Saint Justin Martyr
Saint Justin Martyr was a significant early Christian apologist born to a Roman family in Samaria. His intellectual journey began with studies in various philosophies, particularly Platonism, which he ultimately found unsatisfying. His conversion to Christianity was likely spurred by a debate with an enigmatic old man and witnessing the martyrdom of Christians. After his conversion, he became an outspoken advocate for the Christian faith in Rome during the reign of Antoninus Pius.
Justin Martyr is best known for his writings, particularly the "First Apology," where he eloquently defends Christian practices and beliefs, arguing that both Hebrew prophecies and Greek philosophy converge in the figure of Christ. He emphasized the superiority of the Christian faith over Greek philosophy and articulated the idea that those who reject these truths are influenced by demons. His subsequent works, including the "Second Apology" and "Dialogue with Trypho," further explore themes of injustice and the legitimacy of Christianity as the true Israel. Justin's contributions marked a pivotal moment in Christian thought, influencing both believers and non-believers alike. He was ultimately martyred during the reign of Marcus Aurelius, solidifying his legacy as a leading figure in second-century Christian apologetics.
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Saint Justin Martyr
Christian apologist
- Born: c. 105
- Birthplace: Samaria, Palestine
- Died: c. 165
- Place of death: Rome (now in Italy)
Related civilization: Imperial Rome
Major role/position: Christian apologist, theologian
Life
Saint Justin Martyr was born to a Roman family residing in Samaria. He was educated in various philosophies, especially Platonism, which always informed his work but did not bring satisfaction. This he found in the study of Judaic and Christian writings, which convinced Justin that the messianic prophecies of the Hebrew texts pointed to Jesus Christ. He probably converted following a seaside debate with a mysterious old man at Ephesus and after seeing Christians martyred for their faith. Sometime after 135 c.e. and through the reign of Antoninus Pius (r. 138-161 c.e.), he openly taught the Christian faith in the capital. He was martyred early in the reign of Marcus Aurelius (r. 161-180 c.e.).
Of the writings that survive, his First Apology (c. 155 c.e.; English translation, 1861) includes a strong plea for justice addressed to Antoninus. In this work, he explains Christian worship, doctrine, and morals to convince his reader of Christian loyalty and integrity. However, also central to this work is his claim that Hebrew prophecy and Greek philosophy, both informed by the divine Logos (the Word), pointed to the coming of Christ. Through this argument, he helped to establish the early Christian theme that this faith was superior to Greek philosophy and was the culmination of Judaic tradition. In Justin’s mind, only those who were possessed by demons failed to realize these truths. His Second Apology (c. 161 c.e.; English translation, 1861) included further complaints of injustice along with an essay on the meaning of suffering, and his Dialogue with Trypho (c. 135 c.e.; English translation, 1861) focused entirely on his argument that Christianity was the true Israel.
Influence
Justin represented the height of second century c.e. Christian apologetics as well as an important milestone in Christian theology and attacks on heresy. His writings were certainly influential among Christian communities and may have affected non-Christian readers such as the Roman philosopher Celsus.
Bibliography
Barnard, L. Justin Martyr: His Life and Thought. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, 1967.
Chadwick, Henry. Early Christian Thought and Classical Tradition. New York: Clarendon Press, 1984.
Goodenough, E. The Theology of Justin Martyr: An Investigation into the Conceptions of Early Christian Literature and Its Hellenistic and Judaic Influences. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Philo Press, 1968.
Grant, R. Greek Apologists of the Second Century. Philadelphia, Pa.: Westminster, 1988.
Osborn, E. Justin Martyr. Tübingen, Germany: Mohr, 1973.