Michael W. Holmes

Polycarp of Smyrna, Letter to the Philippians

The Letter to the Philippians penned by Polycarp of Smyrna is sometimes dismissed as an example of a proof-texting moralism, indicative of the post-apostolic church’s fall from the heights of Pauline Christianity. Read on its own terms, this complex exhortatory letter reveals a vigorous, pastorally sensitive effort to integrate both behavioural and theological aspects of ‘righteousness’ as Polycarp seeks to maintain the stability and integrity of the Philippian congregation.

The Text of the New Testament in Contemporary Research

This volume is a monograph in the Studies and Documents series devoted to basic research in the manuscript tradition of the New Testament. This entry focuses on the advances made in textual criticism during the past fifty years, presenting an overview of the current state of knowledge with respect to a wide range of important topics.

Recovering a "Lost" Author: Marcion of Smyrna

The Martyrdom of Polycarp , traditionally treated as an anonymous document, is not: it was composed by Marcion of Smyrna. A writer of no small ability, he argues for a particular view of martyrdom on the basis of a sophisticated interpretation of the gospel narrative; portrays Polycarp as the embodiment of both Christian and Greco-Roman virtues and values; and subverts Roman claims to power even as he affirms Christian claims of divine sovereignty. His accomplishments earn him a spot on the roster of second century Christian authors.