I thought I'd post a little more on the Martyrdom of Polycarp. The following is chapter 12, which picks up right where my previous post left off.
1 These things then happened with so great speed, quicker than words could tell, the crowds forthwith collecting from the workshops and baths timber and faggots, and the Jews more especially assisting in this with zeal, as is their wont. (MPoly 12.1)
Unfortunately, some of the writings in these “proto-orthodox” documents have an anti-Jewish tinge. Times were touchy between Christians and Jews, and neither side can be proven to be innocent in the words flying back and forth. For other examples, see the Epistle to Diognetus chapters 3 & 4. (EpDiog 3, EpDiog 4).
2 But when the pile was made ready, divesting himself of all his upper garments and loosing his girdle, he endeavored also to take off his shoes, though not in the habit of doing this before, because all the faithful at all times vied eagerly who should soonest touch his flesh. For he had been treated with all honor for his holy life even before his gray hairs came. (MPoly 12.2)
This is remarkable to me. The parishioners at Smyrna (Polycarp was the bishop of Smyrna) so doted on the venerable old man that he didn't even remove his own sandals. But more important than the particulars of what happened is the general notion that Polycarp wasn't held prior to his execution, but he instead willingly removed his clothes and prepared himself to be burnt at the stake. Wow.
3 Forthwith then the instruments that were prepared for the pile were placed about him; and as they were going likewise to nail him to the stake, he said; 'Leave me as I am; for He that hath granted me to endure the fire will grant me also to remain at the pile unmoved, even without the security which ye seek from the nails.' (MPoly 12.3)
Even more remarkable. As I understand it, folks that were burnt at the stake were nailed down so that they couldn't run out of the flames once rope that was holding them down had been consumed. Polycarp indicates that they shouldn't worry about such things, that it is his time to go, and that God will grant him the ability to stay put, in the flames. Yikes.
Now, I'm not saying that this account is historically accurate. I'm pretty sure there was a dude named Polycarp who was the bishop of Smyrna at this time, and that he was executed. Whether or not these actions and conversations are accurate recordings is another issue.
But what is so very interesting to me is that, historically accurate or not, the actions attributed to Polycarp in Martyrdom of Polycarp are obviously indicative of actions that would be expected of a holy and pious man persecuted for his faith at the time of his execution. He would be expected to stand firm, and not recant -- but he would also be expected to honor the governor (Ro 13, anyone?) while still remaining true to his faith. It is easy (and convienent) to forget, but honoring the governor may mean submitting to the penalty of the law when the law is irreconcilable with orthodox Christian doctrine. This is pretty much what Polycarp did; this is the example that (historically accurate or not) Martyrdom of Polycarp sets before us.
Again, you should read the whole account in Martyrdom of Polycarp. Only public domain editions are on the internet, so they don't read the easiest (they're all from between 1890-1920, I think). But you can find more information here if you'd like to follow up on the work.