The Martyrdom of Polycarp

You, indeed, asked that the events should be explained to you at length, but we have for the present explained them in summary by our brother Marcion[*](Not of course to be identified with the famous heretic. If Marcianus be the right text, it is noteworthy that Irenaeus sent his treatise on the The Apostolic Preaching to a certain Marcianus. But this was probably forty years later than Polycarp’s death.); therefore when you have heard these things, send the letter to the brethren further on, that they also may glorify the Lord, who takes his chosen ones from his own servants.

And to him who is able to bring us all in his grace and bounty, to his heavenly kingdom, by his only begotten Child, Jesus Christ, be glory, honour, might, and majesty for ever. Greet all the saints. Those who are with us, and

Now the blessed Polycarp was martyred on the[*](The date) second day of the first half of the month of Xanthicus, the seventh day before the kalends of March,[*](I. e. Feb. 23.) a great sabbath, at the eighth hour. And he was arrested by Herod, when Philip of Tralles was High Priest, when Statius Quadratus was Pro-Consul, but Jesus Christ was reigning[*](This phrase is pointedly inserted instead of a reference to the reigning Emperor.) for ever, to whom be glory, honour, majesty and an eternal throne, from generation to generation. Amen.