Note 289 — Chapter IX · POST-CHRISTIAN GNOSTICS: VALENTINUS

M. Cumont’s theory, that the Jewish colonies in Phrygia had introduced the worship among the Pagans of Yahweh under the name of “Hypsistos” is not convincing; but it is probable that in religious matters these colonists gave more than they borrowed. The story of the king of Adiabene who wished to turn Jew (see Chapter XII, infra) is significant. Cf. the princes of the same kingdom who fell while fighting valiantly in the Jewish ranks in the Sunday battle of Gabao in which Cestius Gallus was defeated. See Josephus, Bell. Bk II. c. 19, § 2.