Polycarp of Smyrna
Interlinear version (Beta)
About
Polycarp, a 2nd-century Christian bishop (or Overseer) of Smyrna, is celebrated as one of the earliest Christian martyrs and a direct link to the apostolic age.
A disciple of the apostle John, he played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting early Christian teachings. His only surviving work, the Letter to the Philippians, emphasizes adherence to apostolic tradition, warns against heresy, and encourages moral living.
Polycarp's martyrdom, vividly described in the Martyrdom of Polycarp, became a model for later Christian martyrologies. While some later writings were falsely attributed to him, his authentic letter remains a valuable witness to the faith and practices of the early church.