The Encomium of Theodosius: Coptic Christian Variant Apocrypha of the Exile of Satan

"The Encomium of Theodosius"

Sahib Iblis

24 May 2024

Decades old scholarship alleges that the Quranic variant of the Iblisic narrative may have been influenced principally by a Coptic Christian version of the exile of Satan. In an article titled, "A Possible Coptic Source for a Qur'anic Text," Wilson B. Bishai argues that the Coptic account is more similar to the Quranic story than is The Life of Adam and Eve or The Cave of Treasures.

And there was there [a hateful being], who was of the earlier creation, that is to say, Satanael, who is called the Devil, and he was an Archangel. Furthermore, when the command had issued from the mouth of God, Michael, the Archangel... and his host came and worshipped [Adam]. And afterwards, Gabriel the Archangel and his host came, and they bowed low in homage even as did Michael, and so likewise did all the hosts of angels, each rank in its proper order. Finally, the Master said unto that Mastema, the interpretation of which is "hater," Come thou also, and worship the work of My hands [humanity]." And Satanael answered boldly and said, "Far be it from Thee to make me worship this thing (of earth)!" 

And the compassionate God said unto him, "Satanael, hearken unto me!" And the Mastema said, "Far be it from us to worship that which is inferior to us! Moreover, we are beings of spirit, but this creature is of the earth..." 

And straightway God was angry, and He commanded a mighty cherubim [sic], who smote him and reduced him to helplessness... and he cast him and all those who were with him forth from heaven. And the Good God cried out unto Michael "I know that the Mastema will fight against My created being, wishing to cast him away from Me even as I cast Mastema forth from My kingdom. But behold, I entrust My created beings unto thee..."