Name: St. Justin, Martyr
When: born 100 AD and died 165 AD
Feast Day: April 14th (pre-1962 liturgy); June 1st (post-1962 liturgy)
Patron Saint: of philosophers, apologists, and speakers
Relics: Chapel of St Justin inside the Cathedral of St John Lateran Rome. The Church of the Gesu, Rome. Church of St Justine, Padua. Church of St Francis Xavier, Paris.
Biography:
St. Justin, martyr, born in Flavia Neapolis (now Nablus, Palestine) in the year 100 AD, dying in 165 AD in the second century, was a renowned philosopher and Catholic apologist who became one of the earliest defenders of the Christian faith. He was born into a pagan family, and from a young age, he was drawn to the pursuit of knowledge and truth. He studied various philosophical systems of his time, including Stoicism, Pythagoreanism, and Platonism, in search of wisdom.
Despite his deep longing for truth, St. Justin could not find the answers to life’s ultimate questions in these philosophical systems. One day, while he was walking by the sea, he encountered an old man who engaged him in a conversation about the Christian faith. This encounter deeply impacted St. Justin, and he began to study the Scriptures and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Through his studies, he found the fulfilment of his quest for truth and became a devoted follower of Christ.
St. Justin became known for his eloquent defence of the Christian faith, often engaging in public debates with philosophers and intellectuals to explain and defend the teachings of Christianity. He wrote several works, including his famous “First Apology,” in which he provided a systematic defence of Christianity and refuted the false accusations against Christians. His writings were considered instrumental in presenting Christianity as a rational and philosophical faith.
However, St. Justin’s unwavering commitment to his Christian beliefs and his bold defence of the faith made him a target of persecution. During the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, St. Justin was arrested and brought before the Roman authorities. Despite the threat of torture and death, St. Justin remained steadfast in his faith and refused to renounce Christianity. He was eventually condemned to death and beheaded for his unwavering commitment to Christ.
St. Justin Martyr’s legacy as a faithful witness for Christ continues to inspire Christians today. His profound intellectual prowess, coupled with his unwavering faith, makes him a patron saint of philosophers, apologists, and speakers. His life serves as a reminder of the importance of defending and living out our faith courageously, even in the face of persecution. Devotees of St. Justin often invoke his intercession in their pursuit of truth, wisdom, and courage to stand firm in their faith.
As we reflect on the life of St. Justin Martyr, we are reminded of the timeless relevance of his teachings and example. In today’s world, where Christians may face scepticism, criticism, and even persecution for their faith, St. Justin’s unwavering commitment to truth, reason, and courage in defending Christianity serves as a beacon of inspiration.
In an era where philosophical and intellectual challenges to faith abound, St. Justin’s approach of engaging in thoughtful discourse, providing rational defences for the Christian faith, and standing firm in the face of opposition can serve as a guide for modern Christians. St. Justin’s writings, particularly his “First Apology,” which presents a well-reasoned defence of Christianity, continue to be studied and admired by scholars and apologists alike.
Notable Writings:
Eusebius of Caesarea notes the following works by St Justin:
- The First Apology to Antonius Pius
- A Second Apology to the Roman Senate
- The Discourse to the Greeks
- An Hortatory Address to the Greeks (doubtful)
- A treatise on The Sovereignty of God
- The Psalmist
- The Dialogue with Trypho
An overview of his philosophy and annotated writings can be read in The Writings of Justin Martyr.
By way of example of how Catholic St Justin was back in the 2nd century, read what he has to say about the Eucharist – Holy Communion:
“And this food is called among us Εὐχαριστία [the Eucharist] … For not as common bread and common drink do we receive these; but in like manner as Jesus Christ our Saviour, having been made flesh by the Word of God, had both flesh and blood for our salvation, so likewise have we been taught that the food which is blessed by the prayer of His word, and from which our blood and flesh by transmutation are nourished, is the flesh and blood of that Jesus who was made flesh.” – St Justin, First Apology chapter 66.
