Justin (c.100–65), philosopher and martyr. Born at Nablus (= Shechem), Samaria, of parents of Greek origin, he was well educated in rhetoric, poetry, and history before he turned to philosophy, which he studied at Ephesus and Alexandria. He joined in turn the schools of the Stoics, the Pythagoreans, and the Platonists, but became a Christian c.130 and is commonly regarded as the first Christian philosopher. His search for truth was satisfied by the Bible and above all by Christ, the Word of God, but he did not cease to wear the philosopher's cloak. He held disputations with Jews, pagans, and heretics, particularly at Rome, which he reached c.150.
His surviving writings, which comprise the two Apologies and the Dialogue with Trypho, are among the earliest products in the sub-apostolic age which reflect the outlook of a Christian intellectual. They tell of the faith of the Christians, the rite of Baptism and the Eucharist, and the distribution of alms. They refute accusations of immorality and atheism and show that loyalty to the Emperor is based on the teaching of Christ and Paul. Justin's aim was apostolic; he thought that pagans would become Christians if they were made aware of Christian doctrine and practice through articulate, well-presented writings.
His death took place in the reign of Marcus Aurelius. At his trial, whose authentic record survives, he clearly confessed his Christian beliefs, refused to sacrifice to the gods, and accepted suffering and death as the means of salvation. Feast: 1 June.
Bibliography
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- AA.SS. Apr. II (1675), 104–19 and Iun. I (1695), 16–22; authentic Acts of his trial and martyrdom are also in A.C.M., pp. 42–61, and other collections; for his works see P.G., vi, modern edn. of Apologies by L. W. Barnard (1996) and of Dialogue with Trypho by A. L. Williams (1930). Modern Lives by M. J. Lagrange (1914), C. C. Martindale (1923), and L. W. Barnard (1967). See also H. Chadwick, ‘Justin Martyr's Defence of Christianity’, Bull. of John Rylands Library, xlvii (1965), 275–97
