Saint of the Week: Justin
6/4/2025
St. Justin
110 - 167
Theologian, Apologist, Martyr
Justin was born into a Greek-speaking pagan family about 110 AD in Flavia Neapolis, Samaria. Educated in Greek philosophy, like Augustine after him, all this knowledge left him intellectually restless. During a walk on the beach at Ephesus, he began speaking with a stranger, who told him about Christ. “Straightway a flame was kindled in my soul,” he wrote, “and a love of the prophets and those who are friends of Christ possessed me.” He became a Christian as a result of this encounter, regarding Christianity as the only “safe and profitable philosophy” thereafter. This bright young Truth-seeker proved a valuable addition to the fledgling Christian community. His wide interests, noble spirit, and able mind greatly enriched those around him. About 150 AD, Justin moved to Rome. As philosophers did in those days, he started a school—in this case, one on Christian philosophy—and attracted many students. A prolific writer, sadly only 3 of his works survive: a dialogue in Platonic style with a Jew named Trypho, and two apologies defending the Christian faith. Justin’s 1st and 2nd Apologies countered Greek charges of irrationality and Roman charges of disloyalty to the empire. Both works provide important insights into developing theological ideas and liturgical practices of early Christianity. While in Rome, he engaged in a public debate with Crescens, a philosopher of the Cynic school, whom Justin accused of ignorance and immorality. Angered, Crescens brought a libel suit against him. Justin and six of his students were arrested and brought before the prefect Rusticus. As was the custom, Rusticus gave them a chance to renounce their faith. All steadfastly refused. Thus, Justin and his students were all put to death around the year 167
