Justin Martyr and the Allegorical Interpretation of Pagan Myths

Justin Martyr, an early Christian apologist, engaged extensively with the prevailing pagan culture of his time. A significant aspect of his apologetic approach was to interpret pagan myths allegorically, arguing that they were often distorted or incomplete versions of truths found within the Hebrew scriptures and, ultimately, fulfilled in Christ. He posited that demonic forces, having heard prophecies about Christ, intentionally mimicked these prophecies in pagan stories to deceive humanity.

The Imitation of Prophecy

Justin Martyr believed that the devils, having heard the prophecies, sought to imitate them in their myths. This was not merely coincidental; it was a deliberate effort to confuse and mislead people. He points to the story of Bacchus as an example.

The devils, accordingly, when they heard these prophetic words, said that Bacchus was the son of Jupiter, and gave out that he was the discoverer of the vine, and they number wine [or, the ass] among his mysteries; and they taught that, having been torn in pieces, he ascended into heaven. (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt)

This, Justin argues, is a demonic corruption of the prophecy in Genesis 49:10, which speaks of a coming ruler who will bind his foal to the vine and wash his robe in the blood of the grape. The story of Bacchus, with his association with wine and resurrection-like ascent, is a distorted echo of this prophecy.

Parallel Examples: Perseus, Hercules, and Æsculapius

Justin doesn't limit this interpretation to Bacchus. He extends it to other figures in the pagan pantheon, arguing that they, too, are demonic imitations of figures and events foretold in the Hebrew scriptures.

• Perseus: Hearing Isaiah's prophecy that Christ would be born of a virgin and ascend into heaven, the devils created the myth of Perseus. (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt)
• Hercules: Learning of the prophecy that Christ would be strong and journey across the earth, they concocted the stories of Hercules's labors. (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt)
• Æsculapius: Foreseeing that Christ would heal sickness and raise the dead, they fabricated the myth of Æsculapius. (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt)

The Crucifixion: A Unique Symbol

Justin notes a critical distinction: while pagan myths imitated many aspects of the anticipated Messiah, they conspicuously avoided the concept of crucifixion. He suggests that the meaning and significance of the cross were initially hidden.

But in no instance, not even in any of those called sons of Jupiter, did they imitate the being crucified; for it was not understood by them, all the things said of it having been put symbolically. (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt)

He highlights the pervasiveness of the cross symbol, even in the everyday world. From ships' sails to plows and even the human form, the cross is present, a hidden emblem of Christ's power and dominion. The use of cross-like symbols on Roman banners and in the consecration of emperors further underscored this point.

The Cross as a Universal Symbol

Justin saw the cross not as a symbol of shame, but as a powerful, universal emblem. He argued that its presence in everyday life and even within pagan symbols demonstrated its inherent significance.

For the sea is not traversed except that trophy which is called a sail abide safe in the ship; and the earth is not ploughed without it: diggers and mechanics do not their work, except with tools which have this shape. (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt)

This interpretation allowed him to engage with the Roman world on its own terms, highlighting the hidden presence of Christian symbolism within their own culture.

Conclusion

Justin Martyr's allegorical interpretation of pagan myths provided a unique apologetic approach. By demonstrating parallels between pagan stories and Hebrew prophecies, he sought to expose the deceptive nature of demonic forces and highlight the fulfillment of these prophecies in Christ. His emphasis on the universality of the cross symbol further strengthened his argument, portraying Christianity not as a foreign imposition, but as the fulfillment of truths already present, albeit in distorted forms, within the pagan world.