Leaving the schedule, we looked in detail at the Martyrium of Polycarp. We were struck by its apparent realism, and the humor of Polycarp. Many of the issues seemed to relate to what we know of events in Africa at the beginning of the Third Century, such as the martyrdom of Perpetua, which might suggest the later of the possible dates for Polycarp, though it makes it more difficult to believe that he was a pupil of John the Apostle.

Polycarp is the third of the Apostolic Fathers, with Ignatius and Clement. His death can be dated by one formula to 156 CE, and by another to 170. In the well-regarded Martyrium of Polycarp, he is quoted as having said "Eightysix years have I served my master -- should I blaspheme him now?" This indicates that, like John the Apostle, he lived to a great age, and to some extent supports the claim that he was a disciple of John, though which John is perhaps unclear.

His Letter to Philippi is a cover letter, enclosing a package of letters by Ignatius for study by the Philippians. In contrast to the sometimes harsh tone of the letters of Clement and Ignatius, he "comes across" as a friendly, tolerant personality. There are even contemporary jokes told about him, particularly his encounters with Cerinthus and Marcion, and even in the arena facing imminent death.