And the wealthy among us help the needy; and we always keep together; and for all things wherewith we are supplied, we bless the Maker of all through His Son Jesus Christ, and through the Holy Ghost. [18] Paul Parvis, a prominent Justin scholar from the University of Edinburgh, has noted that the First Apology is unlike any apology that preceded it. It presents itself as legal petition, a standard Roman administrative genre that seeks to change a legal precedent (in this case, asking Christians to be charged based on evil deeds rather than for being Christian in and of itself). And we afterwards continually remind each other of these things. Text Size. The apologies seek to defend the poistion of theChristians in the kingdom against unfair persecution and misconceptions. Justin Martyr's First Apology (ca. [3], Second-century Christian apologetic text by Justin Martyr. The work is addressed to Antoninus Pius and his two adopted sons. [17], There has been significant scholarly debate about the extent to which Justin’s Apologies differed from prior and future apologetic discourse. Justin Martyr, First Apology, Second Apology From Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson, eds., Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 1 (Buffalo, 1885). Justin was a Gentile, but born in Samaria, near Jacob's well. Throughout the First Apology, Justin argues that Jesus Christ is the incarnation of the Logos, which leads him to the proof that any individual who has spoken with reason, even those who lived before Christ, connected with the logos in the form of Christ, and is thus, in fact, a Christian. [7] With this claim, Justin demonstrates his desire to separate the Christian name from the evil acts performed by certain individuals, lamenting how criminals tarnish the name of Christianity and are not true “Christians.” Finally, he addresses the alleged disloyalty to the Empire, discussing how Christians do seek to be members of another kingdom, but this kingdom is “of that with God” rather than a “human one.”[8], Justin goes to great lengths in the First Apology to defend Christianity as a rational philosophy. The First Apology is dated to between AD 155-157, based on the reference to Lucius Munatius Felix as a recent prefect of Egypt. Font. 37 Full PDFs related to this paper. ... (for example, Justin Martyr; Athenagoras of Athens) without sacrificing their basic conviction that Christianity alone is the bearer of the complete truth. Justin Martyr (A.D. 110-165) was a Gentile born near Jacob's Well in Flavia Neapolis, Samaria. [4] He first argues that “the name” of Christianity by itself is not reason enough to punish or persecute, and he urges the Empire instead to only punish evil actions, writing, “For from a name neither approval nor punishment could fairly come, unless something excellent or evil in action can be shown about it.”[5] He then goes on to address the charges more directly, in which he argues that they are “atheists” toward Roman gods, but not to the “most true God.”[6] He acknowledges that some Christians have performed immoral acts, but urges officials to punish these individuals as evildoers rather than Christians. 150 CE) Chapter 67. For Justin, Christianity represents the full truth (logos), meaning that Christianity is not only a meaningful philosophy, but it also completes and corrects prior thought to achieve the highest level of knowledge and reason. … But by including the descriptions of Christian practice and belief, Parvis argues that “[w]hat Justin did was to hijack this normal Roman administrative procedure and turn it into a vehicle for articulating and disseminating the message of the Gospel.”[1] Sara Parvis, also from Edinburgh, further argues that scholars should do away with the classic conception of Christian apology as a “vague group of writings offering some kind of defense of Christianity,” and instead think of the category as one that was actually invented by Justin Martyr and then refined by later authors like Tertullian. He must have been well educated: he had traveled extensively, and he seems to have been a person enjoying at least a competence. INTRODUCTORY NOTE TO THE FIRST APOLOGY OF JUSTIN MARTYR. A short summary of this paper. [2] After becoming interested in Platonism, Justin eventually converted to Christianity after an encounter with an old man, which Justin describes in the Dialogue as “a love of the prophets, and of those people who are friends of Christ [that] possessed me.”[2] The equating of Christianity with philosophy is important for Justin, as it explains the importance of the Apologies in defending Christianity in philosophical terms. The First Apology of Justin « Prev: Appendix: Summary Outline of the First Apology ... Justin Martyr, the great Christian apologist of the time. Weekly worship of the Christians. LibriVox recording of The First Apology of Justin Martyr, by Saint Justin Martyr. He remarks at how Christianity can provide moral teaching for its followers,[9] and how many of the Christian teachings parallel similar stories in pagan mythology,[10] making it irrational for contemporary pagans to persecute Christians. In the first part of the First Apology, Justin defends his fellow Christians against the charges of atheism and hostility to the Roman state. In particular, it brings together the writings of the early Church fathers prior to the fourth century Nicene Creed. Read this work Originally printed in 1885, the ten-volume set, Ante-Nicene Fathers, brings together the work of early Christian thinkers. But when Christianity was new, misunderstood, and outlawed, St. Justin Martyr—a philosopher and Christian convert—gave a rigorous defense of Christian doctrine (called an “Apology”) to the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius, arguing that Christians should not be persecuted. . [11], One of Justin’s most important themes involves his description of the logos, a philosophical concept of order of reason and knowledge. They deny that it was a practice of the early Church. [a.d. Aa Aa. Introductory Note to the Writings of Justin Martyr. Justinseeks to dispel the myths surrounding Christians such as cannibalism orlicentious sex but to prove these he goes on to wri… The Dialogue utilizes the literary device of an … The writings of St Justin the Martyr were highly esteemed in the early Church. Reader Width. [3] The theologian Robert Grant has claimed that this Apology was made in response to the Martyrdom of Polycarp, which occurred around the same time as the Apology was written. Bruce Strom Early Church Writing, St Justin Martyr 2. The use of the term “logos” indicates that Justin likely drew upon prior philosophical teachings,[13][14] but Justin makes the argument that these teachings represent only partial truth because they possess and are connected with only part of the overall logos. Justin Martyr. First Apology In 1 Apology, addressed around AD 150 to the emperor Antoninus Pius, to the emperor's sons, to the Senate and to the Roman people as a whole, Justin weaves together a refutation of stock pagan charges against Christians and a positive case for Christianity as the true religion. Public domain. His writings are mostly apologetic with little of the moral teachings that seem like a breath of fresh air to modern Christians. The Dialogue with Trypho, along with the First and Second Apologies, is a second-century Christian apologetic text, usually agreed to be dated in between AD 155-160. In St. Justin Martyr: Works …the first part of the First Apology , Justin defends his fellow Christians against the charges of atheism and hostility to the Roman state. He then goes on to express the core of his Christian philosophy: the highest aspiration of both Christianity and Platonic philosophy is a transcendent and unchangeable God;… Hence, the First Apology of Justin Martyr provides an interesting description of early Christian worship services that scholars and students of primitive Church history can use to better understand what the practices of the early Church looked like. St. Justin Martyr, generally considered the most important of the Greek apologists, was born between 100 and 110, the son of a pagan Priscus in Flavia Neapolis, Palestine. Title Page. Cliff Notes to Justin Martyr’s First Apology. 110--165.] Robert M. Grant writes (The Anchor Bible Dictionary, v. 3, p. 1133)Justin's first work seems to have been his treatise Against all Heresies [now lost] . Philippe Bobichon, "Justin Martyr : étude stylistique du Dialogue avec Tryphon suivie d’une comparaison avec l’Apologie et le De resurrectione", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=First_Apology_of_Justin_Martyr&oldid=1015561779, Wikipedia articles needing factual verification from October 2013, Wikipedia articles needing page number citations from October 2013, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 2 April 2021, at 05:16. Justin was a Gentile, but born in Samaria, near Jacob's well. In the writings of the early church we have three documents existant from JustinMartyr—The First Apology; The Second Apology; and The Dialogue withTrypho. Though the Christian movement, from its slender beginnings in Jerusalem, to a large extent had been shaped and defined through the production and dissemination of texts, Narrated by David Leeson. In addition to arguing against the persecution of individuals solely for being Christian, Justin also provides the Emperor with a defense of the philosophy of Christianity and a detailed explanation of contemporary Christian practices and rituals. To the Emperor Titus Aelius Hadrianus Antoninus Pius Augustus Caesar, and to Verissimus his son, the Philosopher, and to Lucius the Philosopher, son of Caesar by nature and of Augustus [668]by adoption, a lover of culture, and to the Sacred Senate and the whole Roman people -- … . Bible Version Show footnotes. Instead, he argues that Justin aimed to provide this information to both “put forth the real nature of Christian life” and refute the slanderous claims of pagan critics. [16] Finally, he provides information on the weekly Sunday meetings of the congregation, consisting of readings from the Jewish prophets and "the memoirs of the apostles", prayers, and a meal. The First Apology of Justin. The First Apology of Justin Martyr[a.d. Robert Grant, has noted that Justin did not provide much detail into the theological reasoning behind early Church practices. The purpose of the Apology is to prove to the emperors, renowned as upright and philosophical men, the injustice of the persecution of the Christians, who are the representatives of true philosophy … Christians are the true worshipers of God, the Creator of all things; they offer him the only sacrifices worthy of him, those of … Chapter III.--Claim of judicial investigation. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership, https://www.britannica.com/topic/First-Apology. [1] In the Dialogue with Trypho, Justin explains how he came to Christianity after previously passing through the schools of Stoicism, Peripateticism, and Pythagoreanism. St Justin Martyr, Blog 1, First Apology to the Emperor. Philippe Bobichon, "L'enseignement juif, païen, hérétique et chrétien dans l'œuvre de Justin Martyr". 1. [12], This theme is paramount to understanding Justin’s defense of Christianity, and was a groundbreaking statement in Christian apologetic writing. [3] It is also generally believed that the Second Apology was originally part of the larger First Apology, although there is uncertainty among scholars about this point. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. [3], In the early chapters of the First Apology, Justin discusses the principal criticisms of contemporary Christians; namely, atheism, immorality, and disloyalty to the Empire. …the first part of the First Apology, Justin defends his fellow Christians against the charges of atheism and hostility to the Roman state. Likely a gentile convert to Christianity, Justin had made his way to the imperial capitol, where he assumed the mantle of a … Justin tells us in … Those that are baptized are “brought by us where there is water,” where they are “born again in the same manner of rebirth by which we ourselves were born again.”[15] After the discussion of baptism, Justin describes the practice of the Eucharist, by his teachings of transubstantiation, “we have been taught that the food over which thanks have been given by a word of prayer that is from Him, from which our blood and flesh are nourished by transformation, is the flesh and blood of Jesus who became incarnate.”. Chapter II.--Justice demanded. There is account according to Eusebius of five more works from the penof Justin which have been lost. Justin writes his first apology to Emperor Antoninus Pius to demand justice for Christians and to deny the charge that Christians were atheists because they refused to worship pagan gods. This work, along with the Second Apology, has been cited as one of the earliest examples of Christian apology, and many scholars attribute this wo… Early Christian Fathers— Cyril C. Richardson. Later he composed his Apology now divided into two parts. He then goes on to express the core of his Christian philosophy: the highest aspiration of both Christianity and Platonic philosophy is a transcendent and unchangeable God;…. 5129 (Justin Martyr's First Apology), which is the earliest Greek manuscript of any text of Justin Martyr.According to Henry, "[t]his is the first published ancient copy of a work of Justin Martyr. [19], Scholars also note the importance of the explanation of Christian practice in defending the community as a whole. Justin Martyr was born in Flavia Neapolis (modern Nablus), a Greek-speaking town in Judea within the Roman Empire. In addition to arguing against the persecution of individuals solely for being Christian, Justin also provides the Emperor with a defense of the philosophy of Christianity and a detailed explanation of contemporary Christian practices and rituals. The First Apology of Justin Martyr is an early work of Christian apologetics addressed to the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius. 110-165.] He was schooled in Greek philosophy but became a Christian after witnessing the extraordinary fearlessness exhibited by Christian martyrs, and experiencing the grandeur, stability and truth of … Plea for a Fair Hearing. The First Apology of Justin Martyr - Read book online for free First Apology by justin_martyr Read Online Download Listen Summary Formats About Summary. This work, along with the Second Apology, has been cited as one of the earliest examples of Christian apology, and many scholars attribute this work to creating a new genre of apology out of what was a typical Roman administrative procedure.[1]. Chapter LIV.--Origin of heathen mythology. In the latest issue of the Oxyrhynchus Papyri series (LXXVIII, Egyptian Exploration Society, 2012), W. B. Henry offers an edition of P.Oxy. The first, or “Major Apology,” was addressed about 150 to the Roman emperors Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius. In his First Apology (155 a.d.), the second-century Christian philosopher and apologist Justin Martyr wrote a fascinating account of Christian worship and beliefs. THE TEXT. [3] This correlation would explain why the Apology heavily focused on punishment by fire; a reference to Polycarp’s burning at the stake. He first argues that “the name” of Christianity by itself is not reason enough to punish or persecute, and he urges the Empire instead to onl… A A . ... Chapter LIII.--Summary of the prophecies. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. In the early chapters of the First Apology, Justin discusses the principal criticisms of contemporary Christians; namely, atheism, immorality, and disloyalty to the Empire. The First Apology of Saint Justin Martyr addressed to the Roman emperor Antoninus Pius, his sons, and the Roman Senate. The First Apology of Justin, the Martyr. [14], The First Apology provides one of the most detailed accounts of contemporary Christian practice. The First Apology was an early work of Christian apologetics addressed by Justin Martyr to the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius. Born in Flavia Neapolis, Syria, around 100 CE, Justin Martyr is known by this epithet due to his death in Rome, during the rule of Marcus Aurelius in the 160s. The First Apology was an early work of Christian apologetics addressed by Justin Martyr to the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius. Chapter I.--Address. Information on Justin Martyr. It is seen as documenting the attempts by theologian Justin Martyr to show that Christianity is the new law for all men, and to prove from Scripture that Jesus is the Jewish Messiah. For the truth shall be spoken; since of old these evil demons, effecting apparitions of themselves, both defiled women and corrupted boys, and showed such fearful sights to men, that those who did not use their reason in judging of the actions that were done, were struck with terror; and being carried away by fear, and not knowing that these were … The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Irenaeus Theme. 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