St. Justin Martyr

St. Justin Martyr (c. AD 100 – c. AD 165), also known as Justin of Caesarea, was an early Christian apologist and philosopher who lived in the 2nd century AD. Born in Flavia Neapolis (modern-day Nablus), he became a prominent figure in the early Church and contributed significantly to its intellectual and theological development. Justin converted to Christianity after a long quest for philosophical truth, and he sought to reconcile Christian beliefs with Greek philosophy, particularly Platonism. He wrote numerous works defending Christianity against its critics, addressing topics such as the nature of God, the divinity of Christ, and the morality of Christians. Justin’s most famous work is the “First Apology,” a defense of Christianity addressed to the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius. He was known for his commitment to reason and engaging in intellectual debates with non-Christians. Justin Martyr ultimately faced martyrdom, being beheaded in Rome around the year 165 AD, due to his refusal to renounce his faith. He is recognized as a saint and an early champion of Christian thought and apologetics.