Polycarp

About the Book

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.

About the Author

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) Story Ten – Augustus – (The First Roman Emperor)