Polycarp was a martyr of the typical terrible
persecution of the Christians of Smyrna. He
was a noted Christian there. The Jew led the
persecution.

On a festival day he was ceased and given the
choice to sacrifice to Caesar or be burned.
His words, "Eighty and six years have I
served Christ, and He has never done me
wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who
saved me?"

As he was being burned alive, he prayed,
"I thank thee that thou has graciously
thought me worthy of this day and this hour,
that I may receive a portion in the number
of the martyrs, in the cup of thy Christ."

It was on the Sabbath Day and the Jews who
were involved broke their own Sabbath Day.