"He Has Done Me No Wrong"

Heroes of the Faith

Polycarp Bishop of Smyrna

 

It is a fine February day in the year 155AD.   In the ancient city of Smyrna in Asia Minor (modern Turkey) the large excited crowds have gathered at the stadium for the Public Games.¹ Polycarp, the Bishop of Smyrna, one of my ancient heros in the faith, is facing certain death.

In the pluralistic world of the Roman Empire you could worship any god you chose but everyone had to pay homage to Caesar and proclaim "Caesar is Lord." Those who would not were considered "atheists."   At 86 years old Polycarp had been a humble, dedicated follower of Jesus since childhood.   His passionate love for Christ meant that he could bow to no other.   Tradition says that he had been personally mentored by the Apostle John.   He was a deeply rooted follower of Christ.

The crowds at the stadium begin to rally against Polycarp.   "Away with the atheists!" they shouted, "Let Polycarp be searched for!"    The Roman officials had been intent on arresting him for some time.    Panic-stricken friends had pleaded with him to flee, so to calm them, he agreed to withdraw to a small estate outside of town but his whereabouts was betrayed by a tortured young girl and the police came for him.    On the brief journey back to the city, his captors pleaded with the old man.    "What harm is it to say, ‘Caesar is Lord’ and to offer sacrifice to be saved?"

Polycarp was brought to the arena where, Statius Quadratus the proconsul, quizzed him before the crowd.    During the discourse Quadratus lost his temper and threatened Polycarp: he'd be thrown to wild beasts, he'd be burned at the stake.    Unwavering Polycarp put things in perspective, "You threaten me with fire that burns for a time and is quickly quenched, for you do not know the fire which awaits the wicked in the judgment to come and in everlasting punishment."    Quadratus then gave him the choice of death or cursing the name of Christ and making a sacrifice to Caesar.    Polycarp’s response was that of an unwavering follower of Christ.    "Eighty and six years I have served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?"    He remained unshakeable and was bound to the stake and set on fire.

Polycarp’s greatest passion in life had been Jesus Christ.    In death, he would not be moved.    As the flames rose up all around him, he prayed his final prayer; "I bless Thee that Thou hast granted unto me this day and this hour, that I may share among the number of martyrs, in the cup of Thy Christ, for the resurrection to eternal life." ²

It is such unwavering faith and commitment to Jesus Christ that has so greatly impacted our world and yet at the same time has often  been so hated.  It is to such unwavering faith in Christ to which God calls us, even today.    We may never have to face death for our faith in Jesus as did Polycarp, but we live in a culture that is increasingly hostile to the Gospel and to he church of Christ.   I believe that in the very near future we are going to see increasing isolation, marginalisation and perhaps even open persecution of the followers of Jesus Christ in North America.   It is of paramount importance that we love Jesus supremely, above comfort, above ease, above all distractions.   God is calling you, and He is calling me, not to be Christian in name only but to be unwavering followers of Jesus. 

 

 

 

1 Olympic type athletic games

2. "The Daily Study Bible" -"The Revelation of John" vol 1, pg 94