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Translated by Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson.
17 Pages
Page 16
Chapter XX. — This epistle is to be transmitted to the brethren.
Since, then, ye requested that we would at large make you acquainted with what really took place, we have for the present sent you this summary account through our brother Marcus. When, therefore, ye have yourselves read this Epistle, [474] be pleased to send it to the brethren at a greater distance, that they also may glorify the Lord, who makes such choice of His own servants. To Him who is able to bring us all by His grace and goodness [475] into his everlasting kingdom, through His only-begotten Son Jesus Christ, to Him be glory, and honour, and power, and majesty, for ever. Amen. Salute all the saints. They that are with us salute you, and Evarestus, who wrote this Epistle, with all his house.
[474] Literally, "having learned these things."
[475] Literally, "gift."
Chapter XXI. — The date of the martyrdom.
Now, the blessed Polycarp suffered martyrdom on the second day of the month Xanthicus just begun, [476] the seventh day before the Kalends of May, on the great Sabbath, at the eighth hour. [477] He was taken by Herod, Philip the Trallian being high priest, [478] Statius Quadratus being proconsul, but Jesus Christ being King for ever, to whom be glory, honour, majesty, and an everlasting throne, from generation to generation. Amen.
[476] The translation is here very doubtful. Wake renders the words menos histamenou, "of the present month."
[477] Great obscurity hangs over the chronology here indicated. According to Usher, the Smyrnaeans began the month Xanthicus on the 25th of March. But the seventh day before the Kalends of May is the 25th of April. Some, therefore, read 'Aprillion instead of Maion. The great Sabbath is that before the passover. The "eighth hour" may correspond either to our 8 a.m. or 2 p.m.
[478] Called before (chap. xii.) Asiarch.
Reference address : https://ellopos.net/elpenor/greek-texts/fathers/polycarp/epistle-martyrdom-polycarp.asp?pg=16