Polycarp didn’t sugarcoat Scripture’s warnings of Luxury, and neither should We
For an introduction to Polycarp, click here
For an introduction to Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians, click here
Going to the Christian section at Barnes and Noble is always an eye opening experience. To be fair, there are some really good books on the shelves, ranging from devotional, historical, social, and even academic studies of Scripture and discipleship. If you look hard enough, you’ll find some keepers.
However, you’ll also find on display the books that sell well, regardless of quality. One thing I have noticed in coming across some of these books, and seeing some of these Christian influencers online, is that the Prosperity gospel has successfully adapted for Gen Z.
If we’re reading Scripture honestly, the warnings against greed and the commands to aid the poor are inescapable. It’s almost a Rorschach test to see how an American Christian responds to Jesus rebuking the rich and blessing the poor.
The question isn’t if this is stated in Scripture, the question is what do we do with these Scriptures?
This blog isn’t going to be a survey over how the Bible describes money and spending. Instead, I want to take a look at how Polycarp of Smyrna addresses money to the Philippians.
Polycarp was bishop of Smyrna from the late 1st century to early 2nd century. His time overseeing a church wasn’t far removed from the Apostles. How did Polycarp understand the role of money, both in regards to the individual Christian, as well as the local church?
While the Prosperity gospel has diversity, I want to specifically tackle two common features and if they appear in Polycarp’s writing:
1. Does Polycarp try to compromise with Scripture’s warnings against greed and luxury?
2. Does Polycarp promise financial and personal gain for Christians in their present life?
The Reward of the Resurrection
One of the themes in Polycarp’s letter to the Philippians is warning against greed. It seems the Philippian Church had a recent scandal involving money, and looked to Polycarp for encouragement. (Polycarp to the Philippians 11.1-3)
Polycarp warns against “the love of money” seven times in his letter. Polycarp’s desire for the church is to stay away from seeking financial gain, and to instead focus on being in integrity with Christ:
“But the love of money is the root of all evils. Knowing, therefore, that as we brought nothing into the world, so we can carry nothing out, let us arm ourselves with the armor of righteousness; and let us teach, first of all, ourselves to walk in the commandments of the Lord.”
Combining verses from 1st Timothy, Polycarp is reminding the Philippians to stay focused on treasures in heaven, not on earth. To Polycarp, Christians who persevere will receive a reward from God. But that reward isn’t financial gain, or a job promotion, or a spouse. Instead, that reward is the future Resurrection.
In his instructions to deacons, Polycarp lists the character qualities a deacon should have, which includes not loving money. (5.1) Polycarp writes, “If we please Him in this present world, we shall receive also the future world, according as He has promised to us that He will raise us again from the dead, and that if we live worthily of Him, we shall also reign together with Him, provided only we believe.” (5.2)
In regards to giving, Polycarp does expect charity from the Philippians, but not towards a church building. Instead, Polycarp charges the presbyters to be compassionate and caring toward the poor, widows, orphans, and sick. (6.1)
This is not of course suggesting it is wrong to give to churches or church buildings. Rather, taking Polycarp’s priorities, I am suggesting our generosity and giving should always be towards those in need first and foremost, to feed those who are hungry and shelter those in need of refuge.
To be fair, there are also many churches and ministries that do give direct aid to the poor, and giving to those churches/ministries is a great way to help those in need. My bigger point is that we should examine where our giving of money is going, and if it actually reflects God’s will in regards to stewardship and generosity.
We could look over more passages in Polycarp’s letter that warn against financial idolatry, but this sums up my point. Polycarp gives no promise of earthly prosperity to Christians. His letter doesn’t read like an motivational self help book. Instead, it is a straightforward reminder of the Gospel and Jesus’ call to live for His Kingdom, not our own.
“But He who raised Him up from the dead will raise up us also, if we do His will, and walk in His commandments, and love what He loved, keeping ourselves from all unrighteousness, covetousness, love of money, evil speaking, false witness, not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing, or blow for blow, or cursing for cursing, but being mindful of what the Lord said in His teaching: ‘Judge not, that you be not judged. Forgive, and it shall be forgiven unto you. Be merciful, that you may obtain mercy. With what measure you use, it will be measured to you again.’ and once more, ‘Blessed are the poor, and those that are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of God.’” -Polycarp to the Philippians 2.2-3
Bibliography
Schaff, P. (2016). The Complete Ante-Nicene, Nicene, and Post-Nicene Collection of Early Church Fathers. Toronto, Canada.
Thumbnail Image: Codex Aureus of Echternach