A Witness to Another Ordering of the Pauline Epistles in Tertullian's Against Marcion

The ordering of the Pauline Epistles has been a topic of considerable debate among scholars. A particular point of interest is the arrangement of these epistles as seen in Marcionite references and early Christian writings. One intriguing perspective suggests the possibility of a lost or alternative ordering of the Pauline Epistles, reflecting differences in early Christian traditions and textual transmissions.

A Curious Order: Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, Thessalonians, Colossians, Ephesians, Romans

An insightful observation highlights a sequence of Pauline Epistles mentioned by early sources: "Let us see what milk the Corinthians drank from Paul; to what rule of faith the Galatians were brought for correction; what the Philippians, the Thessalonians, the Ephesians read by it; what utterance also the Romans give, so very near (to the apostles), to whom Peter and Paul conjointly bequeathed the gospel even sealed with their own blood." This ordering—Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, Thessalonians, Colossians, Ephesians, Romans—stands out as an intriguing arrangement.

Comparing to Marcionite Citations in Epiphanius

When we juxtapose this order against the citations of Marcionite references in Epiphanius, an inverted pattern emerges. Epiphanius’s fragments read: Romans, Ephesians, Colossians, Galatians, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians. The inversion of these sequences raises questions about the textual history and transmission of the Pauline corpus within different Christian communities.

Potential Explanations

1. Alternative Traditions: The varied ordering may reflect different ecclesiastical traditions or manuscript traditions in the early church. These differences could be attributed to regional variations or theological emphases within disparate Christian communities.

2. Theological Significance: The order of the epistles might also have theological implications. For example, positioning Romans at the beginning or end could signify its theological primacy in the context of the canon or the particular doctrinal focus of the community using that order.

3. Textual Corruption or Evolution: Over time, the transmission of texts often leads to rearrangements, either intentionally for thematic coherence or unintentionally due to scribal practices. This could result in multiple legitimate orderings of the epistles.

The "Conjoined" Gospel of Paul and Peter

Another fascinating element is the reference to the "conjoined" gospel of Paul and Peter. This phrase, especially in the context of Romans, hints at an intertwined legacy of these two apostles:

• Joint Martyrdom: One interpretation is that the phrase refers to their shared martyrdom in Rome, symbolizing their joint witness and foundational role in the early church (Acts 12:2, 2 Timothy 4:6-8).
• Combined Theological Legacy: Alternatively, it could point to a doctrinal unity or a collective apostolic authority, highlighting the harmonious yet distinct contributions of Peter and Paul to early Christian theology and practice (Galatians 2:7-9).

Conclusion

The study of the ordering of the Pauline Epistles, particularly through the lens of Marcionite citations and early Christian references, opens a window into the complex and multifaceted history of early Christian texts. The curious ordering observed may indeed be a remnant of a lost or alternative sequence that invites further scholarly exploration.

The notion of a "conjoined" gospel of Paul and Peter further enriches this discussion, pointing to the intertwined yet distinct roles these apostles played in shaping the nascent Christian movement. As we continue to explore these texts and their histories, we gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity and richness of early Christian traditions.