Canon-of-Scripture witness — around 150-155
Justin Martyr: the memoirs of the apostles
Justin tells a Roman emperor that the memoirs of the apostles are read at the Sunday assembly. He does not say how many there are.
In the First Apology, describing Sunday worship to the imperial authorities, Justin says that the memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read as long as time permits. Elsewhere he says the memoirs were composed by the apostles and those who followed them.
This is one of the earliest pieces of evidence for Christian writings being read alongside the prophets in public worship — that is, being treated as Scripture in the setting where the question actually mattered.
What this witness says about particular books
| Book | Treatment | Note |
|---|---|---|
| The memoirs of the apostles | Treated as Scripture | Read in the assembly alongside the prophets; not enumerated. |
| The writings of the prophets | Treated as Scripture | The Scriptures of Israel, read in the same setting. |
The witness in its own words
The First Apology, Chapter LXVII
And on the day called Sunday, all who live in cities or in the country gather together to one place, and the memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read, as long as time permits
Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. I, trans. Marcus Dods and George Reith. Public domain. Read the work in the archive.
Sources for this page
- Tier C The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Irenaeus Justin Martyr, The First Apology, Chapter LXVII translated edition of primary texts Source record (opens in a new tab)
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