Justin was born to a pagan family and studied extensively in the philosophical schools of his day before converting to Christianity as a young man, having concluded that Christian teaching was the only philosophy that offered a satisfying and consistent account of truth. He continued to identify as a philosopher after his conversion, wearing the traditional philosopher's cloak, and opened a school in Rome to teach Christian doctrine using the philosophical methods of his training.
Justin wrote several works defending Christianity against pagan misunderstanding and persecution, addressed in part directly to the Roman emperor, arguing for religious tolerance and explaining Christian worship and belief to a skeptical public. He was eventually denounced, tried before the Roman prefect, and executed by beheading around the year 165 along with several companions for refusing to sacrifice to the Roman gods.
Saint Justin Martyr
Martyr and Apologist
A former philosopher who converted to Christianity and became one of its earliest and most articulate defenders in writing, before being martyred in Rome.
- Born
- 100
- Died
- 165
- Birthplace
- Flavia Neapolis (modern Nablus)
- Died in
- Rome, Italy
- Century
- 2nd century
Categories
Why People Pray to Saint Justin Martyr
Saint Justin Martyr is invoked by philosophers, teachers, and apologists, and by anyone seeking to explain and defend the faith with reason and clarity.
