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In the year AD 155, Marcus Aurelius began a reign of terror on Christians.
At the time, Polycarp was the Bishop of Smyrna.
Smyrna was a city in Asia Minor (Turkey) and a port city for Rome.
The city worshiped Rome as a spiritual power. (See Revelation 2:10)
Smyrna is one of the seven churches spoken of in Revelation.
We see that Polycarp was a contemporary of John the Apostle who also lived in this region (Ephesus).
At 86 years of age, Polycarp had served Christ well.
Upon his arrest, he was taken to the stadium at Smyrna to stand before the tribunal and the crowd.
On being asked to deny Christ, Polycarp replied:
 

86 years I have served Him, and He never once wronged me.
How can I blaspheme my King, who saved me?

 
They then proceeded to burn Polycarp at the stake.
Polycarp's church in the city of Smyrna continues to this day.
My having had the privilege of being there gives life to his testimony, obedience, TRUTHBEARING and witness.
Many other Christian men and women were martyred during this persecution.
 

• How is God’s peace comforting you today?
• When you come under persecution for your faith, what will you do?
  

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