Against Celsus 7.9

Since Celsus also promises to describe the manner of the prophecies in Phoenicia and Palestine, as one who has heard and thoroughly learned it, let us consider this too. First he says that there are several kinds of prophecies, without setting them out; for he could not, but was making a false boast. But let us look at what he says is the most perfect among the men of that region. Many, he says, nameless ones, very readily, on any chance occasion, both inside temples and outside temples; and others begging and roaming about cities or army camps, are moved as though uttering oracles. And it is ready to hand and customary for each to say: I am God, or a child of God, or a divine spirit. And I have come; for already the world is perishing, and you, O men, are going to destruction because of your injustices. But I wish to save you; and you will see me coming back again with heavenly power. Blessed is the one who worships me now; but on all the rest I will cast everlasting fire, both on cities and on lands. And men who do not know their own penalties will repent in vain and groan; but those who have been persuaded by me I will keep for ever. Then next he says: Having made these boasts, they add straightway unknown, frenzied, and wholly obscure words, whose meaning no one with sense could discover; for they are unclear and nothing, but they give occasion to any fool or sorcerer to take what was said in whatever sense he wishes about anything.