The Marcionite "Mispunctuation" of 2 Corinthians 4:4 and Luke 20:34 and the Claim that Tertullian Had Marcion's Gospel

Introduction

Tertullian, in his Adversus Marcionem (Against Marcion), asserts that he has direct access to Marcion's Gospel and uses it to refute Marcion's heretical views. However, the accuracy and reliability of Tertullian's citations have been called into question by various scholars. One aspect of this debate involves the "mispunctuation" of biblical texts, a technique used by early Christians, including Tertullian, to reinterpret and refute alternative readings.

The Role of Punctuation in Interpretation

In ancient texts, punctuation was often sparse or non-existent, leaving much room for interpretation. Early Church Fathers, including Irenaeus and Tertullian, were acutely aware of how repunctuating a text could change its meaning. Irenaeus, for instance, warned about the dangers of misinterpreting scripture through incorrect punctuation:

"By transferring passages, and dressing them up anew, and making one thing out of another, they succeed in deluding many through their wicked art in adapting the oracles of the Lord to their opinions" (Against Heresies).

This awareness of punctuation's power is reflected in various scriptural manipulations. For instance, in Galatians 3:19 and 2 Corinthians 4:4, changing the punctuation alters the theological implications of the texts.

Examples of Mispunctuation

2 Corinthians 4:4

Tertullian interprets the phrase "in quibus deus saeculi hujus excaecavit mentes infidelium" to mean "the god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers." However, repunctuating the text can shift the meaning significantly. By placing periods differently, it can be read as "God has blinded the minds of unbelievers of this world," attributing the action to God rather than a lesser deity.

Luke 20:34

Similarly, Tertullian's interpretation of Luke 20:34 involves a nuanced understanding of punctuation. The phrase "filii huius saeculi" (sons of this age) can be read in different ways, affecting the theological implications.

Tertullian's Citation Practices

Peter E. Lorenz highlights the inconsistency and interpretative nature of Tertullian's citations:

"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 suggests that Tertullian's citations are not reliable reproductions of Marcion's Gospel but rather polemical tools adapted for his arguments. 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."

Implications of Mispunctuation

The ability to change the meaning of texts through punctuation highlights the interpretative flexibility early Christian writers employed. Irenaeus and Tertullian both used this technique to align scripture with orthodox beliefs and refute heretical interpretations. This practice underscores the necessity of critical scrutiny when evaluating early Christian texts, especially those purporting to cite heretical sources.

Conclusion

The issue of mispunctuation in early Christian writings demonstrates the complexities of textual interpretation and the potential for theological manipulation. Tertullian's claims to possess and cite directly from Marcion's Gospel must be viewed with skepticism, given his inconsistent citation practices and the broader context of early Christian polemics. Lorenz's analysis underscores the need for careful examination of these texts, recognizing the interpretative strategies employed by early Church Fathers to assert orthodox doctrine.

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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. Tertullian. Adversus Marcionem.
4. Irenaeus. Against Heresies.