Polycarp

Polycarp of Smyrna (Born::69 AD–Died::155 AD) was a bishop of Smyrna, in Asia Minor, in the 2nd century AD, and was a disciple of John the Apostle.

Biography
According to Tertullian, Polycarp had been ordained bishop by the Apostle John's own hand. Eusebius of Caesarea reports, based on Irenaeus, that Polycarp, on one occasion, met Marcion who said: 'Recognize us' to which he replied: 'I recognize the firstborn of Satan'. Visited Rome in 155 AD to discuss the Easter meeting with the bishop of Rome Aniceto although without reaching an agreement on the topic under discussion. Asked to renounce his faith, the Roman proconsul said "change your way of thinking; shouts: atheists die!" what Polycarp replied: "Yes, atheists die!". Continuing the proconsul urged him to curse Christ. Then Polycarp said:

"Eighty-six years does I serve Him and no harm I have received from Him. How can I curse my King who saved me?".

According to the Martyrdom of Polycarp he died martyr, tied to a pole, burned on a pyre, but the fire formed a sort of dome like a sail of a ship around him so they gave him a blow of mercy with a dagger in his chest. Polycarp may have been the last survivor of those who spoke with eyewitnesses of Jesus.

Works

 * Epistle to the Philippians
 * The Martyrdom of Polycarp