Polycarp (ca. 69-ca. 155) a priest in the town of Smyrdom, Asia Minor, is the earliest known martyr since the New Testament. Significantly, Polycarp was the last surviving person to have known an apostle, having been a disciple of St. John. His life and testimony should serve as an example for all Christians to follow. He put his faith and trust in the Holy, Living God. Knowing, that worshiping the creator God would bring persecution. Yet despite this, he still worshiped his heavenly Father and looked to Him for strength, wisdom, and grace.
A few days before Polycarp was arrested, he received a vision from the Lord, telling him that for Christ sake, he would be burned at the stake. When urged to run, he turned to his companions “God’s will be done,” he replied. He was taken to Rome, where he stood trial before the Proconsul for refusing to burn incense to the …show more content…
Ready to be an acceptable burnt-offering to God, he looked up to heaven, and said, “O Lord God Almighty, the Father of your beloved and blessed Son Jesus Christ, by whom we have received the knowledge of you, the God of angels, powers and every creature, and of all the righteous who live before you, I give you thanks that you count me worthy to be numbered among your martyrs, sharing the cup of Christ and the resurrection to eternal life, both of soul and body, through the immortality of the Holy Spirit. May I be received this day as an acceptable sacrifice, as you, the true God, have predestined, revealed to me, and now fulfilled. I praise you for all these things, I bless you and glorify you, along with the everlasting Jesus Christ, your beloved Son. To you, with him, through the Holy Ghost, be glory both now and forever.
A few days before Polycarp was arrested, he received a vision from the Lord, telling him that for Christ sake, he would be burned at the stake. When urged to run, he turned to his companions “God’s will be done,” he replied. He was taken to Rome, where he stood trial before the Proconsul for refusing to burn incense to the …show more content…
Ready to be an acceptable burnt-offering to God, he looked up to heaven, and said, “O Lord God Almighty, the Father of your beloved and blessed Son Jesus Christ, by whom we have received the knowledge of you, the God of angels, powers and every creature, and of all the righteous who live before you, I give you thanks that you count me worthy to be numbered among your martyrs, sharing the cup of Christ and the resurrection to eternal life, both of soul and body, through the immortality of the Holy Spirit. May I be received this day as an acceptable sacrifice, as you, the true God, have predestined, revealed to me, and now fulfilled. I praise you for all these things, I bless you and glorify you, along with the everlasting Jesus Christ, your beloved Son. To you, with him, through the Holy Ghost, be glory both now and forever.