Polycarp was born around ad 70. According to Irenaeus a student of Polycarp’s, said he was a disciple of John from the time of his early teens. He received much instruction from the apostles and was appointed Bishop of Smyrna by them. Although there is not much evidence beyond what Irenaeus says to clarify what type of relationship he had with the Apostles. It is clear by the references of Irenaeus that he was a close disciple of John and a truthful witness. For Irenaeus says, that Polycarp “would speak of his familiar intercourse with John” and the rest of witnesses to the Lord….and “thus received [information] form the eye witnesses of the Word of life, would recount them in all harmony …show more content…
In being steadfast in what he knew he tended to apply the same truths in all situations. To which Ignatius in his letter to Polycarp mentioned to him “endeavors to love all his brethren; unfortunately at times he tends to love ‘good disciples’ more than he ought, and to apply the same ‘plaster’ to all wounds” (Grant, 1946, 137-138). Therefore, in his steadfastness he stood firm to the end when He was martyred, given the chance to capitulate to the proconsul he did not. He simply kept affirming what he knew what was true, going to his demise, as immovable, in ad