The First Apology

But someone might say, some have already been arrested and convicted as evildoers. For you often condemn many individuals after investigating the life of each accused person separately, but not due to the things we have mentioned. And we acknowledge this: just as among the Greeks, those who teach whatever theories they like are all called "Philosophers," even though their teachings differ, so too among the Barbarians, this name on which accusations are heaped is commonly used for both the wise and those who merely appear wise. For all are called Christians. Therefore, we demand that the actions of all those accused before you be judged, so that each person who is convicted may be punished as an evildoer and not as a Christian; and if it is clear that someone is blameless, that they may be acquitted, since simply being a Christian does no wrong. For we will not ask that you punish our accusers; they are sufficiently punished by their current wickedness and ignorance of what is right.