Martyrdom of Polycarp

Lake, Loeb 1913

Chapter 1

Introduction

We write to you, brethren, the story of the martyrs and of the blessed Polycarp, who put an end to the persecution by his martyrdom as though adding the seal.¹ For one might almost say that all that had gone before happened in order that the Lord might show to us from above a martyrdom² in accordance with the Gospel.

For he waited to be betrayed as also the Lord had done, that we too might become his imitators, “not thinking of ourselves alone, but also of our neighbours.” For it is the mark of true and steadfast love, not to wish that oneself may be saved alone, but all the brethren also.

Notes

He was the last to suffer and thus might be regarded as being the seal to the witness or testimony (μαρτύριον) of the Church. It is not clear whether μαρτυρία and μαρτύριον ought to be translated “martyrdom” or “witness”: there is an untranslateable play on the words.
Or perhaps “witness.”