addition, there are instructions on the proper duties of presbyters and
deacons as well as lay men and women.
St. Polycarp was not an original writer but was steadfast in passing on the
Apostolic truths he learned in his youth. He had a simple pious sense of the
faith and reacted instinctively against any form of heresy. In his later years
he was pained to see the widespread growth of false doctrine and cried out,
“O good God, what sort of era have you preserved me for, that I have to
suffer such things as this! “ (Eusebius, Eccl. History 5, 20).
After the death of St. Polycarp, his faithful congregation in Smyrna were
asked to give a full outline of the event. One of the actual witnesses, a
certain Marcion, accordingly compiled what is now acknowledged as the
earliest authentic record of a Christian martyrdom. The Martyrdom of
Polycarp is written in a true story-teller’s style and graphically describes
the bishop’s arrest and execution, making the reader feel part of the
unfolding drama. This work became the model for the many pious
martyrologies of the subsequent second and third centuries.
Extracts
The Letter(s) to the Philippians (C. 135 AD):
3, 1
“These things, brethren, concerning righteousness, I write to you not at my own
instance, but because you first invited me…”
4, 2
“After that we can go on to instruct our womenfolk in the traditions of the faith,
and in love and purity; teaching them to show fondness and fidelity to their
husbands....”
5, 2
“Our duty, therefore, is to give everything of this kind a very wide berth, and be as
obedient to our clergy and deacons as we should be to God and Christ.”
6, 1
“Let the presbyters be compassionate, merciful to all, bringing back those who
have wandered astray, visiting those who are sick, neglecting neither widow nor
orphan nor the poor, but providing always what is good in the sight of God and of
men. Let them refrain entirely from anger, respect of persons, and unjust
judgment; let them be far from the love of money, not quick to believe evil of
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