§ 1.
For by no others have we known the method of our salvation, than those by whom the Gospel came to us: which was both in the first place preached by them,1 and afterwards by the will of God handed down to us in the Scriptures, to be the ground and pillar of our faith. For it never can be right to say, that they preached before they had perfect knowledge; as some venture to say, boasting themselves to be correctors of the Apostles.2 For after that our Lord rose from the dead, and they were clad with the power of the Holy Ghost coming on them from on high, were filled with all things, and had perfect knowledge; they went out into the ends of the earth, bearing the good tidings of the blessings we have from God, and announcing to men heavenly peace. Now these, all and each of them alike having the Gospel of God,—Matthew for his part published also a written Gospel among the Hebrews in their own language, whilst Peter and Paul were at Rome, preaching, and laying the foundation of the Church. And after their departure, Mark, Peter’s disciple and interpreter, did himself also publish unto us in writing the things which were preached by Peter. And Luke too, the attendant of Paul, set down in a book the Gospel preached by him. Afterwards John the disciple of the Lord, who also leaned on His Breast,—he again put forth his gospel, while he abode in Ephesus in Asia.
§ 2.
And all these have declared to us One God, Maker of heaven and earth,3 announced by the Law and the Prophets; and one Christ the Son of God: And if any assent not to them, he scorns first them who partake of the Lord, next he scorns also Christ the Lord Himself, and he scorns too the Father, and is self-condemned; thwarting and combating his own salvation: as all Heretics do.