Polycarp lived from AD 69-155 and was an important figure in the early church as a pastor, teacher, and martyr. His role was as the Bishop of Smyrna (in modern-day Turkey). Tradition indicates he was taught by the Apostle John. He is one of the early leaders who knew the apostles or their disciples personally.

In Revelation, John warned the church at Smyrna that they were about to face persecution and promised a crown of life to all who were faithful unto death. Polycarp had likely encouraged the people of God with these words when the Romans were hauling people off to face death by wild beasts or by fire.

Polycarp was known as a bold and relentless defender of truth. So much so that it would cost him his life. He was arrested during an intense time of persecution and ordered to renounce Christ and worship Caesar.

His reply has thundered throughout church history:

“Eighty-six years have I served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King who saved me?” Polycarp was burned at the stake and killed with a sword on February 23, 155. His death is recorded in “The Martyrdom of Polycarp.” Here was a man who remained faithful even unto death.

Open Doors International publishes their “World Watch List” report each year, which is an annual overview measuring the severity of Christian persecution in 50 countries. As many as 1 out of 7 believers today face persecution in the world to varying levels.

By God’s grace, most of us will never experience the level of persecution for our faith that Polycarp did. However, our faith is often put to the test, and we need to be ready.

The Apostle Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 16:13 Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.

The admonitions are reminiscent of a soldier and reflect the qualities necessary for going into battle. Be alert, calls for watchfulness in light of the coming of the Lord. Stand firm in the faith is to be firm in what you believe, the faith that has once and for all been delivered to the saints. Be courageous (also translated as be men of courage, or act like men) means to be brave. To be strong requires a reliance on God’s power rather than self-sufficiency.

May God grant us the resolve of faith so we can face whatever is required of us in service to Him!