Early Church · 110

The Letter of Polycarp to the Philippians

Polycarp of Smyrna (c. 69-155 AD)

Written around 110 AD, shortly after Ignatius of Antioch passed through Philippi on his way to martyrdom in Rome, this is the only surviving letter from Polycarp of Smyrna, and one of the most important pastoral letters from the apostolic generation. It warns against Docetism, urges righteous living across every station of church life, and provides an early witness to Paul's letters and other New Testament writings as authoritative scripture. Polycarp was a disciple of the apostle John, and this letter carries the weight of living connection to the apostles themselves.

12 min total · 14 chapters