Polycarp (70-155/160). Bishop of Smyrna and Disciple of John the Apostle, wrote:
“O Lord God almighty… I bless you and glorify you through the eternal and heavenly high priest Jesus Christ, your beloved Son, through whom be glory to you, with Him and the Holy Spirit, both now and forever”
Another quote affirming the truth that the doctrine of the Trinity was established before the Council of Nicaea, and was not the invention of the Council.
In fact, the Council was called to address heresies creeping into the life of the church – namely that raised by Anti-Trinitarians. Prior to that is was well accepted apostolic doctrine. This is one more reminder, for those who claim that the Trinity is not biblical because the word “Trinity” does not appear in the New Testament.
The Council antecedes the establishment of the New Testament Canon. In fact, without the Council (which was definitively Trinitarian, we would not have the New Testament. The Council(s) were the earliest reflection of the theological convictions of the Apostles, and their disciples (The Early Church Fathers).
Those who reject the doctrine of the Trinity (like the members of “The Way International,” “The Jehovah’s Witness,” and more current expressions of this heresy) are not handling the scripture with theological integrity.
Ignatius of Antioch & Polycarp of Smyrna (Early Christian Fathers)
by: Kenneth J. Howell
publisher: CH Resources, published: 2009-11-05
ASIN: 0980006651
EAN: 9780980006650
sales rank: 231258
price: $7.59 (new), $6.59 (used)
Ignatius of Antioch and Polycarp of Smyrna were two of the greatest leaders of Christianity in the first half of the second century. Both suffered martyrdom: Ignatius in Rome during the reign of Trajan, and Polycarp in Smyrna some time in the mid-century. The letters of Ignatius advance the teachings of Christ and the apostles on such important subjects as church unity, the Eucharist, and the governmental structure of the church. The Martydom of Polycarp represents one of the earliest and most inspiring accounts of a Christian martyr that we possess. Their combined writings provide a unique window on the faith, life and practice of Christians in the second century. Careful reading of these writings demonstrates the unique place that the early fathers of the church hold in establishing the foundations of historic Christianity. Their relevance for contemporary ecumenical discussions is beyond dispute.
