Those Appointed to Martyrdom
Friday, 06/19/26 at 18:50
Sandra West
I am now being prompted to release the following from the Lord:
On the morning of 5/11/26, I had heard in the spirit the word “Polycarp”. I looked it up online and found that Polycarp was a Christian martyr. I was a bit baffled as to why the Lord was revealing Polycarp to me. I inquired of the Lord, but did not receive an answer. I decided to wait upon Him for clarification. The next morning on 5/12/26, I was awakened to the aroma of baking bread in my home. It was baffling to me since there was no natural source. No one was baking bread. It smelled wonderful and lasted about 15 minutes, before fading. This was the first time I had smelled an aroma in the spirit. I knew then both Polycarp and the smell of baking bread were associated. Off I went to look into it further. What I found was beyond amazing!
Polycarp was 86 years old when he went to glory as a martyr, in 155 AD. He was a disciple of the Apostle John and the Bishop of Smyrna in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). He lived his life preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He not only preached it, but he lived it. The Romans wanted him dead for it. They wanted him dead for his refusal to deny Jesus Christ. After the Pro Consul gave Polycarp multiple chances to save his life, he was resolute and refused to deny his Lord and Savior. His response reverberates throughout history.
Polycarp said, “Eighty and six years have I served Christ, nor has He done me any harm. How, then, could I blaspheme my King who saved me?…..I bless Thee for deigning me worthy of this day and this hour that I might be among Thy martyrs and drink the cup of my Lord Jesus Christ.”
On his appointed day of martyrdom, he was to be burned at the stake. However, the flames would not touch him. They instead formed an arc around his body. Rather than the stench of burning flesh, witness accounts state that they smelled the fragrance of incense, or baking bread. When the fire wouldn’t consume him, they chose to stab him with a dagger. Blood from his body then extinguished the flames. Polycarp’s martyrdom did not earn him heaven. He already belonged there through his faith in Christ Jesus. But because Christ had truly saved him, he could face death without flinching. Polycarp was resolute and embraced his death knowing that he would finally be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The martyrdom of Polycarp in 155 AD is historically recognized as a powerful catalyst for the growth of Christianity. It embodies the famous ancient proverb that “the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church”. “The Martyrdom of Polycarp” letter is the earliest standalone fully documented witness account of martyrdom outside of the Biblical New Testament era.
Revelation 2:10: Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
2 Corinthians 2:15-16: 15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
On the third day in this sequence, I received a message relevant to the prior two days from the Lord Jesus Christ. I do not believe this message being on the third day is a coincidence. Much like Jesus rose from the grave on the third day, He is reminding the Body of Christ that we too have also overcome the grave.
On his appointed day of martyrdom, he was to be burned at the stake. However, the flames would not touch him. They instead formed an arc around his body. Rather than the stench of burning flesh, witness accounts state that they smelled the fragrance of incense, or baking bread. When the fire wouldn’t consume him, they chose to stab him with a dagger. Blood from his body then extinguished the flames. Polycarp’s martyrdom did not earn him heaven. He already belonged there through his faith in Christ Jesus. But because Christ had truly saved him, he could face death without flinching. Polycarp was resolute and embraced his death knowing that he would finally be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The martyrdom of Polycarp in 155 AD is historically recognized as a powerful catalyst for the growth of Christianity. It embodies the famous ancient proverb that “the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church”. “The Martyrdom of Polycarp” letter is the earliest standalone fully documented witness account of martyrdom outside of the Biblical New Testament era.
Revelation 2:10: Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
2 Corinthians 2:15-16: 15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
The following message is what I received from the Lord Jesus Christ on 5/13/26 at 9:15am:
My Beloved, you live in a time of evil that will continue to wax worse until final judgment comes. As the darkness grows, those in Me will shine bright like the sun due to My Light in them. My Light shall not be hidden under a bushel, nor will it be extinguished. This will result in heightened levels of persecution, for which many of Mine are unprepared. Out of My mercy, I will call many home to Me. Some of Mine will have a chosen end of martyrdom. Chosen, because it is I that have chosen this end for them, for I appoint life and death. Some of Mine, I have henceforth chosen martyrdom. Not as a punishment, but as an example. An example of the sweet savor of victory over death for those that abide in Me. Oh, death! Where is your sting? There is none, for those I call My Own. Their martyrdom will be used for My glory, and to bring unbelieving souls to salvation. Is there no greater purpose? Look to those that were willing to stand fast, finish their race, and give their lives for Me. Look unto them as an example of faith in the midst of immense persecution. Look to Stephen. Did I not honor him by standing up at the right hand of The Father? Did he not look upon Me? Was I not with him in death? A death that overcomes the grave? Look to Polycarp. Fire did not consume him at the stake. Yet, the sweet savor of bread sprung forth from the fire. I was with him, for I AM the Bread of Life. For those I have appointed to martyrdom, I tell you do not fear. Stand fast and resolute. Think not of what you will say when they deliver you up, for I will speak for you. Stand fast, My Beloved, never denying Me. I love you beyond measure, with an everlasting love. I too will be with you.
[END]
Insights:
What the Lord revealed to me over those three days will forever remain with me and encourage me. My prayer is that it too encourages you. My feeble attempts to share the history of Polycarp’s walk and faith in Christ Jesus cannot do him justice. I hope that you will feel prompted to look further into his historical, faithful account. No matter the cause and no matter the location in this world, may we in the Body of Christ stand fast, and resolute in the face of immense persecution. May we never deny the Holy One that died for us. May we never deny the Holy One that gave us eternal life, the King of Kings, Jesus Christ.
Below are a couple of resources outlining the martyrdom of Polycarp:
The Martyrdom of Polycarp Letter (witness account)
Free Gift of Salvation:
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, now is the time to accept His free gift:
Free End Times Gospel Tract PDF
Scripture References:
Matthew 5:15-16: 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
2 Timothy 3:12: Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Lamentations 3:22: It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
1 Corinthians 15:54-55: 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
Galatians 5:1: Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
2 Timothy 4:7: I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.
Revelation 12:1: And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
Philippians 3:17: Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
Acts 7:55-60: 55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
John 6:35: And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
Hebrews 9:27: And it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
Job 33:4: The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.
Mark 13:11: But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
Psalm 118:6: The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
Matthew 10:33: But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Jeremiah 31:3: The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
Psalm 46:1: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Matthew 28:20: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
