Christian Cyclopedia

(Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus; ca. 155/160–ca. 220/230). B. probably Carthage, son of a pagan centurion; schooled in rhetoric and jurisprudence; Christian perhaps ca. 190/195; catechist (or presbyter) Carthage. Held that the end, preceded by troubles and apostasy, was near, and that only the empire held off impending doom. Espoused Montanism* in later life. Wrote Gk. and Lat., esp. the latter. Known for epigrams, e.g., “The blood of Christians is seed” (Apol., chap. 50). Works include Apologeticus (defense of Christianity); De baptismo; Adversus Marcionem. See also Apologists, 10; Bible Versions, J 1; Fathers of the Church; Gnosticism, 9; Philosophy; Schools, Early Christian; Tradition. RPB

R. E. Roberts, The Theology of Tertullian (London, 1924); J. Morgan, The Importance of Tertullian in the Development of Christian Dogma (London, 1928 ); B. Nisters, Tertullian: Seine Persönlichkeit und sein Schicksal (Münster, 1950).