In 156 AD, Polycarp was told by the authorities to curse Christ. He said, "Eighty six years I have served him and he never did me any wrong. How can I blaspheme the king who saved me?"
The authorities threatened to throw him to the wild animals. He said, "call them in."
They then threatened to burn him alive. He said, "You threaten with fire that burns for a short time and is soon quenched. You don't know about the fire of the coming judgment and eternal punishment that awaits the wicked. But why are you waiting? Come do what you will."
A humble martyr who became famous
This old man stood and was courageous
God showed in a vision he wouldn't survive
He knew he would soon be burned alive
Polycarp was dragged through the streets
He was unafraid of the wild beasts
An audible voice spoke to him where it began
"Be strong Polycarp and act like a man"
Polycarp sacrificed all for the eternal
As the fire around him formed a circle
The heat of the fire became intense
Those near him smelled frankincense
God was with him as men were learning
He was in the fire but he was not burning
So they took and killed him with a sword
And suddenly he was with the Lord
Jesus came and carried him higher
His blood from his side extinguished the fire
He had something inside from above
Some say out of his side flew a dove
Polycarp believed God until the end
He courageously stood for his friend
Even today as evil pours in like a flood
The church is still built on the martyrs blood