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INTRODUCTION l1MONG THE WRITINGS of Tertullian, the Apology holds ~ a pre-eminent position both by reason of its brilliant rhetorical style and of the compelling force of its argument. The esteem in which this work was held in ancient times is evident from the fact that it was translated into Greek, an honor which fell to the lot of only few other writings of the first centuries of the Christian era.1 From internal evidence it can be determined that the Apology was written toward the close of A.D. 197.2 Hence, its composition fell early in the period of Tertullian's conversion from heathenism, before his ideas became tainted with the heresy of Montanus. Although modeled on the Greek Apologies, Tertullian's defense adopts a style and tone conditioned by the circumstances under which it was written. In an attempt to open eyes blinded by prejudice to the true situation regarding the Christians, Tertullian addresses an 'open letter' to the officials of the Roman Empire. An obscure incident mentioned in the opening sentence, which was typical of the injustice perpetrated by those presiding to administer justice, may have been the immediate spark which ignited the fuse of this fiery outburst. With the precision and irresistible logic of a shrewd lawyer, the eloquence and rhetorical skill of a highly educated Roman, and the passion, abandon, and intensity which were native to this African genius, Tertullian defended his fellow Christians, pointing out the moral integrity of their way of 1 Cf. P. de LabriolIe, History and Literature of Christianity from Tertullian to Boethius, tr. by H. Wilson (New York 1925) 71. 2 Cf. O. Bardenhewer. Geschichte der altkirchfichen Literatur II (2nd ed., Freiburg i. B. 1914) 397. 3 4 TERTULLIAN life and hurling back at their accusers in vigorous, virulent language charges of the most heinous crimes. The appearance of the Apology marked the beginning of a new and revitalized period of Latin literature. Tertullian introduces those unique features of style which are to characterize all his later works; as Norden says, he combines the majestic peace of Tacitus with the turbulent passion and the pamphlet-like tone of Juvenal, as well as with the affected obscurity of Persius.:1 The Roman officials, upon reading this impassioned challenge, may well have awakened to a realization that not all who clung with such exasperating perseverance to the Christian faith were to be sneered at as lowly illiterates.4 Not only in style, but also in content, the Apology foreshadowed Tertullian's subsequent writings. It contained in embryo the main ideas which were later to be developed at length in individual treatises. The denunciation of Roman amusements in the De spectaculis, the arguments for liberty of conscience in Ad Scapulam, the main thesis of De testimonio animae, the legal arguments whereby the ground is cut from under the feet of the heretical Scriptural commentators in the De praescriptione haereticorum ~ all are adumbrated in the Apology. The work is significant, too, as a commentary on manners and morals in the Roman society of the second century. As a plea for social justice, it has an appeal for all men of all times everywhere. The present translation is based on the critical text of H. Hoppe, in the Corpus Scriptorum Ecclesiasticorum Latinorum 69 (Vienna 1939). 3 Cf. E. Norden. Die an/ike KUlls/jnasa (4th repr., Leipzig-Berlin 1923) 606. 4 Cf. Labriollc. op. cit. 69. INTRODUCTION 5 SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY Texts H. Hoppe. Corpus ScrijJ/orWIl EcciesiasticorwlL La/inorum 69 (Vienna 1939) . J. Martin, Quinti Septimii Florentis Tertulliani Apologeticum (Florilegium Patristicum Fasc. 6 Bonn 1933). Translations: T. Glover, Tertullian: Ahf)fogy (Loeb Classical Library, New York 1931) . K. A. H. Kellner and G. Esser, Tertullians ausgewiihlte Schriften II, Bib!. d. Kirchcnvater 24 (Kempten and Munich 1915) 33f1. J. P. Waltzing, Apologetique. Texte elabli et traduit avec fa collaboration de A. Severyns, P;llis 1929. ...

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