Early martyrs can inspire us to stand up for our faith

Justin Martyr was born in Samaria around 100 AD. He was a Christian philosopher and apologist (a person who offers arguments in defense of Christianity). He and his companions were martyred during the reign of Marcus Aurelius in 167. The following is a transcript of their trail.

Justin and others were apprehended and brought before Rusticus, prefect of Rome, who said to Justin, “Obey the gods and comply with the edicts of the emperors.”

He answered, “No one can justly blame or condemn us for obeying the commands of our Savior Jesus Christ.”

Rusticus: “What kind of literature and discipline do you profess?”

Justin: “I have tried every kind of discipline and learning but finally embraced the Christian discipline. Those who embrace error and false opinions do not hold these in esteem.”

Rusticus: “The wretch that you are, do you approve of this way of life?”

Justin: “I do because it affords me the comfort of being on the right path.”

Rusticus: “What are the tenets of the Christian religion?”

Justin: “We Christians believe one God, Creator of all things visible and invisible; and we confess our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, foretold by the prophets, the Author and Preacher of salvation, and the Judge of all humanity.”

The prefect asked in what place the Christians assembled. Justin replied, “Wherever they please and wherever they can. God is not confined to a place. The Lord is invisible, and fills both heaven and earth, and is adored and glorified by the faithful everywhere.”

Rusticus: “Tell me where you assemble your disciples?”

Justin: “I have lived near the house of Martin by the Timothin baths. I have no other place in the city. If anyone came to me, I communicated the doctrine of truth.”

Rusticus: “You are then a Christian.”

Justin: “Yes, I am.”

The judge then put the same question to the rest: Chariton, a man, Charitana, a woman, Evelpistus, a servant of Caesar, born in Cappadocia, Hierax, a Phrygian, Peon, and Liberianus, who answered that by the divine mercy, they were Christians. Evelpistus said that he had learned the faith from his parents, but had with great pleasure heard Justin’s discourses.

Then the prefect addressed himself again to Justin in this manner: “You who are noted for your eloquence and think you profess the right philosophy, if I cause you to be scourged from head to foot, do you think you shall go to heaven?”

Justin replied, “If I suffer what you mention, I hope to receive the reward that those have already received, who have observed the precepts of Jesus Christ.”

Rusticus said, “You imagine then that you will go to heaven and be rewarded there.”

The martyr answered, “I do not only imagine it, but I know it. I am so well assured of it that I have no reason to doubt it at all.”

The prefect, seeing it was to no use to argue, instructed them to go and sacrifice to the gods. If they refused to do so, they should be tormented without mercy. Justin replied, “We earnestly desire nothing more than to endure torments for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is what will promote our happiness, and give us confidence before his judgement seat where all must appear.”

The rest added, “Do quickly what you must do. We are Christians and will never sacrifice to idols.” The prefect then ordered them to be scourged and then beheaded as the laws directed. The guards immediately led the martyrs to the place where they executed criminals. While they were praising and thanking God, they were first scourged and afterwards beheaded. After their martyrdom, Christians carried off their bodies and gave them an honorable burial.