Peter E. Lorenz Only Tacitly Accepts the Claim that Tertullian Cites from Marcion's Gospel Directly

Introduction

Tertullian, an early Christian apologist, is known for his work Adversus Marcionem (Against Marcion), in which he aims to refute the teachings of Marcion, a prominent heretic who created his own version of the Christian Gospel. A significant aspect of Tertullian's critique is his claim to possess and directly cite Marcion's Gospel. However, Peter E. Lorenz offers a nuanced perspective on this assertion, raising questions about the reliability and precision of Tertullian's citations.

Tertullian's Biblical Text: A Problematic Source

Lorenz points out that Tertullian's approach to citing biblical texts is fraught with inconsistencies. According to Houghton, "Tertullian's biblical text poses numerous problems. He rarely, if ever, cites the same verse twice in exactly the same form, sometimes even within the same work" . This inconsistency complicates the task of discerning the precise text of Marcion's Gospel based solely on Tertullian's references.

Lorenz acknowledges that while Tertullian claims to cite directly from Marcion's Gospel to refute his teachings, the actual textual evidence suggests a less straightforward picture. Lorenz concludes, "It is clear then that in places where Tertullian is our only source of Marcion's gospel, he cannot be relied upon to supply us with the textual nuances of his Vorlage" . This indicates that Tertullian's citations are more interpretative and polemical rather than accurate textual reproductions.

Interpretative Nature of Tertullian's Citations

Tertullian's method of citation seems to be influenced heavily by his rhetorical aims. His objective was to dismantle Marcion's theology and assert the orthodoxy of the proto-Catholic position. This often meant that he might adapt or paraphrase Marcion's texts to better serve his argumentative purposes. As Lorenz notes, "So for passages in which Tertullian is our only source, we can perhaps know what Marcion meant to say, but not precisely how he said it" .

This interpretative nature of Tertullian's citations is evident in the way he sometimes conflates or rephrases passages to strengthen his rebuttal. This method raises significant questions about the fidelity of his quotations to the original Marcionite texts.

The Role of Eusebius and Later Traditions

Lorenz's analysis also touches upon the broader context of textual transmission and the role of early church fathers like Eusebius in shaping the Christian canon. Eusebius, known for his historical and apologetic works, emphasized the authority of ancient texts and traditions, often promoting the writings of early church figures like Irenaeus as benchmarks of orthodoxy . This antiquarian spirit likely influenced how texts were cited and transmitted, with a preference for aligning with established orthodoxy over precise textual fidelity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Tertullian's claims to cite directly from Marcion's Gospel are significant for understanding early Christian polemics, Lorenz's cautious acceptance of these claims highlights the interpretative and rhetorical layers that complicate their reliability. Tertullian's inconsistent citation practices, coupled with the broader context of early Christian textual transmission, suggest that his references to Marcion's Gospel must be approached with critical scrutiny. Understanding Tertullian's work within this framework allows for a more nuanced view of early Christian textual and theological debates.

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References:

1. Houghton, Hugh. The Latin New Testament: A Guide to Its Early History, Texts, and Manuscripts. Oxford University Press, 2016.
2. Lorenz, Peter E. A History of Codex Bezae’s Text in the Gospel of Mark. de Gruyter GmbH, 2022.
3. Lorenz, Peter E. "Tertullian's Citations and the Textual Nuances of Marcion's Gospel." A History of Codex Bezae’s Text in the Gospel of Mark, p. 116.
4. Ibid., p. 127.
5. Eusebius of Caesarea. Historia Ecclesiastica.