This story takes place in the second century of the Christian era, when Christianity was a forbidden religion.
Minucius and Marcus were inseparable companions. Marcus tolerated the morose disposition of Minucius and tried to cheer him up;
The two decided to do some traveling. They happened to be in Smyrna when Polycarp was burned at the stake because of his Christian faith. Minucius admired the words and actions of Polycarp during his ordeal and eventually became a Christian. This caused a rift between the friends, since Marcus continued to believe in the Roman gods. The ending of the story makes use of an actual historical document.
This book is part of a series of Christian fiction stories centering about the historical character Polycarp. The titles of the other three are "The Secret Love of Melito of Sardis," "The Dilemma of Basilides," and "Polycarp's Final Act of Mercy."