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Justin Martyr

Post-Apostolic Church

Justin wrote in Rome around AD 160.  He is commonly called Justin Martyr because he was famously martyred in AD 165.

Tatian was one of Justin’s students.

Justin Martyr was born around AD 115 to pagan parents in Flavia Neapolis, Samaria, which is present-day Nablus, West Bank.  On a personal pilgrimage to find truth, he became involved with four different philosophies (including those of Socrates and Plato, as well as Stoicism).  One day he secluded himself on the beach near Ostia, Italy at his favorite meditation spot. While he contemplated philosophies and his own journey to find truth, he met a humble, elderly man who told him about God and Jesus Christ.  After this conversation, he looked deeper into Christianity and at last found the truth.

His writings were mainly about what Christians believe.  Justin wrote a number of works that we have today, most of which he wrote to Emperor Marcus Aurelius or to Roman Jews.

In AD 165, Justin and five companions were arrested for their faith.  They appeared before the local prefect, Junius Rusticus, who was also a teacher of Marcus Aurelius, where they gave a good confession.

I have endeavored to learn all doctrines.  But I have fully accepted at last the true doctrines, those of the Christians, even though they do not please those who believe false opinions.  (Martyrdom of Justin.  AD 165.  ANF, vol 1, page 305.)

When Rusticus threatened Justin and his friends with scourging and beheading, Justin said:

Through prayer we can be saved on account of our Lord Jesus Christ, even when we have been punished.  This [punishment] will be to us salvation and confidence [compared to] the more fearful and universal judgment-seat of our Lord and Savior.  (Martyrdom of Justin.  AD 165.  ANF, vol 1, page 306.)

Then Justin’s friends added:

Do what you will, for we are Christians, and do not sacrifice to idols.  (Martyrdom of Justin.  AD 165.  ANF, vol 1, page 306.)

Because of their testimonies, he and his friends were scourged and beheaded.

About Justin Martyr, Pre-Nicene Christians wrote,

These have been already produced...in carefully written volumes, by so many eminently holy and excellent men....  For instance, there is Justin, the philosopher and martyr.  (Tertullian.  AD 200.  Vol 3, pages 505-506.)