c. AD 100 – c. 165

Justin Martyr

The first major Christian apologist to address the emperor directly, and the earliest source describing the full shape of Sunday worship.

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Location
Born in Samaria; taught at Rome
Role
Philosopher, apologist, martyr
Major writings
  • First Apology; Second Apology; Dialogue with Trypho
Teachings
  • Christ as the fulfilment of the Hebrew Scriptures
  • The Eucharist received only by the baptised who hold the faith
Connection to apostolic Christianity
He calls the Gospels “the memoirs of the apostles”, showing they were already read publicly in worship.

Quotations with references

On the day called Sunday all who live in cities or in the country gather together in one place, and the memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read.

First Apology 67

Sources and References