THE ACTS OF THE CHRISTIAN MARTYRS
INTRODUCTION TEXTS AND TRANSLATIONS BY
HERBERT MUSURILLO
% Ml
OXFORD AT THE CLARENDON PRESS 1972
24087
1
Maprvpiov rod Ayiov IIoXvKdprrov*
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35 oapKos dneoripovv ol pdprvpts tou Xpiarov, p£XXov Be ort itapeoTOJS
6 Kvptos dtptXet aiiTOts. 3. «at Trpooe'xovres rij rov Xpiarov jfa'otTt
1-9 = Euscbius, HE iv. 15. 3 (Schwartz, 336) 5 fao 6eo0 PHBCV
7 afatyol d.ytan)Toi M       16 sq. cf. Eus., HE iv, 15. 4-14 (Schwartz, 336 sq.)
* On the text see Introduction, pp. xiv-xv.
1
The Martyrdom of St. Polycarp
The church of God dwelling in Smyrna to the church of God of Philomelium and to all the communities of the holy Catholic Church everywhere: may the mercy, peace, and love of God the Father and Jesus Christ our Lord be multiplied.*
1. We are writing to you, dear brothers, the story of the martyrs and of blessed Polycarp who put a stop to the persecution by his own martyrdom as though he were putting a seal upon it. For practically everything that had gone before took place that the Lord might show us from heaven a witness in accordance with the Gospel. Just as the Lord did, he too waited that he might be delivered up, that we might become his imitators, not thinking of ourselves alone, but of our neighbours as well.1 For it is a mark of true and solid love to desire not only one's own salvation but also that of all the brothers.
2. Blessed indeed and noble are all the martyrdoms that took place in accordance with God's will. For we must devoudy assign to God a providence over them all. Who indeed would not admire the martyrs' nobility, their courage, their love of the Master? For even when they were torn by whips until the very structure of their bodies was laid bare down to the inner veins and arteries; they endured it, making even the bystanders weep for pity. Some indeed attained to such courage that they would utter not a sound or a cry, showing to all of us that in the hour of their torment these noblest of Christ's witnesses were not present in the flesh, or rather that the Lord was there present holding converse with them. Fixing their eyes on the favour of Christ, they despised
' Jude 2. 1 Phil, a: 4.
4 ACTS OF THE CHRISTIAN MARTYRS 1
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1 OF POLYCARP 5
the tortures of this world, in one hour buying themselves an exemption from the eternal fire. The fire applied by their inhuman torturers was cooled: for they kept before their eyes the knowledge that they were escaping that eternal fire never to be extinguished; and with the eyes of the soul they looked up to those good things that are saved up for those who have persevered, which neither the ear has heard nor the eye seen, nor has it entered into the heart of man:3 but to them the Lord revealed it seeing they were no longer men but angels.
Similarly did those who were condemned to the beasts endure terrifying torments, being laid out upon trumpet-shells, and bruised by other different kinds of tortures. The purpose was that, if possible, the tyrant might persuade them to deny the faith by constant torment. 3. For many were the stratagems the Devil used against them. But thanks be to God, he did not prevail over all of them. The most noble Germanicus gave them encouragement by the perseverance he showed; he even fought manfully with the beasts. The governor tried to persuade him, telling him to spare his young manhood; but he with a show of force dragged the beast on top of him, intending to be freed all the more quickly from this unjust and lawless life. At this then all the mob was astonished at the courage of this pious and devoted race of Christians, and they shouted out: 'Away with these atheists! Go and get Polycarp!'
4. There was a Phrygian named Quintus who had only recently come from Phrygia, and when he saw the wild animals he turned cowardly. Now he was the one who had given himself up and had forced some others to give themselves up voluntarily. With him the governor used many arguments and persuaded him to swear by the gods and offer sacrifice. This is the reason, brothers, that we do not approve of those who come forward of themselves:* this is not the teaching of the Gospel.
5. Now at first when the most admirable Polycarp heard of this, he was not disturbed and even decided to stay in Smyrna; but most people advised him to slip out quietly. And so he left
' 1 Cor. a: 9; cf. Isa. 64: 4, 65: 6.
* Cf. the Acts of Cyprian 1. 5 (n» quis se ultra offerat).
6 ACTS OF THE CHRISTIAN MARTYRS 1
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Kal Savfia Sowetv opav) a6 tipos dvaroXijii M: om. PHBCV Bihlmeyer
30Sqq. (8-19. 1) = Eus., HE iv. 15. 15-45 (Schwartz, 340-5»)
1 OF POLYCARP 7
secretly for a small estate on the outskirts, staying there with a few friends. Day and night he did little else but pray for everyone and for all the churches scattered throughout the world, as he was indeed accustomed to do.
Three days before he was captured he fell into a trance while at prayer: he saw his pillow being consumed by fire. He turned and said to his companions: 'I am to be burnt alive.'
6. The pursuivants persisted on his trail, and so he moved to a different estate. Shortly thereafter they arrived. Not finding Polycarp they seized two slaves, and one of them told everything under torture. Indeed, it was impossible for Polycarp to remain in hiding when he had betrayers in his own household. The police captain, who was called Herod, was eager to bring himT6_th'e amphitheatre: destiny had given him the same name, that Polycarp might fulfil the lot that was appointed to him, becoming a sharer with Christ, and those who betrayed him might receive the punishment of Judas.5
7. With the slave then, the police and cavalry set out on Friday at the dinner hour with the usual arms as though against a brigand.6 It was late in the evening when they closed in: they found him reclining in a small room upstairs. He could have left and gone elsewhere but he refused, saying: 'May the will of God be done.'7 And so, hearing that they had arrived he went downstairs to talk with them, while all those present8 were surprised at his composure and his old age, and why there should have been such concern to capture so elderly a man.
At any rate Polycarp immediately ordered food and drink to be set before them, as much as they wished, even at this hour, and only requested that they might grant him an hour to pray undisturbed. When they consented, he stood up and began to pray facing the cast,9 and so full was he of God's grace that he was unable to stop for two hours, to the amazement of those who heard him, and many were sorry that they had come out to arrest such a godlike old man.
8. Finally he finished his prayer, after calling to mind all those who had ever come into contact with him, both important and
5 With the reference to Judas and Herod we see the beginning of the Gospel parallelism which the author (or, according to von Campenhausen, a redactor) has striven for. 6 Matt. 26: 55. 7 Acts si: 14.
8 Some editors would emend the text: 'while they were surprised seeing his composure.'
9 Most editors omit the phrase 'facing the east'.
8288088 F
8 ACTS OF THE CHRISTIAN MARTYRS 1
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1 OF POLYGARP g
insignificant, famous and obscure, and the entire Catholic Church scattered throughout the world. It was now time to go, and so they put him on a donkey and thus conducted him into the city. It was now a great Sabbath day.10
The police captain Herod with his father Nicetes came up to meet Polycarp; they shifted him into their own carriage, and after sitting down beside him they tried to persuade him, saying: 'Now what harm is there for you to say "Caesar is lord", to perform the sacrifices and so forth, and thus save your life?'
At first Polycarp would not answer them; but when they persisted, he said: 'I do not intend to do what you advise,1
They then gave up their attempt to move him and spoke threateningly to him, and took him down from the carriage so hastily that he scraped his shin. But taking no notice, as though nothing had happened, he walked on eagerly and quickly; and as he was brought into the ampliitheatre there was such an uproar there that no one could even be heard.
9. As Polycarp entered the amphitheatre, a voice from heaven - said: 'Be strong, Polycarp, and have courage.'11 No one saw who was speaking, but those of our people who were present heard the voice.
Then, as he was brought in, a great shout arose when the people heard that it was Polycarp who had been arrested. As he was brought before him, the governor asked him: 'Are you Polycarp?' And when he admitted he was, the governor tried to persuade him to recant, saying: 'Have respect for your age' (and other similar things that they are accustomed to say);11 'swear by the Genius of the emperor." Recant. Say, "Away with the atheists!" '
Polycarp, with a sober countenance, looked at all the mob of lawless pagans who were in the arena, and shaking his fist at them, groaned, looked up to heaven, and said: 'Away with the atheists!'
The governor persisted and said: 'Swear and I will let you go. Curse Christ!'
But Polycarp answered: 'For eighty-six years I have been his servant and he has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme against my king and saviour?*
10 Cf. John 19: 31 of the Sabbath occurring during Passover. See Arndt-Gingrich, s.v. oa.fifia.Tov.
" Josh. 1: 6, 7; cf. Deut. 31: 6, 7, 23. Some manuscripts add 'for I am with you' (as in Acts 18: 10).
12 The words in parenthesis would seem to be an editorial comment.
11 On the oath see also the Acts of the Scillitan Martyrs 3, 5, and the Acts of Apoikniiu 3.
i
io ACTS OF THE CHRISTIAN MARTYRS 1
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1 OF POLYCARP Sy<\Uy\r:
10. But the other insisted once again, saying: 'Swear by the emperor's Genius!'
He answered: 'If you delude yourself into thinking that I will swear by the emperor's Genius, as you say, and if you pretend not to know who I am, listen and 1 will tell you plainly: I am a Christian. And if you would like to learn the doctrine of Christianity, set aside a day and listen.'
The governor said: 'Try to move the people.' And Polycarp said: 'I should liave thought you worthy of such a discussion. For we have been taught to pay respect to the authorides and powers that God has assigned us {for this does not harm our cause). But as for the mob, I do not think they deserve to listen to a speech of defence from me.'
11. The governor said: 'I have wild animals, and I shall expose you to them if you do not change your mind.'
And he answered: 'Go and call for them! Repentance from a better state to one that is worse is impossible for us.'+ But it is good to change from what is wicked to righteousness.'
And he said again to him: 'Since you are not afraid of the animals, then I shall have you consumed by fire—unless you change your mind.'
But Polycarp answered: 'The fire you threaten mc with burns merely for a time and is soon extinguished.'5 It is clear you are ignorant of the fire of everlasting punishment and of the judgement that is to come, which awaits the impious. Why then do you hesitate? Come, do what you will.'
12. As he said these and many other words he was filled with a joyful courage; his countenance was filled with grace, and not only did he not collapse in terror at what was said to liim, but rather it was the governor diat was amazed. He sent his herald into the centre of the arena to announce three times: 'Polycarp has confessed that he is a Christian.'
After the herald had spoken, the entire mob of pagans and Jews from Smyrna shouted out aloud in uncontrollable rage: 'Here is the schoolmaster of Asia—the father of the Christians— the destroyer of our gods—the one that teaches the multitude not to sacrifice or do reverence!'16
And while they were saying all this they shouted and asked Philip the Asiarch to have a lion loosed on Polycarp. But he said that he was not allowed to do this since the days of the animal
" Of. the Acts of Justin B 5. 4. " Cf. the Acts of Carpus B 4. 5.
16 Representing the different accusations of those in the throng.
ia ACTS OF THE CHRISTIAN MARTYRS 1
7T€TrX-qpwK€i rd Kvvryyeoia. 3. Tore eSo£ev airois 6fj,o8v[W,86v imfioijoai aiare rov IJoXvKapTrov tfijvra KaraKavoai. eSei yap to rrjs <f>avepa>deiorjs avrai em rov rrpooK€<fiaXaiOV dirraalas TrXrjpojdrj-vai, ore I8d>v aird Kai6p.evov rrpooevxdpievos ei-nev imorpa^els rots 5 ovv avru> morots TTpofariK&s' Aei p,e i^djvra Kafjvau.
13. Tavra ovv p,erd rooovrov rdxovs eyevero darrov rj eXeyero, row o\Xujv 7rapaxpfJlML awaydvruiv etc re twv ipyaorrjplojv Kal fiaXavelojv £vXa teal (f>pvyava, p,dXiora ,Iov8aiu>v rrpodvpuxis ojs edos aiirots els ravra vnovpyovvrajv. 2. ore 8e 17 rrvpd r)roip,dodr), drro-
10 dep,evos eavrov rrdvra rd lp,dria Kal Xvoas rr)v £ojvt)v eneipdro Kal vrroXvew eavrov, p,Tj rrpdrepov rovro -rroLcov 81a. rd del eKaorov ratv moTwv oirov8dZ>eiv, Sons rdvwv rov ^/kotos avrov at/nfrat. ev rravrl yap dyadrjs eveKev rroXneias Kal ixp6 rrjs fiaprvplas e/ce/cd-a/jirjTo. 3. evdeojs ovv avra> rrepierlOero tcl irpos tt)v irupdv r)pp,oop.eva
15 opyava. fieXXovrajv 8e avrcov Kal rrpoorjXovv, elrrev 'A*f>ere p.e ovtojs. o yap 8oi>s vrrop-elvai to rrvp Bojoei Kal v&jpi? rrjs Vfierepas eK tu>v rjXoJv daj>a\eias doKvXrov emp,etvai Trj rtvpa.
14. 01 8e ov KadrjXojoav p,ev, rrpoae8r)oav 8e avrov. 6 8e drrlooj rds \eipas noirjoas koI rrpooSeOels tborrep Kpids emorjpMs eK fieydXov
so TToip.viov els -npoo^opdv, oXoKavraipui Bcktov ra> 6eu> r)roip,aopJevov, avafiXeipas els tov ovpavov etrrev Kvpte 6 9e6s 6 rravroKparoip, 6 tov dyarnyrov Kal evXoyqrov naiSos oov ,Irjoov Xpiorov narrjp, St' ov rrjv trepl oov irriyvwoiv elXrj<l>ap,ev, 6 deos dyyeXoJV Kal 8wdp,eaiv Kal Trdarrjs rrjs Krloecos vavros re rov yevovs row 8iKalonv,
25 ol tfuoiv ivcomov oov, 2. evXoyai are on r)t;itoo-as fie rrjs rjpApas Kal upas ravrrjs rod AajSetv fiepos ev dpidpia tojv pxiprvptuv, iv to norrjpta) rod Xpiorov oov els dvdaraocv £w»J? aluvlov fox^s TC Kal oa>p,aros ev d<f>Oapolq nvevpMTOS dylov, ev ols Trpoo8ex8elr)v hidimov aov o-qp-epov ev dvola rrlovi Kal irpoo8eKrfj, Kaddts rrporjroi-
30 fiaoas Kal rrpoefyavepojoas Kal hrXrfpoioas 6 difiev8r)s Kal dXrjBivos Beds. 3- 8id rovro Kal rrepl ndvrwv ae alvd, oe evXoydi, oe 8of;d£oj 8id rov altoviov Kal eirovpavlov dpxiepea>s 'Ir/oov Xpiorov dyaTnyrov
10 eouTou PCV: avrov M: iavrQ HB Eus. Bihlmeyer      ia-13 hi ttovtJ yip Eus.: mvrl yap koAu B: Ttaa-qs yap M: 7rpo|«r yap koX&S PHCV 13 uap-
rvpias: woAiSi Eus.
1 OF POLYCARP 13
games were past. Next they decided to shout out all together that Polycarp should be burnt alive. For the vision he had seen regarding his pillow had to be fulfilled, when he saw it burning while he was at prayer and turned and said to his faithful companions: 'I am to be burnt alive.'
13. All of this happened with great speed, more quickly than it takes to tell the story: the mob swiftly collected logs and brushwood from workshops and baths, and the Jews (as is their custom) zealously helped them with this. When the fire was prepared, Polycarp took off all his clothing, loosed his belt and even tried to take off his own sandals, although he had never had to do this before: for all the Christians were always eager to be the first to touch his flesh. Even before his martyrdom he had been adorned in every way17 by reason of the goodness of his life. Straightway then he was attached to the equipment that had been prepared for the fire. When they were on the point of nailing him to it, he said: 'Leave me thus. For he who has given me the strength to endure the flames will grant me to remain without flinching in the fire even without the firmness you will give me by using nails.'
14. They did not nail him down then, but simply bound him; and as he put his hands behind his back, he was bound like a noble ram chosen for an oblation from a great flock,18 a holocaust prepared and made acceptable to God. Looking up to heaven, he said: '0 Lord, omnipotent God'* and Father of your beloved and blessed child20 Christ Jesus, through whom we have received our knowledge of you, the God of the angels, the powers, and of all creation,21 and of all the family of the good who live in your sight: I bless you because you have thought me worthy of this day and this hour, to have a share among the number of the martyrs in the cup of your Christ, for the resurrection unto eternal life1* of both the soul and the body in the immortality of the Holy Spirit. May I be received this day among them before your face as a rich and acceptable sacrifice, as you, the God of truth who cannot deceive, have prepared, revealed, and fulfilled beforehand. Hence I praise you, I bless you, and I glorify you above all things, through that eternal and celestial high priest, Jesus Christ,
17 Some manuscripts have: 'with every good deed' or the like. 11 Cf. Lev. 5: 15. » Rev. 4: 8; 11: 17; 15: 3; 16: 7; si: 32.
M That is, iraXt, here 'jon', not 'servant': seePGLs.v.    21 Cf. Judith 9; 12. " John 5: 29.
14 ACTS OF THE CHRISTIAN MARTYRS 1
oov iraihós, 81 od aol avv aurw koi nvevpiaTi áyía> 8ó$a Kal vvv Kal els tou? p,éXXovTas aicSvaj. ápyr/v. \
15. AvanefiyavTOS Se aiirov to áfxrjV Kal nXrjpwo-avTos ttjv cuytjv, oi tov irvpós ávdptúTTOi 4£fj*fiav to vrvp. pLeyáXrjS Se eKÁafultácnqs
5 <j>Xoyós, QaSjxa. eZBoftev ots I8etv ěSódrj- ot Kal irrqpr)Br)p.zv eis to ávayyetXai toí? Aoiírořs Ta yevó/xeva. 2. to yap nvp na^apas eiSof TToir)aav wanep 68óvrj irXoíov vito irvevparros TrXr]povp,evi), kvkXw TxepieTeLx^ev to acofxa tov p,ápTvpos. Kal rp> fiéaov oí>% a>s oáp£ Kaiofiévr] aXX' <vs ápTos ó-nTÚifievos r) ú>s xpva°s      apyvpos ev
o Kafiívcp irvpovfievos. Kal yap eiu>8las TooavTr/s ávreXafšóp,e$a cos AijSavcoToC TTvéovros fj aXXov twos TOJV ti/uoiv ápa>/xáVa>v.
16. Ilépas yovv ÍSóvres ol dvopLOt pír) 8vváp,evov avTov to aóifia xmo tov TTvpós Sairavrjdfjvai, eKeXevaav nrpoaeXBovTa aÚTcp Kopí<f>éKTopa irapa^vaai ^uf)í8iov. Kal tovto iroiř]oavTOS, e^rjXdev ttXtjOos aí/xaTOS
5 cocrre KaTaofíioai to nvp Kal 6avp,ávai irávTa tov oyXov, el TOoavTf) tis Sia^opá p,eTa£v to>v Te omíoTuw Kal t&v eKXeKT&v, 2. ójv eis Kai ovtos yeyóvei o 6avp.aaiioTaTOs IIoXvKapTros, ev toís Ka9' ř)p.as Xpóvois 8i8ácrKaXos olttootoXikos Kal TrpofcqTiKOS yevóp,evos emaKO-tt6s tě ttjs év UpLvpvrj KadoXiKrjs eKKXrjatas. trav yap pfjp,a o ácf>ř)Kev 20 €k tov OTopiaTOs avTov Kal eTeXeiojOrj Kal TeXei(x)6r]aeTai.
17. '0 Sé dvTÍ^rjXos Kal fšáaKavos Kal Trovqpós, o ávTiKelfievos tw yévei tGív SbKalcúv, I8<hv to tě p,éyedos ovtov ttjs p.aprvplas Kal ttjv án' apxrjs dveTríXrprTov TToXneíav, iarecj>avojp,évov re rov ttjs atfidap-aías otÍ^ovov Kal j3paj3eLov dvavTÍpprjTov anevrjveypLevov, eWrrj-
25 Sevaev ws p,rj8é to acopiáTiov avTov v<f>' ř)p.čJ!)v Xrj<f>6rjvai, Kaivep 77oAAá>v imdvpLovvTCúv tovto TToifjoai Kal Koivvivfjaai tu> áytu> ovtov aapKiíp. 2. ÚTréjSaAev yovv Niktjttjv tov tov 'Hp(L8ov naTepa, áSeXýov 8é mXKr/s, ivTVxeív tó> apxovTi ůoTe pvrj Bovvat avTov to au>p,a- fir), (jyqolv, dýévTes tov iaTavpa>p:évov tovtov ap£a>VTai
30 ae^ea9ai. Kal Tawa viroj3aXXávT(ov Kal ivio^vóvrcúv tu>v 'IovSaicov, ot Kal eTrjprjoav p,eXX6vTO)v r)p,<hv Ík tov mjpos ovtov XapLfíáveiv,
5-6 oř. . . yevófitva del. Schwartz 9-10 i) . . . mpov^evos del. Schwartz
13 fortasse Kov^exropa (= confectorem) 14 post efíJAflev praebent codd. irepi-oTepa Kal sed om. Eus. et del. edd.
1 OF POLYGARP 15
your beloved child, through whom is glory to you with him and the Holy Spirit now and for all ages to come. Amen.'
15. He had uttered his Amen and finished his prayer, and the men in charge of the fire started to light it. A great flame blazed up and those of us to whom it was given to see beheld a miracle. And we have been preserved to recount the story to others. For the flames, bellying out like a ship's sail in the wind, formed into the shape of a vault and thus surrounded the martyr's body as with a wall. And he was within it not as burning flesh but rather as bread being baked, or like gold and silver being purified in a smelting-furnace.23 And from it we perceived such a delightful fragrance as though it were smoking incense or some other costly perfume.
16. At last when these vicious men realized that his body could not be consumed by the fire they ordered a confector to go up and plunge a dagger into the body. When he did this there came out2* such a quantity of blood that the flames were extinguished, and even the crowd marvelled that there should be such a difference between the unbelievers and the elect. And one of the elect indeed was the most venerable martyr Polycarp, who was in our day a teacher in the apostolic and prophetic tradition and a bishop of the Catholic Church in Smyrna. Every word that he uttered from his mouth was indeed fulfilled and shall be fulfilled.
17. The jealous and envious Evil One, who is the adversary of the race of the just, realizing the greatness of his testimony, his unblemished career from the beginning, and seeing him now crowned with the garland of immortality and the winner of an incontestable prize, prevented us even from taking up the poor body, though so many were eager to do so and to have a share in his holy flesh. Hence he got Nicetes, Herod's father and Alce's brother, to petition the governor not to give up his body. 'Otherwise', he said, 'they may abandon the Crucified and begin to worship this man.:
And all of this was at the suggestion and insistence of the Jewish people, who even kept watch as we were on the point of removing his body from the fire. Little did they know that we
» Cf. Wisd. 3: 6.
*♦ The manuscripts have: 'there came out a dove and ...', but this is omitted by Eusebius and modern editors have deleted it.
16 ACTS OF THE CHRISTIAN MARTYRS 1
dyvoowres ort, ovre tov Xpiarov trore KaraXnretv Suw/cdfteffa tov vnep ttj? tov iravTQs kogjiov t&v uwiofifl'wv craiTTjpcas iraBovra. d/j.<Dpov vnep dfiapTCuXwv ovre erepov two, aejieaddt. 3. tovtov [Lev yap viov avra. tov deov irpoo-KvvoviAev, rovs Se fiaprvpas <hs fxaSrjTas 5 koX lufjeqras tov Kvpiov dyair&fiev d^iws sVexa evvoias dwrrepfiXr}-rav Trj$ els tov tSiov fiaotXea. Kal SiSdoKoXov, <5v ynvono Kai Tjpas koivojvovs re Kal avp^iiadryrds yeveodai.
18. '/Saw ovv 6 Kevrvplcov rr\v tojv 'IovSaUtiv yevopxvrjv tpiXoveiKtav, dels avrov iv [leacp, u>s eOos airoZs, exavcrev. 2. ovtcds re rjfieis
10 vorepov dveX6p.evoi rd rifiicorepa XlBarv TroXvTeXuiv Kai SoKifitorepa vnep xpvolov oard avrov dnedep.eda ottov Kal aKoXovdov rjv. 3- evda ws Svvarov i)pXv ovvayo/xevois ev dyaWiaoei teal xaPQ rtape^ei 6 Kvpios emreXeiv ttjv tov p.aprvpiov avrov rj^iepav yevedXiov eis Te rr)v tu>v TTpoijdXrjKoran' p,vrjp,rjv Kal twv p.eXX6vTcov aovojow Te Kal
15 eroipxujuxv.
19. Toiavra. to. Kara tov fiaKapiov IIoXvKapiTov, os crw tois amo &iXa8eX<f>ias ScoSeKaros iv Hpivpvr] puLpTvprqoas, fiovos vtto rtdvruiV [laKKov \wr)\ioveverai, otare Kal vtto tcjv edvcov ev iravrl tottoj XaXeZ-adai, ov fiovov S&doKaXos yevopevos erricrqfios dXXd Kal fiaprvs
so e£o\os, oS to pjaprvpiov -ndvres imdvfiovaiv fjbifieZadai Kara to evayyeXtov Xpiarov yevofievov. 2. 81a rrjs virofiovfjs Karayujviod-p,evos tov clSikov dp\ovra Kal ovtojs tov Trjs dxpdapoias are<pavov aTToXafidyv, ovv roZs diroaToXois Kal iraaiv oiKalois dyaXXuLfievos So|a£ei tov Oeov Kal irarepa iravroKparopa Kal eiiXoyeZ tov Kvpiov
25 r)p,u>v 'Irjoovv Xpiarov, tov oiorrjpa rutv ijivx&v 17/itSv Kai kv^epvrjTTjv twv QOipATOW t\\uov Kal Troi[Meva Trjs Kara ttjv oiKovp.evrjv KadoXtKrjs eKKXrjotas.
20. 'YjxeZs (lev ovv r)£ioioare Sid rrXeiovcuv SrjXcodrjvai vfj.Zv Ta yevopeva, r)fieZs Se Kara to rrapdv evl K€<f>aXaico fj,ep,r]vvKa(iev Sid
30 tou doeXcfiov -qfuov MapKiwvos. /juxdovres oSv TaOVa Kal toZs erreKewa dheX<j>oZs rrjv imaToXrjv Siaire[i>liaode tva Kal exelvoi 8ot;d-Icoaiv tov Kvpiov tov exXoyds iroioOvra diro tu>v 181oxv SovXatv.
2. Tip 8e Swafievu) irdvras lyfxas ctaayayeiv iv rrj ovtov ^apm Kal Swpea els ttjv alwvtov avrov jSaaiAeiav Sid tov itoiSos avrov rov
1 OF POLYGARP I?
could never abandon Christ, for it was he who suffered for the redemption of those who are saved in the entire world, the innocent one dying on behalf of sinners.25 Nor could we worship anyone else. For him we reverence as the Son of God, whereas we love the martyrs as the disciples and imitators of the Lord, and rightly so because of their unsurpassed loyalty towards their king and master. May we too share with them as fellow disciples!
18. And so, when the centurion noticed the conflict caused by the Jews, he put the body out before everyone and had it cremated, as is their custom,2* Thus at last, collecting the remains that were dearer to us than precious stones and finer than gold, we buried them in a fitting spot. Gathering here, so far as we can, in joy and gladness, we will be allowed by the Lord to celebrate the anniversary day of his martyrdom, both as a memorial for those who have already fought the contest and for the training and preparation of those who will do so one day.
19. This then was the story of the blessed Polycarp, who, counting those from Philadelphia, was the twelfth to be martyred in Smyrna; yet he alone is especially remembered by everyone and is everywhere mentioned even by the pagans. He was not only a great teacher but also a conspicuous martyr, whose testimony, following the Gospel of Christ, everyone desires to imitate. By his perseverance he overcame the unjust governor and so won the crown of immortality; and rejoicing with the apostles and all the blessed he gives glory to God the almighty Father and praise to our Lord Jesus Christ, the saviour of our souls, the pilot of embodies, and the shepherd of the Catholic Church throughout the world.
20. You asked us then to give you a lengthy account of what took place, but we have sent you for the moment only a summary through the courtesy of our brother Marcion. After you have heard the story, send the letter to our more distant brothers, that they too may give glory to the Lord who chooses his elect from among his own servants. To him who can gather all of us by his grace and gift into his heavenly kingdom through his
" Cf. Heb. 7: 26.
26 That is, pagan custom, as distinct from Christian.
18 ACTS OF THE CHRISTIAN MARTYRS 1
povoyevovs 'fyaov Xpiarov, Sofa, npr), Kpdros, ptyaXoiavvr) el$ rows al&vas. rrpoaayopevere rrdvras rovs ayiovs. vpds oi ovv rjptv rrpooayopevovaiv Kal Evdpearos 6 ypdipas rrjv emaroXijv rravoiKei.
21. Maprvpet Se 6 paKapios IJoXvKaprTOS prjvos Savdwov oevrepa 5 tarapevov Kara, ok 'Potpatovs itpo htrd KaXavowv Mapruav aafi-
{Sdrcp peydXw to pa oySorj. aweXij^Qr] Se vrro 'HpdjBov enl dp^iepews 0iXi-mrov TpaXXiavov, dvdvrrarevovros Srariov Koopdrov, fiaai-Xevovros Se els rovs aldivas rov Kvpiov i)pa>v 'Irjoov Xpiarov.
22. 'Epp&adat, vpRs evxopeBa, dSeXqiot, oroixovvras ru> Kara to io eiayyeXiov Xoyco 'Itjoov Xpiarov, peO7 oS Sofa rai deep koX rrarpl
Kal dyicp Trvevpan enl oarrrjpla rfj ra>v dyicuV c/oWktojv, KaBojg epaprvprjaev 6 paKapios IJoXvKapnos, oS yevoi.ro ev rrj jSaaiXela. 'Irjoov Xpiarov rvpos rd ixvrj evpeBfjvai rjpas.
2. Taui-a pereypdiparo pkv rd'ios ix rwv Elprjvaiov, paBrjrov rov 15 IIoXvKdpTTov.os Kal avvenoXirevaaro rw Elprjvaup. iya> Se Eu)Kpd-
rrjs ev KopivBip c/c r&v Tatov dvriypd<f>ojv eypaipa. rj vd/us f^™ ttovtodv.
3. 'Eycb Se rrdXiv IIiovios eK rov rrpoyeypappevov eypaifia dva-tyfjrrjoas avra, Kara drroKaXvifiiv (juxvepcLoavros poi rov paKapiov
so IIoXvKdpTTov, Kadcbs SrjXtoaa) ev rep KaBe£fjs, awayaydtv avra rjSrj aveSov eK rov ypovov KeKprjKora, iva Kape avvaydyrj 6 Kvpios 'Irjaovs Xpiaros perd ra>v eKXeKrwv avrov els rrjv ovpdviov flaoi-Xeiav avrov, <p rj Sofa aiiv rw rrarpl Kal dyia> nvevpari els rovs alwvas ra>v altLvuw. aprjv.
25 [epilogus alter ex godige mosquensi]
TavVa pereypdiparo pev rd'ios eK ru>v Elprjvaiov avyypap-pdrotv, os Kal avverroXirevaaro ra> Elprjvala), paBrjrfj yeyovon rov
3 tt)v imaroXyjv M: om. PHBCV Bihlmeycr 5 Kara 8c 'Pwy.aiovs M:
om. PHBCV Bifiimeyer 8 post Xpiarov add. <J 17 Sofa, t:/4>J, fuya-
\1a0vvT), Bpavos aluivios airo yeveaj els ytvedv. dftijv HB Bihlmeyer
1 OF POLYCARP 19
only-begotten child, Jesus Christ, be glory, honour, power, and majesty for ever.
Send our greeting to all the faithful; all those who are with us (as well as Evaristus, who wrote this letter,27 and all his household) send their greetings.
21. The blessed Polycarp died as a martyr on the second day of the first half of the month Xanthicus (according to the Roman calendar, on 23 February), about two o'clock in the afternoon, on a great Sabbath day. He was arrested under Herod, during the time when Philip of Tralles was high priest and Stadus Quadratus was governor—while Jesus Christ was reigning eternally.28
22. We pray that you are well, brothers, who live according to the word of Jesus Christ and the Gospel (with whom be glory to God the Father and the Holy Spirit), for the redemption of the faithful elect, for in such wise was the blessed Polycarp martyred; and may it be granted to us to come into the kingdom of Jesus Christ following his footsteps. Gaius2» transcribed all of this from a document of Irenaeus, who was a disciple of Polycarp, since Polycarp lived with him. I, Socrates, transcribed it at Corinth from Gams' copy: may God's favour be with us all! And I, Pionius, transcribed it once again from an earlier copy after I had searched for it, since die blessed Polycarp communicated with me in a vision (as I shall go on later to explain), and collected dtc material together all but worn with age—that the Lord Jesus Christ might also gather me together with his elect into his heavenly kingdom, to whom be glory with the Father and the Holy Spirit for all ages. Amen.
[the alternative ending]30 Gaius transcribed this account from the documents of Irenaeus, seeing that he had been a companion of Irenaeus, who had also " Some manuscripts omit the words 'this letter'.
38 C. Iidius Philippus of Tralles is attested as an Asiarch for September 149 (Orimtis Graeci Inscnptiones SeUclat 498); L. Statius Quadratus, as consul ordinarius for 142, could hardly have been proconsul much before 155: see the discussion by T. D. Barnes, JTS 18 (1967), 434-7-
The earliest recension of the text seems to have ended with this paragraph (some manuscripts add a doxology), the following ending being added later, ostensibly by Pionius.
29 Given the frequency of the name, it seems unwise to link this Gaius with the churchman mentioned by Eusebius {HE vi. 20), who flourished under Pope Zephyrinus (199-217)- See W. Julicher, RE 7 (1910), 509-10.
30 Preserved only in the Moscow manuscript (s. xm). The final revision of the text is again claimed by Pionius from a transcript of Gaius.
ao ACTS OF THE CHRISTIAN MARTYRS 1
dylov TIoXvicdpTTov. 2. ovros yap 6 ElprjvaTos Kara rov Kaipdv rov paprvpiov rov emoKorrov IIoXvKdprrov yevopevos iv 'Pupy rrcXXovs i8lSa£ev oS Kal rroXXd avrov ouyypdppa.ro. KaXXiora Kal opdorara <j>eperai, iv ots pepvqrai IJoXvKdprrov &n -nop' avrov epaOev.
5 Ikovois re rtdoav aipeoiv yXeygev nal rov eKKXrjoiaonKOV Kavova Kai KadoXiKov cbs rrapeXafiev rrapd rov dylov koX rrapiSoiKev. 3. Xeyet Se koI rovro- on ovvavrqoayrosirore rip dytmIJoXvKdpTrcpMapKunvos, dj>' ov oi Xeydpevot MapKttoviaral, Kal elrrovros- 'EmylvtaoKe r)pds, TIoXvKapTTe, elntv avros t<S MapKitovt- 'EmyivthoKOi, htiyiv&axai
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1 OF POLYCARP ai
been a disciple of the blessed Polycarp. Now Irenaeus, at the time of Bishop Polycarp's martyrdom, was in Rome where he had many disciples; and there are many of his beautiful and orthodox works extant in which he mentions Polycarp as having taught him; and Irenaeus ably refuted every heretical doctrine, and handed on the norm of the Catholic Church as he had received it from the holy Polycarp.
Irenaeus also has this story. Once Marcion, from whom the so-called Marcionites derive, encountered the holy Polycarp and said to him: 'Recognize me, Polycarp!'
And he said to Marcion: 'I do recognize you: I recognize the Devil's firstborn.'
And it is also recorded in the writings of Irenaeus that on the day and at the very hour that Polycarp was suffering in Smyrna Irenaeus who was in Rome heard a voice like a trumpet-call saying: 'Polycarp has suffered martyrdom.'
From Irenaeus' remains, then, as was stated above, Gaius made his copy and Isocrates made another copy at Corinth from Gaius' transcription. Finally, I, Pionius, made my transcription from Isocrates' copy, after I had made diligent search for it in accordance with the revelation of the saintly Polycarp, collecting the pages after they were all but worn out with age, that the Lord Jesus Christ might also gather me together with his elect into his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory together with the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit for ever. Amen.