The library · Edition and sources
Hypostasis of the Archons
Samuel Zinner, edited by Mark M. Mattison; Other Gospels · Translated text
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Chapter 1
1. ⟦page 86⟧ Concerning the substance of the authorities (from which they were made).
2. By the spirit of the Father of truth, the great apostle mentioned the authorities of darkness, and informed us that “our battle is not against flesh and [blood], but against the cosmic authorities and the spirits of evil.”
3. I have sent you this writing because you inquired concerning the substance of the authorities (from which they were made).
4. Their leader is blind. [On account of his] power, ignorance, and pride, he declared in his [power]: “I am God; there is no other [except me].”
5. When he uttered this, he sinned against [the All].
6. This bragging ascended to indestructability, ⟦page 87⟧
7. and a voice responded from indestructability, and said: “You are in error, Samael,” which means “blind god,” his thoughts being blind.
8. He vented his power, namely, the blasphemy he had uttered, and he followed it down into Chaos and to his mother, the Abyss, prompted by Pistis Sophia.
9. She set up each one of his offspring in agreement with its power, according to the likeness of the lofty eternal aeons, because what is seen originated from what is unseen.
10. Indestructability peered downward into the place of the waters. Her image appeared as a reflection on the waters, and the authorities of darkness grew enamored with her.
11. They, however, were unable to hold onto the image that had appeared to them on the waters, because they were feeble.
12. And what is merely soulish is unable to hold onto what is spiritual, because the authorities originated from below, while the image of indestructability originated from above.
13. Consequently, indestructability peered downward into that place, in order that by the will of the Father she could unite all of them with the light.