Folia Theologica 17. (2006)
László Perendy: A Christian Platonist
172 L. PERENDY Some authors think that his dialogue with Trypho did not necessarily take place in Ephesus4, but most scholars regard that city as the most likely place. In that period of time other teachers also travelled widely and taught in various cities, e.g. we know this about Valentinus. This may have been the case in Justin's career, but we can only be sure about the fact that he spent most of his years in Rome as a teacher: he was staying there at least twice for a considerably length of time. Most scholars think that in the second century Christian philosophers, teachers were under the direction of the hierarchy only indirectly. It is obvious that he was a layperson: he was never ordained deacon or priest.5 In connection with his stay in Rome, Eusebius informs us that he often had disputes with a certain Crescens, who regarded himself as a Cynic philosopher. In fact, Eusebius' account is based on Tatian's information, but even Tatian does not relate if Crescens' intriguing was the direct cause of Justin's martyrdom.6 7 Although Tatian is not always a reliable source of information, it is conceivable that JUSTIN won in an open debate over Crescens/ who later took vengeance, and denounced the apologist.8 Under all circumstances, in the Acta Sancti Iustini the name of Crescens is not mentioned. From the acts we are informed that Justin and his companions were condemned as a result of a normal legal procedure, during which they had to appear in front of Rusticus, the prefect. He demanded that they should sacrifice to the gods. As they were reluctant to do so, at the prefect's order they were flogged and beheaded.9 Justin is usually mentioned as an apologist, but in fact he also wrote theological treatises. However, these are not extant any more, except for a few fragments. But we must be aware of the fact 4 G. ARCHAMBAULT, Justin: Dialogue avec Tryphon, Paris, 1909, LXVIII. 5 A. G. HAMMAN, Dictionnaire des Pères de l'Église, Bruges, 1977, 26. 6 E. F. OSBORN, Justin Martyr, Tübingen, 1973, 6-10. 7 C. MUNIER, L’apologie de Saint Justin philosophe et martyr, Fribourg, 1994, 7-13. 8 L. W. BARNARD, St. Justin Martyr: The First and Second Apologies (Ancient Christian Writers, 56), New York-Mahwah/N.J., 1997, 3-5. 9 H. MUSURILLO, The Acts of the Christian Martyrs, Oxford, 1972, 42ff.
