Abstract

Tertullian in his works referred to controversial issues which had happened during persecution of the first believers of the Christ. The Christianity required from its followers even martyrdom, for which they received a priceless prize: the eternal life. The martyrdom was not ordered but was a free choice and sprang from the willpower of God. Carthaginian firmly objected to the escape during persecution. From conducted analysis of his texts can be seen that his view on this subject changed. In the period of the Catholic faith he supported the escape but converting on Montanizm disregarded it, because given that persecution originated from God, it could not be nothing bad. Particularly he condemned clergymen shirking the martyrdom as it was them that should be a model for faithful and a support in heavy moments of doubt. Carthaginian was a rigorous opponent of buying himself out from the martyrdom. According to Tertullian, since the Jesus laid down his life for all people, there was no price which could equal this act and redeem the man back from the martyrdom. Such a way of avoiding persecuting was unworthy to follow by faithful of Christ.