Justin Martyr on 1st Century Christians

Two things preeminent in the conversion of Justin Martyr was the testimony of the Scriptures, and the testimony of Christians whom he observed suffer persecution, even death for the sake of Christ. Here's an excerpt from his first Apology (ch. XIV) where he describes some of the Christians: And thus do we also, since our persuasion by the Word, stand aloof from them (i.e., the demons), and follow the only unbegotten God through His Son - we who formerly delighted in fornication, but now embrace chastity alone; we who formerly used magical arts, dedicate ourselves to the good and unbegotten God; we who value above all things the acquisition of wealth and possessions, now bring what we have into a common stock; and communicate to everyone in need; we who hated and destroyed one another, and on account of their different manners would not live with men of a different tribe, now, since the coming of Christ, live familiarly with them, and pray for our enemies, and endeavor to persuade those who hate us unjustly to live comformably to the good precepts of Christ, to the end that which may become partakers with us of the same joyful hope of a reward from God the ruler of all. Talk about changed lives! And this was done in a culture much more hostile to anything we have ever seen. I think we 21st century Christians have something to learn from our 1st century brothers and sisters. May the God of all grace and peace continue to conform us into the image of His Son as He as done throughout the ages, for truly he is the Ancient of Days.