Justin Martyr ( c. 100- c.165)

Justin was born about AD 100 in Neapolis - modern Nablus- in Samaria. Justin was an uncircumcised Gentile rather than a Samaritan.
He was probably one of the earliest and most important, of the Apologists - a spokesmen who gave a reasoned defence of Christianity- in the second century.

Raised by pagan parents he sought to find life’s meanings in the philosophies of his day. This only brought disappointment until in about AD 130 he had a conversation with an old man. His life was transformed. I fell in love with the prophets and these men who had loved Christ.

Numerous works of Justin have been preserved including a remarkable dialogue with Trypho and 2 apologies.

In Ephesus he had a disputation with Trypho. The 3 main points being: the Old Covenant is passing away to make way for the New; the Logos (Word) is the God of the O.T.; and the Gentiles are the new Israel.
( read Dialogue with Trypho and Justin and the O.T.) .

Justin moved to Rome where he founded a Christian school and wrote 2 apologies. The one which has gained most attention resembles the order of a church service. (read A picture of worship)

In about AD 165 Justin, along with 6 others/disciples, were arrested for their faith. When the prefect threatened them with death he replied *If we are punished for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, we hope to be saved. *

They were taken out and beheaded.

Justin’s impassioned defence of the Christian truth greatly influenced many other Christian Fathers. Modern scholars have been impressed by Justin’s modesty, honesty and courage.

Sources used
Christianity Today
Great Leaders of the Christian Church edited by Woodbridge