Annotation CCXCII

”Above all principality, and power, and virtues.” — Ephesians 1:21

The increments and decrements of angels.

Jerome is taxed in this place by Rufinus, because, following Origen, he posited in the angels advances and honors, ascents and descents, increments and diminutions. Refuting this accusation, Jerome says that by these words he did not signify those ascents and descents by which Origen feigns [that] angels descend to the nature of men and of demons, and, vice versa, men and demons are raised up into the nature of angels; but that he wished to express, by these sayings, the diverse offices of the angels, and [their] dignities, according to the understanding of ecclesiastical doctrine.