Polycarp: A Model of Faith, Unity, and Truth

Devotional

Day 1: Faithful Endurance in the Face of Persecution

Polycarp’s unwavering faith in Christ, even under threat of death, demonstrates the call for Christians to endure suffering with courage and steadfastness. His refusal to deny Christ, despite the promise of a painful martyr’s fire, reveals a deep trust in God’s faithfulness and a clear understanding of eternal hope. Polycarp’s words, “Eighty-six years I have served him, and he never did me wrong. How, then, can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?” echo the conviction that loyalty to Christ surpasses all earthly threats. His example challenges believers to consider what it means to stand firm in their faith, regardless of the cost, and to trust that God will give strength to endure every trial. [04:25]

Revelation 2:8-11 (ESV)
“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’”

Reflection:
What is one area of your life where you are tempted to compromise your faith under pressure? How can you ask God for courage to stand firm today, even if it costs you something significant?

Day 2: The Power of Church Unity and Reconciliation

Polycarp’s ministry and writings emphasize the importance of unity within the church, urging believers to love one another, pursue truth together, and gently restore those who have strayed. He called on elders to bring back those who had wandered, to care for widows, orphans, and the poor, and to ensure that no one was despised or neglected. Even when addressing those who had fallen, like Valens and his wife, Polycarp encouraged the church to seek their repentance and restoration rather than cast them aside. This vision of unity is not only for the health of the church but also for its witness to the world. [10:08]

Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV)
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Reflection:
Is there someone in your church family you have distanced yourself from or judged harshly? What step can you take today to move toward reconciliation or unity with them?

Day 3: Guarding the Truth about Jesus Christ

Polycarp was uncompromising in his defense of the true doctrine of Christ, warning against heresies that denied Jesus’ full humanity and the reality of His suffering, death, and resurrection. He insisted that anyone who does not confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh is an antichrist, and that distorting the message of the cross or denying the resurrection is a grave error. This call to guard the truth is a reminder that right belief about Jesus is foundational to the Christian faith and essential for the church’s health and witness. [11:10]

1 John 4:2-3 (ESV)
“By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.”

Reflection:
How well do you understand and articulate what you believe about Jesus? Take time today to reflect on or write out your own confession of who Christ is and why it matters.

Day 4: Living Out Good Behavior and Christian Virtue

Polycarp’s exhortations to the Philippians highlight the importance of living lives marked by faith, hope, love, truth, purity, compassion, patience, and reverence for God. He encouraged all members—men, women, young and old—to be blameless and to avoid slander, lying, and greed. Such good behavior not only strengthens relationships within the church but also shapes the church’s reputation among outsiders. The call is to let Christian character shine in every area of life, reflecting the reality of Christ’s work in the believer’s heart. [07:09]

Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

Reflection:
Which fruit of the Spirit do you most need to cultivate in your life right now? What is one practical way you can intentionally practice this virtue today?

Day 5: Restoring the Straying and Showing Compassion

Polycarp’s approach to those who had fallen away, like Valens and his wife, was not to condemn but to call them back with hope for repentance and restoration. He urged the church to appeal to those who had strayed, to pray for them, and to treat them as beloved members who had suffered, not as outcasts. This compassionate posture reflects the heart of Christ, who seeks the lost and rejoices in their return. The church is called to be a community of grace, always ready to restore and welcome back those who have wandered. [10:08]

James 5:19-20 (ESV)
“My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”

Reflection:
Is there someone you know who has drifted from faith or fellowship? How can you reach out to them this week with compassion and an invitation to return?

Sermon Summary

Polycarp stands as a bridge between the apostolic age and the generations that followed, having been personally discipled by the Apostle John and serving as Bishop of Smyrna during a time of both growth and persecution for the early church. His life and ministry were marked by a deep commitment to the teachings of Christ, a passion for church unity, and a courageous stand against heresy. Polycarp’s relationships with other church leaders, such as Ignatius of Antioch and Anicetus of Rome, reveal a spirit of humility and a willingness to seek unity even amid disagreement, as seen in the differing practices regarding the celebration of Easter. Yet, he was uncompromising when it came to the core truths of the faith, especially in his rejection of Gnostic heresies that denied the full humanity of Jesus.

The account of Polycarp’s martyrdom is a powerful testimony to the strength that comes from a life rooted in Christ. When faced with the demand to renounce his faith or face death, Polycarp’s response—“Eighty-six years I have served him, and he never did me wrong. How, then, can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?”—echoes through the centuries as a model of steadfastness. Even in the face of a brutal execution, Polycarp’s trust in God’s sustaining power was evident, as he refused to be nailed to the stake, confident that God would enable him to endure.

Polycarp’s written legacy, especially his epistle to the Philippians, emphasizes the importance of good behavior, church unity, and sound doctrine. He called believers to exercise faith, hope, and love, to care for the vulnerable, and to pursue reconciliation with those who had strayed. His warnings against false teachings were direct and uncompromising, reminding the church that a right understanding of who Jesus is—fully God and fully man—is essential for the health and witness of the Christian community.

The life and teachings of Polycarp challenge us to hold fast to the truth, to love one another deeply, and to live in such a way that both the church and the world see the reality of Christ in us.

Key Takeaways

1. Faithfulness in the Face of Persecution Polycarp’s unwavering commitment to Christ, even when threatened with death, demonstrates that true faith is not measured by comfort or safety but by steadfastness in adversity. His confidence in God’s goodness—“He never did me wrong”—reminds us that our loyalty to Christ must surpass all earthly fears. The courage to stand firm, even when the cost is great, is a testimony that inspires believers to trust God’s promises above all else. [03:18]
2. The Power of Unity Amid Diversity Polycarp’s willingness to “agree to disagree” with Anicetus over the date of Easter shows that unity in the essentials of the faith does not require uniformity in every practice. The early church’s ability to maintain fellowship despite regional differences is a model for us today, calling us to prioritize love and mutual respect over secondary issues. True unity is forged not by erasing differences, but by embracing one another in Christ. [02:12]
3. The Necessity of Sound Doctrine Polycarp’s strong stance against heresy, especially Gnostic teachings that denied Christ’s humanity, underscores the importance of holding fast to the truth about Jesus. Right belief is not a matter of intellectual pride, but the foundation for a healthy, unified church and a credible witness to the world. Guarding the faith requires both discernment and courage, as well as a willingness to confront error for the sake of the gospel. [11:10]
4. Compassion and Restoration Within the Church Polycarp’s exhortations to care for widows, orphans, and the poor, and his call to restore those who have strayed, reveal a heart that mirrors Christ’s compassion. The church is called to be a community where the vulnerable are honored and the fallen are pursued with grace and hope for reconciliation. This kind of love not only strengthens the church internally but also shapes its reputation before a watching world. [10:08]
5. Living a Life Worthy of the Gospel Polycarp’s life was marked by integrity, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility to both God and others. His example challenges us to pursue holiness, to speak truthfully, and to live in such a way that our actions align with our confession of faith. The call to good behavior is not mere moralism, but a response to the transforming power of Christ in us, making the gospel visible in our daily lives. [07:09]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:53] - Ignatius’ Letter and Pastoral Encouragement
[02:12] - The Easter Controversy and Polycarp’s Stand Against Heresy
[03:18] - Polycarp’s Martyrdom and Testimony
[04:25] - The Miracle at the Stake
[05:55] - Polycarp’s Apostolic Legacy
[07:09] - Polycarp’s Epistle to the Philippians
[08:30] - Exhortations to Good Behavior
[09:15] - The Call to Church Unity
[10:08] - Caring for the Vulnerable and Restoring the Strayed
[11:10] - Warnings Against Heresy
[12:00] - The Importance of Right Doctrine
[12:45] - Lessons for Today’s Church
[13:30] - Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Revelation 2:8-11 — (Jesus’ message to the church in Smyrna, where Polycarp was bishop)
2. 1 John 4:2-3
(“Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God…”)
3. James 1:27
(“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”)

Observation Questions

According to Revelation 2:8-11, what challenges did the church in Smyrna face, and what encouragement did Jesus give them?
In the sermon, what was Polycarp’s response when asked to deny Christ, and what does this reveal about his faith? [[03:18]]
What were some of the main issues Polycarp addressed in his letter to the Philippians, as described in the sermon? [[07:09]]
How did Polycarp handle disagreements with other church leaders, such as the controversy over the date of Easter? [[02:12]]

Interpretation Questions

Why might Jesus have told the church in Smyrna not to fear suffering, and how does this relate to Polycarp’s own experience? [[03:18]]
What does Polycarp’s willingness to “agree to disagree” with Anicetus teach us about unity and diversity in the church? [[02:12]]
Why was Polycarp so firm in rejecting Gnostic teachings that denied Jesus’ humanity, and what was at stake for the church? [[11:10]]
How does Polycarp’s call to care for widows, orphans, and the poor reflect the teachings of James 1:27 and the heart of Christ? [[10:08]]

Application Questions

Polycarp said, “Eighty-six years I have served him, and he never did me wrong.” When you face pressure to compromise your faith, what helps you remain steadfast? Is there a situation right now where you need courage to stand firm? [[03:18]]
Think about a disagreement you’ve had with another Christian over a non-essential issue. How can you pursue unity and love, even when you don’t see eye to eye? [[02:12]]
Are there any teachings or ideas you’ve encountered that challenge the core truths about who Jesus is? How do you discern what is true, and who do you turn to for help when you have doubts? [[11:10]]
Polycarp urged the church to care for the vulnerable and restore those who have strayed. Is there someone in your life or church community who needs encouragement, practical help, or a second chance? What is one step you can take this week to reach out? [[10:08]]
Polycarp’s life was marked by integrity and good behavior, not just for his own sake but for the church’s witness to the world. Are there areas in your life where your actions don’t match your faith? What is one specific change you want to make? [[07:09]]
When you think about the unity of our church, are there any barriers—big or small—that keep us from loving one another deeply? What can you do to help build bridges and foster reconciliation?
Polycarp was known for his humility and willingness to learn from others. Who is someone you can learn from in your faith journey, and how can you seek their wisdom or encouragement this month?

Sermon Clips

Exercising good behavior, remaining unified with each other through the bishop, and repelling heresy were three of the most important things. Most common themes of the writings of the Apostolic Fathers, or those who personally had been taught by the Apostles. [00:01:48]

While Polycarp spoke kindly to Western Christians who disagreed with the traditions of Eastern Christians, he had no patience with recognized heretics. [00:03:01]

Polycarp answered, Eighty-six years I have served him, and he never did me wrong. How, then, can I blaspheme my king and my savior? [00:04:17]

You threaten me with a fire that burns for an hour and after a little while is extinguished, but you do not know about the fire of the coming judgment of eternal punishment reserved for the ungodly. But why do you wait? Bring on what you will. [00:04:32]

Leave me as I am, for he who gives me strength to endure the fire will also enable me, without your fastening me by nails, to remain without moving in the pile. [00:05:04]

This left the mob wondering how significant the difference was between the bodies of those who were Christians and those who were not. [00:05:48]

Polycarp was at the epicenter of the early church in that he had heard the testimony of those who saw Jesus Christ personally, including the Apostles and especially the Apostle John. [00:06:12]

He left a clear testimony of an apostolic father who taught and lived out proper behavior and theology. [00:06:32]

Writing epistles to other churches was a common practice among the Apostolic Fathers, and they normally emphasized good behavior, church unity, and correct doctrine, especially about who Jesus Christ is. [00:07:30]

The most remarkable feature of Polycarp's epistle is not what it contains, but what it does not contain. There is no mention in the epistle of a single bishop or overseer of the church in Philippi, nor does Polycarp refer to himself as one. [00:08:23]

As was the case with other epistles written by the Apostolic Fathers, Polycarp's letter to the Philippians contains exhortations for Christians to behave well. [00:08:58]

Polycarp encouraged all the Philippian churches to exercise faith, hope, and especially love toward God and their neighbors. [00:09:09]

He exhorted them to be good, truthful, knowledgeable of God, pure and blameless, compassionate, patient, sober, and to fear God. [00:09:17]

Good behavior was not only good for relationships within the church, but the church's reputation with outsiders as well. [00:10:08]

Polycarp encouraged the elders, for example, to attempt to bring back those who strayed from the church and not to neglect the widows, orphans, or poor within the church. [00:10:19]

He also enjoined the Christians in general to love the family of God, join together in pursuit of the truth, to be gentle in their conversations toward one another, to be subject to one another, and to despise no one. [00:10:29]

Polycarp reserved his sternest speech for heretics who claimed, Jesus Christ has not come in the flesh. Polycarp is likely referring to a group of Gnostics who denied the full humanity of Jesus. [00:10:58]

Whoever does not confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh is an anti-Christ. Whoever does not confess the testimony of the cross is of the devil. And whoever perverts the words of the Lord for their own desires and says that there is neither a resurrection nor a final judgment is the firstborn child of Satan. [00:11:11]

Proper behavior and proper doctrine should lead to church unity and an effective Christian testimony. This is a good reminder, even for Christians today. [00:11:33]

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