POLYCARP OF SMYRNA – AN APOSTOLIC FATHER AND WITNESS UNTO DEATH
Over the last two weeks the Lord has been challenging me regarding the commitment of us as believers and the church at large. The question that resounded in my heart was the question…. ARE YOU WILLING TO PHYSICALLY DIE FOR ME?
I have been a follower of Christ and has dedicated my whole life to serving Jesus, but this question still shook me as I started to search my own heart in seeking to answer this question.
POLYCARP OF SMYRNA
The Lord reminded me of Polycarp one of the early apostolic fathers of the church.
Among the early pillars of the Church stands Polycarp of Smyrna—bishop, disciple, shepherd, and martyr. Recognized as one of the Apostolic Fathers, Polycarp belonged to that sacred generation personally connected to the apostles themselves. Early church testimony affirms that he was discipled by John the Apostle, placing him within direct apostolic lineage.
His life and martyrdom are not merely historical accounts; they are Kingdom testimonies—living parables of faithfulness, courage, doctrinal integrity, and Christlike love.
Polycarp was martyred around A.D. 155–160 in Smyrna (modern-day Turkey) after refusing to renounce Jesus Christ. His death became one of the earliest recorded martyrdoms outside the New Testament and remains a defining example of Kingdom loyalty.
There is a movie that was made about his life that is available on YOU TUBE called POLYCARP. I highly recommend that you take the time to watch this movie about his life.
There is principles that we can glean from his life and I invite you to journey with me and meditate with me on these principles.
COVENANT FAITHFULNESS OVER COMPROMISE
When commanded to curse Christ and declare allegiance to Caesar, Polycarp responded:
“Eighty and six years I have served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?”
His words echo the exhortation given to the very church in Smyrna decades earlier:
Revelation 2:10 NKJV
(10) Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Kingdom Principle: True allegiance belongs to Christ alone.
Polycarp understood that Jesus is not merely Savior, but Lord (Romans 10:9). The Kingdom demands undivided loyalty. His refusal to compromise demonstrates that faithfulness is not situational—it is covenantal.
For today’s believer:
- Loyalty to Christ must exceed loyalty to culture.
- Truth must not be negotiated for safety.
- Conviction must remain firm under pressure.
Mark 8:36 NKJV
(36) For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?
APOSTOLIC CONTINUITY AND GUARDING THE DEPOSIT
Polycarp stood as a bridge between the apostles and the emerging Church. He fiercely opposed early heresies and preserved apostolic doctrine.
Paul’s instruction to Timothy reflects the same spirit:
1 Timothy 6:20 NKJV
(20) O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge—
Kingdom Principle: The Kingdom advances through faithful preservation and transmission of truth.
Polycarp did not seek innovation; he sought faithfulness. He embodied:
2 Timothy 2:2 NKJV
(2) And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
In an age that prizes novelty, Kingdom leadership prizes fidelity. Apostolic fathers guard inheritance—they do not distort it.
COURAGE ROOTED IN ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
When threatened with wild beasts and fire, Polycarp reportedly warned his accusers about eternal judgment rather than fearing temporal flames.
His courage reflects Paul’s declaration:
Philippians 1:21 NKJV
(21) For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Kingdom Principle: Revelation of eternity produces fearless obedience.
The early Church lived with resurrection consciousness. They understood:
2 Corinthians 4:17 NKJV
(17) For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,
When believers fix their eyes on eternity fear loses authority.
2 Corinthians 4:18 NKJV
(18) while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
CHRISTLIKE MEEKNESS IN SUFFERING
Historical accounts describe Polycarp praying before his execution, giving thanks to God, and refusing to revile his persecutors. His posture mirrored that of Jesus Christ:
Luke 23:34 NKJV
(34) Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.
And like Stephen, who prayed:
Acts 7:60 NKJV
(60) Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Kingdom Principle: Kingdom authority is expressed through forgiveness and surrender.
Polycarp did not die in bitterness; he died in worship. His martyrdom was not an act of rebellion—it was an offering.
Romans 12:1 NKJV
(1) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
MARTYRDOM AS TESTIMONY
The word “martyr” means “witness.” Polycarp’s death was not defeat—it was proclamation.
Revelation 12:11 NKJV
(11) And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
Kingdom Principle: The highest testimony is unwavering devotion to Christ.
The Kingdom is not preserved by comfort but by consecration.
THE APPLICATION FOR THE CHURCH TODAY
Polycarp’s life confronts modern Christianity with searching questions:
Are we guarding the truth?
The demand is to “Contend earnestly for the faith.”
Jude 1:3 NKJV
(3) Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.
Are we prepared to stand when pressured?
We must put on the whole armor of God.
Ephesians 6:11 NKJV
(11) Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Do we live with eternal awareness?
The demand is for us to set our minds on things above.
Colossians 3:2 NKJV
(2) Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
Do we reflect Christ in suffering?
1 Peter 2:23 NKJV
(23) who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;
CONCLUSION: A CALL TO KINGDOM FAITHFULNESS
Polycarp of Smyrna reminds us that the Kingdom of God is not advanced by convenience, but by consecration.
He stood firm.
He guarded the Gospel.
He forgave his persecutors.
He loved Christ unto death.
Today, most believers will not face literal martyrdom—but all are called to die daily.
Luke 9:23 NKJV
(23) Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
The spirit of martyrdom is not merely dying for Christ; it is living fully surrendered to Him.
Let us then pursue a life that demonstrates:
- Courage over compromise.
- Truth over trend.
- Eternity over comfort.
- Worship over fear.
May we live in such covenant faithfulness that whether in life or death, Christ is magnified.
Philippians 1:20 NKJV
(20) according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.
The same Spirit that strengthened Polycarp strengthens the Church today.
Let us live worthy of the crown that does not fade.
1 Peter 5:4 NKJV
(4) and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.
BE FAITHFUL—UNTO DEATH IF NECESSARY—AND INHERIT THE LIFE THAT IS TRULY LIFE.
Grace and peace unto you.