Χριστιανος ειμι

Last night I was reading, in Greek, the Martyrdom of Polykarp with my friend Josh, and Polykarp is one of the coolest father’s ever.  In the face of persecution he tells those wishing to martyr him, "μετα παρρησιας ακουε: Χριστιανος ειμι." – "with open ears hear ‘I am a Christian!’"

Then the agistrate confronts him saying, "I have wild animals, I will cast you to them, unless you repent."  And Polykarp said, "Call them."  What a wonderful statement!  Yet, at the same time, I don’t understand how he can make that statement?!  Maybe it’s a fulfillment of Jesus’ words, "But when they deliver you up, do no worry about how or what you should speak.  For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of you Father who speaks in you."

And, as Josh said, "And I always thought the coolest part was that he didn’t burn, but this blows it out of the water."