Did Jesus Christ Have Two Mothers? Gospel of Thomas Saying 101

Did Jesus Christ Have Two Mothers? Gospel of Thomas Saying 101

Jesus has two Mothers

Gospel of Thomas Saying 101

Jesus said, "Whoever does not hate his father and his mother as I do cannot become a disciple to Me. And whoever does [not] love his father and his mother as I do cannot become a [disciple] to Me. For My [birth] mother [gave me death], but [My] true [Mother] gave me life." (April DeConick Translation)

"The substance of this saying has already been provided in Saying 56 [55]. Here, however, Jesus explicitly states that he himself hates his (earthly) father and mother (see Saying 96).

Thus the conundrum presented in the saying (hate parents and love parents) is resolved by positing two orders of family and two mothers of Jesus

April DeConick writes For L. 101.3,1 offer a possibility for completing the lacunae (9 or 10 letter spaces) which occurs on the last line at the bottom of p. 49 and the first two letters at the top of p. 50: 'who begot me gave death'. This construction not only fits the lacunae, but also provides contextual sense and offers a complementary parallel to the final clause. So I prefer it over Layton's reconstruction which does not fill the space 'who gave me falsehood'). 

Jesus's birth mother gave him death. Death came by genetic inheritance. for he inherited Adam's nature from Mary's blood, in which Adam's life existed, for the life of all flesh is in the blood thereof

Though the Son of God (by the Spirit) he was the son of man (Adam) by Mary, partaking of the very nature transmitted from Adam through David and Mary

If Christ was born of the spirit, by Mary, was he not spirit and not flesh, on the principle that which is born of the spirit is spirit?   

The question arises from an inaccuracy of words. Jesus was not born of the spirit by Mary but begotten of Mary by the spirit. 

Did God or man give life to Jesus?

Answer: "God himself gives to all mankind life and breath and all things 

 ;" 

consequently the question is not specific enough to make its meaning apparent. 

If it be meant, Did Mary have any participation in the impartation of life to the child born of her, the answer is Yes; for Jesus was the seed of David according to the flesh. Every one having knowledge is aware that in fetal life, the child's life is the mother's life, ministered by her blood through the umbilical cord; and that the child, so to speak, is by this connection built out of her blood. And as "the life of all flesh is in the blood", a child cannot partake of her blood, without partaking of her life. Consequently, Jesus, though developed from a Divine organism, was framed out of his mother's substance, and, consequently, was both Son of man and Son of God

Speaking of the conception and preparation of the Seed, the prophet as a typical person, says, "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me" (Psalm 51:5). This is nothing more than affirming that he was born of sinful flesh; and not of the pure and incorruptible angelic nature. 

The nature of Mary was as unclean as that of other women; and therefore could give birth only to "a body" like her own, though especially "prepared of God" (Heb. 10:5). Had Mary's nature been immaculate, as her idolatrous worshippers contend, an immaculate body would have been born of her; which, therefore, would not have answered the purpose of God; which was to condemn sin in the flesh; a thing that could not have been accomplished, if there were no sin there. 

The apostle says, "God made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin" (2 Cor. 5:21); and this he explains in another place by saying, that "He sent his own son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh" (Rom. 8:3) in the offering of his body once (Heb. 10:10,12,14). Sin could not have been condemned in the body of Jesus, if it had not existed there. His body was as unclean as the bodies of those for whom he died; for he was born of a woman, and "not one" can bring a clean body out of a defiled body; for "that", says Jesus himself, "which is born of the flesh is flesh" (John 3:6).

If Christ had been a son of Adam merely, he would have been a sinner, and, therefore, unfit for sacrificial purposes. On the other hand, if he had been clothed with angelic or immaculate nature, he would have been equally disqualified, inasmuch as it was necessary that the sinning nature should suffer in him. The combination of condemned human nature with personal sinlessness was effected through divine power begetting a son from Mary's substance. A "Lamb of God," was thus produced, guileless from his paternity, and yet inheriting the human sin-nature of his mother.

The question needs to be asked who is Jesus's true Mother?

It is the comforter the holy spirit. In Hebrew the word spirit is a feminine noun. That is why it can be spoken of as a Mother giving birth. 

Jesus needed to be saved from death Hebrews 5:7 this his true Mother did at his resurrection 

Thus the holy spirit is Jesus' mother by his resurrection from the dead or by being born of the spirit or born again.

Romans 1:3  Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
4  And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

Jesus came in the flesh of the seed of David when he was resurrected from the dead by the spirit of holiness he was born of the spirit

John 3:6 What has been born from the flesh is flesh, and what has been born from the spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel because I told you, YOU people must be born again.

8 The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from and where it is going. So it is with everyone that has been born from the spirit.”

Notice the feminine description of the spirit in v8 one is born of the spirit. to use the langue of being born is describing the holy spirit as a mother

Mt 11:19 But wisdom is justified by her children.

Galatians 4:26 and the Jerusalem above is the free-woman, which is mother of us all,

Therefore the holy spirit is a feminine aspect of God

The holy spirit is a force, the invisible power and energy of the Father by which God is everywhere present. The chosen messengers have been given only the power and authority from Yahweh they need to accomplish their mission. Gen 1:2; Num 11:17; Mt 3:16; John 20:22; Ac 2:4, 17, 33. The Spirit is not a 'separate' or 'other' person. Ac 7:55, 56; Re 7:10 It is God's own radiant power, ever out flowing from Him, by which His 'everywhereness' is achieved. Ps 104:30; 1 Cor 12:4-11.

The Spirit is personal in that it is of God Himself: it is not personal in the sense of being some other person within the Godhead"

The Lord was conceived (born again) from what is imperishable, from God. The [Lord arose] from among the dead. But [He did not come into being as he was. Rather [his body] was [completely] perfect. It was of flesh, and this [flesh is indeed] true flesh.¹ [Yet our flesh] is not true, but rather a mirror-image of the true [flesh]. (¹Jn 1:14, 20:27, II-Jn 7; NHS p. 174 (The Gospel of Philip)

The apocalypse of weeks to book of Enoch

 Chapter 92

¹After this, Enoch began to speak from a book [so this indicates another “hidden” scroll somewhere - perhaps this is the Book of Enoch itself]?.

²And Enoch said, Concerning the children of righteousness, concerning the elect of the world [throughout the whole 7,000 year period], and concerning the plant of righteousness and integrity.

³Concerning these things will I speak, and these things will I explain to you, my children: I who am Enoch. In consequence of that which has been shown to me, from my heavenly vision and from the voice of the holy angels ⁽¹²⁹⁾ have I acquired knowledge; and from the tablet of heaven have I acquired understanding.

(129) Holy angels. A Qumran text reads, "Watchers and Holy Ones," clearly denoting heavenly Watchers who did not fall along with the wicked ones (Milik, p. 264). See also Dan. 4:13, "a watcher and a holy one came down from heaven"; 4:17, "watchers, and…holy ones."

⁴Enoch then began to speak from a book and said, I have been born the seventh in the first week [It doesn’t give reference as to when this week actually starts, however it appears that each week is a 700 year period for all ten of them to fit into a 7,000 year period.  Interestingly this is like saying a week (7,000 years) ten times of weeks (700 years)! And since it says he was “born the seventh” (and there is a second witness to this in 1:14) I am making the start date of the first week on 3993 BC at the “founding of the world” when Adam sinned as it seems to fit perfectly throughout the whole “ten part” time period (one could use 3992 when Cain was born but in this scope of time it would make little difference] while judgment and righteousness wait with patience [this “waiting with patience” is the time period from Adam and Eve getting new garments of skin to the end of the day of rest that Jehovah had gone into – so from 3993BC to 2993 which would take the “patience” period well into the second of the ten weeks that Enoch describes in great detail with regard to the flood and Noah’s time] 

⁵But after me [after 3040BC when Enoch is transferred (Hb 11:5)], in the second week [3293 - 2593BC], great wickedness shall arise, and fraud shall spring forth [this marks the time when the fallen angels commit the many grievous crimes upon the earth as recorded in Chapter 9 of Enoch and Genesis 6].

⁶In that week [the second] the end of the first shall take place [Michael Gabriel, Raphael, Suryal, and Uriel had asked Jehovah (Enoch 9) what they should do to obtain justice for the blood of those have been treated unjustly], in which mankind shall be safe [so during Jehovah’s “day of rest” mankind was safe from His wrath].

⁷But when the first [week] is completed, iniquity shall grow up; and during the second week he shall execute the decree [the one made in Chapter 14] upon sinners [both angelic and human - the execution of the decree being the deluge on those who do not enter the Ark which occurred from 2371 to 2370BC.  So this too fits in well with the story of Noah and the end of this particular week].

⁸Afterwards, in the third week [2593 – 1893BC], during its completion, a man of the plant of righteous judgment shall be selected [this “man” being Abraham]; and after him the Plant of righteousness shall come for ever [future event – one who comes from the seed of Abraham - Jesus].

⁹Subsequently, in the fourth week [1893 – 1193BC], during its completion, the visions of the holy and the righteous shall be seen [the time of Moses and the visions on Mt. Sinai], the order of generation after generation shall take place [Moses’ prophecies concerning the coming Christ (a prophet like him –Dt 18:15)], and a habitation shall be made for them [the Promised Land by covenant].

Then in the fifth week [1193 – 493BC], during its completion [toward the end of the week], the house of glory and of dominion shall be erected for ever [the period of King David and Solomon and the subsequent building of the temple].

¹⁰After that, in the sixth week [493BC – 209AD], all those who are in it [the house of dominion] shall be darkened [the Jewish system was one of the darkest under the Mosaic Law at the hands of the Pharisees], the hearts of all of them shall be forgetful of wisdom [they focus on the Law and maintaining a yoke on people instead of listening to the wisdom of God], and in it shall a Man [Immanuel/Jesus] arise and come forth [as the Messiah].

¹¹And during its completion [toward the end of the sixth week] He shall burn the house of dominion with fire [the judgment and consequent destruction of the temple and the fall of Jerusalem (70AD)], and all the race of the elect root shall be dispersed [the Diaspora].

¹²Afterwards, in the seventh week [209AD – 909AD], a perverse generation shall arise [under the Roman Catholic Church]; abundant shall be its deeds, and all its deeds perverse [intense persecution and death to any “true” Christian who would question their teachings or authority or try to translate the bible in other languages etc…]. During its completion [towards its end], the righteous shall be selected from the everlasting plant of righteousness [those who were of the inner circle of Paul’s group]; and to them shall be given the sevenfold doctrine of his whole creation [the core of researchers who were taught by Paul were the true Gnostics of the time, they had the deepest of understandings in fact Paul related the story of his acquaintance who was snatched away to the third heaven (likely John when he was given the Revelation).  Unfortunately they had to hide this knowledge (both the scrolls and the speech of it) to keep it from being destroyed by the church - the book of Enoch is probably such a scroll too!].

¹³Afterwards there shall be another week, the eighth [909AD – 1609AD] of righteousness, to which shall be given a sword to execute judgment and justice upon all oppressors [the Lollards movement, Protestant movement (Luther), Wycliffe accomplished translating the bible in English and it was well on its way to being the most published book in the history of the world as it became a global phenomenon – it was the Word of God (the sword) that executed judgment and justice (not physical but spiritual) on anyone who denied the power of the Old Testament and the Gospels].

¹⁴Sinners shall be delivered up into the hands of the righteous [the “sinners” of the “middle ages” or “medieval times” were eventually subdued by the rise of the European powers and delivered into their hands], who during its completion [toward the end of the week] shall acquire habitations by their righteousness [although a short lived age of righteousness, the “Renaissance” era brought back a revival of Classical learning and values bringing many Ancient Greek and Latin texts to light, with translations making them more accessible to all. The arts flourished during the Renaissance, with an established system of patrons and artists becoming much more widespread. New techniques in painting, music, poetry, and theater were developed while scientists pondered the nature of the heavens and put forth theories on the basic workings of the world]; and the house [the “body” which is comprised of those who truly tried to bring God back into the everyday lives of men (including the founders of the United States and its constitution which based its laws on the “ten commandments”)] of the great King shall be established for celebrations for ever.

After this, in the ninth week [1609AD – 2309AD], shall the judgment of righteousness be revealed to the whole world [this is the time period we are now in, the two witnesses will reveal the truth by the power of the spirit.  It is the understandings of the scriptures and the power of the Word that judgment is reveled to the whole inhabited earth.  The real “terrifiers” (Is 13) will be exposed by accurate prophetic understandings.  It may also be that the myriads of historical records in secret government archives along with audio and video recordings will be broadcast globally to show the world the truth about the world leaders and the powers that controlled them.  This may be the “…eating the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of the strong, and the flesh of horses and of those sitting on them, and the flesh of all freemen as well as slaves, and of small and of great (Re 19:18)."]

¹⁵Every work of the ungodly shall disappear from the whole earth [not the people but the work shall disappear]; the world [Satan’s world, his creation] shall be marked for destruction [those who got the mark of the beast and worshipped it while blaspheming God and His truth are bound for Gehenna]; and all men [both good and evil] shall be on the watch for the path of integrity [all men, even those bound for Gehenna will look for the Christ and His sons for understanding and guidance].  This period must continue for 300 years well into the Kingdom of God on earth under the new heavenly administration]

¹⁶And after this, on the seventh day [not “week” - this day being the last 100 years 2909AD-3009AD] of the tenth week [2309 - 3009AD], there shall be an everlasting judgment [on the last day of the tenth week those who remain in Gehenna are brought out to be judged], which shall be executed upon the Watchers [who were the first to go in and last to get out for their crimes were so grievous]; and a spacious eternal heaven shall spring forth in the midst of the angels [for all of them, even Satan will repent and the end of all that is evil will come as death itself is swallowed up forever - Amen!].

Here is a table of the 10 weeks and their approximate periods of time.

Week	Start/End	Events
First	-3993	Adam sinned (founding of the world - Satan cast into the earth) Enoch born (seventh in line ), judgment and righteousness wait with patience  God is at rest for a day (1,000 Yrs)
	-3293
Second	-3293	After me great wickedness shall arise, and fraud shall spring forth, end of the first shall take place, iniquity shall grow up, he shall execute the decree  Rise of the Nephilim and great oppression, Enoch transferred, decree to the fallen angels made and executed by the flood
	-2593
Third	-2593	a man of the plant of righteous judgment shall be selected (Noah); and after him the Plant of righteousness (Abraham) shall come for ever Abrahamic covenants made, Seed of righteousness established
	-1893
Fourth	-1893	the visions of the holy and the righteous shall be seen, the order of generation after generation shall take place, and a habitation shall be made for them Moses gets Law from Jehovah through Michael, promised land covenant made
	-1193
Fifth	-1193	the house of glory and of dominion shall be erected for ever the time of King David, King Solomon and the building of the temple
	-493
Sixth	-491	all those who are in it shall be darkened, the hearts of all of them shall be forgetful of wisdom, and in it shall a Man arise and come forth, He shall burn the house of dominion with fire, and all the race of the elect root shall be dispersed End of the Law, Intense pharisaical yoke, advent of Christ and the judgment from God, destruction of the temple and the Diaspora.
	209
Seventh	209	a perverse generation shall arise; abundant shall be its deeds, and all its deeds perverse, the righteous shall be selected from the everlasting plant of righteousness; and to them shall be given the sevenfold doctrine of his whole creation The rise of the Roman Catholic church, intense persecution of any one seeking the truth, Gnostic revelation and a veil of darkness
	909
Eighth	909	of righteousness, to which shall be given a sword to execute judgment and justice upon all oppressors, Sinners shall be delivered up into the hands of the righteous, who during its completion shall acquire habitations by their righteousness; and the house of the great King shall be established for celebrations for ever period of Bible translations in every language and global distribution, becomes the sword of conscience for many who believe in the Christ.
	1609
Ninth	1609	shall the judgment of righteousness be revealed to the whole world, Every work of the ungodly shall disappear from the whole earth; the world shall be marked for destruction; and all men shall be on the watch for the path of integrity End of Satan’s system, rise of the true church of the presence, beginning of Kingdom of God and revealing of His sons.
	2309
Tenth	2309	on the seventh day of the tenth week, there shall be an everlasting judgment, which shall be executed upon the Watchers; and a spacious eternal heaven shall spring forth in the midst of the angels. End of all sins and the end of death forever.
	3009

The Holy Hebdomad Isaiah 11:2–3

The Holy Hebdomad Isaiah 11:2–3

Let's commence our exploration with a passage from The Gospel of the Egyptians:

"The perfect hebdomad, shrouded in hidden mysteries, attains fulfillment. Upon receiving glory, it expands into eleven ogdoads."

Originating from Late Latin, "hebdomada" signifies the number seven or a group of seven, particularly denoting a period of seven days or a week, including the seventh day or Sabbath. This term derives from Ancient Greek "hebdomás," which denotes a group of seven, especially referencing seven days or seven years, composed of "heptá" meaning seven, and the suffix "-ás," forming abstract number-related nouns. Notably, cognates of this term exist in French, Portuguese, and Spanish, signifying a weekly periodical or events occurring on a weekly basis.

In the Orthodox Church, a hebdomadary holds a distinct role akin to that of the Roman Catholic Church. This individual, appointed for a week's duration, assumes responsibility for singing the chapter Mass and guiding the recitation of the breviary within a church or monastery setting. Within Roman Catholic chapters or convents, a hebdomadary similarly fulfills the duty of leading the chapter Mass and overseeing the recitation of the canonical hours, embodying a temporary appointment for the week.

Biblical Usage

The term "hebdomad" originates from the Ancient Greek ἑβδομάς (hebdomás) and is comparable to the Latin hebdomas.

In various biblical passages, the term appears with variations denoting periods of sevens:

- Exodus 34:22 references "εβδομάδων" as a period of sevens.

- Leviticus 23:15 mentions "εβδομάδας," signifying periods of seven.

- Leviticus 23:16 uses "εβδομάδος" to denote a period of seven.

- Leviticus 25:8 discusses "εβδομάδες," representing periods of seven.

- Numbers 28:26 refers to "εβδομάδων" as four periods of sevens.

- Daniel 9:24-27 includes several instances of "εβδομάδες," indicating periods of seven.

For instance, Leviticus 25:8 reads: "'And you must count for yourself seven sabbaths of years, seven times seven years, and the days of the seven sabbaths of years must amount to forty-nine years for you."

In the Greek text, it appears as follows: "Καὶ ἐξαριθμήσεις σεαυτῷ ἑπτὰ ἀναπαύσεις αὐτῶν, ἑπτὰ ἔτη ἑπτάκις, καὶ ἔσονταί σοι ἑπτά ἑβδομάδες ἐτῶν ἐννέα καὶ τεσσαράκοντα ἔτη."

The term "sabbaths of years" translates from the Greek "hebdomadeseton," meaning "weeks of years." This usage is comparable to other instances in the book of Daniel, highlighting the consistent biblical usage of the term "hebdomad" to signify periods of seven.

The number seven originates from the Hebrew word "SAVAH," denoting ceasing, resting, or celebration. Derived from the verb "shavath," meaning rest or cease, the Hebrew expression "yohm hash·shab·bath´" signifies the Sabbath, a day of rest on the seventh day.

Throughout biblical narratives, God establishes the significance of the number seven, illustrating rest and completion. The Sabbath, observed on the seventh day, symbolizes rest and cessation from labor (Exodus 20:10; Leviticus 25:2, 6, 8).

In Hebrew, the term for "week" (shavua`) signifies a sevenfold unit or period, echoing the concept of seven. Similarly, the Greek word "sabbaton" derives from the Hebrew word for Sabbath (shabbath´), reinforcing the association with rest and cessation.

Luke 18:12 references fasting "twice in the week," utilizing the Greek word "sabbaton," encompassing both the Sabbath day and other days of the week, akin to the notion of a seven-day period.

The Jewish Sabbath, observed from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday, is named after the planet Saturn, reflecting the Roman designation of Saturday as "Sāturni diēs" ("Saturn's Day").

The mystical significance of the number seven is pervasive, rooted in ancient astronomy and religious beliefs. It symbolizes the seven planetary spheres and the rulership of the heavenly realms. In pre-Christian religions, the concept of seven rulers or archontes, often associated with archangels, signifies cosmic order and divine governance.

In modern Greek, the seven-day week is referred to as an "hebdomada," highlighting the enduring influence of the number seven in religious and cultural contexts.

"Hebdomas" connotes the kingdom of the "Seven," representing the authority of the seven archangels, as delineated in the First Book of Enoch. Thus, the number seven holds profound significance across various traditions, embodying themes of rest, completion, and celestial order.

The term "hebdomad," originating from the Greek for "group of seven," denotes the seventh planetary sphere or seventh heaven, believed to be the realm of the archons or rulers in Gnostic cosmology. The chief archon, or Demiurge, is sometimes associated with the hebdomad, although occasionally linked with the Ogdoad, another grouping of seven.

In Proverbs 9:1, the mention of "Wisdom" constructing her house with seven pillars is interpreted by Valentinians as a reference to the planetary heavens, where Sophia, the embodiment of divine wisdom, resides. According to Valentinian beliefs, Sophia's abode is positioned above the hebdomad within the Ogdoad, a higher spiritual realm.

The passage from the Extracts from the Works of Theodotus further elaborates on the concept, portraying Wisdom as the architect of creation. Through the agency of a divine figure, symbolizing the image of the Father, Wisdom brings forth both heavenly and earthly realms. This imagery underscores the role of Wisdom in shaping the cosmos and establishing order within the divine hierarchy.

Overall, the notion of the hebdomad as the dwelling place of archons and the celestial abode of Wisdom reflects Gnostic cosmological beliefs, highlighting the interconnectedness of spiritual principles and celestial spheres within their theological framework.

The concept of the Hebdomad encompasses both the seven archangels and the seven heavens, reflecting a symbolic and spiritual understanding deeply rooted in ancient texts.

In the Book of Tobit from the Old Testament Apocrypha, Raphael identifies himself as one of the seven angels who stand in the glorious presence of the Lord, emphasizing the existence of seven archangels alongside Michael and Gabriel.

Similarly, the Book of Enoch lists seven holy angels who watch over various aspects of creation, including Uriel, Raphael, Raguel, Michael, Saraqael, Gabriel, and Ramael, further reinforcing the idea of a divine septet.

The significance of the seven pillars is often interpreted as representing the seven virtues, as outlined in Isaiah 11:2–3. These virtues, including wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, godliness, and the fear of Yahweh, are associated with the Seven Spirits of God mentioned in the Book of Revelation.

In Isaiah 11:2–3, the Spirit of God is described as resting upon the Messiah, imbuing him with the seven virtues. This connection between the virtues and the natural world is further explored by early Christian theologians like Irenaeus, who utilized number symbolism to elucidate spiritual truths.

According to Irenaeus, the virtues symbolize the seven heavens, drawing a parallel between the divine order and the structure of creation. This interpretation aligns with the biblical narrative, where Moses is instructed to fashion a seven-branched lampstand, reflecting the heavenly model revealed to him on the mountain.

Overall, the concept of the Hebdomad encapsulates the interconnectedness of celestial beings, virtues, and heavenly realms, serving as a symbolic framework to understand divine order and spiritual truths.

In his work "The Proof of Apostolic Preaching," Irenaeus delves into the interconnectedness of scripture, the natural world, and divine symbolism. Drawing from Isaiah 11:2–3, Irenaeus, like the Valentinians, employs number symbolism to elucidate spiritual truths, particularly focusing on the manifestation of seven virtues upon the Messiah.

According to Isaiah 11:2–3, the Spirit of God will rest upon the Messiah, imbuing him with seven virtues: wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, godliness, and the fear of Yahweh. Irenaeus interprets these virtues as referring to the seven heavens, reflecting a divine order mirrored in creation.

Irenaeus explains that the seven heavens encompass the world, serving as dwelling places for powers, angels, and archangels who perform service to God. The Spirit of God, manifold in its indwelling, is symbolically represented in seven forms of service as described by Isaiah, resting upon the Son of God, or the Word, in his incarnation as a human.

Each heaven, according to Irenaeus, corresponds to a specific virtue: wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, godliness, and the fear of Yahweh. The first heaven, being the highest, represents wisdom, while subsequent heavens symbolize understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, godliness, and the fear of Yahweh respectively.

The imagery of the seven-branched lampstand, as described in Exodus 25:40, serves as a pattern for understanding the relationship between the heavens and the virtues. Moses, in obedience to the divine command, fashioned the lampstand according to the pattern revealed to him on the mountain, signifying the heavenly order.

This connection between the seven-branched lampstand and the heavens underscores the divine blueprint for creation, with the lampstand serving as a symbolic representation of the heavenly realms. The continual shining of the lampstand in the holy place mirrors the perpetual presence of the virtues within the celestial spheres.

In essence, Irenaeus's exploration of Isaiah 11:2–3 and the symbolism of the seven virtues reveals a profound understanding of divine order and spiritual truth. Through the alignment of scripture, nature, and symbolism, Irenaeus illuminates the interconnectedness of the natural and spiritual realms, offering insight into the divine plan for creation.

We will begin this study with a reading from The Gospel of the Egyptians

And thus the perfect hebdomad, which exists in hidden mysteries, became complete. When she receives the glory, she becomes eleven ogdoads. (The Gospel of the Egyptians)

From Late Latin hebdomada (“number seven; group of seven; seven days”), hebdomas (“number seven; a period of seven days a WEEK; seventh day or Sabbath), from Ancient Greek ἑβδομάς (hebdomás, “group of seven, especially seven days or seven years”), from ἑπτά (heptá, “seven”) + -ᾰ́ς (-ás, suffix forming abstract nouns of number from numerals). The word is cognate with French hebdomadaire, hebdo (“weekly periodical”), hebdomadairement (“weekly”), Portuguese hebdomadário (“weekly periodical”), Spanish hebdomadario (“weekly; weekly periodical; hebdomadary”).

In Orthodox Church

The word hebdomadary in the Roman Catholic Church is a member of a church or monastery appointed for one week to sing the chapter Mass and lead in the recitation of the breviary.

a member of a Roman Catholic chapter or convent appointed for the week to sing the chapter mass and lead the recitation of the canonical hours

Biblical Use

From Ancient Greek ἑβδομάς (hebdomás). Compare Latin hebdomas.

εβδομάδες G1439.1 - Apostolic Bible Polyglot Concordance, Strongs-AB Number G1439.1

Exodus 34:22 εβδομάδων - of a period of sevens 

Leviticus 23:15 εβδομάδας - [2periods of seven 

Leviticus 23:16 εβδομάδος - period of seven 

Leviticus 25:8 εβδομάδες - periods of seven 

Numbers 28:26 εβδομάδων - 4period of sevens], 

Deuteronomy 16:9 εβδομάδας - [2periods of seven 

Deuteronomy 16:9 εβδομάδας - periods of seven. 

Deuteronomy 16:10 εβδομάδων - of the period of sevens 

Deuteronomy 16:16 εβδομάδων - period of sevens, 

2 Chronicles 8:13 εβδομάδων - period of sevens, 

Daniel 9:24 εβδομάδες - periods of seven 

Daniel 9:25 εβδομάδες - [2periods of seven 

Daniel 9:25 εβδομάδες - [2periods of seven 

Daniel 9:26 εβδομάδας - [2periods of seven 

Daniel 9:27 εβδομάς - [2period of sevens 

Daniel 9:27 εβδομάδος - period of seven 

Daniel 10:2 εβδομάδας - periods of seven 

Daniel 10:3 εβδομάδων - period of sevens

Leviticus 25:8 “‘And you must count for yourself seven sabbaths of years, seven times seven years, and the days of the seven sabbaths of years* must amount to forty-nine years for you.

Leviticus 25:8 Καὶ ἐξαριθμήσεις σεαυτῷ ἑπτὰ ἀναπαύσεις αὐτῶν, ἑπτὰ ἔτη ἑπτάκις, καὶ ἔσονταί σοι ἑπτά ἑβδομάδες ἐτῶν ἐννέα καὶ τεσσαράκοντα ἔτη. 

“Sabbaths of.” Heb., shabbethoth´; Lat., ebdomades, “weeks.”

“Sabbaths of years.” Greek, hebdomadeseton´, “weeks of years.” Compare Da 9:24 ftn, “Weeks.”

Seven

Seven comes from the Hebrew "SAVAH" meaning to cease (47x), rest (11x), away (3x), fail (2x), celebrate (1x), miscellaneous (7x).

The Hebrew expression yohm hash·shab·bath´ is drawn from the verb shavath´, meaning “rest, cease.” (Ge 2:2; 8:22)

God set the pattern for the whole Sabbath arrangement, from the seven-day week to the Jubilee year that followed the seven-times-seven–year cycle. (Ex 20:10; Le 25:2, 6, 8)

The sabbath is on the seventh day it is a day of rest therefore seven symbolizes rest

The Hebrew word for “week” (shavua`) literally refers to a sevenfold unit or period. The Greek word sabbaton, in turn, is derived from the Hebrew word for Sabbath (shabbath´).

Luke 18:12  I fast twice in the week <4521>, I give tithes of all that I possess.

4521. σάββατον sabbaton sabbaton; of Hebrew origin [07676]; the Sabbath (i.e. Shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se’nnight, i.e. the interval between two Sabbaths; likewise the plural in all the above applications: —  sabbath (day), week. 

AV-sabbath day 37, sabbath 22, week 9; 68

The word translated week here in Luke 18:12 refers to other days in the week as well the Sabbath day (its like saying seven days, a week).   

The Jewish Sabbath is from from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. Saturday is named after the planet Saturn.

The Romans named Saturday Sāturni diēs ("Saturn's Day") no later than the 2nd century for the planet Saturn, which controlled the first hour of that day, according to Vettius Valens

Seven is so universally used as a mystical number that its basis must be in some fundamental arrangement of the natural world.

Seven indicates the number of days in a week, the number of planetary spheres (sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn) in ancient astronomy, and so the number of kings stationed over the spheres of heaven in the Secret Book of John. The seventh or hebdomad refers to the realm of the planetary spheres, over which the Demiurge is stationed.

Because there were seven planets in the sky (the sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn),[1] it was commonly agreed that there were seven of these beings ruling as a hebdomad who were called “archontes” (principalities or rulers).[2]

[1.] This dependence upon the number seven is quite common in pre-Christian religion. The Jews, for example, believed that these seven planets were ruled by seven archangels: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Selaphiel, Jegudiel, and Barachiel. (Each of which corresponded to the seven days of the week, respectively.)

[2.] In modern Greek, the seven-day week is called an hebdomada.

Hebdomas; The kingdom of the "Seven", referring to the seven Archangels. The seven archangels are name in the First Book of Enoch

Seven Hevens and Seven Archangels

hebdomad: (Greek, “group of seven”) The seventh planetary sphere or seventh heaven, lair of the archons. The chief archon or Demiurge is sometimes considered to reside in the hebdomad and sometimes in the Ogdoad. Hebdomad can also refer to a grouping of seven beings (for instance, archons) in Gnostic texts.

(Proverbs 9:1): Wisdom has built her house, She has carved out her seven pillars;

The seven pillars which wisdom built a house are understood by valentinians to refer to the planetary heavens, the habitation of the Sophia herself was placed above the Hebdomad in the Ogdoad (Extracts from the Works of Theodotus. 8, 47):

47 Now the Saviour became the first universal creator. “But Wisdom,” the second, “built a house for herself and hewed out seven pillars” and first of all she put forth a god, the image of the Father, and through him she made heaven and earth, that is “heavenly things, and the earthly” – the things on the right hand and on the left. (Extracts from the Works of Theodotus)

The Hebdomad is used of the seven seven archangels and the seven heavens

The idea of seven archangels is most explicitly stated in the old testament Apocrypha, Book of Tobit when Raphael reveals himself, declaring: "I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who stand in the glorious presence of the Lord, ready to serve him." (Tobit 12:15) The other two archangels mentioned by name in the Bible are Michael and Gabriel.

The Book of Enoch (also known as 1 Enoch)

8:4 And as men perished, they cried, and their cry went up to heaven to the holy angels who watch.

20:1 And these are the names of the holy angels who watch.
20:2 Uriel, one of the holy angels, who presides over clamour and terror.
20:3 Raphael, one of the holy angels, who is over the spirits of men.
20:4 Raguel, one of the holy angels who takes vengeance on the world of the luminaries.
20:5 Michael, one of the holy angels, who, is set over the best part of mankind and over chaos.
20:6 Saraqael, one of the holy angels, who is set over the spirits, who sin in the spirit.
20:7 Gabriel, one of the holy angels, who is over the Garden of Eden and the serpents and the Cherubs.
20:8 Ramael, one of the holy angels, whom God set over those who rise.

The seven pillars are normally interpreted as seven virtues. The seven virtues are understood to be the seven spirits of Isaiah 11:2–3 wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, godliness, and the fear of Yahweh, here are represented the seven Spirits, which are before the throne of God. The reference to the lamb in Revelation 5:6 relates it to the Seven Spirits which first appear in Revelation 1:4 and are associated with Jesus who holds them along with seven stars

The seven Spirits of God  are mentioned four times in the Book of Revelation, and in the Book of Isaiah it names each Spirit.

Isaiah 11:2 2  and the Spirit of God shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and strength, the spirit of knowledge and godliness shall fill him;

3  the spirit of the fear of God. He shall not judge according to appearance, nor reprove according to report:

Revelation 4:5: And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

In discussing Isaiah 11.2–3 (“And the Spirit of God will rest upon him, a Spirit of wisdom and understanding …”), Irenaeus, like the Valentinians, uses number symbolism to connect the Scripture and the natural world. According to this verse there are seven virtues that come upon the Messiah: wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, godliness, and the fear of Yahweh. 

Irenaeus explains that the virtues refer to the seven heavens, the model Moses used for the seven-branched lampstand, in obedience to the command to fashion things as a type of what was revealed to him on the mountain (Exodus 25.40).

Irenaeus The Proof of Apostolic Preaching

9. Now this world is encompassed by seven heavens, [87] in which dwell powers and angels and and angels and archangels, doing service to God, the Almighty and Maker of all things: not as though He was in need, but that they may not be idle and unprofitable and ineffectual. 

88] Wherefore also the Spirit of God is manifold in its indwelling, [89] and in seven forms of service [90] is He reckoned by the prophet Isaiah, as resting on the Son of God, that is the Word, in His coming as man. 

The Spirit of God, he says, shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, (the Spirit of knowledge) [91] and of godliness; the Spirit of the fear of God shall fill him.

 Now the heaven which is first from above, [92] and encompasses the rest, is (that of) wisdom; and the second from it, of understanding; and the third, of counsel; and the fourth, reckoned from above, (is that) of might; and the fifth, of knowledge; and the sixth, of godliness; and the seventh, this firmament of ours, is full of the fear of that Spirit which gives light to the heavens. For, as the pattern (of this), Moses received the seven-branched lampstand, [93] that shined continually in the holy place; for as a pattern of the heavens he received this service, according to that which the Word spake unto him: Thou shalt make (it) according to all the pattern of the things which thou hast seen in the mount. (The Proof of Apostolic Preaching, 9)

The number seven as it pertains to heavens was mentioned by Clement of Alexandria and Origen, who probably were relayed the idea from first century Jewish mysticism (Bereshith Rabba, 19, fol. 19, col. 3 contains a later Jewish presentation of the idea, but being that the seventh heaven contains the Shekinah [Sophia] glory of God, the Jewish mysticism was ironically Gnostic in nature–the Quran also contains a similar reference in Surah 67).

The word Hebdomad occurs also in the Clementine Homilies. The mystery of the Hebdomad there unfolded (Hom. xvii. 10) is an independent exposition of the six days' work of creation, and the seventh day's rest; illustrated by the six directions, into which infinite space extends, viz. up, down, right, left, backward, forward, together with the central point considered as making a seventh.

Pseudo-Clementine Literature/The Clementine Homilies/Homily XVII/Chapter 10

Chapter X.—The Nature and Shape of God.

“This is the mystery of the hebdomad. For He Himself is the rest of the whole who grants Himself as a rest ( “Rest,” of course, points to the number seven the Sabbath Day.) to those who imitate His greatness within their little measure. For He is alone, sometimes comprehensible, sometimes incomprehensible, sometimes limitable, sometimes illimitable, having extensions which proceed from Him into infinity. For thus He is comprehensible and incomprehensible, near and far, being here and there, as being the only existent one, and as giving a share of that mind (the ogdoad) which is infinite on every hand, in consequence of which souls breathe and possess life; and if they be separated from the body and be found with a longing for Him, they are borne along into His bosom, as in the winter time the mists of the mountains, attracted by the rays of the sun, are borne along immortal to it. What affection ought therefore to arise within us if we gaze with our mind on His beautiful shape! But otherwise it is absurd to speak of beauty. For beauty cannot exist apart from shape; nor can one be attracted to the love of God, nor even deem that he can see Him, if God has no form. (Clementine Homilies Chapter 10)

- The Untitled Text in the Bruce Codex also describes the Pleroma as ‘the body’ of the monad, which is like the mother-city “This is the manner in which they are all within the monad : there are twelve monads making a crown upon its head ; each one makes twelve. And there are ten decads surrounding its shoulders. And there are nine enneads surrounding its belly. And there are seven hebdomads at its feet, and each one makes a hebdomad. And to the veil which surrounds it like a tower, there are twelve gates. There are twelve myriad powers at each gate, and they are called archangels and also angels. This is the mother-city of the only-begotten one.” (Untitled Text in the Bruce Codex)


The hebdomad symbolizes rest, but it is surpassed by the ogdoad, wherein is the promise of gnostic perfection.

Clement of Alexandria says that those who reach the highest levels of perfection have not remained in the hebdomad of rest, but have advanced into the inheritance of the benefit of the ogdoad (ὀγδοαδικῆς εὐεργεσιάς).

The material world is a shadowy, flawed version of the Pleroma, the two worlds sometimes being referred to as the Hebdomad (from hebdomas, meaning ‘seven’, a reference to the seven spheres of the material and Ogdoad (from ogdoas, meaning ‘eight’, referring to the eighth heaven), respectively.

Summary

In modern Greek, the seven-day week is called an hebdomada

The Hebdomad is used of the seven archangels and the seven heavens

The Hebdomad refers to seven spirits of virtues  

The Hebdomad refers the seven spirits of God 

The Hebdomad symbolizes rest

The Hebdomad is a copy of the Pleroma

Are Angels Always Divine? Matt. 11:10

A Different View of Angels

Are Angels Always Divine

What are Angels?

The Greek word "aggelos" translated "angel" means "messenger, agent", and is used of both human and divine messengers. It is used of humans in the following places: Matt. 11:10; Luke 7:24, 27; 9:52; and James 2:25.

The phrase "sons of God" also must to humans in Deut. 14:1, R.S.V.; Psa. 82:6, R.S.V.; Hosea 1:10; Luke 3:38; John 1:12; 1 John 3:1.)

In the New Testament, Angel can mean "a heavenly spirit" that is the rational spirit, the power by which the human being feels, thinks, decides

In view of the first century meanings of heavenly and spirit, we can understand that this phrase refers to a person who has the Christ consciousness.

"In the New Testament, as in the old, the Angel is sometimes no more than another word for a divine communication or divine operation personified."

Our angels are our spiritual perceptive faculties, which ever dwell in the presence of the Father (Matt. 13:49).

angel--A messenger of God; the projection into consciousness of a spiritual idea direct from the Fountainhead, Jehovah. "And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar" (Luke 1:11). The word of Truth, in which is centered the power of God to overcome all limited beliefs and conditions.

angel, of Yahweh--The quickening thought of God appearing in the form of light or divine intelligence, intuition, and understanding.

angels, ascending and descending--The imaging power of the mind receiving divine ideas and reflecting them into the consciousness.

The term 'holy spirit' applies not only to the divine, but also to those of us whose reasoning has reached the perfection of the Christ-consciousness. Angels, sons of God, saints, the chosen, the elect, and pneumatics can be spiritual individuals. Gnostic Christians use the term holy spirits to refer to those who have reached the Christ-consciousness.

"The indwelling of the spirit in the Christian makes him a holy temple…[holy also] indicates the sacred character of persons or objects belonging to God