Justin Martyr

Justin Martyr was born in Flavia Neopolis, initially leading a pagan philosophic life, eventually becoming the most notable Christian Apologist of the 2nd Century.

He found his faith in the Lord when one day he was approached by a believer who listened to his philosophical views, then pointed out flaws in them, and directed him to the fulfillment of Jewish Prophecy in Christ. Justin had already been impressed with the constancy of Christians in the face of death and so gave his life to Christ.

Throughout the rest of his life he presented his faith to those philosophical schools around him, and taught in Ephesus and Rome (Tatian being one of his disciples). He also wrote letters of Apology (defending the Christian faith), with his first addressed to Emperor Antonius Pius (138-161 AD), aiming to clear the prejudices and misunderstandings surrounding Christianity.

His Second Apology was brief, and protested injustices such as Christians being killed for no other reason than confessing Christ as their Lord. He also wrote a dialogue (believed to be based on an actual occurrance) between himself and a cultured Jew named Trypho. In this "Dialogue", the two respectfully argue about Christianity with respect to Judaism.

Justin was martyred in 165 AD in Rome. He is remembered for presenting his faith as both Scriptural and believable in the face of objections from both Jews and Pagans.