# The Opinions of the Eighty-Seven Bishops (Council of Carthage, 256) - Author: [Cyprian of Carthage](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/authors/cyprian-of-carthage/) - Latin title: *Sententiae episcoporum numero LXXXVII de haereticis baptizandis* - Date: 1 September 256 (certain) - Source: Wilhelm von Hartel, ed., S. Thasci Caecili Cypriani Opera omnia, Pars 1, CSEL 3.1 (Vienna: Gerold, 1868), 435–461 (Latin text: W. von Hartel (CSEL 3.1, 1868), digitized by Open Greek and Latin, University of Leipzig (csel-dev), CC BY-SA 4.0) - Translation: Claude, from the original text, unless a passage says otherwise; each passage below gives the translator - Work page: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/ - Passages: 86 ## Opinions of the Bishops 0 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-0 - Source: CSEL 3.1:435–436 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: At the council of Carthage in 256 Cyprian asks each bishop to give his opinion on baptizing heretics, insisting that no bishop may judge or coerce another. ### Latin text Cum in unum Cartaginem conuenissent kalendis Septembribus episcopi plurimi ex prouincia Africa Numidia Mauritania cum presbyteris et diaconibus, praesentibus etiam plebis maxima parte, et lectae essent litterae Iubaiani ad Cyprianum factae, item Cypriani ad Iubaianum rescriptae de haereticis baptizandis quidque postmodum Cypriano Iubaianus idem rescripserit, Cyprianus dixit: audistis, collegae dilectissimi, quid mihi Iubaianus coepiscopus noster scripserit consulens mediocritatem nostram de inlicito et profano haereticorum baptismo quidque ego ei rescripserim, censens scilicet quod semel adque iterum et saepe censuimus haereticos ad ecclesiam uenientes ecclesiae baptismo baptizari et sanctificari oportere. item lectae sunt uobis et aliae Iubaiani litterae quibus pro sua sincera et religiosa deuotione ad epistulam nostram rescribens non tantum consensit, sed etiam instructum se esse confessus gratias egit. superest ut de hac ipsa re singuli quid sentiamus proferamus neminem iudicantes aut a iure communicationis aliquem si diuersum senserit amouentes. neque enim quisquam nostrum episcopum se episcoporum constituit aut tyrannico terrore ad obsequendi necessitatem collegas suos adigit, quando habeat omnis episcopus pro licentia libertatis et potestatis suae arbitrium proprium tamque iudicari ab alio non possit, quam nec ipse possit alterum iudicare. sed expectemus uniuersi iudicium Domini nostri Iesu Christi qui unus et solus habet potestatem et praeponendi nos in ecclesiae suae gubernatione et de actu nostro iudicandi. ### English translation (Claude) When on the first of September very many bishops from the provinces of Africa, Numidia, and Mauretania had gathered at Carthage, with presbyters and deacons, and with the greater part of the people also present, and when the letter of Jubaianus written to Cyprian had been read, and likewise Cyprian's reply to Jubaianus on baptizing heretics, and what the same Jubaianus afterwards wrote back to Cyprian, Cyprian said: “You have heard, dearest colleagues, what Jubaianus our fellow bishop wrote to me, consulting our modest self about the unlawful and profane baptism of heretics, and what I wrote back to him, judging, as we have judged once and again and often, that heretics who come to the church must be baptized and sanctified with the church's baptism. Likewise another letter of Jubaianus has been read to you, in which, replying to our letter with sincere and religious devotion, he not only agreed but even confessed that he had been instructed, and gave thanks. It remains that each of us should bring forward what we think on this very matter, judging no one and removing no one from the right of communion if he thinks differently. For none of us sets himself up as a bishop of bishops or compels his colleagues to the necessity of obeying by tyrannical terror, since every bishop, by the freedom of his liberty and power, has his own judgment, and can no more be judged by another than he himself can judge another. But let us all await the judgment of our Lord Jesus Christ, who alone and only has the power both of setting us over the government of his church and of judging our conduct.” ### Translation notes - The council met on 1 September 256. “Bishop of bishops” is often read as a rebuke of Stephen of Rome, who rejected rebaptism; Cyprian names no one. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. pref. (CSEL 3.1:435–436; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-0). ## Opinions of the Bishops 1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-1 - Source: CSEL 3.1:436–437 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Caecilius of Biltha holds that there is one baptism, in the church alone, and that heretics, who have neither true faith nor hope, cannot give it. ### Latin text Caecilius a Biltha dixit: Ego unum baptismum in ecclesia sola scio et extra ecclesiam nullum. hic erit unum, ubi spes uera est et fides certa. sic enim scriptum est: una fides, una spes, unum baptisma, non apud haereticos, ubi spes nulla est et fides falsa, ubi omnia per mendacium geruntur, ubi exorcizat daemoniacus sacramentum interrogat, cuius os et uerba cancerem mittunt, fidem dat infidelis, ueniam delictorum tribuit sceleratus, et in nomine Christi tinguit antichristus, benedicit a Deo maledictus, uitam pollicetur mortuus, pacem dat inpacificus, Deum inuocat blasphemus, sacerdotium administrat profanus, ponit altare sacrilegus, ad haec omnia accedit etiam illud malum ut antistes diaboli audeat eucharistiam facere. aut qui illis adsistunt dicant haec omnia falsa esse de haereticis. ecce ad qualia. igitur ecclesia consentire et sine baptismo et uenia delictorum communicare conpellitur. quam rem, fratres, fugere, [ac,uitare] debemus et a tanto scelere nos separare et unum baptismum tenere quod soli ecclesiae a Domino concessum est. ### English translation (Claude) Caecilius of Biltha said: I know one baptism in the church alone, and none outside the church. It will be one here, where hope is true and faith sure. For so it is written: “One faith, one hope, one baptism”; not among heretics, where there is no hope and faith is false, where everything is done by lying, where a demoniac exorcizes, where he puts the sacramental questions whose mouth and words give off a cancer, where the unfaithful gives faith, the criminal grants pardon of sins, the antichrist baptizes in the name of Christ, one cursed by God blesses, the dead promises life, the unpeaceful gives peace, the blasphemer calls on God, the profane administers the priesthood, the sacrilegious sets up an altar. To all these is added this evil too, that a priest of the devil dares to celebrate the Eucharist. Or else let those who stand by them say that all these things are false about heretics. See to what sort of things the church is compelled to consent, and to hold communion without baptism and without pardon of sins! This thing, brothers, we ought to flee, and separate ourselves from so great a crime, and hold the one baptism that has been granted by the Lord to the church alone. ### Scripture references - Eph 4:4–5: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Eph 4:4–5. “Puts the sacramental questions” refers to the baptismal interrogation (“Do you believe…?”). The edition prints “[ac uitare]” (“and avoid”) in square brackets, marking it as spurious; it is left out. The punctuation around “ecce ad qualia igitur” is confused in the digital text; the sense is given. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 1 (CSEL 3.1:436–437; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-1). ## Opinions of the Bishops 2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-2 - Source: CSEL 3.1:437 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Primus of Misgirpa holds that since God, faith, and church are one, the one baptism exists only in the church. ### Latin text Primus a Misgirpa dixit: Censeo omnem hominem ab haeresi uenientem baptizandum. frustra enim illic putat se esse baptizatum, cum non sit baptisma nisi in ecclesia unum et uerum,: quia et Deus unus et fides una et ecclesia una est, in qua stat unum baptisma sanctitas et cetera. nam quae foris exercentur nullum habent salutis effectum. ### English translation (Claude) Primus of Misgirpa said: I judge that every man coming from heresy is to be baptized. For in vain does he think he was baptized there, since there is no baptism except the one true baptism in the church; for God is one, and faith is one, and the church is one, in which the one baptism stands, and holiness, and the rest. For what is done outside has no saving effect. ### Scripture references - Eph 4:4–6: allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 2 (CSEL 3.1:437; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-2). ## Opinions of the Bishops 3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-3 - Source: CSEL 3.1:437–438 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Polycarp of Hadrumetum says that to approve heretical baptism empties the church's own. ### Latin text Polycarpus ab Hadrumeto dixit: Qui haereticorum baptismum probat nostrum euacuat. ### English translation (Claude) Polycarp of Hadrumetum said: He who approves the baptism of heretics makes ours void. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 3 (CSEL 3.1:437–438; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-3). ## Opinions of the Bishops 4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-4 - Source: CSEL 3.1:438 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Novatus of Thamugadi has baptized converts from heresy and schism, and received their clergy as laymen, following the Scriptures and an earlier council. ### Latin text Nouatus a Thamogade dixit: Licet sciamus omnes scripturas sibi testimonium reddere de salutari baptismo: debemus ergo fidem nostram exprimere ut haereticos et schismaticos ad ecclesiam uenientes qui pseudobaptizati uidentur debere eos in fonte perenni baptizari, et ideo secundum testimonium scripturarum et secundum decretum collegarum nostrorum sanctissimae memoriae uirorum omnes schismaticos et haereticos qui ad ecclesiam conuersi sunt baptizaui, sed et eos qui ordinati uidebantur laicos recepi. ### English translation (Claude) Novatus of Thamugadi said: Although we know that all the Scriptures bear witness to saving baptism, we ought nonetheless to state our faith: that heretics and schismatics who come to the church, who appear to have been falsely baptized, ought to be baptized in the everlasting font. And therefore, according to the testimony of the Scriptures and according to the decree of our colleagues, men of most holy memory, I have baptized all schismatics and heretics who have been converted to the church; and those also who appeared to have been ordained I have received as laymen. ### Translation notes - The “decree of our colleagues” is probably the earlier African council under Agrippinus of Carthage (ca. 220). ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 4 (CSEL 3.1:438; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-4). ## Opinions of the Bishops 5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-5 - Source: CSEL 3.1:438–440 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Nemesianus of Thubunae argues from many Scriptures that heretics must be born again of water and the Spirit in the one catholic church, since both sacraments, and not the laying on of hands alone, are needed. ### Latin text Nemesianus a Thubunas dixit: Baptisma quod dant haeretici et schismatici non esse uerum ubique in scripturis sanctis declaratum est, quoniam ipsi praepositi eorum falsi Christi sunt et falsi prophetae dicente Domino per Salomonem: qui fidens est falsis hic pascit uentos, idem autem ipse sequitur aues uolantes. deseruit enim uias uineae suae, semitas uero agelli sui errauit. ingreditur autem per auia loca adque arida et terram destinatam in sitim, contrahit autem manibus infructuosa. et iterum: ab aqua autem aliena abstine nec de fonte extraneo biberis, ut longum uiuas tempus, adiciantur etiam tibi anni uitae. et in euangelio diuina sua uoce Dominus noster Christus locutus est dicens: nisi si quis renatus fuerit ex aqua et spiritu, non potest introire in regnum Dei. hic est Spiritus qui ab initio ferebatur super aquam. neque enim Spiritus sine aqua separatim operari potest nec aqua sine Spiritu. male ergo sibi quidam interpretantur ut dicant, quod per manus impositionem Spiritum sanctum accipiant et sic recipiantur, cum manifestum sit utroque sacramento debere eos renasci in ecclesia catholica. tunc poterunt filii Dei esse dicente apostolo: curantes seruare unitatem spiritus in coniunctione pacis, unum corpus et unus spiritus, sicut uocati estis in una spe uocationis uestrae, unus Dominus, una fides, unum baptisma. haec omnia ecclesia catholica loquitur. et iterum in euangelio dicit Dominus: quod natum est de carne caro est, et quod natum est de spiritu spiritus est, quia Deus spiritus est, et ex Deo natus est. ergo omnes haeretici et schismatici omnia quaecumque faciunt carnalia sunt dicente apostolo: manifesta sunt enim opera carnis, quae sunt fornicationes, inmunditiae, incestum, idololatriae seruitus, ueneficia, inimicitiae, certamina, zelus, ira, diuisiones, haereses et his similia: de quibus praedixi uobis, sicut praedico, quoniam quicumque haec faciunt regnum Dei non hereditabunt. condemnat itaque apostolus cum omnibus malis et qui diuisionem faciunt hoc est schismaticos et haereticos. nisi ergo acceperint baptismum salutare in ecclesia catholica quae est una, salui esse non possunt, sed cum carnalibus in iudicio Domini Christi damnari. ### English translation (Claude) Nemesianus of Thubunae said: That the baptism which heretics and schismatics give is not true is declared everywhere in the holy Scriptures, since their very leaders are false christs and false prophets, as the Lord says through Solomon: “He who trusts in falsehoods feeds the winds; he likewise follows flying birds. For he has forsaken the ways of his own vineyard and has strayed from the paths of his own field. He goes through trackless and dry places and a land appointed to thirst, and he gathers with his hands what bears no fruit.” And again: “Keep away from strange water, and do not drink from a foreign spring, that you may live a long time, and years of life may be added to you.” And in the Gospel our Lord Christ spoke with his own divine voice, saying: “Unless one is born again of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” This is the Spirit who from the beginning was borne over the water. For neither can the Spirit work apart without water, nor water without the Spirit. So some interpret wrongly for themselves when they say that they receive the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands and are so received, since it is plain that they must be born again in the catholic church by both sacraments. Then they will be able to be sons of God, as the apostle says: “Taking care to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were called in the one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” All these things the catholic church speaks. And again in the Gospel the Lord says: “What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit,” for God is Spirit, and he is born of God. So all heretics and schismatics, whatever they do, it is all carnal, as the apostle says: “For the works of the flesh are plain, which are sexual immoralities, impurities, incest, the service of idols, sorceries, enmities, strifes, jealousy, anger, divisions, heresies, and things like these; of which I have told you before, as I tell you now, that whoever does these things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” So the apostle condemns, along with all the wicked, those also who cause division, that is, schismatics and heretics. Unless, then, they receive saving baptism in the catholic church, which is one, they cannot be saved, but will be condemned with the carnal in the judgment of the Lord Christ. ### Scripture references - Matt 24:24: allusion, medium confidence - Prov 9:12: quotation, low confidence - Prov 9:18: quotation, low confidence - John 3:5: quotation, high confidence - Gen 1:2: allusion, high confidence - Eph 4:3–5: quotation, high confidence - John 3:6: quotation, high confidence - John 4:24: allusion, medium confidence - Gal 5:19–21: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - “Both sacraments” means baptism in water and the laying on of hands for the Spirit. The first two quotations, ascribed to Solomon, are from the Greek additions at Prov 9:12 and Prov 9:18 LXX, which have no counterpart in the Hebrew text. The others are John 3:5, Gen 1:2, Eph 4:3–5, John 3:6 with 4:24, and Gal 5:19–21; “false christs and false prophets” echoes Matt 24:24. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 5 (CSEL 3.1:438–440; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-5). ## Opinions of the Bishops 6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-6 - Source: CSEL 3.1:440 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Januarius of Lambaesis decrees on the authority of Scripture that all heretics be baptized. ### Latin text Ianuarius a Lambese dixit: Secundum scripturarum sanctarum auctoritatem decerno haereticos omnes baptizandos et sic in ecclesiam sanctam admittendos. ### English translation (Claude) Januarius of Lambaesis said: According to the authority of the holy Scriptures I decree that all heretics are to be baptized and so admitted into the holy church. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 6 (CSEL 3.1:440; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-6). ## Opinions of the Bishops 7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-7 - Source: CSEL 3.1:440–441 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Lucius of Castra Galbae argues that heretics, as salt that has lost its savor, lack the full baptismal confession and must be cleansed and baptized. ### Latin text Lucius a Castra Galbae dixit: Cum Dominus in euangelio suo dixerit: uos estis sal terrae. quodsi autem sal fatuus fuerit, in quo condietur? ex eo ad nihilum ualebit, nisi ut proiciatur foras et conculcetur ab hominibus, et iterum post resurrectionem suam mittens apostolos suos mandat dicens: data est mihi omnis potestas in caelo et in terra. ite ergo et docete gentes baptizantes eos in nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus sancti. cum ergo manifestum sit haereticos id est hostes Christi non integram sacramenti habere confessionem, item schismaticos non posse condire sapientia spiritali, cum ipsi ab ecclesia quae una est recedendo infatuati contrarii facti sint, fiat sicut scriptum est: domus contrariorum legis debent emundationem, et consequens eos qui a contrariis baptizati inquinati sunt primo purgari et tunc demum baptizari. ### English translation (Claude) Lucius of Castra Galbae said: Since the Lord said in his Gospel: “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt has become tasteless, with what will it be seasoned? From then on it will be good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled by men”; and again after his resurrection, sending his apostles, he commands, saying: “All power has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and teach the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”; since, then, it is plain that heretics, that is, the enemies of Christ, do not have the complete confession of the sacrament, and likewise that schismatics cannot season with spiritual wisdom, since by withdrawing from the church, which is one, they have become tasteless and have been made its opponents, let it be done as it is written: “The houses of the opponents of the law need cleansing”; and consequently those who have been defiled by being baptized by opponents must first be cleansed and then at last baptized. ### Scripture references - Matt 5:13: quotation, high confidence - Matt 28:18–19: quotation, high confidence - Prov 14:9: quotation, medium confidence ### Translation notes - “The complete confession of the sacrament” is the baptismal confession of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The quotations are Matt 5:13 and Matt 28:18–19; the saying “The houses of the opponents of the law need cleansing” is Prov 14:9 in the Greek form (“the houses of transgressors will owe cleansing”), which differs from the Hebrew. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 7 (CSEL 3.1:440–441; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-7). ## Opinions of the Bishops 8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-8 - Source: CSEL 3.1:441 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Crescens of Cirta judges that heretics must be exorcized and baptized, while lapsed members who had been baptized in the church are reconciled by the laying on of hands. ### Latin text Crescens a Cirta dixit: Tanto coetu sanctissimorum consacerdotum lectis litteris Cypriani dilectissimi nostri ad Iubaianum itemque ad Stephanum, quae tantum in se sanctissimorum testimoniorum descendentium ex scripturis deificis continent, ut merito omnes per Dei gratiam adunati consentire debeamus, censeo ergo omnes haereticos et schismaticos qui ad catholicam ecclesiam uoluerint uenire non ante ingredi, nisi exorcizati et baptizati prius fuerint, exceptis his sane qui in ecclesia [catholica] fuerint ante baptizati: ii tamen per manus inpositionem in paenitentia ecclesiae reconcilientur. ### English translation (Claude) Crescens of Cirta said: In so great an assembly of most holy fellow priests, the letters of our dearest Cyprian to Jubaianus and also to Stephen having been read, which contain in themselves so much of the most holy testimonies drawn from the divinely given Scriptures that rightly we all, united by the grace of God, ought to agree, I judge, therefore, that all heretics and schismatics who wish to come to the catholic church may not enter before they have first been exorcized and baptized; excepting of course those who had been baptized before in the church: these, however, are to be reconciled to the church by the laying on of hands in penance. ### Translation notes - “Fellow priests” (consacerdotes) means fellow bishops. “Penance” here is the church's public discipline. The edition prints “[catholica]” (“catholic”) before “church” in square brackets, marking it as spurious; it is left out. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 8 (CSEL 3.1:441; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-8). ## Opinions of the Bishops 9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-9 - Source: CSEL 3.1:441–442 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Nicomedes of Segermes holds that heretics must be baptized because no remission of sins is found outside the church. ### Latin text Nicomedes a Segermis dixit: Mea sententia haec est ut haeretici ad ecclesiam uenientes baptizentur eo quod nullam foris aput peccatores remissionem peccatorum consequentur. ### English translation (Claude) Nicomedes of Segermes said: My opinion is this, that heretics coming to the church should be baptized, because outside, among sinners, they can obtain no remission of sins. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 9 (CSEL 3.1:441–442; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-9). ## Opinions of the Bishops 10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-10 - Source: CSEL 3.1:442 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Monnulus of Girba argues that since baptism is in the name of the Trinity and heretics have neither Father, Son, nor Spirit, they must be baptized in the church. ### Latin text Monnulus a Girba dixit: Ecclesiae [catholicae] matris nostrae ueritas [semper] aput nos, fratres, et mansit et manet, eo quod in baptismate est trinitas Domino nostro dicente: ite et baptizate gentes in nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus sancti. cum ergo manifesto sciamus haereticos non habere nec Patrem nec Filium nec Spiritum sanctum, debent uenientes ad ecclesiam matrem nostram uenire, renasci et baptizari, ut cancer quod habebant et damnationis iram et erroris offecturam per sanctum et caeleste lauacrum sanctificetur. ### English translation (Claude) Monnulus of Girba said: The truth of the church, our mother, brothers, has both remained and remains with us, because in baptism there is the Trinity, as our Lord says: “Go and baptize the nations in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Since, then, we know plainly that heretics have neither the Father nor the Son nor the Holy Spirit, those who come to the church our mother ought to be born again and baptized, so that the cancer they had, and the wrath of condemnation, and the taint of error may be sanctified by the holy and heavenly washing. ### Scripture references - Matt 28:19: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Matt 28:19. The edition prints “[catholicae]” (“catholic”) and “[semper]” (“always”) in square brackets, marking them as spurious; they are left out. “Taint” renders “offecturam” (literally “dyeing, staining”). ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 10 (CSEL 3.1:442; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-10). ## Opinions of the Bishops 11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-11 - Source: CSEL 3.1:442–443 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Secundinus of Cedias argues that heretics, being antichrists and Christ's enemies, cannot give saving baptism. ### Latin text Secundinus a Cedias dixit: Cum Dominus noster Christus dicat: qui mecum non est aduersum me est, et Iohannes apostolus eos qui ab ecclesia exeunt antichristos dicat, indubitanter hostes Christi quique antichristi nominati sunt gratiam baptismi salutaris ministrare non possunt. et ideo censeo eos qui de insidiis haereticorum confugiunt ad ecclesiam baptizandos esse a nobis qui amici appellati sumus Dei de eius dignatione. ### English translation (Claude) Secundinus of Cedias said: Since our Lord Christ says, “He who is not with me is against me,” and the apostle John calls those who go out from the church antichrists, without doubt the enemies of Christ and those who have been named antichrists cannot minister the grace of saving baptism. And therefore I judge that those who flee to the church from the snares of heretics are to be baptized by us, who by his favor have been called friends of God. ### Scripture references - Matt 12:30: quotation, high confidence - 1 John 2:18–19: allusion, high confidence - John 15:15: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The references are Matt 12:30, 1 John 2:18–19, and John 15:15. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 11 (CSEL 3.1:442–443; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-11). ## Opinions of the Bishops 12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-12 - Source: CSEL 3.1:443 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Felix of Bagai says that a heretic baptizing a heretic is the blind leading the blind into death. ### Latin text Felix a Bagai dixit: Sicut caecus caecum ducens sic in foueam cadent, ita haereticus haereticum baptizans simul in mortem cadent. et ideo haereticus baptizandus est et uiuificandus, ne nos uiui mortuis communicemus. ### English translation (Claude) Felix of Bagai said: As “a blind man leading a blind man,” so “they will fall into the pit”; just so a heretic baptizing a heretic, they will fall together into death. And therefore a heretic must be baptized and given life, lest we, the living, hold communion with the dead. ### Scripture references - Matt 15:14: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Matt 15:14. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 12 (CSEL 3.1:443; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-12). ## Opinions of the Bishops 13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-13 - Source: CSEL 3.1:443 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Pollianus of Milevis votes to baptize heretics in the church. ### Latin text Polianus a Mileo dixit: Iustum est haereticum baptizari in ecclesia sancta. ### English translation (Claude) Pollianus of Milevis said: It is right that a heretic be baptized in the holy church. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 13 (CSEL 3.1:443; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-13). ## Opinions of the Bishops 14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-14 - Source: CSEL 3.1:443 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Theogenes of Hippo Regius affirms the one baptism of the church. ### Latin text Theogenes ab Hippone regio dixit: Secundum sacramentum Dei gratiae caelestis quod accepimus unum baptisma quod est in ecclesia sancta credimus. ### English translation (Claude) Theogenes of Hippo Regius said: According to the sacrament of God's heavenly grace which we have received, we believe in the one baptism which is in the holy church. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 14 (CSEL 3.1:443; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-14). ## Opinions of the Bishops 15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-15 - Source: CSEL 3.1:443 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dativus of Vada will not hold communion with a heretic until he is baptized in the church. ### Latin text Datiuus a Vadis dixit: Nos quantum in nobis est haeretico non communicamus, nisi baptizatus in ecclesia fuerit et remissam peccatorum acceperit. ### English translation (Claude) Dativus of Vada said: As far as it lies with us, we do not hold communion with a heretic unless he has been baptized in the church and has received remission of sins. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 15 (CSEL 3.1:443; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-15). ## Opinions of the Bishops 16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-16 - Source: CSEL 3.1:443–444 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Successus argues that heretics, who cannot give the Spirit because they lack it, cannot baptize either. ### Latin text Successus ab Abbir Germaniciana dixit: Haereticis aut nihil licet aut totum licet. si possunt baptizare, possunt et sanctum Spiritum dare: si autem sanctum Spiritum dare non possunt, quia non habent Spiritum sanctum, nec baptizare spiritaliter possunt. propterea censemus haereticos baptizandos esse. ### English translation (Claude) Successus of Abbir Germaniciana said: Either nothing is permitted to heretics or everything is. If they can baptize, they can also give the Holy Spirit; but if they cannot give the Holy Spirit, because they do not have the Holy Spirit, neither can they baptize spiritually. Therefore we judge that heretics are to be baptized. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 16 (CSEL 3.1:443–444; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-16). ## Opinions of the Bishops 17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-17 - Source: CSEL 3.1:444 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Fortunatus of Thuccabori holds that Christ built the church on Peter and gave the power to baptize to bishops, not heretics. ### Latin text Fortunatus a Thuccabori dixit: Iesus Christus Dominus et Deus noster Dei patris et creatoris filius super Petrum aedificauit ecclesiam, non super haeresim, et potestatem baptizandi episcopis dedit, non haereticis. quare qui extra ecclesiam sunt et contra Christum stantes oues eius et gregem spargunt baptizare foris non possunt. ### English translation (Claude) Fortunatus of Thuccabori said: Jesus Christ, our Lord and God, the Son of God the Father and Creator, built his church upon Peter, not upon heresy, and gave the power of baptizing to bishops, not to heretics. Therefore those who are outside the church and, standing against Christ, scatter his sheep and flock, cannot baptize outside. ### Scripture references - Matt 16:18: allusion, high confidence - John 10:12: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The allusions are Matt 16:18 and John 10:12. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 17 (CSEL 3.1:444; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-17). ## Opinions of the Bishops 18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-18 - Source: CSEL 3.1:444 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Sedatus of Thuburbo teaches that water sanctified in the church washes away sins, while heretical water heaps them up. ### Latin text Sedatus a Thuburbo dixit: In quantum aqua sacerdotis prece in ecclesia sanctificata abluit delicta, in tantum haeretico sermone uelut cancer infecta cumulat peccata. quare omnibus pacificis quidem uiribus nitendum est, ne qui haeretico errore infectus et intinctus singulare et uerum ecclesiae baptismum retractet accipere, quo quisquis non fuerit baptizatus regno caelorum fiet alienus. ### English translation (Claude) Sedatus of Thuburbo said: As much as water sanctified in the church by the priest's prayer washes away sins, so much does water infected, as by a cancer, with heretical speech heap up sins. Therefore we must strive with all peaceable strength that no one infected and dipped in heretical error refuse to receive the one true baptism of the church; whoever has not been baptized with it will become a stranger to the kingdom of heaven. ### Translation notes - “The priest's prayer” refers to the bishop's prayer consecrating the baptismal water. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 18 (CSEL 3.1:444; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-18). ## Opinions of the Bishops 19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-19 - Source: CSEL 3.1:444 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Privatianus of Sufetula asks how heresy, which is not from God, could have or give God's grace. ### Latin text priuatianus a sufetula dixit: Qui haereticos potestatem baptizandi habere dicit, dicat prius quis haeresim condiderit. si enim haeresis a Deo est, habere et indulgentiam diuinam potest: si uero a Deo non est, quomodo gratiam Dei aut habere aut conferre alicui potest? ### English translation (Claude) Privatianus of Sufetula said: Let him who says that heretics have the power of baptizing first say who founded heresy. For if heresy is from God, it can also have divine indulgence; but if it is not from God, how can it either have the grace of God or confer it on anyone? ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 19 (CSEL 3.1:444; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-19). ## Opinions of the Bishops 20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-20 - Source: CSEL 3.1:444–445 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Privatus of Sufes says approving heretical baptism means communion with heretics. ### Latin text Priuatus a Sufibus dixit: Qui haereticorum baptismum probat quid aliud quam haereticis communicat? ### English translation (Claude) Privatus of Sufes said: He who approves the baptism of heretics, what else does he do but hold communion with heretics? ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 20 (CSEL 3.1:444–445; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-20). ## Opinions of the Bishops 21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-21 - Source: CSEL 3.1:445 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hortensianus of Lares claims the one baptism for the church alone, since Christ's adversaries cannot baptize in his name. ### Latin text Hortensianus a Laribus dixit: Viderint aut praesumptores aut fautores haereticorum: nos unum baptisma quod non nisi in ecclesia nouimus ecclesiae uindicamus. aut quomodo possunt in nomine Christi aliquem baptizare quos ipse Christus dicit aduersarios suos esse? ### English translation (Claude) Hortensianus of Lares said: Let the presumptuous or the supporters of heretics see to it: we claim for the church the one baptism, which we know exists only in the church. Or how can those baptize anyone in the name of Christ whom Christ himself calls his adversaries? ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 21 (CSEL 3.1:445; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-21). ## Opinions of the Bishops 22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-22 - Source: CSEL 3.1:445 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Cassius of Macomades holds that heretics must be baptized, while former church members who lapsed into heresy are restored by the laying on of hands. ### Latin text Cassius a Macomadibus dixit: Cum baptismata duo esse non possint, qui haereticis baptismum concedit sibi tollit. censeo itaque flebiles et tabidos haereticos baptizandos esse, cum ad ecclesiam uenire coeperint, et sacra et diuina lauatione lotos et in lumine uitae inluminatos non hostes sed pacificos, non alienos sed fidei Domini domesticos, non adulteros sed Dei filios, non erroris sed salutis effectos in ecclesiam recipi, absque his qui de ecclesia fideles supplantati ad haeresis tenebras transierant, sed eos per manus inpositionem restituendos. ### English translation (Claude) Cassius of Macomades said: Since there cannot be two baptisms, he who grants baptism to heretics takes it away from himself. I judge, therefore, that wretched and wasting heretics are to be baptized when they begin to come to the church, and, washed with the sacred and divine washing and enlightened in the light of life, received into the church, made not enemies but peaceable, not strangers but members of the household of the Lord's faith, not adulterers but sons of God, not sons of error but of salvation; except those who, having been faithful members of the church, were tripped up and had passed over to the darkness of heresy: these are to be restored by the laying on of hands. ### Scripture references - Gal 6:10: echo, medium confidence - Eph 2:19: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - “Adulterers” is figurative: heretics as unfaithful to the church, Christ's bride. “Household of faith” echoes Gal 6:10 and Eph 2:19. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 22 (CSEL 3.1:445; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-22). ## Opinions of the Bishops 23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-23 - Source: CSEL 3.1:445 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Januarius of Vicus Caesaris says that truth cannot consent to error, and so the church baptizes all it has not already baptized. ### Latin text Alius Ianuarius a Vico Caesaris dixit: Si non obtemperat error ueritati, multo magis ueritas non consentit errori. et ideo nos ecclesiae adsistimus, in qua praesidemus, ut baptismum eius ipsi soli uindicantes eos quos ecclesia non baptizauit baptizemus. ### English translation (Claude) Another Januarius, of Vicus Caesaris, said: If error does not yield to truth, much more does truth not consent to error. And therefore we stand by the church over which we preside, so that, claiming its baptism for it alone, we baptize those whom the church has not baptized. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 23 (CSEL 3.1:445; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-23). ## Opinions of the Bishops 24 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-24 - Source: CSEL 3.1:445–446 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Secundinus of Carpi argues that heretics, not being Christians, must become Christians by baptism and not merely by the laying on of hands. ### Latin text Alius Secundinus a Carpos dixit: Haeretici christiani sunt an non? si christiani sunt, cur in ecclesia Dei non sunt? si christiani non sunt, fiant. aut quo pertinet sermo Domini dicentis: qui non est mecum aduersum me est, et qui non mecum colligit spargit? unde constat super filios alienos et suboles antichristi Spiritum sanctum per manus inpositionem non tantummodo non posse descendere, cum manifestum sit haereticos baptisma non habere. ### English translation (Claude) Another Secundinus, of Carpi, said: Are heretics Christians or not? If they are Christians, why are they not in the church of God? If they are not Christians, let them become Christians. Or what does the Lord's saying mean: “He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters”? Hence it is plain that upon strange sons and the offspring of antichrist the Holy Spirit cannot descend merely by the laying on of hands, since it is plain that heretics do not have baptism. ### Scripture references - Matt 12:30: quotation, high confidence - Luke 11:23: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Matt 12:30 (Luke 11:23). ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 24 (CSEL 3.1:445–446; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-24). ## Opinions of the Bishops 25 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-25 - Source: CSEL 3.1:446 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Victoricus of Thabraca asks why heretics should be called heretics if they can give remission of sins. ### Latin text Victoricus a Thabraca dixit: Si licet haereticis baptizare et remissam peccatorum dare, quid illos infamamus et haereticos illos appellamus? ### English translation (Claude) Victoricus of Thabraca said: If heretics may baptize and give remission of sins, why do we defame them and call them heretics? ### Translation notes - The bishop's name is read as Victoricus; the digital text has “Victorious”, an evident misreading. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 25 (CSEL 3.1:446; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-25). ## Opinions of the Bishops 26 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-26 - Source: CSEL 3.1:446 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Felix of Uthina asks all the bishops to confirm that heretics coming to the church must be baptized. ### Latin text Alius Felix ab Vthina dixit: Nemini dubium est, sanctissimi consacerdotes, non in tantum posse humanam praesumptionem, quantum Domini nostri Christi adorandam et uenerabilem maiestatem. memores ergo periculi hoc quoque non tantum obseruare debemus, uerum etiam ab omnibus nobis confirmare, ut omnes haeretici qui ad sinum matris ecclesiae adcurrunt baptizentur, ut mens haeretica quae diuturna tabe polluta est sanctificatione lauacri purgata in melius reformetur. ### English translation (Claude) Another Felix, of Uthina, said: No one doubts, most holy fellow priests, that human presumption does not have as much power as the adorable and venerable majesty of our Lord Christ. Mindful, therefore, of the danger, we ought not only to observe this but also to confirm it by all of us: that all heretics who run to the bosom of mother church be baptized, so that the heretical mind, polluted by long corruption, may be cleansed by the sanctification of the washing and reshaped for the better. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 26 (CSEL 3.1:446; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-26). ## Opinions of the Bishops 27 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-27 - Source: CSEL 3.1:446–447 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Quietus of Buruc applies the saying about washing after touching the dead to baptism by heretics. ### Latin text Quietus a Buruc dixit: Qui fide uiuimus obsequi his quae instruendis nobis ante praedicta sunt credula obseruatione debemus. nam scriptum est aput Salomonem: qui baptizatur a mortuo quid proficit lauatione eius? quod utique de his qui ab haereticis intinguuntur et de tinguentibus loquitur. si enim qui aput illos baptizantur per remissionem peccatorum uitam aeternam consequuntur, cur ad ecclesiam ueniunt? si uero a mortuo salutis nihil accipitur, ac propterea cognito errore pristino ad ueritatem cum paenitentia reuertuntur, uno uitali baptismate quod in catholica ecclesia est et sanctificari debere manifestum. ### English translation (Claude) Quietus of Buruc said: We who live by faith ought to obey with believing observance what was foretold for our instruction. For it is written in Solomon: “He who is baptized by a dead man, what does his washing profit him?” This is certainly said of those who are dipped by heretics and of those who dip them. For if those who are baptized among them obtain eternal life through remission of sins, why do they come to the church? But if nothing of salvation is received from a dead man, and for that reason, having recognized their former error, they return to the truth with repentance, it is plain that they must also be sanctified by the one life-giving baptism which is in the catholic church. ### Extrabiblical texts - Sir 34:25 (Sirach): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation, cited as Solomon, is Sir 34:25 (34:30 in some numberings), which speaks of washing after touching a corpse; Quietus reads it of baptism. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 27 (CSEL 3.1:446–447; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-27). ## Opinions of the Bishops 28 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-28 - Source: CSEL 3.1:447 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Castus of Sicca says that preferring custom to truth is envy toward the brothers or ingratitude toward God. ### Latin text Castus a Sicca dixit: Qui contempta ueritate praesumit consuetudinem sequi aut circa fratres inuidus est et malignus quibus ueritas reuelatur aut circa Deum ingratus cuius inspiratione ecclesia eius instruitur. ### English translation (Claude) Castus of Sicca said: He who, despising the truth, presumes to follow custom is either envious and malicious toward the brothers to whom the truth is revealed, or ungrateful toward God, by whose inspiration his church is instructed. ### Translation notes - “Custom” is aimed at those who defended accepting heretical baptism as an ancient custom. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 28 (CSEL 3.1:447; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-28). ## Opinions of the Bishops 29 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-29 - Source: CSEL 3.1:447–448 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eucratius of Thenae holds that heretical baptism, which blasphemes the Trinity, must be rejected and heretics baptized in the church. ### Latin text Eucratius a Thenis dixit: Fidem nostram et baptismatis gratiam et legis ecclesiasticae regulam Dominus et Deus noster Iesus Christus suo ore apostolos docens perimpleuit dicens: ite et docete gentes baptizantes eos in nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus sancti. falsum ergo haereticorum baptisma et iniquum a nobis pellendum est et omni contestatione refutandum, de quorum ore uirus, non uita, nec gratia caelestis, sed blasphemia trinitatis exprimitur. et ideo uenientes ad ecclesiam haereticos integro et catholico baptismate baptizari debere manifestum est, ut a blasphema sua praesumptione purificati possint Spiritus sancti gloria reformari. ### English translation (Claude) Eucratius of Thenae said: Our Lord and God Jesus Christ, teaching the apostles with his own mouth, fully set out our faith and the grace of baptism and the rule of the church's law, saying: “Go and teach the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” So the false and wicked baptism of heretics must be driven off by us and refuted with every protest, from whose mouth comes poison, not life, not heavenly grace but blasphemy of the Trinity. And therefore it is plain that heretics coming to the church must be baptized with whole and catholic baptism, so that, purified from their blasphemous presumption, they may be reshaped by the glory of the Holy Spirit. ### Scripture references - Matt 28:19: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Matt 28:19. The digital text reads “Eucratins”; the bishop's name is Eucratius. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 29 (CSEL 3.1:447–448; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-29). ## Opinions of the Bishops 30 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-30 - Source: CSEL 3.1:448 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Libosus of Vaga says that Christ called himself the truth, not custom, so custom must yield to truth. ### Latin text Libosus a Vaga dixit: In euangelio Dominus, ego sum, inquit, ueritas. non dixit: ego sum consuetudo. itaque ueritate manifestata cedat consuetudo ueritati, ut etsi in praeteritum quis in ecclesia haereticos non baptizabat, nunc baptizare incipiat. ### English translation (Claude) Libosus of Vaga said: In the Gospel the Lord says: “I am the truth.” He did not say: I am custom. And so, now that the truth has been made plain, let custom yield to truth, so that even if in the past someone did not baptize heretics in the church, he may now begin to baptize them. ### Scripture references - John 14:6: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is John 14:6. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 30 (CSEL 3.1:448; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-30). ## Opinions of the Bishops 31 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-31 - Source: CSEL 3.1:448 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Leucius of Theveste judges that heretics who twist the Scriptures must be exorcized and baptized. ### Latin text Leucius a Thebeste dixit: Haereticos blasphemos adque iniquos uerbis uanis decerpentes sancta et adorabilia scripturarum uerba exsecrandos censeo et ideo exorcizandos et baptizandos. ### English translation (Claude) Leucius of Theveste said: I judge that heretics, blasphemous and wicked, who with empty words pluck apart the holy and adorable words of the Scriptures, are to be abhorred, and therefore are to be exorcized and baptized. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 31 (CSEL 3.1:448; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-31). ## Opinions of the Bishops 32 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-32 - Source: CSEL 3.1:448 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eugenius of Ammaedara votes to baptize heretics. ### Latin text Eugenius ab Ammedera dixit: Et ego hoc idem censeo haereticos baptizandos esse. ### English translation (Claude) Eugenius of Ammaedara said: I too judge this same thing, that heretics are to be baptized. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 32 (CSEL 3.1:448; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-32). ## Opinions of the Bishops 33 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-33 - Source: CSEL 3.1:448–449 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Felix of Bamaccora holds that the church's fountain belongs to it alone, so that neither heretics nor schismatics can give or receive baptism. ### Latin text Item alius Felix a Bamaccora dixit: Ecce secutus diuinarum scripturarum auctoritatem baptizandos haereticos esse censeo, sed et eos qui schismaticos baptizatos se esse contendunt. si enim secundum cautum Christi priuatus fons noster est, intellegant cuncti ecclesiae nostrae aduersarii quia alienus esse non potest. nec duobus populis salutarem aquam tribuere potest ille qui unius gregis pastor est. et ideo manifestum est nec haereticos nec schismaticos aliquid caeleste posse suscipere, qui a peccatoribus hominibus ab ecclesia extraneis audeant accipere. quando danti locus non est, utique nec accipienti prodest. ### English translation (Claude) Likewise another Felix, of Bamaccora, said: See, following the authority of the divine Scriptures, I judge that heretics are to be baptized, and also those who claim that they were baptized by schismatics. For if, according to Christ's provision, our fountain is private, let all the adversaries of our church understand that it cannot belong to another. Nor can he who is the shepherd of one flock give saving water to two peoples. And therefore it is plain that neither heretics nor schismatics can receive anything heavenly, since they dare to receive it from sinful men who are strangers to the church. When there is no room for the giver, it certainly profits not the receiver either. ### Scripture references - Song 4:12: allusion, medium confidence - John 10:16: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The “private fountain” alludes to Song 4:12 (“a fountain sealed”), a text Cyprian applies to the church; “one flock, one shepherd” echoes John 10:16. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 33 (CSEL 3.1:448–449; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-33). ## Opinions of the Bishops 34 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-34 - Source: CSEL 3.1:449 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Januarius of Muzula argues that one baptism cannot belong both to the church and to heresy. ### Latin text Item alius Ianuarius Muzulensis dixit: Miror quod cum omnes confiteantur unum esse baptismum, non omnes intellegant eiusdem baptismi unitatem. ecclesia enim et haeresis duae et diuersae res sunt. si haeretici habent baptisma, nos non habemus: si autem nos habemus, haeretici habere non possunt. dubium autem non est ecclesiam solam baptismum Christi possidere quae sola possideat et gratiam Christi et ueritatem. ### English translation (Claude) Likewise another Januarius, of Muzula, said: I am surprised that, though all confess that baptism is one, not all understand the unity of that same baptism. For the church and heresy are two different things. If heretics have baptism, we do not; but if we have it, heretics cannot have it. And there is no doubt that the church alone possesses the baptism of Christ, since it alone possesses both the grace and the truth of Christ. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 34 (CSEL 3.1:449; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-34). ## Opinions of the Bishops 35 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-35 - Source: CSEL 3.1:449 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Adelphius of Thasvalte denies that the church rebaptizes heretics: it baptizes them for the first time. ### Latin text Adelphius a Thasualthe dixit: Sine causa quidam falso et inuidioso uerbo inpugnant ueritatem ut rebaptizare nos dicant, quando ecclesia haereticos non rebaptizet, sed baptizet. ### English translation (Claude) Adelphius of Thasvalte said: Without cause do some attack the truth with a false and spiteful word, saying that we rebaptize, since the church does not rebaptize heretics but baptizes them. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 35 (CSEL 3.1:449; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-35). ## Opinions of the Bishops 36 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-36 - Source: CSEL 3.1:449–450 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Demetrius of Leptis Minor says that those who accept heretical baptism make as many baptisms as there are heresies. ### Latin text Demetrius a Leptiminus dixit: Vnum baptisma nos custodimus, quia ecclesiae soli rem suam uindicamus. qui autem dicunt quia haeretici uere et legitime baptizant, ipsi sunt qui non duo sed multa baptismata faciunt. nam cum haereses multae sint, pro earum numero et baptismata conputabantur. ### English translation (Claude) Demetrius of Leptis Minor said: We keep one baptism, because we claim for the church alone what is its own. But those who say that heretics baptize truly and lawfully are the ones who make not two but many baptisms. For since heresies are many, baptisms too would be counted according to their number. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 36 (CSEL 3.1:449–450; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-36). ## Opinions of the Bishops 37 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-37 - Source: CSEL 3.1:450 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Vincentius of Thibaris holds that converts from heresy must first be exorcized with the laying on of hands and then baptized. ### Latin text Vincentius a Thibari dixit: Haereticos scimus esse peiores quam ethnicos. si conuersi ad Dominum uenire uoluerint, habent utique regulam ueritatis quam Dominus praecepto diuino mandauit apostolis dicens: ite, in nomine meo manum inponite, daemonia expellite. et alio loco: ite et docete gentes tinguentes eas in nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus sancti. ergo primo per manus inpositionem in exorcismo, secundo per baptismi regenerationem, tunc possunt ad Christi pollicitationem peruenire: alias autem non debere. ### English translation (Claude) Vincentius of Thibaris said: We know that heretics are worse than heathens. If, converted, they wish to come to the Lord, they certainly have the rule of truth which the Lord commanded the apostles by divine precept, saying: “Go, lay on hands in my name, cast out demons.” And in another place: “Go and teach the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” So first through the laying on of hands in exorcism, secondly through the regeneration of baptism, they can then come to the promise of Christ; otherwise, I judge, they ought not. ### Scripture references - Mark 16:17–18: allusion, medium confidence - Matt 10:8: allusion, low confidence - Matt 28:19: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The first saying is a loose combination of Mark 16:17–18 and Matt 10:8; the second is Matt 28:19. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 37 (CSEL 3.1:450; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-37). ## Opinions of the Bishops 38 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-38 - Source: CSEL 3.1:450 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Marcus of Mactaris is surprised that some Catholics side with heretics against Christians. ### Latin text Marcus a Maothari dixit: Mirandum non est, si haeretici hostes adque inpugnatores ueritatis rem sibi uindicant potestatis et dignationis alienae. illud mirandum est quod quidam nostri praeuaricatores ueritatis haereticis suffragantur et christianis aduersantur. propterea decreuimus haereticos baptizandos esse. ### English translation (Claude) Marcus of Mactaris said: It is not surprising if heretics, the enemies and assailants of the truth, claim for themselves something belonging to another's power and favor. What is surprising is that some of our own, betrayers of the truth, support heretics and oppose Christians. Therefore we have decreed that heretics are to be baptized. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 38 (CSEL 3.1:450; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-38). ## Opinions of the Bishops 39 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-39 - Source: CSEL 3.1:450–451 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Sattius of Sicilibba argues that if heretical baptism forgave sins, heretics would have no need of the church. ### Latin text Sattius a Sicilibba dixit: Si haereticis in baptismo suo peccata donantur, sine causa ad ecclesiam ueniunt. nam cum in die iudicii peccata sint quae puniuntur, nihil est quod timere possint haeretici de iudicio Christi, si sunt remissionem peccatorum consecuti. ### English translation (Claude) Sattius of Sicilibba said: If sins are forgiven heretics in their own baptism, they come to the church without cause. For since on the day of judgment it is sins that are punished, heretics have nothing to fear from the judgment of Christ if they have obtained remission of sins. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 39 (CSEL 3.1:450–451; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-39). ## Opinions of the Bishops 40 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-40 - Source: CSEL 3.1:451 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Victor of Gorduba says that admitting heretics without baptism fails to cleanse them and defiles Christians. ### Latin text Victor a Gorduba dixit: Cum peccata non nisi in ecclesiae baptismo remittantur, qui haereticum ad communicationem sine baptismo admittit utrumque contra rationem facit, nec haereticos purgat et christianos inquinat. ### English translation (Claude) Victor of Gorduba said: Since sins are forgiven only in the baptism of the church, he who admits a heretic to communion without baptism acts against reason in both respects: he neither cleanses heretics nor keeps Christians undefiled. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 40 (CSEL 3.1:451; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-40). ## Opinions of the Bishops 41 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-41 - Source: CSEL 3.1:451 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Aurelius of Utica argues from Paul that communion with unbaptized heretics shares in their sins. ### Latin text Aurelius ab Vtica dixit: Cum dicat apostolus non communicandum peccatis alienis, quid aliud quam peccatis alienis communicat qui haereticis sine ecclesiae baptismo communicat? et ideo censeo baptizandos esse haereticos, ut accipiant remissionem peccatorum et sic illis communicetur. ### English translation (Claude) Aurelius of Utica said: Since the apostle says that we must not share in the sins of others, what else does he do but share in the sins of others who holds communion with heretics without the church's baptism? And therefore I judge that heretics are to be baptized, so that they may receive remission of sins, and so be admitted to communion. ### Scripture references - 1 Tim 5:22: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The allusion is 1 Tim 5:22. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 41 (CSEL 3.1:451; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-41). ## Opinions of the Bishops 42 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-42 - Source: CSEL 3.1:451 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Iambus of Germaniciana says that approving heretical baptism means disapproving the church's own. ### Latin text Iambus a Germaniciana dixit: Qui haereticorum baptismum probant nostrum inprobant, ut extra ecclesiam non dicam lotos, sed sordidatos negent in ecclesia baptizari oportere. ### English translation (Claude) Iambus of Germaniciana said: Those who approve the baptism of heretics disapprove ours, so that they deny that those who were, I will not say washed, but soiled outside the church ought to be baptized in the church. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 42 (CSEL 3.1:451; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-42). ## Opinions of the Bishops 43 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-43 - Source: CSEL 3.1:451–452 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Lucianus of Rucuma argues that as God divided light from darkness, the church can have nothing in common with heretics. ### Latin text Lucianus a Rucuma dixit: Scriptum est: et uidit Deus lucem quia bona est, et diuisit inter lucem et tenebras. si potest luci et tenebris conuenire, potest nobis et haereticis aliquid esse commune. propterea censeo haereticos baptizandos esse. ### English translation (Claude) Lucianus of Rucuma said: It is written: “And God saw the light, that it was good, and divided between the light and the darkness.” If light and darkness can agree, then we and heretics can have something in common. Therefore I judge that heretics are to be baptized. ### Scripture references - Gen 1:4: quotation, high confidence - 2 Cor 6:14: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Gen 1:4; the thought echoes 2 Cor 6:14. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 43 (CSEL 3.1:451–452; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-43). ## Opinions of the Bishops 44 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-44 - Source: CSEL 3.1:452 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Pelagianus of Luperciana argues from Elijah's challenge that heresy is not the church and cannot have its baptism. ### Latin text Pelagianus a Luperciana dixit: Scriptum est: aut enim Deus Deus est aut Baal Deus est. ita et nunc aut ecclesia ecclesia est aut haeresis ecclesia est. porro si haeresis ecclesia non est, quomodo esse aput haereticos baptisma ecclesiae potest? ### English translation (Claude) Pelagianus of Luperciana said: It is written: “Either God is God, or Baal is God.” So now too, either the church is the church, or heresy is the church. But if heresy is not the church, how can the church's baptism be among heretics? ### Scripture references - 1 Kgs 18:21: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is a loose form of 1 Kgs 18:21 (3 Kingdoms in the Greek and Latin Bible). ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 44 (CSEL 3.1:452; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-44). ## Opinions of the Bishops 45 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-45 - Source: CSEL 3.1:452 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Iader of Midili votes to admit no heretic without the church's baptism. ### Latin text Iader a Midili dixit: Scimus non esse nisi unum baptisma in ecclesia catholica, et ideo non debemus admittere haereticum, nisi baptizatus aput nos fuerit, ne se putet extra ecclesiam catholicam baptizatum esse. ### English translation (Claude) Iader of Midili said: We know that there is only one baptism, in the catholic church, and therefore we ought not to admit a heretic unless he has been baptized among us, lest he think he was baptized outside the catholic church. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 45 (CSEL 3.1:452; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-45). ## Opinions of the Bishops 46 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-46 - Source: CSEL 3.1:452 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Felix of Marazana says the one baptism belongs to the catholic church alone. ### Latin text Item alius Felix a Marasana dixit: Vna fides, unum baptismum, sed ecclesiae catholicae cui soli licet baptizare. ### English translation (Claude) Likewise another Felix, of Marazana, said: One faith, one baptism; but of the catholic church, to which alone it is permitted to baptize. ### Scripture references - Eph 4:5: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The allusion is Eph 4:5. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 46 (CSEL 3.1:452; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-46). ## Opinions of the Bishops 47 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-47 - Source: CSEL 3.1:452–453 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Paul of Obba argues from Romans that where God is not, as among heretics, true baptism cannot be. ### Latin text Paulus ab Obba dixit: Me non mouet, si aliquis ecclesiae fidem et ueritatem non uindicat, quando apostolus dicat: quid enim si exciderunt a fide quidam illorum? numquid infidelitas eorum fidem Dei euacuauit? absit. est enim Deus uerax, omnis autem homo mendax. si autem Deus uerax est, quomodo esse aput haereticos baptismi ueritas potest aput quos Deus non est? ### English translation (Claude) Paul of Obba said: It does not move me if someone does not uphold the faith and truth of the church, since the apostle says: “For what if some of them have fallen away from the faith? Has their unbelief made void the faithfulness of God? By no means. For God is true, but every man a liar.” But if God is true, how can the truth of baptism be among heretics, among whom God is not? ### Scripture references - Rom 3:3–4: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Rom 3:3–4. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 47 (CSEL 3.1:452–453; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-47). ## Opinions of the Bishops 48 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-48 - Source: CSEL 3.1:453 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Pomponius of Dionysiana says that heretics lack the power to bind and loose, and so cannot forgive sins in baptism. ### Latin text Pomponius a Dionysiana dixit: Manifestum est haereticos non posse baptizare et remissam peccatorum dare qui potestatem non habent ut aut soluere aut ligare aliquid in terris possint. ### English translation (Claude) Pomponius of Dionysiana said: It is plain that heretics cannot baptize and give remission of sins, since they do not have the power to loose or bind anything on earth. ### Scripture references - Matt 16:19: allusion, high confidence - Matt 18:18: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The allusion is Matt 16:19; 18:18. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 48 (CSEL 3.1:453; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-48). ## Opinions of the Bishops 49 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-49 - Source: CSEL 3.1:453 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Venantius of Thinisa compares the bishops to a friend entrusted with a traveling husband's wife: sharing baptism with heretics betrays Christ's bride. ### Latin text Venantius a Thinisa dixit: Si maritus peregre proficiscens amico suo commendasset uxorem suam custodiendam, commendatam sibi ille quanta posset diligentia seruaret, ne ab aliquo castitas eius et sanctitas adulteraretur. Christus Dominus et Deus noster ad patrem proficiscens sponsam suam nobis conmendauit. utrumne eam incorruptam et inuiolatam custodimus an integritatem eius et castitatem moechis et corruptoribus prodimus? qui enim baptisma ecclesiae commune cum haereticis facit sponsam Christi adulteris prodit. ### English translation (Claude) Venantius of Thinisa said: If a husband, setting out abroad, had entrusted his wife to a friend to guard, the friend would keep her, entrusted to him, with all the care he could, so that her chastity and holiness might not be defiled by anyone. Christ, our Lord and God, setting out to the Father, entrusted his bride to us. Are we guarding her uncorrupted and inviolate, or are we betraying her integrity and chastity to adulterers and corrupters? For he who makes the church's baptism common with heretics betrays the bride of Christ to adulterers. ### Scripture references - 2 Cor 11:2: echo, medium confidence - Eph 5:25–27: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The image of the church as Christ's bride echoes 2 Cor 11:2 and Eph 5:25–27. Both “moechi” and “adulteri” here mean “adulterers”; the image is figurative. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 49 (CSEL 3.1:453; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-49). ## Opinions of the Bishops 50 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-50 - Source: CSEL 3.1:453 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Ahymmus of Ausuaga says that allowing heretics to baptize makes two baptisms. ### Latin text Ahymmus ab Ausuaga dixit: Nos unum baptismum accepimus, et ipsum exercemus. qui autem dicit quia haereticis licet baptizare, ipse duos baptismos facit. ### English translation (Claude) Ahymmus of Ausuaga said: We have received one baptism, and we practice it. But he who says that heretics may baptize makes two baptisms. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 50 (CSEL 3.1:453; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-50). ## Opinions of the Bishops 51 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-51 - Source: CSEL 3.1:453–454 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Saturninus of Victoriana asks why Christ and John would call heretics adversaries and antichrists if they could baptize. ### Latin text Saturninus a Victoriana dixit: Si licet haereticis baptizare, excusati sunt et defensi inlicita facientes, nec uideo quare eos aut Christus aduersarios suos aut apostolus antichristos appellauerit. ### English translation (Claude) Saturninus of Victoriana said: If heretics may baptize, those who do unlawful things are excused and defended; and I do not see why either Christ called them his adversaries or the apostle called them antichrists. ### Scripture references - Matt 12:30: allusion, medium confidence - 1 John 2:18: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The allusions are Matt 12:30 and 1 John 2:18. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 51 (CSEL 3.1:453–454; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-51). ## Opinions of the Bishops 52 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-52 - Source: CSEL 3.1:454 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Saturninus of Thucca says that even pagans confess the Creator whom Marcion blasphemes, yet some approve Marcion's baptism. ### Latin text Alius Saturninus a Tucca dixit: Gentiles quamuis idola colant, tamen summum Deum patrem creatorem cognoscunt et confitentur. in hunc Marcion blasphemat: et quidam non erubescunt Marcionis baptismum probare. quomodo tales sacerdotes sacerdotium Dei aut seruant aut uindicant qui hostes Dei non baptizant et sic illis communicant? ### English translation (Claude) Another Saturninus, of Thucca, said: The heathen, though they worship idols, yet know and confess the supreme God, the Father and Creator. Against him Marcion blasphemes; and some are not ashamed to approve Marcion's baptism. How do such priests either keep or uphold the priesthood of God, who do not baptize the enemies of God and so hold communion with them? ### Translation notes - Marcion (2nd century) rejected the Creator God of the Old Testament as distinct from the Father of Jesus. “Priests” (sacerdotes) are the bishops. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 52 (CSEL 3.1:454; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-52). ## Opinions of the Bishops 53 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-53 - Source: CSEL 3.1:454 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Marcellus of Zama says that not baptizing a heretic means communion with a sinner. ### Latin text Marcellus a Zama dixit: Cum peccata non nisi in ecclesiae baptismo remittantur, qui haereticum non baptizat peccatori communicat. ### English translation (Claude) Marcellus of Zama said: Since sins are forgiven only in the baptism of the church, he who does not baptize a heretic holds communion with a sinner. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 53 (CSEL 3.1:454; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-53). ## Opinions of the Bishops 54 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-54 - Source: CSEL 3.1:454 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus of Ululi says that accepting heretical baptism makes heresy greater than the church. ### Latin text Irenaeus ab Vlulis dixit: Si ideo ecclesia haereticum non baptizat, quod dicatur iam baptizatus esse, haeresis maior est. ### English translation (Claude) Irenaeus of Ululi said: If the church does not baptize a heretic on the ground that he is said to be already baptized, heresy is the greater. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 54 (CSEL 3.1:454; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-54). ## Opinions of the Bishops 55 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-55 - Source: CSEL 3.1:454 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Donatus of Cibaliana says that whoever claims baptism among heretics must first prove the church is there. ### Latin text Donatus a Cibaliana dixit: Ego unam ecclesiam et unum baptismum eius noui. si est qui dicat esse aput haereticos baptismi gratiam, ante est ut ostendat et probet esse illic ecclesiam. ### English translation (Claude) Donatus of Cibaliana said: I know one church and its one baptism. If there is anyone who says that the grace of baptism is among heretics, he must first show and prove that the church is there. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 55 (CSEL 3.1:454; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-55). ## Opinions of the Bishops 56 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-56 - Source: CSEL 3.1:454–455 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Zosimus of Tharassa urges that error yield to truth, as Peter yielded to Paul. ### Latin text Zosimus a Tharassa dixit: Reuelatione facta ueritatis cedat error ueritati, quia et Petrus qui prius circumcidebat cessit Paulo ueritatem praedicanti. ### English translation (Claude) Zosimus of Tharassa said: Now that the truth has been revealed, let error yield to truth; for Peter too, who at first practiced circumcision, yielded to Paul when he preached the truth. ### Scripture references - Gal 2:11–14: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The allusion is Gal 2:11–14. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 56 (CSEL 3.1:454–455; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-56). ## Opinions of the Bishops 57 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-57 - Source: CSEL 3.1:455 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Julian of Telepte says heresy can give baptism only if it comes from heaven. ### Latin text Iulianus a Thelepte dixit: Scriptum est: nemo potest aliquid accipere, nisi datum fuerit illi de caelo. si haeresis de caelo est potest et baptisma dare. ### English translation (Claude) Julian of Telepte said: It is written: “No one can receive anything unless it has been given him from heaven.” If heresy is from heaven, it can also give baptism. ### Scripture references - John 3:27: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is John 3:27. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 57 (CSEL 3.1:455; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-57). ## Opinions of the Bishops 58 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-58 - Source: CSEL 3.1:455 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Faustus of Timida Regia says that defending heretical baptism makes heretics Christians and the church heretical. ### Latin text Faustus a Timida regia dixit: Non sibi blandiantur qui haereticis patrocinantur. qui pro haereticis ecclesiastico baptismo intercedit illos christianos et nos haereticos facit. ### English translation (Claude) Faustus of Timida Regia said: Let those who act as patrons of heretics not flatter themselves. He who intercedes for heretics against the church's baptism makes them Christians and us heretics. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 58 (CSEL 3.1:455; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-58). ## Opinions of the Bishops 59 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-59 - Source: CSEL 3.1:455 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Geminius of Furni holds to the earlier decree to baptize heretics. ### Latin text Geminius a Furnis dixit: Quidam de collegis haereticos praeponere sibi possunt, nobis non possunt. et ideo quod semel decreuimus tenemus ut haereticos uenientes baptizemus. ### English translation (Claude) Geminius of Furni said: Some of our colleagues can prefer heretics to themselves; they cannot to us. And therefore we hold what we have once decreed, that we baptize heretics who come to us. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 59 (CSEL 3.1:455; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-59). ## Opinions of the Bishops 60 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-60 - Source: CSEL 3.1:455 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Rogatianus of Nova asks how the synagogue of Satan could have Christ's baptism. ### Latin text Rogatianus a Noua dixit: Ecclesiam Christus instituit, haeresim diabolus. quomodo potest habere baptismum Christi synagoga Satanae? ### English translation (Claude) Rogatianus of Nova said: Christ founded the church, the devil heresy. How can the synagogue of Satan have the baptism of Christ? ### Scripture references - Rev 2:9: allusion, high confidence - Rev 3:9: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - “Synagogue of Satan” is from Rev 2:9; 3:9. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 60 (CSEL 3.1:455; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-60). ## Opinions of the Bishops 61 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-61 - Source: CSEL 3.1:455 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Therapius of Bulla calls anyone who concedes baptism to heretics a Judas to Christ's bride. ### Latin text Therapius a Bulla dixit: Qui haereticis ecclesiae baptismum concedit et prodit quid aliud quam sponsae Christi Iudas extitit? ### English translation (Claude) Therapius of Bulla said: He who concedes and betrays the church's baptism to heretics, what else has he shown himself but a Judas to the bride of Christ? ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 61 (CSEL 3.1:455; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-61). ## Opinions of the Bishops 62 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-62 - Source: CSEL 3.1:455–456 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Lucius of Membressa argues that God does not hear a sinner, and so not a heretic who baptizes. ### Latin text Item alius Lucius a Membresa dixit: Scriptum est: Deus peccatorem non audit. haereticus qui peccator est quomodo audiri in baptismo potest? ### English translation (Claude) Likewise another Lucius, of Membressa, said: It is written: “God does not hear a sinner.” How can a heretic, who is a sinner, be heard in baptism? ### Scripture references - John 9:31: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is John 9:31. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 62 (CSEL 3.1:455–456; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-62). ## Opinions of the Bishops 63 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-63 - Source: CSEL 3.1:456 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Felix of Buslacenae says reason and truth must prevail over custom. ### Latin text Item alius Felix a Buslacenis dixit: In haereticis sine ecclesiae baptismo admittendis nemo consuetudinem rationi et ueritati praeponat, quia consuetudinem ratio et ueritas semper excludit. ### English translation (Claude) Likewise another Felix, of Buslacenae, said: In admitting heretics without the church's baptism, let no one put custom before reason and truth, for reason and truth always shut out custom. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 63 (CSEL 3.1:456; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-63). ## Opinions of the Bishops 64 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-64 - Source: CSEL 3.1:456 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Saturninus of Avitinae says heretics, being antichrists, cannot give Christ's grace. ### Latin text Alius Saturninus ab Auitinis dixit: Si potest antichristus dare alicui gratiam Christi, possunt et haeretici baptizare qui appellati sunt antichristi. ### English translation (Claude) Another Saturninus, of Avitinae, said: If antichrist can give anyone the grace of Christ, then heretics, who have been called antichrists, can also baptize. ### Scripture references - 1 John 2:18: allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 64 (CSEL 3.1:456; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-64). ## Opinions of the Bishops 65 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-65 - Source: CSEL 3.1:456 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Quintus of Aggya says heretics, having nothing, can give nothing. ### Latin text Quintus ab Aggya dixit: Ille potest dare aliquid qui aliquid habet. haeretici autem quid possunt dare, quos constat nihil habere? ### English translation (Claude) Quintus of Aggya said: He who has something can give something. But what can heretics give, who, it is agreed, have nothing? ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 65 (CSEL 3.1:456; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-65). ## Opinions of the Bishops 66 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-66 - Source: CSEL 3.1:456 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Julian of Marcelliana compares baptism to the servant who cannot serve two masters. ### Latin text Alius Iulianus a Marcelliana dixit: Si potest homo duobus dominis seruire, Deo et mamonae, potest et baptisma duobus seruire, christiano et haeretico. ### English translation (Claude) Another Julian, of Marcelliana, said: If a man can serve two masters, God and mammon, then baptism too can serve two, the Christian and the heretic. ### Scripture references - Matt 6:24: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The allusion is Matt 6:24. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 66 (CSEL 3.1:456; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-66). ## Opinions of the Bishops 67 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-67 - Source: CSEL 3.1:456 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Tenax of Horrea Caeliae asks how baptism can exist where God, Christ, and the church are absent. ### Latin text Tenax ab Horreis Caeliae dixit: Scriptum est quia Deus unus et Christus unus et ecclesia una et baptisma unum. quomodo illic baptizari aliquis potest, ubi Deus et Christus et ecclesia non est. ### English translation (Claude) Tenax of Horrea Caeliae said: It is written that God is one, and Christ is one, and the church is one, and baptism is one. How can anyone be baptized there, where there is neither God nor Christ nor church? ### Scripture references - Eph 4:4–6: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The allusion is Eph 4:4–6. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 67 (CSEL 3.1:456; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-67). ## Opinions of the Bishops 68 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-68 - Source: CSEL 3.1:456–457 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Victor of Assuras says that where there is no church there can be no baptism. ### Latin text Alius Victor ab Assuras dixit: Baptisma unum est, sed et ecclesiae. ubi ecclesia non est, baptisma illic esse non potest. ### English translation (Claude) Another Victor, of Assuras, said: Baptism is one, but it is the church's. Where the church is not, baptism cannot be there. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 68 (CSEL 3.1:456–457; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-68). ## Opinions of the Bishops 69 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-69 - Source: CSEL 3.1:457 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Donatulus of Capsa has always held that converted heretics must be baptized. ### Latin text Donatulus a Capse dixit: Et ego semper hoc sensi, ut haeretici qui nihil foris possunt consequi, quando ad ecclesiam conuertuntur, baptizentur. ### English translation (Claude) Donatulus of Capsa said: I too have always held this, that heretics, who can obtain nothing outside, should be baptized when they are converted to the church. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 69 (CSEL 3.1:457; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-69). ## Opinions of the Bishops 70 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-70 - Source: CSEL 3.1:457 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Verulus of Rusicade says heretics cannot give what they lack, and schismatics have lost what they had. ### Latin text Verulus a Rusiccade dixit: Homo haereticus dare non potest quod non habet: multo magis schismaticus quod habuit amisit. ### English translation (Claude) Verulus of Rusicade said: A heretic cannot give what he does not have; much more has a schismatic lost what he had. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 70 (CSEL 3.1:457; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-70). ## Opinions of the Bishops 71 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-71 - Source: CSEL 3.1:457 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Pudentianus of Cuicul, a new bishop, follows his elders in judging that heretics must be baptized. ### Latin text Pudentianus a Cuiculi dixit: Nouitas episcopatus effecit, fratres dilectissimi, ut sustinerem quid maiores iudicarent. nam haereses nihil habere nec posse manifestum est. adque ita si qui ex eis uenerint, baptizare aequissime iudicatum est. ### English translation (Claude) Pudentianus of Cuicul said: The newness of my episcopate, dearest brothers, made me wait to hear what my elders would judge. For it is plain that heresies neither have nor can do anything. And so, if any come from them, it has been most justly judged that they be baptized. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 71 (CSEL 3.1:457; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-71). ## Opinions of the Bishops 72 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-72 - Source: CSEL 3.1:457 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Peter of Hippo Diarrhytus judges that those baptized in heresy or schism must be baptized in the church. ### Latin text Petrus ab Hippone diarrhyto dixit: Cum baptisma unum sit in catholica ecclesia, manifestum est non posse extra ecclesiam baptizari. et ideo in haeresi intinctos siue in schismate ad ecclesiam uenientes censeo baptizari oportere. ### English translation (Claude) Peter of Hippo Diarrhytus said: Since there is one baptism in the catholic church, it is plain that one cannot be baptized outside the church. And therefore I judge that those who have been dipped in heresy or in schism must be baptized when they come to the church. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 72 (CSEL 3.1:457; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-72). ## Opinions of the Bishops 73 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-73 - Source: CSEL 3.1:457–458 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Lucius of Ausafa holds that whatever heretics have done must be annulled and their converts baptized. ### Latin text Item alius Lucius ab Ausafa dixit: Secundum motum animi mei et Spiritus sancti, cum sit unus Deus pater Domini Iesu Christi et unus Christus et una spes, unus Spiritus in ecclesia, unum habet esse et baptisma. et ideo dico ut si quid aput haereticos motum aut factum fuerit, rescindi debere, et eos qui inde ueniunt in ecclesia baptizandos esse. ### English translation (Claude) Likewise another Lucius, of Ausafa, said: According to the prompting of my mind and of the Holy Spirit, since there is one God, the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, and one Christ, and one hope, and one Spirit in the church, baptism too ought to be one. And therefore I say that whatever has been set in motion or done among heretics ought to be annulled, and that those who come from there are to be baptized in the church. ### Scripture references - Eph 4:4–6: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The allusion is Eph 4:4–6. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 73 (CSEL 3.1:457–458; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-73). ## Opinions of the Bishops 74 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-74 - Source: CSEL 3.1:458 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Felix of Gurgites judges that those unlawfully baptized by heretics must receive baptism where it is lawfully given. ### Latin text Item alius Felix a Gurgitibus dixit: Ego censeo, ut secundum sanctarum scripturarum praecepta baptizatos ab haereticis inlicite extra ecclesiam, si ad ecclesiam confugere uoluerint, gratiam baptismi ubi licite datur consequantur. ### English translation (Claude) Likewise another Felix, of Gurgites, said: I judge that, according to the precepts of the holy Scriptures, those baptized unlawfully by heretics outside the church should, if they wish to take refuge in the church, obtain the grace of baptism where it is lawfully given. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 74 (CSEL 3.1:458; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-74). ## Opinions of the Bishops 75 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-75 - Source: CSEL 3.1:458 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Pusillus of Lamasba says saving baptism exists only in the catholic church. ### Latin text Pusillus a Lamasba dixit: Ego credo baptisma salutare non esse nisi in ecclesia catholica. quidquid absque catholica fuerit simulatio est. ### English translation (Claude) Pusillus of Lamasba said: I believe that saving baptism exists only in the catholic church. Whatever is apart from the catholic church is a pretense. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 75 (CSEL 3.1:458; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-75). ## Opinions of the Bishops 76 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-76 - Source: CSEL 3.1:458 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Salvianus of Gazaufala says heretics come to the church to receive what they lack. ### Latin text Saluianus a Gazaufala dixit: Haereticos nihil habere constat, et ideo ad nos ueniunt, ut possint accipere quod non habent. ### English translation (Claude) Salvianus of Gazaufala said: It is agreed that heretics have nothing, and therefore they come to us so that they may receive what they do not have. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 76 (CSEL 3.1:458; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-76). ## Opinions of the Bishops 77 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-77 - Source: CSEL 3.1:458–459 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Honoratus of Thucca says that because Christ is the truth, truth must be followed rather than custom. ### Latin text Honoratus a Thucca dixit: Cum Christus ueritas sit, magis ueritatem quam consuetudinem sequi debemus, ut haereticos qui ideo ad nos ueniunt, quia foris nihil accipere potuerunt, ecclesiae baptismo sanctificemus. ### English translation (Claude) Honoratus of Thucca said: Since Christ is the truth, we ought to follow truth rather than custom, so that we may sanctify with the church's baptism the heretics who come to us precisely because they could receive nothing outside. ### Scripture references - John 14:6: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The allusion is John 14:6. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 77 (CSEL 3.1:458–459; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-77). ## Opinions of the Bishops 78 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-78 - Source: CSEL 3.1:459 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Victor of Octavu, a new bishop, votes with his seniors to baptize heretics. ### Latin text Victor ab Octauu dixit: Quod et ipsi scitis, non olim sum episcopus constitutus, et ideo expectabam praecessorum consilium. hoc itaque existimo ut qui, cum ex haeresi sint, ueniunt sine dubio baptizentur. ### English translation (Claude) Victor of Octavu said: As you yourselves know, I was appointed bishop not long ago, and therefore I was waiting for the counsel of my predecessors. So this is what I think: that those who come, being from heresy, should without doubt be baptized. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 78 (CSEL 3.1:459; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-78). ## Opinions of the Bishops 79 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-79 - Source: CSEL 3.1:459 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clarus of Mascula argues that the bishops succeed to the apostles' power to baptize, which heretics do not have. ### Latin text Clarus a Mascula dixit: Manifesta est sententia Domini nostri Iesu Christi apostolos suos mittentis et ipsis solis potestatem a patre sibi datam permittentis, quibus nos successimus eadem potestate ecclesiam Domini gubernantes et credentium fidem baptizantes. et ideo haeretici qui nec potestatem foris nec ecclesiam Christi habent neminem baptizare baptismo eius possunt. ### English translation (Claude) Clarus of Mascula said: The judgment of our Lord Jesus Christ is plain, when he sent his apostles and granted to them alone the power given to him by the Father; we have succeeded them, governing the Lord's church with the same power and baptizing the faith of believers. And therefore heretics, who have outside neither the power nor the church of Christ, can baptize no one with his baptism. ### Scripture references - John 20:21–23: allusion, high confidence - Matt 28:18–19: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The allusions are John 20:21–23 and Matt 28:18–19. This vote is an early statement of bishops as successors of the apostles. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 79 (CSEL 3.1:459; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-79). ## Opinions of the Bishops 80 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-80 - Source: CSEL 3.1:459 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Secundianus of Thambeae warns that heretics admitted without baptism would blame the bishops at the judgment. ### Latin text Secundianus a Thambis dixit: Non debemus haereticos nostra praesumptione decipere, ut in ecclesia Domini nostri Iesu Christi non baptizati ac per hoc remissionem peccatorum non consecuti, cum iudicii dies uenerit, nobis imputent quod per nos non sint baptizati et indulgentiam diuinae gratiae consecuti. propter quod, cum sit una in ecclesia et unum baptisma, quando ad nos conuertuntur, simul cum ecclesia et ecclesiae baptismum consequantur. ### English translation (Claude) Secundianus of Thambeae said: We ought not to deceive heretics by our presumption, lest, not having been baptized in the church of our Lord Jesus Christ and so not having obtained remission of sins, they should blame us when the day of judgment comes, because through us they were not baptized and did not obtain the indulgence of divine grace. For this reason, since there is one church and one baptism, when they are converted to us, let them obtain together with the church the church's baptism as well. ### Translation notes - “Una in ecclesia” is read as “una ecclesia” (“one church”), which the sense requires. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 80 (CSEL 3.1:459; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-80). ## Opinions of the Bishops 81 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-81 - Source: CSEL 3.1:459–460 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Aurelius of Chullabi argues from 2 John that heretics, who may not even be greeted, cannot be admitted to communion without baptism. ### Latin text Item alius Aurelius a Chullabi dixit: Iohannes apostolus in epistula sua posuit: si quis ad uos uenit et doctrinam Christi non habet, nolite eum admittere in domum uestram et aue illi ne dixeritis. qui enim dixerit illi aue communicat factis eius malis. quomodo admitti tales temere in domum Dei possunt qui in domum uestram priuatam admitti prohibentur? aut quomodo cum eis sine ecclesiae baptismo communicare possumus, quibus si aue tantum dixerimus factis eorum malis communicamus? ### English translation (Claude) Likewise another Aurelius, of Chullabi, said: The apostle John wrote in his letter: “If anyone comes to you and does not have the teaching of Christ, do not admit him into your house and do not say “Greetings” to him. For he who says “Greetings” to him shares in his evil deeds.” How can such people be rashly admitted into the house of God who are forbidden to be admitted into your private house? Or how can we hold communion with them without the church's baptism, when if we merely say “Greetings” to them we share in their evil deeds? ### Scripture references - 2 John 1:10–11: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is 2 John 10–11. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 81 (CSEL 3.1:459–460; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-81). ## Opinions of the Bishops 82 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-82 - Source: CSEL 3.1:460 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Litteus of Gemellae says that heretics, as blind guides, cannot give the enlightenment of baptism. ### Latin text Litteus a Gemellis dixit: Caecus caecum si ducat, ambo in foueam cadent. cum ergo haereticos constet non posse inluminare quemque utpote caecos, baptisma eorum non ualet. ### English translation (Claude) Litteus of Gemellae said: “If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into the pit.” Since, then, it is agreed that heretics, being blind, cannot enlighten anyone, their baptism is not valid. ### Scripture references - Matt 15:14: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Matt 15:14. “Enlighten” plays on the early name for baptism, “enlightenment.” ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 82 (CSEL 3.1:460; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-82). ## Opinions of the Bishops 83 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-83 - Source: CSEL 3.1:460 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Natalis of Oea votes for himself and for the absent bishops of Sabratha and Leptis Magna that heretics must be baptized. ### Latin text Natalis ab Oea dixit: Tam ego praesens, quam Pompeius Sabratensis, quam etiam Dioga Leptimagnensis, qui mihi mandauerunt corpore quidem absentes, spiritu praesentes, censemus quod et collegae nostri, quod haeretici communicationem habere nobiscum non possunt, nisi ecclesiastico baptismo baptizati fuerint. ### English translation (Claude) Natalis of Oea said: I, who am present, and Pompeius of Sabratha, and also Dioga of Leptis Magna, who commissioned me, being absent in body but present in spirit, judge as our colleagues also do, that heretics cannot have communion with us unless they have been baptized with the church's baptism. ### Scripture references - 1 Cor 5:3: echo, high confidence ### Translation notes - Natalis also casts the votes of Pompeius of Sabratha and Dioga of Leptis Magna, which is why numbers 84 and 85 have no text of their own. “Absent in body but present in spirit” echoes 1 Cor 5:3. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 83 (CSEL 3.1:460; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-83). ## Opinions of the Bishops 86 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-86 - Source: CSEL 3.1:460–461 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Junius of Neapolis holds to the earlier decision to baptize heretics. ### Latin text Iunius a Neapoli dixit: Ab eo quod semel censuimus non recedo, ut haereticos uenientes ad ecclesiam baptizemus. ### English translation (Claude) Junius of Neapolis said: I do not depart from what we once judged, that we baptize heretics who come to the church. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 86 (CSEL 3.1:460–461; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-86). ## Opinions of the Bishops 87 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-87 - Source: CSEL 3.1:461 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Cyprian, voting last, refers to his letter to Jubaianus: heretics must receive the church's one baptism, becoming friends and Christians instead of adversaries and antichrists. ### Latin text Cyprianus a Cartagine dixit: Meam sententiam plenissime exprimit epistula quae ad Iubaianum collegam nostrum scripta est, haereticos secundum euangelicam et apostolicam contestationem aduersarios Christi et antichristos appellatos, quando ad ecclesiam uenerint, unico ecclesiae baptismo baptizandos esse, ut possint fieri de aduersariis amici, de antichristis christiani. ### English translation (Claude) Cyprian of Carthage said: My opinion is most fully set out in the letter written to Jubaianus our colleague: that heretics, who by the testimony of the Gospel and the apostles are called adversaries of Christ and antichrists, are to be baptized with the one baptism of the church when they come to the church, so that from adversaries they may become friends, and from antichrists Christians. ### Scripture references - Matt 12:30: allusion, medium confidence - 1 John 2:18: allusion, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Cyprian, Ep. 73 (Letters): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The letter to Jubaianus is Cyprian, Ep. 73. The printer's line after the text (“TVPIS CAROLI GEROLD FILII”, “printed by Carl Gerold's Son”) is not part of the work and is removed. ### Citation (SBL) Cyprian, Sent. 87 (CSEL 3.1:461; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/cyprian-sententiae/0/#p-87).