Christians from Smyrna
Martyrdom of Polycarp of Smyrna (this work was addressed to Christians in Philomelium (Anatolia). According to the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Letter of the Church of Smyrna (also known as the Martyrdom of Polycarp) is an early Christian document that provides a detailed and authentic account of the martyrdom of Saint Polycarp, the Bishop of Smyrna, around 155 A.D. It is held in high regard as a historically significant and venerated text that describes his steadfast faith and heroic death. The letter is considered a crucial early source for understanding Christian martyrdom and the veneration of saints.
Historical significance: The letter is a primary source for the historical details of Saint Polycarp's life and martyrdom, describing his arrest, refusal to renounce Christ, and eventual death by fire and sword.
Canonical status: It is accepted as an authentic document within the Eastern Orthodox Church and is often included in collections of early Christian writings.
Hagiographical importance: The letter is seen as a foundational text in hagiography (the writing of the lives of saints), providing a model for the veneration of martyrs and the importance of steadfast faith in the face of persecution.
Parallels to Christ: The text highlights parallels between Polycarp's martyrdom and the life of Jesus, such as his prayer before his arrest and his willingness to follow God's will, which is considered a significant theological point in Orthodox tradition.
Inspirational value: It serves as an inspirational text for Orthodox Christians, emphasizing themes of courage, faith, and perseverance in the face of suffering and death.
Title - Thesis | Scroll | Short Description | Synthesis 2nd Temple | Antithesis | Synthesis Apostolic | Synthesis Amoraim | Continent Origin | Southern Worldview | Northern Worldview |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Christians from Smyrna | Scroll 117.1 | Hagiography (Holy Writing) | Letter of the Church of Smyrna concerning the martyrdom of Saint Polycarp | Epistula ecclesiae Smyrnensis de martyrio sancti Polycarpi | Martyrology | NA | Asia | Book of History | Martyrology |
Category Reference Guide
Title/Thesis - The name of the book in American English
Synthesis 2nd Temple - The name of the book in order of its presentation other than the Apostles, ranging from 2nd temple Judaism up to the 1st century
Antithesis - The name of the book in another language
Synthesis Apostolic - The identity of the book in order of its presentation according to Tradition in the church after the 3rd century
Synthesis Amoraim - The name of the book in order of its presentation other than the Apostles, ranging from Tannaim up to the 5th century
Continent Origin - Continent from where the Text Type Source comes from
Southern Worldview - Catalog strategy for storing the scrolls include the interpretation. South means Africa or Egypt (Alexandrian) such as LXX. South of Palestine.
Northern Worldview - Catalog strategy for storing the scrolls include the interpretation. North means Asia or Persia (Babylonian) such as Masoretic. North of Palestine.
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Link to some reference to the 22 chapters