I was reading some of the writings of Tertullian. Here is a blurb from Wikipedia about him.
Tertullian (ca. 160 – ca. 220 A.D.)[1], was a prolific early Christian Berber author[2] and the first to produce an extensive corpus of Latin Christian literature. He also was a notable early Christian apologist and a polemicist against heresy. Tertullian has been called “the father of Latin Christianity”.[3]
Though conservative, he did originate and advance new theology to the early Church. He is perhaps most famous for being the oldest extant Latin writer to use the term Trinity (Latin trinitas),[4] and giving the oldest extant formal exposition of a Trinitarian theology.[5]. Other Latin formulations that first appear in his work are “three Persons, one Substance”
I was struck by some of his words in a letter he wrote to his wife. I believe it paints a great picture of Christian love in the context of marriage, and I also believe it provides a great reminder of the important role of women in the church. I will include some of the excerpts below for you to ponder.
PS: If anyone has any opinions on the role of women in the church, or has concerns about women as leaders, I welcome your feedback. I believe that their are some erroneous ideas out there, and that women have been misrepresented and have been denied some God-given destiny within the Body of Christ. I welcome your comments and encourage some healthy, open bible discussion about this topic. Now, here’s Tertullian:
THE BEAUTY OF CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE
How shall we ever be able adequately to describe the happiness of that marriage which the Church arranges, the Sacrifice strengthens, upon which the blessing sets a seal, at which angels are present as witnesses, and to which the Father gives His consent? For not even on earth do children marry properly and legally without their fathers’ permission.
How beautiful, then, the marriage of two Christians, two who are one in hope, one in desire, one in the way of life they follow, one in the religion they practice. They are as brother and sister, both servants of the same Master. Nothing divides them, either in flesh or in spirit. They are, in very truth, two in one flesh; and where there is but one flesh there is also but one spirit. They pray together, they worship together, they fast together; instructing one another, encouraging one another, strengthening one another. Side by side they visit God’s church and partake of God’s Banquet; side by side they face difficulties and persecution, share their consolations. They have no secrets from one another; they never shun each other’s company; they never bring sorrow to each other’s hearts. Unembarrassed they visit the sick and assist the needy. They give alms without anxiety; they attend the Sacrifice without difficulty; they perform their daily exercises of piety without hindrance. They need not be furtive about making the Sign of the Cross, nor timorous in greeting the brethren, nor silent in asking a blessing of God. Psalms and hymns they sing to one another, striving to see which one of them will chant more beautifully the praises of their Lord. Hearing and seeing this, Christ rejoices. To such as these He gives His peace. Where there are two together, there also He is present; and where He is, there evil is not.
shalom | pastor Darrell
Tags: Early Church teachings about marriage, love, marriage, Tertullian, women in leadership
