Justin (June 1st) is often referred to as "Justin Martyr" in honor of his execution for his faith. He was the first great intellectual and literary defender of Christianity, explaining the faith to pagans and Jews in the Roman Empire. Justin was born ca. 100 to a Greek-speaking pagan family in Samaria. After an excellent classical education, he studied Greek philosophy in Ephesus and Alexandria in search of (as he put it) "the vision of God." However, all of his knowledge left him unfulfilled.
In ca. 130, he met a stranger during a walk along the beach at Ephesus and the two struck up a conversation. The man told Justin about Christ. Justin wrote of the experience: "Straightway a flame was kindled in my soul" and he became a Christian as a result of this encounter. He continued his work as a philosopher, teaching in Ephesus and ca. 150 moving to Rome. There he started a school, and he became the first person ever to develop a philosophical articulation of Christianity that could stand along the other great schools of thought. Justin thus put Christianity "on the map" for a much larger and more influential audience, paving the way for its respect if not acceptance.
His writings also contain some of the earliest information we have about the ancient rites of Baptism and the Eucharist. In debates and writings, Justin frequently defended the Church against charges and slanders that were constantly leveled. In one debate ca. 165, he accused another philosopher of ignorance and immorality. Angered, his opponent pressed charges against Justin and six of his students. The Roman judge required them to renounce their faith, which they steadfastly refused to do. Justin was then scourged, and then all seven were beheaded. Justin was perhaps the greatest Christian figure of the entire 2nd century. |
