The Bishop of Smyrna was Polycarp. He lived from 69-155 or AD.  He was known to be a disciple of the Apostle John and a fellow companion to another Apostolic Father named Papias. His most famous student was Irenaeus, who later became the Bishop at Lyons, France and wrote fervently against the early heresies the early Christian Church was encountering.

There is a very interesting passage of Scripture probably written some 60 years before Polycarp was martyred. Jesus spoke to the Church at Smyrna in the Book of Revelation saying these words; "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this: 'I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 'Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.' (Revelation 2:8-11)

The question that must be asked “What is the second death?” We find that answer 

a little over eighteen chapters later in Revelation 20:14 which reads “And death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.”

At his trial after being arrested for professing his faith in Jesus Christ publically and refusing to sacrifice to the Emperor, he was given an opportunity to recant and deny his Christian faith. His response was undeniably filled with faith and love for his savior Jesus Christ. He answered his accusers saying, "Fourscore and six years have I served Him, and he has done me no harm. How then can I curse my King that saved me."

He was stabbed to death after an attempt to burn him at the stake failed. Polycarp of Smyrna was not hurt by the “lake of fire”. He was unable to be burnt at the stake!  That was the earliest accounting of martyrdom outside of the New Testament implied account in Revelation 2. It was written by a man named Marcion, who was not the notorious Gnostic teacher in Rome. Polycarp’s writings include two primary works:

Read Polycarp’s letter to the Philippians on line at:

http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/polycarp-lightfoot.html

Read the Martyrdom of Polycarp on line at

http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/tixeront/section1-1.html#polycarp