Saint Polycarp of Smyrna was converted by and a disciple of Saint John the Apostle. He fought gnosticism and was the bishop of Smyrna (present day Turkey). He was the predominate Christian leader in the first half of the second century. He wrote a letter to the Church of Philippi which has survived. At the age of 86 he was burned alive in a stadium in Smyrna, but the flames did not harm him, so he was killed by a dagger. This is one of the earliest accounts of a Christian martyr's death.
"Stand fast, therefore, in this conduct and follow the example of the Lord, ‘firm and unchangeable in faith, lovers of the brotherhood, loving each other, united in truth,’ helping each other with the mildness of the Lord, despising no man."
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