Polycarp of Smyrna
Also: Polycarpus
Born perhaps between 69 and 81; the place is not known. Died probably between 155 and 167, in Smyrna (now İzmir, Turkey).
Bishop of Smyrna for many years. Irenaeus says he knew the apostle John, and he was burned as a martyr when he was old.
Wrote in Greek. A major author.
Places lived
- 110 to 155Smyrna (now İzmir, Turkey)bishopyears probableHe was bishop when Ignatius passed through. He visited Rome about 154 (Eusebius, Church History 4.14).
Works
1 work, in the order they were written. 1 work can be read here.
- Letter to the PhilippiansA letter of advice to the church at Philippi, sent with copies of the letters of Ignatius.2,184 words
How we know the dates and places
- Born not sure
- Martyrdom of Polycarp 9.3 ("eighty-six years I have served him"), counted back from his death
- Place of birth not known
- No ancient source names a place.
- Died probable
- Martyrdom of Polycarp 21 (points to 155 or 156); Eusebius, Chronicle (167)
- Place of death sure
- Martyrdom of Polycarp 12 to 18
- Smyrna, years probable
- Ignatius, Letter to Polycarp; Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.3.4
- Smyrna, place sure
- Ignatius, Letter to Polycarp; Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.3.4