Tertullian's Use of Luke Against Marcion: Examining the Synagogue Scene

Introduction

The theological and textual debates between early Christian groups often reveal intriguing insights into the development of the canonical gospels. Tertullian's Adversus Marcionem provides a particularly rich source for understanding these dynamics, especially in how he uses the Gospel of Luke against Marcionism. In this post, we delve into Tertullian's arguments and explore how certain gospel narratives may have been shaped in response to these early Christian controversies.

Entering the Synagogue: A House of Israel

Tertullian preserves a fascinating passage that critiques Marcion’s interpretation of Jesus' entry into the synagogue:

"See how he enters into the synagogue: surely to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. See how he offers the bread of his doctrine to the Israelites first: surely he is giving them preference as sons. See how as yet he gives others no share of it: surely he is passing them by, like dogs..."

Here, Tertullian argues that Jesus' actions in the synagogue affirm his connection to the Creator, contradicting Marcion’s view of Jesus as the emissary of a different, unknown god. This passage raises the question: How could Jesus, presumed unknown and uncircumcised according to Marcion, enter the synagogue, a place traditionally exclusive to those known and circumcised according to Jewish law? This argument is rooted in the understanding of the "house of Israel" as the temple, where strict regulations on entry applied, particularly for the uncircumcised (Ezekiel 44:9).

The Presence of Demons in the Synagogue

Another compelling point in Tertullian's critique involves the presence of demons in the synagogue:

"On the same occasion the spirit of the demon cries out, 'What have we to do with thee, Jesus? Thou art come to destroy us. I know who thou art, the Holy One of God.' Here I shall not discuss whether even this appellation was at all appropriate to one who had no right even to the name of Christ unless he belonged to the Creator."

Tertullian questions the appropriateness of the demon recognizing Jesus as "the Holy One of God," arguing that such recognition implies a connection to the Creator. This challenges Marcion’s view that the demons, associated with the Creator's law and prophets, would not recognize Jesus of a different god.

Luke's Response: Establishing Jesus’ Identity and Presence

Tertullian's arguments lead to a detailed analysis of Luke chapters 1 and 2, where Luke meticulously establishes Jesus' identity and presence in the temple:

"When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord... Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon... It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah... There was also a prophet, Anna... She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying."

These chapters emphasize that Jesus was called the "Holy One" and was known in the temple from a young age. This narrative framework effectively counters Marcionite claims by showing Jesus' deep-rooted connection to the Jewish temple and its prophecies.

The Name "Jesus" and the Concept of the "Man"

Tertullian's text also navigates the complex interplay of names and titles:

"If because he was wholly a liar, then he himself was neither Jesus nor in any sense holy: if because he was partly a liar, in having rightly thought him to be Jesus and the Holy One of God, but to belong to the Creator..."

This passage suggests that the debate extended to the very name "Jesus" and its association with the Creator's prophecies. The "Man" or "Jesus" is intertwined with Jewish expectations, further discrediting Marcion’s notion of a separate divine emissary.

Conclusion: The Evolution of Gospel Narratives

Tertullian's Adversus Marcionem provides a window into the formative stages of the canonical gospels. The intricate arguments against Marcion reveal how early Christian texts were shaped by theological disputes. By meticulously crafting narratives that affirm Jesus' identity and mission within Jewish prophecy, early church fathers like Tertullian sought to establish orthodoxy against competing interpretations. This examination underscores the dynamic and contested process through which the New Testament canon emerged, highlighting the enduring impact of these early debates on Christian theology.