#64 The First Apology of Justin - Part 1
By Justin Martyr, from The Ante-Nicene Fathers
Chapter 1 - Introduction
To Emperor Titus Aelius Adrianus Antoninus Pius Augustus Caesar (Antoninus Pius, Roman Emperor from 138-161 AD), to his son Verissimus the Philosopher (the future Emperor Marcus Aurelius), to Lucius the Philosopher (Lucius Verus, future co-emperor) (Caesar's natural son and adopted son of Pius, who loves learning), to the sacred Senate, and to all the Roman people:
I, Justin, son of Priscus and grandson of Bacchius, from Flavia Neapolis (modern-day Nablus in the West Bank) in Palestine, write this letter on behalf of people from all nations who are unfairly hated and mistreated. I am one of them.
Chapter 2 - A Request for Justice
People who are truly good and wise should honor and love only what is true. They should not follow traditions just because they exist, especially if those traditions are worthless. Good thinking tells us not to follow those who did wrong things or taught wrong ideas. Someone who loves truth should always choose to do and say what is right, even if it means death.
You call yourselves good, wise, protectors of justice, and lovers of learning. So listen carefully to what I have to say. If you are really what you claim to be, your actions will prove it. I am not writing to flatter you or win your favor. I am asking you to judge fairly after careful investigation. Do not let prejudice, the desire to please superstitious people, or false rumors that have spread for a long time affect your decision.
We believe that no real harm can come to us unless we are proven to be criminals. You have the power to kill us, but you cannot truly hurt us.
Chapter 3 - We Demand a Fair Investigation
Some may think this sounds unreasonable or reckless. But we ask that the charges against Christians be properly investigated. If the charges are proven true, punish us as we deserve. But if no one can prove we have done anything wrong, fair thinking should prevent you from harming innocent people because of evil rumors. That would actually harm you, the rulers, who would be governing by emotion instead of judgment.
Any sensible person would agree that this is the only fair solution: those accused should give a full account of their lives and beliefs, and rulers should make decisions based on goodness and wisdom, not force and cruelty. This way, both rulers and citizens benefit.
One ancient writer said, "Unless both rulers and citizens pursue wisdom, nations cannot be blessed." Our job is to let everyone examine our lives and teachings. Your job, when you hear us, is to judge fairly. If you learn the truth and do not act justly, you will have no excuse before God.
Chapter 4 - Christians Are Condemned Just for Their Name
A name alone does not make someone good or evil - actions do. Judging by our name "Christian," we should be considered good people (the word sounds like "Chrestian," meaning excellent). But we do not ask to be acquitted just because of our name if we are proven to be criminals. Likewise, if we have done nothing wrong - neither in calling ourselves Christians nor in how we live - then you should be careful not to punish innocent people unjustly.
A name should not bring praise or punishment unless good or bad actions are proven. When other people are accused, you do not punish them until they are convicted. But with us, you treat our name as proof of guilt. If someone denies being a Christian, you let them go because you have no evidence against them. But if someone admits to being a Christian, you punish them just for that admission.
Justice requires you to look at the lives of both those who confess and those who deny, so their actions can show what kind of people they really are. Some Christians, taught by Christ not to deny Him, encourage others even when being questioned. But some who live wickedly, as Christians, cause others to wrongly accuse all Christians of evil.
This is not fair. In philosophy, many people with different beliefs all share the name "philosopher." Some of these philosophers taught that there are no gods. Poets mocked the gods' immoral behavior. Yet you do not punish them - you even give prizes to those who insult the gods.