Apocrypha
Polycarp to Philippians
Apostolic Father
14 chapters · read and listen
Reading note
An apocryphal or pseudepigraphal text — outside the canon of the Western churches, yet widely circulated among ancient Jews and Christians. Published here from a public-domain translation, edited for continuous reading.
Chapters
Dossier
Polycarp's letter to the Philippians, written just after Ignatius passed through the region — and which mentions that he is sending Ignatius's letters along with it, which is part of why they survived.
Where this text comes from
Greek, written probably between AD 110 and 135. There is debate over whether the text is a fusion of two letters from different dates, because of an inconsistency about Ignatius's fate.
Why it is not in the Bible
Patristic literature, never proposed for the canon. Its value is as a link: Polycarp quotes much of what is now the New Testament from memory, which helps date the circulation of those texts.
What you will find
- The New Testament quotations scattered through the letter are early evidence of which writings were already circulating and treated as authoritative.
- The case of the presbyter Valens, who was corrupted by money, handled with severity and a plea for mercy at once.
- The note that Polycarp is sending along the collection of Ignatius's letters that he holds.
Frequently asked questions
- Did Polycarp know any of the apostles?
- According to Irenaeus, who heard him in person, Polycarp was a disciple of the apostle John. He is one of the most cited links between the apostolic generation and the next.