Polycarp of Smyrna: The Bishop Who Died for His Faith

Polycarp of Smyrna: The Bishop Who Died for His Faith

Who was Polycarp of Smyrna, and why is he one of the most revered early Church Fathers?
Polycarp was a disciple of the Apostle John, a bishop of Smyrna, and one of the earliest Christian martyrs. His writings and teachings helped shape the early Church, and his heroic death became one of the most famous martyrdom stories in Christian history.

📖 In this documentary, we explore:
✅ The early life and discipleship of Polycarp
✅ His connection to the Apostle John and the early Church
✅ What he taught about Jesus, salvation, and Christian faith
✅ His letter to the Philippians and its significance
✅ How Polycarp was arrested and executed by the Romans
✅ The impact of his martyrdom on Christianity

Who was Polycarp? In this video, we'll discuss the history of the Apostolic Father and his contribution to the future generations of Christianity.

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[polycarp]

One of our great Catholic bishops.
Such strength and wisdom.

[oxysz]

It’s so amazing how we have this knowledge from the original men who had the privilege to learn from the actual apostles ! People who saw Christ and ate with him. It’s mind blowing . Especially since modern people treat it as if we have no way of knowing the real scriptures or if these people even existed.

[bytesizedbible]

Fascinating. We can learn so much from those who have come before us about counting the cost for Jesus. Blessings and thank you for this!

[ngoc]

When you are down and your prayer altar is not on 🔥🔥 fire, stay in the place of worship and things will turn around. Started listening to Don Moen since I was a kid and never tire of his song am in my 40s now. Love you Lord .

[AmericanCrusader]

Dude is an underrated Saint. Everyone could learn from this man, he imitated Christ for long as he was here with us. Even in disagreement with his brothers, he still found a way to settle disagreements. Faced with heretical people, he didn’t flinch. Faced with death? He didn’t flinch. He welcomed death because he knows what our Lord will give us.

[atonewith]

Polycarp and Irenaeus are two of my favorites of the true remnant. Extreme persecution continued from the cross; key words in that statement are: 'extreme persecution continued from the cross!' On a good note; these true shepherds prayed for us; nice to consider, nice to know!

[Andistillhope]

I am today years old when I learned about this holy, faithful follower of Christ. 🤯

[sajimatthew]

Praise the Lord... What an amazing insight into the beautiful leadership in the early century

[polycarphunter]

i had an aunt that went to England to do research on our family tree. one of my ancestors from the 18th century was named Polycarp.

[landinization]

What an absolute Chad. St Polycarp, pray for us!

[kcrcbest]

I love Polycarp thanx :) really love the movie they did, great

[prodigal]

My friend, thank you for this upload but you left out the most important parts of the story. How Polycarp served dinner to those that came to arrest him, how he prayed over them and forgave them before being taken away in chains. How after being thrown out of the chariot on the way to his execution at the stadium...a voice was heard coming from heaven like the Archangel, "Play the Man Polycarp!" Or in modern parlance Stand Strong Like a Man Polycarp! Straight from the Throne of God, Which Everyone Heard and was recorded in Roman history! The fire being set around Polycarp ballooned like a room large and wide around Polycarp and did not consume his flesh but he seemed to transform within the flames while in prayer to God, and a sweet scent of Cinnamon and Jasmine seemed to permeate the air. Finally, the judge ordered the executioner to thrust a spear into the side of Polycarp which he did as the flames were not killing the old, spirit filled Bishop of Smyrna as the crazed mob wished, so they plunged the spear into Polycarp killing him lest the mob begin to believe in the Power of the Living God. God was truly with Polycarp His beloved servant.

[oliverphiri]

I have fallen in love with this channel ❤️😍 what a beautiful early church history

[RHStephanus]

Thank you for this information about Polycarp! We are definitely interested in the church fathers and the early generations of Christianity. Thank you!!

[JamesStein-hzwk]

May you find rest, peace and renewed joy this Easter season

[jacklinechomba-wzdw]

St Polycarp pray for me and children Amen 🙏

[AndyZach]

Excellent history. This matches what I have read in the Ante-Nicean Fathers about Polycarp. Subscribed.

[MattRedmond]

Excellent video. Organized and good quality. Just one criticism. There’s a typo at the end. “POPER DOCTRINE” should be “PROPER DOCTRINE”.

[JamesStein-hzwk]

The Glory of the Cross 

See him there at Calvary dressed out in full array 
The penalty for sinners Gods justice on display 

The slaughtered lamb now speaking, His soul is open wide 
I'm smitten and forsaken, My God My God Oh Why!

A mocking crowd comes tempting, with waging heads allied
A crown of thorns they gave him, set hard above his eye 

Yet some in sore amazement, let out a desperate cry!
'Tis Jesus friend of sinners, My God My God Oh Why

Then the earth began to tremble and the sun now shut its eyes
Lest sin should reign eternal, the cursed of God must die 

With troubled hearts we see him, but faithful we must be
This blessed act of mercy, t'was My God My God for me!

His sheep had all been scattered, alone and all undone 
His Fathers heart now grieving, they'd soon have aid to come

His work was now accomplished, the trembling cup lay bare
Sins darkness now upon Him, as he hung in great despair 

Before the day was finished, His parched lips would rehearse 
The only words befitting, My God My God I Thirst

Through smitten, bruised, abandoned, faith eye would let him see
In three days he would be risen, with the keys of victory 

At the dawning of the morning on the first day of the week 
He left the grave behind him, now gone to tend his sheep 

He spoke with his disciples, at a dinner by the sea
Three times he asked one question, Peter lovest me?

The Righteous King  Eternal, t'was this man from Galilee 
By faith, you can receive him and live life full and free

All nations now are groaning, while silent hearts just cry
A broken heart of sorrows, O' our God will not deny 

Return thy tears of sorrow, to the One who died for thee
No! You have not been forsaken, just but look to Calvary 

JS 2014

[DookyButter]

I'm always amazed by Christians who say there is no hell. Polycarp clearly believed in an eternal punishment (4:30), and he was a direct disciple of John, who wrote Revelation, which is about the coming judgment!