Chapters
The Martyrdom of Polycarp
Chapters
More
Chapter 17: The Christians are Denied Polycarp's Body.
BUT WHEN THE ADVERSARY OF THE RACE OF THE RIGHTEOUS: the envious, malicious, and wicked one, perceived the impressive nature of his martyrdom, and considered the blameless life he had led from the beginning, and how he was now crowned with the wreath of immortality, having beyond dispute received his reward, he did his utmost that not the least memorial of him should be taken away by us, although many desired to do this, and to become possessors of his holy flesh. For this purpose, he suggested to Nicetes, the father of Herod and brother of Alce, to go and urge the governor not to give up his body for burial, “lest,” he said, “forsaking Him that was crucified, they begin to worship this one.” He said this based on the suggestion and urgent persuasion of the Jews, who also watched us as we sought to take him out of the fire, being ignorant of the fact that it is not possible for us to ever forsake Christ, who suffered for the salvation of those who shall be saved throughout the whole world (the blameless one for sinners), nor to worship any other. For indeed, as the Son of God, we adore Him; but the martyrs, as disciples and followers of the Lord, we worthily love on account of their extraordinary affection towards their own King and Master, of whom may we also be made companions and fellow-disciples!