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 §18.3

Will Nielsen
January 24th, 2008
Tags: • • • • • • •

Translation

3 There, as we are able, gathering full of exultation and joy, the Lord will permit us to celebrate the anniversary [1] of his martyrdom not only for the remembrance of those martyrs who have already contested, [2] but also for the training [3] and preparation of those who will contest in the future. [4]

[1] ἐπιτελεῖν … τὴν ἡμέραν γενέθλιον celebrate the birthday (BAGD, 302). It is customary to call such celebrations ‘anniversaries.’

[2] προηθληκότων (προαθλέω) contest in former times of the martyrs of earlier ages (BAGD, 702). Lake notes that this “is almost a technical term for martyrdom” see also Ignatius’s Epistle to Polycarp 1:3 (Apostolic Fathers, vol 2, p 337).

[3] ἄσκησίν viz of an athlete, here speaking of martyrdom which historically has employed athletic contest as a metaphor.

[4] τῶν μελλόντων “those about to … “, “those fixing to…”. The contest of martyrdom is assumed.

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