Bishop of Smyrna · c. 69 – c. 155

Polycarp of Smyrna

Bishop of Smyrna, said by Irenaeus to have been taught by the apostles. He was martyred in old age, and the church of Smyrna wrote an account of his death.

Writings

1. Letter

   Epistle to the Philippians

   A short pastoral letter to the church at Philippi, urging steadfastness in faith and good conduct.

   10 min read · translated by Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson

2. Narrative

   The Martyrdom of Polycarp

   The church at Smyrna’s account of Polycarp’s arrest and death, one of the oldest accounts of a Christian martyrdom.

   16 min read · translated by Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson

Portrait: drawn in the site’s engraved style from “Polycarp”, public domain, Wikimedia Commons.

All the Fathers