How Justin Martyr Changed Christianity Forever

Justin Martyr has been remembered throughout history for his final sacrifice, Justin's role in Christian history is much greater than his final act. Justin was able to combine the philosophical teachings of his day in a way that helped spread and explain Christian theology. His work is valuable to modern readers because it offers an insight into the development of early Church theology and practice.

Outline:
0:00 Intro
1:04 Early Life
2:06 4 Philosophical Studies
4:40 Meeting of the Old Man
6:28 Dialogue with Trypho
7:20 In Rome
7:57 Writings
8:50 Debate with Crescens
10:31 Legacy

Overview of Justin Martyr's Life:
Justin Martyr was born around 100AD to Greek parents who gave him a Greek name, education and did not circumcise him. During his Greek education, he fell in love with philosophy. Because of this in 130AD he left for a more metropolitan area in search of a philosophical education.

Justin spent his time learning under four philosophical movements: Stocisim, Aristotle, Pythagoreanism, and Platonism. Although Plato's movement got him closest to his final goal, it wouldn't be until he met an Old Man that explained to him the prophets and Jesus that he would finally find what he was looking for. After this conversation, he became a Christian and dedicated his life to the study of Christianity.

Sometime after this conversion, he made his way to Rome where he began teaching something similar to theological philosophy. He attempted to bridge the gap between modern philosophy and Christian theology. He engaged in apologetics with pagans, heretics, and Jewish scholars. During this time he wrote his First and Second Apologies and his Dialogue with Trypho.

Although he continually defended the practices of Christians to the wider Church, it was a man by a cynic by the name of Crescens that convinced the urban prefect Junius Rusticus to bring Justin and his followers to trial. Rusticus demanded Justin to sacrifice to the gods, and after they refused he sentenced them to death. Justin passed away roughly 165AD.

Sources/ Further Research:
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/15877... (The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antonius) 9-15.

https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/0858... (Catholic Encyclopedia)

https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/... (New World Encyclopedia)

Getting to Know the Church Fathers: Bryan Liftin (p53-74) 9781587431963

Youtube Recording of the First and Second Apologies:    • Видео