120–200

Second-century apologists (Aristides, Tatian, Athenagoras, Theophilus of Antioch, Melito of Sardis)

Besides Justin, a whole series of apologists defended the faith (c. 120–200). They answered rumors of incest and cannibalism and the criticism of educated pagans (Celsus, Cornelius Fronto).

Aristides of Athens addressed the oldest surviving apology to Emperor Hadrian. Tatian, a pupil of Justin, wrote the Address to the Greeks, began Syrian Encratism and compiled the Diatessaron – a harmony of the four Gospels that remained in use in Eastern Syria for three centuries. Athenagoras of Athens in his Plea for the Christians rejected the charges of immorality and wrote a separate treatise on the resurrection of bodies. Theophilus of Antioch in his Three Books to Autolycus was the first to use the word "Trinity." Melito of Sardis compiled one of the early lists of the books of the Old Testament and left a Paschal homily.