BY JACK WARD

Can you imagine what it was like for the church in Smyrna as they watched their beloved and aged pastor burn at the stake? Polycarp was his name. He was a disciple of Jesus’ disciple, the Apostle John. One could tell it immediately because he possessed the same tenderness and compassion as his mentor.

Polycarp was Bishop of the church at Smyrna (present-day Turkey). Persecution broke out in Smyrna, and many Christians were fed to the wild beasts in the arena. The godless and bloodthirsty crowd called for the carcass of the leader – Polycarp.

The authorities sent a search party to find him. Some Christians had taken him into hiding, but the Romans finally discovered his location. When the authorities’ arrival was announced, there was still time to whisk Polycarp away, but he refused to go saying, “God’s will be done.”

In one of the most touching instances of Christian grace imaginable, Polycarp welcomed his captors as if they were friends. He talked with them and insisted they eat a meal. He made only one request before being taken away: He asked for one hour to pray. The Roman soldiers listened to his prayer. Their hearts melted as they heard him pray. They had second thoughts as well and were overheard asking each other why they were sent to arrest him?

Other authorities also experienced a warmed heart when Polycarp arrived. The Proconsul tried to find a way to release him, too.

“Curse God, and I will let you go!” he pleaded.