Philetus

2 Tim. ii. 16,17,18.PHILETUS. St. Paul writing to Timothy, in the 65th Year of Christ, and a little while before his own Martyrdom, speaks thus: But shun profane and vain Babblings, for they will increase unto more Ungodliness. And their Word will eat as doth a Canker; of whom is Hymenæus and Philetus; who concerning the Truth have erred, saying, that the Resurrection is past already, and overthrow the Faith of some. We have nothing very certain concerning Philetus; for we make small Account of what is read in the false Abdias, in the Life of St. James major, even supposing this Author had not put the Name of Philetus instead of Phygellus. This is the Substance of what is found in Abdias. St. James the Son of Zebedee passing thro’ the Synagogues of Judea and Samaria, preached every where the Faith of Jesus Christ. Hermogenes and Philetus strenuously opposed him, affirming, that Jesus Christ was not the Messiah. Hermogenes was a notable Magician, and Philetus was his Disciple; who being converted, was desirous to bring his Master to St. James, but Hermogenes bound him up so by his Magick Art, that he could not come at the Apostle. Philetus found means to make St. James acquainted with what had happen’d to him, upon which St. James unbound him, and Philetus came to him. Hermogenes perceiving how ineffectual his Art was against the Saint, became himself a Convert, as well as Philetus.

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