Throughout history, human rulers and institutions have elevated themselves to positions of godlike authority, claiming divine status and demanding absolute allegiance. This ancient delusion is well-documented in both scripture and early Christian writings. A prime example appears in the Apocryphon of John, where a rebellious figure declares: “I am God and there is no other God beside me.” This statement, uttered by the arrogant archon known as Yaldabaoth, echoes through history — not as the voice of supernatural demons or fallen angels, but in the words and actions of human powers.
In this interpretation, Yaldabaoth, Saklas, and Samael symbolize not literal beings but represent the arrogance of Roman emperors and the Papacy, both of whom have historically claimed divine authority and dominion over others. These rulers assumed the role of ‘gods’ on earth, setting themselves against the true God and His purposes.
Yaldabaoth, Saklas, and Samael: The Symbols of Human Arrogance
The Apocryphon of John states:
"Now the archon who is weak has three names. The first name is Yaldabaoth, the second is Saklas, and the third is Samael. And he is impious in his arrogance which is in him. For he said, 'I am God and there is no other God beside me,' for he is ignorant of his strength, the place from which he had come."
In this passage, Yaldabaoth represents earthly rulers such as Roman emperors, who demanded worship and claimed divinity. Saklas, meaning ‘fool,’ points to the ignorance inherent in these claims. Samael, the ‘blind god,’ reveals the blindness of those powers to the one true God. None of these are literal spiritual entities; rather, they are symbolic of human institutions exalting themselves beyond their place.
Biblical Testimony Against Human Divinization
Scripture consistently warns against the sin of arrogantly claiming divine status. Paul writes:
“For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many)” (1 Corinthians 8:5).
These ‘gods’ are not supernatural beings, but rulers and authorities who have elevated themselves, much like Roman emperors and later religious institutions. Ezekiel records:
“Because your heart is lifted up, and you say, ‘I am a god, I sit in the seat of God, in the heart of the seas’; yet you are a man and not God, though you make your heart like the heart of God” (Ezekiel 28:2).
This was addressed to the King of Tyre — a mere man, not an angelic being. His claim to divinity was condemned because he was an earthling pretending to be divine, much like the Roman emperors seated themselves as deities and claimed the titles of divinity.
Echoes in Prophecy and History
Daniel foresaw rulers who would exalt themselves:
“And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods” (Daniel 11:36).
Paul confirms this in the New Testament:
“Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God” (2 Thessalonians 2:4).
This prophecy was fulfilled in both Roman emperors and the Papacy, each claiming divine authority. The Papacy, seated in what was once called “the temple of God,” appropriated to itself spiritual authority, declaring itself infallible and demanding reverence as God’s exclusive representative. Revelation likewise exposes these blasphemies:
“And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven” (Revelation 13:6).
The Fall of Tyre and the Fall of Man
The lamentation over the King of Tyre in Ezekiel 28 is no account of a fallen angel, but of a man — one who claimed divinity in his pride. His downfall is likened to the fall of Adam:
“You are man” (v. 2) — the Hebrew word used is adam. The King of Tyre, like Adam, lifted himself up and was cast down. The description of precious stones recalls the breastplate of the high priest (Exodus 39:10-14), representing his position among earthly leaders on Mount Zion — God’s holy mountain, here symbolizing Jerusalem.
Verses 16-18 make clear that his sin was one of dishonest gain and arrogance, not angelic rebellion. His judgment, like Adam’s, was to be brought low — “to the ground” (v. 17) — a return to dust.
Conclusion: Recognizing Human Power for What It Is
This message serves as a warning to all who would elevate themselves above their station. No human institution — be it empire or religious authority — has the right to claim divine status. The history of Rome and the Papacy stands as a testimony to the folly of those who declare, “I am God.” The consistent biblical witness reveals that those who make such claims are blind, ignorant, and foolish, destined for ruin at the hands of the true God.
The faithful are called to reject these false claims and hold fast to the one true God who gives life, wisdom, and authority, not to those who boast, but to those who humble themselves before Him.
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