Selections from “The Diatessaron” by Tatian (vegetarian): Sections 1 – 32, Part 1 of 2

Tatian of Assyria (vegetarian) was an early Christian writer and theologian. He was born in Syria in the 2nd century and, whilst in Rome, became a disciple and friend of Saint Justin Martyr, one of the early church fathers. After Saint Justin Martyr’s passing, he returned to Syria and became the leader of the Encratites who, following the compassionate and moral teachings of Lord Jesus Christ (vegetarian), refrained from eating animal-people or taking intoxicants of any kind.

His most famous work is “The Diatessaron,” a harmony of the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, which seeks to tell the life and death of Lord Jesus Christ (vegetarian). “The Diatessaron” became the standard Gospel text of the Syriac-speaking churches up until the 5th century and is recognized as one of the most influential Gospel Harmony’s in history, whose influence has been found from Europe to Asia. Sadly, the full original manuscript of “The Diatessaron” has been lost, however fragments and translations of this Harmony have survived to this day.

Today, we are pleased to present selections from Sections 1 – 9 of Reverend Samuel Hemphill’s translated and edited book “The Diatessaron of Tatian.”

1. IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD.

“From the beginning was the Word: this Word was with God, and God was the Word. This was from the beginning with God. All things through Him were made, and without Him was made nothing. Whatsoever was made through Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And this light was shining in the darkness, and the darkness overcame it not.”

3. JOSEPH AND THE ANGEL.

“The birth of Jesus Christ was thus: When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, and before she had been given to her husband, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, who was a just man, was unwilling to traduce Mary. Wherefore there appeared to him an angel, and said, Fear not to receive Mary. He was dwelling in holiness with her until she brought forth her firstborn. He took her.”

4. THE SCENES AT BETHLEHEM. THE PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE.

“Each one was being registered in his own town. Today has been born to you a Savior (which is the Christ of the Lord). Glory in the highest, and peace on Earth (from free will: hope to good sons of men). […]”