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Dialogue with Trypho
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Chapter 79: He proves to Trypho that the evil angels have rebelled against God.
IN RESPONSE: Trypho, who was somewhat angry but respected the Scriptures, as was clear from his expression, said to me, “The words of God are holy, but your interpretations are mere inventions, as is evident from what you have explained; even blasphemies, for you claim that angels sinned and turned away from God.”
TO GET HIM TO LISTEN TO ME: I responded in a calmer tone: "I admire your piety, sir, and I hope you hold the same regard for Him to whom angels are reported to minister, as Daniel states. One like the Son of man is brought to the Ancient of days, and every kingdom is given to Him forever.
But I want you to know, sir," I continued, "that it is not our boldness that led us to embrace this interpretation, which you criticize.
I will provide evidence from Isaiah himself, for he asserts that evil angels have resided and do reside in Tanis, in Egypt. Here are his words: 'Woe to the rebellious children! Thus says the Lord, You have taken counsel, but not through Me; and made agreements, but not through My Spirit, to add sins to sins; who have sinned in going down to Egypt (but they have not sought My counsel), that they may be helped by Pharaoh and be sheltered by the shadow of the Egyptians.
For the shadow of Pharaoh will be a disgrace to you, and a reproach to those who trust in the Egyptians; for the princes in Tanis are evil angels. In vain will they labor for a people that will not benefit them, but will instead be a disgrace and a reproach to them.' Furthermore, Zechariah recounts, as you yourself have told, that the devil stood at the right hand of Joshua the priest to resist him; and the Lord said, 'The Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you.' And again, it is written in Job, as you mentioned, how the angels came to stand before the Lord, and the devil came with them.
It is also recorded by Moses at the start of Genesis that the serpent deceived Eve and was cursed. And we know that in Egypt there were magicians who tried to replicate the mighty power displayed by God through His faithful servant Moses. And you know that David said, 'The gods of the nations are demons.'"