The First Apology: Foundations of Christian Belief

by Justin Martyr, Grapevine Press

In the "First Apology," Justin Martyr, an influential early Christian apologist, presents a compelling defense and exposition of the foundational beliefs of the Christian faith. Addressing the Roman emperor and his administration, Justin elucidates the principles and practices of Christianity, demonstrating their compatibility with reason and the pursuit of truth.

Through reasoned arguments and references to Scripture, he defends Christian beliefs against misconceptions and accusations, providing a profound insight into the early Christian worldview. "The First Apology" serves as a significant early Christian text, offering believers a solid foundation for understanding and defending their faith in a secular world.

100 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 20, 2023

About the author

Justin Martyr, also known as Saint Justin (c. 100–165 CE), was an early Christian apologist, and is regarded as the foremost interpreter of the theory of the Logos in the 2nd century. He was martyred, alongside some of his students, and is considered a saint by the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Church, and the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Most of his works are lost, but two apologies and a dialogue did survive. The First Apology, his most well known text, passionately defends the morality of the Christian life, and provides various ethical and philosophical arguments to convince the Roman emperor, Antoninus, to abandon the persecution of the fledgling sect. Further, he also makes the theologically-innovative suggestion that the "seeds of Christianity" (manifestations of the Logos acting in history) actually predated Christ's incarnation. This notion allows him to claim many historical Greek philosophers (including Socrates and Plato), in whose works he was well studied, as unknowing Christians. (Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Albert L Schaubel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start for Apologetics

Justin Martyr makes the claim for the truth of Christianity by going through passage after passage from the Old Testament. Many passages from prophecy relating to the coming of the Christ and all that He will do and what will happen to Him (life, death, resurrection and reign).
He explains Christian behavior and practices and how they do nothing detrimental to the Roman Empire. He even goes on to show how many of the Roman gods and practices are mimicking Christian beliefs and practices.