Journal: Tyndale Bulletin
Volume: TYNBUL 69:2 (NA 2018)
Article: "Tantum In Domino"’ Tertullian’s Interpretation Of 1 Corinthians 7 In His "Ad Uxorem"
Author: Coleman M. Ford

TynBull 69:2 (2018) p. 241

Tantum In Domino’
Tertullian’s Interpretation Of 1 Corinthians 7 In His Ad Uxorem

Coleman Ford

([email protected])

Summary

Tertullian of Carthage (c. ad 155–240) is most remembered for his adherence to the Montanist sect and subsequent moral rigidity. While various opinions exist as to the Montanist influence upon his writings, signs of such adherence are evident from an early period. This is true of his treatise Ad uxorem, written in the early third century. His views of marriage, specifically in light of the Pauline injunctive from 1 Corinthians 7:39, provide readers with an early, and relatively unexplored, perspective on Christian marriage. This essay examines this early treatise from Tertullian, and his interpretation of Paul, in order to better understand the complexities of Tertullian’s early view of marriage. Addressing the work of Elizabeth Clark on this topic, this essay presents the tantum in Domino (‘only in the Lord’) phrase as pivotal for understanding Tertullian’s view of marriage (and subsequent remarriage) as a created good.

1. Introduction

In assessing Tertullian on marriage in his Ad uxorem, Elizabeth A. Clark observes,

‘Commenting on 1 Cor. 7, Tertullian repeats Paul’s argument that marriage may be “necessary” to stave off sexual temptations, but what is

TynBull 69:2 (2018) p. 242

only “necessary,” Tertullian claims, is easily deprecated. As merely “permitted,” marriage cannot be classed among the “goods.”’1

Marriage, in this regard, is not truly good because it is considered obligatory and inevitable for the purpose of procreation. Does this notion accurately portray Tertullian’s exegesis of Paul, particularly 1 Corinthians 7, in Ad uxorem? This essay will seek to answer this question.

Additionally, to what extent, if any, do Tertullian’s Montanist tendencies affect his moral exhortation in Ad uxorem? Regarding remarriage in Tertullian, Christine Trevett notes,

‘Tertullian had trawled for Jewish scriptural, Christian and pagan precedents for arguing the rejection of remarriage and he used them in both pre-Montanist and Montanist writings … [According to Tertullian] to opt for marriage was to compromise with the flesh.’2

Though Ad uxorem may be considered a pre-Montanist writing, are there any discernible Montanist...