Martyrdom of Polycarp

The Martyrdom of Polycarp is a letter from the church of Smyrna to the church of Philomelium, recounting the arrest, trial, and death of Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, in 155 CE.|||Eight manuscript collections of hagiographical texts (menologia for February), dating from the 10th to the 13th centuries.|||The letter itself suggests 155 CE; Eusebius gives 167–168 CE. Most scholars accept 155–160 CE.|||Not canonical in any tradition, though it is the earliest surviving account of a Christian martyrdom outside the New Testament.|||The earliest and most detailed account of a Christian martyrdom. Describes Polycarp's refusal to deny Christ, his prayer, and his death by fire. Provides a model for later martyrdom accounts.|||Ehrman, B. D. The Apostolic Fathers, vol. 1. Harvard University Press, 2003.|||Holmes, M. W. The Apostolic Fathers: Greek Texts and English Translations. Baker Academic, 2007.|||Bowersock, G. W. Martyrdom and Rome. Cambridge University Press, 1995.|||Martyrdom of Polycarp — Early Christian Writings|https://www.earlychristianwritings.com/martyrdompolycarp.html|Full public-domain translation.;; Martyrdom of Polycarp — Sacred Texts|https://www.sacred-texts.com/chr/ecf/001/0010010.htm|Full text from the Ante-Nicene Fathers.|||" Eighty and six years I have served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?" — Martyrdom of Polycarp 9:3