Why Do Citations of the Gospel Become Less Frequent By the End of Book Four in Adversus Marcionem?

Introduction

Tertullian's Adversus Marcionem is a critical work in early Christian literature, primarily aimed at refuting the teachings of Marcion, a significant heretic who posited a dichotomy between the God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament. One notable observation in this extensive work is the decline in the frequency of Gospel citations towards the end of Book Four. This phenomenon has sparked various interpretations, including the suggestion by Peter E. Lorenz that Tertullian may have simply grown weary of his task. However, there are several other factors and contexts that could provide a more nuanced understanding of this shift.

Tertullian's Exhaustion

Lorenz's interpretation that Tertullian might have been fatigued by the end of Book Four is a straightforward explanation. Writing a comprehensive theological critique is an arduous task, and maintaining the intensity and precision of argumentation throughout can be challenging. The meticulous process of citing and cross-referencing Gospel texts might have been particularly taxing, leading to a more allusive rather than direct citation style as Tertullian progressed through his work.

Structural and Thematic Shifts

Another plausible reason for the reduction in Gospel citations could be a structural and thematic shift in Tertullian's argumentation. Early in Adversus Marcionem, Tertullian focuses heavily on establishing the continuity and consistency between the Old and New Testaments, necessitating frequent Gospel citations to draw direct comparisons and refute Marcion's claims.

As the work progresses, Tertullian's focus might have shifted towards more abstract theological arguments, ethical discussions, or practical implications of Marcion's teachings. These sections might rely less on direct scriptural citations and more on rhetorical argumentation, logical reasoning, and broader theological principles.

Audience and Persuasive Strategy

Tertullian's rhetorical strategy might also explain the shift in citation frequency. In the initial parts of his work, direct citations from the Gospels could serve to establish credibility and authority, directly challenging Marcion's interpretations. As Tertullian builds his case, he might assume that his audience has been sufficiently convinced of his scriptural foundation, allowing him to argue from established premises without the need for constant citation.

Furthermore, by the end of Book Four, Tertullian might be addressing more nuanced or complex theological points that are less about proving Marcion wrong through direct scripture and more about providing a cohesive and comprehensive Christian theological framework. In such discussions, the flow of argumentation might benefit from fewer interruptions by direct quotes, relying instead on synthesized theological insights.

Comparative Analysis with Other Works

Comparing Adversus Marcionem with Tertullian's other works can also shed light on his citation practices. In his other writings, Tertullian exhibits a similar pattern where early sections are heavily laden with scriptural citations, while later sections become more interpretative and less reliant on direct quotes. This pattern suggests a deliberate rhetorical strategy rather than mere fatigue.

Conclusion

While Lorenz's suggestion that Tertullian grew weary is plausible, it is essential to consider other factors contributing to the reduced frequency of Gospel citations by the end of Book Four in Adversus Marcionem. Structural and thematic shifts, changes in persuasive strategy, and Tertullian's broader rhetorical patterns all provide a more comprehensive understanding of this phenomenon. By examining these factors, we gain deeper insights into Tertullian's methods and the intricate dynamics of early Christian theological discourse.

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References:

• Lorenz, Peter E. A History of Codex Bezae’s Text in the Gospel of Mark. de Gruyter GmbH, 2022.