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 Justin Martyr (100-167) was the first of what is called the Apologetic Fathers. The Apologetic Fathers were characterized by their defense against the attacks on the Church and their attempts to win legal recognition for Christianity. They were from a higher social class with more extensive education and generally took a philosophical approach when defending the faith.
Justin was born to pagan parents in Samaria, and tried Stoic, Peripatetic, Pythagorean, and Platonic philosophies before coming to Christ.
Justin first placed himself under a Stoic philosopher, but soon realized he had learned nothing about God and that his master could teach him nothing on the subject. He then found a Peripatetic (disciple of Aristotle) who welcomed him at first, but afterwards demanded a fee from him. A Pythagorean refused to teach him anything until he learned music, astronomy, and geometry. Finally, a Platonist arrived on the scene and for some time delighted Justin.
While still under the charm of the Platonist philosophy, he walked one day along the seashore and met a mysterious old man. The conclusion of their long discussion was that he could not arrive through human knowledge at the idea of God, but that he needed the instruction of the Prophets who, inspired by the Holy Ghost, had known God, and could make Him known. Justin was converted soon after. (Jules Lebreton, The Catholic Encyclopedia, vol. VIII)
Justin lived during the reign of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius
Aurelius ruthlessly persecuted Christians because he believed they were a threat to the imperial system. He instituted a new approach to persecution. Instead of waiting for legal allegations against Christians, he established a system of spies to accumulate evidence against them. Thousands of Christians were beheaded or thrown to wild beasts.
During a trip to Rome, Justin was arrested, subjected to a mock trial, and beheaded.
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