Polycarp: Model of Perseverance

One of the things I like about hanging out with Catholics is the fact that I am continually sharing parts of that particular Christian tradition that my own Quaker tradition does not emphasize.  One of the things is their use of the saints of the Church.  I like that so many days of the year are dedicated to particular saints.  In my own mind there is no necessary connection of a day and the saint associated with that day.  But it is always a good occasion to focus on a special person of the Church.           

Recently one of the saint days that I welcomed was the day celebrating Polycarp.  I used to spend some time with that old saint, but since I don’t teach more specialized courses in Christian history, I seldom have occasion to think about Polycarp.  So to share his saint day was like a reunion with an old friend.           

I am sure that I never heard of Polycarp during my growing up days as a Quaker.  But I learned about him in my first serious Christian history when I went to college.  I was fascinated by his life and his witness.  Let me share a few highlights of this saintly figure from the early Church.  He was born just past the halfway mark of the first Christian century…probably about 70CE.  He lived nearly a hundred years, therefore, dying mid-second century.  It is possible Polycarp actually knew a few disciples of Jesus.  More likely, he was a young friend of some of the second-generation disciples.             

He lived in what was then called Asia Minor---modern-day Turkey.  He became a Christian at some point and, then, became a Christian leader.  He was revered as a bishop.  As a leader, he was engaged in helping chart the evolution and development of the Christian movement.  Because Christianity is such a given in our culture, it is difficult to imagine what it really was like in those early, formative days.  Polycarp’s early years would have been simultaneous with the appearance of the four Gospels.             

The thing that doubtlessly caused Polycarp to be remembered, sainted and celebrated more than eighteen centuries later was his martyrdom.  Polycarp died for his faith.  Polycarp lived at a time when Christianity was not recognized by the Roman government.  Leaders were especially vulnerable to discovery and execution.  Polycarp would have been a very visible leader.  Like others before him, he would have had a choice: denounce his faith or suffer for his faith.           

Polycarp chose to suffer for his faith.  He paid the ultimate price.  When I first encountered the story of Polycarp, I was moved by his story.  As a leader among the Christians of the second century, he played a crucial role.  He must have always known the possibility that death lurked around the corner.  But he had made his commitment.  He would live out that commitment.  He had the resolve to stay the course---whatever course that might be.             

I think it was his commitment that was the foundation that enabled him to persevere.  His life and then his death made him a model of perseverance.  In today’s language we would probably say that he “walked the walk.”  Talking the talk is easy where there is little or no price to pay.  Polycarp’s faith was true and his commitment was unflappable.  In the face of persecution he could “walk the walk.”  He persevered.  He modeled an exceptional quality of allegiance.           

I think about his model of perseverance.  Surely, there are many components in this modeling.  I can think of at least three.  In the first place he had a deep and abiding faith in God.  Perhaps today this might be described as a faith in a Cause or Principle bigger than ourselves.  I am comfortable with God-language.  Polycarp helps me see that my God has to be a cause or principle far bigger than I am.  Is my God worth my ultimate sacrifice?  I have growing to do!           

Secondly, his deep faith must have given him confidence and the resolve to persevere---no matter what.  He must have known that when the going gets tough, “the tough get going.”  It may seem odd to talk about a martyr having confidence, but I think it was a confidence rooted in the strength of his faith, his commitment and the integrity of faith that he was bound to live out.           

Thirdly, I think there must be an element of grace in the perseverance.  Somehow Polycarp surely was very clear God would be with him.  To the secular ears of our culture, that must seem like utter nonsense.  But I have some sense of God’s grace and, I’m sure, so did Polycarp.  Clearly God’s grace was not going to swoop down and spare his life.  He died!  But he persevered.  He models perseverance.           

I hope I never get tested the way Polycarp was tested.  I know I am not ready for that kind of test.  Sometimes I feel like a spiritual kindergartner!  With Polycarp’s help, I know the growing that can take place.  I have the faith, commitment and resolve.  It can grow and deepen.  That’s the good news---the hopeful news.