Menandros (Gnostic)
Menandros (also Menander , Greek Μένανδρος) was a Samaritan Gnostic of the first century and a disciple of Simon Magus , but differed from him in some views. He is said to have been active in Antioch . He is mentioned in the works of Irenaeus of Lyons , Hippolytus of Rome , Epiphanios of Salamis and Tertullian , but first of all by Justin the Martyr . This writes:
“ But we know from a certain Menander, who was also a Samaritan from the town of Kapparetäa, a pupil of Simon, that he too appeared in Antioch while under the influence of demons and that he enchanted many with his magic, even among his followers made them believe that they would not die. "
Menandros saw creation as the work of a God subordinate to the “Father” . He is said to have considered baptism indispensable for immortality. He saw himself as the emissary of the invisible power who is supposed to redeem people. His students include Saturninus and Basilides , who are said to have expanded his teachings considerably.
No works by Menandros have survived. All information about him, his teaching and his followers come from his "orthodox" opponents. The relationship to the church or to Jesus cannot be sufficiently reconstructed from the data. He is considered one of the forefathers of Gnosis .
literature
- W. Foerster: The 'first Gnostics' Simon and Menander. In: U. Bianchi (ed.): The Origins of Gnosticism: Colloquium of Messina, April 13-18, 1966. Texts and Discussions (= Studies in the History of Religions. Volume 12). EJ Brill, Leiden 1967, pp. 190-196
Individual evidence
- ↑ Justin the Martyr, First Apology 26.
- ^ Irenaeus of Lyons, Contra Haereses II, 31.1.
- ^ Irenaeus of Lyons, Contra Haereses I, 23.5.
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Menandros |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Menander; Μένανδρος |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | Samaritan Gnostic |
| DATE OF BIRTH | 1st century BC BC or 1st century |
| DATE OF DEATH | 1st century or 2nd century |