The Second Apology

Holy Martyr Justin the Philosopher · c. 161 AD

Ante-Nicene Fathers (Roberts–Donaldson), Roberts, Donaldson, and Coxe (eds.), Ante-Nicene Fathers, Buffalo: Christian Literature Publishing, 1885–1887; digitized by CCEL.

Greek philosopher converted to Christianity at Ephesus; opened a school of Christian philosophy at Rome; first major Christian apologist. Wrote two apologies to the Roman emperors and the Dialogue with Trypho the Jew. Martyred c. 165 under Marcus Aurelius.

Contents

1. Chapter I.—Introduction.
2. Chapter II.—Urbicus condemns the Christians to death.
3. Chapter III.—Justin accuses Crescens of ignorant prejudice against the Christians.
4. Chapter IV.—Why the Christians do not kill themselves.
5. Chapter V.—How the angels transgressed.
6. Chapter VI.—Names of God and of Christ, their meaning and power.
7. Chapter VII.—The world preserved for the sake of Christians. Man’s responsibility.
8. Chapter VIII.—All have been hated in whom the Word has dwelt.
9. Chapter IX.—Eternal punishment not a mere threat.
10. Chapter X.—Christ compared with Socrates.
11. Chapter XI.—How Christians view death.
12. Chapter XII.—Christians proved innocent by their contempt of death.
13. Chapter XIII.—How the Word has been in all men.
14. Chapter XIV.—Justin prays that this appeal be published.
15. Chapter XV.—Conclusion.