Clement of Alexandria Stromata Book I Chapter XVII.-On the Saying of the Saviour, "All that Came Before Me Were Thieves and Robbers."[189] Origen Against Celsus Book VII To explain this fully, and to justify the conduct of the Christians in refusing homage to any object except the Most High God, and the First-born of all creation, who is His Word and God, we must quote this from Scripture, "All that ever came before Me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them; "and again, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy; "[156] Hippolytus Refutation of All Heresies Book VI On account of this, he says, the Saviour observes: "All that came before me are thieves and robbers."[94] A Treatise Against the Heretic Novatian by an Anonymous Bishop Moreover, in the same He also says, "All who have come are thieves and robbers."[4] Origen Commentary on John Book I The words, therefore, "If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have had sin, but now they have no cloak for their sin," are to be understood in the former sense; but the words,[188] Origen Commentary on Matthew Book X And so neither can thieves in regard to whom the Saviour said, "All that came before Me are thieves and robbers,"[79]