Eusebius: Ecclesiastical History, Books I–X

Chapter XIII.—Rhodo and his Account of the Dissension of Marcion.

1. At this time Rhodo, ^{Edition note 1} a native of Asia, who had been instructed, as he himself states, by Tatian, with whom we have already become acquainted, ^{Edition note 2} having written several books, published among the rest one against the heresy of Marcion. ^{Edition note 3} He says that this heresy was divided in his time into various opinions; ^{Edition note 4} and while describing those who occasioned the division, he refutes accurately the falsehoods devised by each of them.

2. But hear what he writes: ^{Edition note 5}

“Therefore also they disagree among themselves, maintaining an inconsistent opinion. ^{Edition note 6} For Apelles, ^{Edition note 7} one of the herd, priding himself on his manner of life ^{Edition note 8} and his age, acknowledges one principle, ^{Edition note 9} but says that the prophecies ^{Edition note 10} are from an opposing spirit, being led to this view by the responses of a maiden by name Philumene, ^{Edition note 11} who was possessed by a demon.

3. But others, among whom are Potitus and Basilicus, ^{Edition note 12} hold to two principles, ^{Edition note 13} as does the mariner ^{Edition note 14} Marcion himself.

4. These following the wolf ^{Edition note 15} of Pontus, and, like him, unable to fathom the division of things, became reckless, and without giving any proof asserted two principles. Others, again, drifting into a worse error, consider that there are not only two, but three natures. ^{Edition note 16} Of these, Syneros ^{Edition note 17} is the leader and chief, as those who defend his teaching ^{Edition note 18} say.”

5. The same author writes that he engaged in conversation with Apelles. He speaks as follows:

6. Then, after stating fully his own opinion, he adds:

“When I said to him, Tell me how you know this or how can you assert that there is one principle, he replied that the prophecies refuted themselves, because they have said nothing true; ^{Edition note 22} for they are inconsistent, and false, and self-contradictory. But how there is one principle he said that he did not know, but that he was thus persuaded.

7. As I then adjured him to speak the truth, he swore that he did so when he said that he did not know how there is one unbegotten God, but that he believed it. Thereupon I laughed and reproved him because, though calling himself a teacher, he knew not how to confirm what he taught.” ^{Edition note 23}

8. In the same work, addressing Callistio, ^{Edition note 24} the same writer acknowledges that he had been instructed at Rome by Tatian. ^{Edition note 25} And he says that a book of Problems ^{Edition note 26} had been prepared by Tatian, in which he promised to explain the obscure and hidden parts of the divine Scriptures. Rhodo himself promises to give in a work of his own solutions of Tatian’s problems. ^{Edition note 27} There is also extant a Commentary of his on the Hexæmeron. ^{Edition note 28}

9. But this Apelles wrote many things, in an impious manner, of the law of Moses, blaspheming the divine words in many of his works, being, as it seemed, very zealous for their refutation and overthrow. ^{Edition note 29}

So much concerning these.