On the Origin of the World 24

1Let us return to the archons we discussed earlier, so that we can explain them.

2When the seven archons had been thrown down from their heavens to the earth, they made many demonic angels to serve them. These angels taught humanity various kinds of error, magic, potions, idol worship, bloodshed, altars, temples, sacrifices, and drink offerings to all the earthly demons. They worked together with fate, who came into being through the agreement between the gods of injustice and justice. In this way, once the world had come into being, it went astray and remained continually confused, because all people on earth worshiped demons from the creation to the consummation of the age, both the angels of righteousness and the humans of unrighteousness.

3In this way, the world came to exist in confusion, ignorance, and a stupor. They had all gone astray until the true man appeared.

4Let this be enough concerning the subject.