Keywords\n Early Christianity, Hagiography, persecutions, martyrdom, “Martyrium Pionii”, Smyrna, apostates

Summary\n: In the prologue of “Martyrium Pionii” (250 AD), the editor of the text states that it is based on the composition of the martyr himself (syngrammata) written in prison. In a recent paper, E. Hilhorst expressed an assumption that this text might not belong to Pionios himself but could have been created by one of his disciples (Hilhorst 2010). The criticism of Hilhorst is valuable though it needs an adjustment concerning at least two speeches of Pionios (Mart. Pionii 4; 12,3-14). Analysis of their content, context, and parallels with ancient and Christian literature demonstrate their authenticity. The following considerations are provided in favor of their authenticity: 1) absence of a clear position in relation to apostates that was typical of the beginning of the persecution under Decius; 2) these speeches might have been spoken to the people of Smyrna in the agora of the city and before apostates in prison; 3) the abundance of Biblical citations explainable by Pionios’ good education, and knowledge of Scripture, as well as education of part of his audience; 4) Pionios actually could write his speeches in prison, as pagans and Christians did before him.

References\n

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