Key Points in Tertullian's Use of Luke Against Marcion: The Nazareth Narrative

Introduction

In our ongoing exploration of Tertullian's Adversus Marcionem, we delve deeper into how this early Christian polemic shapes and is shaped by the canonical gospels. One of the fascinating aspects of this work is how Tertullian engages with the narratives of Luke and their implications for Marcionite theology. This post examines the significance of the Nazareth narrative and how it reflects broader theological battles.

The Nazareth Episode: A Stable Text of Luke

Tertullian's commentary suggests that by the time of his writing, the text of Luke was already well-established. This stability is evidenced in his analysis of Jesus' actions and words in Nazareth. He notes:

"Even at Nazareth there is no indication that his preaching was of anything new, though for all that, by reason of one single proverb, we are told that he was cast out."

This reflects Luke's narrative where Jesus addresses the crowd in Nazareth:

"Jesus said to them, 'Surely you will quote this proverb to me: ‘Physician, heal yourself!’ And you will tell me, ‘Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.’ Truly I tell you,' he continued, 'no prophet is accepted in his hometown.'"

Historical Credibility and Marcionite Contrast

The scene in Luke where Jesus predicts the crowd's reaction seems almost theatrical, leading some to question its historical credibility. In the Marcionite version of events, the crowd's reaction is far more violent, ending in their own destruction rather than Jesus' escape. This stark contrast highlights how different theological agendas shaped the retelling of these events.

Tertullian uses this episode to emphasize Jesus' alignment with the Creator, presenting him as a prophet similar to Elijah. This is a key point against Marcion, who viewed Jesus as a representative of a different god.

Jesus as a Prophet and the Sequence of Events

Tertullian's discussion also touches on the sequence of events in Luke, where the Capernaum episode precedes the Nazareth narrative. This order is crucial for Tertullian's argument:

"The self-identification of Jesus as a prophet, the comparison with Elijah was all part of the motivation referenced in the quote from Adversus Marcionem - 'Even at Nazareth there is no indication that his preaching was of anything new.'"

By presenting Jesus' actions in this order, Luke supports the view of Jesus as fulfilling Jewish prophecy rather than introducing an entirely new doctrine, which aligns with Tertullian's anti-Marcionite stance.

The "Hidden Man" and Nazareth

A significant aspect of Tertullian's argument is the interpretation of "Nazarene." The Marcionites linked this term to the concept of the "Hidden Man" (Ish Nazarene), reflecting a mystical or esoteric understanding. Tertullian counters this by rooting the term in geographical and prophetic contexts:

"But to Christ the appellation of Nazarene was to apply because of his hiding-place in infancy, for which he went down to Nazareth, to escape from Archelaus, the son of Herod."

This interpretation connects the term to Jesus' early life and fulfillment of prophecy, distancing it from Marcionite mystical readings.

The Baptismal Question and the Role of John

Tertullian's argument also explores the baptism of John and its implications. He suggests that the Marcionite text likely lacked this scene, which was essential for establishing Jesus' authority in Jewish tradition:

"Christ knew the baptism of John, whence it was. Why then did he ask the question, as though he did not know? He did know that the Pharisees would not answer him. Why then did he ask, to no purpose?"

This rhetorical question highlights how the canonical gospels frame John's baptism as a critical moment, contrasting with the Marcionite omission.

Conclusion: The Influence of Adversus Marcionem

Tertullian's Adversus Marcionem provides crucial insights into the formation and stabilization of the canonical gospels. His arguments against Marcion reveal a strategic effort to align Jesus with Jewish prophecy and the Creator, countering Marcionite claims of a separate divine emissary. The detailed analysis of the Nazareth narrative and the baptismal question underscores how early theological debates shaped the gospel texts we have today.

This ongoing examination of Tertullian's work continues to uncover the complex interplay between early Christian polemics and gospel formation. Stay tuned for further insights into these foundational theological battles.