Epiphanius says ( 29 : 6 ) that they existed before Christ .
Consequently , the Mandaeans have been connected with the 4th - century Nazarenes described by Epiphanius .
Epiphanius says ( 29 : 6 ) that Mandaeans existed before Christ .
Consequently , the Mandaeans have been connected with the 4th - century Nazarenes described by Epiphanius .