Podcast Summary: Catholic Saints – Episode on St. Polycarp

Host: Mary McGeehan
Guest: Dr. Ben Akers, Chief Content Officer at the Augustine Institute
Release Date: February 23, 2025

Introduction

In the latest episode of Catholic Saints produced by the Augustine Institute, host Mary McGeehan is joined by Dr. Ben Akers to explore the life and legacy of Saint Polycarp, a pivotal figure in the early Catholic Church. The episode delves into Polycarp’s role as an Apostolic Father, his theological contributions, his steadfast faith amidst persecution, and his lasting impact on Christian doctrine and martyrdom.

Saint Polycarp: Life and Significance

Mary McGeehan introduces the episode at [00:02], highlighting the episode's focus on St. Polycarp. Dr. Ben Akers emphasizes Polycarp’s importance as one of the great heroes of the early Church, bridging the Apostolic age and the second century. He notes Polycarp's lifespan from approximately 70 A.D. to his martyrdom in 155-156 A.D., with his feast day celebrated on February 23rd, the day of his death.

Dr. Ben Akers [00:39]: "He is an incredible gift that we have to the church. So he's a bridge between the apostles, the Apostolic age, and then kind of the second century."

Polycarp as an Apostolic Father

Dr. Akers confirms that Polycarp is rightly termed an Apostolic Father, men who had direct connections with the apostles. Polycarp was a disciple of St. John the Apostle, the beloved disciple who “laid his head on the heart of Christ” [01:38]. This direct mentorship placed Polycarp only two degrees away from Jesus, providing him with unique insights into Christ’s teachings.

Mary McGeehan [01:50]: "I just think that's mind blowing… to be discipled by the man who's reclined his head on Jesus chest."

Challenges and Heresies during Polycarp's Time

As bishop of Smyrna in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), Polycarp faced significant challenges, primarily combating Gnostic heresies. These heresies involved secret knowledge and distorted teachings that threatened orthodox Christian doctrine. Figures like Marcion and Valentinus represented these challenges, which Polycarp countered by adhering strictly to the teachings he received from St. John the Apostle.

Dr. Ben Akers [03:56]: "He would just go over and over again... it's a backhold from John and the Apostles."

Polycarp's Letters and Writings

Polycarp’s correspondence played a crucial role in preserving early Christian teachings. He received letters from contemporaries such as St. Ignatius of Antioch and also wrote to other communities, notably the Philippians. These letters reflect his humility and dedication to guiding Christians in living virtuously.

Mary McGeehan [13:14]: "Just that level of humility that he started off his letter with. Stood out to me."

Dr. Akers points out that letters were the primary mode of communication and doctrinal preservation in that era, similar to the Pauline Epistles, making these documents invaluable for understanding early Church theology.

Dr. Ben Akers [15:19]: "They copied them as quickly as they could... these are foundations of the faith that you need to hold to."

Martyrdom of Polycarp: Significance and Details

One of the episode’s highlights is the detailed account of Polycarp’s martyrdom, the earliest martyrdom record outside of St. Stephen’s account in the Acts of the Apostles. Polycarp’s trial and execution are depicted with profound parallels to Christ’s Passion, emphasizing his Christ-like demeanor and unwavering faith.

Dr. Ben Akers [16:46]: "His martyrdom, if you notice that it looks a lot like Christ… patterned on Christ's martyrdom."

Polycarp’s steadfastness, even at 86 years old, and his refusal to renounce his faith despite severe persecution, illustrate his deep commitment to Christ. His famous declaration during trial, “86 years have I served him and he has done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my king and my savior?” [25:04], underscores his unwavering loyalty.

Mary McGeehan [25:05]: "That is beautiful."

Biblical Connections and Symbolism

The episode draws connections between Polycarp’s martyrdom and biblical narratives, particularly the Book of Revelation. Dr. Akers suggests that the message to the Church of Smyrna in Revelation may be linked to Polycarp, highlighting the spiritual continuity between the apostolic teachings and early Church experiences.

Dr. Ben Akers [11:26]: "This is probably Polycarp's message that he's receiving from John."

Additionally, Polycarp’s martyrdom includes Eucharistic symbolism, portraying his sacrifice as a representation of the Eucharist, aligning his suffering with Christ’s sacrificial love.

Lessons from Polycarp's Life

Mary and Dr. Akers discuss the timeless lessons from Polycarp’s life, emphasizing faithfulness to God, humility, and the importance of upholding Church doctrine. They reflect on how Polycarp’s example of living out one’s faith with courage and integrity remains relevant for contemporary Christians.

Mary McGeehan [25:49]: "What can we learn from these men and women that we can apply to our lives today as well?"

Dr. Ben Akers [26:57]: "Be faithful to the words of Christ. If you’re faithful to him, he’ll be faithful to you."

Conclusion

The episode concludes by encouraging listeners to emulate Polycarp’s dedication and to share his story as a testament to enduring faith. Mary McGeehan underscores the profound impact of Polycarp's martyrdom on the Church’s perseverance through persecution and doctrinal challenges.

Mary McGeehan [27:22]: "We were so grateful. Well, Saint Polycarp, we ask for your intercession. Saint Polycarp, pray for us."

Listeners are invited to engage further by accessing video interviews on formed.org, the Augustine Institute’s online Catholic streaming service.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Ben Akers [00:39]: "He is an incredible gift that we have to the church. So he's a bridge between the apostles, the Apostolic age, and then kind of the second century."

• Mary McGeehan [13:14]: "Just that level of humility that he started off his letter with. Stood out to me."

• Dr. Ben Akers [16:46]: "His martyrdom… patterned on Christ's martyrdom."

• Dr. Ben Akers [25:04]: "86 years have I served him and he has done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my king and my savior?"

• Mary McGeehan [25:05]: "That is beautiful."

Key Takeaways

• Saint Polycarp serves as a vital link between the apostles and the second-century Church, embodying the transition and continuity of early Christian teachings.

• Apostolic Fathers like Polycarp played a crucial role in combating heresies and preserving orthodox doctrine through their writings and letters.

• Martyrdom in early Christianity, as exemplified by Polycarp, is portrayed with deep Christological parallels, emphasizing faith, courage, and the ultimate sacrifice for the faith.

• Letters were the primary means of doctrinal preservation and communication among early Christians, showcasing the importance of written teachings in sustaining the Church.

• Modern Christians can draw inspiration from Polycarp’s unwavering faith, humility, and dedication to living out Christ’s teachings in the face of adversity.

For more insights into the lives of the Saints and their enduring legacy, subscribe to the Augustine Institute’s Catholic Saints podcast and explore additional resources at formed.org and missioncircle.org.