Demophon lived in the first century A.D. He was a wicked spendthrift and eventually squandered all his wealth. He then borrowed huge sums of money. Since he was unable to repay his debts, he was sold into slavery.
Later a loathsome disease afflicted him. Polycarp, the bishop of Smyrna, befriended him. The kindness of Polycarp and his Christian message affected him deeply. He died as a Christian martyr.