Polycarp of Smyrna

c. 69 – February 23, 155

Bishop of Smyrna & Martyr

86 years I have served Him, and He has done me no wrong

Biography

Bishop of Smyrna and a direct disciple of the Apostle John. One of the earliest post-apostolic church fathers, he was burned at the stake at age 86 for refusing to worship the Roman emperor.

Faith & Testimony

When commanded to curse Christ, Polycarp declared: '86 years I have served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?' His martyrdom account is one of the earliest outside Scripture.

Sources

Polycarp — Wikipedia — Disciple of Apostle John, Bishop of Smyrna
The Martyrdom of Polycarp — Earliest known account of Christian martyrdom outside the New Testament, written as a letter from the church at Smyrna
The Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians — Polycarp's letter to the Philippians, showing his pastoral care and theological convictions
Early Church Fathers: Polycarp — Complete works of Polycarp in the Ante-Nicene Fathers collection (CCEL)