Another important aspect of Montanism was the expectation of the Second Coming of Christ, which was believed to be imminent. In these travels he proclaimed the village of Pepuza as the site of the New Jerusalem. Under him, also, prophetesses appeared, - Priscilla and Maximilla. He lived in Asia Minor, and, prior to his conversion, he was a priest in an Asiatic cult called Cybele. The main problem that scholars find whendiscussing this subject is the shortage of information, and the biased natureof the existing sources.Tertullian (c. 153-225 AD) is virtually the only writer to supportthe Montanist movement. He claimed that he was given the gift of speaking in tongues, and proceeded to give many revelations concerning the “end of the world.” We do not have much information on this group, but the little that we do have is very enlightening, and sheds light on the modern Pentecostal/Charismatic movement. 1) Montanus appeared as a new prophet in Phrygia, at Ardaban on the frontier of Mysia, and found many adherents, among whom were Alcibiades and Theodotus.
John De Soyres’ statement is never more true than whenapplied to the Montanist movement. Montanism is derived from Montanus, a “monk” who was a former priest of Cybele in Asia Minor in either 156 or 172.
While claiming a conversion to Christianity, Montanus preached and testified what he purported to be the Word of God as he traveled among the rural settlements of his native Phrygia and Asia Minor. Montanism was one of the earliest heresies and splits in the Christian Church.
Shortly thereafter, he began prophesying and delivering oracles, teaching that the Paraclete, or Holy Spirit, was speaking through him and delivering new teachings in line with Jesus’ promises in John 16:12-15.
Following his conversion to Montanism late in life hewas condemned by later writers.
Montanism was founded by a man named Montanus, who suddenly announced that he was a prophet, speaking with the voice of the Paraclete, the “helper” that Christ had promised to send. This belief was not confined to Montanists, but with them it took a special form that gave their activities the character of a popular revival. Answer: Montanism is named after a man named Montanus who became a convert to Christianity around A.D. 170. They adopted the name “New Prophecy” for their movement. We know little about who he was, prior to this.
The Orthodox Christians, however, regarded his teaching to be heretical.
Montanism derives its name from its founder, a man named Montanus who converted to Christianity from paganism in A.D. 155. Prophecy was, indeed, the most prominent feature of the new movement.
He claimed that he had the gift of prophecy, prophesying in an ecstatic state.
Along with his oracles was activity which Eusebius describes: “he fell into an ecstasy and began to spe… The Montanists believed that the Holy Spirit or Paraclete was giving them new revelation, especially regarding Christian morality.