Bishop, Martyr, and Apostolic Father
Feast Day: January 26 (Traditional Roman Calendar)
I. His Apostolic Heritage
Saint Polycarp (c. 69–155 A.D.) stands as one of the most precious living links between the Apostles and the early Church. He was a disciple of Saint John the Apostle, and through him we glimpse the faith as it was received directly from those who walked with Our Lord.
Saint Irenaeus, who had known Polycarp in his youth, testified:
“I can describe the very place in which the blessed Polycarp used to sit and discourse… how he would speak of his familiar intercourse with John and with the rest who had seen the Lord.”
This apostolic continuity gives Polycarp immense importance in defending orthodox doctrine against early heresies.
II. Bishop of Smyrna
Polycarp was appointed Bishop of Smyrna (in Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey), likely by Saint John himself. His episcopate occurred during a time of intense persecution and doctrinal confusion.
He courageously opposed:
- Gnosticism
- The teachings of Marcion
- Early distortions of Christ’s true humanity and divinity
When he encountered the heretic Marcion, who asked, “Do you know me?” Polycarp replied:
“I know you—the firstborn of Satan.”
Such firmness reflects the vigilance of the early bishops in guarding the Deposit of Faith.
III. His Martyrdom
The most moving account of Polycarp’s life is preserved in The Martyrdom of Polycarp, one of the earliest authentic accounts of Christian martyrdom outside Scripture.
At about 86 years of age, during persecution under Emperor Antoninus Pius, he was arrested and brought before the Roman proconsul. Urged to renounce Christ and swear by Caesar, he replied:
“Eighty and six years I have served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King who saved me?”
He was sentenced to be burned alive. Tradition relates:
- The flames arched around him without consuming his body.
- He was then pierced with a sword.
- His blood extinguished the fire.
The Christians gathered his relics with reverence, honoring them as precious treasures—a clear witness to early Christian veneration of martyrs.
IV. His Writings
Only one complete work survives:
The Epistle to the Philippians
In it, we find:
- Strong emphasis on apostolic tradition
- Moral exhortation
- Warnings against heresy
- Clear testimony to early Catholic structure (bishops, priests, deacons)
His letter reveals how fully developed Church life already was in the 2nd century.
V. Spiritual Lessons from Saint Polycarp
1. Fidelity Unto Death
His martyrdom reminds us that the Christian life is a covenant of unwavering loyalty to Christ.
2. Apostolic Continuity
The faith we profess today is not an invention of later centuries but flows directly from the Apostles.
3. Courage Against Error
Charity does not exclude firmness. True love defends truth.
A Short Meditation
Consider his words before martyrdom. Imagine standing in that arena. Would we remain steadfast? Ask for his intercession for:
- Perseverance in trial
- Strength in defending the faith
- Constancy in prayer
Prayer to Saint Polycarp
O glorious Saint Polycarp,
faithful disciple of Saint John and steadfast martyr of Christ,
obtain for us firmness in the true faith,
courage in adversity,
and love for Our Lord unto death.Through thy prayers,
may we remain united to the Apostolic Church
and persevere unto eternal life.Amen.