Saint Cyprian of Carthage
Saint Cyprian of Carthage was a prominent early Christian bishop and martyr, born around 200 CE into a wealthy pagan family in North Africa. He received an excellent education and became a notable rhetorician before converting to Christianity around 246 CE. Following his conversion, he was elected as the bishop of Carthage, a significant city during that era. His leadership was notably tested during the persecution of Christians initiated by Emperor Decius around 249 CE, which forced him to flee while still managing his church through correspondence.
Upon his return in 251 CE, Cyprian faced the contentious issue of reconciling Christians who had renounced their faith under persecution. He advocated for a moderate approach, promoting penance and cautious reconciliation, which put him at odds with more rigid factions within the Church and led to conflicts with the bishop of Rome regarding the rebaptism of schismatics. The renewed persecution by Emperor Valerian in 257 CE again forced him into exile, but he eventually returned to Carthage where he was martyred.
Although not known for groundbreaking theological concepts, Cyprian’s writings highlight his skills as a church administrator and pastor. His legacy has been honored for centuries within the North African church, reflecting his influential role in early Christian history.
Saint Cyprian of Carthage
Related civilization: Imperial Rome
Major role/position: Christian bishop
Life
Born into a pagan family of wealth and social standing, Cyprian (SIHP-ree-uhn) of Carthage received a first-rate education and later became a distinguished rhetorician. Converted to Christianity about 246 c.e., he soon was elected bishop of Carthage, a leading city in North Africa. When the emperor Decius commenced his persecution of Christians in about 249 c.e., Cyprian was forced to flee but maintained the governance of his church through correspondence. Returning in 251 c.e., he was confronted with the issue of Christians who had lapsed from their faith during the persecution. Arguing for a middle course of penance and delay before reconciliation to the Church, Cyprian was opposed by both rigorists and a more moderate faction. This debate, in turn, led to quarrels with the bishop of Rome, Stephen, on the matter of the rebaptism of schismatics. In the meantime, a new emperor, Valerian, renewed the persecution of Christians in 257 c.e. Again Cyprian fled but soon returned to Carthage and was martyred there.
Influence
Although Cyprian was not an original theologian, his writings reveal a remarkably talented and focused church administrator and pastor. As a martyr, his memory was revered for centuries by the North African church.
Bibliography
Hinchcliff, P. Cyprian of Carthage and the Unity of the Christian Church. London: Chapman, 1974.
Robeck, Cecil M. Prophecy in Carthage: Perpetua, Tertullian, and Cyprian. Cleveland, Ohio: Pilgrim Press, 1992.
Sage, M. M. Cyprian. Cambridge, Mass.: Philadelphia Patristic Foundation, 1975.