Polycarp was born around the year 70 A.D., was later instituted as bishop of Smyrna, and was martyred at the age of 86. Despite Irenaeus describing him as a prolific writer, only his letter to the Philippians has survived, the dating of which is contested.[1] Some argue that the single letter we now possess was originally two separate letters.[2] However, recent scholarship tends to be moving away from this thesis.[3] Regardless, both epistles are genuine with little dispute and therefore, constitute a witness to his faith.[4] Little about Polycarp’s own life is revealed in his letter, unlike the personal transparency of Ignatius or Paul. However, there remains a great deal of external information regarding his life.[5] “There is no reason to doubt that he had conversed with the apostle John,”[6] and was the bishop of Smyrna when Ignatius was being transported to Rome.[7] Eusebius preserves the opinion of Polycrates of Ephesus (130-196 A.D.) who described Polycarp as “one of the greatest luminaries” of their time.[8] Irenaeus (180 A.D.) echoes a similar sentiment regarding Polycarp’s letter to Philippi: "Now there is also a letter of Polycarp written to the Philippians, a most adequate one; from which such as so desire, and have a care for their own salvation, can learn both the character of his faith and the message of truth."[9]
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