Tertullian’s on the Resurrection of the Flesh

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.

In this rather lengthy tome Tertullian defends the basic Christian belief of a bodily resurrection of the dead. While he spends some time describing the opinions of his opponents, the majority of the work traces the concept of resurrection through both the Old and the New Testaments. Tertullian demonstrates a high view of scripture and generally attempts to apply a plain sense reading with the exception being prophetic statements for which there is no such obvious understanding.

Much in line with Paul, Tertullian believes that the resurrection of the dead is a central tenet of the Christian faith. He clearly articulates a belief in the bodily resurrection of all people regardless of what happened to their bodies prior to death. He also faithfully interprets Jesus teaching that some people will be resurrected only to undergo eternal torment in the fires of hell. In doing so he rejects the idea of annihilationism, that those who reject God will cease to exist rather than suffer eternally. He also reminds his readers that the hope of Christians ultimately rests in our final resurrection when, reunited with a physical body and unable to taste death again, we will live with Christ forever.

And now, please enjoy this rendition of Tertullian’s on the Resurrection of the Flesh.

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