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Question 2

Tertullian’s “principle of time” argues that truth precedes error and later-originating doctrines are more suspect; how would applying that principle force you to reevaluate any doctrine or slogan you assume is “just New Testament Christianity”?

Another way to ask: Tertullian says truth comes first and errors show up later. If you use that idea, what belief or church slogan you call “pure New Testament Christianity” might you need to rethink?

Direct Answer The transcript suggests that if a belief or slogan first shows up very late compared to the apostolic era, we should treat it as more likely a “corruption of doctrine” and re-check it against what was taught within decades of the apostles.

Support from Transcript:

Tertullian’s standoff with Marcion: both claimed true gospel, so he appealed to time—“authority lies with the one who is prior in time.”
The principle assumes “corruption…lies with the one…originated later,” because “truth must necessarily precede error.”
Bercot compares this to historians: accounts “closest to the actual events” get more credence than later ones.
He uses a manuscript analogy: you wouldn’t trust a manuscript that differs and was produced “1,400 years after” when you have one “within a few decades.”
He presses the question: “Why…choose doctrines…first taught 1,400 years or more after” the apostles over those taught near their lives?

Discussion Follow-ups What doctrines in your tradition are assumed to be “Bible-only,” yet might need historical checking for when they first appear?

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