Polycarp: A Student of John

By John Mench

Polycarp was a priest and a professor. After his mentor died, he assumed the research project of locating and interviewing those who spent time with Jesus. When he located John, Jesus’ disciple, in Ephesus, he worked with him and learned about Jesus from John. He dedicated his life to accumulating scrolls and artifacts concerning Jesus’ life in an attempt to ensure Jesus’ message was correctly taught to future priests. His work led directly to the formation of the books that are contained in the New Testament.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Oct 22, 2018
• ISBN: 9781973642732

John Mench

The author served in the U.S. Navy and then went to college. After graduating with an engineering degree, he enjoyed careers (50+ yrs.) as an engineer, businessman, and professor. He is now retired but writes novels. While reading the New Testament for over sixty years and teaching Sunday School Bible classes for twenty years, Fellow, John Mench, Ph.D., has been conflicted by the lack of personality within the testament. He endeavors to add perspective to the message of the testament by creating lives for those who wrote and developed Jesus’ message. My series of books – The First Four Hundred Years includes: Story One - Paul - (The Unique Trio - John the Baptist,Jesus, and Paul) Story Two - John Mark – (Born in Africa – Martyred in Africa) Story Three - John - (John the Youngest – John the Oldest) Story Four - Polycarp – (A Student of John) Story Five – Irenaeus – (A Student of Polycarp) Story Six - Hippolytus – (The First Antipope) Story Seven – Lucian – (Excommunicated – Reconciled – Commemorated as a Saint) Story Eight - Constantine – (Helena – Nicaea – Dead Sea Scrolls) Story Nine – Augustine – (Student of Ambrose – The City of God – Bishop of Hippo)

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Copyright © 2018 John Mench.

Interior Graphics/Art Credit: Trina Jang

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

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ISBN: 978-1-9736-4271-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-4272-5 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-4273-2 (e)

WestBow Press rev. date: 10/22/2018

DEDICATION

Dedicated to my wife, Rose, who for thirty-four years, focused our lives around Jesus’ message and to my second wife, Ann, who encouraged me for the last twenty years. Her illness provided me with the time to write and her love of life encouraged me to tell my stories. God’s grace to both of you.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

To my friends who after reading my book gave me critical guidance and loving care.

INTRODUCTION

The Foundation of Christianity

In an effort to stimulate your imagination, I have written a series of books concerning the formation of the Christian Church.

Our understanding of Christianity was probably formed when we attended Sunday school. Hopefully, what we learned was based on the principles of the Bible. The Bible’s New Testament provides us with a disjointed series of stories about Jesus. The stories are incomplete and have caused me to be concerned about the incidents not preserved in history. Some will say they are a figment of my imagination.

After reading the books, I encourage you to form and record your imagination concerning the unrecorded events.

My books were written as fiction related to history. In my opinion, history concerning any specific topic in ancient times is fiction. The amount of written history that is accurate is pure speculation. The amount of fiction that is contained in written history is based on several items:

1. elapsed time (from event to now)

2. government influence (the winners of war write history)

3. greed (writing to make money)

4. perspective (being human)

When you read a history book, you are reading a written perspective that has been deemed acceptable by your generation and your environment. Most history books are the perspective of well-paid victors.

POLYCARP

A Student of John

Polycarp’s story originates in Philippi during the middle of the first century and concludes after the middle of the second century. The story involves birth, love, travel, religion, and death. Polycarp’s father Augustus was killed while serving in the Roman Army. His mother, Dianna, was a strong willed woman and didn’t remarry. She and her attendant, Rachael, raised Polycarp and his three sisters. Polycarp became a priest and a professor. He was a student of John’s and spent time with him, in Ephesus, and later analyzed his writings. He moved to Smyrna and became The Bishop of Smyrna. He lived an exciting life performing research and teaching. He emphasized apostolic succession and the correctness of the scriptures. He died a martyr.

CONTENTS

Chapter 1     Polycarp’s Childhood

Chapter 2     The Research Project – Professor Thomas

Chapter 3     The Research Project - Polycarp

Chapter 4     Relocation to Smyrna

Chapter 5     The New Building at Smyrna

Chapter 6     The University at Smyrna

Chapter 7     Bishop Polycarp Teaches at the University

Chapter 8     Codices

Chapter 9     Polycarp at Smyrna

Chapter 10   A Trip to Rome

Chapter 11   Trips to Gaul

Chapter 12   Polycarp’s Death

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CHAPTER 1

POLYCARP’S CHILDHOOD

Polycarp was born about forty years after Jesus was crucified. Many of the original followers of Jesus had died, and most of Jesus’ original twelve disciples had been killed. The Jewish Rabbis, in Jerusalem, had convinced the administrators of the Roman government that The Way was a threat to their control. The government administrators considered those living in Jerusalem an especially serious threat. Vespasian became emperor and his son, Titus, destroyed the temple and most of the people in Jerusalem. Those that followed Jesus’ message had relocated to other cities. Antioch was the unofficial home of the Christian faith. Another city, very important to Christianity and to the Roman government, was Philippi. It was home to many Roman soldiers, because it was situated on a very important Roman highway that connected the East to the West. Polycarp’s father, Augustus, served the Roman army for twelve years, but after two years of service he had been sent from Rome to Philippi. The year sixty-nine had been a difficult time for the Roman government. Nero, the emperor, committed suicide and the new emperor, Galba, endured only a few months before he was replaced by Otho. The situation in Jerusalem wasn’t any better. The Jewish people planned a revolution. Vespasian, the commander of the Roman military, campaigned very successfully against the Jewish cities, so the senate named him the fourth emperor of the year. His son, Titus, remained in Judah and looked forward to successful completion of his assignment of destroying Jerusalem.

Dianna, Polycarp’s mother was born and raised in Philippi. She had been married to Augustus for eight years, bore three daughters, and was pregnant with Polycarp. They lived in a medium size house located on a piece of land that had been in Polycarp’s mother’s family for many years. She inherited the house, the vineyards, and most of her father’s wealth. She was the oldest female child, and no male children were born to her father and mother. When she saw Augustus approach, Dianna noted a frown on his face. They exchanged greeting.

I have unsettling news, he said. I was informed today that I am being sent to the Jerusalem area. I will be attached to the legion at Tiberias.

Dianna looked at her husband in disbelief. She hadn’t considered his being sent to a dangerous area. She grasped his large hand and focused her sad eyes directly at him.

Tiberias, I understand that legion is under the command of Titus, Augustus said. He is going to drive the Jewish faithful out of Jerusalem.

They won’t leave peacefully, Dianna said. They will fight.

I am certain I will see some action, he said. Maybe I will earn a promotion.

It all started with Nero, she said. It has been very difficult in Rome. Our government is in turmoil. I wish Rome hadn’t burned. Maybe Nero would have been more at peace with those whose religion is based on worshiping one God.

Augustus kissed her hand and looked in her large, dark eyes.

I am sorry I won’t be here when our son is born, he said. After three girls, you will have a boy this time.

Do you have to go before our baby is born? she asked. Can’t you remain with me for a few months?

I don’t think the army cares when our baby will be born, Augustus said. They are more interested in destroying Jerusalem.

I want you to promise me that you will inform your sergeant that I am with child, and you want to remain with me, Dianna said. He might have a child.

He smiled at her, I promise I will ask him, but I don’t think he is married.

Augustus talked with his sergeant the next day. The sergeant wasn’t sympathetic. He explained that if the army wanted Augustus to have a wife they would have issued one to him. When Augustus returned home, he told Dianna that the sergeant was sorry, but he must go to Tiberias.

Be careful, she said. We need you.

If everything goes as planned, I should return in two years, he said. They could have sent me for a much longer tour of duty.

That two years will seem like twenty years, she said. We have never been apart for more than a month.

I have had a steady assignment since we have been married, he said. We really can’t complain.

I hope you are correct and our baby is a boy, Dianna said. You have wanted a boy since we were married.

I will sail to Caesarea, Augustus said. We will leave in ten days. I will start packing tomorrow.

Do you know exactly what you are going to do? she asked.

I will probably be given about one week of training concerning our mission, he said. If I get an early start with the training, I should be prepared before I have to sail.

Have some wine and bread, she said. They didn’t give you much notice. I guess it is because the situation, in Jerusalem, is changing so quickly.

I am certain Titus needs more men, he said. It is a temporary assignment.

She batted her beautiful eyes at him.

We will all miss you very much, she said. I don’t want you to worry about me. When our child is born, I will have one of my sisters stay with me. It is our good fortune that they all live in Philippi.

He peered deeply into her eyes. He lost concentration for a moment. He paused.

It is nice to have a choice, he said. Which sister will be with you?

Dianna had two sisters. Her sister Mary lived close to her, but she didn’t have any children. Her other sister Elizabeth had two children, but she lived on the other side of town in a large home and was busy with her family.

I will visit with Mary first, Dianna said. I am certain she will want to help me. My other sister is quite busy with her family, attendants, and house. I will figure that out after you depart.

The time passed quickly, but Dianna and Augustus saw each other every day. When he finished daily training, he was allowed to go home. After ten days, Augustus and several other soldiers from Philippi departed. A melancholy Dianna visited her sister. When she knocked on the door of her house, Mary had just finished her mid-morning tea.

Hello, Mary, Dianna said. I will need your help. Augustus has gone to Jerusalem and won’t return for two years.

As she looked at Dianna, a startled look appeared on Mary’s face.

Why did he go to Jerusalem, she asked. I thought he was assigned in Philippi.

He received a temporary assignment, she said. We will miss him greatly. I came to see if you could be with me during my birthing time.

Certainly, I will help you, she said. I can arrange things, so I can be with you.

Mary paused for a moment, pushed her hair back, and rubbed her forehead.

Maybe you should consider hiring an attendant to help you with your family, Mary said. You are going to have three small children and an infant. I am certain you can find a place in your house for an attendant to live.

Dianna thought about her house. As she looked at Mary, a concerned look appeared on her face.

I don’t know if I can afford an attendant, do you know how much an attendant costs? she asked.

My neighbor, Elizabeth, has a slave for an attendant, and she doesn’t have any more money than you, Mary said. We should talk to her.

I didn’t know your neighbor has an attendant, Dianna said. I am certain she appreciates the help.

Mary knew Dianna needed an attendant and wanted to convince her that she could afford one.

She might know someone who will help attend to your family, she said. I see her every Sabbath. She attends one of the new churches.

Is she a Christian? she asked. Can slaves belong to a church?

Would you like to go to a meeting with us? Mary asked. I think you might enjoy the lessons.

Yes, I would like that very much, Dianna said. I could ask her a few questions.

Dianna smiled at her sister and indicated it was time for her to take the children home.

Don’t walk too fast, Mary said. You should be careful.

I will see you, she said. When I have to carry Margret, I don’t walk very rapidly.

Dianna was certain she couldn’t afford a full-time attendant, but she trusted Mary and looked forward to talking with Mary’s neighbor at the Sabbath meeting. Taking care of three small girls and an infant required more work than she could handle.

It was a beautiful, sunny, warm Sabbath day, and several people stood outside the neighborhood church. They disapprovingly discussed that army soldiers had been sent to Jerusalem. They interrupted their conservation to greet their friends.

Welcome to our meeting, she said. I am your sister’s neighbor. She told me that you wanted to discuss the cost of an attendant. I have a slave, and she is a great help. I provide her with a place to stay and food.

I have room, Dianna said. My husband has departed.

A slave attendant will accept almost any amount of money you offer, she said. My attendant knows a lady named Rachael who would be a good attendant.

Has she worked with children? she asked. I prefer someone with experience.

The neighbor smiled and shook her head in the affirmative.

She loves children, she said. She also cleans and keeps her clothing neat. If you are interested, I will have her visit with you tomorrow.

I would like to talk with her, Dianna said. I already need help and my family is going to get larger.

When the sisters saw each other, they found a seat and bowed their heads to pray. Then they exchanged greetings.

Have you discussed having an assistant? Mary asked.

Yes, tomorrow I am going to meet with Rachael, Dianna said. Do you know Rachael?

She is a very good worker, she said. When I need help, she helps me for a day or two. I am sure you will like her.

Dianna enjoyed the lesson very much and planned to return the next Sabbath. She felt much better about having an attendant and looked forward to meeting with Rachael.

Dianna sipped a cup of tea and waited for Rachael. Suddenly, she heard a knock on the door.

My name is Rachael. I was told you might need an assistant, she said.

Rachael looked around the house and noticed all the dirty clothing.

It looks to me like you need help, she said. I will help you feed the children.

The three young ones are more than I can handle, Dianna said.

It is important for me to address them properly, what are their names? she asked. Are they all girls?

Yes, all girls, she said. I am sorry everything is such a mess.

One person can only accomplish so much, Rachael said.

She glanced at Dianna.

I guess I must admit I do need help, Dianna said. I just don’t want to admit it. The oldest one is named after me, Dianna. The two younger ones are Martha and Margret.

Rachael looked at the children and smiled, They are cute. I love little girls.

I am certain we can find room for you in our house, Dianna said. My husband is a Roman soldier and has been sent to Jerusalem for two years. I can only pay you a small amount, can you start today?

I will help you for the rest of the day, she said. I must talk to my employer. He hired me and my brother to pick grapes.

You work in a vineyard? she asked. That is hard work.

I think I am required to remain with him at least until the end of the week, she said. I still live with my parents. I don’t need much space. I am certain we can find a place for me in your house.

We will figure something out, Dianna said. Hand me that cloth.

Here, she said. My master told me that if I could find a place to live, he would free me. He prefers to work with men. If I live with you, it would save him money. I am certain he will give you my papers.

A puzzled look appeared on Dianna’s face.

I haven’t thought about papers, she said. I am already looking forward to next week. I should have talked to Mary about an attendant a few years ago.

The week passed slowly for Dianna. Time passed even more slowly for Rachael. Before Rachael arrived at Dianna’s house, Dianna had arranged a place for her to sleep and unpack her belongings. When Rachael arrived, Dianna was reading a story to young Dianna.

Hello, Dianna, Rachael said. I have my papers.

She handed her ownership papers to Dianna.

Here take them, she said. You now own me and are responsible for me.

That sounds funny, Dianna said. I own you.

I really don’t like picking grapes, she said. I do have one problem. My master wants me to work until the harvest is complete or to pay him to hire someone to pick the grapes for him.

I will put your paper with our other important papers, Dianna said. I made a place for you to sleep. I’ll talk with your old master.

They walked to the area Dianna had prepared for Rachael.

You can have this area to keep your things, she said. You can put your bag here and get your other things tomorrow.

This is all I have, she said. I have two sets of clothes and an extra pair of sandals.

I guess that is all you need, she said. Welcome to our humble home.

I am lucky to have this much, she said. I know many people who only have one set of clothes.

Come in and enjoy your new home, Dianna said. I am certain you remember the children. After we have cleaned them, we will put them to sleep. Then we can talk.

After Dianna agreed to provide him with a day labor for two weeks, Rachael’s old owner was satisfied. He indicated that after the grapes were picked he didn’t want anything to do with Rachael. Rachael was now Dianna’s attendant. They quickly learned to live together and cared of the children. Rachael explained that she had helped to birth three babies and looked forward to helping Mary during Dianna’s childbirth process. A lifelong relationship ensued.

It was the Sabbath and the family prepared to go to the meeting place. They assembled in the living area of the house. Before they departed, Dianna and Rachael reviewed everything.

Dianna, you sure are growing, Rachael said. It will not be very long now.

I feel well, she said. It is a little difficult to standup straight.

Rachael worked with the children.

I have finished preparing the girls for our trip to the meeting place, she said. I understand we are going to hear another great lesson about Jesus. Do you want me to help you?

No, I am fine, Dianna said. I have to find my head cover.

I think it is in the drawer, Rachael said. I shall get it for you.

When you have the children ready, let me know, Dianna said. We will walk to the meeting place. You will have to carry Margret. I don’t think I will be able to carry her.

The family enjoyed the weekly trips to the meeting place. They socialized and listened to teachings about Jesus’ message. Most of the material was new to Dianna, but she was interested and discussed the teachings with Rachael.

That was a wonderful lesson, Rachael said. I was glad to see your sister Mary. I thanked her again for introducing us. She is such a nice person.

Yes, I was glad to see her, Dianna said. I told her it won’t be long, and when we need help, you will inform her.

A few days passed, Rachael heard a knock at the door. She and Dianna were greeted by a Roman soldier. They looked at each other in wonderment.

I am looking for Augustus’ wife, he said. I have been ordered to deliver this message and talk with her.

Rachael looked at Dianna and said, This Roman soldier is looking for you.

Dianna and Rachael both sensed the soldier was very nervous.

I have bad news, he said. The ship carrying the soldiers encountered a violent storm and sank.

Dianna was greatly shaken by the news and her knees grew weak. Rachael had to catch her before she fell. Rachael guided her to a chair. Dianna was speechless and in shock. Rachael put a damp cloth on her forehead. The soldier looked at Dianna.

Many of the soldiers survived but many didn’t survive, he said. Your husband couldn’t swim. He was lost. He never made it to Caesarea.

Dianna sobbed and experienced trouble breathing. Rachael took her hand and kissed it.

I have this message from Rome expressing the military’s greatest sympathy, he said. Your husband was a great soldier and will be missed by all. I will try to answer any questions you might have. If necessary, I can return in a few days.

With a glazed look on her face, Dianna looked at him and said, I don’t know what to ask. I think I am in shock.

If you have no questions today, I will return to my post and allow you to grieve, he said. We will be in contact with you.

Dianna was so distraught; she didn’t ask any questions, so the soldier departed.

While Dianna sobbed uncontrollably, Rachael removed the message from her hand and comforted her until the sunset. Then she lit one candle. Several hours passed before Dianna was able to speak normally.

She motioned to Rachael, I had a bad feeling. When Augustus boarded that ship, I knew that I might not see him again.

Rachael squeezed her hand, I will care for you. Don’t worry. We will make it.

I knew it, I just knew it,’ she said. I could feel it."

You and the children will be fine, she said. I am sure the Roman government will provide for you.

You will have to take care of everything for a while, she said. "Please ask my sister Mary to come and visit with