The Patristic Literature
Chapter Four
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Examination

Justin Martyr

Justin Martyr lived from 100-168 AD. He was a Gentile that was born in Palestine. He was raised in Greco-Roman polytheism, studying Stoicism and the Pythagoreans He converted to Christianity after he witnessed several Christian martyrdoms take place. He taught what he called the “true philosophy” and served as a skilled teacher and apologist for the Christian faith while living in Rome.

Justin Martyr’s Christian faith led him to an affirmation which was not to be found in Philo.[1] Because of his familiarity and education in secular philosophy, Justin Martyr was a very affective apologist for the Christian faith in the time of some serious times of hostility towards those who were known Christians.

Justin was martyred in Rome under the rule of Marcus Aurelius. He and six followers were arrested and ordered to sacrifice to pagan idols. When they refused they were scourged and then beheaded.[2] His writings include four key works:

 

 

Read Justin’s First Apology on line at:

http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/justinmartyr-firstapology.html

 

Read Justin’s Second Apology on line at:

http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/justinmartyr-secondapology.html

 

Read Justin’s work titled On the Resurrection on line at:

http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/justinmartyr-resurrection.html

 

Read Justin’s other fragments of writings on line at:

http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/justinmartyr-fragments.html

 

His most famous work is his “First Apology” in which he justifies the exclusive worship of Jesus Christ and also defines the Old Testament as an inspired text by God. He also defends the Old Testament Messianic prophecies concentrating on the Virgin birth and Bethlehem as the place where Jesus was born in fulfillment of the Old Testament Messianic prophecies.

Justin also participated in a very well known series of communications. The dialogue between Justin Martyr and a Jewish scholar named Trypho took place around the same time as the Jewish Barcochba Revolt, circa 135 AD. It was the last known discussion to take place between the two religions until after the 16th century Reformation.  In that dialogue Justin recognized the second coming themes in the book of Daniel and presented a possible scenario depicting an anti-Christ “man of apostasy” to Trypho.



[1] Latourette, Kennetyh S. A History of Christianity Vol.1 (Peabody Massachusetts, Prince Press,2007) p.142

[2] Foxe, John The New Foxe’s Book of Martyrs (Gainesville, Florida, Bridge-Logos Publishers, 2001) p.17 

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