t contenders for the Christian faith. Like so many other Christians at the time, Justin suffered the ultimate punishment: death. Justin Martyr argued with philosophers, cynics, and skeptics wherever he found them. This included even the Roman Senate, the audience Justin had in mind for the two apologies (or, 'defenses') contained in this volume. Justin sought to set the record straight about what the Christians truly believed in the face of lies, slanders, and misunderstandings that were prevalent throughout the Roman Empire. Justin Martyr left an indelible mark on the history of the Christian Church and influences Christians to this very day.