Polycarp and the Early Church Passover Controversy

Polycarp was a devoted disciple of the apostle John and a faithful leader in the early church who strictly observed the Passover on the fourteenth day of the lunar monthHSFD 227.1+2. The early church universally celebrated the Passover, though significant differences in the timing and manner of the observance eventually led to major contentions within ChristianityRCSK 22.2+2.

Polycarp: A Disciple of the Apostles 🕊️

Polycarp, the bishop of Smyrna, was a direct student of the apostle John and had personal intercourse with those who had seen the Lord JesusHSFD 227.1+2. He was highly regarded for his commitment to the truths he received from the "elders," such as Andrew, Peter, and Philip, as well as JohnARSH September 30, 1862, page 138.1+1.

• Apostolic Tradition: Polycarp insisted on observing the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month, regardless of the day of the week, because he had practiced this custom with John and other apostlesRCSK 22.2+2.

• Martyrdom: He eventually suffered martyrdom for his faith, an event recorded as occurring on "the great Sabbath," which is the Sabbath before the PassoverTFTC 30.3+1.

• Defense of the Faith: In his later years, Polycarp traveled to Rome to consult with Bishop Anicetus regarding the Passover, maintaining his stance even when pressured to adopt different customsSBBS 147.1+1.

The Early Church and the Passover Celebration 🍷

In the first centuries of Christianity, the observance of the Passover was a standard practice among believers, though it transitioned into a commemoration of Christ as the true Paschal Lamb 1 Corinthians 5:7SBBS 147.1+1.

• Eastern vs. Western Customs: The Asiatic or Eastern churches, following Polycarp and John, kept the feast on the 14th of NisanRCSK 22.2+2. In contrast, the Western churches, led by the church of Rome, began to observe the festival on the Sunday following the 14th to emphasize the resurrection and distinguish themselves from Jewish practicesRCSK 22.2+2.

• Unity and Discord: For a long time, these two groups remained in communion despite their differencesHBS 161.5. However, in the late second century (A.D. 196), Victor, the bishop of Rome, attempted to force the Eastern churches to adopt the Roman Sunday-Passover customHSFD 274.1+2.

• Papal Usurpation: Victor’s decree was the first recorded attempt by a Roman bishop to impose authority over the entire church, a move historians identify as an early example of papal assumptionHSFD 274.1+2.

The Significance of the Passover 📜

The Passover began at the birth of the Hebrew nation as a memorial of their deliverance from Egyptian bondage through the blood of the lamb Exodus 12:11-14HLv 45.3+1.

• Christ our Passover: The early Christians viewed this ancient service as a type of Christ's sacrifice 1 Corinthians 5:7-8HST September 25, 1844, page 60.18+1.

• Jesus’ Example: Jesus Himself honored the Passover throughout His life, from His childhood visit to the temple to the institution of the Lord's Supper during His final Paschal meal with His disciples Luke 22:15DA 78.1+2.

• Biblical Command: The scriptures identify the fourteenth day of the first month as the Lord’s Passover, a statute to be kept in its appointed season Leviticus 23:5ARSH October 21, 1851, page 43.17+1.

The transition of the Passover into the modern Easter festival was influenced by pagan customs and the desire of the church of Rome to align religious festivals with the "venerable day of the sun"PTUK December 26, 1895, page 819.17+1. Despite these changes, the history of Polycarp serves as a witness to the original apostolic practice of keeping the Passover according to the biblical timingHSFD 227.1+1.