CYPRIAN
Cyprian (AD 200-258) was the “spiritual son and pupil of Tertullian” but also known as the “Ignatius of the West.”[1] In his Treatises, he begins by emphasizing the unity of the church. He argues that as Satan’s schemes are thwarted, such as when Christians leave false religions, he attacks in new ways through infiltration and division. Cyprian specifically describes these enemy attacks as occurring through “flattering and deceiving” and by Satan equipping his own ministers to invade the Christian church.[2] Cyprian’s awareness of the reality of spiritual warfare continues to reveal itself throughout his work in reference to the enemy and his ongoing, strategic attacks.
[1]A. Cleveland Coxe,“Introductory Notice to Cyprian” (ANF 5:263), accessed December 30, 2013, http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/anf05.iv.ii.html.
[2]Cyprian, The Treatises of Cyprian (ANF 5:421), accessed December 30, 2013, http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/anf05.iv.v.i.html.