Ante-Nicene Fathers • VOLUME 3
Tertullian — Latin Christianity
SECTION 201
Chapter XII.--The Attributes of Goodness and Justice Should Not Be Separated. They are Compatible in the True God. The Function of Justice in the Divine Being Described.
[2831] Elogium. [2832] Ergo. [2833] Delator. [2834] Deferendo, in reference to the word delator, our author's synonyme for diabolos. [2835] Nisi. [2836] Nisi. [2837] Ezek. xxviii. 11-16 (Sept.). [2838] Luke x. 18. [2839] Læsuræ ="injuries." 'Adikemata en soi--Iniquitates in te."--Hieron. [2840] Censum. [2841] Forma. […
991 wordsSECTION 202Chapter XIII.--Further Description of the Divine Justice; Since the Fall of Man It Has Regulated the Divine Goodness. God's Claims on Our Love and Our Fear Reconciled.
Chapter XIII.--Further Description of the Divine Justice; Since the Fall of Man It Has Regulated the Divine Goodness. God's Claims on Our Love and Our Fear Reconciled. But yet, when evil afterwards broke out, and the goodness of God began now to have an adversary to contend against, God's justice also acquired another function,…
728 wordsSECTION 203Chapter XIV.--Evil of Two Kinds, Penal and Criminal. It is Not of the Latter Sort that God is the Author, But Only of the Former, Which are Penal, and Included in His Justice.
Chapter XIV.--Evil of Two Kinds, Penal and Criminal. It is Not of the Latter Sort that God is the Author, But Only of the Former, Which are Penal, and Included in His Justice. On all occasions does God meet you: it is He who smites, but also heals; who kills, but also makes alive; who humbles, and yet exalts; who "creates [2867…
2,018 wordsSECTION 204Chapter XVII.--Trace God's Government in History and in His Precepts, and You Will Find It Full of His Goodness.
Chapter XVII.--Trace God's Government in History and in His Precepts, and You Will Find It Full of His Goodness. These considerations show that the entire order of God as Judge is an operative one, and (that I may express myself in worthier words) protective of His Catholic [2898] and supreme goodness, which, removed as it is f…
2,065 wordsSECTION 205Chapter XX.--The Marcionites Charged God with Having Instigated the Hebrews to Spoil the Egyptians. Defence of the Divine Dispensation in that Matter.
Chapter XX.--The Marcionites Charged God with Having Instigated the Hebrews to Spoil the Egyptians. Defence of the Divine Dispensation in that Matter. But these "saucy cuttles" [2944] (of heretics) under the figure of whom the law about things to be eaten [2945] prohibited this very kind of piscatory aliment, as soon as they fi…
1,015 wordsSECTION 206Chapter XXI.--The Law of the Sabbath-Day Explained. The Eight Days' Procession Around Jericho. The Gathering of Sticks a Violation.
Chapter XXI.--The Law of the Sabbath-Day Explained. The Eight Days' Procession Around Jericho. The Gathering of Sticks a Violation. Similarly on other points also, you reproach Him with fickleness and instability for contradictions in His commandments, such as that He forbade work to be done on Sabbath-days, and yet at the sieg…
1,029 wordsSECTION 207Chapter XXIII.--God's Purposes in Election and Rejection of the Same Men, Such as King Saul, Explained, in Answer to the Marcionite Cavil.
Chapter XXIII.--God's Purposes in Election and Rejection of the Same Men, Such as King Saul, Explained, in Answer to the Marcionite Cavil. Now, although you will have it that He is inconstant [2980] in respect of persons, sometimes disapproving where approbation is deserved; or else wanting in foresight, bestowing approbation o…
1,668 wordsSECTION 208Chapter XXV.--God's Dealings with Adam at the Fall, and with Cain After His Crime, Admirably Explained and Defended.
Chapter XXV.--God's Dealings with Adam at the Fall, and with Cain After His Crime, Admirably Explained and Defended. It is now high time that I should, in order to meet all [3016] objections of this kind, proceed to the explanation and clearing up [3017] of the other trifles, [3018] weak points, and inconsistencies, as you deem…
912 wordsSECTION 209Chapter XXVI.--The Oath of God: Its Meaning. Moses, When Deprecating God's Wrath Against Israel, a Type of Christ.
Chapter XXVI.--The Oath of God: Its Meaning. Moses, When Deprecating God's Wrath Against Israel, a Type of Christ. But God also swears. Well, is it, I wonder, by the God of Marcion? No, no, he says; a much vainer oath--by Himself! [3035] What was He to do, when He knew [3036] of no other God; especially when He was swearing to …
1,851 wordsSECTION 210Chapter XXVIII.--The Tables Turned Upon Marcion, by Contrasts, in Favour of the True God.
Chapter XXVIII.--The Tables Turned Upon Marcion, by Contrasts, in Favour of the True God. Now, touching the weaknesses and malignities, and the other (alleged), notes (of the Creator), I too shall advance antitheses in rivalry to Marcion's. If my God knew not of any other superior to Himself, your god also was utterly unaware t…
1,387 wordsSECTION 211Book III.
Book III. Wherein Christ is shown to be the Son of God, Who created the world; to have been predicted by the prophets; to have taken human flesh like our own, by a real incarnation. ------------------------ Chapter I.--Introductory; A Brief Statement of the Preceding Argument in Connection with the Subject of This Book. Foll…
1,038 wordsSECTION 212Chapter III.--Miracles Alone, Without Prophecy, an Insufficient Evidence of Christ's Mission.
Chapter III.--Miracles Alone, Without Prophecy, an Insufficient Evidence of Christ's Mission. A procedure [3116] of this kind, you say, was not necessary, because He was forthwith to prove Himself the Son and the Sent One, and the Christ of God in very deed, by means of the evidence of His wonderful works. [3117] On my side, ho…
1,579 wordsSECTION 213Chapter V.--Sundry Features of the Prophetic Style: Principles of Its Interpretation.
Chapter V.--Sundry Features of the Prophetic Style: Principles of Its Interpretation. These preliminary remarks I have ventured to make [3143] at this first step of the discussion and while the conflict is, as it were, from a distance. But inasmuch as I shall now from this point have to grapple with my opponent on a distinct is…
766 wordsSECTION 214Chapter VI.--Community in Certain Points of Marcionite and Jewish Error. Prophecies of Christ's Rejection Examined.
Chapter VI.--Community in Certain Points of Marcionite and Jewish Error. Prophecies of Christ's Rejection Examined. Since, therefore, there clearly exist these two characteristics in the Jewish prophetic literature, let the reader remember, [3157] whenever we adduce any evidence therefrom, that, by mutual consent, [3158] the po…
1,468 wordsSECTION 215Chapter VII.--Prophecy Sets Forth Two Different Conditions of Christ, One Lowly, the Other Majestic. This Fact Points to Two Advents of Christ.
Chapter VII.--Prophecy Sets Forth Two Different Conditions of Christ, One Lowly, the Other Majestic. This Fact Points to Two Advents of Christ. Our heretic will now have the fullest opportunity of learning the clue [3180] of his errors along with the Jew himself, from whom he has borrowed his guidance in this discussion. Since,…
1,235 wordsSECTION 216Chapter VIII.--Absurdity of Marcion's Docetic Opinions; Reality of Christ's Incarnation.
Chapter VIII.--Absurdity of Marcion's Docetic Opinions; Reality of Christ's Incarnation. Our heretic must now cease to borrow poison from the Jew--"the asp," as the adage runs, "from the viper" [3208] --and henceforth vomit forth the virulence of his own disposition, as when he alleges Christ to be a phantom. Except, indeed, th…
891 wordsSECTION 217Chapter IX.--Refutation of Marcion's Objections Derived from the Cases of the Angels, and the Pre-Incarnate Manifestations of the Son of God.
Chapter IX.--Refutation of Marcion's Objections Derived from the Cases of the Angels, and the Pre-Incarnate Manifestations of the Son of God. Now, in this discussion of yours, [3222] when you suppose that we are to be met with the case of the Creator's angels, as if they held intercourse with Abraham and Lot in a phantom state,…
802 wordsSECTION 218Chapter X.--The Truly Incarnate State More Worthy of God Than Marcion's Fantastic Flesh.
Chapter X.--The Truly Incarnate State More Worthy of God Than Marcion's Fantastic Flesh. Therefore, since you are not permitted to resort to any instances of the Creator, as alien from the subject, and possessing special causes of their own, I should like you to state yourself the design of your god, in exhibiting his Christ no…
1,399 wordsSECTION 219Chapter XII.--Isaiah's Prophecy of Emmanuel. Christ Entitled to that Name.
Chapter XII.--Isaiah's Prophecy of Emmanuel. Christ Entitled to that Name. And challenge us first, as is your wont, to consider Isaiah's description of Christ, while you contend that in no point does it suit. For, to begin with, you say that Isaiah's Christ will have to be called Emmanuel; [3251] then, that He takes the riches …
1,897 wordsSECTION 220Chapter XIV.--Figurative Style of Certain Messianic Prophecies in the Psalms. Military Metaphors Applied to Christ.
Chapter XIV.--Figurative Style of Certain Messianic Prophecies in the Psalms. Military Metaphors Applied to Christ. This interpretation of ours will derive confirmation, when, on your supposing that Christ is in any passage called a warrior, from the mention of certain arms and expressions of that sort, you weigh well the analo…
744 wordsSECTION 221Chapter XV.--The Title Christ Suitable as a Name of the Creator's Son, But Unsuited to Marcion's Christ.
Chapter XV.--The Title Christ Suitable as a Name of the Creator's Son, But Unsuited to Marcion's Christ. Touching then the discussion of His flesh, and (through that) of His nativity, and incidentally [3301] of His name Emmanuel, let this suffice. Concerning His other names, however, and especially that of Christ, what has the …
850 wordsSECTION 222Chapter XVI.--The Sacred Name Jesus Most Suited to the Christ of the Creator. Joshua a Type of Him.
Chapter XVI.--The Sacred Name Jesus Most Suited to the Christ of the Creator. Joshua a Type of Him. Now if he caught at the name Christ, just as the pickpocket clutches the dole-basket, why did he wish to be called Jesus too, by a name which was not so much looked for by the Jews? For although we, who have by God's grace attain…
880 wordsSECTION 223Chapter XVII.--Prophecies in Isaiah and the Psalms Respecting Christ's Humiliation.
Chapter XVII.--Prophecies in Isaiah and the Psalms Respecting Christ's Humiliation. Let us compare with Scripture the rest of His dispensation. Whatever that poor despised body [3326] may be, because it was an object of touch [3327] and sight, [3328] it shall be my Christ, be He inglorious, be He ignoble, be He dishonoured; for…
1,658 wordsSECTION 224Chapter XIX.--Prophecies of the Death of Christ.
Chapter XIX.--Prophecies of the Death of Christ. Come now, when you read in the words of David, how that "the Lord reigneth from the tree," [3356] I want to know what you understand by it. Perhaps you think some wooden [3357] king of the Jews is meant!--and not Christ, who overcame death by His suffering on the cross, and thenc…
887 wordsSECTION 225Chapter XX. [3371] --The Subsequent Influence of Christ's Death in the World Predicted. The Sure Mercies of David. What These are.
Chapter XX. [3371] --The Subsequent Influence of Christ's Death in the World Predicted. The Sure Mercies of David. What These are. It is sufficient for my purpose to have traced thus far the course of Christ's dispensation in these particulars. This has proved Him to be such a one as prophecy announced He should be, so that He …
1,187 wordsSECTION 226Chapter XXI.--The Call of the Gentiles Under the Influence of the Gospel Foretold.
Chapter XXI.--The Call of the Gentiles Under the Influence of the Gospel Foretold. So you cannot get out of this notion of yours a basis for your difference between the two Christs, as if the Jewish Christ were ordained by the Creator for the restoration of the people alone [3390] from its dispersion, whilst yours was appointed…
735 wordsSECTION 227Chapter XXII.--The Success of the Apostles, and Their Sufferings in the Cause of the Gospel, Foretold.
Chapter XXII.--The Success of the Apostles, and Their Sufferings in the Cause of the Gospel, Foretold. You have the work of the apostles also predicted: "How beautiful are the feet of them which preach the gospel of peace, which bring good tidings of good," [3400] not of war nor evil tidings. In response to which is the psalm, …
1,033 wordsSECTION 228Chapter XXIII.--The Dispersion of the Jews, and Their Desolate Condition for Rejecting Christ, Foretold.
Chapter XXIII.--The Dispersion of the Jews, and Their Desolate Condition for Rejecting Christ, Foretold. Now, since you join the Jews in denying that their Christ has come, recollect also what is that end which they were predicted as about to bring on themselves after the time of Christ, for the impiety wherewith they both reje…
1,048 wordsSECTION 229Chapter XXIV.--Christ's Millennial and Heavenly Glory in Company with His Saints.
Chapter XXIV.--Christ's Millennial and Heavenly Glory in Company with His Saints. Yes, certainly, [3435] you say, I do hope from Him that which amounts in itself to a proof of the diversity (of Christs), God's kingdom in an everlasting and heavenly possession. Besides, your Christ promises to the Jews their primitive condition,…
1,895 wordsSECTION 230Book IV. [3480]
Book IV. [3480] In Which Tertullian Pursues His Argument. Jesus is the Christ of the Creator. He Derives His Proofs from St. Luke's Gospel; That Being the Only Historical Portion of the New Testament Partially Accepted by Marcion. This Book May Also Be Regarded as a Commentary on St. Luke. It Gives Remarkable Proof of Tertullia…
2,455 wordsSECTION 231[3516] Expeditam a nobis.
[3516] Expeditam a nobis. [3517] [The term euangelion was often employed for a written book, says Kaye (p. 298), who refers to Book i. cap. 1. supra, etc.] [3518] Interim, perhaps "occasionally." [3519] Præstructuram. [3520] Instrumentum. [See cap. 1, supra. And, above, note 9. Also in cap. iii. and the Apology, (cap. xlvii.…
921 wordsSECTION 232Chapter IV.--Each Side Claims to Possess the True Gospel. Antiquity the Criterion of Truth in Such a Matter. Marcion's Pretensions as an Amender of the Gospel.
Chapter IV.--Each Side Claims to Possess the True Gospel. Antiquity the Criterion of Truth in Such a Matter. Marcion's Pretensions as an Amender of the Gospel. We must follow, then, the clue [3561] of our discussion, meeting every effort of our opponents with reciprocal vigor. I say that my Gospel is the true one; Marcion, that…
2,519 wordsSECTION 233[3620] Certe, for certo.
[3620] Certe, for certo. [3621] Propterea. [3622] Conveniemus. [3623] Sic habebit. [3624] This seems to be the sense of the words, "sub illa utique conditione quæ ex utraque parte condicta sit." [3625] Scindit. [3626] That is, between what is severe and judicial and punitive on one side, that is, the Creator's; and what is…
2,219 wordsSECTION 234[3648] Si utique.
[3648] Si utique. [3649] Agnoscere. [3650] Matt. v. 17. [3651] Additum. [3652] Matt. xv. 24. [3653] Matt. xv. 26. [3654] Præfert. [3655] Tam repentinus. [3656] Etsi passim adiretur. [3657] Luke iv. 32. [3658] Eloquium. [3659] Facilius. [3660] That is, the Creator. [3661] Luke iv. 33, 34. [3662] Si non Creatoris. […
1,488 wordsSECTION 235Out of so many kinds of occupations, why indeed had He such respect for that of fishermen, as to select from it for apostles Simon and the s
Out of so many kinds of occupations, why indeed had He such respect for that of fishermen, as to select from it for apostles Simon and the sons of Zebedee (for it cannot seem to be the mere fact itself for which the narrative was meant to be drawn out [3711] ), saying to Peter, when he trembled at the very large draught of the f…
2,200 wordsSECTION 236[3748] Atquin.
[3748] Atquin. [3749] Formam. [3750] Ab ea avertendos. [3751] Aliquatenus. [3752] Jam. [3753] Supervacuus. [3754] Gradu. [3755] Ecce. [3756] Sententiam. [3757] Matt. v. 17. [3758] Quod salvum est. [3759] That is, you retain the passage in St. Luke, which relates the act of honouring the law; but you reject that in St.…
2,200 wordsSECTION 237[3788] Compare T.'s treatise, Adversus Valentinianos, chap. xii.
[3788] Compare T.'s treatise, Adversus Valentinianos, chap. xii. [3789] Censentur. [3790] Si forte. [3791] Nominum communio simplex. [3792] Defendimus. See above, book iii. chap. xv. xvi. [3793] Ex accidenti obvenit. [3794] Super. [3795] Proprio. [3796] Non convenit. [3797] Causam. [3798] The context explains the diffe…
1,996 wordsSECTION 238Concerning the Sabbath also I have this to premise, that this question could not have arisen, if Christ did not publicly proclaim [3853] the
Concerning the Sabbath also I have this to premise, that this question could not have arisen, if Christ did not publicly proclaim [3853] the Lord of the Sabbath. Nor could there be any discussion about His annulling [3854] the Sabbath, if He had a right [3855] to annul it. Moreover, He would have the right, if He belonged to the…
3,138 wordsSECTION 239[3904] Luke vi. 12.
[3904] Luke vi. 12. [3905] Ordinem. [3906] Isa. xl. 9. [3907] In vigore. Or this phrase may qualify the noun thus: "They were astonished at His doctrine, in its might." [3908] Luke iv. 32. [3909] Isa. lii. 6. [3910] Our author's reading of Isa. lii. 7. [3911] Nahum i. 15. [3912] Ps. xxii. 2. [3913] Ps. iii. 4. [3914] L…
2,201 wordsSECTION 240Chapter XV.--Sermon on the Mount Continued. Its Woes in Strict Agreement with the Creator's Disposition. Many Quotations Out of the Old Testament in Proof of This.
[3981] Sancitur. Chapter XV.--Sermon on the Mount Continued. Its Woes in Strict Agreement with the Creator's Disposition. Many Quotations Out of the Old Testament in Proof of This. "In the like manner," says He, [3982] "did their fathers unto the prophets." What a turncoat [3983] is Marcion's Christ! Now the destroyer, now the…
2,201 wordsSource & rights
Historical text source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The downloaded text itself records Public Domain.