Who is Polycarp and why is he so important historically?

		

		

	

To what is Polycarp referring when he writes: “you received the images of true love and helped them on their way”?

		

		

	

Note the creedal language of paragraph 2. What is the purpose of this recitation by Polycarp concerning Christ?

		

		

		

	

Polycarp say that Christ will raise us up if “we do His will and walk in His commandments and love the things He loved” and again, in paragraph 5 he says that if we “please him in this present world, we shall gain also the world to come”. Is this consistent with the Gospel? If so how?

		

		

	

On what basis does Polycarp write, and how does he wish his epistle to be considered (para. 3)?

		

		

	

Where, for the most part, is catechesis to be carried out according to Polycarp (para. 4)?

		

		

	

Polycarp says that anyone (generally) who denies the resurrection and judgment of Christ is the “first-born of Satan” To whom might he have been referring (specifically)?

		

		

	

What is Polycarp’s prescription against heresy? 

		

		

	

Note Polycarp’s praise of the martyrs. Is this consonant with the Lutheran approach to saints?

		

		

	

What was the sin of Valens, and why do you suppose it is particularly addressed?

		

		

	

How should the Philadelphians deal with Valens?

		

		

	

In what regard does Polycarp hold the Scriptures? How much does he value the letters of Paul? Of Ignatius?

		

		

	

Pr. David A. Kind

	

August 13, 2003