Chp.35 - Hypocrites Can Only Confirm The Faithful

"And Trypho said, “I believe, however, that many of those who say that they confess Jesus, and are called Christians, eat meats offered to idols, and declare that they are by no means injured in consequence.” And I replied, “The fact that there are such men confessing themselves to be Christians, and admitting the crucified Jesus to be both Lord and Christ, yet not teaching His doctrines, but those of the spirits of error, causes us who are disciples of the true and pure doctrine of Jesus Christ, to be more faithful and stedfast in the hope announced by Him. There are, therefore, and there were many, my friends, who, coming forward in the name of Jesus, taught both to speak and act impious and blasphemous things; and these are called by us after the name of the men from whom each doctrine and opinion had its origin. (For some in one way, others in another, teach to blaspheme the Maker of all things, and Christ, who was foretold by Him as coming, and the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, with whom we have nothing in common, since we know them to be atheists, impious, unrighteous, and sinful, and confessors of Jesus in name only, instead of worshippers of Him. So that, in consequence of these events, we know that Jesus foreknew what would happen after Him, as well as in consequence of many other events which He foretold would befall those who believed on and confessed Him, the Christ. For all that we suffer, even when killed by friends, He foretold would take place; so that it is manifest no word or act of His can be found fault with. Wherefore we pray for you and for all other men who hate us; in order that you, having repented along with us, may not blaspheme Him who, by His works, by the mighty deeds even now wrought through His name, by the words He taught, by the prophecies announced concerning Him, is the blameless, and in all things irreproachable, Christ Jesus; but, believing on Him, may be saved in His second glorious advent, and may not be condemned to fire by Him.”" Justin Martyr. (1885). Dialogue of Justin with Trypho, a Jew. In A. Roberts, J. Donaldson, & A. C. Coxe (Eds.), The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Irenaeus (Vol. 1, p. 212). Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Company. Justin preaches the second advent because it magnifies the gospel and gives greater glory to God. The gospel is central to the second advent and expresses the true Justice of God in that the kingdoms of this present age will be brought to a higher accountability in the superiority of the kingdom of Christ. The second advent is the end of the Lord's mercies towards the sons of men, and when the rule of grace is given to the children of meekness who are blessed in Christ to be the heirs of the kingdom of God on earth. God's mercy is removed like a damn that stores up water to release the wrath that the sons of men have accumulated for themselves, forsaking the authority of His eternal kingdom. By seeking to establish their own means of justice they store up justice for the day of Justice and forfeit the grace of seeking the eternal kingdom of the Lord's forgiveness. Trypho points to those who have used Christ's name to eat things offered to idols to justify their deeds. But Justin uses the teaching of the second advent to show how God will judge those who use the Lord's name and do not abide in the Lord's teachings. In other words, Trypho is still judging Christians by the Jewish understanding and standard, but God will judge by the understanding of the power of the gospel and by Jesus Christ. Thus the importance of understanding the distinction of advents; for Christ first came to save sinners, but is coming again to judge sinners. Those who reject his first coming will be rejected in his second coming. Trypho needs to be educated on what Christian doctrine is regarding liberty of conscience concerning buying meats at the market place offered to idols and the distinction of forbidding to eat and drink in the religious ceremonies where meats are offered to those idols. Justin avoids this discipleship opportunity here because he is dealing with the advents of our Lord. But if Trypho understood this he would not make such judgments. Therefore the main point is that the distinction of advents also bring a distinction of purpose in the separation of advents. The Hebrews did not understand this because of the ignoring of particular passages.

Chp.36 - Justin Proves That Christ Is Called Lord of Hosts

"Then he [Trypho] replied, “Let these things be so as you say—namely, that it was foretold Christ would suffer, and be called a stone; and after His first appearance, in which it had been announced He would suffer, would come in glory, and be Judge finally of all, and eternal King and Priest. Now show if this man be He of whom these prophecies were made.”" Justin Martyr. (1885). Dialogue of Justin with Trypho, a Jew. In A. Roberts, J. Donaldson, & A. C. Coxe (Eds.), The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Irenaeus (Vol. 1, p. 212). Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Company. Justin continues to answer Trypho's questions by first confronting the interpretations of his teachers. He continues his confrontation regarding David and Solomon who were not to be observed as the potentials of Christ's fulfillment, but rather hosts of the Lord's name. Justin quotes a Psalm of David (Ps.24) to show that David was powerless to ascend into the hill of the Lord and stand in His holy place. He also expresses David's need to have clean hands and a pure heart to receive the blessing of salvation for Jacob's generation, which seeks the face of the Lord. But where shall David's generation lift up their heads and to whom shall they open their gates? David is not speaking of himself, but speaking of the King of glory by offering to God what is already rightfully His -- the fullness of the earth and all those who dwell within and upon its foundations. Psalm 24:title–10 (NKJV) A Psalm of David. 1 The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein. 2 For He has founded it upon the seas, And established it upon the waters. 3 Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully. 5 He shall receive blessing from the Lord, And righteousness from the God of his salvation. 6 This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him, Who seek Your face. Selah 7 Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. 10 Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah "For when the rulers of heaven saw Him of uncomely and dishonoured appearance, and inglorious, not recognising Him, they inquired, ‘Who is this King of glory?’ And the Holy Spirit, either from the person of His Father, or from His own person, answers them, ‘The Lord of hosts, He is this King of glory.’ For every one will confess that not one of those who presided over the gates of the temple at Jerusalem would venture to say concerning Solomon, though he was so glorious a king, or concerning the ark of testimony, ‘Who is this King of glory?’" Justin Martyr. (1885). Dialogue of Justin with Trypho, a Jew. In A. Roberts, J. Donaldson, & A. C. Coxe (Eds.), The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Irenaeus (Vol. 1, p. 213). Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Company. Again, upon the examination of these mere men all that is to be seen is their sin and failures, and therefore the question continues to beg for an answer: "Who is this King of glory? To whom shall we lift our head!?"

Chp.37 - Yahweh Our God Is Holy

“Moreover, in the diapsalm of the forty-sixth Psalm, reference is thus made to Christ: ‘God went up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet. Sing ye to our God, sing ye: sing to our King, sing ye; for God is King of all the earth: sing with understanding. God has ruled over the nations. God sits upon His holy throne. The rulers of the nations were assembled along with the God of Abraham, for the strong ones of God are greatly exalted on the earth.’2" Justin Martyr. (1885). Dialogue of Justin with Trypho, a Jew. In A. Roberts, J. Donaldson, & A. C. Coxe (Eds.), The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Irenaeus (Vol. 1, p. 213). Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Company. First, Justin is actually quoting from the Septuagint which would make this Psalm 47 in our order of the canon. But his point is clear. By identifying the one who sits between the cherubim as Yahweh, to be he who ascends with the shout of the trumpet in his death and resurrection, he is laying the pathway unto understanding the life of Christ. The purpose of Christ's suffering and death was to testify of his resurrection power. Christ has ascended to the heavenly throne and now his witnesses, such as Justin, testify from the Scriptures of this glorious event.

"And in the ninety-eighth [Septuagint] Psalm, the Holy Spirit reproaches you, and predicts Him whom you do not wish to be king to be King and Lord, both of Samuel, and of Aaron, and of Moses, and, in short, of all the others. And the words of the Psalm are these: ‘The Lord has reigned, let the nations be angry: [it is] He who sits upon the cherubim, let the earth be shaken. The Lord is great in Zion, and He is high above all the nations. Let them confess Thy great name, for it is fearful and holy, and the honour of the King loves judgment. Thou hast prepared equity; judgment and righteousness hast Thou performed in Jacob. Exalt the Lord our God, and worship the footstool of His feet; for He is holy. Moses and Aaron among His priests, and Samuel among those who call upon His name. They called (says the Scripture) on the Lord, and He heard them. In the pillar of the cloud He spake to them; for3 they kept His testimonies, and the commandment which he gave them. O Lord our God, Thou heardest them: O God, Thou wert propitious to them, and [yet] taking vengeance on all their inventions. Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His holy hill; for the Lord our God is holy.’ ” Justin Martyr. (1885). Dialogue of Justin with Trypho, a Jew. In A. Roberts, J. Donaldson, & A. C. Coxe (Eds.), The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Irenaeus (Vol. 1, p. 213). Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Company. Christ who was crucified "King of the Jews" on Mt. Zion is he who has executed divine justice as the "God-Who-Forgives" by taking vengeance on the "inventions" of Israel through his own death in her place upon the Lord's holy hill. This was a demonstration of the three-fold holiness of God; for God is holy, holy, holy in the one substance and life of God in three distinct persons (Deut.6:4;Isa.6:3). It is this great name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit that causes the stumbling of Israel to forsake the commandment:

Deuteronomy 5:11 (NKJV) 11 ‘You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. The commandment reveals the Father and the Son; and only he who is born of the Holy Spirit understands and is guiltless of the command. The name of Yahweh is great and greatly to be praised in the salvation of Israel's King of glory. The second advent will reveal the reward of his kingdom as he returns to the holy hill to rule the nations with a rod of iron that will crush the knees of the rebellious and vain users of his name. John 18:33–38 (NKJV) 33 Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?” 35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” 37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” 38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all. Luke 23:33–42 (NKJV) 33 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. 35 And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.” 36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, 37 and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.” 38 And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS 39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” 40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” Do you desire to be remembered? Do you desire to see your works endure? The answer to these questions depends on how you live after the name of this King. This Solomon, in whom Trypho trusted, recorded his wrestling with God upon this question: Ecclesiastes 1:1–4 (NKJV) 1 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. 2 “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher; “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” 3 What profit has a man from all his labor In which he toils under the sun? 4 One generation passes away, and another generation comes; But the earth abides forever. Ecclesiastes 1:12–18 (NKJV) 12 I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 And I set my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven; this burdensome task God has given to the sons of man, by which they may be exercised. 14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind. 15 What is crooked cannot be made straight, And what is lacking cannot be numbered. 16 I communed with my heart, saying, “Look, I have attained greatness, and have gained more wisdom than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My heart has understood great wisdom and knowledge.” 17 And I set my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is grasping for the wind. 18 For in much wisdom is much grief, And he who increases knowledge increases sorrow. Ecclesiastes 2:16–22 (NKJV) 16 For there is no more remembrance of the wise than of the fool forever, Since all that now is will be forgotten in the days to come. And how does a wise man die? As the fool! 17 Therefore I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me, for all is vanity and grasping for the wind. 18 Then I hated all my labor in which I had toiled under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who will come after me. 19 And who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will rule over all my labor in which I toiled and in which I have shown myself wise under the sun. This also is vanity. 20 Therefore I turned my heart and despaired of all the labor in which I had toiled under the sun. 21 For there is a man whose labor is with wisdom, knowledge, and skill; yet he must leave his heritage to a man who has not labored for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. 22 For what has man for all his labor, and for the striving of his heart with which he has toiled under the sun? Solomon could not answer this question from his own heart, for his heart continued to leave him in the abyss of vanity. But when he turned to Yahweh, who is higher than the sun that gives light to the earth, and shines light into the depth of man's sinful vanity, he found peace in the advent of the Lord's justice and the need to abide in the Word of the Lord, saying: Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 (NKJV) 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. 14 For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil. Solomon understood the need to hear the whole matter, for he understood the need of forgiveness in the sufferings of own sinful heart, and the need to continue in the grace of the Lord, having been judged and disciplined by God. In stating, "Let us hear," he is confessing that he is not the conclusion of the matter, but there is one to come who will bring every secret work into justice for the glory of God and of Israel his son. In this gift of grace the Father gives Christ for the salvation of Israel and her beneficiaries. And this man, called Jesus of Nazareth, crucified King of the Jews, is the Holy One who brings the kingdom of heaven near for those who will call upon His great name.