Today, June 1, is the feast day of Saint Justin, second-century convert to Christianity and noteworthy apologist of the faith. Around the year A.D. 165, he was martyred for his beliefs and as a result is frequently called Justin Martyr.

He was born in Palestine about 40 miles north of Jerusalem, in what is today called Nabius (in Jesus’ time, this was part of Samaria). His parents were Greeks living in the area.

Justin was well-educated and explored various schools of thought and philosophy. Eventually, he met a Christian and began to study the Hebrew and Christian scriptures at Ephesus. Around age 30, he converted to Christianity and was baptized.

Following his conversion, Justin continued to wear his philosopher’s garb and defended the Christian faith intellectually. Among his surviving writings are his First Apology, Second Apology, Dialogue with Trypho and fragments of other works. His First Apology includes descriptions of the Mass of the early Church.

He and six other Christians – five men and a woman – refused to offer sacrifice to the false gods at Rome and they were put to death by beheading in A.D. 165. When the Roman Prefect Rusticus commanded that he worship the idols, Justin replied, “No right minded person forsakes the truth for falsehood.”

In artwork, Justin is typically depicted with a quill pen, book or scroll in one hand (denoting his profession as a writer and philosopher) and an axe or sword in the other (in reference to his method of martyrdom).

He is the patron saint of apologists, philosophers and lecturers.

1 Corinthians 1:18-25 is considered a noteworthy scripture reference for his life.