Primary source · Latin

On the Trinity (De Trinitate)

Novatian of Rome · c. AD 250

What this text is

The first substantial theology written at Rome, in Latin, by the brilliant presbyter who would soon split the church over the lapsed — orthodox on God, schismatic on mercy.

Profile of Novatian of Rome →

Public-domain translations

Robert Ernest Wallis (ANF, 1886)

The rule of truth requires that we should first of all things believe on God the Father and Lord Omnipotent; that is, the absolutely perfect Founder of all things… The same rule of truth teaches us to believe, after the Father, also on the Son of God, Christ Jesus.

Manuscript witnesses

Transmitted among Tertullian's works

medieval copies

De Trinitate survived the condemnation of its author by traveling under Tertullian's name.

SURVIVING TRADITION

Mesnart / Gangneius printings

1545 / 1579

Early editions preserving readings of lost manuscripts.

PRINTED PROXY

Provenance

Rome, c. AD 240–250 — the first Roman theology written in Latin

Editions & scholarship

Critical editions and standard translations behind the text above.

Figures named in this text (1)

Complete public-domain text ↗