After this Celsus relates at length opinions which he ascribes to us, but which we do not hold, regarding the Divine Being, to the effect that “he is corporeal in his nature, and possesses a body like a man.”  As he undertakes to refute opinions which are none of ours, it would be needless to give either the opinions themselves or their refutation.  Indeed, if we did hold those views of God which he ascribes to us, and which he opposes, we would be bound to quote his words, to adduce our own arguments, and to refute his.  But if he brings forward opinions which he has either heard from no one, or if it be assumed that he has heard them, it must have been from those who are very simple and ignorant of the meaning of Scripture, then we need not undertake so superfluous a task as that of refuting them.  For the Scriptures plainly speak of God as of a being without body.  Hence it is said, “No man hath seen God at any time;”⁴⁷³⁵

4735 John i. 18.

4736 Col. i. 15.

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