Baptist History, Heritage and Distinctives – Tertullian Part One

Thomas E Kresal Admin · 1d August 23, 2020

Baptist History, Heritage and Distinctives – Tertullian Part One

Tertullian, or Tertullianus as his name was in its latinized form, was one of the earliest writers who used the latin language in written composition. The exact date of his birth is not certainly known. The best authorities state that it was about 145 or 150 A. D., and that he died about 220 A. D. He was brought up a heathen, but nothing is known of his heathen life further than a statement made in his own writings, that he was licentious in his conduct, and fond of the public shows. It is admitted by writers who were his enemies, that he possessed considerable culture, and was well versed in Roman law, in ancient philosophy, history, and poetry.

Being converted to Christianity, he espoused the Saviour’s cause and held the office of Presbyter or Bishop. Whether he held this position at Carthage or Rome is a matter of dispute, and there seems to be no data by which the question may be settled.

Like Montanus, he beheld the departures and corruptions of many of the churches under the power of despotic rulers, and withdrew from them. Seeing the innovations and corruptions which were fast changing the spiritual character of the churches into semi-Jewish organizations, he protested against the growing tendency, and, at length, with a minority, withdrew from the church at Carthage. This minority continued there, as similar churches did in other places, till the rise of Novatus, and finally, of the Donatists. They were frequently called Tertullianists, but more generally Montanists.

Presented by Thomas E. Kresal from: Elder John R. Daily, Primitive Monitor, 1897, pp. 181-184.