AD c. 108), Justin Martyr (c. 100 – c. 165), Irenaeus (c. 130 – c. 200), and Tertullian (c. 150 – c. 212). This true doctrine must be distinguished from some false views:
a) Virginitas in partu: Mary gave birth in such a way as to avoid labour
pains and leave her hymen intact. This was first found in the gnostic Ascension of
Isaiah (late 1st century),1
and also found in the late 2nd century Protoevangelium of James.
Among early Christian writers it was cited first by Clement of Alexandria in the
3rd century, but was rejected by Tertullian2
(c. 155/160–220) and Origen3
(c. 185–254). It is inconsistent with Luke’s quotation of “every male that opens the womb” (2:23).
And if the Roman Catholic interpretation of
Rev. 12:2 is correct and the woman is Mary, then there are further grounds
for rejecting the idea that Mary was free from labour pains.