The Valentinian Ritual of Anointing in Gospel of Philip

The Valentinian tradition places a profound emphasis on the ritual of anointing, viewing it as essential to becoming a true Christian. According to the **Gospel of Philip**, the anointing surpasses baptism in significance, as it is through the anointing that one receives the Spirit of Christ and is sealed as a follower of the divine.

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#### **Valentinian Church Structure and Participation in Rituals**

Valentinians rejected a hierarchical clergy, fostering a community where all believers actively participated in rituals, including the anointing. Tertullian, in his critique of the Valentinians, observed: 
*"Today one man is bishop and tomorrow another; the person who is a deacon today, tomorrow is a reader; the one who is a priest is a layman tomorrow. For even on the laity they impose the functions of priesthood."* (**Against the Valentinians 1**) 

This rotational structure ensured that each member of the community contributed to the spiritual life of the church. Both men and women could perform the anointing, a radical departure from traditional roles, much to the dismay of critics like Tertullian.

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#### **The Importance of Anointing in the Gospel of Philip**

The **Gospel of Philip** elevates anointing above baptism: 
*"The anointing is superior to baptism, for it is from the word 'anointing' that we have been called 'Christians,' certainly not because of the word 'baptism.' And it is because of the anointing that 'the Christ' has his name. For the Father anointed the Son, and the Son anointed the apostles, and the apostles anointed us."* (Gospel of Philip 74:12-21) 

Through the anointing, believers receive the resurrection, the light, the cross, and the Holy Spirit. This sacred act establishes the individual's connection with the Kingdom of Heaven and affirms their identity as "Christians" in the truest sense. The text also explains the origins of the anointing: 
*"It is from the olive tree that we got the anointing, and from the anointing, the resurrection."* 

Olive oil, consecrated by an elder, was symbolic of the Spirit of Christ and was integral to this ritual.

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#### **Sacred Secrets and the Role of Anointing**

In the Valentinian understanding, rituals like anointing were considered "sacred secrets" rather than mere ceremonies. The **Gospel of Philip** states: 
*"The Lord did everything like a sacred secret: baptism, anointing, Eucharist, redemption, and bridal chamber."* (Gospel of Philip 67:27-30) 

These "sacred secrets" conveyed the symbolic meaning of the Savior’s deeds. Anointing was seen as a symbolic expression of the outpouring of the Spirit, uniting the believer with Christ. It represented a transformation into a "Christ" and established direct communication with the Holy Spirit: 
*"Those who receive the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and have accepted them must do this... A person receives them in the anointing with the oil of the power of the cross."* 

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#### **Symbolism of Fire, Water, and Light**

The **Gospel of Philip** uses rich symbolism to describe the transformative power of anointing: 
*"It is through water and fire that the whole place is purified... There is fire within the oil of anointing."* (Gospel of Philip 65:22-24) 

Anointing was closely associated with light, fire, and the Spirit. The text explains that the light is the anointing, and through this light, the believer is reborn and united with Christ: 
*"Through the Holy Spirit we are indeed begotten again... We are anointed through the Spirit."* 

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#### **Acts of Thomas and the Anointing Ritual**

The **Acts of Thomas** also highlights the significance of anointing as an essential component of becoming a Christian. The ritual began with the use of oil, symbolizing the seal of God’s Spirit: 
*"He commanded them to bring oil, that they might receive the seal by the oil."* (Acts of Thomas 26) 

This sealing confirmed the believer’s consecration and entry into the faith. The apostle, upon anointing, invoked the Holy Spirit, praying: 
*"Come, thou holy name of the Christ that is above every name... Come, holy spirit, and cleanse their kidneys and their heart, and give them the added seal, in the name of the Father and Son and Holy Spirit."* (Acts of Thomas 27) 

The ritual affirmed the convert's transformation and union with God, making them a "Christ" through the Spirit's anointing.

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#### **Conclusion: Anointing as the True Seal of Christianity**

The **Gospel of Philip** and the **Acts of Thomas** both emphasize that it is through anointing—not baptism alone—that one becomes a true Christian. The anointing, symbolized by olive oil, signifies the outpouring of the Spirit and transforms the believer into a "Christ," enabling direct communion with the divine. This sacred act establishes the believer’s identity and seals their place in the Kingdom of Heaven. As the **Gospel of Philip** declares: