RPG Adults
JUSTIN MARTYR
LORD’S DAY, DECEMBER 6
Matthew 10:16-28
1 Peter 3:14-16
“…give an answer to every man
that asketh you a reason…”
JUSTIN MARTYR
Justin Martyr (AD 100-165) was the foremost apologist of the second century AD and one of the most influential voices in the early Christian church. A philosopher by training, his writings represent one of the first positive encounters between Christian revelation and Greek philosophy, laying the foundation for a theology of history.
Born to pagan parents, raised in a Jewish environment and educated in Stoic, Platonic and other philosophies, Justin sought truth in many systems. In AD 132, an elderly man directed him to the Scriptures as the true philosophy, and Justin embraced Christ. By AD 135, he began travelling widely, proclaiming his newfound faith and seeking to persuade educated pagans. His boldness led to conflict with the cynical philosopher Crescens, who denounced him to the Roman authorities. Justin was condemned as subversive and executed by beheading, along with six companions. Authentic records of his martyrdom survive, testifying to his stedfastness.
Among his works are two: “Apologies” and “Dialogue with Trypho.” His “First Apology” (c. AD 150), addressed to Emperors Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius, defended Christians against charges of atheism and disloyalty to the state. He argued that Christ’s life and morality had been foretold in the Old Testament and attributed persecution to the work of demons. His “Second Apology” served as an appendix, emphasising that all goodness in humanity comes from Christ. In the “Dialogue with Trypho,” Justin sought to convince the Jews of Jesus’ messiahship.
Justin’s life reminds us that God raises defenders of the faith in every generation. Though few take up this role today, often dismissed as narrowminded or outdated, the call remains. We must be rooted and grounded in the truth, ready to defend the faith once delivered to the saints, and be vigilant against the creeping influence of error.
THOUGHT: Am I prepared to be a defender of God’s truth, even when the world mocks or opposes me?
PRAYER: Father, grant me courage and zeal to defend the faith. Keep me faithful in resisting error. May my life, like Justin’s, bear witness to the power and truth of the Gospel.