Consists of 68 chapters. Probably written ca. 150, because St. Justin notes in it that “Christ was born 150 years ago under Quirinus” (1 Apol. 46). In this work, St. Justin addresses the rulers of the Roman Empire, urging them to form a true opinion about the religion of Christ. He says that: 1) the persecution of Christians for their name alone is unreasonable and unjust, 2) accusing them of various crimes is unfounded and false 3) the way of life and belief of Christians distinguished by purity, innocence and holiness. It also contains a detailed presentation of Christian dogma and a description of worship.* * *St. Justin Philosopher (St. Justin Martyr) (c. 100 - between 163–167)

“Teacher of the Church with zeal and the apostolic spirit, after his painful death, martyr of Christ, philosopher according to name and education"Archbishop. Filaret Gumilevsky

Features: Tertullian called him a philosopher. This name was retained by him not only because he was a philosopher by education, but also because he was one of the first who laid the foundation for Christian philosophy. Birth He was born at the end of the 1st or beginning of the 2nd centuries. (usually the date of his birth is determined to be approximately 100) in the ancient Samaritan city of Shechem. (Shechem - modern Nablus was destroyed during the Jewish War of 70, and then again restored by the emperor Flavius Vespasian and received the name "Flavia Naples" - "new city of Flavius"). The parents of St. Justin belonged to the number of Roman or Greek colonists. He reports the name of his father (Priscus) and grandfather (Bacchus). Christian continuity Justin came to Christianity through disappointment in philosophy. He searched a lot for the truth and became disillusioned with the Stoics, Peripatetics, Pythagoreans, and Platonic philosophy. He accepted Christianity after a meeting and conversation on the seashore with one Christian elder. St. Methodius of Patara and Eusebius believed that this elder was the “Apostolic Man,” perhaps St. Polycarp of Smyrna. Conversion and baptism probably took place between 132 and 137. Acts. He devoted his entire life after his conversion to missionary work. Already after his conversion to Christianity, Justin received his “pallium” (the clothing worn by philosophers) in Ephesus. Traveled a lot and visited, in particular, in Alexandria. During the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius (138–161), St. Justin arrived in Rome, where he spent the last years of his life. There he opened one of the first Christian schools, created, most likely, by type of private philosophical schools. He attracted many students. The most famous student is Tatian. The main opponent of St. Justina became a philosopher of the Cynic school Crescent (Greek Criscent).Death of St. Justin foresaw his martyrdom, saying:

“I expect that I will be caught in a net and hanged on a tree by one of those whom I have mentioned, at least by Crescentus” (2 Apol. 3 , 1~3).

And so it happened: St. Justin, along with six of his disciples, was arrested by denunciation by the prefect of Rome, Rusticus (Rusticus held this position in 163–167); after the trial, the martyrs were beheaded. In the collection of Simeon Metaphrast, the “Acts of Martyrs”, which tell about the execution of St. Justin and his disciples. Written shortly after the death of the martyrs. Considered authentic.