The Synagogues of Early Christianity: Gentilic Plurals and the Mystery of Marcion

In the study of early Christian and Jewish communities, the use of gentilic plurals in naming synagogues provides a fascinating glimpse into how these communities identified themselves. Notably, the terms συναγωγης Αγριππησιων (synagogue of the Agrippesians), συναγωγης Αυγοστησιων (synagogue of the Augustesians), and similar forms show that such plurals could be applied to individuals rather than just place names. This observation leads us to an intriguing question: could Μαρκίων (Marcion) be a similar construct, and if so, what does that imply about the early Christian leader Marcion and his followers?

Gentilic Plurals: More Than Place Names

Gentilic plurals in Greek and Latin inscriptions were typically used to denote people originating from a particular place. For example, Αγριππησιων would refer to those associated with Agrippa, while Αυγοστησιων indicates association with Augustus. However, these terms were not limited to geographic origin; they could also denote allegiance to a particular figure or ideology. This linguistic flexibility suggests a broader application in communal identification.

The Marcionite Synagogue Inscription

One of the oldest Christian inscriptions, dating to 318–319 CE, identifies a building as the "gathering place [synagogue] of the Marcionites of the village of Lebabon of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ under the leadership of Paul the presbyter." This inscription highlights that Marcionites, like other early Christian and Jewish groups, used the term synagogue to describe their place of worship and community gathering.

Marcion and Apostolos: A Numerological Connection

Interestingly, Μαρκίων (Marcion) is numerologically equivalent to αποστολος (apostolos), with both words totaling 1021. This numerical equivalence raises the question of whether early Christians intentionally aligned Marcion's name with the term for apostle. Such a deliberate connection could suggest an attempt to bestow a particular status or legitimacy upon Marcion, positioning him within the broader apostolic tradition.

Did Early Christians Bend the Rules?

Given the numerological connection and the potential for linguistic flexibility, it's plausible that early Christians might have "bent the rules" to associate Marcion more closely with the concept of an apostle. This association would enhance Marcion's authority and align his movement with the established apostolic succession, despite his divergent theological views.

Historical Context and Speculation

The emergence of Marcionism as a distinct movement coincides with the post-Commodian age, suggesting that historical and political factors might have influenced its development. Some scholars speculate about the origins of the name Marcion, considering whether it could be linked to prominent figures of the time, such as Commodus's Christian concubine Marcia. However, this remains speculative, and the historical Marcion is generally understood to be an influential early Christian leader whose teachings prompted significant theological debates.

Conclusion

The use of gentilic plurals in early Christian and Jewish inscriptions reflects a rich tradition of communal identification that goes beyond geographic origins. The potential connection between Marcion and the term apostolos, through numerology, suggests that early Christians may have used various means to legitimize and define their leaders and movements. While much about Marcion remains speculative, these linguistic and numerical insights provide a deeper understanding of how early Christian communities constructed and communicated their identities.