Lecture 3 - Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, and the Defense of the Christian Faith

Question 1

Justin Martyr

Answer 1

Most influential second-century apologist

Christian philosopher: committed Platonist

known for: apologetics and reflections on martyrdom

Author of First Apology, Second Apology, Dialogue w/ Trypho

Question 2

First Apology

Answer 2

Authored by Justin Martyr: second century apologist

Open letter written to Emperor Pius

Examine Christianity on the basis of evidence
- Negatively: correct misunderstanding
— Atheists: Not pagan, but theists
— Immoral: Some are, but seek to live holy lives
— Seditious: Citizens of heaven, but want to be loyal citizens of Rome
-Positively: Put forth the Christian message
– Heathen: pagan spiritual myth v. Christian historical fact
– Antiquity: Christianity is not new religion. Rooted in Judaism.
– Plagiarizing: Plato plagiarized Moses. Theory of forms came form tabernacle (logos: gk word/reason) eternal logos is Christ

Window into the Lord’s Day worship of the early church

Question 3

logos

Answer 3

gk word/reason

First Apology by Justin Martyr argues Plato plagiarizes his wisdom from Moses

Logical arguments echo the reality of creation and therefore the Creator

The eternal logos is Christ

Question 4

Second Apology

Answer 4

Short appendix to Justin’s Martyr’s First Apology

Two more objections to Christianity
- Suicide: don’t seek out martyrdom, martyr means witness, called to share the Gospel
- Martyrdom: why do bad things happen to good people?
– all things work for good, martyrdom is evidence of claims

Unlike Ignatius, there is not a romanticizing of martyrdom.

Question 5

Dialogue with Trypho

Answer 5

Two debates between Justin Martyr and Trypho

Defense against Judaism
- same text, two interpretations

Justin Martyr speaks to his own conversion

Jesus of NT is fulfillment of OT

Ancient faith of Israel is not a matter of flesh (circumcision) but faith in God (i.e. Jesus)

Question 6

Oskar Skarsaume, Proof of Prophecy

Answer 6

Proof: philosophical justification of brief on the basis of evidence

three types of OT exegesis
- prophecy: OT promise and fulfilliment
- paraenetic homily: OT morals in NT
- biblical antiquities: OT in Christ

proof: philosophical justification of brief on the basis of evidence

Question 7

Irenaeus of Lyons

Answer 7

Defended against Gnosticism / montanism

wrote “Against Heresies” which defined apolostic succession

Dealt with apostolic succession:
– the truth is based on the publically proclaimed biblical exegesis taught week and week on Sunday in a plurality of churches teaching the same message not mystical gifts given that can’t be verified

there are four gospels because there are four corners of the universe

Question 8

Against Heresies

Answer 8

Written by Irenaeus

Fought Gnosticism / montanism
- gnosticism: secret knowledge, personal spiritual revelation
- montanism: new apostolic prophecies

Apostolic succession
1. Uniformity of teaching publically proclaimed
2. Correctness of doctrine from agreement of teachers: same message at Philippi, Smyrna, Ephesus, etc
3. Any legit secrets would be told to the bishop / elder
- True succession requires a holy life.
- Presented Rome as the universal church

Question 9

Demonstration of Apostolic Preaching

Answer 9

Irenaeus

new convert instruction

trinitarian context of God’s saving activity