As you have noticed, I have been reading Justin Martyr recently. I enjoy his apologetic approach and the difference of method between his two apologies directed to Gentile rulers and the dialogue with a Jew, Trypho. The former treatises juxtapose philosophy and politics with the truth of the scriptures, while the latter uses extensive passages of scriptures because both parties agreed to the veracity of the Old Testament.
As an example, we can use a question posited by Trypho:
His aim was to argue first and foremost from scripture as the ultimate authority. It does not just contain truth: it is truth. The Bible lives and works because its nature or being is bound in the person of God though penned by sinful humans. Any listener of God's Word is obligated to make a decision whether to believe or disbelieve its content.
More than once I have been come upon unbelievers and believers alike disregarding what scripture plainly states. This is disappointing, but our job as witnesses is to speak the truth plainly of sin and a Savior. Instead of attempting an emotional or entertaining appeal to draw in the listener, simply speak what needs to be said in a loving way and leave it there.
God's word can do its own work, if you let it.
As an example, we can use a question posited by Trypho:
And Trypho said, "You endeavor to prove an incredible and well-nigh impossible thing—that God endured to be born and become man." (Dialogue, 68)He is correct: that God should become man by natural means is unbelievable and an utterly ludicrous notion. Justin takes up the challenge:
If I undertook to prove this by doctrines or arguments of man, you should not bear with me.Justin agrees that if these arguments were made on a natural level using observable phenomena, they would be untenable, but that is not where the force of argument lies. He continuously goes back to the Bible to make his points regardless of how Trypho attempts to take a different course.
His aim was to argue first and foremost from scripture as the ultimate authority. It does not just contain truth: it is truth. The Bible lives and works because its nature or being is bound in the person of God though penned by sinful humans. Any listener of God's Word is obligated to make a decision whether to believe or disbelieve its content.
But if I quote frequently Scriptures, and so many of them, referring to this point, and ask you to comprehend them, you are hardhearted in the recognition of the mind and will of God. But if you wish to remain forever so, I would not be injured at all; and for ever retaining the same [opinions] which I had before I met with you, I shall leave you.Notice Justin's surprising conclusion to Trypho's indifference. If the listener does not believe the message, the consequences are on his own head. The presenter of the gospel does not fret that possibly not enough was done. The message has been delivered, and he can leave with a clear conscience. The one sharing the good news is not obligated to attempt new measures or relevant lingo to present the message in a different way to reach the intended audience.
More than once I have been come upon unbelievers and believers alike disregarding what scripture plainly states. This is disappointing, but our job as witnesses is to speak the truth plainly of sin and a Savior. Instead of attempting an emotional or entertaining appeal to draw in the listener, simply speak what needs to be said in a loving way and leave it there.
God's word can do its own work, if you let it.
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