St. Polycarp: The Disciple of John Who Proves Catholic Tradition and Apostolic Authority

St. Polycarp of Smyrna stands as one of the most powerful witnesses to the Apostolic Tradition of the early Church — a direct disciple of St. John the Apostle, a friend of St. Ignatius of Antioch, and the teacher of St. Irenaeus of Lyons. His life forms an unbroken link between the Apostles and the early Fathers, bridging the gap between the New Testament and the Catholic Church of history.

This video explores:
🔹 Who St. Polycarp was and his deep connection to the Apostles
🔹 How his writings and life confirm Sacred Tradition and apostolic succession
🔹 Why his testimony challenges Protestant claims like sola scriptura
🔹 His role in affirming the canon of Scripture, Church hierarchy, and unity with Rome
🔹 How his martyrdom became one of the earliest recorded acts of heroic Christian faith

Through Polycarp, we see that the faith handed down by the Apostles was Catholic—rooted in Tradition, guided by bishops, and united with Rome.

📚 Sources:

The Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians

The Martyrdom of Polycarp

St. Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book 3

Eusebius, Church History, Book 4

J.N.D. Kelly, Early Christian Doctrines

Catholic Encyclopedia, “St. Polycarp” (New Advent)

The Letters of St. Ignatius of Antioch

📖 Key Quotes:

“Fourscore and six years have I served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How then can I curse my King who saved me?” — St. Polycarp, before his martyrdom

“He always taught the things which he had learned from the apostles.” — St. Irenaeus, recalling Polycarp