youi mean this Polycarp, the one that quoted from most of the books of the New Testament?
http://www.ntcanon.org/Polycarp.shtml
Check out the quote tables. Either the chap had a blazing amazing photographic memory, or he had some of those NT texts laying around.
I’ll look at Ignatius later, but I think you see where this is going.
Peace,
SR
Let me introduce you to my good FRiend, don-o, who you can be sure does possess a blazing fast photographic memory, and a substantial library to boot. A fine Southern Gentleman, and a defender of the Greek Orthodox faith.
It's not surprising to to see Polycarp using phrases that also appear in what was later received as Holy Scripture. He thought and wrote with the mind of the Church as did Paul and John. And, I think it quite likely that memory was much better in their day than it is today - they relied on it more.
My point is that the post Apostolic Fathers taught with the authority derived from their office; not from their ability to string Bible quotes together.