The Complete Testimony of the Fathers of the First Three Centuries Concerning the Sabbath and First Day

Testimony of the Church at Smyrna

The epistle of Polycarp, makes no reference to the Sabbath nor to the first day of the week. But “The encyclical epistle of the church at Smyrna concerning the martyrdom of the holy Polycarp,” informs us that “the blessed Polycarp suffered martyrdom” “on the great Sabbath at the eighth hour.” Chapter 21. The margin says: “The great Sabbath is that before the passover.” This day, thus mentioned, is not Sunday, but is the ancient Sabbath of the Lord. TFTC 30.3