John x.

8).

But here the master and the disciples are more confused.

Less equivocal evidence is afforded by the statements of Irenaeus respecting the Valentinians.
He says that the Valentinians used the fourth Gospel very freely (plenissime) [Endnote 301:1].

This applies to a date that cannot be in any case later than 180 A.D., and that may extend almost indefinitely backwards.