The Writings of Justin Martyr

By Daniel Zimmermann

Justin Martyr wrote two apologies defending Christianity and urging the cessation of Roman persecution. He treated his readers with various arguments designed to show the truth of Christianity and its inherent excellence. The purpose of these apologies is to obtain just treatment for Christians. Accordingly, he writes in the conclusion of his first apology: "And if these things seem to you to be reasonable and true, honour them; but if they seem nonsensical, despise them as nonsense, and do not decree death against those who have done no wrong, as you would against enemies.”
Included in this e-book is his "Dialogue with Trypho." In this work, Justin quotes extensively from the Old Testament, attempting to show that the promises in the Jewish scriptures are fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

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• Language: English
• Publisher: Daniel Zimmermann
• Release date: Mar 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005538484

Daniel Zimmermann

Daniel Zimmermann was born in Merrill, Wisconsin, and grew up in Hustisford, Wisconsin. He was graduated as valedictorian from Northwestern College, Watertown, Wisconsin. His valedictory concerned the ancient philosopher Plotinus. Special honors were third place in an Eta Sigma Phi Greek composition contest and the Doctor Ott award. He was also graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. After serving as pastor for several years, he became a free lance writer. Because of the outstanding success of his Spanish poetry in Mexico, his biography was included in Who's Who in the Midwest. He is also a former member of American Mensa. He is married to Merian, nee Ecot. The couple is residing in the Philippines. Daniel Zimmermann is the author of short stories and poetry. He also writes non-fiction, especially on literature, history, Christianity, and botany.

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The Writings of Justin Martyr

By Daniel Zimmermann

Introductory Comments

Flavius Justinus lived during the second century of our Christian era. He had a philosophical mind, and he earnestly searched for truth. Attempting to find a suitable teacher, he first approached a Stoic, then a Peripatetic, and then a Pythagorean. They all proved to be unsatisfactory. A Platonist proved to be more satisfactory, but genuine truth came to him in an unusual manner. By pure chance, he encountered an elderly Christian, who unfolded before his eyes the truth of the gospel.

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He then became a Christian philosopher. During his period as a Platonist, he habitually wore a philosopher’s cloak. He continued to do so when he became a Christian. People would greet him as a philosopher, and many became interested in what he had to say.

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Accordingly, as a philosopher, he won many for Christ.

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However, viewing Christianity as a philosophy may lead to problems. For example, the Bible teaches that the Father is God, that the Son is God, and that the Holy Ghost is God; but they are not three Gods, but one God. Instead of simply accepting these truths, Justin tried to explain it, and the results were not altogether satisfactory.

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Nevertheless, we are confident that the compassionate Lord, for whom Justin gave his life as a martyr, has welcomed him into his heavenly kingdom.

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Since I did not have access to the Greek originals, my work was originally based on the English translations listed in the references. My design was to present the salient points for the benefit of non-professionals.

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Subsequently I encountered the Greek original of the second apology. As a result, I was able to revise what I had written concerning this work, treating it in much greater depth.

The First Apology

This treatment is based on a translation on the New Advent website. See the reference section.

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The word apology means defense. Justin Martyr wrote two apologies defending Christianity against its