Commentary on **"This is the spiritual resurrection which swallows up the psychic in the same way as the fleshly"** from the **Treatise on the Resurrection

 ### Commentary on **"This is the spiritual resurrection which swallows up the psychic in the same way as the fleshly"** from the **Treatise on the Resurrection**

**Contextual Understanding:**

In the **Treatise on the Resurrection**, the statement "This is the spiritual resurrection which swallows up the psychic in the same way as the fleshly" pertains to the transformation that occurs through resurrection. To unpack this, it's essential to understand the terms used and their implications within the Valentinian Gnostic framework.

**1. "Spiritual Resurrection":**

The term "spiritual resurrection" refers to the profound transformation that goes beyond mere physical restoration. It denotes a fundamental change in the state of existence, aligning with the divine nature of the Pleroma. In this sense, resurrection is not just a return to life but an elevation to a higher, incorruptible state of being that reflects the divine fullness and perfection.

**2. "Psychic" and "Fleshly":**

In Valentinian thought, "psychic" and "fleshly" are synonymous terms for what is commonly understood as the physical body or mortal nature. This equivalence is crucial for interpreting the text correctly. The term "psychic" refers to the body of the soul or the physical aspect of human nature, as highlighted by 1 Corinthians 15:44, which discusses the resurrection of the body as a body of spirit, contrasting it with the "body of soul" (psychic). This signifies that both terms describe the same concept of mortal, physical existence.

**3. "Swallows Up":**

The phrase "swallows up" implies a transformative process where the spiritual resurrection absorbs and surpasses the previous state of being. This indicates that the spiritual resurrection overcomes and transcends the limitations of the psychic (or fleshly) body. The transformation is not merely additive but fundamentally superior, implying that the spiritual state fully encompasses and surpasses the previous physical condition.

**4. Refutation of the Immortality of the Soul:**

The treatise rejects the idea of the soul's immortality, which is consistent with Valentinian beliefs. Instead, it aligns with the view that both the soul and the body are subject to transformation. The soul, as described in texts like Matthew 10:28 and 1 Corinthians 15:54, is not immortal by itself but is transformed along with the body in the resurrection. This underscores that the resurrection is a complete renewal rather than an eternal persistence of the soul in its current form.

**5. Equivalence of Soul, Flesh, and Body:**

According to the Valentinian perspective, soul, flesh, and body are equivalent expressions. The treatise suggests that "soul" and "flesh" are not distinct entities but refer to the same physical reality. This equivalence means that the resurrection affects both the psychic (or soul-body) and the fleshly (or physical body) aspects of human existence, leading to a complete transformation into a spiritual state.

**Conclusion:**

The statement from the **Treatise on the Resurrection** highlights that the spiritual resurrection encompasses and transforms both the psychic and fleshly aspects of human nature. By equating these terms, the treatise emphasizes that the resurrection involves a profound change from mortal to divine, incorporating all aspects of human existence into a higher, incorruptible state. This transformation reflects the Valentinian belief that resurrection is not just a return to life but a complete elevation to the divine fullness of the Pleroma.