St. Justin Martyr: The First and Second Apologies (Ancient Christian Writers)

It provides great insight into the challenges and practices of the early Christian church. Note: the Kindle edition does not include the notes nor an introduction. Just the apologies. But even without notes, I was able to easily understand the translation.

I've made it a habit to read a complementary book daily to my bible study. Since I'd decided to start reading the Patristic Fathers, St Justin Martyr naturally came up. My concern was that I wouldn't be able to understand what I was reading. Not true at all. This book has a lengthy introduction which should be read before diving into St Justin's works. Then...the notes are so helpful in spelling some things out for the reader. Note that I'm not a seminary student, not even in college. I'm just a retired housewife trying to improve my knowledge of the Lord and this book is worth the plunge into the Patristic Fathers.

Translation was very readable and the content is timeless!

Since Justin Martyr lived about 150 years after the birth of Christ, and only about 60 years after the death of John, the "memoirs" of the Apostles were still fresh in the minds of the few generations of Christians. Justin's defense of Christianity to Caesar was a brave and honorable act, and his knowledge of Old Testament scriptures as well as the teachings of Christ demonstrated his maturity in the word of God, as he used prophecy to prove that Christ is the Messiah and that Christianity should be accepted. His writings indicate that Christians are peace loving, not interested in overthrowing the government, and not "cannibals", i.e. the eucharist. Justin's understanding of the importance of the eucharist and its weekly observance, the importance and purpose of baptism, the simplicity and purpose of Christian worship (on Sunday), and the gathering of disciples (rich and poor), who gave of their resources on a weekly basis (to care for needy), and the hope the early Christians shared in the resurrection and eternal life is a refreshing reinforcement of the simple teachings found in the Bible, before the centuries of additions and changes. Finally, JM was not perfect, and errors in his recollections were pointed out. JM was not an inspired writer, but a courageous early Christian.

I've been going through a spell where I'm reading the writings of the early Christians in my exploration of Catholicism and Orthodoxy. Reading this book was another nail in the coffin of my Protestant beliefs. I was raised in such an anti-Catholic background that I thought everything taught by the Catholic and Orthodox churches was merely invented and appropriated from pagan religions. Reading St. Justin Martyr's account of what the church was like, especially their beliefs about the Eucharist and its celebration as early as in his times really helped open my eyes. The book has a lot of footnotes that made the reading experience even richer. Lastly, the quality of the cover, binding, and paper are great. I hope my copy outlives me.

Great insight into the practices and beliefs of the second century church. Very solid defense of the Christian faith.

I purchased this book to supplement my study of the history of Christianity. I'm glad I purchased this book. As other reviewers have mentioned the majority of the pages are introduction (21 pgs) and Notes (129 pgs). Many of the Notes give valuable insights into the meaning of the actual text (63 pgs).

I have most of the "Ancient Christian Writers" Volumes on my shelf but was thrilled to find a few more. The translations are fine and readible and the notes are incredibly helpful. I've read earlier translations of the Apologies, but Barnard has really captured the flavor of this important and eriudite early Christian Apologist. Glad to bring him home. Jon B