One of them of whom He speaks was Simon of Samaria, of whom we read in the Acts of the Apostles, that he gave himself out to be the great Power, leaving these things written in his works [ed. note: “The followers of Simon and Cleobius compose books in the name of Christ and His disciples, which they circulate, and so deceive men.” Apostol. Const. The author of the Treatise De Divinis Nomin. also mentions “Simon’s Controversial Discourses.” Vallarsi.] among others, I am the Word of God, I am the Almighty, I am all things of God. The Apostle John also in his Epistle, “Ye have heard that Antichrist shall come; even now there are many Antichrists.” [1 John 2:18]
I suppose all heresiarchs. to be Antichrists, and under the name of Christ to teach those things which are contrary to Christ. No wonder if we see some led away by such teachers, when the Lord has said, “And shall deceive many.”
Reproduced in full. Translation: Oxford 1841 (Newman), public domain (Public domain).