Discussion A: According to Gonzalez, “Christians during the 1st century (as noted by Tarjan) were not to be sought, but, if brought before the authorities, they must be forced to recant or be punished by the state.” (Gonzalez, 57). When looking at the martyrdom of Bishop Ignatius of Antioch and Bishop Polycarp of Smyrna, how did they exercise their commitment to Christianity by facing death through the act of courage?
In the first century (according to Tarjan), Christians were not sought, but if brought before the authorities, they were forced to repent or punished (Gonzalez, 57). How did Bishop Ignatius of Antioch and Bishop Polycarp of Smyrna exercise their dedication to Christianity by confronting death with courage?

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