Nielsen’s Nook

Translation

1 But the proconsul said, “I have wild animals. [a] To these I will throw you unless you repent.” [b]

“Call them. For the repentance from the better [c] to the worse is impossible [d] for us. [e] However, it is a beautiful thing to transfer [f] from dangerous times [g] to righteousness,” Polycarp replied.

[a] θηρία is the same word for wild animals used in relation to Quintos and Germanikos in §§2-4.

[b] Keep in mind that μετανοέω literally means to change one’s mind and is then extrapolated in the figurative meanings of repent, feel remorse, be converted. Repentance then requires movement from, in the Christian understanding, sin to righteousness, bad to good, ourselves to Christ.

[c] κρειττόνων comparative form of κρείττων, an adjective, describing something as more prominent, higher in rank, better.

[d] ἀμετάθετος i.e., unchangeable (BAGD, 45). The Lordship of Jesus and the Christian’s allegiance to it is a non-negotiable.

[e] i.e., Christians.

[f] μετατίθεσθαι same word used in §8.2 when the police chief et al so hastily transferred St. Polycarp from the paddy wagon.

[g] χαλεπῶν (χαλεπός) BAGD suggests the use of this word here in §11.1 is best translated as evil (p 874). However, if we understand St. Polycarp to be speaking of the opportunity he has in Christ to transcend the threats of wild animals, then something like hard times, dangerous times, or violent times is in order. In essence, St. Polycarp is saying, ‘I am not afraid of you, I know where I’m going.’