Persecution is an unavoidable truth for Christians. Christians are different from the world. Consequently, they face judgment, hatred, and persecution. Yet, the question remains; how can Christians respond in a biblical way, towards a persecuting government. The story of Polycarp, a bishop who faced persecution from the Roman government, is a model example of a biblical response to persecution. During Polycarp’s time, the time of the early church, persecution of Christians was rampant. In that period, being a Christian usually meant torture or death. Polycarp reacted to persecution without violence or resistance. Polycarp’s response to persecution was biblical because he followed Jesus’ example, submitted to his authorities, and refused to renounce his faith.
Polycarp’s reaction to persecution is an ideal and biblical model for Christians, as Polycarp is following the example of Jesus during his suffering. Christians should look to Jesus as the ideal example for everything. As Christ faced torture, ridicule, and crucifixion, he did not fight back, though he …show more content…
He did not crack under the pressure. He did not become angry at his captors, his situation, or God. Polycarp stood firm in his beliefs even unto death, giving Christians for ages to come, an example of courage and resolve. Polycarp received many opportunities to forfeit his faith, and thus, continue living, yet, the persecutors could not persuade him. Polycarp’s endurance was a remarkable response to a persecuting government. In his time, some Christians caved under the fear of death, but Polycarp did not. Though he died, Polycarp continued to live eternally in heaven; never again, feeling the sorrow and pain of the world. Through his death, an entire crowd of people witnessed how God could enable a mere man to remain steadfast against evil. They saw the difference between those that follow God and