Nielsen’s Nook

Nielsen’s Nook
Nielsen’s Nook
Contemplative, reflective, and irenic we pray.
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Translation and Commentary on The Martyrdom of Polycarp §4

Will Nielsen
November 27th, 2007
Tags: • • • • • • •

Translation

1 But one by the name of Quintus, [1] a Phrygian who had recently arrived from Phrygia, [2] after he beheld the wild animals became cowardly. [3] And this was the one who prevailed upon himself and even some others to go of their own accord. [4] The Proconsul, after earnestly entreating this man, cajoled him to swear an oath and offer a sacrifice. [5] Therefore, because of this, brothers and sisters, we do not praise those who hand themselves over since the Gospel does not teach thusly.

[1] Eusebius records Quintus as a Phrygian who aside from the shame of cowardice was faulted for recklessness as being “not right for such persons rashly and recklessly to expose themselves to danger.” (Eusebius, Historia Ecclesiastica, 4.15.7-8, New Advent online, Nov 26, 2007). See also Schaff’s The Post-Nicene Fathers, Vol 1: Eusebius: Prolegomena: Chapter 1: §3.

[2] A region associated with Galatia in central Asia minor (c.f., Acts 18:23), to the east of Smyrna where Polycarp was bishop.

[3] Contrary to Germanikos in §3.1.

[4] ἑκών lit. willingly. The idea here is that having heard of Germanikos’ valiant death, they sought out martyrdom.

[5] Presumably, this is a sacrifice to the Roman gods, viz Caesar.

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