The Second Apology
Chapter 8: Everyone Who Has Held the Word Has Been Hated
The Stoics, who had admirable moral teachings similar to some aspects of the poets, due to the seed of reason [the Logos] present in all humanity, were, as we know, hated and persecuted—such as Heraclitus, and in our own era, Musonius and others. This is because, as we suggested, the devils have always ensured that all those who live a reasonable and earnest life and avoid vice are hated. And it is no surprise that the devils cause even greater hatred for those who live not just by a part of the word dispersed among people, but by understanding and contemplating the entire Word, which is Christ. These devils will suffer just punishment in eternal fire. If they are currently being defeated by people through the name of Jesus Christ, it indicates the punishment in eternal fire that awaits them and their followers. This was foretold by all the prophets and was also taught by our teacher, Jesus.