The First Apology, by Justin Martyr in about 155, states a logical defense against the roman misperceived claims of Christianity, while accusing Romans of immoral acts. Through appealing to justice and knowledge, Justin writes to correct roman views on worshipping idols, sexual immorality, and false accusation against Christians. As Justin is addressing philosophers and well-educated Romans, he challenges the readers to consider his apology with judgment and logic, not passion (Ehrmann 58). Before he even begins his refutations, Justin warns the Romans they “have no defense before God” (Ehrmann 58) should they learn the truth and act unjustly.
He first refutes against the Romans’ threatening judgment towards people who simply call themselves ‘Christians,’ by defending that punishment shouldn’t come unless there is evidence of wrongdoing. The next claim Justin acknowledges is that Christians won’t worship idols and he rationalizes their actions through suggesting that it’s stupid to make sacrifices for something manmade and lifeless. This defense leads to Justin unveiling the mystery of the Christian lifestyle, such as worshipping a crucified man, pure and sexual morality. He unveils the Christians’ mystery lifestyle by explaining that they are pure, humble, and considerate, in hopes of receiving an eternal reward from God (Ehrmann 60.) Justin then presents Christianity as the true and correct religion by sharing his theory that Christianity has always been present on earth. He connected that “Logos” (the Word) is in every living thing and was fully in Jesus. Then when Jesus was resurrected, Logos was fully available to Christians. This explains why there is some good in the world, why non-Christians speak words of Truth, as well as, why Christians can fully access the truth. Justin then dismisses the Greek gods by offering proof of their demonic-possessed imitation of the bible. He promotes Christianity through establishing the truth in ‘Logos’/Jesus and provides evidence to what is false in the Greek beliefs.
It’s apparent that Justin holds prominent value for a righteous life with the intentions of a beneficial afterlife. Throughout the text, he makes a distinction between what is moral and immoral; what are a life-producing lifestyle and a death-producing lifestyle. He compares the man-made idols to being lifeless and irrational, but worshipping Jesus and God as a logical celebration. Christianity relates to happiness, fair judgment, full truth, and eternal rewards; whereas, other religions relate to stupidity, death, and eternal punishment.