AncientWord

1. Stephanus and the elders (presbyters) that are with him—even Daphnus and Eubulus and Theophilus and Zenon—unto Paul their brother, eternal greeting in the Lord.

2. There have come unto Corinth two men, Simon and Cleobius, who are overthrowing the faith of many with evil (CORRUPT) words;

3. which do thou prove and examine: for we have never heard such words from thee nor from the other apostles;

4. but all that we have received from thee or from them, that do we hold fast.

5. Since, therefore, the Lord hath had mercy on us, that while thou art still in the flesh we may hear these things again from thee,

6. if it be possible, either come unto us or write unto us.

7. For we believe, as it hath been revealed unto Theonoe, that the Lord hath delivered thee out of the hand of the lawless one (enemy, Laon).

8. Now the things which these men say and teach are these:

9. They say that we must not use the prophets, and that God is not Almighty, and that there shall be no resurrection of the flesh,

10. and that man was not made by God, and that Christ came not down in the flesh, neither was born of Mary,

11. and that the world is not of God, but of the angels.

12. Wherefore, brother, we pray thee use all diligence to come unto us, that the church of the Corinthians may remain without offence, and the madness of these men may be made plain. Farewell always in the Lord.

II.

1. The deacons Threptus and Eutyches brought the letter unto Philippi,

2. so that Paul received it, being in bonds because of Stratonice the wife of Apollophanes—and he forgot his bonds, and was sore afflicted,

3. and cried out, saying: It were better for me to die and to be with the Lord, than to continue in the flesh and to hear such things—and the calamities of false doctrine, so that trouble cometh upon trouble.

4. And over and above this so great affliction I am in bonds, and behold these evils whereby the devices of Satan are accomplished.

5. Paul therefore, in great affliction, wrote a letter, answering thus: