The Powers or Forces in the Gospel of Philip

# The Powers or Forces in the *Gospel of Philip*  

The *Gospel of Philip* speaks frequently of "powers" or "forces" (*δυνάμεις*), which in biblical and early Christian literature can refer to both divine and earthly authorities. The term *δύναμις* is used in the New Testament to describe the power of angels (Ephesians 1:21; 2 Peter 2:11), the power of rulers (1 Corinthians 15:24), and even the power of God (Matthew 22:29; Mark 12:24; Luke 22:69). In the *Gospel of Philip*, these powers seem to be linked to both false gods and human institutions that oppose true spiritual understanding. The Hebrew word *Elohim*, often translated as “God,” also means “powers” or “mighty ones,” and is sometimes used in reference to pagan deities (Exodus 12:12; Psalm 82:1). This suggests that the powers in the *Gospel of Philip* could symbolize false religious authorities and idols rather than supernatural evil beings.  

## The Powers as Pagan Gods  

The text states:  

> "There are forces that do [favors] for people. They do not want people to come to [salvation], but they want their own existence to continue. For if people come to salvation, sacrifice will [stop]…and animals will not be offered up [55] to the forces. In fact, those to whom sacrifices were made were animals. The animals were offered up alive, and after being offered they died. But a man was offered up to God dead, and he came alive."  

This passage aligns with biblical criticism of idol worship, where false gods are maintained through sacrifices and rituals (Isaiah 44:9-20; Psalm 135:15-18). The statement that these forces "do not want people to come to salvation" suggests that they represent the religious systems that depend on sacrifices, mirroring Old Testament passages where God condemns idolatry and the belief that pagan rituals bring favor (Jeremiah 7:22-23; Hosea 6:6). The *Gospel of Philip* contrasts these sacrifices with Jesus, who was "offered up to God dead, and he came alive," emphasizing the resurrection as a divine act of true restoration.  

## "God Is a Man-Eater"  

Another passage in the *Gospel of Philip* states:  

> "God is a man-eater, [63] and so men are [sacrificed] to him. Before men were sacrificed, animals were sacrificed, because those to whom they were sacrificed were not gods."  

This could be interpreted as a critique of pagan rituals in which humans were sacrificed to false deities (Deuteronomy 12:31; 2 Kings 16:3). The phrase “those to whom they were sacrificed were not gods” directly recalls biblical denunciations of idolatry (Jeremiah 16:20; Psalm 115:4-8). The *Gospel of Philip* may be emphasizing that the true God does not require sacrifices in the way that pagan gods do.  

## The Holy Spirit and the Forces  

Another key passage states:  

> "Evil forces serve the saints, for they have been blinded by the holy spirit into thinking they are helping their own people when they really are helping the saints."  

If we understand "evil forces" as false religious systems or oppressive political powers, this could mean that even misguided human institutions can inadvertently serve God's purpose. This aligns with biblical teachings that God uses human rulers and systems—even corrupt ones—to fulfill His plan (Isaiah 10:5-7; Acts 4:27-28 Romans 9:17).  

This passage is followed by a saying:  

> "So a disciple once asked the master for something from the world, and he said, 'Ask your mother, and she will give you something from another realm.'"  

The “mother” here likely refers to the Holy Spirit, which in some early Christian traditions was considered a feminine principle. This could imply that spiritual nourishment comes from God’s wisdom rather than worldly sources, similar to how Jesus instructed his followers to seek the kingdom of God rather than material concerns (Matthew 6:33).  

## Mary and the Powers  

The *Gospel of Philip* discusses Mary’s conception:  

> "Some said Mary became pregnant by the holy spirit. They are wrong and do not know what they are saying. When did a woman ever get pregnant by a woman?"  

This could be rejecting misunderstandings of the virgin birth, emphasizing that Mary’s conception was a divine miracle rather than a literal physical process involving the Holy Spirit.  

Another passage states:  

> "Mary is the virgin whom none of the powers defiled. This is greatly repugnant to the Hebrews, who are the apostles and apostolic persons. This virgin whom none of the powers defiled [wishes that] the powers would defile themselves."  

Here, "powers" again seem to represent human authorities and religious systems that opposed the truth. The statement that Mary "was not defiled" by these powers suggests that she remained pure from corrupt influences, much like biblical figures who resisted temptation and remained faithful to God (Luke 1:38; Revelation 14:4).  

## Tame and Wild Powers  

The text also compares powers to tame and wild animals:  

> "Some animals are tame, such as the bull, the donkey, and the like, while others are wild and live off in the wild. Man plows fields with tame animals, and as a result, people are nourished, together with animals, whether tame or wild. So also the perfect man plows with powers that are tame and prepares everything to come into being."  

This analogy suggests that some powers—likely human institutions—can be harnessed for good, while others are chaotic and unrestrained. The Holy Spirit is depicted as the guiding force that "tends everything and rules over all the powers," reinforcing the idea that God's wisdom ultimately governs human affairs.  

## Wearing the Light  

Another passage states:  

> "The powers cannot see those who have put on the perfect light, and they cannot seize them. One puts on the light in the mystery of union."  

This echoes biblical themes of light as protection from darkness (John 1:5; Ephesians 6:11-13). The “perfect light” could symbolize divine wisdom, which allows believers to transcend the corrupt influence of human authorities.  

## Adam and the Powers  

The Gospel of Philip states:

"When Adam was united with spirit, [he] uttered words superior to the powers, and the powers envied him."

This aligns with Valentinus Fragment 1:

"Something like fear overcame the angels in the presence of that modeled form (i.e., Adam) because he uttered things that were superior to what his origins justified."

Rather than seeing the angels as hostile, these passages suggest they were awed by Adam’s divine wisdom. Adam, created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-28), reflected a higher essence within himself. Valentinus Fragment 1 clarifies this:

"For Adam, modeled as representing a human being, made them stand in awe of the preexistent human being; for precisely the latter stood in him."

The angels’ reaction was not fear in an evil sense but astonishment at the divine reflection within Adam. The text further states:

"They were stricken with terror and quickly concealed the work."

This suggests they revered Adam’s wisdom, as one might be awed by a great creation. Rather than opposition, their response highlights Adam’s unique role in manifesting divine truth.

## Conclusion  

The *Gospel of Philip* presents the "powers" as forces that resist divine wisdom—whether they are pagan gods, false religious institutions, or oppressive rulers. These powers seek to maintain control, but those who embrace true understanding are not subject to them. The text aligns with biblical warnings about idolatry and corrupt leadership while emphasizing that true salvation comes through divine wisdom, not worldly systems. Rather than depicting supernatural evil beings, the *Gospel of Philip* critiques the human structures that oppose God's truth.

Write a 800 word document include all quotations and references

Make sure you deal with every saying here 

 title The powers or forces in the gospel of Philip 

δύναμις is used of the power of angels: Ephesians 1:21 (cf. Meyer at the passage]) 2 Peter 2:11; of the power of the devil and evil spirits, 1 Corinthians 15:24; τοῦ ἐχθροῦ, i. e. of the devil, Luke 10:19; τοῦ δράκοντος, Revelation 13:2; angels, as excelling in power, are called δυνάμεις (cf. (Philo de mutat. nora. § 8 δυνάμεις ἀσωματοι) Meyer as above; Lightfoot on Colossians 1:16; see ἄγγελος): Romans 8:38; 1 Peter 3:22. ἡ δύναμις τοῦ Θεοῦ, universally, the power of God: Matthew 22:29; Mark 12:24; Luke 22:69; Acts 8:10; Romans 1:20; Romans 9:17; 1 Corinthians 6:14;

In the gospel of Philip the powers are the forces referred to angels this comes from the Hebrew word Elohim which means powers or powerful ones. Elohim is a plural word which means powers are powerful ones. Since the Hebrew word Elohim also refers to false gods or Idols the gospel of Philip could be referring to pagan gods and idols

There are forces that do [favors] for people. They do not want people to come to [salvation], but they want their own existence to continue. For if people come to salvation, sacrifice will [stop]…and animals will not be offered up [55] to the forces. In fact, those to whom sacrifices were made were animals. The animals were offered up alive, and after being offered they died. But a man was offered up to God dead, and he came alive.

I believe this verse is referring to pagan gods this can be confirmed by comparing with the saying about God as a Mam eater <because those to whom they were sacrificed were not gods.>

God Is a Man-Eater

God is a man-eater, [63] and so men are [sacrificed] to him. Before men were sacrificed, animals were sacrificed, because those to whom they were sacrificed were not gods.

 The Holy Spirit and Evil Forces

Evil forces serve the saints, for they have been blinded by the holy spirit into thinking they are helping their own people when they really are helping the saints. So a disciple once asked the master for something from the world, and he said, “Ask your mother, and she will give you something from another realm.”

Mary Conceiving

Some said Mary became pregnant by the holy spirit. They are wrong and do not know what they are saying. When did a woman ever get pregnant by a woman? Mary is the virgin whom none of the powers defiled. This is greatly repugnant to the Hebrews, who are the apostles and apostolic persons. This virgin whom none of the powers defiled [wishes that] the powers would defile themselves.

Tame and Wild Animals

Some animals are tame, such as the bull, the donkey, and the like, while others are wild and live off in the wild. Man plow fields with tame animals, and as a result people are nourished, together with animals, whether tame or wild. So also the perfect man plows with powers that are tame and prepares everything to come into being. Thus the whole place has stability, good and evil, right and left. The holy spirit tends everything and rules over [all] the powers, whether tame or wild and running loose. For the spirit is [resolved] to corral them, so that they cannot escape even if [they] wish.

A Donkey Turning a Millstone

A donkey turning a millstone walked a hundred miles. When it was set loose, it found itself in the same place. Some people travel long distances but get nowhere. By nightfall they have seen no cities or villages, nothing man-made or natural, no powers or angels. These miserable people have labored in vain.

Marriage

The mystery of marriage is great. [Without] it, the world would [not] exist. The existence of [the world depends on] people, and the existence [of people depends on] marriage. Then think of the power of [pure] intercourse, though its image [65] is defiled

.

Whoever Leaves the World

Whoever leaves the world can no longer be held back as if still in the world. Such a person clearly is beyond desire…and fear, is dominant…, and is above envy. If…, that person is grasped and choked. How can that person escape the [great grasping powers]? How can that person [hide from them]? Some [say], “We are faithful,” in order that they [may escape [66] unclean] spirits and demons. For if they had the holy spirit, no unclean spirit could grab them. Do not fear the flesh and do not love it. If you fear the flesh, it will dominate you. If you love the flesh, it will swallow you up and strangle you.

Wearing the Light

The powers cannot see those who have put on the perfect light, and they cannot seize them. One puts on the light in the mystery of union.

Adam’s Soul

Adam’s soul came from a breath. The soul’s companion is spirit, and the spirit given to him is his mother. His soul was [taken] from him and replaced with [spirit]. When he was united with spirit, [he] uttered words superior to the powers, and the powers envied him. They [separated him from his] spiritual companion…hidden…bridal chamber….

<[he] uttered words superior to the powers, and the powers envied him. > We can compare this with Valentinus Fragment 1: Adam's Faculty of Speech

Valentinus Fragment 1: Adam's Faculty of Speech

Something like fear overcame the angels in the presence of that modeled form (i.e. Adam) because he uttered things that were superior to what his origins justified, owing to the agent who had invisibly deposited a seed of higher essence and who spoke freely. So too in the races of worldly people, human artifacts become objects of fear for their creators - for example statues and images and everything that is made by human hands as representing a god. For Adam, modeled as representing humanity, made them stand in fear of the preexistant Humanity; for precisely the latter stood in him. And they were stricken with terror and quickly concealed the work.