Note 282 — Chapter IX · POST-CHRISTIAN GNOSTICS: VALENTINUS

The same may be said of practically all Christians of the Apostolic age. See Hatch, H.L. p. 124. It was the reproach which Celsus cast at the whole Christian community in the reign of Marcus Aurelius. See Origen, cont. Cels. Bk III. c. 44. Origen, op. cit. Bk III. c. 9, retorts that “now” (i.e. circa 230 A.D.) not only rich but highly-placed men and well-born ladies are to be found among the Christians. The change probably took place during the reign of Commodus; Eusebius, Hist. Eccl. Bk V. c. 21. Origen and Eusebius agree that this entry of educated men into the Church brought heresy along with it. See Origen, op. cit. Bk III. c. 12.