Direct Answer
The difference shows that the early Christians saw their faith first as a way of life taught by Jesus. Many modern churches begin with doctrine, while Justin began with the teachings of Jesus.
Support from the Message
- Justin Martyr wrote his first apology about the year 160 to explain Christianity to pagans, and he went to the Sermon on the Mount. - David Bercot says that in the evangelical Bible church he attended, asking what Christianity is all about would take you to Romans. - As David describes it, Justin's point is that Jesus gave a way of life that is totally supernatural and unlike the way people on earth normally live. - David adds that some theology is essential, so this is a matter of what comes first. - He says that after Nicaea, the Sermon on the Mount was no longer viewed as the central teaching, and it was all about theology.
Discussion Follow-up
If a neighbor asked you what Christianity is all about, where would you turn first? What does your answer show about what you consider central?