This article is the last in series about the early Christian apologists
Justin (100 to165 A.D.) a philosopher and Christian from Flavia Neopolis (Nablus) in Palestine, addresses an apology on behalf of the Christian community to the emperor, Antoninus Pius, and his son, Verisimus. He begins by stating that pious and philosophical people love only what is true. One should defend the truth with one’s life. Justin requests that the emperor pass judgment on the Christian movement after a careful investigation. He wishes to present to the imperial house what Christians believe.
Justin proceeds with the observation that one should not be persecuted for a name but for actions. He tells Antoninus that the emperor may kill Christians, but can not hurt them. The government should investigate the charges against the Christians. The emperor should decide the case faithful to piety and philosophy. Justin calls for the exercise of justice.
The first charge Justin mentions, that is laid against Christians, is that they are atheists. They are called such, because they don’t believe in the pagan gods. Justin’s defense includes a criticism of the Roman deities. While Christians don’t believe in the pagan gods, they do believe in the true God.
Justin clarifies that evil-doers should be punished, but not Christians who have done no wrong except being Christians. God will punish the wicked with everlasting punishment. The Christian belief about God is no cause for their punishment by the state.
The gods take the form of wicked demons. They are represented in images, but are senseless and an insult to the true God. God does not need offerings as the pagan gods do, but is the giver of all good gifts. The Lord inspires the virtues in human beings, not the many gods.
Justin does not want the emperor to misunderstand the Christian’s seeking of a kingdom. The kingdom of God is not a human kingdom on earth.
Justin reminded the emperor that he should follow truth, not custom, when the two conflict. He reminds the emperor that he is committed to piety and philosophy.
Christians do not make sacrifices and libations to God. Instead, they lift up their prayers of thanksgiving to the true God for the provision He has made for them. Some say that they are mad for believing in a crucified man as God.
Throughout the First Apology Justin mentions the role of demons in leading people to sin and deceiving them. Not any longer finding value in fornication, magical arts, wealth and possessions, Christians take care of the needy, live in peace with their neighbor, pray for their enemies, and seek to conform others to the precepts of Christ. Justin reviews the teachings of Christ on adultery. A multitude of people have turned to Christ. Through Christ, God has called the ungodly to repentance, not the righteous. God prefers repentance of the sinner rather than punishment.
Christians are to lead others by patience and gentleness from shame and the love of evil. It is those who do works according to God’s will who are saved and not those who make a profession of their Christian faith without doing God’s will.
Christians are civilly obedient. They worship only God but serve the rulers as good citizens.
Justin reminds the emperor that Christians believe in a judgment and eternal life. Those who are wicked burn in the flames of hell. The apologist poses this question, if a human being comes from a drop of seed, why can one not believe in the credibility of eternal life?
The Sibyl and others have maintained, that all things corruptible, God dissolves. Christians teach things that the Stoics and other philosophers admire and also believe in things more divine and give proof, why are they hated?
The gods are known for wicked, immoral acts. It is wicked devils who have committed these deeds. They will be punished. The Son of God’s generation from the Father should not be strange to you who believe the stories of the gods. The gods have done things similar to Christ. Why not believe in Christ? What is said about Christ is true and older than all other writers before Him. Christ is the proper Son of God. He is the Word and first-begotten. It is Christ who comes for the conversion and restoration of the human race.
Reports against the Christians have no credible witness. Christians are hated only for the name of Christ. Though they do no wrong, they are put to death as sinners. You persecute them; because, they do not worship the gods you do. They do not offer sacrifices to the dead or place crowns on their statues. Through Christ, they no longer worship the gods. Those who honor the gods including the demons are to be pitied.
Justin criticizes those who expose children. They commit other abominations like sodomy and incest. These very things that they do without persecution are used as accusations against Christians who are persecuted for these reasons.
Satan with his host was sent into fire and with them those who follow him are punished. God has been patient so that others have an opportunity to repent. God made humans with the power of thought and the power of choosing right and truth; thus, humans beings have no excuse. There are those who believe that God does not exist or that He delights in vice.
Sexual intercourse is for the purpose of having children. Promiscuous intercourse is not acceptable among Christians.
The prophetic writings of the Scriptures have foretold the coming of Christ Also predicted was that the message of Christ would go to every nation. Justin spends considerable time on the fulfillment of prophecy and the teachings of the Christian Church, centered on the person of Jesus Christ.
Humans are held accountable for their actions; for, they have the power to choose good or evil. They are not enthralled and determined by fate. The proof of prophecy provides a firm basis for belief. The wicked demons have promoted the stories of the gods that are imitative of prophecy and intended to invalidate it. Moses precedes in time all these fables.
Justin speaks of the Sacraments of Baptism and Communion. Holy Baptism is performed in the name of the Trinity. Through this rite our sins are remitted. The pagans imitate this rite with their own rituals.
After Baptism, a person is brought to the assembly where there is prayer for the newly baptized and others, followed by the kiss of peace. Bread and wine are then brought forward. A blessing over the elements is recited ending with the people’s AMEN. The deacons commune the people and then take the Sacrament to those who are absent. This rite is called the Eucharist, which is a participation in the flesh and blood of Christ.
On Sunday the church gathers to celebrate the Eucharist. Justin gives the order of the Service, very similar to that of today.
Readings from the Scriptures
Exhortation by the president of the congregation (Sermon)
Prayer
Eucharistic prayer
Distribution of the Sacrament
Offerings that benefit orphans, widows, prisoners, sojourners, and those in want are received at the time of worship.
This rite is celebrated on Sunday, the day God made the world and Jesus Christ rose from the dead.
Justin beseeches the emperor not to persecute Christians who have done no wrong. If the emperor continues his injustice he will be judged.
What can we take from Justin’s work?
- We are to respect those to whom we witness.
- We explain the faith of Christians to others.
- We connect with the lives of the people we are addressing.
- We warn of coming judgment without being overbearing. (Difficult to do).
- We appeal to those who govern to do justice.
- We refute the lies told about Christians to set the record straight.
- We witness to the faith while defending it. Apologetics and witness go together.
- We are willing to suffer persecution for the faith.
- We not only speak the faith, but follow it in our actions.
It is to be noted that Justin suffered death at the hands of the government. An account of his trial and death is extent. (Martyr means one who dies for the Christian faith. Justin acquired this name after his death in Rome).
Michael G. Tavella
September 11, 2024
