Polycarp was a student of Apostle John. He became known as the Bishop of Smyrna, a Greek town in what is now western Turkey. He is one of the Apostolic Fathers, and is primarily known for his Letter to the Philippians. He is also known for his remarkable lack of fear when he was put to death for being a Christian.
When the guards came to apprehend him, he begged them for one hour to pray. They allowed it. His prayers were so fervent that the guards repented of their sins.
Still, he was condemned to be burnt at the stake in the marketplace. His calm demeanor persuaded the guards to tie Polycarp to the stake, and not nail him. When the fire was lit, he stood unmoveable. The fires, though, burnt around him, and not even his hair was singed.
Seeing this, his executioner drove a spear through him. The blood was so great that it extinguished the fires. The body of Polycarp was thrown onto a pyre. His bones were later gathered for a secret Christian funeral.
It is said that many of those who witnessed the loving and forgiving nature of Polycarp during his execution humbled themselves and also followed Christ.
Fear Not, for God has given us a spirit of love.
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