Knowra Justin Martyr Justin Martyr Justin Martyr was a second-century Christian philosopher and apologist whose surviving works defend Christianity and describe its beliefs, worship, and Eucharist.
Christian apologetics : The defense and explanation of Christian beliefs through argument, writing, or public debate. Justin’s surviving works are among the earliest substantial Christian defenses addressed to non-Christians.
First Apology : Justin Martyr’s mid-second-century defense of Christianity addressed to the Roman emperor Antoninus Pius. It argues against unjust treatment of Christians and explains their beliefs and worship.
Antoninus Pius : Roman emperor from 138 to 161 CE, remembered for a largely stable and prosperous reign. Justin addressed his First Apology to Antoninus Pius and members of the imperial household.
Samaritanism : The religious tradition of the Samaritan people, centered on the Torah and worship at Mount Gerizim. Justin identifies himself as a Samaritan from Flavia Neapolis, in a region shaped by Samaritan tradition.
Christian philosophy : Philosophical inquiry shaped by Christian beliefs, texts, and theological questions. Justin presents Christianity as the fullest philosophy rather than merely a civic cult.
Logos : A Greek concept of reason, word, or ordering principle, adopted in Christian theology for the divine Word. Justin uses the Logos to explain Christ’s relation to God and to Greek philosophy.
Second Apology : A short work by Justin Martyr criticizing the persecution and condemnation of Christians in Rome. It responds to particular injustices and extends Justin’s case for Christian reasonableness.
Marcus Aurelius : Roman emperor from 161 to 180 CE and a Stoic philosopher known for his Meditations. Justin was executed during Marcus Aurelius’s reign, according to the account of his trial.
Middle Platonism : A phase of Platonist philosophy between the first century BCE and third century CE, blending Plato’s ideas with other traditions. Justin’s account of seeking philosophical wisdom reflects concepts circulating in Middle Platonist settings.
Justin’s theory of the Logos : Justin Martyr’s account of Christ as the divine Logos and of partial participation in truth among earlier thinkers. This distinctive account links his apologetics to later debates about Christ and divine reason.
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