The New Prophecy (Montanism)
c. 157/172–6th c.
attested. Known mainly from hostile sources. The Pepuza site was identified in 2001 (Tabernee & Lampe), which is strong but still a scholarly identification.
In Phrygia, Montanus, Priscilla and Maximilla spoke in ecstatic prophecy as the voice of the Paraclete. They demanded strict fasting and celibacy and expected the New Jerusalem to descend at Pepuza. Asian bishops rejected the prophecies. Tertullian of Carthage later joined the movement.
Sides
New Prophecy
Leaders: Montanus, Priscilla, Maximilla, Tertullian (from c. 207)
The Paraclete speaks through the new prophets. Stricter discipline. Martyrdom is welcomed.
Asian bishops
Leaders: Apolinarius of Hierapolis, Miltiades, Apollonius, the "Anonymous" of Eusebius
Ecstatic prophecy is false. The prophets' predictions failed.
Councils and places
- Pepuza (Montanist "New Jerusalem") 2nd–6th
- Ardabau (where Montanus first prophesied) 2nd
- Anti-Montanist synods in Asia (c. 170s–190s) 2nd
- Carthage (Tertullian and the New Prophecy) 3rd–5th
Outcome
The movement was condemned by Asian synods. Rome wavered, then rejected it. Later councils required Montanists to be rebaptized.
What happened to the losers
Montanism survived as a separate church in Phrygia for centuries. Justinian's laws led to its suppression, and John of Ephesus reports the burning of the prophets' relics at Pepuza in about 550. Tertullianists in Carthage rejoined the Catholic church under Augustine.
Groups
Sources
- Montanism (Wikipedia)
- Montanists (Catholic Encyclopedia 1913, confessional)Confessional source