More Anomalies in Against Marcion Chapter 35

Introduction

Tertullian's Against Marcion is a treasure trove of theological arguments and scriptural interpretations aimed at refuting Marcion's heretical views. However, some sections of this work, such as Chapter 35, present perplexing anomalies and questionable assertions. One such anomaly is the designation of Jesus' declaration in Luke 17 as a "commandment." This post will delve into this specific issue, examining the context of Luke 17 and evaluating Tertullian's interpretation.

The Commandment Question

In Chapter 35, Tertullian writes:

"Surely everyone must interpret these words, 'Is within you,' as 'in your hand,' 'within your power,' if you give ear, if you do the commandment of God."

He connects this interpretation to Jesus' words in Luke 17:20-21, where Jesus speaks about the Kingdom of God:

"Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, 'The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.'"

Tertullian's interpretation suggests that Jesus' statement, "the kingdom of God is in your midst," is a commandment. This raises the question: where exactly is the commandment in this passage?

Context of Luke 17

To understand this issue, let's look at the broader context of Luke 17. After the story about the ten lepers, the passage continues:

"20 Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, 'The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.'"

"22 Then he said to his disciples, 'The time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. People will tell you, ‘There he is!’ or ‘Here he is!’ Do not go running off after them. For the Son of Man in his day will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other. But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all. It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed.'"

Evaluating the Commandment Claim

In this passage, Jesus provides an eschatological teaching, focusing on the coming of the Kingdom of God and the conditions preceding the arrival of the Son of Man. His statements are descriptive and prophetic, outlining what the disciples should expect and how they should understand the times.

Tertullian interprets "the kingdom of God is in your midst" as a call to action, implying a commandment. However, this interpretation is not evident from the text itself. The phrase "the kingdom of God is in your midst" is better understood as a statement of fact rather than a directive. Jesus is emphasizing the present reality of God's Kingdom, already among them, rather than issuing a command for specific actions.

Scriptural Parallels

Tertullian tries to draw parallels with other scriptures, such as Deuteronomy 30:11-14, to support his interpretation:

"The commandment, he says, is not on high, nor far from thee. It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up to heaven, and bring it down for us, and we will hear it and do it? Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea and bring it for us, and we will hear it and do it? The word is near thee, in thy mouth and in thy heart, and in thy hands, to do it."

While these verses from Deuteronomy emphasize the accessibility of God's commandment, they do not necessarily align with Jesus' statement about the Kingdom of God. The Deuteronomic passage highlights the proximity of God's law, urging obedience, whereas Jesus' statement in Luke is about recognizing the presence of God's Kingdom.

Conclusion

Tertullian's interpretation of Jesus' declaration in Luke 17 as a commandment appears to be a stretch. The text in Luke is more about the eschatological reality of God's Kingdom and the readiness required of the disciples, rather than a direct command to act. This misinterpretation highlights the complexities and challenges of theological exegesis, especially when trying to reconcile different scriptural narratives and teachings.

As we continue to explore Against Marcion, it becomes clear that Tertullian's arguments, while robust in their intention to refute heresy, sometimes venture into interpretative anomalies that warrant closer scrutiny.