It is believed that Justin was born around 100, we don't know this for certain, however we do know that he was born at Flavia Neapolis (modern Nablus) in what is now the middle portion of Israel, of pagan Greek parents.
His parents were able to give him a good education in rhetoric, poetry, and history, all the classics of Greek civilization. Justin was filled with questions about life and searched though various systems of philosophy in Alexandria and Ephesus, trying Stoicism, then Pythagoreanism, then Platonism, looking for answers. He never found them.
However, While he was living in Ephesus, he was moved by the strength and faithfulness of the Christian martyrs. But his life took a big change when he met an old Christian man walking along the edge of the sea. This man, unknown to history, but known to God, talked to Justin about the weakness of pagan philosophy when compared with the fulfillment of the promises made through the ancient Jewish Prophets. Justin writes that "a flame was kindled in my soul, and a love of the prophets and those who are friends of Christ possessed me." Isn't it interesting that a nameless man brought the news of Christ to someone, who later became so instrumental in the faith. I doubt that the man on the beach ever knew what how he had changed the world by his witness. Makes me wonder how I can change mine.
Justin became a Christian, but he continued in his position as a professional teacher of philosophy. Justin felt that pagan philosophy was not simply wrong, but only had a partial view of the Truth, and was "a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ." He engaged in debates and disputations with non-Christians of all varieties, pagans, Jews, and heretics.
He went on to open a school of Christian philosophy and accepted students, first at Ephesus and then eventually after traveling around, at Rome. When in Rome he entered into debate with a philosopher named Crescens, and soon after was arrested on the charge of practicing an unauthorized religion. Some people think that Crescens lost the debate and turned Justin in to the authorities in revenge.
Justin was condemned to death by the prefect, Rusticus, in about A.D. 165, with six of his students, Chariton, Charito, Evelpostos, Paeon, Hierax, and Liberianos. There still remains an account of their trial and martyrdom.
In the records, it tells us that when the prefect warned them of the death penalty they would suffer, they answered "Do as you wish; for we are Christians, and we do not sacrifice to idols." Prefect Rusticus then pronounced the terrible sentence and they were immediately beheaded.
Almighty and everlasting God, Who found Your martyr Justin wandering from teacher to teacher, seeking the true God, and revealed to him the sublime wisdom of Your eternal Word: Grant that all who seek You, or a deeper knowledge of You, may find and be found by You; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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