When he persisted again, saying, “Swear by the fortune of Caesar,” Polycarp answered, “If you vainly imagine that I will swear by the fortune of Caesar, as you say, and pretend not to know who I am, hear me plainly: I am a Christian. And if you wish to learn the teaching of Christianity, appoint a day and listen.”
The proconsul said, “Persuade the people.” Polycarp replied, “I considered you worthy of an explanation, for we have been taught to give proper honor—honor that does not harm us—to rulers and authorities appointed by God. But I do not consider them worthy of hearing my defense.”