Justin Martyr: Give All Diligence

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15

“Then Trypho, after a little delay, said, ‘You see that it was not intentionally that we came to discuss these points. And I confess that I have been particularly pleased with the conference; and I think that these are of quite the same opinion as myself. For we have found more than we expected, and more than it was possible to have expected. And if we could do this more frequently, we should be much helped in the searching of the Scriptures themselves. But since,’ he said, ‘you are on the eve of departure, and expect daily to set sail, do not hesitate to remember us as friends when you are gone.’

‘For my part,’ I replied, ‘if I had remained, I would have wished to do the same thing daily. But now, since I expect, with God’s will and aid, to set sail, I exhort you to give all diligence in this very great struggle for your own salvation, and to be earnest in setting a higher value on the Christ of the Almighty God than on your own teachers.’ After this they left me, wishing me safety in my voyage, and from every misfortune. And I, praying for them, said, ‘I can wish no better thing for you, sirs, than this, that, recognising in this way that intelligence is given to every man, you may be of the same opinion as ourselves, and believe that Jesus is the Christ of God.'”

Dialogue with Trypho (c. 155-160) CXLII (translated by Roberts and Donaldson). Scholars locate the scene of this interchange between Justin Martyr and Trypho as Ephesus.

In today’s Scripture, the generosity in view relates to giving an answer and a reason with gentleness and respect. This is true in every generation. It is especially relevant in seasons of life when people are searching for answers and looking for reasons. It is not easy for people like me. Perhaps you have the same challenge?

You know something is true so you try to convince people to believe it and so, in your well-intentioned zeal, you exhibit neither gentleness nor respect. The best form of generosity we can practice as we interact with searching people is a listening ear and a loving tone. God help us all.

Trypho is a Jew who has been influenced by the moral philosophers. Justin Martyr has come to faith in Jesus and ranks among the Christians. In their dialogue, Trypho cites many faults of Christians (and we hear this today, too). Justin replies to each one and points back to the Old Testament which Trypho knows.

As their conference concludes, Justin is departing from the harbor and urges him to give all diligence to further study for his own salvation because each one can discover that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah) of God. His humility here is a example for me, and I hope a lesson to all readers today.

May each us give all diligence to searching the Scriptures for our own salvation!

Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. Colossians 4:11-13

As I enjoy my exploration of the word “remember” in the Apostolic Fathers, I came upon some interesting reading today. The Fragment of the writings of Papias. But first, who is Papias of Hierapolis? He was likely brought to faith by the ministry of Paul and Epaphras and numberd among “those” in Hierapolis as noted in today’s Scripture.

Irenaeus of Lyons says this of Papias: “Now testimony is borne to these things in writing by Papias, an ancient man, who was a hearer of John, and a friend of Polycarp, in the fourth of his books; for five books were composed by him” (Fragment 1). So Papias was also directly touched by John’s teachings and friends with Polycarp.

We also learn that as times in the late first century A.D. were getting tough, and persecution against Christians was increasing, they were really looking forward to the millenial reign of Christ when “the wolf shall lie, down with the lamb” (Isaiah 11:6 cited in Fragment 4).

Papias received this word from Justus, likely one mentioned in today’s Scripture, who testifyied to this. “Amongst these [Justus] says that there will be a millennium after the resurrection from the dead, when the personal reign of Christ will be established on this earth” (Fragment 6).

So, for all those out there who hold amillenial views or think the book of Revelation is just figurative, pay close attention. Ancient sources like Papias reinforce biblical references that a future personal reign of Christ will be established on the earth (Revelation 20).

But something else also caught my attention. The early church thought Jesus would return in their lifetime. While they waited, so that generations after them would know about Jesus, we get the backstory on how both Mark’s Gospel and Matthew’s Gospel were written in the late first century.

Other sources, like Eusebius of Caesarea, will corroborate this later. Anyway, notice how the word remember appears twice in past tense. I will italicize it for emphasis.

“A tradition regarding Mark who wrote the Gospel, which he [Papias] has given in the following words]: And the presbyter said this. Mark having become the interpreter of Peter, wrote down accurately whatsoever he remembered. It was not, however, in exact order that he related the sayings or deeds of Christ. For he neither heard the Lord nor accompanied Him. But afterwards, as I said, he accompanied Peter, who accommodated his instructions to the necessities [of his hearers], but with no intention of giving a regular narrative of the Lord’s sayings. Wherefore Mark made no mistake in thus writing some things as he remembered them. For of one thing he took especial care, not to omit anything he had heard, and not to put anything fictitious into the statements. [This is what is related by Papias regarding Mark; but with regard to Matthew he has made the following statements]: Matthew put together the oracles [of the Lord] in the Hebrew language, and each one interpreted them as best he could” (Fragment 6).

This is ancient evidence that shows us the generous contribution of Mark to all of church history. He aimed not to give us a chronological account of the sayings and deeds of Jesus, but rather, an accurate account from Peter himself. “Mark made no mistake.” We can trust the reliability of Mark’s Gospel from ancient sources.

It also reveals to us that Matthew’s generous contribution was to help Hebrew readers connect the dots that Jesus was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and promises. No wonder “fulfilled” appears so many times throughout that Gospel. All that said, from Papias we learn that in hard times, God’s people did two things.

Firstly, they celebrated Jesus as the hope in the present. They wanted everyone to know exactly what He said and did so they could follow Him as faithful disciples. Secondly, as opposition to Christianity was increasing, they looked forward to the future fulfillment of His eternal promises. Someday He will return and reign.

Friends, let’s do the same as we begin our journey to Easter this week called Lent. Let’s be people of hope who study and sayings and deeds of Jesus and follow them. Perhaps read Mark’s Gospel? Give thanks for this trustworthy account. While the world may be unraveling, let’s live in anticipation of the personal reign of Jesus on the earth. Someday.

Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 1 Peter 2:16

“Come then, clear thyself of all the prepossessions which occupy thy mind, and throw off the habit which leadeth thee astray, and become a new man, as it were, from the beginning, as one who would listen to a new story, even as thou thyself didst confess. See not only with thine eyes, but with thine intellect also, of what substance or of what form they chance to be whom ye call and regard as gods…

Could not these things which are now worshipped by you, by human hands again be made vessels like the rest? Are not they all deaf and blind, are they not soul-less, senseless, motionless? Do they not all rot and decay? These things ye call gods, to these ye are slaves, these ye worship; and ye end by becoming altogether like unto them.”

Epistle of Mathetes to Diognetus 2.1,4-5 (translated by J.B. Lightfoot and dated to the second century A.D.).

In the second century, the discipline of fasting was encouraged to “throw off the habit” and become a new person. Why is this important for all disciples for all time?

We are slaves to whatever we idolize and to whatever we think we own. While people may not worship graven images, we treat things as gods and they lead us astray.

Let us prepare our heart for Lent. God wants you us become a new people. Fast from whatever leads you astray. Could be food? Might be social media? Or, something else.

To find freedom from whatever captivates you, “throw off the habit” and “listen to a new story” to become a new person. Lent is coming. Are you ready?

There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12

“Wherefore, leaving the foolishness of the crowd, and their false teaching, let us turn back to the Word which was delivered to us in the beginning, “watching unto prayer” and persevering in fasting, beseeching the all-seeing God in our supplications “to lead us not into temptation,” even as the Lord said, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Polycarp (A.D. 65-155) in his letter To The Philippians 7:2 (translated by J.B. Lightfoot).

Daily we are tempted to follow the world rather than the Word. The disciplines of prayer, fasting, and giving, help us learn to combat fleshly desires and the foolishness of the crowd.

Polycarp was discipled by John. His words to the Philippians give us a glimpse into the mind and heart of some of the earliest disciples. Though he lived nearly 2,000 years ago his counsel is both fresh and relevant.

Since the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak, the early church started to practice the disciplines of prayer, fasting, and giving in the days leading up to Easter. The season called Lent.

Lent starts on Ash Wednesday, which is 17 February 2021. On Tuesday, I plan to release a free devotional called Lent Companion. I pray it will be a blessing to you. It will be available for PDF download and sharing.

For now, start thinking about how you will journey through Lent. How does the world tempt your flesh? What is the crowd doing that catches your attention? Why might it be time to turn back to the Word?

Think on these questions. The aim of Lent is to create margin in our hearts, our daily schedules, and our budgets. So, we fast, pray, and give with intentionality to help us grow.

Abandon the crowd this year. Do Lent! Or, as Polycarp put it at his martyrdom, “Be strong and play the man!”

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8

“I write to the Churches, and impress on them all, that I shall willingly die for God, unless ye hinder me. I beseech of you not to show an unseasonable good-will towards me. Suffer me to become food for the wild beasts, through whose instrumentality it will be granted me to attain to God. I am the wheat of God, and let me be ground by the teeth of the wild beasts, that I may be found the pure bread of Christ. Rather entice the wild beasts, that they may become my tomb, and may leave nothing of my body; so that when I have fallen asleep [in death], I may be no trouble to any one. Then shall I truly be a disciple of Christ, when the world shall not see so much as my body. Entreat Christ for me, that by these instruments I may be found a sacrifice [to God]. I do not, as Peter and Paul, issue commandments unto you. They were apostles; I am but a condemned man: they were free, while I am, even until now, a servant. But when I suffer, I shall be the freed-man of Jesus, and shall rise again emancipated in Him. And now, being a prisoner, I learn not to desire anything worldly or vain.”

Ignatius of Antioch in his letter To the Romans 4 (c. A.D. 110). Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch was arrested and taken to Rome at the beginning of the second century.

Along the way he wrote seven short letters which remain to this day: to Polycarp, to the Smyrnaeans, to the Trallians, to the Magnesians, to the Ephesians, to the Philadelphians, and to the Romans.

His tone is similar to that of Paul in today’s Scripture. Ignatius proclaimed that he would willingly die for God. He would give his life as a sacrifice to God. So what does this have to do with generosity?

My word for the year is remember. What did Ignatius want the Christians to remember as he was about to give his life as a sacrifice? He impressed on them that he wanted finish his course as a true disciples of Christ. And notice, while remaining on earth, Ignatius adds, “I learn not to desire anything worldly or vain.”

Time was short for Ignatius, but in reality, it is limited for all of us. May we learn not to desire anything world or vain, and give our lives as living sacrifices for Jesus in the times in which we find ourselves.

Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.

Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and He will say: Here am I. If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.

The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. Isaiah 58:5-12

“First of all, take heed to thyself, and keep thyself from every wicked act, and from every filthy word, and from every hurtful desire; and purify thy mind from all the vanity of this present world. If thou shalt observe these things; this fast shall be right.

Thus therefore do. Having performed what is before written, that day on which thou fastest thou shalt taste nothing at all but bread and water; and computing the quantity of food which thou art want to eat upon other days, thou shalt lay aside the expense which thou shouldest have made that day, and give it unto the widow, the fatherless, and the poor.

And thus thou shalt perfect the humiliation of thy soul; that he who receives of it may satisfy his soul, and his prayer come up to the Lord God for thee. If therefore thou shalt thus accomplish thy fast, as I command thee, thy sacrifice shall be acceptable unto the Lord, and thy fast shall be written in his book.

This station, thus performed, is good and pleasing and acceptable unto the Lord. These things if thou shalt observe with thy children and with all thy house, thou shalt be happy. And whosoever, when they hear these things, shall do them, they also shall be happy; and whatsoever they shall ask of the Lord they shall receive it.”

Shepherd of Hermas (c. late first or early second century) in Similitudes 5:29-34.

How will you approach fasting this Lent? It’s only one week away.

Isaiah reminds us of the posture we must take as we approach this season. He wants our sacrifices to support those who suffer. He desires that our humiliation converts us into helpers.

The best part about this journey, we learn that our reward is gaining a rear guard. We get God Himself to watch our back. He will look out for us and hear our prayers.

The Shepherd of Hermas reminded the saints of this in the late first or early second century. As times got hard around them there would be happiness in their houses.

Will you focus on prayer, fasting, and giving this Lent? As Spring Training is to baseball, Lent is to life. It is the season of preparation that shapes into the people of God.

This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out His commands. In fact, this is love for God: to keep His commands. And His commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:2-4

“Therefore let us assist one another, that we may also lead the weak upward as touching that which is good, to the end that we all may be saved: and let us convert and admonish one another. And let us not think to give heed and believe now only, while we have departed home, let us remember the commandments of the Lord, and not suffer ourselves to be dragged off the other way by our worldly lusts; but coming hither more frequently, let us strive to go forward in the commandments of the Lord, that we all having the same mind may be gathered together unto life.”

Clement (A.D. 35-99) was bishop of Rome from 88-99 when he was martyred in 2 Clement 17:2-3 (translated by J.B. Lightfoot).

In today’s Scripture, John reminds us to carry out the commands of Christ. And he clarifies that they are not burdensome but rather they position us to be overcomers. Related to money, John might add that Jesus is not trying to rob us but rather help set us free from its power over us.

One generation later and near the end of the first century, Clement urges the Christians in Rome to assist each other and especially the weak to remember Christ’s commands. When we don’t do this, the world overcomes us. We are dragged off by our lusts and sinful tendencies.

In modern times, the same is true. The commands of Jesus related to money aim to teach us to trust God to supply, to enjoy and share His blessings, and to grasp life by practicing hospitality and generosity in community. Every generation is tempted to forget. We must not let it be us.

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45

“Thou shalt remember the day of judgment night and day, and thou shalt seek out day by day the persons of the saints, either laboring by word and going to exhort them and meditating how thou mayest save souls by thy word, or thou shalt work with thy hands for a ransom for thy sins.

Epistle of Barnabas 19:10 (c. A.D. 80-120) translated by J.B. Lightfoot.

The next early Christian writing in the Apostolic Fathers is the Epistle of Barnabas. This text urges us to “remember the day of judgment day and night.” This is an early church call to live in light of eternity rather than focus on earthly concerns.

Notice, from that point, we are urged to seek out the saints and labor by word or work with our hands for a “ransom” for our sins. So, what is this referring to and how might it relate to us today and to our generosity?

Jesus told us in today’s Scripture that He came to serve and to give His life as a ransom. Basically the early church aimed to live likewise. Whether by spoken word or manual work, they gave themselves as a ransom.

Here’s what happens when we don’t follow this counsel. We tend to amass possessions for ourselves rather than expending ourselves. We collecct experiences rather than aiming to seek out and serve people generously.

God help us serve others give our lives as a ransom just like Jesus. Amen.

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8

“My child, remember night and day him who speaks the word of God to you, and honor him as you do the Lord. For wherever the lordly rule is uttered, there is the Lord. And seek out day by day the faces of the saints, in order that you may rest upon their words. Do not long for division, but rather bring those who contend to peace…

Be not a stretcher forth of the hands to receive and a drawer of them back to give. If you have anything, through your hands you shall give ransom for your sins. Do not hesitate to give, nor complain when you give; for you shall know who is the good repayer of the hire…

Do not turn away from him who is in want; rather, share all things with your brother, and do not say that they are your own. For if you are partakers in that which is immortal, how much more in things which are mortal? …This is the way of life.”

Didache 4.1-5, a.k.a. “The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles” (late first or early second century) translated by J.B. Lightfoot. Today starts my shift from the Desert Fathers to the Apostolic Fathers.

It is interesting that the exhortation section of the Didache, the early church discipleship manual, starts with the words, “remember day and night.” This bears striking resemblance to the words of Moses to Joshua in today’s Scripture.

But what must we remember day and night? We must remember those who teach us the word of God, honor them, and seek out the faces of the saints. Or in plain terms, reflect on the teachers who influenced our teachers.

Then notice how this connects with giving. We discover that when we remember “the lordly rule” we become people who enjoy and share spiritual and material blessings. The aim of this is so that it becomes our way of life.

God, help each of us remember day and night our teachers and those who have gone before us and rest on their words so that we become peaceful and generous people, eager to share all you richly supply. Amen.

The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. Psalm 119:130

“The memorable saying of an ‘old man’. ‘Give me a word’ is a key phrase in the desert tradition. The ‘word’ is not an explanation or a consoling suggestion; it is a word given in order to create life and bring the one who receives it to God and salvation. It is a word that is truly life-giving if it is not discussed or argued over, but simply received and integrated into life. These apophthegms were always given to individuals to fit their own needs and circumstances and this should be remembered when using a collection such as this.

Benedicta Ward in The Sayings of the Desert Fathers: The Alphabetical Collection, (Kalamazoo: Cisterian, 1975) 249.

We are living in times when people want “explanations or consoling suggestions” as in the days of the Desert Fathers when the Roman Empire was crumbling. There was chaos everywhere.

Let us consider what our most generous gift may be in such times. Give an apophthegm or a word that creates life and brings someone to God. Notice this word fits the person’s needs or circumstances.

God help us see the needs of those around us. Rather than try to explain away a the brokenness of people or try to solve their problems, help us give them a word that will lead them to You. Amen.

I hope you have enjoyed the last few weeks with the Desert Fathers. I’ve finished the book and will move on to other books tomorrow and reflect on my word for the year, remember, as it relates to generosity.