But one man, Quintus by name, a Phrygian newly arrived from Phrygia, when he saw the wild beasts, turned coward. He it was who had forced himself and some others to come forward of their own free will. This man the proconsul by much entreaty persuaded to swear the oath and to offer incense. For this cause therefore, brethren, we praise not those who deliver themselves up, since the Gospel doth not so teach us.
Apocrypha · Chapter 4 of 22
Martyrdom of Polycarp 4
Acts of the Martyrs
Words in this chapter
What these words meant in the original — and where else they appear.
About Martyrdom of Polycarp
The eyewitness account of the death of the bishop of Smyrna in the stadium, with the answer that endured: eighty-six years I have served Christ, how can I blaspheme him now? English text: The Apostolic Fathers, Martyrdom of Polycarp (1891), J. B. Lightfoot, 1891 (public domain). Portuguese and Spanish: Lux Veritas translations from this edition.
Source: The Apostolic Fathers, Martyrdom of Polycarp (1891), J. B. Lightfoot (1891) · public domain