Justin Martyr and the Didache: Apology and Church Management & Apostolic Fathers

Question 1

Who are the apostolic fathers?

Answer 1

individuals who, according to tradition, had been in contact with the apostles

Question 2

Who were some of the apostolic fathers?

Answer 2

Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch and Polycarp of Smyrna

Question 3

What are the characteristics of the group of sources from the apostolic fathers?

Answer 3

The boundaries of this group of sources are fluid and a variety of genres are included

Question 4

Who was Justin Martyr?

Answer 4

An apologist

Question 5

What are Justin Martyrs famous works?

Answer 5

1. 1 & 2 Apology
2. Dialogue with Trypho
3. Doctrine of the logos

Question 6

What are the contents of Dialogue with Trypho?

Answer 6

1. Biographical information (Transjordan, Flavia Neapolis)
2. Philosophical schools: Stoa, Pythagoreans, Peripatetics, Plato
3. All philosophy derives from Moses; OT leads to&raquo_space;
4. Christianity as highest form of philosophy
5. Rome: teacher of (highest/true/pure) philosophy

Question 7

What does Justin believe?

Answer 7

Religion is a philosophical tradition

Question 8

What does Justin believe about logos?

Answer 8

1. Logos is a universal concept: spermatikos
2. Limited knowledge is based on a fragment or seed (spora, sperma) of the logos: The human mind (logos) participates in the universal logos

Question 9

How is logos presented in Justin’s work?

Answer 9

1. Fragmentary knowledge (truth) in both Greek philosophy and biblical prophets
2. Logos is universal in Christians (Christians have access to the whole logos) thanks to Christ = the Word/Logos made flesh
3. Humans that have a spark/seed of logos participate in the universal logos. They will lead an ethical life and come to truth

Question 10

What are the three functions of logos?

Answer 10

1. It guarantees structure/order of the universe (Stoic notion)
2. it mediates between the divine and the cosmos and between God and humans (Platonic notion)
3. Humans participate in universal Logos via their personal logos/logikon/nous

Question 11

What are the elements of Justin’s teachings?

Answer 11

1. Christian faith as highest/true philosophy
2. Concept of the Logos
3. Anti-adoptianism (Christ is not adopted)
4. Anti-docetism (Christ had a real body)
5. Anti-determinism (humans have a free will)
6. Use of Scripture = typological/associative
7. Liturgy: church service, baptism, Eucharist