[35] Matt. xi. 14, 15.

[36] This doctrine of transmigration cannot be shown to have formed part of Valentinus’ own teaching. It appears, however, among some of his followers. Cf. Forerunners, II, cc. 9, 10.

[37] A pun on φθαρτοί, “mortals,” and φθορά, “corruption.”

[38] εἰς τὸν (δέκατον) κόσμον. Cruice would omit the δέκατον. It clearly, however, means the world of the Decad, Jesus having come down from the “most excellent Ogdoad.”

[39] Evidently Hippolytus has not here any book or writing of a particular author before him, but is giving the opinion of the sect generally.

[40] Εὐηγγελίσατο. Cf. the ἐν τοῖς Εὐαγγελίοις which follows.

[41] John iii. 5, 6. The Greek text omits ὅτι, “because.”

[42] οἰκεῖος, “peculiar to.”

[43] This is markedly Valentinian. The Ogdoad is of course the Highest Heaven, the Decad the middle one. See n. on p. 31 supra.

[44] He here puns again on δοκεῖν, “to seem,” and δοκός, “beam.”