Tertullian
Also: Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus
Born perhaps between 150 and 165, probably in Carthago (now Carthage, near Tunis, Tunisia). Died perhaps between 220 and 240, probably in Carthago (now Carthage, near Tunis, Tunisia).
The first great Christian writer in Latin, from Carthage. He wrote many sharp books and later joined the strict Montanist movement.
Wrote in Latin. A major author.
Places lived
- 197 to 220Carthago (now Carthage, near Tunis, Tunisia)writeryears probable
Works
31 works, in the order they were written. 31 works can be read here.
- On the PalliumA short, hard speech to the men of Carthage on why he wears the philosopher's cloak and not the toga.7,752 words
- On the Apparel of WomenTwo books against fine dress, jewels and make-up for Christian women.10,493 words
- ApologyA defence of Christians addressed to the governors of the Roman provinces.38,011 words
- On the ShowsWhy a Christian must not go to the circus, the theatre or the arena.11,422 words
- To the MartyrsA short letter of courage to Christians in prison.2,640 words
- To the NationsTwo books that defend Christians against pagan charges and attack the Roman gods; a first draft of the Apology.34,522 words
- The Testimony of the SoulA short work that calls the human soul itself as a witness for the one God.4,478 words
- An Answer to the Jews probably this authorAn argument from the Old Testament that the law is fulfilled in Christ; the second half may not be his own work.22,141 words
- On IdolatryOn the trades and public duties that tie a Christian to the worship of idols.14,788 words
- On PrayerThe first commentary on the Lord's Prayer, with rules for prayer.9,791 words
- On BaptismThe oldest book on baptism, written against a woman teacher who rejected it.9,479 words
- On RepentanceOn repentance before baptism and on the one public penance allowed after it.9,390 words
- On PatiencePraise of patience as the root of Christian life, by a man who says he has none.9,440 words
- To His WifeTwo books that ask his wife not to marry again after his death, or at least to marry a Christian.9,493 words
- Prescription Against HereticsAn argument that heretics have no right to use the Scriptures, which belong to the churches of the apostles.21,583 words
- Against HermogenesA defence of creation out of nothing against the painter Hermogenes, who said matter is eternal.22,421 words
- ScorpiaceA defence of martyrdom against Gnostics who said a Christian need not confess the faith and die.14,439 words
- On Exhortation to ChastityAdvice to a friend whose wife has died not to marry a second time.7,566 words
- Against the ValentiniansA mocking account of the Valentinian Gnostic system, drawn mostly from Irenaeus.14,101 words
- On the Veiling of VirginsAn argument that unmarried women must wear the veil in church, written as a Montanist.27,469 words
- On the Flesh of ChristA defence of the real human body of Christ.19,467 words
- Against MarcionFive books against Marcion, who taught two gods and rejected the Old Testament.183,088 words
- On Flight in PersecutionAn answer to his friend Fabius that a Christian must not run away or pay to escape persecution.9,342 words
- On the SoulThe first Christian book on the nature and origin of the soul.48,595 words
- On the Resurrection of the FleshA defence of the rising of the body.44,743 words
- On FastingA defence of the Montanist fasts against the main church.11,341 words
- On MonogamyAn argument that a Christian may marry only once, written as a Montanist.13,456 words
- On ModestyA late, strict work that denies the church can forgive adultery.25,849 words
- On the CrownA defence of a Christian soldier who refused to wear the wreath.10,179 words
- To ScapulaAn open letter that warns the governor of Africa to stop the persecution.3,040 words
- Against PraxeasThe first Latin work on the Trinity: one substance in three persons.30,882 words
How we know the dates and places
- Born not sure
- No ancient source. Scholars say about 155 to 160. See Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, 3rd ed. rev. (2005), 'Tertullian'.
- Place of birth probable
- Jerome, On Illustrious Men 53
- Died not sure
- His last dated works are from about 212 to 220; Jerome, On Illustrious Men 53, says he lived to a great age
- Place of death probable
- Jerome, On Illustrious Men 53; no source says he left the city
- Carthago, years probable
- His own works, from the Apology (197) to about 220, are set at Carthage; Jerome, On Illustrious Men 53
- Carthago, place sure
- His own works, from the Apology (197) to about 220, are set at Carthage; Jerome, On Illustrious Men 53