Page "Akiva ben Joseph" Paragraph 23

The δευτερώσεις τοῦ καλουμένου Ραββὶ Ακιβά mentioned by Epiphanius ( Adversus Hæreses, xxxiii.

9, and xv., end ), as well as the " great Mishnayot of Akiva " in the Midr.

Cant.

R. viii.

2, Eccl.

R. vi.

2, are probably not to be understood as independent Mishnayot ( δευτερώσεις ) existing at that time, but as the teachings and opinions of Akiva contained in the officially recognized Mishnayot and Midrashim.

But at the same time it is fair to consider the Mishnah of Judah ha-Nasi ( called simply " the Mishnah ") as derived from the school of Akiva ; and the majority of halakic Midrashim now extant are also to be thus credited.