The Martyrdom of Polycarp

The Martyrdom of Polycarp is one of the earliest and most detailed accounts of a Christian martyr’s death outside of the New Testament. Saint Polycarp (c. 69–155 AD) was the bishop of Smyrna (modern Izmir, Turkey) and a disciple of the Apostle John. He was highly respected in the early Church as a link between the Apostles and later generations of Christians. Written by the Christians of Smyrna, it is a letter sent to other churches to describe Polycarp’s death. It emphasizes faith, courage, and the belief that martyrdom is a sharing in the sufferings of Christ.