Today commemorates Justin Martyr, a second century Christian philosopher from Samaria. Justin defended Christianity against the Roman authorities especially emphasizing the moral character of Christians. Sometime around 165 he was denounced as a Christian and put to death because he refused to offer sacrifices to the Roman gods.

A few of Justin’s writings have been preserved–two apologies (defenses of the Christian faith) and a dialog. His First Apology is often referenced because it contains one of the earliest descriptions of Christian worship.

“And on the day called Sunday, all who live in cities or in the country gather together to one place, and the memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read, as long as time permits; then, when the reader has ceased, the president verbally instructs, and exhorts to the imitation of these good things. Then we all rise together and pray, and, as we before said, when our prayer is ended, bread and wine and water are brought, and the president in like manner offers prayers and thanksgivings, according to his ability, and the people assent, saying, Amen; and there is a distribution to each, and a participation of that over which thanks have been given, and to those who are absent a portion is sent by the deacons.”*

It’s the same order of service we follow today–lessons, sermon, prayers, giving thanks over bread and wine, distribution of the elements. Whenever we worship, we are reminded that we are all part of the Communion of Saints whether it is 165 or 2023. Thank you, Justin.

Read Acts 2:46-47 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne

*First Apology, 67