurrection of eternal life,
both of soul and body, through the incorruption [imparted] by the Holy Ghost.
Among whom may I be accepted this day before Thee as a fat38 and acceptable
sacrifice, according as Thou, the ever-truthful39 God, hast fore-ordained, hast
revealed beforehand to me, and now hast fulfilled. Wherefore also I praise Thee
for all things, I bless Thee, I glorify Thee, along with the everlasting and
heavenly Jesus Christ, Thy beloved Son, with whom, to Thee, and the Holy Ghost,
be glory both now and to all coming ages. Amen."40 Chapter XV.-Polycarp is Not
Injured by the Fire. When he had pronounced this amen, and so finished his
prayer, those who were appointed for the purpose kindled the fire. And as the
flame blazed forth in great fury,41 we, to whom it was given to witness it,
beheld a great miracle, and have been preserved that we might report to others
what then took place. For the fire, shaping itself into the form of an arch,
like the sail of a ship when filled with the wind, encompassed as by a circle
the body of the martyr. And he appeared within not like flesh which is burnt,
but as bread that is baked, or as gold and silver glowing in a furnace.
Moreover, we perceived such a sweet odour [coming from the pile], as if
frankincense or some such precious spices had been smoking42 there.

Chapter XVI.-Polycarp is Pierced by a Dagger. At length, when those wicked men
perceived that his body could not be consumed by the fire, they commanded an
executioner to go near and pierce him through with a dagger. And on his doing
this, there came forth a dove,43 and a great quantity of blood, so that the fire
was extinguished; and all the people wondered that there should be such a
difference between the unbelievers and the elect, of whom this most admirable
Polycarp was one, having in our own times been an apostolic and prophetic
teacher, and bishop of the Catholic Church which is in Smyrna. For every word
that went out of his mouth either has been or shall yet be accomplished.

Chapter XVII.-The Christians are Refused Polycarp's Body. But when the adversary
of the race of the righteous, the envious, malicious, and wicked one, perceived
the impressive44 nature of his martyrdom, and [considered] the blameless life he
had led from the beginning, and how he was now crowned with the wreath of
immortality, having beyond dispute received his reward, he did his utmost that
not the least memorial of him should be taken away by us, although many desired
to do this, and to become possessors45 of his holy flesh. For this end he
suggested it to Nicetes, the father of Herod and brother of Alce, to go and
entreat the governor not to give up his body to be buried, "lest," said he,
"forsaking Him that was crucified, they begin to worship this one." This he said
at the suggestion and urgent persuasion of the Jews, who also watched us, as we
sought to take him out of the fire, being ignorant of this, that it is neither
possible for us ever to forsake Christ, who suffered for the salvation of such
as shall be saved throughout the whole world (the blameless one for sinners46 ),
nor to worship any other. For Him indeed, as being the Son of God, we adore; but
the martyrs, as disciples and followers of the Lord, we worthily love on account
of their extraordinary47 affection towards their own King and Master, of whom
may we also be made companions48 and fellow-disciples!

Chapter XVIII.-The Body of Polycarp is Burned. The centurion then, seeing the
strife excited by the Jews, placed the body49 in the midst of the fire, and
consumed it. Accordingly, we afterwards took up his bones, as being more
precious than the most exquisite jewels, and more purified50 than gold, and
deposited them in a fitting place, whither, being gathered together, as
opportunity is allowed us, with joy and rejoicing, the Lord shall grant us to
celebrate the anniversary51 of his martyrdom, both in memory of those who have
already finished their course,52 and for the exercising and preparation of those
yet to walk in their steps.

Chapter XIX.-Praise of the Martyr Polycarp.

This, then, is the account of the blessed Polycarp, who, being the twelfth that
was martyred in Smyrna (reckoning those also of Philadelphia), yet occupies a
place of his own53 in the memory of all men, insomuch that he is everywhere
spoken of by the heathen themselves. He was not merely an illustrious teacher,
but also a pre-eminent martyr, whose martyrdom all desire to imitate, as having
been altogether consistent with the Gospel of Christ. For, having through
patience overcome the unjust governor, and thus acquired the crown of
immortality, he now, with the apostles and all the righteous [in heaven],
rejoicingly glorifies God, even the Father, and blesses our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Saviour of our souls, the Governor of our bodies, and the Shepherd of the
Catholic Church throughout the world.54 Chapter XX.-This Epistle is to Be
Transmitted to the Brethren.

Since, then, ye requested that we would at large make you acquainted with what
really took place, we have for the present sent you this summary account through
our brother Marcus. When, therefore, ye have yourselves read this Epistle,55 be
pleased to send it to the brethren at a greater distance, that they also may
glorify the Lord, who makes such choice of His own servants. To Him who is able
to bring us all by His grace and goodness56 into his everlasting kingdom,
through His only-begotten Son Jesus Christ, to Him be glory, and honour, and
power, and majesty, for ever. Amen. Salute all the saints. They that are with us
salute you, and Evarestus, who wrote this Epistle, with all his house.

Chapter XXI.-The Date of the Martyrdom.

Now, the blessed Polycarp suffered martyrdom on the second day of the month
Xanthicus just begun,57 the seventh day before the Kalends of May, on the great
Sabbath, at the eighth hour.58 He was taken by Herod, Philip the Trallian being
high priest,59 Statius Quadratus being proconsul, but Jesus Christ being King
for ever, to whom be glory, honour, majesty, and an everlasting throne, from
generation to generation. Amen.

Chapter XXII.-Salutation.

We wish you, brethren, all happiness, while you walk according to the doctrine
of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; with whom be glory to God the Father and the Holy
Spirit, for the salvation of His holy elect, after whose example60 the blessed
Polycarp suffered, following in whose steins may we too be found in the kingdom
of Jesus Christ!

These things61 Caius transcribed from the copy of Irenaeus (who was a disciple
of Polycarp), having himself been intimate with Irenaeus. And I Socrates
transcribed them at Corinth from the copy of Caius. Grace be with you all. And I
again, Pionius, wrote them from the previously written copy, having carefully
searched into them, and the blessed Polycarp having manifested them to me
through a revelation, even as I shall show in what follows. I have collected
these things, when they had almost faded away through the lapse of time, that
the Lord Jesus Christ may also gather me along with His elect into His heavenly
kingdom, to whom, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, be glory for ever and
ever. Amen.

1: Some read, "Philadelphia," but on inferior authority. Philomelium was a city
of Phrygia.

2: The word in the original is paroikiaij , from which the English "parishes" is
derived.

3: Literally, "who are more pious."

4: The account now returns to the illustration of the statement made in the
first sentence.

5: 1 Cor. ii. 9.

6: Or, "illustriously."

7: Or, "said to him."

8: Literally, "the nobleness of the God-loving and God-fearing race of
Christians."

9: Comp. Matt. x. 23.

10: It was the duty of the Irenach to apprehend all seditious troublers of the
public peace.

11: Some think that those magistrates bore this name that were elected by lot.

12: That is, on Friday.

13: Comp. Matt. xxvi. 55.

14: Or, "in."

15: Some read "the Lord"

16: Comp. Matt vi. 10; Acts xxi. 14.

17: Or, "diligence."

18: Jacobson reads, "and [marvelling] that they had used so great diligence to
capture," etc.

19: Or, "be silent."

20: Jacobson deems these words an interpolation.

21: Or, "Caesar is Lord," all the mss. having kurioj instead of kurie , as
usually printed.

22: Or, "terrible."

23: Or, "cast him down" simply, the following words being, as above, an
interpolation.

24: Or, "sprained his ankle."

25: Or, "not turning back."

26: Referring the words to the heathen, and not to the Christians, as was
desired.

27: Or, "an account of Christianity."

28: Comp. Rom. xiii. 1-7; Tit. iii. 1.

29: Or, "of my making any defence to them."

30: Literally, "repentance from things better to things worse is a change
impossible to us."

31: That is, to leave this world for a better.

32: Some read, "ungodliness," but the above seems preferable.

33: The Asiarchs were those who superintended all arrangements connected with
the games in the several provinces.

34: Literally, "the baiting of dogs."

35: Literally, "good behavior."

36: Some think this implies that Polycarp's skin was believed to possess a
miraculous efficacy.

37: Comp. Matt. xx. 22, xxvi. 39; Mark x. 38.

38: Literally, "in a fat," etc., [or, "in a rich"].

39: Literally, "he not false and true God."

40: Eusebius ( Hist. Eccl ., iv. 15) has preserved a great portion of this
Martyrium, but in a text considerably differing from that we have followed.
Here, instead of "and," he has "in the Holy Ghost."

41: Literally, "a great flame shining forth."

42: Literally, "a breathing."

43: Eusebius omits all mention of the dove , and many have thought the text to
be here corrupt. It has been proposed to read ep aristera , "on the left hand
side," instead of peristera , "a dove."

44: Literally, "greatness."

45: The Greek, literally translated, is, "and to have fellowship with his holy
flesh."

46: This clause is omitted by Eusebius: it was probably interpolated by some
transcriber, who had in his mind 1 Pet. iii. 18.

47: Literally, "unsurpassable."

48: Literally, "fellow-partakers."

49: Or, "him."

50: Or, "more tried."

51: Literally, "the birth-day."

52: Literally, "been athletes."

53: Literally, "is alone remembered."

54: Several additions are here made. One ms. has, "and the all-holy and
life-giving Spirit;" while the old Latin version reads, "and the Holy Spirit, by
whom we know all things."

55: Literally, "having learned these things."

56: Literally, "gift."

57: The translation is here very doubtful. Wake renders the words mhnoj
istamenou , "of the present month."

58: Great obscurity hangs over the chronology here indicated. According to
Usher, the Smyrnaians began the month Xanthicus on the 25th of March. But the
seventh day before the Kalends of May is the 25th of April. Some, therefore,
read Aprilliwn instead of Maiwn . The great Sabbath is that before the passover.
The "eighth hour" may correspond either to our 8 A.M. or 2 P.M.

59: Called before (chap. xii.) Asiarch.

60: Literally, "according as."

61: What follows is, of course, no part of the original Epistle.


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