Berkhof studies some perversions of the gospel from the time of the early New Testament church to when Gnosticism took centre stage. In the early church he takes note of perversions such as those of the Nazarenes, the Ebionites, and the Elkesaites. He also examines Gnosticism, its origins, character, teachings, and historical significance.

From the beginning the gospel faced the threat of being perverted. This article looks at the Nazarenes, Ebionites, Elkesaites, and Gnosticism as those sects that perverted the gospel.