The Apostolic Fathers

The Martyrdom of Polycarp

22 chapters Read aloud, 19 min With the Greek text word study in 24 of 24 paragraphs
Right-clickPress and hold any paragraph, or tap its ¶ number, for its Greek, notes and slides.

Chapter 11: No Threats Could Sway Polycarp

The proconsul then said to him, "I have wild beasts at hand; to these will I cast you, unless you repent." But he answered, "Call them then, for we are not accustomed to repent of what is good in order to adopt that which is evil; and it is well for me to be changed from what is evil to what is righteous." But again the proconsul said to him, "I will cause you to be consumed by fire, since you despise the wild beasts, if you will not repent." But Polycarp said, "You threaten me with fire which burns for an hour, and after a little is extinguished, but you are ignorant of the fire of the coming judgment and of eternal punishment, reserved for the ungodly. But why do you delay? Bring forth what you will."