The identity of Trypho as rabbi [[Tarfon]] - the Hebrew name 'Tarfon' itself is likely derived from Greek Trifon (Trypho) - has been proposed, but virtuallymany allJewish scholars mentioned in Claudia Setzer's ''Jewish Responses to Early Christians'' do not accept the notion that Justin Martyr's Trypho is Tarfon.<ref name=Claudia215>''Jewish Responses to Early Christians''; by Claudia Setzer (Nov 1, 1994) {{ISBN|080062680X}} page 215</ref> These scholars say that Trypho is a fictional character invented by Justin for his literary goals.<ref name=Claudia215/><ref name=Larry493>''Exploring Jewish Literature of the Second Temple Period''; by Larry R. Helyer (Jul 5, 2002) {{ISBN|0830826785}} page 493</ref> Setzer's book further claims that, whether a character on which Trypho was based existed or not, one can generally assume that Trypho's words are "largely put in his mouth by Justin".<ref>''Jewish Responses to Early Christians''; by Claudia Setzer (Nov 1, 1994) {{ISBN|080062680X}} page 135</ref>
