JUSTIN MARTYR: Philosophy as Tutor to Christ

The city of Rome in the 2nd-century was a culture teaming with various philosophies, all claiming to be the road to truth and understanding. Circumventing this maze was a young philosopher who would turn Roman pagan philosophies into tutors that would lead many to Christ.

Flavius Justinus or Justin Martyr, was a well-born Roman who studied various philosophies, but none of them filled his hungry heart. However, in 132 A.D., he met an older man who patiently showed him weaknesses in popular thought and how God had revealed Himself most supremely in Jesus Christ.

Justin was moved to faith in Christ and opened a school of Christian philosophy, engaging in debates with non-Christians of all varieties. After refusing to renounce Christianity, he and six of his students were put to death by beheading.

Col 2:8 says, "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception .. rather than according to Christ.”

Christians have always had the responsibility to respond to the anti-Christ philosophies of their age. First, we need to break out of our Christian intellectual subcultures and not fear embracing a wide knowledge of current cultural themes. Second, we need to have a prophetic voice to the cultural issues of the day from a thoroughly Christian worldview. And like Justin Martyr, actually utilize the flawed cultural philosophies as vehicles to lead many to Christ.