January 10, 2025
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The Story of Polycarp, the Faithful Martyr
A long time ago, in the 2nd century, there was a man named Polycarp. He was the bishop of Smyrna, a city in the Roman Empire (modern-day Turkey). As a bishop, Polycarp taught people about Jesus and cared for his community with great love. He had even learned from people who had known the apostles, so he was very respected and wise.
In those days, the Roman rulers wanted everyone to worship their gods and offer sacrifices to the emperor. Christians refused because they believed in worshiping only the one true God. This made the Roman leaders angry, and they began to arrest Christians and force them to choose: worship the Roman gods or face death.
Polycarp was an old man by this time—over 80 years old—but he was still strong in his faith. One day, soldiers came to arrest him. Some of his friends urged him to hide, but Polycarp said, “God’s will be done.”
When the soldiers arrived, Polycarp welcomed them kindly, even offering them food and water. He asked for time to pray, and they allowed it. Polycarp prayed so peacefully that even the soldiers began to feel sorry for what they had to do.
They took Polycarp to the governor, who told him, “You are an old man. Just say, ‘Caesar is lord,’ and offer a small sacrifice to the Roman gods. Then you can go free.”
But Polycarp answered, “For 86 years, I have served Jesus, and He has never done me wrong. How can I deny my King who saved me?”
The governor grew angry. “If you don’t worship the Roman gods, I will burn you alive!”
Polycarp calmly replied, “The fire you threaten burns for a little while, but the fire of God’s judgment lasts forever. I am not afraid of your fire.”
Hearing this, the governor ordered that Polycarp be burned at the stake. The soldiers tied him to a post and lit the fire. But something amazing happened: the flames didn’t harm Polycarp! Witnesses said the fire surrounded him like a shield, and he stood there unharmed, as if God were protecting him.
Finally, the soldiers had to use a sword to end his life. Polycarp died as a martyr—someone who gave his life for his faith in Jesus.
The Christians who were there that day were amazed by Polycarp’s courage and faith. They collected his bones and remembered him with honor, sharing his story with others. Even today, Polycarp’s story reminds Christians around the world to stay faithful to Jesus, no matter what challenges they face.