An 86-Year-Old Bishop. A Roman Arena. A Shield of Fire : Saint Polycarp, the 86-year-old Bishop of Smyrna

 

An 86-Year-Old Bishop. A Roman Arena. A Shield of Fire.

THE ARREST

In the year 155 AD, the Roman Empire was hunting the last living connections to the Apostles. They arrested Polycarp, the 86-year-old Bishop of Smyrna, who had been a personal student of St. John the Apostle. The governor ordered the old man to curse Christ and live. Polycarp replied: "86 years have I served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King?"

THE PYRE

Furious, the governor ordered Polycarp to be burned alive in the center of the stadium. The guards moved to nail him to the stake so he wouldn't thrash in the flames, but the bishop smiled. "Leave me as I am," he said. "He who gives me strength to endure the fire will allow me to remain completely still."

THE VEIL PIERCED

The guards lit the massive pile of wood. The fire roared into a towering inferno. But at the absolute last second, the veil of heaven intervened.

THE FADE

Thousands of witnesses watched in absolute shock. The roaring flames did not touch the bishop. Instead, the fire bulged outward like a ship's sail catching the wind, forming a glowing arch completely around his body. Witnesses noted that the fire didn't smell like burning flesh; it smelled like sweet incense and freshly baked bread.

WHAT'S LEFT

Terrified that the fire refused to obey them, the Romans ordered an executioner to step forward and stab the bishop with a dagger. The Romans took his life, but God took his fear.

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