Apocryphal Books > New Testament Apocrypha and the Apostolic Fathers > Martyrdom of Polycarp
Martyrdom of Polycarp
Written as a letter from the church in Smyrna to the church in Philomelium, this is a vivid account of the martyrdom of Polycarp at the hands of the Romans. One of the most famous calls to Christian courage in the face of great persecution is found in this account: “Be strong . . . play the man!” (v. 9:1). An alternative conclusion found in the Moscow Codex (Ch. 23) was later added to address the heretical Marcionites, but is not included here.
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