Chapter 1, Early Church, Facing Persecution, Fighting Heresy Summary and Analysis

Trial and Triumph covers the lives of great figures in Christian history, many of whom most churches regard as saints. The early church was persecuted for its first two hundred years but in the author's view, God blessed and preserved His church. The first two stories cover martyrdoms of an old minister and a slave girl but they stood firm in death.

Polycarp lived from A.D. 69-115. In the second generation of Christians following the Apostles, a well-known priest named Polycarp arose, the bishop of Smyrna. Polycarp was a student of the Apostle John. When Polycarp was captured, he was taken to the Roman governor of the province who demanded that he swear loyalty to Caesar. Polycarp refused. When the Roman governor threatened to have Polycarp burned alive...