Section 22

“First, we must know that the demons were not created evil as we now mean when we call them by that name. God made nothing evil; they too were created good. But they fell away from heavenly wisdom and since then have crawled about the earth.

“They deceived the Greeks through their displays, and because they envy us Christians they set everything in motion in their desire to prevent us from ascending to heaven—the place from which they themselves fell.

“For this reason we need much prayer and ascetic discipline, so that when someone receives through the Spirit the gift of discerning spirits, he may be able to recognize their characteristics: which are less evil and which are worse, what particular activity each pursues, and how each one is defeated and driven away. Their villainies are many, and their schemes continually change.

“The blessed Apostle and those with him knew these things when they said, ‘We are not ignorant of his devices.’ And because we ourselves have been tested by their temptations, we ought to correct and encourage one another concerning them. I therefore speak to you as to children about things I have learned through experience.