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Since we are dealing with this subject it is proper to sum up the
writings of the New Testament which have been already mentioned.
First then must be put the holy quaternion of the Gospels; following
them the Acts of the Apostles. After this must be reckoned the
epistles of Paul; next in order the extanfinal former epistle of
John, and likewise the epistle of Peter, must be maintained. After
them is to be placed, if it really seem proper, the Apocalypse of
John, concerning which we shall give the different opinions at the
proper time. These then belong among the accepted writings. Among
the disputed writings, which are nevertheless recognized by many, are
extant the so-called epistle of James and that of Jude, also the
second epistle of Peter, and those that are called the second and
third of John, whether they belong to the evangelist or to another
person of the same name. Among the rejected writings must be reckoned
also the Acts of Paul, and the so-called Shepherd, and the
Apocalypse of Peter, and in addition to these the extant epistle of
Barnabas, and the so-called Teachings of the Apostles; and
besides, as I said, the Apocalypse of John, if it seem proper,
which some, as I said, reject, but which others class with the
accepted books. And among these some have placed also the Gospel
according to the Hebrews, with which those of the Hebrews that have
accepted Christ are especially delighted. And all these may be
reckoned among the disputed books. But we have nevertheless felt
compelled to give a catalogue of these also, distinguishing those works
which according to ecclesiastical tradition are true and genuine and
commonly accepted, from those others which, although not canonical but
disputed, are yet at the same time known to most ecclesiastical
writers, we have felt compelled to give this catalogue in order that we
might be able to know both these works and those that are cited by the
heretics under the name of the apostles, including, for instance,
such books as the Gospels of Peter, of Thomas, of Matthias, or of
any others besides them, and the Acts of Andrew and John and the
other apostles, which no one belonging to the succession of
ecclesiastical writers has deemed worthy of mention in his writings.
And further, the character of the style is at variance with apostolic
usage, and both the thoughts and the purpose of the things that are
related in them are so completely out of accord with true orthodoxy that
they clearly show themselves to be the fictions of heretics. Wherefore
they are not to be placed even among the rejected writings, but are all
of them to be cast aside as absurd and impious. Let us now proceed
with our history.
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