|
It is probable that others have preserved other memorials of
Serapion's literary industry, but there have reached us only those
addressed to a certain Domninus, who, in the time of persecution,
fell away from faith in Christ to the Jewish will-worship; and those
addressed to Pontius and Caricus, ecclesiastical men, and other
letters to different persons, and still another work composed by him on
the so-called Gospel of Peter. He wrote this last to refute the
falsehoods which that Gospel contained, on account of some in the
parish of Rhossus who had been led astray by it into heterodox
notions. It may be well to give some brief extracts from his work,
showing his opinion of the book. He writes as follows:
"For we, brethren, receive both Peter and the other apostles as
Christ; but we reject intelligently the writings falsely ascribed to
them, knowing that such were not handed down to us. When I visited
you I supposed that all of you held the true faith, and as I had not
read the Gospel which they put forward under the name of Peter, I
said, ' If this is the only thing which occasions dispute among you,
let it be read.' But now having learned, from what has been told
me, that their mind was involved in some heresy, I will hasten to
come to you again. Therefore, brethren, expect me shortly. But you
will learn, brethren, from what has been written to you, that we
perceived the nature of the heresy of Marcianus, and that, not
understanding', what he was saying, he contradicted himself.
For having obtained this Gospel from others who had studied it
diligently, namely, from the successors of those who first used it,
whom we call Docets, we have been able to read it through, and we
find many things in accordance with the true doctrine of the Saviour,
but some things added to that doctrine, which we have pointed out for
you farther on."
So much in regard to Serapion.
|
|