JUSTIN MARTYR – 165 AD

The early Church beginning from around 33 AD is markedly different from the Church today. Though they had severe persecution, lack of full understanding about certain theological matters and was loosely organised, yet they were vibrant and full of life for the LORD. What faith is it?

One of the towering personalities of the early Christian Church was Justin, an early Christian apologist, and one of the most important of the Greek Christian philosophers. It is traditionally believed that Justin, along with his disciples were beheaded on 01 June 165 AD, for their faith in Jesus Christ. Just before his death Justin said, “If we are punished for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, we hope to be saved.” Christians soon named him Justin Martyr.

The early Church had severe persecution, yet they held on to their faith, and stood tall in the face of it all. Here are a few more quotes from Justin Martyr – “We used to hate and destroy one another and refused to associate with people of another race or country. Now, because of Christ, we live together with such people and pray for our enemies.”
“Let it be understood that those who are not found living as He taught are not Christian- even though they profess with the lips the teaching of Christ.”
“We who formerly hated and murdered one another now live together and share the same table. We pray for our enemies and try to win those who hate us.”

What is the cost we are willing to pay for our faith in the LORD? Let us forget not, there is a cost for our discipleship. Are we prepared to pay?