Justin Martyr - The Trailblazer

Justin Martyr was the first Christian philosopher and apologists. He engaged and hit the Greco-Roman culture head on. Justin did not back from sharing the Gospel and hiis book tilted First Apology was intended for the Roman Emperor. Justin was a master of knowing his audience. He would study the lingo of the different philosophers of his day, dress like them, and talk like them, with the intended purpose of sharing the Gospel. As a result, he was eventually killed for his faith. As Justin stood before the judge, the judge asked him, "Are you a Christian?" "Yes, I am." replied Justin. After a brief exchange, the judge ordered Justin to make sacrifices and worship the Roman gods. He refused. Justin was then beaten, and beheaded. The exchange during the trail, between the judge and Justin Martyr, was recorded and published decades later. Here is a paragraph from that book and can be found in Bryan Litfin's book tilted Getting to Know the Church Fathers,on page 72:

Judge:  "I admire your passionate desire for divine things. But you really ought to stick with the philosophy of Plato or somebody like that to achieve patience, self-control, and moderation. That's better than being led astray by false teachers and becoming a follower of worthless men. You put your hope in a man, what hope of Salvation is still left for you? I already think of you as a friend.But  if the Messiah has been born or exists somewhere right now, we don't know about it. Nor does he even know his own identity. But you Christians have accepted a blasphemous rumor, and so have invented for yourselves a Messiah in whose name you are rashly going to your deaths.

Justin: "My friend, I excuse you, and may you be forgiven, for you don't know what you are saying. You have been persuaded by teachers who do not understand the Scriptures, and so you blurt out whatever comes into your mind like a fortune-teller.But allow me to give you my account of Christ. I will show I have not be decieved, and taht will not stop me from confessing him even if men assail us with criticism or the cruelest tyrant tries to force us to deny Him. We hold to doctrines that are filled with the Spirit of God. They gush forth with power and are teeming with grace!"