Polycarp Page #3

Thank you.

Hurry back.

I heard a rumor that

Polycarp is in danger.

There has been talk

of leaving for safety.

Where would you go?

We have friends in Ephesus.

But he does not want to go.

It is just a rumor.

I'm sure he will be fine.

Thank you!

You're welcome, dear.

We will be eating soon.

I'll be along shortly.

Perhaps if you just

spoke with him...

Spoke with who?

The Proconsul.

It would do no good.

What harm is there in trying?

It is not something that

you should worry about.

Stop. Anna! Anna!

Excuse me, sir.

Speak up, girl,

I haven't all day.

I have heard of your

dispute with the Christians.

How do you know

of the Christians?

I heard them speak.

They do not dishonor Caesar,

but simply cannot worship him.

You must let them

show their honor

in a way that will not

compromise their faith.

I must?

If you wish to avoid any

trouble with the Christians.

It is they who should

be afraid of me!

We will never be afraid of you.

Get her out of here.

Release her!

I'm unharmed.

He is a traitor! Seize him!

I regret I did not

have the privilege

of finishing our

previous conversation.

I will give you the

opportunity to show

your allegiance right here,

right now.

I will not betray my God.

Caesar is your god and

he demands your devotion!

I don't believe you

understand exactly

what is at stake here.

I will not commit such

grievances against my God.

This young man is one of those

that believes in

an invisible god.

He leads our little ones astray.

We will not tolerate such

insolence in our city!

Take him away.

Did they say when

his trial will be held?

Tomorrow.

Ninth hour.

He will be needing our prayers.

Holy Father,

you are forever faithful.

You are our refuge and our

strength in time of trouble.

You are our shield

and our deliverer.

Will you not deliver

your beloved

from the mouth of the lion?

May his strength be in you

and in your mighty power.

The spirit is willing,

but the flesh is weak.

Remove all doubt from

his mind and his heart.

Strengthen his faith, that

he may speak the truth.

Truth that sets people free.

I pray that your love

might be perfected in him.

That he might

have your boldness.

Just as you were, may he

also be in this world.

For you have not given

us a spirit of fear,

but of power, of love,

and of discipline.

May he know your heart.

Restore us, o God, and

give us strength to endure.

And let your will be done,

not ours.

We ask this of you now.

My son in the faith,

be strong in the Lord,

and act manfully when your

day of temptation comes.

Good day, Anna.

Good day.

May I go with you and Elias

to the trial?

You know they won't let us in.

Even outside,

one can hear them speak.

You must stay close.

I can appreciate

the zeal of youth,

but here it is misguided.

All it has brought you followers

of Christ is torture and death.

You can expect the same

if you continue

on your stubborn course.

I do not fear you.

You may kill my body, but

you cannot harm my soul.

It is in God's hands alone.

Silence!

I will not tolerate such

blasphemes in my court.

Caesar is your god and he

will determine your destiny.

But let it never be said

that we are without mercy.

Worship Caesar and live.

I serve the one and only

true God,

the maker of heaven and earth!

Silence!

He desires that you would

discover his glory

and declare him as your Lord.

That is enough!

You will pay for your

folly and the citizens

of Smyrna will be

the wiser for it.

You are hereby charged

with high treason

against the Roman Empire

for blasphemy

against Caesar and

our other gods!

For attempting to spread

these poisonous

teachings to others.

I, Gaius Asinius Guadratus,

Proconsul of Asia...

sentence you to death

today in the Arena.

I wield the powers of

the gods in this place.

Take him away.

Anna!

Let her go.

The arena is no place

for a child.

It's all my fault.

I only meant to help.

Come, child.

Germanicus did not have

his life taken from him.

He gave it.

Willingly.

He ran to meet the lions.

He did.

He did not fear death.

Only denying our Lord.

One cannot truly live...

until he knows what

he's willing to die for.

I don't see God's love in this.

Germanicus had the love

in him that overcomes fear.

Our sorrow is real.

We shall miss him desperately.

I already do.

But do not mourn for him.

He is alive with the Lord.

Great is his reward.

Spread the word.

Make it official.

Yes, your excellency.

Is Polycarp here?

No, he's at Justin's. Why?

Quadratus has enticed the people

to bring Polycarp to him.

They're calling for his death.

Go! Quickly, now!

Go get Polycarp's scrolls.

They're in his satchel.

I think it would be safer

for you at Justin's.

I'm safe with you.

Anna!

Anna.

Take these scrolls to Polycarp.

He's at Justin's.

You know the way?

Show her out the back.

I love you, Anna.

You're a true daughter to me.

Be careful.

Friends, what brings

you here at this hour?

We will have words

with Polycarp!

Well, he's not here.

Now, go home.

He lies! Search the place!

We will find him!

He's not here.

Burn the place!

It's a blemish on our city!

You two, that way!

You, follow me!

What of Elias and Melina?

We cannot leave them.

Polycarp is the prize they seek.

He must not fall

into their hands.

My brother.

Go, we will make it from here.

I shall see the scrolls

to safety myself.

I would go with you further.

We are safe.

See to your family

and the others.

God's grace be with you then.

I hope to join you soon.

Will they kill them?

I can't be sure.

It's me they want.

Get some rest.

How can an old man get away when

he doesn't even

know we're coming?

I'm surrounded by incompetence!

Well, don't just stand there!

Go find him!

I want him in chains

by nightfall!

How long will we stay here?

We shall leave tomorrow.

I must see the scrolls

to Irenaeus

and ensure their safety.

But I want you to go to Justin.

Tell him my plan.

Take Anna with you.

- But I would go with-

- No, I must go alone.

No fear.

They posted a reward

for Polycarp.

He should be warned

not to return.

Demetrius!

You know how to get to Justin's.

Be careful.

Run! Run, Anna!

God, I need your help.

If you find yourself

on the road to Ephesus,

look for the sign of the fish.

Thank you.

Because of this, I would

have you continue my work.

Anna?

You must not return to Smyrna!

They have a price for your head!

A price?

Well, I'm glad Quadratus

considers me a person of worth.

Do you not realize

they seek to kill you?

Sit down, child.

Catch your breath.

Take the things that

I have taught you...

and pass them on to others.

Our God is faithful.

Now you must go.

Jana, we will be

having visitors soon.

I will prepare more.

They arrested Demetrius.

Oh, no.

Justin was not home,

so I came to warn you.

I am sorry about Demetrius.

Let not your heart be troubled for me.

It is time for me

to make my stand.

Look at me.

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