Revelation 2:10 ... Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life (NKJV).
Polycarp was a 2nd century Bishop of Smyrna. Polycarp was a disciple of Apostle John who wrote the gospel of John, the three Epistles of John and the book of Revelation.
He is prominent among the sub apostolic fathers who may have been responsible for compiling the New Testament Bible that we have today.
Because of his refusal to burn incense to the Roman Emperor he was sentenced to burning at the stake. Tradition says that the flames did not kill him so he was stabbed to death.
At the point of death, Polycarp said, "Eighty and six years I have served Him, and He has done me no wrong", how then can I blaspheme my King and Savior? You threaten me with a fire that burns for a season, and after a little while is quenched; but you are ignorant of the fire of everlasting punishment that is prepared for the wicked."
Miraculously, his body did not burn, so he was pierced with a sharp object. On his farewell, he said "I bless you Father for judging me worthy of this hour, so that in the company of the martyrs I may share the cup of Christ."
Tradition says a dove flew out of his body when he was stabbed. Some still think the dove was somewhere around but ancient witnesses believed the dove flew out of his body because many onlookers saw it from a close range.
Can you die for what you believe? If it were to be many believers in this generation, they'll burn the incense to Roman emperor and claim that they gave to Ceasar what belonged to Ceasar. Most times, when you hear that statement, compromise has taken place.
When I visited the field recently, a pastor told me about the subtle persecution one of the local pastors was facing. In the market where he plied his trade, he was asked to pay for a fetish traditional rites but he refused. Other christians paid but he refused.
The paramount chief and his goons decided they'll send him out of the village. He stood his ground not minding what the result will be. He stood his ground like Bishop Polycarp.
Bishop Polycarp was faithful to the cause of Christ till the end. He would have escaped gruesome death with a little compromise.
The crown of life is only for those that can fight the good fight of faith and stay faithful to Christ to the end.
- Father, i receive the grace to stay faithful to the end In Jesus name.