Tertullian’s On Martyrs

Tertullian, the founder of Latin Christianity and a man of great intellect, was born in Carthage to a proconsular centurion sometime around A.D. 145. He was likely educated in Rome as an expert in law and joined the Church around 185, becoming a presbyter in 190. His writings profoundly influenced Augustine and Cyprian who, in turn, provided inspiration to the Reformers in Europe and in the Anglican Church. 

In his later years Tertullian embraced Montanism, a movement, labeled a heresy by the Church, which claimed to have further revelation from the Holy Spirit, held to a strict moral code, and elevated female prophets. Tertullian perhaps embraced this because he was discontent with the orthodox church of his day and found the uncompromising morality of Montanism appealing. Despite this, he is recognized as the founder of Latin Christianity and an incredibly influential Christian thought leader and writer.

This episode contains two short works regarding martyrdom. The first, written by Tertullian, identifies the value of martyrdom. The second, likely compiled and edited by Tertullian, is a more extended work detailing the death of Tertullian’s contemporaries Perpetua and Felicitias around A.D. 202. Within these, we find our author, like many who came before, holding martyrdom in high regard, recognizing the power in the faith and witness of those who remain true to Christ even unto death. 

The second work in particular provides insight into how visions and dreams were treated by the Montanists. In the martyrdom of Perpetua and Felicitas we see the Holy Spirit active and alive, guiding these believers through their trials. While some of us in the Evangelical segment of Christianity may question the validity of visions that involve the translation of a dead brother from a place of punishment to a place of peace, they nevertheless tell us something about the work of the Spirit in the nascent Church. Finally, likely due to the influence of Montanism, we find here the first example of a female voice in early Church writings, as Tertullian relays Perpetua’s experience from her own words.

And now, please enjoy this rendition of Tertullian’s On Martyrs.

If you would like to read more of the writings of the Early Christian Fathers, please visit ccel.org to view the full collection.