A new group of leaders began to emerge in the Christian Church after the time of the apostles around a.d. 100. The persecution of their religion by Roman authorities caused them to increase their efforts in defending Christianity by explaining its teachings as well as responding to attacks from many opponents. They used a genre of literature called the apology, which meant "a speech for the defense." These writers were called the Apologists. They influenced the work of the Church and its healing ministry throughout much of the second century.
Healing ministries in the early Christian Church
The most famous of these early apologists was Justin Martyr. Born and raised a pagan, he became a convert by observing the healing works and heroic sacrifices of many Christians. He soon became an active evangelist, spreading the teachings of his new faith in many parts of the Roman Empire.
