Adam Kadmon and the Mystical Body of Christ

Adam Kadmon and the Mystical Body of Christ

the Jewish concept of Adam Kadmon is the Christian concept of the “Mystical Body of Christ"

However the Christian understanding of Adam Kadmon is very different from the Jewish concept which is a primordial heavenly man. It is he that is the true “image of God,” a majestic vessel of divine glory, the ideal human (Deut. 4:32; PdRK 4:4, 12:1, Lev. R. 20:2). All earthly humans (Gen. 2-3) are in his image 

What is most striking to me is Paul’s insistence on the “order” of being. Paul pointedly states the “spiritual Adam” was not first.

So, too, it is written, "The first man, Adam, became a living being," the last Adam a life-giving spirit. But the spiritual was not first; rather the natural and then the spiritual.

The first man was from the earth, earthly; the second man, from heaven. As was the earthly one, so also are the earthly, and as is the heavenly one, so also are the heavenly.

Just as we have borne the image of the earthly one, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly one. (I Corinthians 15:45-50)

This indicates to me that Paul is both aware of and modified an already well-known doctrine of a “spiritual Adam” that people believed preceded the earthly Adam. Since Jesus came millenia after human creation, Paul finds it necessary for the spiritual Adam be the crowning moment of humanity, rather then its origin.

Jesus sometimes use the term "Son of man" not to refer Himself but the Heavenly Adam Kadmon, the perfect man the full grown Christ


Therefore the true Adam Kadmon is a Corporate Being the mystical body of Christ

Jesus is the head of this Adam Kadmon or son of man the true believers are the body of Adam Kadmon


“Now you are Christ’s body, and members individually,” in a spiritual sense. 1Co 12:27


Adam Kadmon also refers to a the higher state of consciousness which Jesus' atonited message produces. Jesus is the first fruits or prototype of this higher consciousness the Christ-consciousness. Jesus' aonited teachings put the body of Christ-consciousness in reach of us all.


Adam Kadmon is a Corporate Being called the Son of Man (Dan 7 Rev 1) others call it the mystical body of Christ it refers to large number/body of people who are in the Christ consciousness or the Corporate Being the Son of Man the multitudinous Christ

Anthrôpos and Ecclesia

Christ and the pre-existisnt chrurh

the anointing spirit is called the First Man




In many Gnostic systems the Anthropos -- an aion in the Pleroma, one of the attributes of the Ultimate Oneness, the Ideal of earthly humans -- was regarded as an androgyne

In view of this extraordinary tendency, it is not surprising that Adam, Seth, and "the Seed of Seth" should be hypostasised into supernal entities; Adam and Seth being two versions of the "Archetypal Man"  or Anthropos (in the non-Godheadic sense), and the "seed of Seth" or Gnostic Souls occupying their correct hierarchical position immediately below.

The Pleroma is the Body of Christ

The Pleroma is the Body of Christ

The fullness which is Christ’s- and His “fullness” is God’s fullness- is shared with us: “Of His fullness have all we received” (Jn. 1:16). In this sense the church, as the body of Christ, is “the fullness of Him that fills all in all” (Eph. 1:23; 4:13). 

Through knowing Christ, the believers are therefore “filled with all the fullness of God” (Eph. 3:19). So the fact that Jesus had “all the fullness of God” doesn’t make Him "God" Himself in person; because we will not become God Himself in person because we are filled with God’s fullness; any more than a son is his father. In the same way as Christ’s body after His resurrection was filled with the Spirit and nature of God- so will ours be (1 Cor. 15:49; Phil. 3:20,21).

The ‘fulness’ of Christ dwells ‘bodily’ in the church, even as the ‘fulness’ of the Godhead dwells ‘bodily’ in Him. 

The term Body of Christ has two main but separate meanings: it may refer to Jesus' words over the bread at the Last Supper that "This is my body" in Luke 22:19–20, or to the usage of the term by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:12–14 and Ephesians 4:1–16 to refer to the Christian Church.

The Body of Christ as the Christian Church is what we are going to look at

The "Body of Christ" is used by other Protestants to collectively describe believers in Christ, as opposed to only those who are members of the Catholic Church. In this sense, Christians are members of the universal body of Christ not because of identification with the institution of the Church, but through identification with Christ directly through faith. 

members of the body of Christ, --All those who forsake everything pertaining to the personal, limited self and measure up to the Christ standard in thoughts and acts, thus bringing forth the unlimited fruits of Spirit, are members of the one body: the body of Christ.

it is sometimes called the Mystical body of Christ, a mystical union of all Christians into a spiritual body with Jesus Christ as their head. 

1 Corinthians 12::12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:14 For the body is not one member, but many.
1 Corinthians 12:20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.

At a meeting of the American Psychological Association, Jack Lipton, a psychologist at Union College, and R. Scott Builione, a graduate student at Columbia University, presented their findings on how members of the various sections of 11 major symphony orchestras perceived each other. The percussionists were viewed as insensitive, unintelligent, and hard-of-hearing, yet fun-loving. String players were seen as arrogant, stuffy, and unathletic. The orchestra members overwhelmingly chose "loud" as the primary adjective to describe the brass players. Woodwind players seemed to be held in the highest esteem, described as quiet and meticulous, though a bit egotistical. Interesting findings, to say the least! With such widely divergent personalities and perceptions, how could an orchestra ever come together to make such wonderful music? The answer is simple: regardless of how those musicians view each other, they subordinate their feelings and biases to the leadership of the conductor. Under his guidance, they play beautiful music.

"The beauty and purpose and usefulness of the human body is in its diversity" (GVG, Ber 57:308).

Eph 5:25  Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Eph 5:30  For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

Eph 5:32  This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

the mystical body of Christ. By faith, its elements are "members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones." Hence, they are "bone of his bone, and flesh of his flesh;" and, therefore, the beloved Eve of the last Adam, the Lord who is to come from heaven, and make her of the same holy spiritual nature as his own. Thus, the church is figuratively taken out of the side of her Lord; for every member of it believes in the remission of sins through his shed blood; and they all believe in the real resurrection of his flesh and bones, for their justification unto life by a similar revival from the dead. "Your bodies are the members," or flesh and bones, "of Christ; ... and he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit" (ICor. 6:15, 17). "I have espoused you to one husband," says Paul, "that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ" (2Cor. 11:2). It will be perceived, then, that the church as defined, is in the present state the espoused of Christ, but not actually married

Eph 4:4  There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

ONE BODY: See Eph 1:23; 2:15,16. The church is not an organization, but an organism. It is alive. It has a life of its own.

Eph 4:13  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

A PERFECT MAN --- into the measure of the full age of the fulness of the Christ: who is THE HEAD, from whom the whole Body, fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint (heir) supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the Body unto the edifying of itself in love" (Eph. 4:3, 4, 13, 15, 16).

Eph 1:23  Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

v.23 “the fullness” Grk. pleroma. This is a derivative of pleroo used in this phrase also. These words clearly link with the Lord’s promise of “baptism in Spirit” (Acts 1:4) which in its fulfilment is described in Acts as being “filled with Holy Spirit”. cf. John 1:16 and notes there. “of him” i.e. Christ.
 The fulness of Spirit in Christ was in turn “poured out” on believers, so that they were “filled with Holy Spirit”. “that filleth” = Grk. pleroo (cf. 3:19; 4:10; 5:18; Acts 2:2; 13:52) where this word clearly is associated with the Spirit gifts. “all in all”

the Church is the fullness (pleroma) of Christ ( Ephesians 1:23 ). It forms one whole with Him; and the Apostle even speaks of the Church as "Christ" (1 Cor. 12:12). 

“That ye might be filled with all the fulness of God” (Eph 3:19). “The fulness of him that filleth all (his ecclesias) in all (places),

His body was like the beryl." The "body" here is the "One Body" of which Paul speaks in his epistles; as, "the Ecclesia which is His body, the fulness of Him (the Spirit) who perfects all things in all" saints. When the fulness is brought in the body will be complete (Rom. 11:25; Eph. 1:23); and it will then be "like a beryl."

Concerning the fullness, it is I.  I (the christ) was sent down in the body (of Jesus) for the seed that had fallen away. And I came down to their mortal model. But they did not recognize me, thinking I was a mortal. I spoke with the one who is mine, and the one who is mine listened to me just as you also who have listened to me today. And I gave him authority to enter into the inheritance of his fatherhood. And I took him the one who is mine up to my Father. They the Aeons were brought to completion filled with rest through his salvation. Since he was deficiency, he became fullness. The Letter of Peter to Philip (Nag Hammadi Codex VIII, 2)

The Interpretation of Knowledge

For no beast exists in the Aeon. For the Father does not keep the sabbath, but (rather) actuates the Son, and through the Son he continued to provide himself with the Aeons. The Father has living rational elements from which he puts on my members as garment

He became an emanation of the trace. For also they say about the likeness that it is apprehended by means of his trace. The structure apprehends by means of the likeness, but God apprehends by means of his members. He knew them before they were begotten, and they will know him. And the one who begot each one from the first will indwell them. He will rule over them.

But who is it that redeemed the one who was reproached? It is the emanation of the name. For just as the flesh has need of a name, so also is the flesh an Aeon that Wisdom has emitted. It received the majesty that is descending, so that the Aeon might enter the one who was reproached, that we might escape the disgrace of the carcass and be regenerated in the flesh and blood of ... (8 lines missing)... destiny. He [...] and the Aeons [...] they accepted the Son although he was a complete mystery [...] each one of his members [...] grace. When he cried out, he was separated from the Church like portions of the darkness from the Mother, while his feet provided him traces, and these scorched the path of the ascent to the Father.

Aeons that exist in that place. Some exist in the visible Church - those who exist in the Church of men - and unanimously they proclaim to one another the Pleroma of their aeon. And some exist for death in the Church on whose behalf they go - she for whom they are death - while others are for life. Therefore they are lovers of abundant life. And each of the rest endures by his own root. He puts forth fruit that is like him, since the roots have a connection with one another and their fruits are undivided, the best of each. They possess them, existing for them and for one another. So let us become like the roots, since we are equal

Moreover, if they would wait for the exodus from the (earthly) harmony, they will come to the Aeon. If they are fit to share in the (true) harmony, how much the more those who derive from the single unity? They ought to be reconciled with one another. Do not accuse your Head because it has not appointed you as an eye but rather as a finger. And do not be jealous of that which has been put in the class of an eye or a hand or a foot, but be thankful that you do not exist outside the Body. On the contrary, you have the same Head on whose account the eye exists, as well as the hand and the foot and the rest of the parts. Why do you despise the one that is appointed as [...] it desired to [...] you slandered [...] does not embrace [...] unmixed body [...] chosen [...] dissolve [...] of the Aeon [...] descent [...] however plucked us from <the> Aeons that exist in that place. Some exist in the visible Church - those who exist in the Church of men - and unanimously they proclaim to one another the Pleroma of their aeon. And some exist for death in the Church on whose behalf they go - she for whom they are death - while others are for life. Therefore they are lovers of abundant life. And each of the rest endures by his own root. He puts forth fruit that is like him, since the roots have a connection with one another and their fruits are undivided, the best of each. They possess them, existing for them and for one another. So let us become like the roots, since we are equal [...] that Aeon [...] those who are not ours [...] above the [...] grasp him [...] since [...] your soul. He will [...] we gave you to him. If you purify it, it abides in me. If you enclose it, it belongs to the Devil. Even if you kill his forces that are active, it will be with you. For if the soul is dead, still it was enacted upon (by) the rulers and authorities.

Receive now the teaching of the one who was reproached - an advantage and a profit for the soul - and receive his shape. It is the shape that exists in the presence of the Father, the word and the height, that let you know him before you have been led astray while in (the) flesh of condemnation.

Likewise I became very small, so that through my humility I might take you up to the great height, whence you had fallen. You were taken to this pit. If now you believe in me, it is I who shall take you above, through this shape that you see

Here, then, was a symbolic man blazing in glory and power: and representative of the Eternal Spirit hereafter to be manifested in a NEW ORDER OF ELOHIM -- aggregately ONE MAN -- the One Man of the One Spirit, whom the true believers shall all come unto 



 Daniel saw the "perfect man" -- the Eternal manifested in the glorified flesh of a multitude -- symbolically represented in the measure of his full age.






Daniel next informs us concerning the Spirit-man "the Man of the One" that "

Prophecies about the corruption of the church

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**Welcome to Pleroma Pathways, apocalyptic and mystic Christianity where we explore esoteric and apocalyptic texts.**  

## **Prophecies about the Corruption of the Church**  

The theme of the corruption of the church is central to many Gnostic writings, reflecting concerns over the church's deviation from spiritual truths. These texts often critique earthly institutions claiming to represent Christ while practicing hypocrisy, partiality, and materialism. Below, we examine insights from the *Nag Hammadi* scriptures, alongside comparisons to Biblical prophecy.  

### **The Acts of Peter and the Twelve Apostles**  

The Gnostic critique of church corruption is grounded in observations of partiality and sinfulness. The *Acts of Peter and the Twelve Apostles* warns:  

> “For many in the churches have shown partiality to the rich, because they also are sinful, and they give occasion for others to sin. But judge them with uprightness, so that your ministry may be glorified, and that my name also may be glorified in the churches.”  

This critique mirrors James 2:4, which admonishes believers against favoritism, highlighting the enduring problem of inequality and moral compromise in religious communities.  

### **On the Origin of the World**  

Gnostic cosmology introduces the idea of contamination in the visible church, where divine truths become mixed with false teachings. *On the Origin of the World* states:  

> “And out of envy, the authorities mixed their seed with them, in hopes of polluting them. … Each one of them, starting out in his land, revealed his (kind of) knowledge to the visible church constituted of the modelled forms of perdition.”  

This parallels 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, describing the "man of sin" who corrupts God’s temple. The Gnostic perspective sees false doctrines and leaders as manifestations of the "modelled forms of perdition."  

### **The Second Treatise of the Great Seth**  

The *Second Treatise of the Great Seth* critiques those who persecute genuine spiritual seekers while claiming allegiance to Christ:  

> “We were hated and persecuted, not only by those who are ignorant but also by those who think they are advancing the name of Christ, since they were unknowingly empty, not knowing who they are, like dumb animals.”  

This aligns with Revelation 2:9, which warns of false believers who claim authority but act as a “synagogue of Satan.” The treatise suggests that ignorance and arrogance have led to a counterfeit Christianity.  

### **The Odes of Solomon**  

The *Odes of Solomon* describes the deceptive allure of false teachings and their destructive effects:  

> “All the poisons of error, and pains of death which are considered sweetness. And the corrupting of the Corruptor, I saw when the bride who was corrupting was adorned, and the bridegroom who corrupts and is corrupted.”  

The ode’s imagery recalls Revelation 17:4-5, where the "great harlot" symbolizes a corrupted institution adorned with wealth and abominations. The deceivers’ allure leads followers to “vomit up their wisdom and knowledge,” leaving them in a state of spiritual desolation.  

### **The Gospel of Thomas**  

In the *Gospel of Thomas*, Jesus denounces the religious authorities who withhold divine knowledge:  

> “The Pharisees and the scholars have taken the keys of knowledge and have hidden them. They have not entered, nor have they allowed those who want to enter to go inside.”  

This critique extends to modern institutions that prioritize control over spiritual enlightenment. The analogy of the unsound grapevine (saying 40) further emphasizes the futility of corrupted traditions:  

> “A grapevine has been planted outside the Father. And because it is not sound, it will be plucked out by the root and will perish.”  

### **The Gospel of Judas**  

The *Gospel of Judas* provides an allegorical vision of a corrupted priesthood:  

> “They sacrifice their own children, others their wives… some sleep with men; some are involved in slaughter; some commit a multitude of sins and deeds of lawlessness. And the men who stand before the altar invoke your name, and in all the deeds of their deficiency, the sacrifices are brought to completion.”  

Jesus interprets this as a prophecy of the church’s decline, where leaders invoke His name but perpetuate sin:  

> “They have planted trees without fruit, in my name, in a shameful manner.”  

This echoes Jude 13, describing such leaders as “wandering stars” destined for judgment.  

### **The Testimony of Truth**  

Finally, the *Testimony of Truth* critiques superficial faith devoid of true understanding:  

> “The foolish—thinking in their heart that if they confess, ‘We are Christians,’ in word only (but) not with power—give themselves over to ignorance, to a human death, not knowing where they are going nor who Christ is.”  

This condemnation of empty professions of faith resonates with Matthew 7:21, where Jesus warns: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.”  

### **Conclusion**  

The *Nag Hammadi* texts illuminate the spiritual dangers of institutionalized corruption, false teachings, and superficial religiosity. Their critiques align with Biblical warnings of a "falling away" and the rise of false leaders. By discerning these patterns, believers are encouraged to seek the incorruptible truth of Christ, free from worldly distortion.  

Prophecies about the corruption of the church

There are many prophecies in the bible about the the corruption of the church but what do the Gnostic Gospels say

The Acts of Peter and the Twelve Apostles

For many in the churches have shown partiality to the rich, because they also are sinful, and they give occasion for others to sin. But judge them with uprightness, so that your ministry may be glorified, and that my name also, may be glorified in the churches." The disciples answered and said, "Yes, truly this is what is fitting to do."

James 2:4,  My brothers,show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. ..(4) have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?

On the Origin of the World

And out of envy the authorities mixed their seed with them, in hopes of polluting them. They could not. Then when the blessed beings appeared in luminous form, they appeared in various ways. And each one of them, starting out in his land, revealed his (kind of) knowledge to the visible church constituted of the modelled forms of perdition. It (viz., the church) was found to contain all kinds of seed, because of the seed of the authorities that had mixed with it.

forms of perdition reminds me of 

 2Th 2:3Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

The Second Treatise of the Great Seth

we were hated and persecuted, not only by those who are ignorant (gentiles, pagans), but also by those who think that they are advancing the name of Christ (so-called Chistians), since they were unknowingly empty, not knowing who they are, like dumb animals. 

revelatin 2:8 “And to the [a]angel of the church in Smyrna write,

‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: 

9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a [b]synagogue of Satan. 

10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

The Odes Of Solomon

Ode 38

All the poisons of error, and pains of death which are considered sweetness.
And the corrupting of the Corruptor, I saw when the bride who was corrupting was adorned, and the bridegroom who corrupts and is corrupted.
And I asked the Truth, Who are these? And He said to me: This is the Deceiver and the Error.
And they imitate the Beloved and His Bride, and they cause the world to err and corrupt it.
And they invite many to the wedding feast, and allow them to drink the wine of their intoxication;
So they cause them to vomit up their wisdom and their knowledge, and prepare for them mindlessness.
Then they abandon them; and so they stumble about like mad and corrupted men.
Since there is no understanding in them, neither do they seek it.
But I have been made wise so as not to fall into the hands of the Deceivers, and I myself rejoiced because the Truth had gone with me.


17 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying [a]to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.”3 So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of [b]her fornication. 5 And on her forehead a name was written:

MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT,
THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS
AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS

OF THE EARTH.
6 I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement.

The Gospel of Thomas 

(39) Jesus said, The Pharisees and the scholars have taken the keys of knowledge and have hidden them. They have not entered, nor have they allowed those who want to enter to go inside. You should be shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves.

The Pharisees here are a symbol of all false religion and undoubtedly today the Lord would speak this way of the priests and clergy of orthodox Christianity, the churches have lost the keys. The keys of knowledge are the one true faith and hope of Abraham the promises made to him. Therefore we must have the faith as that of Abraham for those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham Gal 3:9 who is the father of us all saying 105 cp. Rom 4:11,12,16. Now his faith and ours is this that the gentiles shall be blessed in him and this promises was made to him before the law and his seed who is the Christ 

39) ## Jesus said, "The Pharisees and the scribes [who are still operating today through the Triple Crown Power controlled by the Vatican] have taken the keys of Knowledge [the higher/inward (spiritual) meaning of the scriptures] and hidden them [behind the fleshly locks of earthly types and images]. They themselves have not entered [in their depraved condition and deceptive practices they have shut themselves out of the Kingdom], nor have they allowed to enter those who wish to [these have become "wolves in sheep's clothing" who subvert the knowledge of truth that they may continue to "lord it over you" for the glory of men]. #You, however, be as wise as serpents [the Pharisees and scribes (Mat 23:33, 12:34 etc.. we must be aware that the devil will use many deceptions and tricks through your own flesh and the people around you to find ways "to accuse you day and night before the Father"] and as innocent as doves [we are to take great care not to harm anyone, even "those who hate you and despitefully use you" for they are all your brothers and some are there for the sole purpose of the Elect (doves/peacemakers) that they may be tested and refined in the Way]." 

saying 40 Jesus said, "A grapevine has been planted outside the father. And because it is not sound, it will be plucked out by the root and will perish."


But what orthodox churches of Christianity called the error was planted outside of the father’s wises in the days of the apostles and Paul also tells us that wolfs will come in and destroy the truth and this evenly gave birth to the man of lawlessness when Constine removed that which was holding it back.. This grapevine cannot bear fruit (everlasting life) and those in it are already dead not knowing the knowledge of the truth that brings everlasting life. 

40)# Jesus said, "A grapevine [religion] has been planted outside of the Father, but being unsound [in health being rooted in the depraved imaginations of men], it will be pulled up by its roots [that it has no chance to come back] and destroyed [by Jesus the true vine (Jn. 15:1)]."

(102) Jesus said, Shame on the Pharisees.[today, the Churches that spread the wrong message to gain power and profit for themselves like most Churches that call themselves 'Catholic', 'Christian' or 'Evangelic', Mormons] They are like a dog sleeping in the cattle manger. It does not eat or let the cattle eat. [They will spiritually starve, because instead of drinking from Jesus Christ's mouth, they spread lies either because they have their own agenda or they simply just don't see the truth and don't let their 'believers' drink from Jesus Christ's words either]."

102) Jesus said, "Woe to the Pharisees [who hid the Key of Knowledge], for they are like a dog [unclean animal] sleeping [spiritually dead in law] in the manger [where the animals (beasts) food is kept] of oxen [the Laity who are to tread out the corn (the Word of God)], for neither does he eat ["if anyone is not willing to work, neither let him eat"] nor does he let the oxen eat [the Laity are always discouraged or kept from doing so by religious leaders who love to "lord it over them"]."




In The Gospel of Judas we can we the corruption of the church


THE GOSPEL OF JUDAS
THE DISCIPLES SEE THE TEMPLE AND DISCUSS IT

They [said, “We have seen] a great [house (Ezekiel 8:6) with a large] altar [in it, and] twelve men (Ezekiel 8:11,16)— they are the priests, we would say—and a name; and a crowd of people is waiting at that altar, [until] the priests [… and receive] the offerings. [But] we kept waiting.” [Jesus said], “What are [the priests] like?” They [said, “Some …] two weeks; [some] sacrifice their own children, others their wives, in praise [and] humility with each other; some sleep with men; some are involved in [slaughter]; some commit a multitude of sins and deeds of lawlessness. And the men who stand [before] the altar invoke your [name], [39] and in all the deeds of their deficiency, the sacrifices are brought to completion […].” After they said this, they were quiet, for they were troubled.

JESUS OFFERS AN ALLEGORICAL INTERPRETATION OF THE VISION OF THE TEMPLE

Jesus said to them, “Why are you troubled? Truly I say to you, all the priests who stand before that altar invoke my name. Again I say to you, my name has been written on this […] of the generations of the stars through the human generations. [And they] have planted trees without fruit, in my name, in a shameful manner.” Jesus said to them, “Those you have seen receiving the offerings at the altar—that is who you are. That is the god you serve, (2 Thess 2:3,4) and you are those twelve men you have seen. The cattle you have seen brought for sacrifice are the many people you lead astray [40] before that altar. […] will stand and make use of my name in this way, and generations of the pious will remain loyal to him. After him another man will stand there from [the fornicators], and another [will] stand there from the slayers of children, and another from those who sleep with men, and those who abstain, and the rest of the people of pollution and lawlessness and error, and those who say, ‘We are like angels’; they are the stars that bring everything to its conclusion. For to the human generations it has been said, ‘Look, God has received your sacrifice from the hands of a priest’—that is, a minister of error. But it is the Lord, the Lord of the universe, who commands, ‘On the last day they will be put to shame.’” [41] Jesus said [to them], “Stop sac[rificing …] which you have […] over the altar, since they are over your stars and your angels and have already come to their conclusion there. So let them be [ensnared] before you, and let them go [—about 15 lines missing—] generations […]. A baker cannot feed all creation [42] under [heaven]. And […] to them […] and […] to us and […]. Jesus said to them, “Stop struggling with me. Each of you has his own star, (Jude 13) and every[body—about 17 lines missing—] [43] in […] who has come [… spring] for the tree […] of this aeon […] for a time […] but he has come to water God’s paradise, and the [generation] that will last, because [he] will not defile the [walk of life of] that generation, but […] for all eternity.”

what the disciples have seen in Jerusalem is interpreted as a foreshadowing of the emerging Catholic church

The vision of the temple and twelve priests should first be understood from an historical point of view.The Gospel of Judas challenges the idea that God wants people to die as martyrs—just as it challenges the idea that God wanted Jesus to die. Whoever wrote this gospel—and the author is anonymous—is challenging church leaders who teach that.

The Testimony of Truth

The foolish - thinking in their heart that if they confess, "We are Christians," in word only (but) not with power, while giving themselves over to ignorance, to a human death, not knowing where they are going nor who Christ is, thinking that they will live, when they are (really) in error - hasten towards the principalities and authorities. They fall into their clutches because of the ignorance that is in them. For (if) only words which bear testimony were effecting salvation, the whole world would endure this thing and would be saved. But it is in this way that they drew error to themselves. ...
... (3 lines unrecoverable)
... they do not know that they will destroy themselves. If the Father were to desire a human sacrifice, he would become vainglorious.

For the Son of Man clothed himself with their first-fruits; he went down to Hades and performed many mighty works. He raised the dead therein; and the world-rulers of darkness became envious of him, for they did not find sin in him. But he also destroyed their works from among men, so that the lame, the blind, the paralytic, the dumb, (and) the demon-possessed were granted healing. And he walked upon the waters of the sea. For this reason he destroyed his flesh from [...] which he [...]. And he became [...] salvation [...] his death ...
... (4 lines unrecoverable)
... everyone [...] how many they are! They are blind guides, like the disciples. They boarded the ship; at about thirty stadies, they saw Jesus walking on the sea. These are empty martyrs, since they bear witness only to themselves. And yet they are sick, and they are not able to raise themselves.

But when they are "perfected" with a (martyr's) death, this is the thought that they have within them: "If we deliver ourselves over to death for the sake of the Name we will be saved." These matters are not settled in this way. But through the agency of the wandering stars they say they have "completed" their futile "course", and [...] say, [...]. But these [...] they have delivered themselves ...
... (7 lines unrecoverable)


... but they resemble [...] them. They do not have the word which gives life. (The Testimony of Truth)

The Melchizedek Tractate Anti-Docetic Gnostic Text

The Melchizedek Tractate Anti-Docetic Gnostic Text

The *Melchizedek Tractate* is a fragmentary, noncanonical text found among the Nag Hammadi codices (NHC IX, 1). It provides a significant counterpoint to Docetism, a belief system that denied the reality of Jesus Christ’s physical body, suffering, and resurrection. This ancient text emphasizes the full humanity of Jesus, aligning its theological stance with early Christian orthodoxy on the incarnation.

### Background of the Melchizedek Tractate

The *Melchizedek Tractate* is part of the Nag Hammadi Library, a collection of Gnostic and early Christian texts discovered in Egypt in 1945. However, its content is less overtly Gnostic compared to other writings in the collection. The text explicitly refutes Docetism by affirming that Jesus Christ was a real, flesh-and-blood human being who experienced suffering, death, and resurrection. Scholars believe the text may have originated with a sect known as the “Melchizedekians,” referenced by Epiphanius in *Panarion* 55, who held unique theological views but still upheld the tangible humanity of Christ.

### Anti-Docetic Polemic

One of the key features of the *Melchizedek Tractate* is its polemic against Docetism. This doctrine, popular among certain Gnostic groups, claimed that Christ only appeared to have a physical body. Docetists believed that the material world was inherently evil, making it inconceivable that a divine being like Christ could assume a physical, material body. The *Melchizedek Tractate* responds directly to such views with the following passage:

> “They will say of him that he is unbegotten, though he has been begotten, (that) he does not eat, even though he eats, (that) he does not drink, even though he drinks, (that) he is uncircumcised, though he has been circumcised, (that) he is unfleshly, though he has come in the flesh, (that) he did not come to suffering, though he came to suffering, (that) he did not rise from the dead, though he arose from the dead.”

This statement emphasizes the tangible and historical reality of Jesus’ incarnation, a reality Docetism denied. By affirming that Jesus ate, drank, was circumcised, suffered, and rose bodily, the text insists that the human experiences of Jesus were not illusions but actual events.

### Biblical Parallels

The *Melchizedek Tractate* aligns closely with certain New Testament passages that combat Docetism. For example, 1 John 4:3 states:

> “And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist.”

Similarly, 2 John 1:7 warns:

> “For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.”

These verses were likely written in response to early docetic teachings infiltrating Christian communities. The Johannine letters reflect a concern that denying the physicality of Christ undermines the core Christian doctrines of incarnation and redemption. The *Melchizedek Tractate* shares this concern, rejecting any interpretation of Jesus that negates his humanity.

### Historical Context

Understanding the *Melchizedek Tractate* requires situating it within the broader theological debates of the early Christian era. Docetism arose from a dualistic worldview, common in Gnostic traditions, which held that spirit is good and matter is evil. This perspective made the incarnation—God becoming flesh—an offensive concept. In response, texts like the *Melchizedek Tractate* and the Johannine letters affirm the incarnation as essential to God’s plan of salvation. Without the reality of Jesus’ human body, his suffering, death, and resurrection lose their salvific power.

### Relevance to Early Christian Doctrine

The anti-docetic emphasis of the *Melchizedek Tractate* demonstrates that early Christianity was not monolithic but engaged in active debates over the nature of Christ. While the Trinity as a formal doctrine had not yet developed, early Christians like the author of the *Melchizedek Tractate* were already defending foundational Christological truths. The tractate’s insistence on Jesus’ humanity complements the theological trajectory that culminates in the Nicene Creed’s affirmation of Christ as both fully divine and fully human.

### Conclusion

The *Melchizedek Tractate* offers a valuable glimpse into the theological controversies of early Christianity. Its explicit rejection of Docetism underscores the importance of the incarnation in Christian thought. By affirming that Jesus truly came in the flesh, suffered, and rose again, the tractate aligns itself with the broader Christian tradition and the New Testament’s teachings. This fragmentary yet profound text reminds modern readers of the rich and contested history of early Christological doctrines.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God ...They will say [...] concerning him, and concerning........ which will happen in his name. Furthermore, they will say of him that he is unbegotten, though he has been begotten, (that) he does not eat, even though he eats, (that) he does not drink, even though he drinks, (that) he is uncircumcised, though he has been circumcised, (that) he is unfleshly, though he has come in the flesh, (that) he did not come to suffering, <though> he came to suffering, (that) he did not rise from the dead, <though> he arose from the dead. (Melchizedek, The Nag Hammadi Library)

A fragmentary, noncanonical text found among the Nag Hammadi codices (IX, 1). Not to be confused with the Melchizedek Scroll (11QMelch) found among the Dead Sea Scrolls. It is notable for its anti-docetic emphasis on the real humanity of Jesus, which has led some scholars to postulate that it originated with a sect of “Melchizedekians” described by Epiphanius in Panarion 55

MELCHIZEDEK TRACTATE (NHC IX 1). This document was found in the Coptic Gnostic Library of Nag Hammadi, but its Gnosticism is less pronounced than other texts in the corpus. It explicitly rejects a docetic interpretation of Jesus (IX 1, 5.1-10) and focuses on apocalyptic, rather than realized eschatology (IX 1, 26).

Jesus Christ, the Son of God [...] from ...
... (2 lines unrecoverable)
... (lines 11-eop unrecoverable)
... which will happen in his name. Furthermore, they will say of him that he is unbegotten, though he has been begotten, (that) he does not eat, even though he eats, (that) he does not drink, even though he drinks, (that) he is uncircumcised, though he has been circumcised, (that) he is unfleshly, though he has come in the flesh, (that) he did not come to suffering, <though> he came to suffering, (that) he did not rise from the dead, <though> he arose from the dead.

The incipit occurs on the same small fragment as the title, and reads, "Jesus Christ, the Son [of God ... ]. " In the fragments that follow reference is made to the ministry and sufferings of Jesus, and in a remarkable passage from a relatively complete page (p. 5} an "anti-docetic" polemic is directed at those (other gnostics?) who deny the reality of the incarnation, suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus

According to the Melchizedek Tractate the body, the flesh, and the suffering of Jesus Christ are indeed real.

1 John 4:3 "And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world."

2 John 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

What we must remember is that John had a particular false doctrine in mind - the Docetism. We therefore should not try to interpret this verse without understanding the history behind the letter.

We have to think about who in his day John was talking about. For many of those who believed in Docetism, Christ could never be human (flesh) because in their view the material world was evil and such a divine being could have no true fellowship with a material human body.

Docetism was a doctrine that the Christ appeared as a spirit - with an immaterial body.

This passage, therefore, was not written to support the Trinity (an unknown concept to John and the early Christians), but rather was written to prevent any Christian from following the false doctrine of Docetism

Jesus was Begotten Three Times

Jesus was Begotten Three Times

Matthew 1:18 But the birth of Jesus Christ was in this way. During the time his mother Mary was promised in marriage to Joseph, she was found to be pregnant by holy spirit before they were united.

Matthew 1:20 But after he had thought these things over, look! The angel of Yahweh appeared to him in a dream, saying: “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife home, for that which has been begotten in her is by holy spirit.

Luke 1:34 But Mary said to the angel: “How is this to be, since I am having no intercourse with a man?” 35 In answer the angel said to her: “Holy spirit will come upon you, and power of the Most High will overshadow you. For that reason also what is born will be called holy, God’s Son.

Matthew 3:16 When Jesus was immersed a bright light played upon the water, so that all who had come there were afraid. After his immersion, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon him. 

Matthew 3:17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Luke 3:22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my one dear Son; in you I take great delight."

Romans 1:3 Concerning his Son, who came from the seed of David according to the flesh;
4 Declared the Son of’ God in power, through the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead, [even ]Jesus Christ our Lord;

In writings, to beget is to be begotten or to “produce”

Jesus was begotten three times the first by the holy spirit overshadowing Mary and this made Jesus Son of Man and Son of God this is the conception of Jesus. and the second at his baptism this is the quickening of Jesus. and the third is the birth of Jesus this happened after his resurrection from the dead. Notice that the Lord Jesus was "declared to be the Son of God with power . . . by the resurrection from the dead" (Rom. 1:4). His resurrection to life eternal constituted the seal of his Divine sonship.

1. He was born by the power of the Holy Spirit.....The power of GOD
2. He was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit......the power of GOD at his baptism
3. He was quickened by the Spirit at his resurrection......the power of GOD.

There are three stages in birth: conception, quickening, birth.

In pregnancy terms, quickening is the moment in pregnancy when the pregnant person starts to feel or perceive fetal movements in the uterus

Jesus is first born a child of flesh; he was then "born of water" by baptism; finally Jesus was  "born of the spirit" or changed into a spirit body (1 Cor. 15:44).

Every birth follows a threefold development: conception, quickening, birth.

As far as the birth of Spirit is concerned, a similar process takes place. Baptism denotes conception for it has been brought about by the spirit-word (Rom. 6:17); the development of the Christ-like life is the quickening for it is the outward manifestation of an inward conviction (Col. 1:27); and this shall be followed by the full birth of the resurrection when the successful candidate will be changed into spirit nature (1 Cor. 15:44,46,51-53; Phil. 2:10-14).

Don't forget, there were three manifestations of the Spirit in relation to Jesus. (1) at his birth. He was begotten "of the spirit" ..... therefore styled "holy". (2) at his baptism and (3) after his resurrection when he was made immortal, his body being changed from "flesh and blood" to "flesh and spirit". It's a deep and profound subject but the fact he was begotten of the Spirit of Yahweh made him of quick understanding and enabled him to be perfectly sinless throughout his life.

Matt 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

In Luke 3:22 Instead of “You are my one dear Son; in you I take great delight,” one Greek ms and several Latin mss and church fathers (D it Ju [Cl] Meth Hil Aug) quote Ps 2:7 outright with “You are my Son; today I have fathered you.”


The Baptism of Jesus foreshadowed his death and resurrection.

Romans 1:3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which 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:

after his resurrection from the dead he became light and this is the place where light came into being by its self in the Lord Jesus

Thus Jesus was begotten 3 times at his birth at his Baptism and at his Resurrection from the dead