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Written in the second century by St. Justin Martyr, one of the early Church Fathers, the First and Second Apologies (ca. 150–160 AD) stand as a cornerstone of early Christian apologetics. These works represent some of the initial attempts to harmonize the Christian faith with classical philosophy. Justin not only mounts a defense of Christianity but also builds an intellectual bridge between “Athens and Jerusalem,” laying the foundations for later theological developments. Within these two key texts, Justin presents an argument primarily aimed at the emperor and the Roman Senate, demonstrating the moral and philosophical coherence of Christianity in response to accusations of atheism, immorality, and disloyalty to the Empire. He combines his Greek philosophical background—especially in Platonism and Stoicism—with the teachings of Jesus and the Old Testament, arguing that Christianity is not a superstition but rather the “true philosophy.” In his Apologies, Justin Martyr criticizes the injustice of persecuting Christians solely based on their name without examining their doctrines. He defends key practices such as the Holy Eucharist—misinterpreted by pagans and wrongly accused of cannibalism and infanticide—and the rejection of idolatry. At the same time, he presents Christ as the divine Logos (Word) who illuminates all humanity, planting seeds of truth even in the minds of those who had not yet heard his word. Furthermore, he emphasizes how Old Testament prophecies are fulfilled in Jesus, arguing that the Christian faith represents the true culmination of Roman reason and virtue. Saint Justin Martyr was beheaded in 165 AD under the reign of Marcus Aurelius. His teachings and witness still inspire Christians to this day.

First and Second Apologies of Justin Martyr

Justin Martyr

Written in the second century by St. Justin Martyr, one of the early Church Fathers, the First and Second Apologies (ca. 150–160 AD) stand as a cornerstone of early Christian apologetics. These works represent some of the initial attempts to harmonize the Christian faith with classical philosophy. Justin not only mounts a defense of Christianity but also builds an intellectual bridge between “Athens and Jerusalem,” laying the foundations for later theological developments.

Within these two key texts, Justin presents an argument primarily aimed at the emperor and the Roman Senate, demonstrating the moral and philosophical coherence of Christianity in response to accusations of atheism, immorality, and disloyalty to the Empire. He combines his Greek philosophical background—especially in Platonism and Stoicism—with the teachings of Jesus and the Old Testament, arguing that Christianity is not a superstition but rather the “true philosophy.”

In his Apologies, Justin Martyr criticizes the injustice of persecuting Christians solely based on their name without examining their doctrines. He defends key practices such as the Holy Eucharist—misinterpreted by pagans and wrongly accused of cannibalism and infanticide—and the rejection of idolatry. At the same time, he presents Christ as the divine Logos (Word) who illuminates all humanity, planting seeds of truth even in the minds of those who had not yet heard his word. Furthermore, he emphasizes how Old Testament prophecies are fulfilled in Jesus, arguing that the Christian faith represents the true culmination of Roman reason and virtue.

Saint Justin Martyr was beheaded in 165 AD under the reign of Marcus Aurelius. His teachings and witness still inspire Christians to this day.

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