Being followers of God, and stirring up yourselves by the blood of God, you have perfectly accomplished the work which was beseeming to you.
Ignatius of Antioch
Epistle to the Ephesians
Chapter I
Trinitarian Blessing
I have collected these things, when they had almost faded away through the lapse of time, that the Lord Jesus Christ may also gather me along with His elect into His heavenly kingdom, to whom, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Martyrdom of Polycarp
Chapter XXII
Trinitarian salutation
We wish you, brethren, all happiness, while you walk according to the doctrine of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; with whom be glory to God the Father and the Holy Spirit, for the salvation of His holy elect, after whose example the blessed Polycarp suffered, following in whose steps may we too be found in the kingdom of Jesus Christ!
Martyrdom of Polycarp
Chapter XXII
Polycarp’s relics are preserved for use in the Church
Accordingly, we afterwards took up his bones, as being more precious than the most exquisite jewels, and more purified than gold, and deposited them in a fitting place, whither, being gathered together, as opportunity is allowed us, with joy and rejoicing, the Lord shall grant us to celebrate the anniversary of his martyrdom, both in memory of those who have already finished their course, and for the exercising and preparation of those yet to walk in their steps.
Martyrdom of Polycarp
Chapter XVIII
Christ is the only one worshipped
… It is neither possible for us ever to forsake Christ, who suffered for the salvation of such as shall be saved throughout the whole world (the blameless one for sinners), nor to worship any other. For Him indeed, as being the Son of God, we adore; but the martyrs, as disciples and followers of the Lord, we worthily love on account of their extraordinary affection towards their own King and Master, of whom may we also be made companions and fellow-disciples!
Martyrdom of Polycarp
Chapter XVII
The faithful wanted to preserve Polycarp’s relics
… he did his utmost that not the least memorial of him should be taken away by us, although many desired to do that, and to become possessors of his holy flesh.
Martyrdom of Polycarp
Chapter XVII
Resurrection is of both soul and body
I give thanks that you have counted me worthy this day and this hour, that I should have a part in the number of your martyrs, in the cup of your Christ, to the resurrection of eternal life, both of soul and body, through the incorruption imparted by the Holy Spirit.
Martyrdom of Polycarp
Chapter XIV
Church authority
Wherefore, it is needful to abstain from all these things, being subject to the presbyters and deacons, as unto God and Christ. The virgins also must walk in a blameless and pure conscience.
Polycarp
Epistle to the Philippians
Chapter V
We reign with Christ by faith
If we please Him in this present world, we shall receive also the future world, according as He has promised to use that He will raise us again from the dead, and that if we live worthily of Him, “we shall also reign together with Him,” provided only we believe.
Polycarp
Epistle to the Philippians
Chapter V
Resurrection and Obedience are connected
But He who raised Him up from the dead will raise up us also, if we do His will, and walk in His commandments, and love what He loved, keeping ourselves from all unrighteousness, covetousness, love of money, evil speaking, false witness; …
Polycarp
Epistle to the Philippians
Chapter II