Justinus, First Scourged, and Then Beheaded

168

Justinus was called a son of Priscus Bacchus, and was born of Greek parents, at Neapolis in Palestine.

In its proper place we have spoken of the views of Justinus concerning baptism on faith, and have shown that he was sound and correct in them. Now, however, it is proper for us to speak of his spiritual birth, of his heavenly homeland, and of how clearly he showed that he was a child of God, and a citizen of the heavenly city, filled with all good things. This appeared not only in the beginning and the progress of his faith, but especially at the end, when he testified to its power with his death, and sealed it with his blood.

In the days of his youth he was taught the Platonic philosophy, in which he acquitted himself so well that he received the name Philosopher. Indeed, he had been led to believe that his learning would soon enable him to see God, which was the ultimate object of the Platonic philosophy. But it happened one day, as he was going toward the sea in order to meditate alone upon what he had learned, that (as he himself has confessed) a very grave and gentle old man followed him, who, entering into a conversation with him about the Platonic philosophy, taught him what true philosophy and happiness consist in, namely, the saving knowledge of the only, eternal, and alone immortal God.

Now, when Justinus asked for the teachers from whom he might learn this divine philosophy, the old man referred him to the writings of the prophets, who did not write according to the arguments of human reason, but, as certain and infallible witnesses, left behind what they had seen and heard of the words of truth, and the wonderful signs and works of God among His people; and that all their prophecies concerning the promised Messiah and Son of God were fulfilled in the coming of Jesus Christ, who was born in the reign of Emperor Augustus. He therefore urged him to pray to God, that He would enlighten his heart to this saving doctrine, through Jesus Christ, without whom it would not be possible for him to attain to this saving knowledge.

"This and many more such conversations [writes Justinus] this old man had with me, showing me also how I should grow further, and how I might obtain the things necessary to salvation. Then he went away, and I saw him no more. Immediately a burning desire was kindled in my heart, and a love for the Scriptures of the prophets and for those men who had been dear friends of Christ, namely the apostles. Then only did I become a true philosopher."

As to how and by whom, besides the instruction of the old man just mentioned, he was first taught and baptized, or for what reason he left his native land, and came from Syria, Palestine, or Samaria, to Rome, of this we find no account.

He afterwards had a disputation with Tryphon, a Jew. He himself has written an account of it, in which his correct views on different matters of faith may be seen, especially on baptism. We have spoken of this in another place.

But finally, having entered into a controversy with Crescens, a Cynic philosopher, and having defeated and confounded him by the power of divine arguments, his uncertain life began to draw to a close, and his certain death to approach. For because of this, this Cynic (that is, canine) philosopher conceived such a deadly hatred for Justinus that he swore to avenge it with his death; and from that time on he did not stop laying snares for him, and accusing him as a Christian, until he had quenched his thirst for blood with the blood of Justinus. Tatianus, the disciple of Justinus, gives this to be understood in his oration against the Greeks, in language not at all obscure, namely, that the Crescens mentioned above sought not only the life of Justinus, but also that of Tatianus himself. Moreover, Photius states that he tasted a joyful and worthy death at the hands of Crescens Cynicus, the person we have just mentioned.

Touching the manner of his death: When Justinus had been arrested, on the accusation of Crescens, and boldly refused to abandon his faith, or to sacrifice to the gods, he was sentenced to death by Rusticus, the President, and, after having been scourged, he was beheaded with the ax, about the year 168, in the time of the reign of the Emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Virus, and of the President Rusticus, as is noted from Epiphanius. [n152-1] Compare Abr. Mell., 1st book of the Hist. der, folio 37, c. 1. 1-4, and folio 38, columns 1-4, from Just. Apol. 2, pro. Christi., concerning his descent and name; Dialog. cum Tryphone Jod. Photius in Biblioth., and Jos. Scal. animad. Chron. [n152-2] Euseb., concerning his life and conversion; Iren., book 1, in Bibliotheca de Vita Justini, Chron. Eus., in the year 154, touching his end and death; Epiph. Hares. 26 and 46, touching the time when this occurred. Also J. Gysii in Hist. Mart., folio 16, columns 3 and 4. [n152-3] Also, P. J. Twisck, Chron., book 2, for the year 154, page 42, column 2, from Johan. Barl., folio 7. Grond. bew., letter A.