Searching for Truth Through Philosophy
In the bustling city of Ephesus around AD 130, I found myself at a crossroads. I had explored Stoicism, Aristotelianism, Pythagoreanism, and Platonism in my quest for truth, but none satisfied my soul's deepest longing.
Philosopher Converted to Christianity
It was during a contemplative walk by the seashore that I encountered an elderly Christian man. This stranger challenged my beliefs and pointed me towards the Hebrew prophets. "Straightway a flame was kindled in my soul," I later wrote, "and a love of the prophets and those who are friends of Christ possessed me."
Defending the Faith in Rome
This encounter marked the turning point of my life. I embraced Christianity, recognizing it as the "only sure and useful philosophy." Though I continued to wear the philosopher's cloak, symbolizing my commitment to using reason in service of faith, my purpose had been transformed. I moved to Rome, where I opened a Christian school of philosophy and wrote extensively in defense of Christianity.
My works, the 'First Apology' and 'Dialogue with Trypho,' sought to explain Christian doctrines to both the emperor and Roman society. "I am a Christian," I declared, "and I have resolved to devote my life to the study of the truth."
Martyrdom Under Marcus Aurelius
Around AD 165, under Emperor Marcus Aurelius, I was arrested for my beliefs. Standing trial before the Prefect Rusticus, I was commanded to sacrifice to the Roman gods. My response was firm: "We ask nothing better than to suffer for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ and so to be saved."
When threatened with death, I replied, "Do what you will. We are Christians, and we do not sacrifice to idols." Together with six companions, I was beheaded that day. We went to our deaths not in despair, but in confidence that this sacrifice would grant us "salvation and firm confidence" before the judgment seat of Christ.
My life was transformed by the true philosophy—Jesus Christ Himself. Through reason I had sought truth, but only in Christ did I find it fully revealed.
