First Apology of Justin Martyr
The First Apology was an early work of Christian apologetics addressed by Justin Martyr to the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius. In addition to arguing against the persecution of individuals solely for being Christian, Justin also provides the Emperor with a defense of the philosophy of Christianity and a detailed explanation of contemporary Christian practices and rituals. This work, along with the Second Apology, has been cited as one of the earliest examples of Christian apology, and many scholars attribute this work to creating a new genre of apology out of what was a typical Roman administrative procedure.
Saint Justin Martyr by Theophanes the Cretan, c. 1545-1546.
Justin, known posthumously as Justin Martyr, also known as Justin the Philosopher, was an early Christian apologist and philosopher.
15th-century icon of Justin Martyr by Theophanes the Cretan
A bearded Justin Martyr presenting an open book to a Roman emperor. Engraving by Jacques Callot.
Mosaic of the beheading of Justin Martyr
Relics of St. Justin and other early Church martyrs can be found in the lateral altar dedicated to St. Anne and St. Joachim at the Jesuit's Church in Valletta, Malta.
