“The Shield of Faith: A Devotion with Tertullian”

Scripture: Hebrews 1:3 | Ephesians 6:16 | John 4:23

Today we reflect on the powerful witness of Tertullian, one of the earliest defenders of the Christian faith. Writing in the late 2nd and early 3rd century, Tertullian famously asked, “What does Athens have to do with Jerusalem?” — a challenge to the blending of secular philosophy with the pure gospel. Yet, his life and legacy give us more than polemics. They invite us into a deeper devotion to Christ crucified, risen, and reigning.

In Hebrews 1:3, we are reminded that Christ is “the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being.” Tertullian fiercely defended the reality of Christ’s divine nature and humanity, laying the groundwork for our Trinitarian understanding. He was the first to use the term Trinitas to describe the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as three persons, one substance — a truth that remains a cornerstone of our doctrine.

Tertullian saw faith not as blind acceptance, but as a bold act of allegiance. In a culture that ridiculed belief and demanded conformity, he stood with clarity and courage. His writings remind us that truth must be lived, not just believed. That’s the kind of worship Jesus spoke of in John 4:23–24: worship in spirit and in truth.

Tertullian also called suffering Christians to put on the armor of faith. He described the Christian as a soldier of light, whose discipline was prayer, whose shield was faith, and whose weapon was the Word. His voice still echoes to us: “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.” From his time to ours, the Church has grown through lives laid down in love, not through power seized in pride.

As Wesley might affirm, faith without works is not saving faith. Tertullian’s boldness is a call to sanctified living — a life set apart, unwavering in truth and filled with holy love. It’s not enough to merely believe in Christ. We are called to become like Him, radiating His glory into the world, just as He reflects the Father’s.

Reflection Questions:

In what ways am I tempted to compromise truth for acceptance? Do I worship in both Spirit and truth — with passion and integrity? What would it mean today to “put on the shield of faith” in my community, workplace, or church?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You are the exact image of the Father, full of glory and grace. Strengthen me, as You did Tertullian, to stand firm in truth and radiate Your light in a dark world. Let my life be a testimony of love that does not waver, and worship that is both sincere and bold. May I live not for comfort, but for Your kingdom. Amen.