Biography
Ptolemaeus
About Ptolemaeus
Ptolemaeus taught Christian beliefs to a woman in Rome whose marriage had become deeply troubled. Justin Martyr tells the story in his Second Apology. After the woman separated from her husband, the husband accused her of being Christian. When she obtained time to settle her affairs before answering the accusation, he turned against her teacher.
According to Justin, a centurion imprisoned Ptolemaeus and questioned him about his faith. Ptolemaeus acknowledged that he was Christian. He remained in prison for a long time before appearing before Urbicus, who asked the same question. Ptolemaeus again acknowledged his allegiance, and Urbicus ordered him taken away for punishment.
Lucius, a Christian who witnessed the sentence, protested that no ordinary crime had been proved. Urbicus condemned him too after he acknowledged his faith. Justin adds that a third man also came forward and was condemned. This brief account preserves Ptolemaeus through his teaching and his refusal to deny being Christian.
Catholic tradition remembers Ptolemaeus, also called Ptolemy, as a Roman martyr alongside Lucius and the unnamed man. The modern Catholic Online notice identifies Justin as the author of their martyrdom account.
Wondering how to weigh the stories and sources? Learn how to read a saint biography.