Tertullian describes a community fund and common meals
About this date: The anchor follows the conventional dating of the Apology, not the foundation of the practices it describes.
In his Apology, Tertullian describes Christian assemblies, voluntary contributions, and meals framed by prayer. He presents shared resources as assistance for people in need rather than payment for religious membership.
Historical context
Tertullian writes to answer accusations against Christians. His description connects worship with material support while arguing that Christian gatherings should not be treated as dangerous associations.
Key points
- Contributions are described as voluntary and dependent on a giver's ability.
- Recipients include poor families, orphaned children, older people, shipwreck survivors, and imprisoned believers.
- The communal meal begins and ends with prayer and includes singing; Tertullian stresses restraint rather than display.
People
- Tertullian
Sources and further reading
- Apology: Christian assemblies and their common fund
Describes prayer, reading, voluntary gifts, their recipients, and the conduct of communal meals.
Related records
- Pliny asks Trajan how to try Christians
- Roman gifts support distant churches and prisoners
- Perpetua and Felicity martyred at Carthage
- The Epistle to Diognetus portrays Christians in ordinary cities
- Clement of Alexandria examines wealth and generosity
- Cyprian explains why the Lord's Prayer is shared prayer