The Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians

by Polycarp

Of Polycarp's life little is known, but that little is highly
interesting. Irenaeus was his disciple, and tells us that "Polycarp was
instructed by the apostles, and was brought into contact with many who
had seen Christ" (Adv. Haer., iii. 3; Euseb. Hist. Eccl., iv. 14).

Genres: Theology, Religion, Christian, Christianity, Nonfiction, Church History, Classics

26 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 108

About the author

Polycarp (Greek: Πολύκαρπος, Polýkarpos; Latin: Polycarpus; AD 69 – 155) was a 2nd-century Christian bishop of Smyrna. According to the Martyrdom of Polycarp he died a martyr, bound and burned at the stake, then stabbed when the fire failed to touch him. Polycarp is regarded as a saint and Church Father in the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran churches.

It is recorded by Irenaeus, who heard him speak in his youth, and by Tertullian, that he had been a disciple of John the Apostle. Saint Jerome wrote that Polycarp was a disciple of John and that John had ordained him bishop of Smyrna.

The early tradition that expanded upon the Martyrdom to link Polycarp in competition and contrast with John the Apostle who, though many people had tried to kill him, was not martyred but died of old age after being exiled to the island of Patmos, is embodied in the Coptic language fragmentary papyri (the "Harris fragments") dating to the 3rd to 6th centuries. Frederick Weidmann, their editor, interprets the "Harris fragments" as Smyrnan hagiography addressing Smyrna–Ephesus church rivalries, which "develops the association of Polycarp and John to a degree unwitnessed, so far as we know, either before or since". The fragments echo the Martyrology, and diverge from it.

With Clement of Rome and Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp is regarded as one of three chief Apostolic Fathers. The sole surviving work attributed to his authorship is his Letter to the Philippians; it is first recorded by Irenaeus of Lyons."

-- Wikipedia

Books about Polycarp
https://www.goodreads.com/characters/...

Reviews

[John Martindale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read that the epistle is believed to be written between 110 and 140AD. Within it was what seemed to be a number of references to Paul, and the Pastoral Epistles (which critical scholars think was written well after Polycarp's epistle), he also quoted John's epistles, Jesus from the gospels and I caught what seemed a mention from Hebrews and maybe even James. He considered it all to be scripture and gave praise for all of the apostles who laid down their lives for the gospels. Polycarp wrote that we are saved by grace through faith, and also gave a strong call for holy living, exhorting the Philippians shun all covetousness and sin, he definitely didn't see grace and works in conflict with each other. As the other reviewer mentioned, if it is indeed true that the Apostle John (a pillar of the Jerusalem church) discipled Polycarp, then it truly is significant that He expresses none of the bitter hatred and conflict that critical scholars like James Tabor claim was present in the early church.

[Christian Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This unique letter demonstrates how quickly Pauline and Johannine theology advanced throughout the disciples of the apostles. The theology combined with the letter’s audience makes this a sweet read as Christians today gain insight into the continuation of God’s faithfulness to his people from one generation to the next.

[Jacob London · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's okay. Just a ton of scriptures strung together with minimal application. Only a few things were mentioned that I thought were worthy or writing down.

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essentially a compilation of Scripture passages that was relevant to the audience at hand with minimal interjections and applications. This is perhaps one of the earliest documents outside the New Testament to survive. I was impressed with the reliance on Scripture demonstrated in it and the fact that the writer saw the Apostles speaking in unison with each other. Polycarp has traditionally been associated with John; however, he speaks in highest terms regarding Paul. The modern critical positions that hold to a sharp difference between Paul and the original disciples of Jesus fail to reconcile their theory with the actual records of those who lived at that time.

[Philip Mcduffie]

I have just been introduced to Polycarp so I was curious as to what his writings would look like. It is amazing to see his view of Scripture. There is no doubt that he believed the OT and NT to be the authoritative Word of God. Polycarp's whole epistle is christocentric and reminds you of the writings of the Apostles. This probably has to do with the fact that he skillfully weaves Scripture through every sentence of his writing. It is beautiful!

[J.J. Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

So interesting getting insight on the formation of the early church and seeing the quotes of scripture from such an early source.

[Jon Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

As quick a read as most NT epistles, and covering very similar content in similar style. Yet this was my first extra-biblical epistle, and I found it fascinating that Polycarp, a disciple of St. John, already (early-mid 2nd century) is using dozens of direct quotes from NT epistles. He even refers to Ephesians, alongside Psalms, as "scripture." This is remarkable for skeptical arguments regarding dates of authorship and canon compilation, since the authorship and approximate dating here are even more sure that many of the NT epistles. It appears that the early church was already using NT epistles extensively within the century, and the network of eyewitnesses was strong. (Note: he also quotes from Tobit, one that my Bible excludes)
I've got a lot more like these to read, and it both strengthens and demystifies many of the NT books for me - they are books that "build faith," teach gospel, and exhort virtue.

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another personal disciple of John the Apostle, Polycarp was the Bishop of Smyrna.

Interesting point of note that helps us interpret Paul. Polycarp positively quotes that we are “saved by grace and not by works” and then immediately following writes: “Now He that raised Him from the dead will raise us also; if we do His will and walk in His commandments and love the things which He loved, abstaining from all unrighteousness.”

Paul’s letters work the same way. The insistent on grace from the Father, through Christ, with the Spirit. We must be trinitarian in our statements on grace…

Here’s one way to put it that I love: “we are saved by grace, through faith, working itself out in love.” -Paul

[Yibbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love receiving letters. A friendly note or a deeper longer letter of encouragement, it doesn’t really matter when it shows up, both are great. But days or weeks later, it’s those letters that point to the Savior and His message to me that mean the most. They never seem to lose their power and love. Therein lies the power of this little letter. It is full of Christ and the author’s reliance on Him and desire for his readers to have the same.
I had heard that you could reconstruct the whole New Testament from the writing of the early church fathers. If they are all like this one, I don’t doubt it. It was amazingly full of Scripture. It’s short but interesting, and well worth reading.

[sch · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 May 2023. Remarkable for its biblical flavor, the text and tone of the New Testament. I am increasingly convinced that the faith-and-works dispute between Protestants and Roman Catholics is hair-splitting, a distraction. There is a real difference, but there is also a real similarity between the two camps, and those who draw too deep a line in the sand have only half the truth.

[Joshua Pearsall · Rating 5 out of 5]

It, like all of Polycarps epistles, are a good look into a bit of what was going on in the early Church as Polycarp knew he was on his march to martydom. A look at the things Polycarp thought were the last things he needed to say to the churches around him, and the call to stand strong and true in faith to Christ.

[Marc-André Renaud-Palardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Polycarpe est un maître dans son art. Son style d'écriture se trouve quelque part à mi chemin entre St Jean qui fût son maître, et St Paul avec sa maîtrise de la rhétorique.

Combinant ces deux styles très singuliers, Polycarpe propose des idée théologiques claires, importante et à la fois transpire une humilité et un amour de Dieu au travers de chaque mot.

[Karen Israel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Exhortation

This is a quick easy read and his exhortations are very reminiscent of God's instructions through Paul. We serve a loving and supportive God. No matter how or when we leave this planet, God promises us heaven with Him. He always makes good on them too.

[Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful. Polycarp was obviously steeped in apostolic thought, and this epistle quite closely reflects Paul’s epistles. Interesting to learn of the fall of the Presbytyr Valens through his covetousness.

[K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A straight forward letter to first century Christians. Polycarp is foundational.

[Hunter Q Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great but short book to read. He was truly a disciple of the Lord and if John. I watch th movie about his life. It is dry inspiring.

[Rosemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

very important letters to early Christians. it's short and most certainly worth the reading!

[Kade · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent short letter from an amazing early bishop and martyr.

[Jacob Rush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Polycarp is a G. Read on CCEL but I couldn't find any other version on Goodreads.

[Emerson John Tiu Ng · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but very meaty...

[Elliot Lake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great work, and a great exhortation to virtue.

[William Alderman · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much Scripture

[Brit · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are quite a few quotes from the scriptures. I find that quite interesting to see how this early manuscript match or lines up with the teaching of the New Testament.

[George Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. He loved the Lord. Encouraging exhortation to sustained virtue and some specific admonitions to holiness.

[T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

thoroughly biblical.

[Herald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting that Polycarp quotes from Tobit

[Carolyn Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Very interesting.

[Jaslyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have questions about what Polycarp says about almsgiving, which I will try to articulate at a later date

[Joseph Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not inspired as a Biblical cannon. But Polycarp was the student of the Apostle John. It is an interesting mirror of that age and the thoughts of the person of the early church era.

[Mark Reese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of my reading of “Early Christian Writings” by Maxwell Staniforth. Very good.