This article is yet another revision of the last in a series about the early Christian apologists.
Justin, a philosopher and Christian from Flavia Neopolis 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 asks 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 cannot 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 responds to is that of atheism. Christians are called atheists; because, they do not believe in the pagan gods. Justin’s defense includes a criticism of the Roman pantheon (all the gods). While Christians don’t believe in the pagan gods, they do believe in the true God.
Justin makes the point that evildoers should be punished but not Christians who have done no wrong except being Christians. God will punish the wicked with everlasting punishment. This Christian belief is no cause for their punishment by the state.
The gods have 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 but is the giver of all good gifts. The Lord inspires the virtues in human beings. He is the maker of all things–Creator rather than creature.
Justin does not want the emperor to misunderstand the Christian’s seeking of a kingdom that is not a human kingdom. Each person is judged according to his actions either condemned to everlasting fire or given salvation; for, our actions do not escape the notice of God.
Justin reminded the emperor that he should follow the truth, not custom, when the two conflict. Justin reminds him that the emperor is committed to piety and philosophy.
Christians do not make sacrifices and libations to God. Instead, we lift up our prayers of thanksgiving to God for the provision He has made for us. Some say that we are mad for believing in a crucified man rather than reserving worship for the Creator, the true and only 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, the magical arts, wealth, and possessions, we take care of the needy, live in peace with our neighbor, pray for our enemies, and seek to conform others in 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; for, Christ has not called the righteous but the ungodly to repentance. God prefers repentance of the sinner rather than punishment.
We are to lead others by patience and gentleness from shame and the love of evil. Others have been led in this way by the constancy in the lives of their neighbors. It is those who do works according to God’s will and not those who make a profession of their Christian faith without doing God’s will who are saved.
Christians are also civilly obedient . We worship only God but serve you who are the rulers. 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 Sybil and others maintained that all things corruptible, God dissolves. We teach things that the Stoics and other philosophers admire and also believe in things more divine and give proof. Why are we 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. 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 we do no wrong, we are put to death as sinners. You persecute us; because, we do not worship the gods you do. We do not offer sacrifices to the dead or place crowns on their statues. Through Christ, we no longer worship the gods. Those who honor the gods, who are really devils, 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 accusation against Christians.
Satan and his host will be sent into fire and with them those who follow him. God has been patient so that others have an opportunity to repent. God made us with the power of thought and the power of choosing right and truth; thus, human beings have no excuse.
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 these fables.
Justin speaks of the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. Holy Baptism is described as immersion in water 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 for 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 body and blood of Christ.
On Sunday the church gathers to celebrate the Eucharist. Justin gives the order of the Service, the structure of which is very similar to that of today.
Readings from the Scriptures
Exhortation by the president of the congregation
Prayer
Eucharistic Prayer
Distribution of the Sacrament
Offerings that benefit orphans, widows, prisoners, sojourners, and those who are in want are received.
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 judge.
What can we take from Justin’s work?
- He is respectful.
- He takes an opportunity to explain the faith of Christians
- He connects with the people he is addressing. He says that the emperor and his son are noted for piety and philosophy.
- He warns of coming judgment without being overbearing.
- He appeals to the emperor to do justice.
- He does not curse the emperor and son or revile them.
- He refutes the lies told about Christians to set the record straight.
- He attempts to be accurate in his description of paganism.
Michael G. Tavella
October 29, 2024
