Ante-Nicene Fathers • VOLUME 1
The Apostolic Fathers, Justin Martyr & Irenaeus
SECTION 281
Chapter II.--The world was not formed by angels, or by any other being, contrary to the will of the most high God, but was made by the Father through the Word. [2990]
Chapter II.--The world was not formed by angels, or by any other being, contrary to the will of the most high God, but was made by the Father through the Word. [2990] 1. Those, moreover, who say that the world was formed by angels, or by any other maker of it, contrary to the will of Him who is the Supreme Father, err first of …
1,991 wordsSECTION 282Chapter IV.--The absurdity of the supposed vacuum and defect of the heretics is demonstrated.
Chapter IV.--The absurdity of the supposed vacuum and defect of the heretics is demonstrated. 1. The cause, then, of such a dispensation on the part of God, is to be inquired after; but the formation of the world is not to be ascribed to any other. And all things are to be spoken of as having been so prepared by God beforehand,…
1,266 wordsSECTION 283Chapter V.--This world was not formed by any other beings within the territory which is contained by the Father.
Chapter V.--This world was not formed by any other beings within the territory which is contained by the Father. 1. The remarks, therefore, which I made a little while ago [3006] are suitable in answer to those who assert that this world was formed outside of the Pleroma, or under a "good God;" and such persons, with the Father…
1,417 wordsSECTION 284Chapter VI.--The angels and the Creator of the world could not have been ignorant of the Supreme God.
Chapter VI.--The angels and the Creator of the world could not have been ignorant of the Supreme God. 1. How, again, could either the angels, or the Creator of the world, have been ignorant of the Supreme God, seeing they were His property, and His creatures, and were contained by Him? He might indeed have been invisible to the…
764 wordsSECTION 285Chapter VII.--Created things are not the images of those Æons who are within the Pleroma.
Chapter VII.--Created things are not the images of those Æons who are within the Pleroma. 1. While the Demiurge was thus ignorant of all things, they tell us that the Saviour conferred honour upon the Pleroma by the creation [which he summoned into existence] through means of his Mother, inasmuch as he produced similitudes and …
2,202 wordsSECTION 286Chapter VIII.--Created things are not a shadow of the Pleroma.
[3020] Matt. xxv. 41. [3021] Dan. vii. 10, agreeing neither with the Greek nor Hebrew text. [3022] This clause is exceedingly obscure. Harvey remarks upon it as follows: "The reasoning of Irenæus seems to be this: According to the Gnostic theory, the Æons and angels of the Pleroma were homogeneous. They were also the archetype…
859 wordsSECTION 287Chapter IX.--There is but one Creator of the world, God the Father: this the constant belief of the Church.
Chapter IX.--There is but one Creator of the world, God the Father: this the constant belief of the Church. 1. That God is the Creator of the world is accepted even by those very persons who in many ways speak against Him, and yet acknowledge Him, styling Him the Creator, and an angel, not to mention that all the Scriptures cal…
1,375 wordsSECTION 288Chapter XI.--The heretics, from their disbelief of the truth, have fallen into an abyss of error: reasons for investigating their systems.
Chapter XI.--The heretics, from their disbelief of the truth, have fallen into an abyss of error: reasons for investigating their systems. 1. They do not believe that He, who is God above all, formed by His Word, in His own territory, as He Himself pleased, the various and diversified [works of creation which exist], inasmuch a…
2,247 wordsSECTION 289Chapter XIII.--The first order of production maintained by the heretics is altogether indefensible.
[3036] The text vacillates between "dicemus" and "dicamus." [3037] This sentence is confused in the Latin text, but the meaning is evidently that given above. [3038] It is difficult to see the meaning of "iterum" here. Harvey begins a new paragraph with this sentence. [3039] endiathetos --simply conceived in the mind--used in…
2,433 wordsSECTION 2909. They have fallen into error, too, respecting Zoe, by maintaining that she was produced in the sixth place, when it behoved her to take pr
9. They have fallen into error, too, respecting Zoe, by maintaining that she was produced in the sixth place, when it behoved her to take precedence of all [the rest], since God is life, and incorruption, and truth. And these and such like attributes have not been produced according to a gradual scale of descent, but they are na…
701 wordsSECTION 291Chapter XIV.--Valentinus and his followers derived the principles of their system from the heathen; the names only are changed.
Chapter XIV.--Valentinus and his followers derived the principles of their system from the heathen; the names only are changed. 1. Much more like the truth, and more pleasing, is the account which Antiphanes, [3051] one of the ancient comic poets, gives in his Theogony as to the origin of all things. For he speaks Chaos as bein…
2,206 wordsSECTION 292Chapter XV.--No account can be given of these productions.
9. The passions and error of this Sophia, and how she ran the risk of perishing through her investigation [of the nature] of the Father, as they relate, and what took place outside of the Pleroma, and from what sort of a defect they teach that the Maker of the world was produced, I have set forth in the preceding book, describin…
2,364 wordsSECTION 293[3071] The text is here doubtful: Harvey proposes to read "qui" instead of "quæ," but we prefer "quod" with Grabe. The meaning is, that thre
[3071] The text is here doubtful: Harvey proposes to read "qui" instead of "quæ," but we prefer "quod" with Grabe. The meaning is, that three hundred and sixty-five is more than forty-five Ogdoads (45 × 8 = 360). [3072] "Operositatem." corresponding to pragmateian, lit. manufacture. Chapter XVII.--Inquiry into the production o…
2,358 wordsSECTION 294Chapter XVIII.--Sophia was never really in ignorance or passion; her Enthymesis could not have been separated from herself, or exhibited special tendencies of its own.
11. Since therefore, as soon as He so pleased, He did become known not only to the Æons, but also to these men who lived in these latter times; but, as He did not so please to be known from the beginning, He remained unknown--the cause of ignorance is, according to you, the will of the Father. For if He foreknew that these thing…
2,098 wordsSECTION 295Chapter XIX.--Absurdities of the heretics as to their own origin: their opinions respecting the Demiurge shown to be equally untenable and ridiculous.
Chapter XIX.--Absurdities of the heretics as to their own origin: their opinions respecting the Demiurge shown to be equally untenable and ridiculous. 1. But what sort of talk also is this concerning their seed--that it was conceived by the mother according to the configuration of those angels who wait upon the Saviour,--shapel…
2,239 wordsSECTION 296Chapter XX.--Futility of the arguments adduced to demonstrate the sufferings of the twelfth Æon, from the parables, the treachery of Judas, and the passion of our Saviour.
[3088] Matt. xii. 36. [The serious spirit of this remark lends force to it as exposition.] [3089] Comp. i. 6, 1. [3090] "Parvum emissum"--a small emission. [3091] That is, there could be no need for its descending into them that it might increase, receive form, and thus be prepared for the reception of perfect reason. [3092]…
1,652 wordsSECTION 297Chapter XXI.--The twelve apostles were not a type of the Æons.
Chapter XXI.--The twelve apostles were not a type of the Æons. 1. If, again, they maintain that the twelve apostles were a type only of that group of twelve Æons which Anthropos in conjunction with Ecclesia produced, then let them produce ten other apostles as a type of those ten remaining Æons, who, as they declare, were produ…
2,388 wordsSECTION 2985. They, however, that they may establish their false opinion regarding that which is written, "to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
5. They, however, that they may establish their false opinion regarding that which is written, "to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord," maintain that He preached for one year only, and then suffered in the twelfth month. [In speaking thus,] they are forgetful to their own disadvantage, destroying His whole work, and robbin…
1,397 wordsSECTION 299Chapter XXIII.--The woman who suffered from an issue of blood was no type of the suffering Æon.
Chapter XXIII.--The woman who suffered from an issue of blood was no type of the suffering Æon. 1. Moreover, their ignorance comes out in a clear light with respect to the case of that woman who, suffering from an issue of blood, touched the hem of the Lord's garment, and so was made whole; for they maintain that through her wa…
2,504 wordsSECTION 3005. For who can concede to them that the year has three hundred and sixty-five days only, in order that there may be twelve months of thirty
5. For who can concede to them that the year has three hundred and sixty-five days only, in order that there may be twelve months of thirty days each, after the type of the twelve Æons, when the type is in fact altogether out of harmony [with the antitype]? For, in the one case, each of the Æons is a thirtieth part of the entire…
1,299 wordsSECTION 301Chapter XXV.--God is not to be sought after by means of letters, syllables, and numbers; necessity of humility in such investigations.
Chapter XXV.--God is not to be sought after by means of letters, syllables, and numbers; necessity of humility in such investigations. 1. If any one, however, say in reply to these things, What then? Is it a meaningless and accidental thing, that the positions of names, and the election of the apostles, and the working of the L…
877 wordsSECTION 302Chapter XXVI.--"Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth."
Chapter XXVI.--"Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth." 1. It is therefore better and more profitable to belong to the simple and unlettered class, and by means of love to attain to nearness to God, than, by imagining ourselves learned and skilful, to be found [among those who are] blasphemous against their own God, inasmuch …
994 wordsSECTION 303Chapter XXVII.--Proper mode of interpreting parables and obscure passages of Scripture.
Chapter XXVII.--Proper mode of interpreting parables and obscure passages of Scripture. 1. A sound mind, and one which does not expose its possessor to danger, and is devoted to piety and the love of truth, will eagerly meditate upon those things which God has placed within the power of mankind, and has subjected to our knowled…
769 wordsSECTION 304Chapter XXVIII.--Perfect knowledge cannot be attained in the present life: many questions must be submissively left in the hands of God.
Chapter XXVIII.--Perfect knowledge cannot be attained in the present life: many questions must be submissively left in the hands of God. 1. Having therefore the truth itself as our rule and the testimony concerning God set clearly before us, we ought not, by running after numerous and diverse answers to questions, to cast away …
2,569 wordsSECTION 3058. Moreover, they possess no proof of their system, which has but recently been invented by them, sometimes resting upon certain numbers, so
8. Moreover, they possess no proof of their system, which has but recently been invented by them, sometimes resting upon certain numbers, sometimes on syllables, and sometimes, again, on names; and there are occasions, too, when, by means of those letters which are contained in letters, by parables not properly interpreted, or b…
969 wordsSECTION 306Chapter XXIX.--Refutation of the views of the heretics as to the future destiny of the soul and body.
Chapter XXIX.--Refutation of the views of the heretics as to the future destiny of the soul and body. 1. Let us return, however, to the remaining points of their system. For when they declare [3238] that, at the consummation of all things, their mother shall re-enter the Pleroma, and receive the Saviour as her consort; that the…
1,025 wordsSECTION 307Chapter XXX.--Absurdity of their styling themselves spiritual, while the Demiurge is declared to be animal.
Chapter XXX.--Absurdity of their styling themselves spiritual, while the Demiurge is declared to be animal. 1. Such being the state of the case, these infatuated men declare that they rise above the Creator (Demiurge); and, inasmuch as they proclaim themselves superior to that God who made and adorned the heavens, and the earth…
2,457 wordsSECTION 3089. Justly, therefore, do we convict them of having departed far and wide from the truth. For if the Saviour formed the things which have bee
9. Justly, therefore, do we convict them of having departed far and wide from the truth. For if the Saviour formed the things which have been made, by means of him (the Demiurge), he is proved in that case not to be inferior but superior to them, since he is found to have been the former even of themselves; for they, too, have a…
819 wordsSECTION 309Chapter XXXI.--Recapitulation and application of the foregoing arguments.
Chapter XXXI.--Recapitulation and application of the foregoing arguments. 1. Those, then, who are of the school of Valentinus being overthrown, the whole multitude of heretics are, in fact, also subverted. For all the arguments I have advanced against their Pleroma, and with respect to those things which are beyond it, showing …
1,154 wordsSECTION 310Chapter XXXII.--Further exposure of the wicked and blasphemous doctrines of the heretics.
Chapter XXXII.--Further exposure of the wicked and blasphemous doctrines of the heretics. 1. Moreover, this impious opinion of theirs with respect to actions--namely, that it is incumbent on them to have experience of all kinds of deeds, even the most abominable--is refuted by the teaching of the Lord, with whom not only is the…
1,775 wordsSECTION 311Chapter XXXIII.--Absurdity of the doctrine of the transmigration of souls.
Chapter XXXIII.--Absurdity of the doctrine of the transmigration of souls. 1. We may subvert their doctrine as to transmigration from body to body by this fact, that souls remember nothing whatever of the events which took place in their previous states of existence. For if they were sent forth with this object, that they shoul…
1,408 wordsSECTION 312Chapter XXXIV.--Souls can be recognised in the separate state, and are immortal although they once had a beginning.
Chapter XXXIV.--Souls can be recognised in the separate state, and are immortal although they once had a beginning. 1. The Lord has taught with very great fulness, that souls not only continue to exist, not by passing from body to body, but that they preserve the same form [3287] [in their separate state] as the body had to whi…
1,151 wordsSECTION 313Chapter XXXV.--Refutation of Basilides, and of the opinion that the prophets uttered their predictions under the inspiration of different gods.
Chapter XXXV.--Refutation of Basilides, and of the opinion that the prophets uttered their predictions under the inspiration of different gods. 1. Moreover, in addition to what has been said, Basilides himself will, according to his own principles, find it necessary to maintain not only that there are three hundred and sixty-fi…
1,289 wordsSECTION 314Preface.
Preface. Thou hast indeed enjoined upon me, my very dear friend, that I should bring to light the Valentinian doctrines, concealed, as their votaries imagine; that I should exhibit their diversity, and compose a treatise in refutation of them. I therefore have undertaken--showing that they spring from Simon, the father of all h…
761 wordsSECTION 315Chapter II.--The heretics follow neither Scripture nor tradition.
Chapter II.--The heretics follow neither Scripture nor tradition. 1. When, however, they are confuted from the Scriptures, they turn round and accuse these same Scriptures, as if they were not correct, nor of authority, and [assert] that they are ambiguous, and that the truth cannot be extracted from them by those who are ignor…
2,376 wordsSECTION 3163. For, prior to Valentinus, those who follow Valentinus had no existence; nor did those from Marcion exist before Marcion; nor, in short, h
3. For, prior to Valentinus, those who follow Valentinus had no existence; nor did those from Marcion exist before Marcion; nor, in short, had any of those malignant-minded people, whom I have above enumerated, any being previous to the initiators and inventors of their perversity. For Valentinus came to Rome in the time of Hygi…
1,296 wordsSECTION 317Chapter VI--The Holy Ghost, throughout the Old Testament Scriptures, made mention of no other God or Lord, save him who is the true God.
Chapter VI--The Holy Ghost, throughout the Old Testament Scriptures, made mention of no other God or Lord, save him who is the true God. 1. Therefore neither would the Lord, nor the Holy Spirit, nor the apostles, have ever named as God, definitely and absolutely, him who was not God, unless he were truly God; nor would they hav…
1,698 wordsSECTION 318Chapter VII.--Reply to an objection founded on the words of St. Paul (2 Cor. iv. 4). St. Paul occasionally uses words not in their grammatical sequence.
Chapter VII.--Reply to an objection founded on the words of St. Paul (2 Cor. iv. 4). St. Paul occasionally uses words not in their grammatical sequence. 1. As to their affirming that Paul said plainly in the Second [Epistle] to the Corinthians, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them that believe not," [33…
772 wordsSECTION 319Chapter VIII.--Answer to an objection, arising from the words of Christ (Matt. vi. 24). God alone is to be really called God and Lord, for He is without beginning and end.
Chapter VIII.--Answer to an objection, arising from the words of Christ (Matt. vi. 24). God alone is to be really called God and Lord, for He is without beginning and end. 1. This calumny, then, of these men, having been quashed, it is clearly proved that neither the prophets nor the apostles did ever name another God, or call …
2,290 wordsSECTION 320Chapter X.--Proofs of the foregoing, drawn from the Gospels of Mark and Luke.
[3373] Gen. xv. 5. [3374] Rom. ix. 25. [3375] Matt. iii. 7. [3376] Matt. iii. 3. [3377] Matt. i. 20. [3378] Matt. ii. 15. [3379] Matt. i. 23. [3380] Ps. cxxxii. 11. [3381] Ps. lxxvi. 1. [3382] Num. xxiv. 17. [3383] Matt. ii. 2. [3384] Luke i. 33. [3385] Ps. lxxvi. 1. [3386] Isa. lxv. 1. [A beautiful idea for poets a…
2,501 wordsSource & rights
Historical text source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The downloaded text itself records Public Domain.