Polycarp of Smyrna
Disciple of the Apostle John and heroic martyr of the early church
Polycarp was bishop of Smyrna and a direct disciple of the Apostle John. His Epistle to the Philippians and the contemporary account of his death (The Martyrdom of Polycarp) testify to his steadfast orthodoxy, opposition to Marcion, and famous martyrdom confession: 'Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He never did me any injury: how then can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?'.
Historical Context & Significance
Polycarp served as the living link between the apostles and the next generation of fathers (particularly Irenaeus of Lyons, his disciple). He visited Rome to confer with Bishop Anicetus regarding the Quartodeciman calculation of Pascha.
Genealogical Lineage & Splits
This movement or council is an early root foundation with no preceding parent split in the dataset.
Theological & Hermeneutical Coordinates
Primary Scripture Proof-Texts
Key biblical passages central to this tradition's exegesis and historical debates.
Connected Theological Perspectives & Debates
Universal Christian confession that God Almighty is the sole Creator of all things visible and invisible out of nothing (*creatio ex nihilo*).
Universal confession that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and was raised for our justification according to the Scriptures.