After the respite, the Christians again came under persecution, this time from Marcus Aurelius, in A.D. 61. One of those who suffered this time was Polycarp, the venerable bishop pf Smyrna... As he entered the stadium with his guards, a voice from heaven was heard to say, 'Be strong, Polycarp, and play the man.' No one nearby saw anyone speaking but many people heard the voice. Brought before the tribunal and the crowd, Polycarp refused to deny Christ, although the proconsul begged him to 'consider yourself and have pity on your great age. Reproach Christ and I will release you.' Polycarp replied, 'Eighty-six years I have served Him, and He never once wronged me. How can I blaspheme my King, who saved me?' Threatened with wild beasts and fire, Polycarp stood his ground.