St. Cyprian

Today is the Memorial of Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs.  I follow my blog on St. Chrysostom with St. Cyprian and his “Three Books Of Testimonies Against The Jews.”  

(begin) Treatise XII Three Books Of Testimonies Against The Jews is a religious text written by Cyprian, a bishop of Carthage in the 3rd century AD. The book is divided into three parts, each containing a collection of biblical passages and other writings that Cyprian uses to argue against the Jewish faith. The first book focuses on the Old Testament prophecies that Cyprian believes were fulfilled in the coming of Christ, while the second book examines the Jewish rejection of Christ and the consequences of that rejection. The third book contains various other arguments against the Jewish faith, including accusations of idolatry and blasphemy. Throughout the text, Cyprian emphasizes the superiority of Christianity over Judaism and the importance of converting Jews to the Christian faith. The book is an important work of early Christian theology and provides insight into the early Christian attitudes towards Judaism (my emphasis). (end)

St. Cyprian contributed much to the Church’s development and beliefs.  (begin) St. Cyprian (born 200 CE, Carthage—died September 14, 258, Carthage; Western and Eastern feast day September 16; Anglican feast day September 26) was an early Christian theologian and bishop of Carthage who led the Christians of North Africa during a period of persecution from Rome. Upon his execution he became the first bishop-martyr of Africa.

He had shown himself to be a brave and resourceful leader of the church in Africa. His theology was based on the central idea of the unity and uniqueness of the church: “He no longer has God for his Father, who does not have the Church for his mother” (On the Unity of the Catholic Church). Unity was expressed through the consensus of bishops, all equally possessing the Holy Spirit and sovereign in their own sees. The church consisted of the people united to their bishop. Schism and rebellion against the priesthood were viewed as the worst of sins. These views—associated with an uncompromising insistence on the integrity and exclusive character of the church. (end)

St. Cyprian was a man with great authority and influence.  Therefore, his views on the Jewish people had great weight and very adverse consequences for the Jews.  Once again, we see the very early threads and whole cloth woven against the Jews with centuries long persecution and Christian evil behavior against the "kin" of the Jew called Jesus.

Deacon David Pierce