Polycarp, the bishop of Smyrna, is an important figure in the history of the early Christian Church. He learned the Christian faith by listening to John the Evangelist. Then he taught the faith to Irenaeus of Lyons, who became a well-known Christian author. Polycarp was a companion of Papias, and a contemporary of Ignatius of Antioch.

The letter of Polycarp to the Philippians encourages the church to remain true to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the face of adversity, and to persevere in faith and virtue. The letter is remarkable because in it Polycarp demonstrates a widespread knowledge and acceptance of the canonicity of the New Testament letters of saints Peter, John and Paul.

The Martyrdom of Polycarp is one of the earliest surviving martyrdoms. In this account, Polycarp shows by example how to imitate Christ in death, in order to win the crown of eternal life.