Tertullian against Praxeas
Overview
By common consent Against Praxeas is one of Tertullian’s most important works. It possesses a positive and historic significance as the earliest surviving formal statement of the doctrine of the Trinity. It is true that the argument, at least so far as it is based on passages from the Greek version of the Old Testament, or on a Latin translation of that Greek, is not so convincing to the modern student of Scripture as it must have been in Tertullian’s own day. Yet the knowledge of the Bible shown is amazing. At the same time the sheer brain power which the work exhibits would render it notable in any age.
Alexander Souter’s translation of Against Praxeas begins with an introduction to Tertullian’s life and works, and then an introduction to the work at hand. The translation is annotated with careful and helpful notes. Souter includes an index of quotations and references for both the Old and New Testaments and an index of Latin words.
In the Logos edition, this valuable volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Scripture citations link directly to English translations, and important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
- Provides a clear translation of Tertullian’s most significant works
- Explores the earliest surviving formal statement of the doctrine of the Trinity
- Offers material well suited for students and pastors
Top Highlights
“In doctrine and in language alike he is a pioneer of Western Christianity. To him we owe the first formulation of the doctrine of the Trinity; to him we owe a great part of the Christian Latin vocabulary.” (Page xiii)
“And this applies especially to the perversity that thinks it possesses the undiluted truth, in holding the view that it must not believe in one God in any other way than by saying that this selfsame God is both Father and Son and Spirit.” (Page 30)
“the earliest surviving formal statement of the doctrine of the Trinity.” (Page vii)
“for there is He who declares, the Spirit, and the Father to whom He declares, and the Son about whom He declares” (Page 54)
“All his knowledge of law, literature and philosophy was at once enlisted on the side of the persecuted religion” (Page xii)
- Title: Tertullian against Praxeas
- Author: Alexander Souter
- Publisher: SPCK
- Publication Date: 1920
- Pages: 125
Alexander Souter (1873–1949) was born in Perth, Scotland. He was educated at the University of Aberdeen and the University of Cambridge. From 1903 to 1910, he served as Yates Professor of New Testament Greek and Exegesis at Mansfield College, Oxford. From 1911 to 1937 he served as Regius Professor of Humanities at the University of Aberdeen.
