A striking theme runs through today’s readings: human authority, human temptation, and angelic rebellion all reveal the same deeper issue—the proper ordering of love and obedience under God. In The First Apology, Justin Martyr defends Christians before the Roman authorities, insisting that believers are not enemies of the state but model citizens who pay taxes, pray for rulers, and honor civil authority while reserving worship for God alone. At the same time, Justin argues boldly for the resurrection and eternal judgment, pointing out that even pagan philosophers and myths hint at truths Christians proclaim more clearly. Augustine then gives a personal glimpse into the subtle pull of worldly distractions through the story of his friend Alypius, a young man of great promise who was drawn into the frenzy of the circus games—an illustration ...