Against Heresies: Book III

You have indeed asked me, my dear friend, to reveal the Valentinian doctrines, which their followers believe are hidden; to show their variety and write a treatise refuting them. I have therefore undertaken to demonstrate, showing that they originate from Simon, the father of all heretics, to present both their doctrines and lineage, and to provide arguments against them all.

Thus, since proving these people wrong and exposing them is largely one task, I have sent to you certain books.

The first book includes the opinions of all these people and shows their customs and behavior. The second book dismantles and overthrows their corrupt teachings, exposing them as they truly are. In this third book, I will provide evidence from the Scriptures, so that I will leave nothing undone that you have asked for; in fact, you may receive from me even more than you expected, giving you the means to combat and defeat those who spread falsehoods in any manner.

For the love of God, being abundant and generous, grants to the petitioner more than he can ask. Remember then, the things I stated in the two previous books, and by connecting these with them, you will receive from me a very comprehensive refutation of all the heretics; and you will faithfully and vigorously resist them in defense of the only true and life-giving faith, which the Church has received from the apostles and passed on to her children. For the Lord of all gave His apostles the power of the Gospel, through whom we have also come to know the truth, that is, the doctrine of the Son of God; to whom the Lord declared: “He who hears you, hears Me; and he who despises you, despises Me, and Him who sent Me.”