“Because of the Hardness of Your Hearts”. Justin Martyr’s View on the Mosaic Law in Relation to Pauline Arguments and Greek Philosophy
Abstract
This article examines Justin Martyr's understanding of the Mosaic Law, primarily as articulated in his Dialogue with Trypho, emphasizing his reinterpretation of Pauline motifs within a second-century Greek philosophical context. Although Justin does not explicitly cite Paul, his arguments reflect substantial Pauline influence, particularly regarding the Law’s purpose, invalidity, and obsolescence. Justin differentiates between aspects of the Law that remain valid and those instituted due to Israel’s sin and σκληροκαρδία, thus providing a rationale for Christian non-observance of Jewish ritual practices. Additionally, the article explores how Justin’s theology is shaped by a distinctly Hellenistic framework, privileging what is "eternal, natural, and universal" over what is temporal and particular. The study concludes that Justin’s understanding of the Law is not merely an echo but rather a significant reworking of Pauline arguments, influenced by Hellenistic philosophical ideals and shaped by contemporary apologetic concerns.
Keywords:
Justin Martyr, Mosaic Law, Dialogue with Trypho, Early Christian Apologetics, Second-century Christianity, Logos doctrine, Pauline reception, Church FathersReferences
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Johannelund School of Theology https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4093-812X
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