Listen

St. Polycarp Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Creator:
Published:
December 5, 2023
February 23, 2019
Who was St. Polycarp? Learn more this early Christian martyr through our Spotify playlist inspired by his life and legacy.|Who was St. Polycarp? Learn more this early Christian martyr through our Spotify playlist inspired by his life and legacy.|St. Polycarp Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Born when the Christian faith was still emerging, St. Polycarp was a follower of St. John, the Beloved Disciple, and went on to teach others and send supportive and instructive letters to distant Christian communities. Besides having a strange name, though, Polycarp is best known for his martyrdom.

Living during a time of Christian persecution, Polycarp was ready to die for his faith. Yet, when he was about to be arrested, he hid for as long as possible. Eventually, he had to face his fate. Before being taken away, Polycarp asked the authorities for a few hours to pray.

In front of a large crowd at an outdoor amphitheater, Polycarp professed his faith and refused to succumb to threats.

“I have wild beasts,” the judge said. 

“Call for them,” replied Polycarp, “for we will not be moved from good to evil.” 


“If you hate the beasts, I will have you consumed by fire,” the judge said.



“You threaten me with fire that burns for a season, and is quenched after a while,” Polycarp replied, “but you do not know of the judgment to come and of the fire of eternal punishment that is prepared for the wicked. Why do you delay? Bring against me what you please.”

The judge finally decided to burn Polycarp alive. When the pyre was lit, though, the flames did not touch him. Instead, the fire swelled around him like sails on a ship, and released a scent of incense. When the soldiers saw this, they killed him with a spear.

Polycarp’s teaching — and especially his example — was foundational for the early Church.

Get to know this early Christian martyr through our Spotify playlist inspired by his life and legacy.

If the entire playlist isn't loading below, click on the Spotify logo to listen to the full playlist on Spotify.

Creators:
Grotto
Published:
December 5, 2023
February 23, 2019
On a related note...
10 Tweets to Make You LOL on World Laughter Day

10 Tweets to Make You LOL on World Laughter Day

Grotto

What Do Christians Mean by 'Salvation'?

What Do Christians Mean by 'Salvation'?

Mike Tenney

Grotto Celebrates Joy

Grotto Celebrates Joy

Grotto

A Colorful New Take on Sacred Art

A Colorful New Take on Sacred Art

Grotto

Father’s Day Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Father’s Day Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Grotto

St. Gianna Molla Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

St. Gianna Molla Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Grotto

Free Download: A 9-Minute, 29-Second Prayer for Racial Justice

Free Download: A 9-Minute, 29-Second Prayer for Racial Justice

Grotto

Road Trip These Pilgrimage Destinations

Road Trip These Pilgrimage Destinations

Mary Frances Myler

How Resting on Sundays Can Transform Your Perspective

How Resting on Sundays Can Transform Your Perspective

Christian Santa Maria

The Inspiration Behind the ‘Black Saints Matter’ Project

The Inspiration Behind the ‘Black Saints Matter’ Project

Molly Cruitt

Grotto’s Travel Guide to Chicago

Grotto’s Travel Guide to Chicago

Andrew Mentock

What to Give Up for Lent, Based on Your MBTI

What to Give Up for Lent, Based on Your MBTI

Maria Walley

Divine Mercy Sunday Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Divine Mercy Sunday Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Grotto

Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Grotto

St. John Bosco Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

St. John Bosco Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Grotto

How an Indie Horror Game Renewed My Faith

How an Indie Horror Game Renewed My Faith

Lisa Jordan

St. André Bessette Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

St. André Bessette Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Grotto

Saint Paul Miki Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Saint Paul Miki Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Grotto

Meet a Modern Peace Activist

Meet a Modern Peace Activist

Renée Roden

How Prayer Taught Me to Love My Body

How Prayer Taught Me to Love My Body

Jessica Mannen Kimmet

newsletter

We’d love to be pals.

Sign up for our newsletter, and we’ll meet you in your inbox each week.