The Old Bishop Who Would Not Be Silent
In 155 AD, Roman soldiers dragged an elderly bishop named Polycarp into the arena at Smyrna. The crowd roared for his blood. The proconsul offered...
This is stories & illustrations, drawing on Romans 10:9.
In 155 AD, Roman soldiers dragged an elderly bishop named Polycarp into the arena at Smyrna. The crowd roared for his blood. The proconsul offered him a simple way out: "Swear by the fortune of Caesar. Say, 'Away with the atheists,' and I will release you." Polycarp looked at the howling mob, then turned back to the governor. His voice carried across the stadium: "Eighty-six years I have served Him, and He has done me no wrong.…
Sign up free to read the full illustration
Join fellow pastors who prep smarter — free account, no credit card.
Sign Up FreeScripture References
Powered by ChurchWiseAI
IllustrateTheWord is part of the ChurchWiseAI family — AI tools built for pastors, churches, and ministry leaders.
PewSearch
Find Your Church Home
The most complete church directory in the US and Canada. 218,000+ churches searchable by location, denomination, and tradition.
Search ChurchesChurchWiseAI
Voice Agent & Church Chatbot
24/7 AI phone receptionist and website chatbot for churches — answers calls, handles questions, and follows up with visitors automatically.