Polycarp was a recipient of one of Ignatius' letters that he wrote on his way to his execution. Ignatius refers to Polycarp in his letter to the church in Smyrna as "your most worthy bishop."
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| Church icon from St. Polycarp's Roman Catholic Church in Izmir, Turkey (ancient Smyrna). Photo by P. Vasiliadis. |
Iranaeus records that Polycarp visited Anicetus, the Bishop of Rome, to discuss areas of difference between that church and the chruches in Asia Minor. They came to agreement on some issues, but agreed to disagree on the exact dating of Easter.
Only a single document of Polycarp exists, his Letter to the Philippians. He does not give himself a title, but refers to the elders with him. He gives character requirements for both deacons and elders. He refers to Paul and the letter he wrote to the Philippians. He also mentions Ignatius and his letters, and encourages the Philippians to read them, "for they comprise faith and endurance and every kind of edification, which pertaineth unto our Lord."
According to Iranaeus, Polycarp fought against the false teachings of the Marcionites and converted many followers of that teaching when he visited Rome. In his letter, Polycarp affirms Jesus' coming in the flesh, his death on the cross, and his resurrection, each of which were denied by various heresies.
It seems Polycarp was not as well-educated as other early church fathers. However, that did not seem to slow him in his efforts to teach true doctrine.
"For I am persuaded that ye are well trained in the sacred writings, and nothing is hidden from you. But to myself this is not granted." Letter to the Philippians, ch. 12.
Polycarp's connection to the Apostle John gave him an authority in his teaching against heresies that helped stabilize the early church and move it forward.
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