Polycarp’s Life and Influence

Although not much is known about Polycarp personally, he is regarded as one of the most influential church leaders of the second century ad (Koester, History, 308). He played a significant role in the early stages of the post-apostolic age, and lived circa ad 69–155 (or circa 81–167). The circa ad 69–155 dates are largely derived from indirect evidence gleaned from the Martyrdom of Polycarp, written by the church of Smyrna where Polycarp served as bishop; the circa 81–167 dates are derived from implications of the church historian Eusebius’ record of Polycarp (Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History 4.14.10). In the Marytrdom of Polycarp, Polycarp seems to suggest he is 86 years old just before his death (Mart. Pol. 9:3). Other references suggest Polycarp was arrested and martyred shortly after the installation of Anicetus as Bishop of Rome in ad 154 (Holmes, Apostolic Fathers, 301).

Polycarp lived at a time when the church was transitioning from apostolic leadership to having church leaders who were not eyewitnesses of Jesus. It is widely held that Polycarp was acquainted with at least one apostle (and perhaps others) and a number of people who were eyewitnesses to the resurrected Jesus. Irenaeus claims Polycarp was a disciple of John the Apostle (Adversus Haereses 3.3.4; see also Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History 5.20.6). Jerome and Eusebius likewise believed Polycarp was a disciple of John (Illustrious Men 17 and Ecclesiastical History 3.36.1). In light of the content and style of his writings, many have concluded Polycarp was a member of a Johannine school (Grant, “Polycarp,” 145), which would have comprised those who viewed the teachings of the apostle John to be of central importance.

Berding has argued that Polycarp’s propensity to cite and allude to Paul’s writings suggests that Paul was in fact his greatest influence (Berding, “John or Paul,” 140–41). Berding also notes that it is not necessary to make such a dichotomy between the two apostles. It is possible that, while being greatly influenced by Johannine thought, Polycarp’s writing reflects all of the first-generation apostles. (Berding, “John or Paul,” 143).

In writing, Polycarp focuses on pastoral theology, personal piety, and traditions that should be handed down (Grant, “Polycarp,” 138–39). Despite his seeming gentleness, he was also willing to fight against heresy to protect the truth. While in Rome, he met Marcion, who the early church fathers deemed heretical, and called him “the first-born of Satan” to his face (Ecclesiastical History 4.14:7). Polycarp’s teaching and guidance from his position as Bishop of Smyrna made him a target for political attention and ultimately led to his arrest and martyrdom.