Polycarp to the Philippians

Samuel Eastlund — Sat, 08 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Polycarp's epistle to the Philippians

Background

Polycarp was apparently a disciple of John the Apostle, and knew Ignatius of Antioch. He may even have been the 'angel of the church in Smyrna' which is referred to in Revelation. I read two documents in the ANF, his epistle to the Philippians and the account of his martyrdom. These are included in Eusebius's ecclesiastical history.

Elders

Polycarp titles his letter 'Polycarp, and the presbyters with him.' This provides evidence for a group of elders who are leading the church in Smyrna. This could be interpreted in a number of ways:

Polycarp is the bishop of Smyrna, and the presbyters with him are those under him who lead individual churches or parishes. (Episcopalianism)
There are many individual churches in Smyrna, each led by a presbyter. Polycarp is the individual writing the letter, but the letter is endorsed by all the presbyters. (Presbyterianism)
There is one church which is led by a group of presbyters (shared eldership, Baptist?).

We can't say from this one letter which.

The New Testament

This letter is full of quotations from the New Testament. I won't present them all because there are a handful on every page - I'd end up just presenting the New Testament! However it is noteworthy how quickly the writings of the Apostles became accepted as either Scripture or at least worthy of continued reading and referencing. Presumably the church is Philippi knew what Polycarp was referencing, so they already have widespread acceptance.

Collected Reflections (Posts about ecclesiology)

Polycarp to the Philippians

Polycarp's epistle to the Philippians

Background

Elders

The New Testament