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The Letter of the Smyrnaens
The Martyrdom of Polycarp
Polycarp prologue
The church of God which sojourneth at Smyrna to the Church of God which
sojourneth in Philomelium and to all the brotherhoods of the holy and universal
Church sojourning in every place; mercy and peace and love from God the Father
and our Lord Jesus Christ be multiplied.
Polycarp 1:1
We write unto you, brethren, an account of what befell those that suffered
martyrdom and especially the blessed Polycarp, who stayed the persecution,
having as it were set his seal upon it by his martyrdom. For nearly all the
foregoing events came to pass that the Lord might show us once more an example
of martyrdom which is conformable to the Gospel
Polycarp 1:2
For he lingered that he might be delivered up, even as the Lord did, to the end
that we too might be imitators of him, not looking only to that which concerneth
ourselves, but also to that which concerneth our neighbors. For it is the office
of true and steadfast love, not only to desire that oneself be saved, but all
the brethren also.
Polycarp 2:1
Blessed therefore and noble are all the martyrdoms which have taken place
according to the will of God (for it behoveth us to be very scrupulous and to
assign to God the power over all things).
Polycarp 2:2
For who could fail to admire their nobleness and patient endurance and loyalty
to the Master? seeing that when they were so torn by lashes that the mechanism
of their flesh was visible even as far as the inward veins and arteries, they
endured patiently, so that the very bystanders had pity and wept; while they
themselves reached such a pitch of bravery that none of them uttered a cry or a
groan, thus showing to us all that at that hour the martyrs of Christ being
tortured were absent from the flesh, or rather that the Lord was standing by and
conversing with them.
Polycarp 2:3
And giving heed unto the grace of Christ they despised the tortures of this
world, purchasing at the cost of one hour a release from eternal punishment. And
they found the fire of their inhuman torturers cold: for they set before their
eyes the escape from the eternal fire which is never quenched; while with the
eyes of their heart they gazed upon the good things which are reserved for those
that endure patiently, things which neither ear hath heard nor eye hath seen,
neither have they entered into the heart of man, but were shown by the Lord to
them, for they were no longer men but angels already.
Polycarp 2:4
And in like manner also those that were condemned to the wild beasts endured
fearful punishments, being made to lie on sharp shells and buffeted with other
forms of manifold tortures, that the devil might, if possible, by the
persistence of the punishment bring them to a denial; for he tried many wiles
against them.
Polycarp 3:1
But thanks be to God; for He verily prevailed against all. For the right noble
Germanicus encouraged their timorousness through the constancy which was in him;
and he fought with the wild beasts in a signal way. For when the proconsul
wished to prevail upon him and bade him have pity on his youth, he used violence
and dragged the wild beast towards him, desiring the more speedily to obtain a
release from their unrighteous and lawless life.
Polycarp 3:2
So after this all the multitude, marveling at the bravery of the God-beloved and
God-fearing people of the Christians, raised a cry, 'Away with the atheists; let
search be made for Polycarp.'
Polycarp 4:1
But one man, Quintus by name, a Phrygian newly arrived from Phrygia, when he saw
the wild beasts, turned coward. He it was who had forced himself and some others
to come forward of their own free will. This man the proconsul by much entreaty
persuaded to swear the oath and to offer incense. For this cause therefore,
brethren, we praise not those who deliver themselves up, since the Gospel doth
not so teach us.
Polycarp 5:1
Now the glorious Polycarp at the first, when he heard it, so far from being
dismayed, was desirous of remaining in town; but the greater part persuaded him
to withdraw. So he withdrew to a farm not far distant from the city; and there
he stayed with a few companions, doing nothing else night and day but praying
for all men and for the churches throughout the world; for this was his constant
habit.
Polycarp 5:2
And while praying he falleth into a trance three days before his apprehension;
and he saw his pillow burning with fire. And he turned and said unto those that
were with him: 'It must needs be that I shall be burned alive.'
Polycarp 6:1
And as those that were in search of him persisted, he departed to another farm;
and forthwith they that were in search of him came up; and not finding him, they
seized two slave lads, one of whom confessed under torture;
Polycarp 6:2
for it was impossible for him to lie concealed, seeing that the very persons who
betrayed him were people of his own household. And the captain of the police,
who chanced to have the very name, being called Herod, was eager to bring him
into the stadium, that he himself might fulfill his appointed lot, being made a
partaker with Christ, while they--his betrayers--underwent the punishment of
Judas himself.
Polycarp 7:1
So taking the lad with them, on the Friday about the supper hour, the gendarmes
and horsemen went forth with their accustomed arms, hastening as against a
robber. And coming up in a body late in the evening, they found the man himself
in bed in an upper chamber in a certain cottage; and though he might have
departed thence to another place, he would not, saying, The will of God be done.
Polycarp 7:2
So when he heard that they were come, he went down and conversed with them, the
bystanders marveling at his age and his constancy, and wondering how there
should be so much eagerness for the apprehension of an old man like him.
Thereupon forthwith he gave orders that a table should be spread for them to eat
and drink at that hour, as much as they desired. And he persuaded them to grant
him an hour that he might pray unmolested;
Polycarp 7:3
and on their consenting, he stood up and prayed, being so full of the grace of
God, that for two hours he could not hold his peace, and those that heard were
amazed, and many repented that they had come against such a venerable old man.
Polycarp 8:1
But when at length he brought his prayer to an end, after remembering all who at
any time had come in his way, small and great, high and low, and all the
universal Church throughout the world, the hour of departure being come, they
seated him on an ass and brought him into the city, it being a high Sabbath.
Polycarp 8:2
And he was met by Herod the captain of police and his father Nicetes, who also
removed him to their carriage and tried to prevail upon him, seating themselves
by his side and saying, 'Why what harm is there in saying, Caesar is Lord, and
offering incense', with more to this effect, 'and saving thyself?' But he at
first gave them no answer. When however they persisted, he said, 'I am not going
to do what ye counsel me.'
Polycarp 8:3
Then they, failing to persuade him, uttered threatening words and made him
dismount with speed, so that he bruised his shin, as he got down from the
carriage. And without even turning round, he went on his way promptly and with
speed, as if nothing had happened to him, being taken to the stadium; there
being such a tumult in the stadium that no man's voice could be so much as
heard.
Polycarp 9:1
But as Polycarp entered into the stadium, a voice came to him from heaven; 'Be
strong, Polycarp, and play the man.' And no one saw the speaker, but those of
our people who were present heard the voice. And at length, when he was brought
up, there was a great tumult, for they heard that Polycarp had been apprehended.
Polycarp 9:2
When then he was brought before him, the proconsul enquired whether he were the
man. And on his confessing that he was, he tried to persuade him to a denial
saying, 'Have respect to thine age,' and other things in accordance therewith,
as it is their wont to say; 'Swear by the genius of Caesar; repent and say, Away
with the atheists.' Then Polycarp with solemn countenance looked upon the whole
multitude of lawless heathen that were in the stadium, and waved his hand to
them; and groaning and looking up to heaven he said, 'Away with the atheists.'
Polycarp 9:3
But when the magistrate pressed him hard and said, 'Swear the oath, and I will
release thee; revile the Christ,' Polycarp said, 'Fourscore and six years have I
been His servant, and He hath done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King
who saved me?'
Polycarp 10:1
But on his persisting again and saying, 'Swear by the genius of Caesar,' he
answered, 'If thou supposest vainly that I will swear by the genius of Caesar,
as thou sayest, and feignest that thou art ignorant who I am, hear thou plainly,
I am a Christian. But if thou wouldest learn the doctrine of Christianity,
assign a day and give me a hearing.'
Polycarp 10:2
The proconsul said; 'Prevail upon the people.' But Polycarp said; 'As for
thyself, I should have held thee worthy of discourse; for we have been taught to
render, as is meet, to princes and authorities appointed by God such honor as
does us no harm; but as for these, I do not hold them worthy, that I should
defend myself before them.'
Polycarp 11:1
Whereupon the proconsul said; 'I have wild beasts here and I will throw thee to
them, except thou repent' But he said, 'Call for them: for the repentance from
better to worse is a change not permitted to us; but it is a noble thing to
change from untowardness to righteousness'
Polycarp 11:2
Then he said to him again, 'I will cause thee to be consumed by fire, if thou
despisest the wild beasts, unless thou repent.' But Polycarp said; 'Thou
threatenest that fire which burneth for a season and after a little while is
quenched: for thou art ignorant of the fire of the future judgment and eternal
punishment, which is reserved for the ungodly. But why delayest thou? Come, do
what thou wilt.'
Polycarp 12:1
Saying these things and more besides, he was inspired with courage and joy, and
his countenance was filled with grace, so that not only did it not drop in
dismay at the things which were said to him, but on the contrary the proconsul
was astounded and sent his own herald to proclaim three times in the midst of
the stadium, 'Polycarp hath confessed himself to be a Christian.'
Polycarp 12:2
When this was proclaimed by the herald, the whole multitude both of Gentiles and
of Jews who dwelt in Smyrna cried out with ungovernable wrath and with a loud
shout, 'This is the teacher of Asia, the father of the Christians, the puller
down of our gods, who teacheth numbers not to sacrifice nor worship.' Saying
these things, they shouted aloud and asked the Asiarch Philip to let a lion
loose upon Polycarp. But he said that it was not lawful for him, since he had
brought the sports to a close.
Polycarp 12:3
Then they thought fit to shout out with one accord that Polycarp should be
burned alive. For it must needs be that the matter of the vision should be
fulfilled, which was shown him concerning his pillow, when he saw it on fire
while praying, and turning round he said prophetically to the faithful who were
with him, 'I must needs be burned alive.'
Polycarp 13:1
These things then happened with so great speed, quicker than words could tell,
the crowds forthwith collecting from the workshops and baths timber and faggots,
and the Jews more especially assisting in this with zeal, as is their wont.
Polycarp 13:2
But when the pile was made ready, divesting himself of all his upper garments
and loosing his girdle, he endeavored also to take off his shoes, though not in
the habit of doing this before, because all the faithful at all times vied
eagerly who should soonest touch his flesh. For he had been treated with all
honor for his holy life even before his gray hairs came.
Polycarp 13:3
Forthwith then the instruments that were prepared for the pile were placed about
him; and as they were going likewise to nail him to the stake, he said; 'Leave
me as I am; for He that hath granted me to endure the fire will grant me also to
remain at the pile unmoved, even without the security which ye seek from the
nails.'
Polycarp 14:1
So they did not nail him, but tied him. Then he, placing his hands behind him
and being bound to the stake, like a noble ram out of a great flock for an
offering, a burnt sacrifice made ready and acceptable to God, looking up to
heaven said; 'O Lord God Almighty, the Father of Thy beloved and blessed Son
Jesus Christ, through whom we have received the knowledge of Thee, the God of
angels and powers and of all creation and of the whole race of the righteous,
who live in Thy presence;
Polycarp 14:2
I bless Thee for that Thou hast granted me this day and hour, that I might
receive a portion amongst the number of martyrs in the cup of [Thy] Christ unto
resurrection of eternal life, both of soul and of body, in the incorruptibility
of the Holy Spirit. May I be received among these in Thy presence this day, as a
rich and acceptable sacrifice, as Thou didst prepare and reveal it beforehand,
and hast accomplished it, Thou that art the faithful and true God.
Polycarp 14:3
For this cause, yea and for all things, I praise Thee, I bless Thee, I glorify
Thee, through the eternal and heavenly High-priest, Jesus Christ, Thy beloved
Son, through whom with Him and the Holy Spirit be glory both now [and ever] and
for the ages to come. Amen.'
Polycarp 15:1
When he had offered up the Amen and finished his prayer, the firemen lighted the
fire. And, a mighty flame flashing forth, we to whom it was given to see, saw a
marvel, yea and we were preserved that we might relate to the rest what
happened.
Polycarp 15:2
The fire, making the appearance of a vault, like the sail of a vessel filled by
the wind, made a wall round about the body of the martyr; and it was there in
the midst, not like flesh burning, but like [a loaf in the oven or like] gold
and silver refined in a furnace. For we perceived such a fragrant smell, as if
it were the wafted odor of frankincense or some other precious spice.
Polycarp 16:1
So at length the lawless men, seeing that his body could not be consumed by the
fire, ordered an executioner to go up to him and stab him with a dagger. And
when he had done this, there came forth [a dove and] a quantity of blood, so
that it extinguished the fire; and all the multitude marveled that there should
be so great a difference between the unbelievers and the elect.
Polycarp 16:2
In the number of these was this man, the glorious martyr Polycarp, who was found
an apostolic and prophetic teacher in our own time, a bishop of the holy Church
which is in Smyrna. For every word which he uttered from his mouth was
accomplished and will be accomplished.
Polycarp 17:1
But the jealous and envious Evil One, the adversary of the family of the
righteous, having seen the greatness of his martyrdom and his blameless life
from the beginning, and how he was crowned with the crown of immortality and had
won a reward which none could gainsay, managed that not even his poor body
should be taken away by us, although many desired to do this and to touch his
holy flesh.
Polycarp 17:2
So he put forward Nicetes, the father of Herod and brother of Alce, to plead
with the magistrate not to give up his body, 'lest,' so it was said, 'they
should abandon the crucified one and begin to worship this man'--this being done
at the instigation and urgent entreaty of the Jews, who also watched when we
were about to take it from the fire, not knowing that it will be impossible for
us either to forsake at any time the Christ who suffered for the salvation of
the whole world of those that are saved--suffered though faultless for
sinners--nor to worship any other.
Polycarp 17:3
For Him, being the Son of God, we adore, but the martyrs as disciples and
imitators of the Lord we cherish as they deserve for their matchless affection
towards their own King and Teacher. May it be our lot also to be found partakers
and fellow-disciples with them.
Polycarp 18:1
The centurion therefore, seeing the opposition raised on the part of the Jews,
set him in the midst and burnt him after their custom.
Polycarp 18:2
And so we afterwards took up his bones which are more valuable than precious
stones and finer than refined gold, and laid them in a suitable place;
Polycarp 18:3
where the Lord will permit us to gather ourselves together, as we are able, in
gladness and joy, and to celebrate the birth-day of his martyrdom for the
commemoration of those that have already fought in the contest, and for the
training and preparation of those that shall do so hereafter.
Polycarp 19:1
So it befell the blessed Polycarp, who having with those from Philadelphia
suffered martyrdom in Smyrna--twelve in all--is especially remembered more than
the others by all men, so that he is talked of even by the heathen in every
place: for he showed himself not only a notable teacher, but also a
distinguished martyr, whose martyrdom all desire to imitate, seeing that it was
after the pattern of the Gospel of Christ.
Polycarp 19:2
Having by his endurance overcome the unrighteous ruler in the conflict and so
received the crown of immortality, he rejoiceth in company with the Apostles and
all righteous men, and glorifieth the Almighty God and Father, and blesseth our
Lord Jesus Christ, the savior of our souls and helmsman of our bodies and
shepherd of the universal Church which is throughout the world.
Polycarp 20:1
Ye indeed required that the things which happened should be shown unto you at
greater length: but we for the present have certified you as it were in a
summary through our brother Marcianus. When then ye have informed yourselves of
these things, send the letter about likewise to the brethren which are farther
off, that they also may glorify the Lord, who maketh election from His own
servants.
Polycarp 20:2
Now unto Him that is able to bring us all by His grace and bounty unto His
eternal kingdom, through His only-begotten Son Jesus Christ, be glory, honor,
power, and greatness for ever. Salute all the saints. They that are with us
salute you, and Euarestus, who wrote the letter, with his whole house.
Polycarp 21:1
Now the blessed Polycarp was martyred on the second day of the first part of the
month Xanthicus, on the seventh before the calends of March, on a great Sabbath,
at the eighth hour. He was apprehended by Herodes, when Philip of Tralles was
high priest, in the proconsulship of Statius Quadratus, but in the reign of the
Eternal King Jesus Christ. To whom be the glory, honor, greatness, and eternal
throne, from generation to generation. Amen.
Polycarp 22:1
We bid you God speed, brethren, while ye walk by the word of Jesus Christ which
is according to the Gospel; with whom be glory to God for the salvation of His
holy elect; even as the blessed Polycarp suffered martyrdom, in whose footsteps
may it be our lot to be found in the kingdom of Jesus Christ.
Polycarp 22:2
This account Gaius copied from the papers of Irenaeus, a disciple of Polycarp.
The same also lived with Irenaeus.
Polycarp 22:3
And I Socrates wrote it down in Corinth from the copy of Gaius. Grace be with
all men.
Polycarp 22:4
And I Pionius again wrote it down from the aforementioned copy, having searched
it out (for the blessed Polycarp showed me in a revelation, as I will declare in
the sequel), gathering it together when it was now well nigh worn out by age,
that the Lord Jesus Christ may gather me also with His elect into His heavenly
kingdom; to whom be the glory with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and
ever. Amen. {2*** THE THREE PROCEEDING PARAGRAPHS AS READ IN THE MOSCOW MS.
***}2 {9
Polycarp 22:2
This account Gaius copied from the papers of Irenaeus. The same lived with
Irenaeus who had been a disciple of the holy Polycarp. For this Irenaeus, being
in Rome at the time of the martyrdom of the bishop Polycarp, instructed many;
and many most excellent and orthodox treatises by him are in circulation. In
these he makes mention of Polycarp, saying that he was taught by him. And he
ably refuted every heresy, and handed down the catholic rule of the Church just
as he had received it from the saint. He mentions this fact also, that when
Marcion, after whom the Marcionites are called, met the holy Polycarp on one
occasion, and said 'Recognize us, Polycarp,' he said in reply to Marcion, 'Yes
indeed, I recognize the firstborn of Satan.' The following statement also is
made in the writings of Irenaeus, that on the very day and hour when Polycarp
was martyred in Smyrna Irenaeus being in the city of the Romans heard a voice as
of a trumpet saying, ' Polycarp is martyred.'
Polycarp 22:3 From these papers of Irenaeus then, as has been stated already,
Gaius made a copy, and from the copy of Gaius Isocrates made another in Corinth.
Polycarp 22:4
And I Pionius again wrote it down from the copy of Isocrates, having searched
for it in obedience to a revelation of the holy Polycarp, gathering it together,
when it was well nigh worn out by age, that the Lord Jesus Christ may gather me
also with His elect into His heavenly kingdom; to whom be the glory with the
Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.
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