Bishop of Smyrna and Apostolic Father • Early Church
Polycarp was an early bishop of Smyrna and an important link between the apostolic generation and the second-century church. Ignatius wrote directly to him, and Polycarp later wrote his surviving Letter to the Philippians, encouraging Christian righteousness, perseverance, sound teaching, and faithfulness. Irenaeus later recalled hearing Polycarp and described him as someone who had known people who had seen the Lord and who faithfully transmitted what he had received concerning Christ.
Related: Ignatius of Antioch, Irenaeus of Lyons