Tertullian , a prolific writer and supposedly first to use the term “Trinity,” is known as the “founder of Western theology.” Like Justin Martyr, he argued that the Gentiles had been chosen by God to replace the Jews because they were worthier and more honorable. In De Oratione, he wrote that ‘though Israel may wash all its members every day, it is never clean. Its hands … are always stained, covered forever with the blood of the prophets and of our Lord himself.’
Origen of Alexandria, one of the most distinguished of the church fathers, declared Jews dangerous enemies of Christians. He writes (240 CE) that the Jews “have committed the most abominable of crimes” in conspiring against Christ, and for that reason “the Jewish nation was driven from its country, and another people was called by God to the blessed election”.
Cyprian, a bishop of Carthage and preeminent Latin writer who was himself persecuted by Emperor Valarian and eventually beheaded in Rome, in 248 CE wrote:
“I have endeavoured to show that the Jews, according to what had before been foretold, had departed from God, and had lost God’s favour, which had been given them in past time, and had been promised them for the future; while the Christians had succeeded to their place, deserving well of the Lord by faith, and coming out of all nations and from the whole world. ”
Today, Day 5, we repent of the sins of judging our brother and withholding mercy.
“Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;
give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:36-38)
Father, we ask You to forgive these early church fathers for taking Your place as Judge and to forgive us where we are guilty. Help us to be as willing as You are to extend mercy, for Your glory, in Yeshua’s name we pray.
Related Scripture:
For the LORD is our judge; the LORD is our lawgiver; the LORD is our king; he will save us. Isaiah 33:22 ESV
There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? James 4:12 ESV
For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6 KJV
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