Justin Martyr is a name unfamiliar to many. However, Justin Martyr would have been very familiar in early Christianity. He was a first-class Christian apologist, and in his writings, he defended the peacefulness of Christians by describing the practices of the church around 150 A.D. (within 60 years of the Apostle John’s death). Although he is not an inspired writer, his observations are interesting in many regards. Does worship in the 2nd-century church look similar to our churches today? I find the testimony of Justin Martyr particularly insightful in answering questions like that (First Apology, 67, ca. 150 A.D.). Justin Martyr on the Order of Service In his observations, Justin Martyr captures a typical Sunday service as it would have unfolded in the early church—a time marked by learning and extended times of worship. The description offers a structured portrayal of early Christian gatherings. The congregation would come together, often…