Saint Justin Martyr, was a dedicated defender of the early Church and a convert to the faith. He spread the Gospel from place to place until he was beheaded. Justin was a student of many philosophies before his study of Plato led him to Christianity. He opened a school of philosophy and became one of the first Christian apologists.

An "apologist" is a person who defends the faith against the attacks and misunderstandings of the non-believers. Saint Justin Martyr, was from an era in the Church where an apologist had more of a direct impact on public policy than an apologist would have in our current time or culture. In the 2nd century, Christian writers would provide a defense of their faith and offer criticisms of certain parts of Greco-Roman culture and paganism. Their writings were sent to the offices of Roman emperors, where they were either accepted or rejected. Another function of apologists was to write briefs to defend Christians who were individually accused of specific charges. These could include accusations of Godlessness or cultic practices.

Justin spent a great deal of his formative years exploring pagan belief systems but found that none of those philosophies could answer his existential life questions. Greek philosophy got him closer to the answers he was seeking, but he found his ultimate answer in Jesus Christ. He used the best elements of Greek Philosophy to illuminate the Truths of Christianity. 

There have been many writings attributed to Saint Justin Martyr, but only three are known to be genuinely written by him. Justin wrote the First Apology, Second Apology, and Dialogue with Trypho. All three dealt with defending Christianity against non-Christians.

Justin wrote this "Major Apology" in 150 A.D. to the Roman emperors Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius. There was hostility against Christians from the Roman state and claims were made that Christians were atheists. Justin made his defense, and then moved into his explanation of Christian philosophy.

The goal of the Christian and the follower of Plato is a God that is both transcendent and unchangeable. Because of this, Christianity needs to be in harmony with reason. Human reason and the divine mind have a close relationship. This is why we can understand basic truths such as time, freedom, and the recognition of good and evil. The incarnation of Jesus is the revelation of the entire divine intellect and the entire explanation of these basic truths. Jesus's mission in coming to earth was to teach the fullness of the truth and save people from demons. Saint Justin Martyr completes this "apology" by describing the Holy Mass and baptism.

The Second Apology was addressed to the Roman Senate. Saint Justin Martyr defends specific Christians who were condemned to death, explains the Names of God and Christ, and explains why the world is preserved for Christians. He continues by asserting that Eternal punishment is not just a threat and he compares Christ to Socrates. Justin moves into his explanation of how Christians view death and states that their desire to have victory over it proves their innocence. He finishes this letter with a prayer that the letter is published.

In a letter addressed to a Jew named Trypho, Justin makes an effort to prove the truth of Christianity. He argues that the new covenant has now taken over for the old covenant. He also states that Jesus is the messiah predicted by the prophets and the "logos" that God chose to reveal himself within the Scriptures. Lastly, Justin points out that the Gentiles have taken the place of Israel as God's chosen people.