Justin Martyr is a Christian philosopher from the first half of the second century, born in modern-day Palestine and educated in Rome.
Key Ideas, Good Facts and Passages to Memorize:
Justin’s account of the Eucharistic celebration in the early Church corresponds closely to today’s celebration of the Mass. Justin believes that the Eucharist is the flesh and blood of Christ, just as Jesus had flesh and blood.
First Apology, ch. 66: “in like manner as Jesus Christ our Saviour, having been made flesh by the Word of God, had both flesh and blood for our salvation, so likewise have we been taught that the food which is blessed by the prayer of His word, and from which our blood and flesh by transmutation are nourished, is the flesh and blood of that Jesus who was made flesh.”
Justin stated that the Christians’ belief in the Eucharist comes from the Apostles. The early Church had the same restrictions on the Eucharist’s reception that the Catholic Church has today.
Effective Questions to Ask When Discussing the Real Presence:
In the First Apology, Justin clarifies misunderstandings and defends Christians against false rumors. One of those rumors was that Christians were cannibals. If he did not believe the Eucharist was actually the flesh and blood of Christ, why didn’t Justin explain that in this work? Could the apostles’ teachings have been so misunderstood in both Rome and Judea by the time that Justin was alive (first half of the second century)?
Prodigal Catholic 