Polycrates of Ephesus
Born perhaps between 125 and 131; the place is not known. Died: the year and the place are not known.
Bishop of Ephesus about 190, who led the bishops of Asia in keeping Easter on the 14th day of the moon against Victor of Rome.
Wrote in Greek.
Places lived
- 189 to 196Ephesus (now Selçuk, Turkey)bishopyears probable
Works
1 work, in the order they were written. 1 work can be read here.
- Letter to Victor of RomeThe answer of the bishops of Asia to Victor of Rome, which defends their custom of keeping Easter on the 14th day of the moon.1,037 words
How we know the dates and places
- Born not sure
- His letter says he has lived "sixty-five years in the Lord" (Eusebius, Church History 5.24.7); the letter is about 190-196. ANF 8 gives 130
"In the Lord" can count from birth or from baptism. - Place of birth not known
- Not stated. He says seven of his kinsmen were bishops (Eusebius, Church History 5.24.6), so a family of Asia is likely but no town is named
- Died not known
- Nothing is known after the letter of about 190-196; ANF 8 gives 196 as the last date only
- Place of death not known
- No source names the place
- Ephesus, years probable
- Eusebius, Church History 5.22 and 5.24: bishop in the time of Victor of Rome (about 189-199)
- Ephesus, place sure
- Eusebius, Church History 5.22 and 5.24.1