POLYCARP, much loved bishop of Smyrna

In A.D. 156, anti-Christian persecution broke out in Asia. Fellow believers urged Polycarp to go into hiding. He was discovered in a hay loft and arrested. He had been a very influencial bishop for 50 years and now he was 86 years old.

The authorities wanted from him a denial of faith. Polycarp answered: "The fire you threaten burns for a time and is soon extinguished; there is a fire you know nothing about - the fire of the judgment to come and of eternal punishment, the fire reserved for the ungodly. But why do you hesitate? Do what you want."

The execution of Polycarp had been instigated and carried out by pagan officials, urged on by anti-Christian mobs, but the end result was a victory for the Christians.

Polycarp's death ended the outbreak of persecution in Asia, paving the way for others to declare their faith in Christ.