Irenaeus of Lyons · a new plain-English translation from the original language
Why the Jews fell away from God. For this reason the Jews fell away from God, not receiving his Word, but supposing that they could know the Father by himself, apart from the Word, that is, apart from the Son — not knowing him who conversed in human shape with Abraham, and once more with Moses, declaring: Truly I have looked upon the misery of my people who are in Egypt, and I have descended to rescue them. For it was the Son, being the Word of God, who from the very start was making all this ready, the Father having no need of angels for bringing creation into being and for shaping man, for whose sake creation itself was brought forth; nor again requiring any ministration for fashioning the things made, or for arranging matters bearing on man; but possessing an abundant and inexpressible service belonging to himself alone. For his own offspring and image render him service in every respect — namely, the Son together with the Holy Spirit, Word and Wisdom — beings whom every angel attends and under whom they stand. Empty, therefore, are those who, because it is said, No one knows the Father but the Son, bring in another, unknown Father.