Editing Polycarp (section)

===Link to the Apostles and Jesus===
According to Irenaeus, Polycarp was a companion of [[Papias of Hierapolis|Papias]], another "hearer of John", and a correspondent of Ignatius of Antioch which the document titled "[https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0123.htm The Martyrdom of Ignatius]" furthermore confirms:

And after a great deal of suffering he came to Smyrna, where he disembarked with great joy, and hastened to see the holy Polycarp, formerly his fellow disciple, and now bishop of Smyrna. For they had both, in old times, been disciples of St. John the Apostle.
- [https://www.searchearlychristianwritings.online/read?volume=1&caption=5.25.3.0.0 Martyrdom of Ignatius, Ch. 3]

 Ignatius addressed a letter to him and mentions him in his [[Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians|letters to the Ephesians]] and to the [[Epistle of Ignatius to the Magnesians|Magnesians]].<ref>Irenaeus, [http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0103533.htm V.xxxiii].</ref> Polycarp's epistle to the Philippians gives us some insights to the early usage of the [[New Testament]] from the quotes used within his letter.<ref>That Ancient Faith, [https://www.thatancientfaith.uk/home/perma/1637485200/article/polycarp-show-the-early-use-of-the-new-testament.html How Polycarp (And Others) Show The Early Use Of The New Testament]</ref> Irenaeus regarded the memory of Polycarp as a link to the apostolic past. In his letter to Florinus, a fellow student of Polycarp who had become a Roman presbyter and later lapsed into heresy, Irenaeus relates how and when he [[religious conversion|became a Christian]]:<ref>{{cite CE1913 |last=Bacchus |first=Francis Joseph |wstitle=St. Polycarp |volume=12}}</ref><blockquote>I could tell you the place where the blessed Polycarp sat to preach the [[Logos (Christianity)|Word of God]]. It is yet present to my mind with what gravity he everywhere came in and went out; what was the sanctity of his deportment, the majesty of his countenance; and what were his holy exhortations to the people. I seem to hear him now relate how he conversed with John and many others who had seen Jesus Christ, the words he had heard from their mouths.<ref name=SHMI>{{cite book|author=Fr. Paolo O. Pirlo, SHMI|title=My First Book of Saints|year=1997|publisher=Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate – Quality Catholic Publications|isbn=971-91595-4-5|pages=58–59|chapter=St. Polycarp}}</ref></blockquote>
In particular, he heard the account of Polycarp's discussion with John and with others who had seen [[Jesus]]. Irenaeus reports that Polycarp was converted to Christianity by apostles, was consecrated a presbyter, and communicated with many who had seen Jesus. He writes that he had had the good fortune, when young, to know Polycarp, who was then far advanced in years.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/victoriesmartyrs09liguuoft/page/n71 Liguori, Alphonsus. "St. Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna", ''Victories of the Martyrs'', (Eugene Grimm, ed.), New York, Benziger Brothers, 1888, p. 66]{{PD-notice}}</ref>