Early Church · 155

The First Apology

Justin Martyr (c. 100-165 AD)

Written around 155 AD and addressed to Emperor Antoninus Pius, this defense of Christianity is the earliest surviving detailed account of what Christians believed and how they worshiped. Justin argues that Christians are loyal citizens who deserve legal protection, drawing on philosophy, prophecy, and comparison with pagan religion to make his case. It contains the first written description of Sunday worship and baptism, making it one of the most important documents from the second-century church.