Summer Greek: The Martyrdom of Polycarp

A text showing Peter's martyrdom

After finishing the Didache, I decided to translate portions of "The Martyrdom of Polycarp"--a letter written around 160 AD recounting the the persecution, trial, and death of the Bishop of Smyrna.

Polycarp 1:1-2

1- We write to you, brothers and sisters, things concerning the witnesses (martyrs) and especially the blessed Polycarp, who put an end to persecution by placing a seal on it with his own (witness) martyrdom.  For almost everything that came before happened in order that the Lord might show from above a witness (martyrdom) in accordance with the gospel.

2- He waited until he was betrayed, just as the Lord, in order that we might be imitators of him, not only looking out for ourselves but also for our neighbors.  For true and steadfast love does not only wish for itself to be saved, but for all the brothers and sisters.

The word martyr is the Greek word for "witness".  That is why I included it in brackets.  Polycarp's death "bore witness" to the power of Christ's resurrection, and this "witness" was meant to point others in the direction of Jesus and his Kingdom.  Polycarp refused to deny his faith even when tortured and ultimately killed.  He didn't do it to earn a good spot at the heavenly banquet table, he did it so that he might show others that Christ's "love is better than life"--that Christ is "the resurrection and the life".

People were so taken by Polycarp's "witness" that his story has been retold through the ages.  His testimony remains a powerful reminder of self sacrifice.  Polycarp was 86 when he "bore witness", reminding us that there is no retirement from Christian service.

Learning Greek!

Over the years, people have often asked me about programs to learn Greek.  They long to read the Bible in the original languages...perhaps out of fear that the English translation leaves out some secret theological insights that might somehow impede their spiritual growth.  The English translations available are quite reliable (stick to NIV, TNIV, NASB, or NRSV...or perhaps a combination, and you'll be alright).  Most Christians throughout history couldn't even read, much less read the original manuscripts. 

But if you just long to open a Greek New Testament; to explore your inner Greek Geek, you will be happy to know, that it is easier than ever  to learn Greek or at least get some tools to help in your own Bible study.

Let me first say that I don't get any kickbacks from Bill Mounce!  That being said, I don't think there is any better system available than those at teknia.com.  For a mere $156.77 you get everything you need to learn New Testament Greek: The grammar book, workbook (and an answer guide), flash cards, etc.  But the best part of this is that he includes a series of DVDs of him teaching through the book.  The video is high quality, and he's a pretty engaging teacher (considering he's teaching Greek).  Plus, the website offers all sorts of helps, and he's constantly improving the website and the learning aids. 

So let us recap: $156.77 for a class that I spent thousands of dollars to take.  But if you're not a geek (like me), but you still want to learn a little Greek, Mounce has resources available for that too.  He's a good guy and a great teacher.

Didache 3

Here is another section of my translation of the Didache from chapter 16:

1- Be mindful of your life; don't let your lamp be extinguished.  Do not grow weary, but be prepared; for you do not know the hour in which the Lord will return.

2- Meet together frequently, seeking what is proper for your souls, for your journey of faith will not benefit you unless you complete the journey.

This is the last exhortation in this short teaching, immediately followed by a mini-apocalypse.  This document is a distillation of the Christian life, from proper actions to proper worship (there is a section dealing with communion, baptism, fasting, and prayer).  As I mentioned before, there is little in the way of doctrinal theology, but it's purpose is to help people "complete the journey".  Christians in the first century faced incredible challenges, fears, and difficulties (not unlike Christians in the twenty-first century) and this little handbook provides concrete teachings to help believers "be prepared".  

This "preparation" is rooted in fellowship.  In verse two, we are told to "meet together frequently" and "seeking what is proper for your souls" is a communal activity.  These early believers understood the great need they had for each other...a concept lost on many contemporary believers.  We need each other; it is the only way for us to "complete the journey".

Didache 2

As I mentioned before, I'm spending some time this summer translating through the Didache (pronounced "did-uh-KAY").  There has been renewed interested in the early documents of Christian history, especially the Didache--there are several new books about the work, new translations, and reproductions of the original text in Greek.

Here is a portion of my own translation from chapter 3:

7)Be meek, "for the meek shall inherit the Earth"

8)Be patient, merciful, innocent, quiet, and good; revere the words you have heard

9)Do not exalt yourself, neither let your soul grow arrogant.  Do not join yourself with the proud, but make your home with the righteous and humble

10)Whatever comes to pass in your life, receive it as good, knowing that nothing comes about without God.

I think what strikes me most about this brief document, is how heavily it relies on the Sermon on the Mount.  Early Christians were devoted to the words of Jesus--often quoting directly from his teachings.  Jesus' words had become ingrained in their vocabulary; his sermons flowed from their mouths as easily as their own words.  Right after I became a Christian, I read through the Gospels over and over--I remember committing to read one chapter in the morning and one at night before bed.  Sometimes i would "cheat" and read 2 or 3 chapters--devouring them as "bread from heaven".  And believe it or not,  until I was in college I read from the King James Version (just like Jesus said it). 

Since then, I've studied the Bible in the original languages, read commentaries, studied background materials, and listened to others (both ancient and contemporary) expound on the scriptures, but I've never felt a connection to Scripture like I did in those first few months.  Perhaps I just haven't been as hungry for it....