[1] The work is untitled; modern scholars call it “On the Origin of the World” based on its contents.
[2] It may have been written in Alexandria near the end of the third century, based on its combination of Jewish, Manichaean, Christian, Greek, and Egyptian ideas.
[2] The contents provide an alternate interpretation of Genesis, in which the dark ruler Yaldabaoth created heaven and earth, and a wise instructor opened the minds of Adam and Eve to the truth when they ate from the Tree of Knowledge.
The shadow gave birth to the powers of darkness and the ruler Yaldabaoth, who established his rule over matter.
Sabaoth worships Pistis, receives light, and creates an angelic assembly with Jesus and the Virgin.
Pistis separates Sabaoth from darkness, causing the chief creator to become jealous and create death and 49 demons.
They then test Adam's knowledge and, fearing he will become immortal and rule over them, cast him and his wife out of paradise and guard the tree of life with cherubim.
The Word, or Jesus the Logos, was sent to announce what was unknown and reveal the hidden truth about the seven authorities of chaos.
Before the end of the age, there will be a great shaking and war among the rulers, which will result in the downfall of the heavens and the powers of chaos.
[4] On the Origin of the World contains many textual similarities to Hypostasis of the Archons, which is generally considered to be a combination of two sources: an exegesis on Genesis and a revelation dialogue known as the Apocalypse of Norea.