Tertullian Quotes

A collection of quotes by Tertullian.

Tertullian, born Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus, was a prominent theologian and writer of the early Christian church. He was born in Carthage (modern-day Tunisia) in the second century AD, around the year 155. Tertullian studied law and rhetoric, which equipped him with the skills to become one of the greatest Christian apologists and polemicists of his time.

Initially, Tertullian was influenced by Stoic philosophy; however, his conversion to Christianity drastically changed his worldview. He embraced the teachings of the Christian faith and became an active member of the African Christian community. Tertullian's writings, primarily in Latin, were prolific and covered a wide range of subjects, including theology, morality, and ecclesiastical discipline.

Tertullian's works were influential in shaping early Christian thought. His defenses of Christian doctrine and practices, particularly against heretical movements such as Gnosticism and Marcionism, established him as one of the early church fathers. Among his most notable works are "Apologeticus," "On the Prescription of Heretics," and "On the Veiling of Virgins."

Despite his contributions to the Christian faith, Tertullian's later years were marked by a divergence from the mainstream church and his association with the Montanist movement. The Montanists emphasized strict asceticism and prophetic visions, which Tertullian found appealing. As a result, he gradually distanced himself from mainstream Christianity and aligned more closely with the Montanists.

Tertullian's life and writings reflect his passionate commitment to defending the Christian faith, and his intellectual contributions played a significant role in early Christian theology and apologetics.