Appian Way Press

The Works of Justin Martyr: A Modern Translation

by Justin Martyr

Justin Martyr (c. 100–165) was among the earliest Christian authors to engage directly and systematically with Greco-Roman philosophy, Jewish interpretation of Scripture, and Roman political authority. Writing as a philosopher-convert, Justin sought to explain and defend Christianity as the true fulfillment of reason, Scripture, and monotheistic belief. His works stand at the beginning of Christian apologetic literature and exerted lasting influence on later theology. This edition includes Discourse to the Greeks, Exhortatory Discourse to the Greeks, On Monarchy, First Apology, Second Apology, and the Dialogue with Trypho. Together, these writings address pagan critics, Jewish interlocutors, and imperial officials, offering insight into how early Christians articulated their faith in a pluralistic and often hostile environment. While modern scholarship has questioned the authorship of some shorter treatises, they are presented here as they have been historically transmitted under Justin’s name.