So glad I eschewed historical-critical analysis of these ancient sources and was thus able to enjoy this very readable story, which seems to be narrating a historical fact with some legendary embellishments--certainly in the way that obvious links between Polycarp and Christ are established.
Particularly memorable is the report of the dialogue between Polycarp and the proconsul:
“Swear by the fortune of Cæsar; repent, and say, Away with the Atheists.” But Polycarp, gazing with a stern countenance on all the multitude of the wicked heathen then in the stadium, and waving his hand towards them, while with groans he looked up to heaven, said, “Away with the Atheists. Referring the words to the heathen, and not to the Christians, as was desired. Then, the proconsul urging him, and saying, “Swear, and I will set thee at liberty, reproach Christ;” Polycarp declared, “Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He never did me any injury: how then can I blaspheme my King and my Saviour?”
Equally worthwhile pointing out are
1) Possibly worried by unintended consequences of the story, the author takes great pains, referring to an apostate called Quintus to dissuade his readers from offering themselves up for martyrdom.
2) Although the author claims only to worship Jesus, a certain veneration of Polycarp is evident, including relics of what are claimed to be his bones.
3) For those interested in APEPT team leadership, Polycarp is described as an "apostolic and prophetic teacher"
Particularly memorable is the report of the dialogue between Polycarp and the proconsul:
“Swear by the fortune of Cæsar; repent, and say, Away with the Atheists.” But Polycarp, gazing with a stern countenance on all the multitude of the wicked heathen then in the stadium, and waving his hand towards them, while with groans he looked up to heaven, said, “Away with the Atheists. Referring the words to the heathen, and not to the Christians, as was desired. Then, the proconsul urging him, and saying, “Swear, and I will set thee at liberty, reproach Christ;” Polycarp declared, “Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He never did me any injury: how then can I blaspheme my King and my Saviour?”
Equally worthwhile pointing out are
1) Possibly worried by unintended consequences of the story, the author takes great pains, referring to an apostate called Quintus to dissuade his readers from offering themselves up for martyrdom.
2) Although the author claims only to worship Jesus, a certain veneration of Polycarp is evident, including relics of what are claimed to be his bones.
3) For those interested in APEPT team leadership, Polycarp is described as an "apostolic and prophetic teacher"
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