Justin Martyr
c. 100 – c. 165 · Born in Flavia Neapolis (today Nablus) — taught in Rome
Philosopher and apologist
Awaiting theological review
In one sentence
A philosopher who found in Christ the truth he had been searching for, and defended the faith in writing before the emperor.
Why this person matters
He is the first Christian thinker to engage Greek philosophy in depth, and he left the oldest detailed description of the Sunday Eucharist.
In the Dialogue with Trypho he tells how he moved through several philosophical schools before an old man pointed him to the prophets and to Christ.
His First Apology, addressed to the emperor Antoninus Pius, describes Christians gathering on Sunday to read the apostles and prophets, pray and share the Eucharist (chapters 65–67).
The Acts of Justin record his trial and beheading in Rome with six companions, under the prefect Rusticus.
Historical context
Christians were accused of atheism and immorality; apologists answered publicly.
Key ideas
- Seeds of the Word: fragments of truth found in philosophy point to Christ
- The Eucharist as the body and blood of Jesus
Why they still matter
A model for engaging culture with reason, and a precious witness to early worship.
Before
- Ignatius of Antiochd. c. 107–110
Contemporary
- Polycarp of Smyrnac. 69 – c. 155
After
- Irenaeus of Lyonc. 130 – c. 202
- First Apology
- Second Apology
- Dialogue with Trypho
- Early Christian source
Statements are labelled by source. Early Christian sources are named where known; dates before the 4th century are often approximate.