Episode Details

In this episode of pplpod, we explore the life and legacy of Justin Martyr (c. 100–165 AD), a renowned 2nd-century philosopher, apologist, and saint. Born into a Greek family in Flavia Neapolis, Justin embarked on a restless intellectual journey through Stoicism, Peripateticism, and Pythagoreanism before finding temporary satisfaction in Platonism. We discuss the pivotal moment when an old man by the sea directed him toward the biblical prophets, leading Justin to convert and dedicate his life to teaching Christianity as the "true philosophy".

Key topics covered in this episode:

• The Seeds of the Word: How Justin argued that the Logos acted in history before Christ, allowing him to claim Greek philosophers like Socrates as unknowing Christians.

• Major Works: An overview of his First Apology to Emperor Antoninus Pius and the Dialogue with Trypho, which defend Christian morality and argue for the faith as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

• Scripture and Liturgy: Justin’s early references to the Gospels as the "memoirs of the apostles" and his historical descriptions of the Eucharist.

• Trial and Martyrdom: The dramatic confrontation with the cynic philosopher Crescens and the Roman prefect Rusticus that led to Justin's beheading in Rome.