Athenagoras A Plea for the Christians and who declare both their power in union and their distinction in order, called atheists? Nor is our teaching in what relates to the divine nature confined to these points; but we recognise also a multitude of angels and ministers,[34] Tertullian Against Marcion Book II But when the comparison is challenged with an angel, I am compelled to maintain that the head over all things is the stronger of the two, to whom the angels are ministers,[134] A Strain of Sodom Were ministering spirits,[6] Origen de Principiis Book I There are certain holy angels of God whom Paul terms "ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation."[90] Origen de Principiis Book III On which account our heart must be kept with all carefulness both by day and night, and no place be given to the devil; but every effort must be used that the ministers of God-those spirits, viz., who were sent to minister to them who are called to be heirs of salvation[347] Origen Against Celsus Book V For we indeed acknowledge that angels are "ministering spirits," and we say that "they are sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation; "[8] Origen Against Celsus Book VIII hese, regarding all as their relations and friends who imitate their piety towards God, and in prayer call upon Him with sincerity, work along with them for their salvation, appear unto them, deem it their office and duty to attend to them, and as if by common agreement they visit with all manner of kindness and deliverance those who pray to God, to whom they themselves also pray: "For they are all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation."[71] Origen Commentary on Matthew Book XII Let, then, the principalities and powers with which our wrestling is, be called gates of Hades, but the "ministering spirits"[97]