More Proof that Tertullian is Arguing from an Orthodox Gospel, Not the Marcionite Gospel

Introduction

One of the most baffling assertions in the study of early Christian texts is the claim that Tertullian, in his work Against Marcion, is arguing from a Marcionite gospel. Let's dissect this idea and expose its flaws.

The Orthodox Gospel Argument

In Against Marcion, Tertullian embarks on a rigorous refutation of Marcionite theology. Critics suggest that Tertullian's arguments are based on the Marcionite gospel. However, this notion is preposterous when we scrutinize Tertullian's text. It makes far more sense that Tertullian is arguing from an orthodox gospel, likely Luke, to make his case that the Holy Spirit, referencing the prophets, proves the authenticity of the orthodox version.

Tertullian’s Use of Scripture

Consider this passage from Against Marcion:

"Wars, I imagine, and kingdom against kingdom, and nation against nation, and a plague, and famines and earthquakes, and fearful sights, and great signs from heaven, all of which are in keeping with a stern and fearsome God..."

Tertullian’s extensive references to Old Testament prophecies and their fulfillment in the New Testament make it clear that he is arguing from a gospel that aligns with Jewish prophetic traditions. This strongly indicates that he is working with an orthodox gospel that incorporates these prophecies, not a Marcionite text that rejects the Old Testament.

The Holy Spirit and the Prophets

Tertullian argues that the fulfillment of prophecies and the work of the Holy Spirit confirm the authenticity of the gospel he uses. Here’s another excerpt:

"He says in fact, Because the holy stones roll down, not, Because soldiers fight. For the stones are those foundations upon which we are being built up, laid down, as Paul says, upon the foundation of the apostles..."

Tertullian is clearly appealing to a gospel that upholds the continuity of the prophetic tradition, something Marcion vehemently opposed. If Tertullian were using a Marcionite gospel, this argument would be nonsensical, as Marcion’s theology rejected the Old Testament prophets.

The Implausibility of the Marcionite Gospel Theory

The suggestion that Tertullian is using a Marcionite gospel to argue for the validity of the Holy Spirit’s work is absurd. Imagine this scenario: Tertullian is trying to discredit Marcion by using Marcion's own adulterated text to show that it aligns with orthodox Christian prophecies. It’s like accusing someone of stealing your chickens and then using the eggs they sold at the market to prove they were your chickens. The argument only makes sense if Tertullian is using an orthodox text that he believes is the original, unadulterated version.

Conclusion

Tertullian’s arguments in Against Marcion are based on an orthodox gospel, most likely Luke. His appeal to prophecies, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the continuity of the apostolic tradition make it clear that he is not using a Marcionite text. The theory that Tertullian is arguing from a Marcionite gospel is untenable and fails to account for the content and context of his arguments.

It’s time to move beyond this flawed interpretation and recognize that Tertullian’s work is a defense of orthodox Christianity using orthodox texts. Those who insist otherwise are either misreading the text or deliberately ignoring the evidence. Let's set the record straight and appreciate the complexity and intent behind Tertullian's arguments.