To Quirinus: Three Books of Testimonies 3.11–3.25
Latin text: CSEL 3.1 (Latin text: W. von Hartel (CSEL 3.1, 1868), digitized by Open Greek and Latin, University of Leipzig (csel-dev), CC BY-SA 4.0).English: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), public domain (CC0). Compare: Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 5 (1886).
Chapter 3
3.11CSEL 3.1:122–125
EVM QVI FIDEM CONSECVTVS EST EXPOSITO PRIORE HOMINE CAELESTIA TANTVM ET SPIRITALIA COGITARE DEBERE NEC ADTENDERE AD SAECVLVM, CVI IAM RENVNTIAVIT. Apud Esaiam: Quaerite Dominum et mox inueneritis, inuocate eum. cum autem adpropinquauerit uobis, relinquat impius uias suas et uir iniquus cogitationes suas et conuertatur ad Dominum et misericordiam consequetur, quia relinquet multum peccata uestra. Item apud Salomonem: Vidi uniuersa opera quae facta sunt sub sole, et ecce omnia uanitas. Item in Exodo: Sic autem comedetis eum. lumbi uestri praecincti et caligae uestrae in pedibus uestris et bacula uestra in manibus uestris et edetis eum festinanter. pascha est Domini. Item in euangelio secundum Matthaeum: Nolite cogitare dicentes: quid edemus aut quid bibemus aut quid uestiemur? haec enim nationes quaerunt. scit enim pater uester quia horum omnium indigetis. quaerite primum regnum et iustitiam Dei, et haec omnia adponentur uobis. Item illic: Nolite cogitare de crastino. crastinus enim dies ipse cogitabit pro se. sufficit diei malitia sua. Item illic: Nemo inponens manum suam in aratro respiciens retro aptus est regno Dei. Item illic: Aspicite uolatilia caeli, quoniam non seminant neque metunt neque colligunt in horrea, et. pater uester caelestis pascit illa. nonne uos plus estis illis? Item secundum Lucam: Sint lumbi uestri adcincti et lucernae ardentes et uos similes hominibus expectantibus dominum suum, quando ueniat a nuptiis, ut cum uenerit et pulsauerit, aperiatis illi. beati serui illi quos adueniens dominus inuenerit uigilantes. Item secundum Matthaeum: Vulpes cubilia habent et uolucres caeli diuersoria, filius autem hominis non habet, ubi caput suum reclinet. Item illic: Qui non renuntiat omnibus quae sunt eius, non potest meus discipulus esse. Item apostolus ad Corinthios prima: Non estis uestri. empti enim estis pretio magno. clarificate et portate Deum in corpore uestro. Item illic: Tempus collectum est. reliquum est ergo ut et qui habent uxores quasi non habentes sint, et qui flent quasi non flentes, et qui gaudent quasi non gaudentes, et qui emunt quasi non possidentes, et qui hoc mundo utuntur quasi non utantur. praeterit enim figura huius mundi. Item illic: Primus homo de terrae limo, secundus homo de caelo. qualis ille e limo, tales et qui de limo, et qualis caelestis, tales et caelestes. quomodo portauimus imaginem eius qui de limo est, portemus et imaginem eius qui de caelo est. Item ad Philippenses: Omnes sua quaerunt et non quae sunt Christi: quorum finis est interitus, quorum Deus uenter est, et gloria in confusionem eorum qui terrena sapiunt. nostra autem conuersatio in caelis est: unde et saluatorem expectamus Dominum Iesum Christum qui transformabit corpus humilitatis nostrae conformatum corpori claritatis suae. Item ad Galatas: Mihi autem absit gloriari nisi in crucem Domini nostri Iesu Christi, per quem mihi mundus crucifixus est et ego mundo. Item ad Timotheum: Nemo militans Deo inplicat se negotiis saecularibus, ut possit placere ei qui se probauit. sed et si certabit quis, non coronabitur, nisi legitime pugnauerit. Item ad Colossenses: Si mortui estis cum Christo ab elementis eius mundi, quid tamquam uiuentes in hoc mundo uana sectamini Item de hoc ipso: Si conresurrexistis in Christo, quae susum sunt quaerite, ubi Christus est in dextera Dei sedens: quae susum sunt sapite non quae terrena sunt. mortui enim estis et uita uestra abscondita est cum Christo in Deo. cum autem Christus apparuerit uita uestra, tunc et uos apparebitis in gloria. Item ad Ephesios: Exponite prioris conuersationis ueterem hominem qui conrumpitur secundum concupiscentias deceptionis. innouamini autem spiritu sensus uestri et induite nouum hominem, eum qui secundum Deum constitutus est in iustitia et sanctitate et ueritate. De hoc ipso in epistula Petri: Quasi hospites et peregrini abstinete uos a carnalibus desideriis quae militant aduersus animam, conuersationem habentes inter gentiles bonam, ut dum retractant de uobis quasi de malignis, bona opera uestra aspicientes magnificent Dominum. Item in epistula Iohannis: Qui dicit se in Christo manere debet, quomodo ille ambulauit, et ipse ambulare. Item illic: Nolite diligere mundum neque ea quae in mundo sunt. si qui dilexerit mundum, non est caritas patris in illo: quoniam omne quod in mundo est, concupiscentia carnis est et concupiscentia oculorum et ambitio saeculi quae non est a Patre sed ex concupiscentia saeculi: et mundus transibit et concupiscentia eius. qui autem fecerit uoluntatem Dei manebit in aeternum, quomodo et ipse manet in aeternum. Item apostolus ad Corinthios prima: Expurgate uetus fermentum, ut sitis noua consparsio, sicut estis azymi. nam et pascha nostrum immolatus est Christus. itaque festa celebremus non in fermento ueteri neque in fermento malitiae et nequitiae sed in azymis sinceritatis et ueritatis.
That he who has attained faith, having put off the former man, ought to think only of heavenly and spiritual things and pay no heed to the world, which he has already renounced. In Isaiah: “Seek the Lord, and you will soon find him; call upon him. And when he has drawn near to you, let the ungodly man forsake his ways and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him turn to the Lord, and he will obtain mercy, for he will forgive your sins abundantly.” Also in Solomon: “I saw all the works that are done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity.” Also in Exodus: “And thus you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staffs in your hands; and you shall eat it in haste. It is the Lord's passover.” Also in the Gospel according to Matthew: “Do not be anxious, saying: What shall we eat, or what shall we drink, or what shall we wear? For the nations seek these things. For your Father knows that you need all these things. Seek first the kingdom and righteousness of God, and all these things will be added to you.” Also there: “Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Also there: “No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” Also there: “Look at the birds of the sky: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth more than they?” Also according to Luke: “Let your loins be girded and your lamps burning, and be like men waiting for their master, when he comes from the wedding, so that when he comes and knocks you may open to him. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds watching when he comes.” Also according to Matthew: “Foxes have dens and the birds of the sky have lodgings, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Also there: “He who does not renounce all that is his cannot be my disciple.” Also the apostle in First Corinthians: “You are not your own, for you were bought with a great price. Glorify God and carry him in your body.” Also there: “The time is short. It remains, then, that those who have wives be as though they had none, and those who weep as though not weeping, and those who rejoice as though not rejoicing, and those who buy as though not possessing, and those who use this world as though not using it; for the form of this world is passing away.” Also there: “The first man was from the slime of the earth, the second man from heaven. As was the one from the slime, so are those who are from the slime; and as is the heavenly one, so also are the heavenly. As we have borne the image of him who is from the slime, let us also bear the image of him who is from heaven.” Also to the Philippians: “All seek their own, and not the things of Christ; whose end is destruction, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also await a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform the body of our lowliness, conformed to the body of his glory.” Also to the Galatians: “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom the world is crucified to me and I to the world.” Also to Timothy: “No one serving as a soldier to God entangles himself in worldly business, so that he may please him who approved him. And if anyone competes, he will not be crowned unless he has fought lawfully.” Also to the Colossians: “If you have died with Christ from the elements of this world, why, as if living in this world, do you pursue vain things?” Also on this very point: “If you have risen with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God; set your minds on the things above, not on earthly things. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, your life, appears, then you also will appear in glory.” Also to the Ephesians: “Put off, as regards your former way of life, the old man, who is corrupted according to the desires of deceit; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new man, who has been created according to God in righteousness and holiness and truth.” On this very point, in the Epistle of Peter: “As strangers and sojourners, abstain from fleshly desires, which war against the soul, keeping your conduct good among the gentiles, so that, while they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good works and magnify the Lord.” Also in the Epistle of John: “He who says he abides in Christ ought himself also to walk as he walked.” Also there: “Do not love the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; for all that is in the world is the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the ambition of the world, which is not from the Father but from the desire of the world. And the world will pass away, and its desire; but he who does the will of God abides for ever, even as he abides for ever.” Also the apostle in First Corinthians: “Purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, as you are unleavened. For Christ our passover has also been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”
Isa 55:6–7 (quotation, high confidence) · Eccl 1:14 (quotation, high confidence) · Exod 12:11 (quotation, high confidence) · Matt 6:31–34 (quotation, high confidence) · Luke 9:62 (quotation, high confidence) · Matt 6:26 (quotation, high confidence) · Luke 12:35–37 (quotation, high confidence) · Matt 8:20 (quotation, high confidence) · Luke 14:33 (quotation, high confidence) · 1 Cor 6:19–20 (quotation, high confidence) · 1 Cor 7:29–31 (quotation, high confidence) · 1 Cor 15:47–49 (quotation, high confidence) · Phil 2:21 (quotation, high confidence) · Phil 3:19–21 (quotation, high confidence) · Gal 6:14 (quotation, high confidence) · 2 Tim 2:4–5 (quotation, high confidence) · Col 2:20 (quotation, high confidence) · Col 3:1–4 (quotation, high confidence) · Eph 4:22–24 (quotation, high confidence) · 1 Pet 2:11–12 (quotation, high confidence) · 1 John 2:6 (quotation, high confidence) · 1 John 2:15–17 (quotation, high confidence) · 1 Cor 5:7–8 (quotation, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The believer, having put off the old self and renounced the world, should set his mind on heavenly things, as the Passover, the Sermon on the Mount, and Paul's letters teach.
- The quotations are Isa 55:6–7; Eccl 1:14; Exod 12:11; Matt 6:31–33, 34; Luke 9:62 (introduced as Matthew); Matt 6:26; Luke 12:35–37; Matt 8:20; Luke 14:33 (introduced as Matthew); 1 Cor 6:19–20; 7:29–31; 15:47–49; Phil 2:21; 3:19–21; Gal 6:14; 2 Tim 2:4–5; Col 2:20; 3:1–4; Eph 4:22–24; 1 Pet 2:11–12; 1 John 2:6, 15–17; 1 Cor 5:7–8. “Serving as a soldier to God” (Deo) and “carry him in your body” follow Cyprian's Latin text.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR misreading of n as u; stray letters in the digital text; words run together in the digital text): Vidiuniuersa → Vidi uniuersa; Item em de hoc ipso → Item de hoc ipso; iuduite → induite.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Cyprian, Test. 3.11 (CSEL 3.1:122–125; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-testimonia/3-11/#p-3-11).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 3.1; made independently of existing English translations.
3.12CSEL 3.1:125–126
NON IVRANDVM. Apud Salomonem: Vir multum iurans inplebitur iniquitate et non discedet a domo eius plaga: et si uane iurauerit, non iustificabitur. Item in euangelio secundum Matthaeum: Dico uobis non iurare in totum. sit autem sermo uester: est est, non non. Item in Exodo: Non accipies nomen Domini Dei tui in uano.
That we are not to swear. In Solomon: “A man who swears much will be filled with iniquity, and the scourge will not depart from his house; and if he swears in vain, he will not be justified.” Also in the Gospel according to Matthew: “I say to you, do not swear at all. But let your word be: yes, yes; no, no.” Also in Exodus: “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.”
Matt 5:34 (quotation, high confidence) · Matt 5:37 (quotation, high confidence) · Exod 20:7 (quotation, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Christians are not to swear oaths.
- The quotations are Sir 23:11 (cited as “Solomon”); Matt 5:34, 37; Exod 20:7.
Extrabiblical texts: Sir 23:11 (Sirach [in RC, EO, ETH canons]; quotation)
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Cyprian, Test. 3.12 (CSEL 3.1:125–126; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-testimonia/3-11/#p-3-12).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 3.1; made independently of existing English translations.
3.13CSEL 3.1:126–127
NON MALEDICENDVM. In Exodo: Non maledices neque principi populi tui detraxeris. Item in psalmo XXXIII: Quis est homo qui uult uitam et cupit uidere dies bonos? cohibe linguam tuam a malo et labia tua ne loquantur dolum. Item in Leuitico: Et locutus est Dominus ad Moysen dicens: produc eum qui maledixerit foras extra castra, et inponent omnes qui audierunt manus suas super caput eius et lapidabunt eum omnis synagoga filiorum Israel. Item apostolus ad Ephesios: Omnis sermo malus de ore uestro non procedat, sed si quis bonus est ad aedificationem fidei, ut det gratiam audientibus. Item ad Romanos: Benedicite et nolite maledicere. Item in euangelio secundum Matthaeum: Qui dixerit fratri suo: fatue, reus erit gehennae ignis. Item secundum Lucam: Dico autem uobis, quia omne uerbum uacuum quod locuti fuerint homines, reddent pro eo rationem in die iudicii. de sermonibus enim tuis iustificaberis et de sermonibus tuis condemnaberis.
That we are not to curse. In Exodus: “You shall not curse, nor shall you speak ill of the ruler of your people.” Also in Psalm 33 [34]: “Who is the man who desires life and longs to see good days? Restrain your tongue from evil, and let your lips not speak deceit.” Also in Leviticus: “And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Bring out the one who has cursed outside the camp, and let all who heard lay their hands on his head, and let the whole congregation of the children of Israel stone him.” Also the apostle to the Ephesians: “Let no evil word proceed from your mouth, but whatever is good, for the building up of faith, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Also to the Romans: “Bless, and do not curse.” Also in the Gospel according to Matthew: “Whoever says to his brother, ‘Fool,’ will be liable to the gehenna of fire.” Also according to Luke: “But I say to you that for every idle word that men speak they will give account on the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Exod 22:28 (quotation, high confidence) · Ps 34:12–13 (33:13-Ps Vulg.) (quotation, high confidence) · Lev 24:13–14 (quotation, high confidence) · Eph 4:29 (quotation, high confidence) · Rom 12:14 (quotation, high confidence) · Matt 5:22 (quotation, high confidence) · Matt 12:36–37 (quotation, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Cursing and evil speech are forbidden, since every idle word will be judged.
- The quotations are Exod 22:28; Ps 34:12–13 (33:13–14 Vulg.); Lev 24:13–14; Eph 4:29; Rom 12:14; Matt 5:22; Matt 12:36–37 (introduced as Luke).
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR misreading of s as a): fratri auo → fratri suo.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Cyprian, Test. 3.13 (CSEL 3.1:126–127; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-testimonia/3-11/#p-3-13).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 3.1; made independently of existing English translations.
3.14CSEL 3.1:127
NVMQVAM MVSSITANDVM, SED CIRCA OMNIA QVAE ACCIDVNT BENEDICENDVM DEVM. Apud Iob: Dic uerbum aliquod in Dominum et morere. at ille intuitus eam dixit: tamquam una ex ineptis mulieribus locuta es. si bona excepimus de manu Domini, mala non tolerabimus? in his omnibus quae acciderunt ei nihil peccauit Iob labiis suis in conspectu Domini. Item illic: Animaduertisti puerum meum Iob? non enim est similis illi quisquam in terris, homo sine querella, uerus Dei cultor, abstinens se ab omni malo. Item in psalmo XXXIII: Benedicam Dominum in omni tempore, semper laus eius in ore meo. Item in Numeris: Desinat murmuratio eorum a me, et non morientur. Item in Actibus apostolorum: Circa mediam autem noctem Paulus et Sileas orantes gratias agebant Deo. audiebant autem eos uincti. Item Paulus apostolus ad Philippenses: Omnia autem pro dilectione facite sine murmurationibus et reputationibus, ut sitis sine querella et inmaculati filii Dei.
That we are never to grumble, but to bless God for everything that happens. In Job: “‘Say some word against the Lord, and die.’ But he looked at her and said: ‘You have spoken like one of the foolish women. If we have received good things from the hand of the Lord, shall we not endure evil things?’ In all these things that befell him Job did not sin with his lips in the sight of the Lord.” Also there: “Have you considered my servant Job? For there is no one like him on earth: a man without complaint, a true worshipper of God, keeping himself from all evil.” Also in Psalm 33 [34]: “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall always be in my mouth.” Also in Numbers: “Let their murmuring against me cease, and they shall not die.” Also in the Acts of the Apostles: “And about midnight Paul and Silas, praying, gave thanks to God; and the prisoners heard them.” Also the apostle Paul to the Philippians: “But do all things out of love, without murmurings and disputings, so that you may be without complaint and spotless children of God.”
Job 2:9–10 (quotation, high confidence) · Job 1:8 (quotation, high confidence) · Ps 34:1 (33:2 Vulg.) (quotation, high confidence) · Num 17:10 (quotation, high confidence) · Acts 16:25 (quotation, high confidence) · Phil 2:14–15 (quotation, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Instead of grumbling, believers should bless God in all circumstances, as Job, the Psalmist, and Paul and Silas did.
- The quotations are Job 2:9–10; 1:8; Ps 34:1 (33:2 Vulg.); Num 17:10; Acts 16:25; Phil 2:14–15. “Silas” renders the Latin “Sileas”.
Cite (SBL): Cyprian, Test. 3.14 (CSEL 3.1:127; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-testimonia/3-11/#p-3-14).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 3.1; made independently of existing English translations.
3.15CSEL 3.1:127–128
AD HOC TEMPTARI HOMINES A DEO VT EXPLORENTVR. In Genesi: Et temptauit Deus Abraham et dixit ad illum: accipe filium tuum illum unicum quem dilexisti Isaac et uade in terram altam et inpones illum hostiam in uno ex montibus, de quo tibi dixero. Item in Deuteronomio: Temptat Dominus Deus uester uos ut sciat, si diligitis Dominum Deum uestrum ex toto corde uestro et ex tota anima uestra. Item in Sapientia Salomonis: Et si coram hominibus tormenta passi sunt, spes eorum inmortalitate plena est: et in paucis uexati in multis bene disponentur, quoniam Deus temptauit illos et inuenit illos dignos se. tamquam aurum in fornace probauit illos et quasi holocaustam hostiam accepit illos. et in tempore erit respectus illorum, iudicabunt nationes et dominabuntur populis, et regnabit dominus eorum in perpetuum. Item in Machabaeis: Abraham nonne in temptatione inuentus est fidelis et deputatum est ei ad iustitiam?
That men are tempted by God for this purpose, that they may be proved. In Genesis: “And God tempted Abraham and said to him: Take your son, that only son of yours whom you have loved, Isaac, and go into the high land, and you shall offer him as a sacrifice on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” Also in Deuteronomy: “The Lord your God tempts you, to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” Also in the Wisdom of Solomon: “And though in the sight of men they suffered torments, their hope is full of immortality; and having been troubled in a few things, they will be well rewarded in many, for God tested them and found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace he proved them, and as a whole burnt offering he accepted them. And in their time there will be regard for them; they will judge nations and rule over peoples, and their Lord will reign for ever.” Also in Maccabees: “Was not Abraham found faithful in temptation, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness?”
Gen 22:1–2 (quotation, high confidence) · Deut 13:3 (quotation, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: God tests people in order to prove them, as he did Abraham and the righteous who suffered.
- The quotations are Gen 22:1–2; Deut 13:3; Wis 3:4–8; 1 Macc 2:52.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR misreading of R as S in the capital heading; OCR misreading of the capital heading): HOMXNES → HOMINES; EXPLORENTVS → EXPLORENTVR.
Extrabiblical texts: Wis 3:4–8 (Wisdom of Solomon [in RC, EO, ETH canons]; quotation); 1 Macc 2:52 (1 Maccabees [in RC, EO canons]; quotation)
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Cyprian, Test. 3.15 (CSEL 3.1:127–128; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-testimonia/3-11/#p-3-15).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 3.1; made independently of existing English translations.
3.16CSEL 3.1:128–132
DE BONO MARTVRII. In Sapientia Salomonis: Liberat de malis animam martyr fidelis. Item illic: Tunc stabunt iusti in magna constantia aduersus eos qui se angustauerunt et qui labores eorum diripuerunt. uidentes turbabuntur timore horribili et mirabuntur in subitatione insperatae salutis dicentes inter se, paenitentiam habentes et per angustiam spiritus gementes: hi sunt quos habuimus aliquando in risum et in similitudinem inproperii. nos insensati uitam illorum aestimabamus insaniam et finem illorum sine honore. quomodo conputati sunt inter filios Dei, et inter sanctos sors illorum est? ergo errauimus a uia ueritatis et iustitiae lumen non luxit nobis et sol non est ortus nobis. lassati sumus in iniquitatis uia et perditionis et ambulauimus solitudines difficiles, uiam autem Domini ignorauimus. quid nobis profuit superbia aut quid diuitiarum iactatio contulit nobis? transierant omnia illa tamquam umbra. Item in psalmo CXV: Pretiosa in conspectu Domini mors sanctorum eius. Item in psalmo CXXV: Qui seminant in lacrimis in gaudio metent. euntes ibant et flebant mittentes semina sua, uenientes autem uenient in exultatione portantes manipulos suos. Item in euangelio secundum Iohannem: Qui amat animam suam perdet illam et qui odit animam suam in isto saeculo in uitam aeternam conseruabit illam. Item illic: Veniet hora, ut omnis qui uos occiderit putet se officium Deo facere. sed hoc facient, quoniam non cognouerunt patrem neque me. Item secundum Matthaeum: Beati qui persecutionem patiuntur propter iustitiam, quoniam ipsorum est regnum caelorum. Item illic: Cum autem uos tradiderint, nolite cogitare quid loquamini. dabitur enim uobis in illa hora quid loquamini. non enim uos estis qui loquimini, sed spiritus patris uestri qui loquitur in uobis. Item illic: Ne timueritis eos qui occidunt corpus, animam autem non possunt occidere, magis autem timete eum qui potest animam et corpus occidere in gehennam. Item illic: Quicumque confessus fuerit me coram hominibus, et ego confitebor illum coram patre meo qui est in caelis. qui autem me negauerit coram hominibus, et ego negabo eum coram patre meo qui est in caelis. qui autem sustinuerit usque ad finem, hic saluus erit. Item secundum Lucam: Beati eritis, cum uos oderint homines et separauerint uos et expulerint et maledixerint nomini uestro quasi nequam propter filium hominis. gaudete in illa die et exultate. ecce enim merces uestra multa est in caelis. Item illic: Amen dico uobis, nemo est qui reliquerit domum aut parentes aut fratres aut uxorem aut filios propter regnum Dei et non recipiat septies tantum in isto tempore, in saeculo autem uenturo uitam aeternam. Item in Apocaly psi: Et cum aperuisset quintum signum, uidi sub ara Dei animas occisorum propter uerbum Dei et martyrium suum, et clamauerunt magna uoce dicentes: quousque, Domine sanctus et uerus, non iudicas et uindicas sanguinem nostrum de his qui in terris inhabitant? et data est eis singulis stola alba et dictum est eis ut requiescerent breui adhuc tempore, donec inpleatur numerus conseruorum et fratrum eorum quique postea occidentur exemplo ipsorum. Item illic: Post haec uidi turbam multam quam dinumerare nemo poterat ex omni gente et ex omni tribu et populo et lingua stantes in conspectu throni et agni et erant amicti stolas albas et palmae erant in manibus eorum et magno clamore dicebant: salus Deo nostro sedenti super thronum et agno. et respondit unus ex senioribus dicens mihi: qui amicti sunt stolas albas, qui sunt et unde uenerunt? et dixi ei: Domine, tu scis. et ait mihi: hi sunt qui uenerunt ex magna tribulatione et lauerunt stolas suas et candidas eas fecerunt in sanguine agni. propter hoc sunt in conspectu throni Dei et seruiunt ei diebus et noctibus in templo eius, et is qui sedet in throno inhabitabit super eos. neque esurient neque sitient umquam, sed neque sol super eos cadet neque ullum aestum patientur: quia agnus qui in medio throni est teget eos et deducet eos ad fontes uitae aquarum, et absterget Deus omnem lacrimam ex oculis eorum. Item illic: Qui uincit, dabo illi edere de ligno uitae quod est in paradiso Dei mei. Item illic: Esto fidelis usque ad mortem, et dabo tibi coronam uitae. felices eos qui uigilabunt et seruabunt uestimenta sua ne nudi ambulent et uideant turpitudinem suam. Item apostolus ad Timotheum secunda: Ego iam immolor et tempus adsumptionis meae instat. bonum agonem certaui, cursum consummaui, fidem seruaui. iam superest mihi corona iustitiae quam mihi reddet Dominus in illa die ille iudex iustus, non solum autem mihi, sed et omnibus qui diligunt aduentum eius. Item ad Romanos: Sumus filii Dei. si autem filii, et heredes, coheredes autem Christi: siquidem conpatiamur, ut et conmagnificemur. Item in psalmo CXVIII: Beati inmaculati in uia, qui ambulant in lege Domini. beati qui perscrutantur testimonia eius.
On the good of martyrdom. In the Wisdom of Solomon: “A faithful martyr delivers the soul from evils.” Also there: “Then the righteous will stand in great boldness against those who afflicted them and who plundered their labors. Seeing them, they will be troubled with terrible fear and will be amazed at the suddenness of their unexpected salvation, saying among themselves, repenting and groaning in anguish of spirit: These are the ones whom we once held in derision and as a byword of reproach. We fools considered their life madness and their end without honor. How are they now numbered among the sons of God, and their lot is among the saints? So we strayed from the way of truth, and the light of righteousness did not shine on us, and the sun did not rise for us. We grew weary in the way of iniquity and destruction, and we walked through trackless deserts, but the way of the Lord we did not know. What did pride profit us, or what has the boasting of riches brought us? All those things have passed away like a shadow.” Also in Psalm 115 [116]: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Also in Psalm 125 [126]: “Those who sow in tears will reap in joy. Going, they went and wept, sowing their seeds; but coming, they will come with exultation, carrying their sheaves.” Also in the Gospel according to John: “He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” Also there: “The hour will come when everyone who kills you will think he is offering service to God. But they will do this because they have not known the Father or me.” Also according to Matthew: “Blessed are those who suffer persecution for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Also there: “But when they hand you over, do not be anxious what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.” Also there: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can kill both soul and body in gehenna.” Also there: “Whoever confesses me before men, I too will confess him before my Father who is in heaven; but whoever denies me before men, I too will deny him before my Father who is in heaven. But he who endures to the end, he will be saved.” Also according to Luke: “Blessed will you be when men hate you and separate you and cast you out and curse your name as evil for the sake of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and exult, for see, your reward is great in heaven.” Also there: “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children for the sake of the kingdom of God who will not receive sevenfold in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.” Also in the Apocalypse: “And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar of God the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for their witness; and they cried with a loud voice, saying: How long, O Lord, holy and true, do you not judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth? And a white robe was given to each of them, and they were told to rest a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and brothers should be completed, who would afterwards be slain after their example.” Also there: “After this I saw a great multitude which no one could number, from every nation and every tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and the Lamb; and they were clothed in white robes, and there were palms in their hands, and they said with a loud cry: Salvation to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb. And one of the elders answered, saying to me: Those who are clothed in white robes, who are they, and where have they come from? And I said to him: Lord, you know. And he said to me: These are they who have come out of the great tribulation and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple, and he who sits on the throne will dwell over them. They will neither hunger nor thirst any more, nor will the sun fall on them, nor will they suffer any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shelter them and lead them to springs of the waters of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Also there: “He who conquers, I will grant him to eat of the tree of life which is in the paradise of my God.” Also there: “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Happy are those who will keep watch and keep their garments, lest they walk naked and men see their shame. Also the apostle in Second Timothy: “I am already being offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. There now remains for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will render to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all who love his appearing.” Also to the Romans: “We are children of God; and if children, heirs also, and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified with him.” Also in Psalm 118 [119]: “Blessed are the blameless in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who search out his testimonies.”
Prov 14:25 (quotation, medium confidence) · Ps 116:15 (115:6 Vulg.) (quotation, high confidence) · Ps 126:5–6 (125:5-Ps Vulg.) (quotation, high confidence) · John 12:25 (quotation, high confidence) · John 16:2–3 (quotation, high confidence) · Matt 5:10 (quotation, high confidence) · Matt 10:19–20 (quotation, high confidence) · Matt 10:28 (quotation, high confidence) · Matt 10:32–33 (quotation, high confidence) · Matt 10:22 (quotation, high confidence) · Luke 6:22–23 (quotation, high confidence) · Luke 18:29–30 (quotation, high confidence) · Rev 6:9–11 (quotation, high confidence) · Rev 7:9–17 (quotation, high confidence) · Rev 2:7 (quotation, high confidence) · Rev 2:10 (quotation, high confidence) · Rev 16:15 (quotation, high confidence) · 2 Tim 4:6–8 (quotation, high confidence) · Rom 8:16–17 (quotation, high confidence) · Ps 119:1–2 (118:1-Ps Vulg.) (quotation, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Scripture praises martyrdom: the death of the saints is precious to God, and those who confess Christ unto death receive the crown of life.
- The quotations are Prov 14:25 (cited as “the Wisdom of Solomon”; Cyprian's Latin has “martyr”, witness, for the faithful witness of Proverbs); Wis 5:1–9; Ps 116:15 (115:6 Vulg.); Ps 126:5–6 (125:5–6 Vulg.); John 12:25; 16:2–3; Matt 5:10; 10:19–20, 28, 32–33, 22; Luke 6:22–23; 18:29–30; Rev 6:9–11; 7:9–17; 2:7; 2:10; 16:15 (the sentence “Happy are those…” is attached without a new introduction); 2 Tim 4:6–8; Rom 8:16–17; Ps 119:1–2 (118:1–2 Vulg.).
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (Cyrillic letter in the digital text; OCR slip (sa for se)): inter sa, → inter se,; тeddet → reddet.
Extrabiblical texts: Wis 5:1–9 (Wisdom of Solomon [in RC, EO, ETH canons]; quotation)
Topics: Martyrdom, Persecution
Cite (SBL): Cyprian, Test. 3.16 (CSEL 3.1:128–132; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-testimonia/3-11/#p-3-16).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 3.1; made independently of existing English translations.
3.17CSEL 3.1:132–133
MINORA ESSE QVAE IN SAECVLO PATIMVR QVAM SIT PRAEMIVM QVOD PROMISSVM EST. Paulus apostolus ad Romanos: Non sunt condignae passiones huius temporis ad superuenturam claritatem quae reuelabitur in nobis. [De hoc ipso in Machabaeis: Domine, qui sanctam habes scientiam, manifestum est, quia cum possem a morte liberari, durissimos dolores corporis tolero flagellis uapulans, animo autem propter tui ipsius metum libenter haec patior. Item illic: Tu quidem, impotens, ex hac praesenti uita nos perdis. sed mundi rex defunctos nos pro suis legibus in aeternam uitae resurrectionem suscitabit. Item illic: Potius est ab hominibus morti datos exspectare spem a Deo iterum ab ipso suscitandos. tibi enim resurrectio in uitam non erit. Item illic: Potestatem inter homines habens, cum sis corruptibilis, facis quod uis. noli autem putare genus nostrum a Deo esse derelictum. sustine et uide, magna potestas eius qualiter te et semen tuum torquebit. Item illic: Noli frustra errare, nos enim propter nosmet ipsos haec patimur peccantes in Deum nostrum. tu autem ne te existimes impunitum futurum aggressus pugnare cum Deo].
That what we suffer in this world is less than the reward that has been promised. The apostle Paul to the Romans: “The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory to come that will be revealed in us.”
Textual problem in this passage: see the notes.
Rom 8:18 (quotation, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Present sufferings are small compared with the promised glory.
- The quotation is Rom 8:18. Hartel prints in square brackets (as not Cyprian's) a further series of quotations “on this very point” from Maccabees (2 Macc 6:30; 7:9, 14, 16–17, 18–19); following the edition, they are left untranslated.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR misreading of I as E in the capital heading): MENORA → MINORA.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Cyprian, Test. 3.17 (CSEL 3.1:132–133; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-testimonia/3-11/#p-3-17).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 3.1; made independently of existing English translations.
3.18CSEL 3.1:133
DILECTIONI DEI ET CHRISTI NIHIL PRAEPONENDVM. In Deuteronomio: Diliges Dominum Deum tuum de toto corde tuo et de tota anima tua et de tota uirtute tua. Item in euangelio secundum Matthaeum: Qui amat patrem aut matrem super me non est me dignus, et qui amat filium. aut filiam super me non est me dignus: et qui non accipit crucem suam et sequitur me non est meus discipulus. Item Paulus apostolus ad Romanos: Quis nos separabit a caritate Christi, pressura an angustia an persecutio an fames an nuditas an periculum an gladius? sicut scriptum est: quoniam propter te mortificamur tota die, aestimati sumus ut oues occisionis. sed in his omnibus supervincimus pro eo qui dilexit nos.
That nothing is to be put before the love of God and of Christ. In Deuteronomy: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” Also in the Gospel according to Matthew: “He who loves father or mother above me is not worthy of me, and he who loves son or daughter above me is not worthy of me; and he who does not take up his cross and follow me is not my disciple.” Also the apostle Paul to the Romans: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Distress, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? As it is written: For your sake we are put to death all the day long; we are counted as sheep for slaughter. But in all these things we more than conquer through him who loved us.”
Deut 6:5 (quotation, high confidence) · Matt 10:37–38 (quotation, high confidence) · Rom 8:35–37 (quotation, high confidence) · Ps 44:22 (43:23 Vulg.) (quotation, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Nothing, not even family or life itself, may be preferred to the love of God and Christ.
- The quotations are Deut 6:5; Matt 10:37–38; Rom 8:35–37 (quoting Ps 44:22).
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR misreading of R as B in the capital heading): CHBISTI → CHRISTI.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Cyprian, Test. 3.18 (CSEL 3.1:133; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-testimonia/3-11/#p-3-18).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 3.1; made independently of existing English translations.
3.19CSEL 3.1:133–134
VOLVNTATI NON NOSTRAE SED DEI OBTEMPERANDVM. In euangelio secundum Iohannem: Non descendi de caelo ut faciam uoluntatem meam, sed uoluntatem eius qui me misit. Item secundum Matthaeum: Pater, si fieri potest, transeat a me calix iste: uerum tamen non quod ego uolo, sed quod tu. Item in prece cottidiana: Fiat uoluntas tua in caelo et in terra. Item secundum Matthaeum: Non omnis qui mihi dicit: Domine Domine, introibit in regnum caelorum, sed is qui facit uoluntatem patris mei qui in caelis est, ipse introibit in regnum caelorum. Item secundum Lucam: Ille autem seruus qui cognoscit uoluntatem domini sui et non paruerit uoluntati eius uapulabit multas. Item in epistula Iohannis: Qui autem fecerit uoluntatem Dei manet in aeternum, quomodo et ipse manet in aeternum.
That we must obey not our own will but God's. In the Gospel according to John: “I did not come down from heaven to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me.” Also according to Matthew: “Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I will, but what you will.” Also in the daily prayer: “Your will be done in heaven and on earth.” Also according to Matthew: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven, he will enter the kingdom of heaven.” Also according to Luke: “But that servant who knows his master's will and does not obey his will shall be beaten with many stripes.” Also in the Epistle of John: “But he who does the will of God abides for ever, even as he abides for ever.”
John 6:38 (quotation, high confidence) · Matt 26:39 (quotation, high confidence) · Matt 6:10 (quotation, high confidence) · Matt 7:21 (quotation, high confidence) · Luke 12:47 (quotation, high confidence) · 1 John 2:17 (quotation, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Following Christ's own example, believers must do God's will rather than their own.
- The quotations are John 6:38; Matt 26:39; Matt 6:10 (the Lord's Prayer, “the daily prayer”); Matt 7:21; Luke 12:47; 1 John 2:17.
Cite (SBL): Cyprian, Test. 3.19 (CSEL 3.1:133–134; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-testimonia/3-11/#p-3-19).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 3.1; made independently of existing English translations.
3.20CSEL 3.1:134–139
FVNDAMENTVM ET FIRMAMENTVM SPEI ET FIDEI ESSE TIMOREM. In psalmo CX: Initium sapientiae timor Domini. Item in Sapientia Salomonis: Initium sapientiae metuere Deum. Item in Prouerbiis: Beatus homo qui metuit omnia per timorem. Item apud Esaiam: Et super quem alium respiciam, nisi super humilem et quietum et trementem uerba mea? Item in Genesi: Et uocauit eum angelus Domini de caelo et dixit illi: Abraham Abraham. ille autem dixit: ecce ego. et dixit: noli inponere manum tuam super puerum neque feceris illi quicquam. nunc enim cognoui quoniam times Deum tuum et non pepercisti filio tuo dilectissimo propter me. Item in psalmo secundo: Seruite Domino in timore et exultate ei cum tremore. [Item in Deuteronomio Dei uox ad Moysen: Conuoca ad me populum, et audiant uerba mea ut discant amare me omnes dies quos ipsi uiuent super terram. Item in Hieremia: Ecce dies ueniunt, dicit Dominus, et consummabo in domum Israel et in domum Iuda testamentum nonum, non secundum testamentum quod disposueram patribus eorum in die cum adprehendi manum illorum educere illos de terra Aegypti, quia non permanserunt in testamento meo, et ego neglexi eorum, dicit Dominus, quia hoc testamentum quod disponam domui Israel. post dies illos, dicit Dominus, dans leges meas in sensum illorum et in corda illorum scribam illas, et ero illis in Deum, et ipsi erant mihi in plebem, et non docebunt unusquisque fratrem suum dicentes: cognosce Dominum, quia omnes me scient a minimo usque ad maximum illorum, quia propitius ero iniquitatibus illorum et peccatorum eorum non ero memor amplius. si exaltatum fuerit caelum in sublime, dicit Dominus, et si humiliata fuerit terra deorsum, at ego non reprobabo genus Israel, dicit Dominus, pro omnibus quae fecerunt. ecce ego congregabo eos ex omni terra qua disparsi illos in ira et in furore meo et in exacerbatione magna et conteram illos in locum istum et relinquam eos in pauore, et erunt mihi in plebem, et ego ero illis in Deum, et dabo illis uiam alteram et cor aliud ut timeant me omnibus diebus in bonum illis cum filiis suis, et consummabo eis testamentum aeternum quod non auertam post illos, et timorem meum dabo in cor illorum ut non discedant a me et uisitabo super illos benefacere illis et plantare eos in terra sua in fide et in omni corde et in omni animo. Item in Apocalypsi: Etuiginti quattuor seniores in conspectu Dei sedentes in thronis suis ceciderunt supra facies suas et adorauerunt Deum dicentes: gratias agimus tibi, Domine Deus omnipotens, qui es et qui fuisti, quod accepisti potestatem tuam magnam et regnasti, et gentes iratae sunt, et uenit ira tua et tempus quo de mortuis iudicetur et detur merces semis tuis prophetis et sanctis et timentibus nomen tuum pusillis et magnis et disperdere eos qui corruperunt terram. Item illic: Et uidi alium angelum uolantem medio caelo habentem euangelium perenne euangelizare sedentibus super terram et in omnes nationes et tribus et linguas et populos dicentem uoce magna: timete Deum et date ei honorem, quoniam uenit hora iudicii eius, et adorate eum qui fecit caelum et terram et mare et fontes aquarum. Item illic: Et uidi quasi mare uitreum mixtum igni, et uictores bestiae et imaginis eius, et numerus nominis eius CXLIHI stantes supra mare uitreum habentes citharas Dei et cantantes canticum Moysi serui Dei et canticum agni dicentes: magna et mirabilia opera tua, Domine Deus omnipotens, iustae et uerae uiae tuae sunt, rex gentium. quis non timeat et det honorem nomini tuo, quia solus pius et quoniam omnes nationes uenient et adorabunt in conspectu tuo, quoniam iustitiae tuae manifestatae sunt. Item in Daniele: Fuit uir habitans in Babylone, cui nomen erat Ioachim, et accepit uxorem nomine Susannam filiam Helchiae formosam ualde et timentem Dominum: et erant parentes eius iusti et docuerunt filiam suam secundum legem Moysi. Item in Daniele: Et sumus humiles in omni terra hodie propter peccata nostra, et non est hoc tempore princeps neque propheta neque potestas neque dux neque holocausta neque hostia neque oblatio neque thus neque locus sacrificare coram te hodie et inuenire misericordiam a te, sed in anima et spiritu humilitatis acceptos nos habe ut holocaustos uictimas arietum et taurorum et quasi multa milia agnorum qui sunt pinguissimi. sic fiat hostia nostra coram te hodie, et consumetur potestas haec, quoniam non erubescent qui confidunt in te. et nunc sequimur te ex toto corde nostro et timemus te et quaerimus faciem tuam. ne nos in obprobrium tradas, sed fac nobiscum secundum tranquillitatem tuam et secundum amplitudinem misericordiae tuae. Et iterum: Et rex uehementer gauisus est et iussit Danielem de lacu leonum eici, et nihil illi nocuerunt leones, quia confidebat et credebat Deo suo. et iussit rex: et duxerunt illos homines qui accusauerant Danielem et miserunt illos in lacu leonum et uxores eorum et natos eorum. et antequam peruenirent in pauimentum lacus, adprehensi sunt a leonibus et omnia ossa eorum conminuerunt. tunc Darius rex scripsit: omnibus gentibus, tribubus, linguis, qui sunt in regno meo: pax sit uobiscum a facie mea. censeo ego ut omnes qui sunt in regno meo sint timentes et trementes Deum summum cui seruit Daniel, quia ipse est Deus uiuus et permanet in saecula, et regnum eius non transibit, et dominatio eius in perpetuum ambulabit, et saluos faciet et facit signa et prodigia et mirabilia in caelo et in terra, qui eripuit Danielem de lacu leonum. Item in Michaea: In quo adsequar Dominum et adprehendam Deum meum sublimem. si adprehendam illum in sacrificiis, in holocaustomatis, in uitulis anniculis, si accepto fauet Dominus in milibus arietum aut in decem milibus caprarum pinguium, aut dabo primitiua mea impietatis fructum uentris mei, peccatum animae meae. renuntiatum est tibi, homo, quod bonum aut quid Dominus exquirat aliud nisi ut facias iudicium et iustitiam et diligas misericordiam et paratus sis ut eas cum Domino Deo tuo. uox Domini in ciuitate inuocabitur, et timentes nomen eius saluabit. Item in Michaea: Pasce populum tuum in uirga tua, oues hereditatis tuae, inhabitantes conualle in medio Carmelo. parabunt Basanitin et Galaditin secundum dies saeculi et secundum dies profectionis eorum a terra Aegypti ostendam illis mirabilia. uidebunt gentes et confundentur ex omni fortitudine sua, et superponent manus in os suum. aures eorum exsurdabuntur, et lingent puluerem quomodo serpentes trahentes terram, conturbabuntur in conclusione sua, ad Dominum Deum suum expauescent et timebunt abs te. quis Deus quomodo tu eleuans iniustitiam et transgrediens impietates? EtinNahum: Montes commoti sunt ab eo et colles contremuerunt et denudata est terra ante faciem eius et omnes qui inhabitant illam. a facie irae eius quis sustinebit et quis resistit in ira animi ipsius? animatio ipsius fluere facit principatus et petrae dissolutae sunt ab illo. bonus Dominus illis qui eum sustinent in die pressurae et cognoscens illos qui eum timent. Item in Aggaeo: Et audiuit Zorobabel filius Salathiel de tribu Iuda et Iesus filius Iosedech sacerdos magnus et omnes qui superfuerunt de populo uocis Domini Dei sui et uerbum Aggaei prophetae, quoniam misit illum Dominus ad illos, et timuit plebs a facie Dei. Item in Malachiel: Testamentum meum fuit cum uita et pace, et dedi illis timorem timere me a facie nominis mei]. Item in psalmo XXXIII: Timete Dominum, sancti eius, quoniam nihil deest timentibus eum. Item in psalmo XVIII: Timor Domini sanctus permanens in saeculum saeculi.
That fear is the foundation and support of hope and faith. In Psalm 110 [111]: “The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord.” Also in the Wisdom of Solomon: “The beginning of wisdom is to fear God.” Also in Proverbs: “Blessed is the man who reveres all things with fear.” Also in Isaiah: “And upon whom else shall I look, but upon the humble and quiet man who trembles at my words?” Also in Genesis: “And the angel of the Lord called him from heaven and said to him: Abraham, Abraham. And he said: Here I am. And he said: Do not lay your hand on the boy, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear your God, and you have not spared your most beloved son for my sake.” Also in the second Psalm: “Serve the Lord in fear, and rejoice in him with trembling.” Also in Psalm 33 [34]: “Fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing.” Also in Psalm 18 [19]: “The fear of the Lord is holy, enduring for ever and ever.”
Textual problem in this passage: see the notes.
Ps 111:10 (110:10 Vulg.) (quotation, high confidence) · Prov 1:7 (quotation, low confidence) · Prov 28:14 (quotation, high confidence) · Isa 66:2 (quotation, high confidence) · Gen 22:11–12 (quotation, high confidence) · Ps 2:11 (quotation, high confidence) · Ps 34:9 (33:10 Vulg.) (quotation, high confidence) · Ps 19:9 (18:10 Vulg.) (quotation, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and the foundation of hope and faith, as Abraham's trial showed.
- The quotations are Ps 111:10 (110:10 Vulg.); Prov 1:7 or Sir 1:14 (cited as “the Wisdom of Solomon”; uncertain which); Prov 28:14; Isa 66:2; Gen 22:11–12; Ps 2:11; Ps 34:9 (33:10 Vulg.); Ps 19:9 (18:10 Vulg.). Hartel prints in square brackets (as not Cyprian's) a long further series of quotations on the fear of God, from Deuteronomy, Jeremiah, the Apocalypse, Daniel (including Susanna and the Prayer of Azariah), Micah, Nahum, Haggai, and Malachi; following the edition, they are left untranslated.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR misreading of R as K in the capital heading; words run together in the digital text): FIKMAMENTVM → FIRMAMENTVM; apudEsaiam → apud Esaiam; SeruiteDomino → Seruite Domino.
Extrabiblical texts: Sir 1:14 (Sirach [in RC, EO, ETH canons]; quotation)
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Cyprian, Test. 3.20 (CSEL 3.1:134–139; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-testimonia/3-11/#p-3-20).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 3.1; made independently of existing English translations.
3.21CSEL 3.1:139
NON TEMERE DE ALTERO IVDICANDVM. In euangelio secundum Lucam: Nolite iudicare ne iudicemini: nolite condemnare ne condemnemini. Item ad Romanos: Tu quis es qui iudices alienum seruum? domino suo stat aut cadit. stabit autem: potens est enim Deus iterum statuere eum. Item illic: Quare inexcusabilis es, o homo. in quo enim de alio iudicas, te ipsum condemnas: eadem enim agis qui iudicas. speras autem tu qui iudicas eos qui talia agunt et eadem facis, quia ipse effugies iudicium Dei? Item ad Corinthios prima: Et qui se putat stare uideat ne cadat. Item illic: Si quis se putat scire aliquid, nondum scit, quemadmodum oporteat eum scire.
That we are not to judge another rashly. In the Gospel according to Luke: “Do not judge, lest you be judged; do not condemn, lest you be condemned.” Also to the Romans: “Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. But he will stand, for God is able to make him stand again.” Also there: “Therefore you are without excuse, O man; for in judging another you condemn yourself, since you who judge do the same things. And do you who judge those who do such things, and do the same yourself, hope that you will escape the judgment of God?” Also in First Corinthians: “And let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” Also there: “If anyone thinks he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know.”
Luke 6:37 (quotation, high confidence) · Rom 14:4 (quotation, high confidence) · Rom 2:1–3 (quotation, high confidence) · 1 Cor 10:12 (quotation, high confidence) · 1 Cor 8:2 (quotation, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Christians must not rashly judge others, since they too may fall.
- The quotations are Luke 6:37; Rom 14:4; 2:1–3; 1 Cor 10:12; 8:2.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Cyprian, Test. 3.21 (CSEL 3.1:139; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-testimonia/3-11/#p-3-21).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 3.1; made independently of existing English translations.
3.22CSEL 3.1:139–140
ACCEPTA INIVRIA REMITTENDVM ET IGNOSCENDVM. In euangelio in prece cottidiana: Remitte nobis debita nostra, sicuti et nos remittimus debitoribus nostris. Item in euangelio secundum Marcum: Et cum steteritis ad orationem, remittite si quid habetis aduersus aliquem, ut et pater uester qui in caelis est remittat peccata uobis. si autem uos non remiseritis, neque pater uester qui in caelis est remittet nobis peccata uestra. Item illic: In qua mensura mensi fueritis, in ea remetietur uobis.
That when an injury has been received it is to be forgiven and pardoned. In the Gospel, in the daily prayer: “Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors.” Also in the Gospel according to Mark: “And when you stand to pray, forgive if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven may also forgive you your sins. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive you your sins.” Also there: “With the measure with which you measure, it will be measured back to you.”
Matt 6:12 (quotation, high confidence) · Mark 11:25–26 (quotation, high confidence) · Mark 4:24 (quotation, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Those who pray to be forgiven must forgive the injuries done to them.
- The quotations are Matt 6:12; Mark 11:25–26; Mark 4:24 (compare Matt 7:2). In Mark 11:26 the digital text reads “nobis” (us) where the sense requires “uobis” (you); translated as “you”.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (stray letter in the digital text): Item illic c: → Item illic:.
Cite (SBL): Cyprian, Test. 3.22 (CSEL 3.1:139–140; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-testimonia/3-11/#p-3-22).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 3.1; made independently of existing English translations.
3.23CSEL 3.1:140
VICEM MALIS NON REDDENDAM. In epistula Pauli apostoli ad Romanos: Nemini malum pro malo reddentes. Item illic: Noli uinci a malo, sed uince in bono malum. Item in Apocalypsi: Et dixit mihi: ne signaueris uerba prophetiae libri huius, quia iam tempus in proximo est. et hi qui perseuerant nocere noceant et qui in sordibus est sordescat adhuc, iustus autem iustiora faciat adhuc, similiter et sanctus sanctiora. ecce uenio cito, et merces mea mecum reddere unicuique secundum facta sua.
That evil is not to be repaid for evil. In the Epistle of the apostle Paul to the Romans: “Repaying no one evil for evil.” Also there: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Also in the Apocalypse: “And he said to me: Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is now near. And let those who persist in doing harm do harm, and let him who is filthy be filthy still; but let the righteous do more righteous things still, and likewise the holy more holy things. See, I am coming quickly, and my reward is with me, to render to each according to his deeds.”
Rom 12:17 (quotation, high confidence) · Rom 12:21 (quotation, high confidence) · Rev 22:10–12 (quotation, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Christians must not repay evil with evil but overcome it with good, leaving the reward to Christ at his coming.
- The quotations are Rom 12:17, 21; Rev 22:10–12.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR misreading of I as L in the capital heading): VLCEM → VICEM.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Cyprian, Test. 3.23 (CSEL 3.1:140; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-testimonia/3-11/#p-3-23).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 3.1; made independently of existing English translations.
3.24CSEL 3.1:140
NON POSSE AD PATREM VENIRI NISI PER CHRISTVM. In euangelio secundum Iohannem: Ego sum uia et ueritas et uita. nemo uenit ad patrem nisi per me. Item illic: Ego sum ianua. per me si quis introierit, saluabitur.
That no one can come to the Father except through Christ. In the Gospel according to John: “I am the way and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me.” Also there: “I am the door; if anyone enters through me, he will be saved.”
John 14:6 (quotation, high confidence) · John 10:9 (quotation, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Christ is the only way to the Father.
- The quotations are John 14:6; 10:9.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR misreading of R as K in the capital heading; OCR slip (quia for quis)): CHKISTVM → CHRISTVM; si quia introierit → si quis introierit.
Topics: Christology
Cite (SBL): Cyprian, Test. 3.24 (CSEL 3.1:140; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-testimonia/3-11/#p-3-24).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 3.1; made independently of existing English translations.
3.25CSEL 3.1:140–141
AD REGNVM DEI, NISI BAPTIZATVS ET RENATVS QVIS FVERIT, PERVENIRE NON POSSE. In euangelio secundum Iohannem: Nisi quis renatus fuerit ex aqua et spiritu, non potest introire in regnum Dei. quod enim natum est de carne caro est, et quod natum est de spiritu spiritus est. Item illic: Nisi ederitis carnem filii hominis et biberitis sanguinem eius, non habebitis uitam in uobis.
That no one can attain to the kingdom of God unless he has been baptized and born again. In the Gospel according to John: “Unless one is born again of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. For what is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.” Also there: “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you will not have life in you.”
John 3:5–6 (quotation, high confidence) · John 6:53 (quotation, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Baptism and new birth, and eating Christ's flesh and drinking his blood, are necessary for entering God's kingdom.
- The quotations are John 3:5–6; 6:53.
Cite (SBL): Cyprian, Test. 3.25 (CSEL 3.1:140–141; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-testimonia/3-11/#p-3-25).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 3.1; made independently of existing English translations.