Church History Chums: Part 1


So I know I've made myself pretty scarce here at the Garden, but after my blog was stolen right out from under my nose, I've been encouraged to get back to the blogosphere. So here I am, and with another series.

Every Wednesday, in school, we have a church history class. Church history (also called the history of  Christianity) is the period after Jesus ascended into heaven; it's the history of the church. Anywho, over the next couple of days, we're going to look at some church history chums, guys and girls who really influenced the church, and see how these people can encourage us. Today, meet ... drumroll please .... Polycarp! Besides having a cool name, Polycarp (PAW-lee-karp) really influenced the early church.

He was a pastor of a Christian church in Smyrna (modern-day Turkey). It was near the mid 100s and Rome was just beginning to torture and kill Christians for their beliefs. Polycarp had known and studied under the Apostle John. He was wise and well-known. As Christians were beginning to be arrested all over the country, Polycarp knew he wouldn't have much longer to freely pastor his congregation. And he was right. In about A.D. 155 or 156 , Polycarp was arrested. He was accused of being an "atheist." That may sound silly today, but in the ancient Roman empire, anyone who did not believe in and worship Rome's many gods was pronounced an atheist. Polycarp was a gentle, old man, and during his trial, the governor had pity on him.

"Have respect for your old age. Say, 'Away with the atheists,'" said the governor, trying to get Polycarp to renounce Christianity and be set free. Polycarp slowly studied the crowd of people at his trial. Then, he raised his finger and, pointing at the crowd, said,

"Away with the atheists! Eighty-six years I have served Christ, and he has done me no wrong. How, then, can I blaspheme my king, who has saved me?" Polycarp was burned alive.

This story may sound depressing and discouraging, but it should be just the opposite! Gentle, old Polycarp was willing to take what Rome thought as nothing but "outlandish superstitions" to the death. He was an example, a leader, an early martyr, before millions more would be killed. Polycarp can encourage us in our faith. When the Roman governor gave Polycarp an "out," Polycarp didn't meekly say, "Thank you, sir. Away with the atheists, Christians." No! Instead, he used it as an outlet, to share a brief testimony of his faith. We need to be as bold as Polycarp, ready and willing to stand up for, defend, and share our faith. This is a lot easier said than done, but let's be encouraged by this first church history chum.