Chapters
The Martyrdom of Justin Martyr
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Chapter 1: Investigation of Justin by the Prefect.
IN THE TIME OF THE LAWLESS SUPPORTERS OF IDOLATRY: wicked laws were enacted against the godly Christians in both towns and the countryside, to force them to offer sacrifices to worthless idols.
Consequently, the holy men, once captured, were brought before the prefect of Rome, whose name was Rusticus. When they were brought before his judgment seat, Rusticus the prefect said to Justin, “Obey the gods immediately, and submit to the kings.” Justin replied, “To obey the commandments of our Savior Jesus Christ is worthy of neither blame nor condemnation.” Rusticus the prefect asked, “What kind of doctrines do you profess?” Justin answered, “I have tried to learn all doctrines; but I have come to accept the true doctrines, those of the Christians, even though they do not please those who hold false opinions.” Rusticus the prefect said, “Are those the doctrines that please you, you utterly wretched man?” Justin replied, “Yes, since I adhere to them with correct belief.” Rusticus the prefect inquired, “What is this belief?” Justin said, “It is the one by which we worship the God of the Christians, whom we consider to be the one from the beginning, the creator and designer of the entire creation, both visible and invisible; and the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was also proclaimed beforehand by the prophets as destined to be present among humanity, the herald of salvation and teacher of good disciples.
And I, being a man, believe that what I can say is insignificant compared to His boundless divinity, acknowledging a certain prophetic power, since it was prophesied concerning Him of whom I now declare is the Son of God. For I know that long ago the prophets foretold His appearance among men.”