New Evidence for Celsus's True Word Being Written Between 177 - 180 CE

The dating of Celsus's True Word has been a topic of scholarly debate for many years. Recent evidence suggests a more precise timeframe of 177 - 180 CE for the composition of this influential anti-Christian polemic.

Contextual Clues and Historical Setting

Several clues help pinpoint the writing of True Word within this specific period. One significant factor is the mention of ongoing concerns over barbarians and their incursions, which aligns with the Marcomannic Wars (circa 166-180 CE). These wars, involving various Germanic tribes attacking the Roman Empire, caused significant unrest and could have influenced Celsus's critical perspective on Christians, who were perceived as neglecting traditional Roman religious practices and potentially weakening the state's defenses.

Geographic References in Classical Texts

References from classical texts provide additional context. For instance, Herodotus and Strabo describe the geography of Egypt and its Nile Delta, detailing the various mouths of the Nile and the surrounding regions. These descriptions offer a backdrop to understanding the locations and socio-political landscapes that may have influenced Celsus and his contemporaries. Herodotus's mention of the Nile's division and the regions around it, including the Pelusian and Canobic mouths, and Strabo's account of emporiums and military activities in these areas, highlight the strategic and economic importance of Egypt during this period.

Influence of Jewish and Pagan Texts

Scholars such as James N. Carleton Paget and Egge Tijsseling have explored the sources of Celsus's criticisms of Jesus. Paget notes Jerome's comparison of Origen's Contra Celsum with the responses of Methodius, Eusebius, and Apollinaris to Porphyry, indicating a tradition of apologetic literature engaging with Celsus's arguments. Tijsseling suggests that Celsus drew on earlier Jewish texts, dating them between 105-130 CE, which provided theological and philosophical criticisms of Jesus that Celsus incorporated into his own work.

Scholarly Perspectives

The consensus among scholars is converging on the late 2nd century as the period when True Word was written. This dating aligns with the heightened tensions and religious debates of the time, reflecting the complex interactions between emerging Christian communities and the established pagan and Jewish traditions.

Conclusion

The dating of Celsus's True Word to 177-180 CE is supported by a combination of historical context, geographical references, and scholarly analysis of contemporary texts. This timeframe places Celsus's work squarely within a period of significant conflict and transformation in the Roman Empire, providing insight into the challenges faced by early Christians and the broader socio-political dynamics of the time.

For further reading, you can explore the detailed analyses in the following works:

• James N. Carleton Paget's discussions on the Jew of Celsus and Adversus Judaeos.
• Egge Tijsseling's The Sources of Celsus's Criticism of Jesus: Theological Developments in the Second Century AD.

These sources offer comprehensive perspectives on the theological and historical underpinnings of Celsus's critique and its impact on early Christian apologetics.