But of all the losses, none affected Martyr more than the execution of Polycarp, the bishop of Smyrna. A spiritual father to many and a man who had known the Apostle John personally, at the age of eighty-six, Polycarp had been burned at the stake. He had refused to recant his faith in Jesus.
Polycarp’s death ignited a holy fire within Martyr. Counting himself among the believers was no longer enough. He had to do something.
Polycarp’s death ignited a holy fire within Martyr. Counting himself among the believers was no longer enough. He had to do something.
https://www.365christianmen.com/podcast ... ilosopher/
So this is claiming that First Apology was inspired by the death of Polycarp.
Apparently this claim comes from Robert Grant, in Greek Apologists of the Second Century. I don't have this book, but is there any evidence that Justin knew or was influenced by Polycarp?