Tertullian The Fire in Persecution

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 is the last work of Tertullian’s that will be presented. It is a fairly short answer to the question of how a Christian ought to respond to persecution. Tertullian's essential argument is that persecution ultimately comes from God and that it is the duty of Christians to undergo it when God has so ordained. He does not leave much room for a Christian to flee danger or to pain by bribes or compromise.

This is perhaps a fitting work to close Tertullian’s writings, as it exemplifies both his characteristically uncompromising morality, the way in which he justifies all his positions with explicit scriptural references, and the spirit and fire of faith that drives his conclusions. Tertullian’s logic gives little room or grace for those who are weak in faith. While his referencing scripture is admirable, it is a reminder that the authority and sufficiency of Scripture is practically subject to our interpretation of it. Finally, the reality of persecution, the Christian’s need to face it, and the fact that it is a means by which God is glorified are all important for us to remember today. While we should not seek persecution, and I think the Bible gives us more leeway than Tertullian allows, there is yet something noble, good, and God honoring in meeting the wiles of the enemy and standing firm in faith unto death.

And now, please enjoy this rendition of Tertullian’s The Fire in Persecution.

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