Polycarp served as bishop of Smyrna in Asia Minor for decades and was, according to early tradition, personally instructed by the Apostle John, making him one of the last living links to the apostolic generation. He worked to preserve authentic apostolic teaching against early heresies and corresponded with other Christian communities across the region.
In old age, during a public persecution, Polycarp was arrested and brought before the Roman proconsul, who urged him to curse Christ and be freed. Polycarp famously replied that Christ had never done him wrong in eighty-six years of service and that he could not now blaspheme his king and savior. He was burned at the stake and, according to the earliest surviving account of a Christian martyrdom outside Scripture, was finally killed with a dagger when the fire failed to consume him.
Saint Polycarp
Bishop and Martyr
The bishop of Smyrna and disciple of the Apostle John, burned and stabbed to death in old age for refusing to renounce Christ before a Roman crowd.
- Born
- 69
- Died
- 155
- Birthplace
- Smyrna (in modern Turkey)
- Died in
- Smyrna (in modern Turkey)
- Country
- Turkey
- Century
- 2nd century
Why People Pray to Saint Polycarp
Saint Polycarp is invoked for steadfastness in faith across a lifetime and courage to remain loyal to Christ even under direct threat.
