Miraculous Powers

Miraculous Conversion of Justin Martyr

Justin Martyr was miraculously converted in the second century. He had known only the fashionable philosophy of the Stoics and Platonics. These failing to satisfy his mind about the existence of God, he sought retirement. While walking alone, his mind was directed to the Scriptures, by the appearance of an aged man. MIRP 110.1

“As I was walking,” says Justin, “near the sea, I was met by an aged person of a venerable appearance, ¹ whom I beheld with much attention. We soon entered into conversation: and upon my professing a love for private meditation, the venerable old man hinted at the absurdity of mere speculation abstracted from practice. This gave occasion to me to express my ardent desire of knowing God, and to expatiate on the praises of philosophy. The stranger by degrees endeavored to cure me of my ignorant admiration of Plato and Pythagoras. He pointed out the writings of the Hebrew prophets as much more ancient than any of those called philosophers; and he led me to some view of the nature and of the evidences of Christianity. He added, ‘Above all things, pray, that the gates of light may be opened to you; for they are not discernible, nor to be understood by any one, except God and his Christ enable a man to understand.’ He said many other things to the same effect; he then directed me to follow his advice, and he left me. I saw him no more; but, immediately a fire was kindled in my soul, and I had a strong affection for the prophets and for those men who are the friends of Christ. I weighed within myself the arguments of the aged stranger; and in the end, I found the divine Scriptures to be the only sure philosophy.”—Milner’s Church Hist., p. 67. MIRP 111.1