Ante-Nicene Fathers • VOLUME 4
Tertullian, Minucius Felix, Commodian & Origen
SECTION 161
15. Let us now look at those passages of Ezekiel where he says, "I will take away from them their stony heart, and I will put in them a hear
15. Let us now look at those passages of Ezekiel where he says, "I will take away from them their stony heart, and I will put in them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in My statutes, and keep Mine ordinances. [2351] For if God, when He pleases, takes away a heart of stone and bestows a heart of flesh, that His ordinances may…
2,247 wordsSECTION 16218. Let us now look to the expression, "It is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy." [2359] For o
18. Let us now look to the expression, "It is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy." [2359] For our opponents assert, that if it does not depend upon him that willeth, nor on him that runneth, but on God that showeth mercy, that a man be saved, our salvation is not in our own power. For…
2,312 wordsSECTION 16321. Nay, that very declaration, that from the same lump a vessel is formed both to honour and to dishonour, will not push us hard; for we as
21. Nay, that very declaration, that from the same lump a vessel is formed both to honour and to dishonour, will not push us hard; for we assert that the nature of all rational souls is the same, as one lump of clay is described as being under the treatment of the potter. Seeing, then, the nature of rational creatures is one, Go…
2,030 wordsSECTION 164Chapter I.--On the Freedom of the Will, [2383] With an Explanation and Interpretation of Those Statements of Scripture Which Appear to Nullify It.
Chapter I.--On the Freedom of the Will, [2383] With an Explanation and Interpretation of Those Statements of Scripture Which Appear to Nullify It. 1. Since in the preaching of the Church there is included the doctrine respecting a just judgment of God, which, when believed to be true, incites those who hear it to live virtuousl…
2,202 wordsSECTION 1658. Let us begin, then, with what is said about Pharaoh--that he was hardened by God, that he might not send away the people; along with whic
8. Let us begin, then, with what is said about Pharaoh--that he was hardened by God, that he might not send away the people; along with which will be examined also the statement of the apostle, "Therefore hath He mercy on whom He will have mercy, and whom He will He hardeneth." [2420] And certain of those who hold different opin…
2,578 wordsSECTION 16615. Let us look also at the declaration in Ezekiel, which says, "I shall take away their stony hearts, and will put in them hearts of flesh,
15. Let us look also at the declaration in Ezekiel, which says, "I shall take away their stony hearts, and will put in them hearts of flesh, that they may walk in My statutes and keep My precepts." [2456] For if God, when He wills, takes away the stony hearts, and implants hearts of flesh, so that His precepts are obeyed and His…
2,846 wordsSECTION 16719. Besides these, there is the passage, "Both to will and to do are of God." [2492] And some assert that, if to will be of God, and to do b
19. Besides these, there is the passage, "Both to will and to do are of God." [2492] And some assert that, if to will be of God, and to do be of God, and if, whether we will evil or do evil, these (movements) come to us from God, then, if so, we are not possessed of free-will. But again, on the other hand, when we will better th…
2,200 wordsSECTION 168Chapter II.--On the Opposing Powers.
[2445] Cf. Luke xiv. 11. [2446] Cf. 1 Cor. i. 29. [2447] ton apeiron aiona. [2448] sunergethenai . [2449] anastoicheiothenai. [2450] pentekontaetian. Rufinus has "sexaginta annos." [2451] aperanton aiona. [2452] eikoni. [2453] tachion. [2454] propetesteron, kai ouchi hodo ep' auta hodeusase. [2455] Cf. Wisd. vii. 16. …
2,213 wordsSECTION 1693. That there are certain sins, however, which do not proceed from the opposing powers, but take their beginnings from the natural movements
3. That there are certain sins, however, which do not proceed from the opposing powers, but take their beginnings from the natural movements of the body, is manifestly declared by the Apostle Paul in the passage: "The flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other;…
2,672 wordsSECTION 1706. Nor are we, indeed, to suppose that struggles of this kind are carried on by the exercise of bodily strength, and of the arts of the wres
6. Nor are we, indeed, to suppose that struggles of this kind are carried on by the exercise of bodily strength, and of the arts of the wrestling school; [2582] but spirit contends with spirit, according to the declaration of Paul, that our struggle is against principalities, and powers, and the rulers of the darkness of this wo…
1,409 wordsSECTION 171Chapter III.--On Threefold Wisdom.
Chapter III.--On Threefold Wisdom. 1. The holy apostle, wishing to teach us some great and hidden truth respecting science and wisdom, says, in the first Epistle to the Corinthians: "We speak wisdom among them that are perfect; yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of the world, that come to nought: but we speak …
2,482 wordsSECTION 172Chapter IV.--On Human Temptations.
Let such, then, be our views respecting those events which appear to befall men, either immediately after birth, or even before they enter upon the light. But as regards the suggestions which are made to the soul, i.e., to the faculty of human thought, by different spirits, and which arouse men to good actions or the contrary, e…
2,413 wordsSECTION 173These points we have now discussed, in our desire to consider each individual opinion, at greater length than we intended, that those views
These points we have now discussed, in our desire to consider each individual opinion, at greater length than we intended, that those views might not be supposed to have escaped our notice which are generally brought forward by those who inquire whether there is within us any other soul than this heavenly and rational one, which…
1,437 wordsSECTION 174Chapter V.--That the World Took Its Beginning in Time.
Chapter V.--That the World Took Its Beginning in Time. 1. And now, since there is one of the articles of the Church [2644] which is held principally in consequence of our belief in the truth of our sacred history, viz. that this world was created and took its beginning at a certain time, and, in conformity to the cycle of time …
2,281 wordsSECTION 1757. I know not, indeed, how the heretics, not understanding the meaning of the apostle in these words, consider the term [2665] "subjection"
7. I know not, indeed, how the heretics, not understanding the meaning of the apostle in these words, consider the term [2665] "subjection" degrading as applied to the Son; for if the propriety of the title be called in question, it may easily be ascertained from making a contrary supposition. Because if it be not good to be in …
1,576 wordsSECTION 176Chapter VI.--On the End of the World.
Chapter VI.--On the End of the World. 1. Now, respecting the end of the world and the consummation of all things, we have stated in the preceding pages, to the best of our ability, so far as the authority of holy Scripture enabled us, what we deem sufficient for purposes of instruction; and we shall here only add a few admonito…
2,787 wordsSECTION 1777. The whole of this reasoning, then, amounts to this: that God created two general natures,--a visible, i.e., a corporeal nature; and an in
7. The whole of this reasoning, then, amounts to this: that God created two general natures,--a visible, i.e., a corporeal nature; and an invisible nature, which is incorporeal. Now these two natures admit of two different permutations. That invisible and rational nature changes in mind and purpose, because it is endowed with fr…
1,875 wordsSECTION 178Book IV.
Book IV. Translated from the Latin of Rufinus. Chapter I.--That the Scriptures are Divinely Inspired. 1. But as it is not sufficient, in the discussion of matters of such importance, to entrust the decision to the human senses and to the human understanding, and to pronounce on things invisible as if they were seen by us, [26…
2,981 wordsSECTION 179Many, not understanding the Scriptures in a spiritual sense, but incorrectly, [2730] have fallen into heresies.
Many, not understanding the Scriptures in a spiritual sense, but incorrectly, [2730] have fallen into heresies. 8. These particulars, then, being briefly stated regarding the inspiration of the sacred Scriptures by the Holy Spirit, it seems necessary to explain this point also, viz., how certain persons, not reading them correc…
2,586 wordsSECTION 18013. Now a "spiritual" interpretation is of this nature: when one is able to point out what are the heavenly things of which these serve as t
13. Now a "spiritual" interpretation is of this nature: when one is able to point out what are the heavenly things of which these serve as the patterns and shadow, who are Jews "according to the flesh," and of what things future the law contains a shadow, and any other expressions of this kind that may be found in holy Scripture…
2,361 wordsSECTION 18117. In the passages containing the commandments also, similar things are found. For in the law Moses is commanded to destroy every male that
17. In the passages containing the commandments also, similar things are found. For in the law Moses is commanded to destroy every male that is not circumcised on the eighth day, which is exceedingly incongruous; [2777] since it would be necessary, if it were related that the law was executed according to the history, to command…
2,435 wordsSECTION 18223. For perhaps as those who, departing this world in virtue of that death which is common to all, are arranged, in conformity with their ac
23. For perhaps as those who, departing this world in virtue of that death which is common to all, are arranged, in conformity with their actions and deserts--according as they shall be deemed worthy--some in the place which is called "hell," [2803] others in the bosom of Abraham, and in different localities or mansions; so also…
2,399 wordsSECTION 1833. And what need is there to mention also that it was predicted of Christ [2820] that then would the rulers fail from Judah, and the leaders
3. And what need is there to mention also that it was predicted of Christ [2820] that then would the rulers fail from Judah, and the leaders from his thighs, [2821] when He came for whom it is reserved (the kingdom, namely); and that the expectation of the Gentiles should dwell in the land? [2822] For it is clearly manifest from…
2,366 wordsSECTION 1849. Now the cause, in all the points previously enumerated, of the false opinions, and of the impious statements or ignorant assertions [2868
9. Now the cause, in all the points previously enumerated, of the false opinions, and of the impious statements or ignorant assertions [2868] about God, appears to be nothing else than the not understanding the Scripture according to its spiritual meaning, but the interpretation of it agreeably to the mere letter. And therefore,…
2,573 wordsSECTION 18515. But since, if the usefulness of the legislation, and the sequence and beauty [2896] of the history, were universally evident of itself,
15. But since, if the usefulness of the legislation, and the sequence and beauty [2896] of the history, were universally evident of itself, [2897] we should not believe that any other thing could be understood in the Scriptures save what was obvious, the word of God has arranged that certain stumbling-blocks, as it were, and off…
2,347 wordsSECTION 18621. Such, then, being the state of the case, the apostle, elevating our power of discernment (above the letter), says somewhere, "Behold Isr
21. Such, then, being the state of the case, the apostle, elevating our power of discernment (above the letter), says somewhere, "Behold Israel after the flesh," [2930] as if there were an Israel "according to the Spirit." And in another place he says, "For they who are the children of the flesh are not the children of God;" nor…
2,200 wordsSECTION 187[2929] en 'Iesou to tou Naue.
[2929] en 'Iesou to tou Naue. [2930] 1 Cor. x. 18. [2931] Rom. ix. 6, 8. [2932] Rom. ii. 28, 29. [2933] Pasa gar arche patrion ton hos pros ton ton holon Theon, katotero apo tou Christou erxato tou meta ton ton holon Theon kai patera. [2934] Matt. xv. 24. [2935] Rom. ix. 8. [See Dr. Burton's Inquiry into the Heresies of th…
2,334 wordsSECTION 188Summary (of Doctrine) Regarding the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and the Other Topics Discussed in the Preceding Pages.
Summary (of Doctrine) Regarding the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and the Other Topics Discussed in the Preceding Pages. 28. It is now time, after the rapid consideration which to the best of our ability we have given to the topics discussed, to recapitulate, by way of summing up what we have said in different places, t…
2,210 wordsSECTION 189As now by participation in the Son of God one is adopted as a son, [2991] and by participating in that wisdom which is in God is rendered wi
As now by participation in the Son of God one is adopted as a son, [2991] and by participating in that wisdom which is in God is rendered wise, so also by participation in the Holy Spirit is a man rendered holy and spiritual. For it is one and the same thing to have a share in the Holy Spirit, which is (the Spirit) of the Father…
2,268 wordsSECTION 19037. If any one, indeed, venture to ascribe essential corruption to Him who was made after the image and likeness of God, then, in my opinion
37. If any one, indeed, venture to ascribe essential corruption to Him who was made after the image and likeness of God, then, in my opinion, this impious charge extends even to the Son of God Himself, for He is called in Scripture the image of God. [3008] Or he who holds this opinion would certainly impugn the authority of Scri…
2,207 wordsSECTION 191------------------------
------------------------ Note. This is a convenient place for the following tables, compiled from Eusebius as far as his history goes; i.e. a.d. 305. See also Dr. Robinson's Researches. I. The See of Jerusalem. 1. James, the Lord's brother. 2. Simeon. 3. Justus. 4. Zacchæus. 5. Tobias. 6. Benjamin. 7. John. 8. Matthew…
2,271 wordsSECTION 1925. In all these cases consider whether it would not be well to remember the words, "Thou shalt not remove the ancient landmarks which thy fa
5. In all these cases consider whether it would not be well to remember the words, "Thou shalt not remove the ancient landmarks which thy fathers have set." [3033] Nor do I say this because I shun the labour of investigating the Jewish Scriptures, and comparing them with ours, and noticing their various readings. This, if it be …
2,233 wordsSECTION 193And as to an appearance (which is better than a dream), he speaks as follows about himself: "And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a
And as to an appearance (which is better than a dream), he speaks as follows about himself: "And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. And he saw that he prevailed not against him, and he touched the breadth of his thigh; and the breadth of Jacob's thigh grew stiff while he was wr…
2,368 wordsSECTION 194But in Micah we find a parallel passage, which is almost word for word: "And in the last days the mountain of the Lord shall be manifest, es
But in Micah we find a parallel passage, which is almost word for word: "And in the last days the mountain of the Lord shall be manifest, established on the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall hasten unto it. And many nations shall come, and say, Come, let us go up to the mountain of t…
2,092 wordsSECTION 195Book I.
Book I. Preface. 1. When false witnesses testified against our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, He remained silent; and when unfounded charges were brought against Him, He returned no answer, believing that His whole life and conduct among the Jews were a better refutation than any answer to the false testimony, or than any form…
2,034 wordsSECTION 196Chapter I.
Chapter I. The first point which Celsus brings forward, in his desire to throw discredit upon Christianity, is, that the Christians entered into secret associations with each other contrary to law, saying, that "of associations some are public, and that these are in accordance with the laws; others, again, secret, and maintaine…
799 wordsSECTION 197Chapter IV.
Chapter IV. Let us notice also how he thinks to cast discredit upon our system of morals, [3089] alleging that it is only common to us with other philosophers, and no venerable or new branch of instruction. In reply to which we have to say, that unless all men had naturally impressed upon their minds sound ideas of morality, th…
883 wordsSECTION 198Chapter VII.
Chapter VII. Moreover, since he frequently calls the Christian doctrine a secret system (of belief), we must confute him on this point also, since almost the entire world is better acquainted with what Christians preach than with the favourite opinions of philosophers. For who is ignorant of the statement that Jesus was born of…
1,298 wordsSECTION 199Chapter X.
Chapter X. In the next place, since our opponents keep repeating those statements about faith, we must say that, considering it as a useful thing for the multitude, we admit that we teach those men to believe without reasons, who are unable to abandon all other employments, and give themselves to an examination of arguments; an…
1,214 wordsSECTION 200Chapter XIII.
Chapter XIII. But since Celsus has declared it to be a saying of many Christians, that "the wisdom of this life is a bad thing, but that foolishness is good," we have to answer that he slanders the Gospel, not giving the words as they actually occur in the writings of Paul, where they run as follow: "If any one among you seemet…
918 wordsSource & rights
Historical text source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The downloaded text itself records Public Domain.