Justin Martyr

Justin was a philosopher from Samaria who, after trying several schools of philosophy, became a Christian and taught at Rome. His two Apologies defend Christians before the emperors, and his Dialogue with Trypho argues with a Jewish teacher about the fulfillment of prophecy in Christ. He was beheaded at Rome, probably around 165, and has been known ever since as Justin Martyr.

Dates

ca. 100 – ca. 165 (approximate)

See or city

Rome

Region

Italy (born at Flavia Neapolis in Samaria)

Also known as

Justin; Justin the Philosopher; Saint Justin

Notes

Justin says he was born at Flavia Neapolis (modern Nablus) in Samaria (1 Apol. 1). The Acts of Justin, an early account of his trial, place his death at Rome under the city prefect Junius Rusticus (ca. 162–168). He was never a bishop; he taught as a Christian philosopher.

Works

• First ApologyApologia prima · ca. 150–155 · CPG 1073 (unverified)
• Second ApologyApologia secunda · ca. 150–160 · CPG 1074 (unverified)
• Dialogue with TryphoDialogus cum Tryphone Iudaeo · ca. 155–160 · CPG 1076 (unverified)