Justin Martyr and the Apologies: Unraveling a Historical Puzzle

Justin Martyr, a prominent figure in early Christian history, is well-known for his "Apologies," defenses of the Christian faith addressed to the Roman emperors. However, the exact nature and identification of these apologies have been a subject of debate among scholars for centuries.

The Eusebian Account

Eusebius, a church historian, mentions two apologies written by Justin. One was penned during the reign of Antoninus Pius, and the other during the reign of Marcus Aurelius. The core question is whether the two apologies we have today correspond to those described by Eusebius.

The Scholarly Debate

Several theories have emerged regarding the Apologies:

• Theory 1: The Second Apology is a Preface: Some scholars argue that what we now call the "Second Apology" was originally the preface to the "First Apology," and that the actual second apology is now lost.
• Theory 2: The Second Apology is a Continuation: Another perspective suggests that the "Second Apology" is simply a continuation of the "First," and that the true second apology is missing.
• Theory 3: Eusebius was Mistaken: Some propose that the two apologies we possess are indeed Justin's two apologies, but that Eusebius was incorrect in stating that the second was addressed to Marcus Aurelius.
• Theory 4: Direct Correspondence: Finally, the most straightforward theory is that the two apologies we have are precisely the two apologies mentioned by Eusebius: our "First Apology" is Eusebius's first, and our "Second Apology" is Eusebius's second.

The First Apology: An Address to the Emperors

The "First Apology" is addressed to Emperor Titus Ælius Adrianus Antoninus Pius Augustus Cæsar, his son Verissimus the Philosopher, Lucius the Philosopher, and the sacred Senate, with the whole People of the Romans. In it, Justin identifies himself as Justin, the son of Priscus and grandson of Bacchius, natives of Flavia Neapolis in Palestine. He presents the address as a petition on behalf of those of all nations who are unjustly hated and abused, identifying himself as one of them.

A Plea for Justice

Justin implores the emperors, whom he calls "pious and philosophers, guardians of justice and lovers of learning," to give good heed to his address. He emphasizes that he does not seek to flatter or please them, but to beg that they pass judgment after an accurate and searching investigation, free from prejudice, superstition, irrational impulse, and evil rumors.

The complexities surrounding Justin Martyr's apologies highlight the challenges in reconstructing early Christian history and the ongoing scholarly efforts to understand these important texts.