24 Lessons: Justin the Martyr

Some personal notes, from reaching the first apology letter of Justin the Martyr (early Christian), on why he was a Christian, and followed the teachings and philosophy of Jesus:

1. Immortal soul

You can kill the body; but not the soul.

2. Practical Christianity

Christianity as the best practical philosophy for living.

3. Teach what you live

Live accordingly; and make sure your teachings are in accordance with your actions.

4. Winged soul

Our souls are winged with a desire of a life of eternal duration and purity.

5. Agape love

Agape: Selfless love — different from erotic love. Love for all of human kind.

6. Beatific state

To live in a ‘beatific state’ — true blessedness.

7. Heaven on earth

Heaven exists on earth, not in the sky:

The primitive Christians were so warmed with the expectation of a Kingdom in the Heavens; that they did little else but prepare to die; and took the first opportunity they could of getting out of the world.

8. Universal Love

The duty of ‘universal love’. Pray for your enemies; love your haters; and do good unto those who try to harm you:

Pray for your enemies, love those who hate you; and do good unto them who curse and despitefully use you.

9. Give to those who ask

If one asks; give:

Give to everyone who asks.

10. Never betray your soul

Even if i gain the whole world; why sacrifice your soul?

Where your treasure is; there will your heart be also.

11. Turn the other cheek

Forgive 70×7 times, as Jesus said:

Whoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek; turn to him the other also. if he takes away thy cloak; forbid not to take thy coat also.

12. Don’t be angry with others

Whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of hell-fire

13. Share your light with others

Let your light shine before men; so they may see your good works

14. Infinite patience

If he compels thee to go a mile; go two miles with him.

15. Beware wolves in sheep’s clothing

Many shall come to you in name of sheep’s clothing; but inwardly are ravening wolves.

16. Separation of God and State

From Jesus:

Render unto caesar the things which are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s

For unto whomever god has given much; of him much shall be required.

17. Virgin birth?

‘By declaring the Logos, the First-begotten of God, our Master Jesus Christ, to be born of a Virgin without any human mixture, and to be crucified and dead, and to have rose again and ascended into heaven, and to have rose again and ascended into heaven, we say no more in this than what you say of those whom you style in the sons of Jove (Jupiter).’

18. Avoid serpents

The ringleader and prince of evil spirits is by us called the serpent, and Satan, and false accuser.

19. Avoid bitter that turns sweet

Woe be to them who call bitter sweet; and sweet bitter.

20. Serve humankind

I was made for the sake of mankind

21. What is a sheep without a shepherd?

We all like sheep have gone astray.

Showered down upon them the powers of the Spirit; go in strength, and from their mission were called apostles.

21. What to avoid

Avoid the delusions of mankind.

Cast out devils frequently.

22. Why sign of the cross?

Navigation depends on sails; which are made in the fashion of a cross.

We need a cross to plow or dig.

We are like a cross; when we stand.

Sign of cross; pious custom — to revive faith; remind of God.

23. Rebirth

Unless you are born again ; you cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven

Forgiveness:

Though your sins be as scarlet; they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be white as wool.

24. Eucharist

Amen means “truth”

Eucharist is given to only true believers.

“Do this in commemoration of me.”