The Testimony of Justin

After we leave the inspired writers of the New Testament, we must obtain our information concerning the church in the second, third, and fourth centuries, from early church historians, and contemporary ecclesiastical writers. Drawing from theseAGP 182.4

sources, we turn first to the testimony of Justin Martyr, who was among the earliest converts from paganism in the second century. Born of pagan parents in Flavia Neapolis, Samaria, about 114 A.D., he was well educated, and was said to be a true lover of “sound philosophy,” ever seeking for knowledge that would satisfy the longings of his soul. At last the account of the life and death of Christ made a deep impression upon his mind, and, pagan philosopher though he was, Justin was constrained to accept the Saviour as his Lord and Master, and united with the hated and persecuted Christians, whose extraordinary fearlessness in the presence of death had greatly impressed him. He soon became one of the most influential defenders of the gospel and the church.AGP 183.1

His writings are among the most important that come down to us from the second century. He wrote able replies to critics and opposers of all classes. He also wrote defenses and appeals to emperors in behalf of the gospel and the persecuted Christians. One writer declares that Justin Martyr was a valuable authority on the life of the Christian church in the middle second century.AGP 183.2