Justin Martyr's Concise Commentary On The Whole Bible

The Power of the Martyr
Paul writes to the Romans and says that for those who are justified through faith they perseverance and this ultimately produces hope (New International Version, Romans 5:4); which Matthew Henry, in his commentary, says brings about a “blessed change” (Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible. M. Henry, Romans). Justin Martyr’s writings to Emperor Hadrian beg for this same hope through change, “for the reconciliation and restoration of the human race” (Ker 19).
History is replete with examples of persecution. Gonzalez reminds us, “Christianity is no easy matter” (41). Early Christians such as Ignatius (52), Polycarp (Bettenson 9) and Felicitas and Perpetua (Kerr 24) among thousands of others bear witness to this struggle, which

continues today among those killed by ISIS. Subversion, class prejudice and obstinacy (Bettenson 3) were chief among the criticisms made and the exigent defense produced “remarkable theological works” (Gonzalez 62).
One such work, the Plea for a Fair Hearing (Kerr 17) in Justin’s First Apology entreats the emperor to show himself as a “lover of truth” (18) and with this fair hearing Hadrian might then discover the intentions, practices and beliefs of these falsely accused people who were living peacefully within Roman society. Unfortunately, Justin’s defense did not end the persecution of early Christians, as it continued until the time of Constantine. Ending today’s persecution might occur if contemporary society were to hear Justin’s message and receive it coupled with Jesus’ message and intentional acts of love.
PLEA FOR A FAIR HEARING
Subversion Refusal to worship the emperor put Christians at odds with the fiber of Roman society (Gonzalez 67). Justin explained to the emperor “actions cannot be hidden from God” and thus of all the people of the empire, Christians had his best interest at heart because “we follow the path of virtue, so to receive the good things that come from God” (Kerr 19).
Class Prejudice The claim of the Jewish rabble, a primitive people, to possess a hidden truth, was inconceivable to the Greek philosophers (Gonzalez 61). Ostensibly, a defense based on antiquity was Justin’s strategy. Highlighting the writings from the prophets older than Plato and texts deemed worthy of location within the great library built by Ptolemy; Justin subtly points out the barbarian origin of this esteemed, sophisticated and culture who judged Christianity (Kerr 20).
Obstinacy Earlier in writing to Emperor Trajan, Pliny “confessed their pertinacity and inflexible obstinacy should be punishable by death” (Bettenson 3).

Attempting to counter this viewpoint, Justin showed a just cause for being troubled not of temporal death because we seek the Kingdom of God all the while Christians “know that death is the penalty for this confession” (Kerr 18).
TODAY’S TENSION
Justin presents his rational defense of God’s glory, truth and provision because the “wicked had disguised within their false report, the intention to turn away potential believers” (Bettenson 5). Accusations and testing come to today’s Christian in many of these same forms.
Appetite for the gleanings of the media’s illusionary message causes society to deem the intentions of Christianity as undermining, which leads to jealousy and hatred. Jesus demonstrated that the truth spoken in love would glorify God and appeal to the heart of the lost.
We, as with these early critics of Christianity, tend to prejudge others by stereotyping and by our refusal to engage others, as Jesus taught. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” (Matthew

7:3)
The tenacity of Christians means presenting the message of the gospel as Jesus taught us, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:4). This alternative foundation of purpose is a powerful message for today’s floundering world.
CONCLUSION
The power of martyrdom propelled Christianity from infancy and the subsequent defense of the faith generated an understanding of the principles that left a deposit of faith for future generations. Justin’s work was that of a rational philosopher. Christians today would benefit by joining the gospel message of Jesus redeeming love without fear or prejudice.