Polycarp

<p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(34 34 34 1)>Polycarp the bishop of Smyrna is an important figure in the history of the early Christian Church. He learned the Christian faith by listening to John the Evangelist. Then he taught the faith to Irenaeus of Lyons who became a well-known Christian author. Polycarp was a companion of Papias and a contemporary of Ignatius of Antioch.</span></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(34 34 34 1)>The letter of Polycarp to the Philippians encourages the church to remain true to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the face of adversity and to persevere in faith and virtue. The letter is remarkable because in it Polycarp demonstrates a widespread knowledge and acceptance of the canonicity of the New Testament letters of saints Peter John and Paul.</span></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(34 34 34 1)>The Martyrdom of Polycarp is one of the earliest surviving martyrdoms. In this account Polycarp shows by example how to imitate Christ in death in order to win the crown of eternal life.</span></p>