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ARISTIDES OF ATHENS
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3
John 1:1-14

Colossians 3:1-4

 

“If ye then be risen with Christ,

seek those things which are above…”

 

ARISTIDES OF ATHENS
 
Aristides, an Athenian philosopher, stands among the earliest defenders of the Christian faith. Known as one of the first apologists, he boldly wrote an “Apology” presenting Christianity as superior to all philosophies and religions of his time. His work, addressed either to Emperor Hadrian (AD 117-138) or Antoninus Pius (AD 138-161), is one of the oldest surviving apologetic documents, and later influenced great apologists such as Justin Martyr.
 
Unlike the more elaborate writings of later apologists like Athenagoras and Tertullian, Aristides’ defence was simple yet profound. He judged all other religions inadequate, declaring that only the “new nation” (the Christians) possessed the true knowledge of God, who created all things.
 
Aristides described Christian worship as a life of holiness, shaped by the commandments of Christ and sustained by hope in the resurrection and eternal life. He was deeply impressed by the charity and purity of the Christian community, insisting that though few in number, Christians upheld the world itself through their prayers and intercession before God.
 
This testimony reveals a deep and spiritual grasp of the doctrine of Christ, one that contrasts sharply with modern distortions such as hyper-grace and antinomianism. Aristides reminds us that true Christianity is not about clever philosophies or human wisdom, but about living faithfully in obedience to Christ and reflecting His holiness in the world.
 
THOUGHT: Is my understanding of Christianity shaped by God’s Word? Or is it corrupted by human philosophies?
PRAYER: Father, fill me with Thy Holy Spirit, that I may discern Thy truth clearly. Guard me from doctrines that distort Thy Word, and grant me the spiritual understanding to live faithfully, as the early Christians did: holy, charitable, and stedfast in hope of the resurrection.

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