Marcellus of Ancyra Fragment 1

Fragment number Klost. 65 --  Rettb. 59 --  Vinz. 1
Ancient Source Eusebius, Against Marcellus 1.4;  GCS: Eusebius vol. 4 (3rd ed.), p. 18.
Modern edition M. Vinzent, Markell von Ankyra: Die Fragmente (Leiden, 1997).


Now I will begin with the letter that he wrote and refute each point of false teaching.  He wrote that he believes in the Father, the Almighty God, and in his Son, the only-begotten God, our Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Spirit.  Furthermore, he says that he learned this type of piety from the Divine Scriptures.  And when he says this, I totally accept what he says, for this manner of piety is common among all of us, that we believe in the Father and Son and Holy Spirit.  But when, although not totally dismissing his divine power, through some artful speculation he makes the Father more human when calling him Father, and the Son likewise when calling him Son, at that point I can no longer praise such speculations without running into danger.  For it now happens that the heresy concocted by them has spread through such speculation, which I clearly and readily intend to show from his words.  For he said, “The Father must truly be considered a father, and the Son a son, and the Holy Spirit likewise.”

Translated by Daniel Noonan under the supervision of Prof. Glen L. Thompson

Marcellus Fragments:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 36 47 106

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Last updated: 1/26/07 JRZ
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