Who Is Polycarp A Good Model For Christians?

Polycarp’s refusal to renounce his faith is one of the most important reasons as to why he is a good model for Christians to follow. He did not crack under the pressure. He did not get angry at his captors, his situation, or God. He stood firm in his beliefs even unto death, giving Christians for ages to come, an example of courage and resolve. “The Proconsul urged him and said, ‘Swear and I will release thee; curse the Christ.’ And Polycarp said, ‘Eighty and six years have I served him, and he hath done me no wrong; how then can I blaspheme my king who saved me’” (36). Polycarp was offered many opportunities to forfeit his faith, and thus, continue living, yet, the persecutors were unable to persuade him. “The Proconsul again persisted and
Christians are to look to Jesus as the ideal example for everything. As Christ was brought to his death he did not fight back, though he had the power, and he did not runaway; he gave Christians the ultimate example of how to react to persecution and suffering. “He was treated harshly and afflicted, but he did not even open his mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughtering block, like a sheep silent before her shearers, he did not even open his mouth” (Isaiah 53:7). It is clear through his life and his martyrdom, that Polycarp was faithfully following the example set by his savior. He dealt no violence to his persecutors. He went to his death, not with fear, but with the calm assurance of eternal life with Jesus. “[Polycarp] could have gone away to another farm, but he would not, saying ‘The will of God be done’” (36). Like Christ, Polycarp entrusted his life to God, and embraced his will for him. By setting Christ as his example, Polycarp also became a model for Christians to follow. “But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps” (1 Peter