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His name was Justin and he lived a century after Jesus. He experienced a powerful conversion and then spent his life arguing for Christianity’s legitimacy. In 165 A.D., he was beheaded for his faith in Christ, and has since been known as Justin Martyr.
But before he died, he wrote something that has guided the church for 2,000 years.
Though Justin was surnamed Martyr by the church ages ago, he is best known for what he did with his life, not how he lost it. He penned his First Apology in 155 A.D. and his Second Apology in 161 A.D. By far, the most famous passage from his First Apology describes worship in the ancient church…
On the day called Sunday there is a gathering together in the same place of all who live in a given city or rural district. The memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read, as long as time permits. Then when the reader ceases, the president in a discourse admonishes and urges the imitation of these good things. Next we all rise together and send up prayers.
When we cease from our prayer, bread is presented and wine and water. The president in the same manner sends up prayers and thanksgivings, according to his ability, and the people sing out their assent, saying the ‘Amen.” A distribution and participation of the elements for which thanks have been given is made to each person, and to those who are not present they are sent by the deacons.
Those who have means and are willing, each according to his own choice, gives what he wills, and what is collected is deposited with the president. He provides for the orphans and widows, those who are in need on account of sickness or some other cause, those who are in bonds, strangers who are sojourning, and in a word he becomes the protector of all who are in need.
What if church looked like that again?
Resource’s Origin:
First Apology by Justin Martyr.
Topics Illustrated Include:
Apologetics
Church
Guide
History
Lord’s Supper
Martyr
Pastor
Prayer
Worship
(Resource cataloged by David R Smith)
