Tertullian

Ante-Nicene24 works on Theoria23 with audio

Works available to read

A Treatise on the Soulc. 210 ADTertullian's most philosophical work, examining the origin, nature, and destiny of the soul against Platonic, Stoic, and Gnostic theories.
Ad Martyrasc. 197 ADA letter of encouragement to Christians imprisoned and awaiting martyrdom, comparing their suffering to athletic training and military service.
Ad Nationesc. 197 ADAn early apologetic work addressed to the nations, defending Christians against common charges and exposing the absurdities of pagan religion.
Against All Heresies (Appendix)c. 200–220 ADA catalogue of heresies appended to the anti-heretical works, listing and briefly refuting each heretical school.
Against Hermogenesc. 200–206 ADA refutation of Hermogenes's doctrine that God created the world from pre-existent matter, defending creation ex nihilo.
Against Praxeasc. 213 ADA landmark treatise on the Trinity, first using the Latin term 'trinitas' and articulating the distinction of three Persons in one divine substance against modalist heresy.
Against the Valentiniansc. 206–212 ADAn exposé and satirical refutation of the elaborate Valentinian Gnostic cosmology, revealing its absurdities through sharp wit.
An Answer to the Jewsc. 197 ADA treatise arguing from Old Testament prophecy that the Messiah has come, the old covenant has been superseded, and the Gentiles are now the true people of God.
Apologyc. 197 ADTertullian's masterful defense of Christianity addressed to Roman magistrates, refuting charges of atheism, immorality, and treason while exposing the injustice of persecuting Christians.
On Baptismc. 198–206 ADThe earliest surviving treatise on baptism, explaining its necessity, typology, and proper administration, and opposing a Gnostic woman who denied baptism's value.
On Idolatryc. 211 ADA rigorous treatise on the many subtle forms of idolatry in Roman society, arguing that Christians must avoid all participation in pagan worship, trades, and customs.
On Patiencec. 200–203 ADA meditation on the virtue of patience as foundational to Christian life, in which the famously fiery Tertullian confesses his own struggle with the virtue he commends.
On Prayerc. 198–204 ADAn exposition of the Lord's Prayer and a practical guide to Christian prayer, covering posture, times, and the spiritual attitude required.
On Repentancec. 203 ADAn early treatise on the nature and practice of repentance, written before Tertullian's Montanist period, distinguishing pre-baptismal from post-baptismal penance.
On the Flesh of Christc. 206–212 ADA defense of the reality of Christ's human flesh against Marcion, Apelles, and the Valentinians, containing the famous paradox 'it is certain because it is impossible.'
On the Resurrection of the Fleshc. 206–212 ADA comprehensive defense of bodily resurrection against Gnostic spiritualizing interpretations, arguing from Scripture, reason, and the dignity of the body.
Scorpiacec. 211–213 ADAn 'antidote for the scorpion's sting' — a defense of martyrdom against Gnostics who taught that confessing Christ unto death was unnecessary.
The Chaplet (De Corona)c. 211 ADOccasioned by a soldier's refusal to wear a laurel wreath, this treatise examines whether Christians may serve in the military and argues against adopting pagan customs.
The Five Books Against Marcionc. 207–212 ADTertullian's longest and most systematic work, refuting Marcion's dualism and his rejection of the Old Testament God, defending the unity of Creator and Redeemer.
The Passion of the Holy Martyrs Perpetua and Felicitasc. 203 ADA vivid account of the martyrdom of Perpetua and Felicitas in Carthage, partly written in Perpetua's own words — one of the earliest known writings by a Christian woman.
The Prescription Against Hereticsc. 200 ADA foundational work on the rule of faith, arguing that heretics have no right to appeal to Scripture since the apostolic churches alone possess the authentic tradition.
The Shows (De Spectaculis)c. 197–202 ADA passionate argument that Christians must shun the Roman games, theater, and circus as expressions of pagan idolatry and moral corruption.
The Soul's Testimonyc. 197 ADA brief but striking argument that the human soul naturally testifies to Christian truths — the existence of God, the reality of demons, and the immortality of the soul.
To Scapulac. 212 ADAn open letter to the proconsul Scapula warning against the persecution of Christians, citing divine judgments on past persecutors.

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