Author: Tertullian
Title: On the Baptism, De baptismo
Origin: Carthage (Latin North Africa)
Denomination: Catholic/Nicene/Chalcedonian
Title: On the Baptism, De baptismo
Origin: Carthage (Latin North Africa)
Denomination: Catholic/Nicene/Chalcedonian
Tertullian was born and active in Carthage (North Africa). He was most probably trained as a lawyer. He converted to Christianity before AD 197. His rigorist views drew him towards the Montanists (before AD 207), and eventually he distanced himself even from them, creating a party of his own. He died after AD 220. He may have been a presbyter [402]. He left many writings, both from the Catholic and Montanist period.
“On Baptism” was written in the Catholic period. It is directed against the group of Cainites, and deals with the necessity and effects of baptism, including the invalidity of baptism administered by heretics.
Edition:
J.G.Ph. Borleffs ed., Q.S.Fl. Tertulliani De baptismo, Corpus Christianorum. Series Latina 1, Turnhout 1954, 275-295.