Gnostic Saints or Fathers of Christian Gnosticism

Gnostic Saints or Fathers of Christian Gnosticism

Gnostic Saints and Fathers of Christian Gnosticism

Fathers of the Gnostic Church: James the Just, Mary Magdalene, Theudas, and Paul

Gnostic Christians trace their spiritual lineage through figures who preserved and transmitted divine knowledge (gnosis). Among them, James the Just, Mary Magdalene, Theudas, and Paul stand out as central figures in the Gnostic tradition.

James the Just, the brother of Jesus, was recognized as the leader of the early Christian community in Jerusalem (Acts 15:13-21). The Gospel of Thomas (Saying 12) affirms his authority:

“No matter where you come, it is to James the Just that you shall go, for whose sake heaven and earth have come to exist.”

Mary Magdalene was also revered in Gnostic circles. The Gospel of Mary presents her as possessing deeper understanding than the male apostles, emphasizing her role as the recipient of Jesus' hidden teachings.

Theudas, a lesser-known figure, was a disciple of Paul and played a crucial role in transmitting Pauline teachings to Valentinus, thereby linking Valentinian Gnosticism directly to the apostolic tradition.

Paul himself is sometimes regarded as a proto-Gnostic, given his emphasis on inner revelation (gnosis) and the contrast he draws between the spiritual and the material (1 Corinthians 2:6-16).

Gnostic Saints and Pre-Christian Figures

Gnostics often looked beyond the Christian tradition, seeing spiritual precursors in earlier figures. Adam and his son Seth were considered foundational, with Seth often depicted as the father of a spiritual race of gnostics. The Three Steles of Seth (Nag Hammadi Library) highlights his role in transmitting divine knowledge.

Other figures include:

• Norea, a character absent from canonical Genesis but present in Gnostic texts, who resists the forces of the Demiurge and preserves the Gnostic lineage during Noah’s time.
• The three companions of Daniel, known from biblical tradition but given unique interpretations in Gnostic writings.
• John the Baptist, sometimes seen as an early Gnostic leader, particularly in Mandaean traditions.

Jesus and the Apostolic Gnosis

Jesus is central to Gnostic thought, not merely as a redeemer through external means, but as the revealer of gnosis. His teachings, particularly in the Gospel of Thomas, emphasize self-discovery and enlightenment:

“If you bring forth what is within you, what you have will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not have will destroy you.” (Gospel of Thomas, Saying 70)

Several of Jesus’ apostles are considered Gnostic figures:

• Thomas the Apostle, associated with the Gospel of Thomas, which presents an esoteric understanding of Jesus' teachings.
• John the Evangelist, whom some Gnostic sects claimed as one of their own.
• Paul, whose emphasis on hidden wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:7) and spiritual transformation aligns with Gnostic themes.

The Valentinian Tradition

Valentinus, one of the most influential Gnostic teachers, was said to have been a disciple of Theudas, connecting him directly to Paul. His school of thought divided into Eastern and Western branches due to Christological differences.

Western Valentinians

• Ptolemy, a Valentinian teacher whose Letter to Flora explains the distinction between the law of the Demiurge and the higher divine law.
• Flora, a female Valentinian theologian.
• Heracleon, whose commentaries on the Gospel of John survive in Origen’s writings.
• Hermogenes, a painter and late 2nd-century Gnostic thinker.
• Monoimus the Arab, who developed a unique system of Gnostic thought.
• Prodicus, Secundus, Florinus, Alexander, and Theotimus, prominent teachers.

Eastern Valentinians

• Marcus the Valentinian, known for his use of Gematria in Gnostic teachings.
• Axionicus of Antioch, active during Tertullian’s time.
• Theodotus, whose teachings were preserved in Clement of Alexandria’s Extracts from the Works of Theodotus.
• Ambrose and Candidus, Valentinian theologians of the 3rd century.

Thecla, featured in the Acts of Paul and Thecla, is a key figure in early Christian and Gnostic traditions, portrayed as a devoted disciple of Paul. She rejected marriage, embraced asceticism, and performed self-baptism (auto-baptism) as a symbol of direct communion with the divine. This act reflects Gnostic ideals of spiritual autonomy and personal revelation. Revered in Gnostic circles, Thecla is seen as embodying divine wisdom and spiritual independence, aligning with Paul’s teachings about transcending the flesh and attaining spiritual knowledge.

Rejecting the Catholic Concept of Saints

The term "saint" in Catholic and Orthodox Christianity refers to individuals canonized by church authorities, often after performing alleged miracles. However, the biblical term hagios ("holy one") simply denotes those consecrated to God.

The early Christian understanding of holiness was not tied to posthumous veneration but to divine calling in the present life. As 1 Peter 1:3-4 states:

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope… to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable.”

The Gospel of Philip further emphasizes that holiness is intrinsic to the believer:

“The holy person is completely holy, including the person’s body. The holy person who takes up bread consecrates it, and does the same with the cup or anything else the person takes up and consecrates. So how would the person not consecrate the body also?”

This passage rejects the idea that sanctity comes through external validation, instead affirming that holiness is inherent in those who receive divine knowledge (gnosis).

Conclusion

The Gnostic tradition maintains a spiritual lineage through figures such as James the Just, Mary Magdalene, Theudas, and Paul. Unlike the institutional church, which claims authority through hierarchical succession, Gnostic Christians uphold an apostolic tradition based on inner revelation and divine knowledge. By recognizing both biblical and pre-Christian figures as transmitters of wisdom, Gnostics preserve a broader and deeper understanding of spiritual enlightenment.

Gnostic Apostolic Succession

The concept of apostolic succession is central to early Christianity, signifying the transmission of divine authority and knowledge from Jesus to his disciples and their successors. While the mainstream church claims an unbroken line through Peter and the bishops of Rome, Gnostic Christians, particularly the Valentinians, preserved a different lineage—one rooted in mystical knowledge (gnosis) and the transmission of secret teachings. This tradition, as evidenced by early Christian texts, suggests that the true apostolic succession was not limited to hierarchical structures but was instead based on spiritual enlightenment.

The True Successor: James, Not Peter

The traditional claim that Peter was the chief apostle and the foundation of the Church is not strongly supported in the earliest Christian writings. Instead, the Book of Acts chapter 15:13-21 portrays James as the leader of the early Christian community in Jerusalem, making the final ruling on doctrinal matters.

The Gospel of Thomas reinforces this claim. In saying 12, the disciples ask Jesus who will lead them after his departure, to which he replies:

“No matter where you come, it is to James the Just that you shall go, for whose sake heaven and earth have come to exist.”

This declaration affirms James' preeminent role in preserving Jesus' teachings. His leadership was based not on institutional power but on his deep spiritual insight and close relationship with Jesus.

The Transmission of Hidden Knowledge

The transmission of secret teachings was a fundamental part of early Christian mysticism. Hippolytus, a third-century Christian writer, records that the Naassenes, a sect often associated with early Christian Gnosticism, claimed to have received their secret doctrines from Mariamne (presumably Mary Magdalene), who in turn received them from James, the brother of the Lord. This transmission of knowledge through James and Mary Magdalene aligns with the existence of several important Gnostic texts, such as the Apocalypse of James, the Pistis Sophia, and the Gospel of Mary, which depict Mary Magdalene and James as primary recipients of Jesus’ hidden teachings.

Clement of Alexandria further confirms this tradition by stating that Valentinus, the greatest of the Gnostic teachers, was instructed by Theudas, who had been a disciple of Paul (Stromata 7:17). This direct connection to Paul reinforces the legitimacy of Valentinian succession, showing that their teachings were not fabrications but part of an authentic Christian lineage.

The Valentinian Claim to Apostolic Succession

Unlike the emerging Orthodox Church, which emphasized external authority, the Valentinians believed that true succession was based on spiritual revelation. The Gospel of Truth, attributed to Valentinus, emphasizes the necessity of divine revelation:

“No one could have been revealed among those who had been entrusted with salvation unless the book had appeared.”

This statement highlights the idea that salvation is linked to knowledge (gnosis), which must be revealed rather than imposed through institutional structures. The Valentinians saw themselves as the rightful inheritors of the apostolic tradition, possessing the hidden wisdom necessary for salvation.

The Gospel of Philip expands on this idea, emphasizing the importance of chrism over baptism:

“We are called Christians from the word ‘chrism,’ not from the word ‘baptism.’ Christ also has his name from chrism, for the Father anointed the Son, the Son anointed the apostles, and the apostles anointed us. Whoever is anointed has everything: resurrection, light, cross, Holy Spirit.”

Here, the text explicitly outlines the Valentinian understanding of apostolic succession. The Father anointed the Son, the Son anointed the apostles, and the apostles anointed their successors. This passage demonstrates that the transmission of divine authority was not merely symbolic but followed a direct, spiritual lineage. This succession was not dependent on institutional hierarchy but on the continued transmission of divine knowledge and power through the laying on of hands and anointing.

The Apostolic Tradition in Valentinianism

The Valentinian tradition was not a deviation from Christianity but a continuation of its deepest mysteries. In The Treatise on the Resurrection, a Gnostic teacher reassures a disciple:

“These words I have received from the generosity of my Lord, Jesus the Christ. I have taught you and your brothers and sisters, who are my children, about them, and have omitted nothing that may strengthen you.”

This reflects the personal transmission of knowledge, a hallmark of true apostolic succession. Similarly, in Ptolemy's Letter to Flora, the Valentinian teacher affirms:

“For, if God permits, you will later learn about their origin and generation, when you are judged worthy of the apostolic tradition which we too have received by succession.”

This statement underscores that Valentinian teachers saw themselves as part of an unbroken lineage, tracing their wisdom back to Jesus and his apostles. Unlike the institutional church, which relied on external ordination, the Valentinians maintained that only those who were spiritually prepared could receive and pass on the true apostolic tradition.

Conclusion

The Valentinian claim to apostolic succession challenges the mainstream narrative of an unbroken institutional hierarchy. By tracing their lineage through James, Mary Magdalene, and Paul, and by emphasizing gnosis over ecclesiastical authority, the Valentinians preserved a different but equally valid Christian tradition. Their teachings reveal that apostolic succession was not about titles and offices but about receiving and transmitting divine knowledge. In this light, the Valentinians—not the bishops of Rome—are the true heirs of the apostolic tradition.

Valentinus: Christian Mystic and Teacher

**Valentinus: Christian Mystic and Teacher**


Valentinus was a second-century Christian mystic and poet whose teachings emphasized mystical knowledge (*gnosis*). He is often labeled a "Gnostic" due to the central role that *gnosis* played in his theological framework, but his beliefs were deeply rooted in early Christian traditions. Born around 100 AD in Phrebonis, a town in Upper Egypt, Valentinus received his education in nearby Alexandria. This city, known for its vibrant intellectual and religious discourse, shaped his theological outlook.


In Alexandria, Valentinus became a disciple of Theudas, a Christian teacher who had himself studied under the Apostle Paul. Valentinus claimed that Theudas had transmitted to him secret wisdom that Paul had reserved for his closest disciples. This esoteric knowledge became a foundation of Valentinus' own teachings. Like many early Christian mystics, he reported having a vision of the risen Christ. Following this profound experience, he began his career as a Christian teacher in Alexandria around 120 AD. His theological insights quickly gained attention, and he attracted a devoted following in both Egypt and Syria.


Around 136 AD, Valentinus left Alexandria and traveled to Rome, making a brief stop in Cyprus along the way. Upon arriving in Rome, he gained a reputation for his eloquence and depth of knowledge. His ability to express complex theological ideas in poetic and philosophical terms won him great respect within the Roman Christian community. By 143 AD, he had become such an influential figure that he was considered a leading candidate for the office of bishop. However, it is uncertain whether he declined the position himself or was ultimately passed over. Regardless, he continued to teach in Rome for at least another decade, further developing his theological system.


The later years of Valentinus’ life remain uncertain. Some sources suggest that he remained in Rome until his death around 155 AD, while others claim that he left the city after failing to attain the bishopric, retreating to Cyprus. His teachings, however, did not fade with his passing. His disciples continued to develop and spread his ideas throughout the Roman Empire, creating a distinct school of thought known as Valentinianism.


### **The Teachings of Valentinus**


Valentinian theology is deeply esoteric and poetic, drawing from both Christian and philosophical traditions. At the heart of his teachings was the concept of *Bythos* (Depth), the ultimate, unknowable God. From *Bythos* emanated a series of divine beings called Aeons, representing aspects of the divine mind. These Aeons formed the *Pleroma*, the fullness of divine existence.


However, a cosmic mishap occurred when one of the Aeons, often identified as Sophia (Wisdom), acted outside the harmonious order, leading to the creation of the material world. Unlike other Gnostic sects that depicted the creator of the physical realm as an entirely malevolent being, Valentinus' teachings suggested that the Demiurge (the craftsman of the material world) was an ignorant but not entirely evil entity, acting as a distant image of the true God. Humanity, according to Valentinian thought, was composed of three distinct groups:


1. **The spiritual (pneumatic)** – those who possessed divine knowledge (*gnosis*) and were destined to return to the divine realm.
2. **The psychic (soulish)** – ordinary Christians who lived moral lives and would be rewarded in a lesser heavenly state.
3. **The material (hylic)** – those entirely bound to the physical world, who would ultimately perish.


Valentinus and his followers maintained Christian rituals, including baptism, but also practiced a unique rite known as the "Mystery of the Bedchamber." This ritual symbolized a spiritual union rather than a literal marriage, emphasizing the believer’s restoration to divine wholeness. Unlike some other early Christian sects, the Valentinians sought to remain within the broader Christian community rather than separate themselves entirely.


### **Legacy of Valentinus**


Valentinianism remained influential for several centuries, drawing both admiration and opposition from church leaders. The discovery of the *Nag Hammadi* texts in 1945 renewed scholarly interest in Valentinus, as many of these writings reflected his theological perspective. Though eventually labeled as heretical by later church authorities, Valentinus' legacy endures as one of the most sophisticated and poetic expressions of early Christian mysticism.

  

Why Doctrine is Important for Gnostic Christians

**Why Doctrine Is Important for Gnostic Christians**  

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

Many people today claim that Gnosticism is "post-doctrinal" and that doctrine or dogma belongs to Orthodox Christianity. However, this view does not align with classical Gnosticism. Valentinian cosmology, for instance, is highly structured and doctrinal, reflecting the early Gnostic understanding that doctrine is essential. Some modern Gnostics tend to reject the importance of doctrine, believing that rigid teachings hinder spiritual insight. However, for the ancient Gnostics, doctrine was critical because cosmology (the study of the creation of the universe) determines anthropology (the study of humanity in relation to God). The way we understand the cosmos directly shapes how we see ourselves as human beings.  

The word *doctrine* comes from the Latin *doctrina*, meaning "teaching" or "instruction." This concept is found throughout the New Testament:  

*"Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge (*gnosis*), or by prophesying, or by doctrine?"* (1 Corinthians 14:6)  

The Greek word for *doctrine* here is *διδαχή* (*didachē*), which means instruction. It comes from *διδάσκω* (*didaskō*), meaning "to teach." Other related words include *διδασκαλία* (*didaskalia*), meaning "learning" or "teaching," and *ἑτεροδιδασκαλέω* (*heterodidaskaleō*), which means "to teach a different doctrine," implying deviation from the truth.  

**Finding the Meaning of Jesus’ Secret Teachings Brings Eternal Life**  

Gnosticism emphasizes discovering the hidden meaning in Jesus’ words. The Gospel of Thomas states:  

*"These are the hidden sayings that the living Jesus spoke and that Didymus Judas Thomas wrote down. And he said, 'Whoever finds the correct interpretation of these sayings will never die.'"* (Gospel of Thomas, Saying 1, trans. Stevan Davies)  

The text suggests that Jesus’ sayings contain symbolic meanings that must be correctly interpreted. This aligns with the idea that there is only one correct doctrine, as stated in *The Second Treatise of the Great Seth*:  

*"And he is entirely one, being the All with them all in a single doctrine, because all these are from a single spirit. O unseeing ones, why did you not know the mystery rightly?"* (*The Second Treatise of the Great Seth*)  

Likewise, *The Book of Thomas (The Contender)* affirms the importance of doctrine:  

*"Again the Savior answered and said, 'Therefore it is necessary for us to speak to you, since this is the doctrine of the perfect. If, now, you desire to become perfect, you shall observe these things; if not, your name is "Ignorant," since it is impossible for an intelligent man to dwell with a fool...'"* (*The Book of Thomas, the Contender*)  

This passage emphasizes that correct teaching is necessary for spiritual perfection. Those who reject doctrine are called "ignorant."  

The same text continues:  

*"Then Jesus continued and said to them, 'Woe to you, for you did not receive the doctrine, and those who are [...] will labor at preaching [...]. And you are rushing into [...] will send them down [...] you kill them daily in order that they might rise from death.'"* (*The Book of Thomas, the Contender*)  

Here, Jesus condemns those who reject correct doctrine, showing that doctrinal understanding is not optional but necessary for true Gnostic Christians.  

**Disputes Over Doctrine in the Nag Hammadi Texts**  

From the Nag Hammadi texts, it is clear that early Gnostic Christians debated doctrine. These disputes centered on the nature of Jesus, the resurrection, and salvation.  

In *Melchizedek*, we find evidence of doctrinal disagreements:  

*"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*)  

This passage highlights various conflicting teachings about Jesus, showing that doctrine was actively debated.  

Similarly, *The Gospel of Philip* discusses disputes about resurrection:  

*"Some people are afraid that they may arise from the dead naked, and so they want to arise in flesh. They do not know that it is those who wear the [flesh] who are naked. Those who are [able] to take it off are not naked."*  

*"Flesh [and blood will] not inherit God’s kingdom." What is this flesh that will not inherit? It is what we are wearing. And what is this flesh that will inherit? It is the flesh and blood of Jesus.*  

*"For this reason he said, 'One who does not eat my flesh and drink my blood does not have life within.' What does this mean? His flesh is the word and his blood is the holy spirit. Whoever has received these has food, drink, and clothing."*  

*"And I also disagree with others who say that the flesh will not arise. Both views are wrong. You say that the flesh will not arise? Then tell me what will arise, so we may salute you. You say it is the spirit in the flesh, and also the light in the flesh? But what is in the flesh is the word, and what you are talking about is nothing other than flesh. It is necessary to arise in this sort of flesh, since everything exists in it."* (*The Gospel of Philip*)  

This passage demonstrates the importance of correct doctrinal understanding, particularly regarding resurrection. The text corrects misunderstandings, reaffirming that doctrine plays a vital role in Gnostic belief.  

**Conclusion**  

The idea that Gnosticism is "post-doctrinal" is a modern misconception. Classical Gnostics were deeply concerned with doctrine, as seen in the Valentinian system and other Nag Hammadi texts. Doctrine is necessary because it shapes our understanding of cosmology, anthropology, and salvation. The Gospel of Thomas teaches that correct interpretation leads to eternal life, and *The Second Treatise of the Great Seth* speaks of a "single doctrine" from a "single spirit." *The Book of Thomas* warns against ignoring doctrine, while *The Gospel of Philip* and *Melchizedek* highlight doctrinal disputes about Jesus and resurrection.  

From these texts, it is clear that doctrine was essential for early Gnostic Christians. It provided structure, clarity, and a means of distinguishing truth from falsehood. For modern Gnostic Christians, doctrine remains just as important, guiding us toward a deeper understanding of Jesus' teachings and the nature of reality.

Why Doctrine is Important for Gnostic Christians 

Many People seem to think that being a Gnostic is Post Doctrinal claiming "Gnostic Is Not about Doctrines! That’s Orthodox."

Well Valentinian Cosmology is pretty complicated doctrinal things and some modern Gnostics have a tendency to think that Gnosticism is post doctrinal and that dogma and doctrine are bad things but to the classical Gnostics they were important and and for us as modern Gnostics they're important because cosmology (Cosmogony is the study of the creation of the universe.) determines anthropology (Christian anthropology is the study of the human ("anthropology") as it relates to God) our view of mankind.

Doctrine (from Latin: doctrina, meaning "teaching" or "instruction")

1Co 14:6  Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge <1108 gnosis>, or by prophesying, or by doctrine <1322>?

1322. διδαχή didache [did-akh-ay’]; from 1321; instruction (the act or the matter): —  doctrine, hath been taught.

1321. διδάσκω didasko [did-as’-ko]; a prolonged (causative) form of a primary verb δαω dao (to learn); to teach (in the same broad application): —  teach.

1319. διδασκαλία didaskalia [did-as-kal-ee’-ah]; from 1320; instruction (the function or the information): —  doctrine, learning, teaching.

1319. διδασκαλία didaskalia [did-as-kal-ee’-ah]; from 1320; instruction (the function or the information): — doctrine, learning, teaching.

2085 ἑτεροδιδασκαλέω heterodidaskaleo [het-er-od-id-as-kal-eh’-o]

from 2087 and 1320; v; TDNT-2:163,161; [{See TDNT 190 }]

AV-teach other doctrine 1, teach otherwise 1; 2

1) to teach other or different doctrine

1a) deviating from the truth

1321. διδάσκω didasko [did-as’-ko]; a prolonged (causative) form of a primary verb δαω dao (to learn); to teach (in the same broad application): — teach.

Finding the meaning of Jesus's secret teachings brings eternal life  

These are the hidden sayings that the living Jesus spoke and that Didymus Judas Thomas wrote down.
1. And he said, "Whoever finds the correct interpretation of these sayings will never die." (Translated by Stevan Davies)

The hidden or secret sayings are in signs or signified the sayings, they are symbolical that is why we are told to find the correct interpretation of these sayings. (Cp. Saying 63) 

There can be only one true correct interpretation of these sayings it is called  single doctrine in the Second Treatise of the Great Seth:

And he is entirely one, being the All with them all in a single doctrine, because all these are from a single spirit. O unseeing ones, why did you not know the mystery rightly? (The Second Treatise of the Great Seth)

The Nag Hammadi Library The Book of Thomas (the Contender)

Again the savior answered and said, "Therefore it is necessary for us to speak to you, since this is the doctrine of the perfect. If, now, you desire to become perfect, you shall observe these things; if not, your name is 'Ignorant', since it is impossible for an intelligent man to dwell with a fool, for the intelligent man is perfect in all wisdom. To the fool, however, the good and bad are the same - indeed the wise man will be nourished by the truth and (Ps. 1:3) "will be like a tree growing by the meandering stream" - seeing that there are some who, although having wings, rush upon the visible things, things that are far from the truth. For that which guides them, the fire, will give them an illusion of truth, and will shine on them with a perishable beauty, and it will imprison them in a dark sweetness and captivate them with fragrant pleasure. And it will blind them with insatiable lust and burn their souls and become for them like a stake stuck in their heart which they can never dislodge. And like a bit in the mouth, it leads them according to its own desire. And it has fettered them with its chains and bound all their limbs with the bitterness of the bondage of lust for those visible things that will decay and change and swerve by impulse. They have always been attracted downwards; as they are killed, they are assimilated to all the beasts of the perishable realm."

Thomas answered and said, "What have we to say in the face of these things? What shall we say to blind men? What doctrine should we express to these miserable mortals who say, "We came to do good and not curse," and yet claim, "Had we not been begotten in the flesh, we would not have known iniquity"?"

Then Jesus continued and said to them, "Woe to you, for you did not receive the doctrine, and those who are [...] will labor at preaching [...]. And you are rushing into [...] will send them down [...] you kill them daily in order that they might rise from death.

For it was ludicrous. It is I who bear witness that it was ludicrous, since the archons do not know that it is an ineffable union of undefiled truth, as exists among the sons of light, of which they made an imitation, having proclaimed a doctrine of a dead man and lies so as to resemble the freedom and purity of the perfect assembly, (and) <joining> themselves with their doctrine to fear and slavery, worldly cares, and abandoned worship, being small (and) ignorant, since they do not contain the nobility of the truth, for they hate the one in whom they are, and love the one in whom they are not. For they did not know the Knowledge of the Greatness, that it is from above and (from) a fountain of truth, and that it is not from slavery and jealousy, fear and love of worldly matter. For that which is not theirs and that which is theirs they use fearlessly and freely. They do not desire, because they have authority, and a law from themselves over whatever they will wish. (The Second Treatise of the Great Seth)

It sufficed for some persons to pay attention to the teaching and understand 'The Shepherds' and 'The Seed' and 'The Building' and 'The Lamps of the Virgins' and 'The Wage of the Workers' and 'The Double Drachma' and 'The Woman (Apocryphon of James)

From these texts we can see a strong emphasis on doctrine or teaching

From The Nag Hammadi Library we can see disagreements over doctrine. These disputes are about the nature of Jesus, the resurrection,

Melchizedek From The Nag Hammadi Library Translated by Søren Giversen and Birger A. Pearson

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 Gospel of Philip

Naked and Not Naked


Some people are afraid that they may arise from the dead naked, and so they want to arise in flesh. They do not know that it is those who wear the [flesh] who are naked. Those who are [able] to take it off are not naked.

“Flesh [and blood will] not inherit God’s kingdom.” What is this flesh that will not [57] inherit? It is what we are wearing. And what is this flesh that will inherit? It is the flesh and blood of Jesus.

For this reason he said, “One who does not eat my flesh and drink my blood does not have life within.” What does this mean? His flesh is the word and his blood is the holy spirit. Whoever has received these has food, drink, and clothing.

And I also disagree with others who say that the flesh will not arise. Both views are wrong. You say that the flesh will not arise? Then tell me what will arise, so we may salute you. You say it is the spirit in the flesh, and also the light in the flesh? But what is in the flesh is the word, and what you are talking about is nothing other than flesh. It is necessary to arise in this sort of flesh, since everything exists in it.

In this world those who wear clothes are superior to the clothes. In heaven’s kingdom the clothes are superior to those who wear them.

Sophia and Eve: The Valentinian Allegory of the Fall and Restoration

 Sophia and Eve: The Valentinian Allegory of the Fall and Restoration  

The Valentinian myth of Sophia is often said to indicate the influence of non-Christian sources on Valentinian teaching. In the myth, Sophia becomes separated from her consort and is expelled from the heavenly Pleroma. Christ then descends to her aid, and she is joined to him. Rather than having a non-Christian origin, the main points of the myth seem to be derived from an allegorical interpretation of the Book of Genesis. In this allegory, Eve is identified with Sophia, while Adam is interpreted as Christ.  

The book of Genesis features two different accounts of the creation of human beings. In the first, "God created human beings, making them to be like himself. He created them male and female" (Genesis 1:27). In the second account, "God took some soil from the ground and formed a man from it" (Genesis 2:7). Then, God creates woman from the man's rib (Genesis 2:22). The human beings are subsequently ejected from the garden.  

Valentinians made use of this interpretation in their myth of Sophia. They explicitly identified Sophia (Wisdom), the youngest of the Aeons, with Eve, "mother of the living" (Hippolytus, *Refutation* 6:29; cf. Genesis 3:20). According to Valentinian teachers, the separation of Sophia/Eve from her male counterpart results in her expulsion from the heavenly Pleroma.  

According to Valentinian teachers, the passage "In the image of God he created them, male and female he created them" (Genesis 1:27) signifies the creation of "spiritual humanity" (*Irenaeus, Against Heresies* 1:18:2). Specifically, "the 'male' are called angels, while the 'female' themselves are the superior seed" (*Excerpts of Theodotus* 21:1). The "male" is Adam/Christ, while the "female" is Eve/Sophia.  

The creation of Eve from Adam's rib is understood to mean that Eve has become separated from him. In their interpretation, it is this separation of Eve from Adam, rather than the eating of the forbidden fruit, that constitutes the fall. The "sleep" of Adam (Genesis 2:21) is the sleep of ignorance into which Sophia/Eve fell, as a consequence of which she was separated from him. According to the *Interpretation of Knowledge*, "From being counted with the female (i.e., Eve), sleep brought labor and the sabbath, which is the world" (*Interpretation of Knowledge* 11:18-20; cf. Genesis 3:17). As Ptolemy says, she "plunged forward and fell victim to suffering without the embrace of her consort" (*Irenaeus, Against Heresies* 1:2:2).  

According to Valentinian myth, Sophia/Eve "cut herself off from her consort" (*Valentinian Exposition* 34), and this results in the creation of the material universe. Just as Sophia separated from her partner, "so also in the case of Adam: the male remained in him, but the entire female seed was taken from him and became Eve (i.e., Sophia), from whom the female beings derive, as do the males from him. The males were drawn together with the Word" (*Excerpts of Theodotus* 21:2-3).  

The *Gospel of Philip* states that "Eve separated from Adam because she was never united with him in the Bridal Chamber" (*Gospel of Philip* 70). According to the Valentinian myth of the fall, God held back perfect knowledge (gnosis) of himself from his Aeons (including Sophia) so that they would search for him. Until Christ manifested himself to them, the Aeons had not united in the "bridal chamber," a metaphor for perfect knowledge of God. It was as a result of this withholding of gnosis that the fall occurred.  

The separation of Sophia/Eve is described as the origin of our deficient relationship with God. In Valentinianism, deficiency or ignorance is identical with spiritual death. According to the *Gospel of Philip*, "When Eve was still in Adam, death did not exist. When she was separated from him, death came into being" (*Gospel of Philip* 63; cf. Genesis 3:19; see also *Gospel of Philip* 70). However, this allegory ends on an optimistic note. The passage in Genesis that follows the separation of Eve from Adam describes how "a man leaves his father and mother and is united with his wife, and they become a single flesh" (Genesis 2:24). According to the Valentinians, this "man" is Christ, who descends from the Fullness (Pleroma) to unite with his partner, Sophia/Eve. As Theodotus says, "he came forth, full of the Aeons, as one who proceeded from the All" (*Excerpts of Theodotus* 23:1).  

Christ is the second Adam, who comes to undo the fall. According to the *Gospel of Philip*, "Adam came into being from two virgins, from the Spirit and from the virgin earth. Christ, therefore, was born of a virgin to rectify the fall which occurred in the beginning" (*Gospel of Philip* 74). Elsewhere in the same work, it says, "Christ came to repair the separation which was from the beginning and again unite the two, and to give Life to those who died as a result of the separation and unite them. But the woman is united to her husband in the bridal chamber. Indeed, those who have united in the bridal chamber will no longer be separated" (*Gospel of Philip* 70).  

The *Gospel of Philip* states, "if she (Sophia/Eve) enters into him and he takes her to himself, death will no longer exist" (*Gospel of Philip* 63). Similarly, according to the *Exegesis on the Soul*, "once they unite with one another, they become a single life. Wherefore the prophet said concerning the first man and woman, 'They will become a single flesh.' For they were originally joined to one another when they were with the Father, before the woman led astray the man, who is her brother" (*Exegesis on the Soul* 132:34-133:6).  

The *Interpretation of Knowledge* contrasts the "sleep" (Genesis 2:21) of ignorance, which brings about the separation, with the "sleep" of gnosis, which reverses it. According to this author, "From being counted with the female (i.e., Sophia), sleep brought labor and the sabbath, which is the world. But from being counted with the Father, sleep brought the Sabbath and the exodus from the world of the beasts" (*Interpretation of Knowledge* 11:18-22). It allows us to reverse the fall and "enter through the rib whence you came" (*Interpretation of Knowledge* 10:34-35; cf. Genesis 2:21-22).  

Thus, Sophia/Eve is to be reunited with Christ/Adam, and the fall will be undone. Similarly, the female "seed" within each of us is to be reunited with its male angelic counterpart. As Theodotus concludes in his discussion of the separation of Adam and Eve, "the female... unites itself with the angels and enters into the Fullness" (*Excerpts of Theodotus* 21:3). Through gnosis, "we are raised equal to angels, restored to the males, member to member, to form a unity" (*Excerpts of Theodotus* 22:2). Accordingly, "when Sophia (Wisdom) receives her consort and Jesus receives the Christ and the seeds and the angels; then the Fullness will receive Sophia (Wisdom) joyfully, and the All will come to be in unity and reconciliation" (*Valentinian Exposition* 39).

Ignorance, Fog, and Error: The Apostate Nation of Judah in the Time of Jesus

Title: Ignorance, Fog, and Error: The Gospel of Truth from the Nag Hammadi Library

In the context of the Gospels and early Christian writings, ignorance, fog, and error can be understood as symbolic representations of the spiritual state of the apostate nation of Judah during the time of Jesus. These terms do not necessarily imply supernatural entities but instead describe the collective condition of a people who had turned away from true knowledge and had embraced a distorted understanding of God’s purpose.

For this reason, error was angry with him, so it persecuted him. It was distressed by him, so it made him powerless. He was nailed to a cross. He became a fruit of the knowledge of the Father. He did not, however, destroy them because they ate of it. He rather caused those who ate of it to be joyful because of this discovery. Gospel of Truth

Ignorance as the Source of Apostasy

The Gospel of Philip states:

"Ignorance is the mother of [all evil]. Ignorance leads to [death, because] those who come from [ignorance] neither were nor [are] nor will be."

This passage can be interpreted as a reference to the leaders of Judah who had fallen into religious legalism, misunderstanding the true purpose of the Law. Their ignorance was not a simple lack of knowledge but a willful rejection of the deeper truth that Jesus proclaimed. The Pharisees and Sadducees, who held authority over religious interpretation, imposed rigid traditions that burdened the people rather than bringing them closer to God. Their ignorance led them to reject Jesus as the Messiah, ultimately leading to their spiritual downfall and the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE.

"The word says, ‘If you know the truth, the truth will make you free.’ Ignorance is a slave, knowledge is freedom."

Here, ignorance can be equated with the spiritual bondage of Judah’s leadership, who were enslaved to their own traditions. They believed that strict adherence to their interpretations of the Law would bring righteousness, yet they failed to recognize that righteousness comes through faith and understanding of God's true will. By contrast, those who embraced Jesus’ teachings gained knowledge, which brought freedom from this legalistic oppression.

Fog as a Symbol of Spiritual Blindness

The Gospel of Truth expands on this theme by describing ignorance as a dense fog:

"This ignorance of the Father brought about terror and fear. And terror became dense like a fog, that no one was able to see. Because of this, error became strong."

Fog consists of particles of water suspended in the air, resembling very light rain. When warm, humid air rises from the earth and cools to the dew point, moisture condenses because cool air cannot hold as much water as warm air. If this occurs near the ground, it forms fog; if higher in the sky, it becomes a cloud. (Psalm 135:7; Proverbs 25:14; Jeremiah 10:13; Jeremiah 51:16) Moisture that condenses on cool objects such as the ground or vegetation, typically at night, is described as dew. (Exodus 16:13, 14; Judges 6:36-40)) Mist is composed of airborne particles of moisture, larger than fog particles but smaller than raindrops.

Note: Fog is denser than mist and tends to last longer.

From the start, the Gospel of Truth employs figurative language, making it clear that it is not speaking about natural fog but rather using the word "fog" as an analogy drawn from the natural world.

The fog is that which beclouded the minds of the All, arising from the vain imaginations and traditions of their evil hearts.

Fog represents the lack of clear understanding between the carnal mind and the true spiritual understanding of the Father, symbolizing spiritual blindness. (2 Peter 1:9: "For in whomever these things are not present, he is blind, being short-sighted, having received forgetfulness of the purification from his former sins.") (2 Peter 2:17: "These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them.")

Fog, therefore, is a symbol of the "fog" of false teaching and false religion.

The Cold Division of Ignorance and the Warmth of Truth

A description of fog from the Gospel of Truth:

“It’s something in a soul-endowed delusion (psychical form), like cold water sunk into loose earth. Those who see it think that it’s just earth. Afterwards, it dissolves again. If a breath draws it, it becomes warm. Afterward, it evaporates if a breath of wind draws it, and it becomes warm. The cold aromas, then, are from division. For this reason, faith came and destroyed division and brought the warm fullness of love, so that the cold may not return, but the unity of perfect thought may prevail.”

The term psychical form comes from the word psuchè (“soul, breath”), and when related to psychros (“cold”), it reminds us of a well-known etymological pun: the verb psuchô means “to blow” as much as “to breathe,” “to cool down” or “to get cold.”

This suggests that the fog of ignorance was a chilling force that separated people from the warmth of divine truth.

The religious leaders of apostate Judah had built their traditions on cold, lifeless doctrines that divided the people and kept them enslaved to error. But Jesus came to destroy that division and bring the warmth of divine knowledge. His teachings cut through the fog, revealing the Father to those who had been kept in darkness.

This imagery aligns with how Jesus described the religious leaders of his time. In Matthew 15:14, Jesus called them “blind guides,” emphasizing their inability to lead the people toward truth. The "fog" represents the confusion and fear that resulted from their teachings. Instead of providing clarity, they obscured true understanding with layers of human traditions and political concerns.

During Jesus' time, the priesthood was deeply entwined with Roman rule. The high priests, appointed by Roman authorities, often prioritized political stability over spiritual truth. Their fear of losing power contributed to their resistance against Jesus. This fear, described metaphorically as a fog, clouded their judgment, preventing them from recognizing Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.

"For this reason, do not take error too seriously. Thus, since it had no root, it was in a fog as regards the Father, engaged in preparing works and forgetfulnesses and fears in order, by these means, to beguile those of the middle and to make them captive."

This passage highlights how the leaders of Judah focused on outward works rather than true faith. Their "works"—such as temple rituals and strict Sabbath observance—became empty practices because they lacked the proper foundation in God's true will. Their fear of losing control led them to mislead the people, ensuring their continued captivity in ignorance.

Error as the Corrupt System of Judah

Error is depicted as something that appears strong but ultimately lacks substance:

"It was in a fashioned form while it was preparing, in power and in beauty, the equivalent of truth. This then, was not a humiliation for him, that illimitable, inconceivable one. For they were as nothing, this terror and this forgetfulness and this figure of falsehood, whereas this established truth is unchanging, unperturbed and completely beautiful."

The outward beauty of the temple system and religious hierarchy masked its underlying corruption. The leaders of Judah believed they were preserving God’s truth, but in reality, they had built a system that opposed His will. Their power was temporary and ultimately crumbled, as Jesus had foretold (Matthew 24:2).

The phrase “they were as nothing” reflects the fate of this system. Though the religious leaders held influence, their authority was ultimately hollow. When the Romans destroyed the temple, their power was lost, proving that their version of truth was unsustainable.

The End of Forgetfulness and the Revelation of True Knowledge

This opening paragraph from Gospel of Truth concludes with a powerful statement:

"Forgetfulness did not exist with the Father, although it existed because of him. What exists in him is knowledge, which was revealed so that forgetfulness might be destroyed and that they might know the Father."

The ignorance, fog, and error that characterized apostate Judah were not eternal. Jesus came to dispel this forgetfulness by revealing the true knowledge of God. His teachings cut through the fog of fear and tradition, bringing light to those who were willing to see.

Ultimately, the failure of Judah’s leadership was not merely a political or social issue but a spiritual crisis rooted in their rejection of truth. Their ignorance enslaved them, their fear blinded them, and their errors built a fragile system that could not endure. In contrast, Jesus offered a path to true freedom through knowledge, inviting all who were willing to see beyond the veil of tradition and recognize the deeper reality of God's purpose.

Explaining the Emanation of the Aeons Using the Septuagint

Explaining the Emanation of the Aeons Using the Septuagint 

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

The concept of divine emanation is central to Valentinian cosmology, where the Aeons are understood as attributes or aspects of God emanating in harmonious order. The Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, provides significant insights into this perspective, particularly through its use of the term **Aion** and related expressions.  

### **The Aeonian God and Divine Emanation**  

In **Deuteronomy 33:27**, the phrase **"eternal God"** is rendered in the LXX as **"θεὸς ὁ αἰώνιος"**—**"the Aeonian God."** This phrase aligns with Valentinian thought, in which the **Aeons** are divine emanations proceeding from the Father. The LXX translation suggests that God is not simply timeless but the very source of Aeonian existence, from which the Aeons emanate.  

**Translation (LXX-based):**  

*"The Aeonian God is your refuge, and underneath you is protection by His arms; He will drive out the enemy from before you, saying: ‘Perish!’"*  

The use of **Aion** here implies not merely an infinite duration but a structured, divine reality within which God operates, mirroring the Pleroma of Aeons in Valentinian cosmology.  

### **From Aeon to Aeon: The Continuum of Divine Emanation**  

**Psalm 90:2** expresses a concept foundational to emanationist theology:  

**Translation (LXX-based):**  

*"Before the mountains were formed, and before the earth and world were made, from the Aeon to the Aeon, You are."*  

The phrase **"from the Aeon to the Aeon"** suggests a **continuum of divine emanation**, where existence unfolds within the framework of Aeons rather than being a singular, undivided eternity. This aligns with the Valentinian idea that the Pleroma consists of successive emanations from the divine Depth (**Bythos**), forming the structured realm of divine attributes.  

### **God Dwelling in the Aeon**  

**Isaiah 57:15** further supports this interpretation:  

**Translation (LXX-based):**  

*"For thus says the Lord, the Most High, who dwells in the Aeon, and His name is Holy: He dwells in the holy place and rests among the lowly in spirit and those humbled in heart."*  

Here, the LXX uses **τὸν αἰῶνα (the Aeon, the Age)** where the Hebrew text employs **עַד (ad)**, meaning perpetuity. The **Aeon** is not just a temporal concept but a dwelling place—a realm within which God abides. In Valentinian thought, this resonates with the idea of God dwelling within the **Pleroma**, the fullness of Aeonic emanations that reflect His divine attributes.  

### **Wisdom as an Emanation**  

The **Wisdom of Solomon 7:25-26** explicitly describes divine emanation:  

**Translation (LXX-based):**  

*"For she is a breath of the power of God and a pure emanation (**ἀπόρροια**) of the glory of the Almighty; therefore, nothing defiled shall fall into her. For she is the radiance of eternal light, the spotless mirror of the power of God, and the image of His goodness."*  

The use of **ἀπόρροια (aporrhoia)**—meaning "emanation"—reinforces the concept that divine attributes flow outward from the divine Source. This aligns with Valentinian thought, where **Sophia** (Wisdom) is an Aeon whose emanation plays a pivotal role in the cosmological structure of the Pleroma.  

### **The Word as an Emanating Principle**  

The **Wisdom of Solomon 9:1-2** continues this theme:  

**Translation (LXX-based):**  

*"O God of my fathers, and Lord of mercy, who has made all things by Your word, and by Your wisdom has formed man, that he should have dominion over the creatures You have made."*  

Here, creation itself is attributed to the **Word** (*Logos*) and **Wisdom**, both of which are seen as emanations from God in Valentinian thought. The Aeons, including **Logos** and **Zoe** (Life), are divine principles through which the cosmos is ordered and animated.  

The concept of Aeons existing in syzygies, or paired opposites, is a fundamental feature of Valentinian cosmology. This idea finds a parallel in **Sirach 42:14 (LXX):** _"All things are in pairs, one opposite the other, and He has made nothing incomplete."_ In Valentinian thought, the Aeons emerge as male-female pairs, reflecting the completeness and harmony of the divine realm. This pairing symbolizes the balance of complementary aspects—intellect and manifestation, thought and expression—ensuring that nothing in the divine order is isolated or lacking. Such a structure mirrors the broader ancient philosophical principle that completeness is achieved through duality and unity.  

The concept of **Bythos (Depth) as the origin of all emanations** aligns with the description of Wisdom in **Proverbs 8:22-24 (LXX):** _"The Lord created me as the beginning of His ways, for His works. He established me before the age, in the beginning, before He made the earth. Before the depths (ἄβυσσοι) were brought forth, before the fountains of water came forth, I was begotten."_ In Valentinianism, Bythos is the primordial depth from which all Aeons emanate. This passage presents Wisdom as an eternal principle brought forth before the material world, resonating with the idea that the first Aeon to emerge from Bythos is Mind (Nous), which contemplates and unfolds divine thought. The mention of the abyss (*abyssoi*) further reinforces the connection to Bythos, emphasizing the depth from which divine order and knowledge spring forth.  

The notion of divine Wisdom being eternal and boundless finds strong resonance with the Valentinian concept of the **Pleroma**, the fullness of divine attributes. **Sirach 1:1-4 (LXX)** states: _"All wisdom comes from the Lord and is with Him forever. The sand of the sea, the drops of rain, and the days of eternity—who shall count them? The height of heaven, the breadth of the earth, and the depth of the abyss—who shall search them out? Wisdom was created before all things, and the understanding of prudence from eternity."_ The Pleroma in Valentinian thought represents the totality of divine emanations within God’s fullness. This passage expresses the immeasurable nature of divine wisdom, akin to how the Valentinian Pleroma is described as an ineffable, eternal reality beyond full human comprehension.  

Together, these passages illuminate key aspects of Valentinian cosmology: the pairing of Aeons in syzygies, the primordial depth as the source of divine emanation, and the concept of a divine fullness from which all Wisdom originates. They demonstrate how biblical texts, particularly in the Septuagint, contain themes that harmonize with Valentinian interpretations of creation and the divine structure of reality. These scriptural foundations provide insights into how the Valentinians articulated their theological framework using language and ideas already present in Jewish wisdom traditions.  

### **Conclusion**  

The Septuagint provides a rich framework for understanding divine emanation, particularly in its use of **Aion** and **ἀπόρροια** to describe God's relationship with existence. Key passages illustrate how:  

1. **God as the Aeonian One** suggests He is the source of the Aeons, which are His divine attributes.  

2. **The phrase "from Aeon to Aeon"** indicates a structured, emanative process rather than a simple concept of eternity.  

3. **God dwelling in the Aeon** reflects the Valentinian understanding of the Pleroma as the fullness of divine being.  

4. **Wisdom as an emanation** (ἀπόρροια) confirms that divine attributes flow outward in a structured manner.  

5. **The Word and Wisdom as creative forces** align with the Valentinian Logos and Zoe as fundamental Aeons in the divine order.  

These insights reveal that the Septuagint, when read through an emanationist lens, provides strong theological foundations for the Valentinian understanding of Aeonic emanation within the Pleroma. The use of **Aion** and **ἀπόρροια** suggests that existence unfolds as a divine process, where each Aeon emanates from the preceding one, forming a harmonious structure that ultimately leads back to the Father, the Source of all emanation.

Valentinian Scriptural Interpretation: A Systematic Approach to Biblical Exegesis

**Valentinian Scriptural Interpretation: A Systematic Approach to Biblical Exegesis**  

Valentinian exegesis is often misunderstood as arbitrary or overly speculative, yet it follows a systematic approach. In her works *The Gnostic Paul* (1973) and *The Johannine Gospel in Gnostic Exegesis* (1975), Elaine Pagels demonstrates that the Valentinian school applied a structured hermeneutic to biblical interpretation. Unlike the more literal interpretations of their contemporaries, Valentinians believed that scripture contained deeper, spiritual meanings. While some passages, such as the Sermon on the Mount, carried spiritual significance in their plain sense, others concealed profound allegorical truths.  

Valentinians justified their interpretive method with Jesus’ own words:  

> “The knowledge about the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but to the rest it comes by means of parables so that they may look but not see and listen but not understand” (Luke 8:9-10, cf. *Irenaeus, Against Heresies* 1.3.1).  

Following this principle, they held that Paul and the other apostles conveyed esoteric teachings only to the spiritually mature:  

> “We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature” (1 Corinthians 2:6).  

The Valentinians identified their own teachings with these hidden apostolic traditions, believing that only those initiated into this wisdom could correctly interpret scripture. They saw their tradition as a "secret key" to unlocking biblical meaning:  

> “The scriptures are ambiguous and the truth cannot be extracted from them by those who are ignorant of tradition” (*Irenaeus, Against Heresies* 3.2.1).  

For Valentinians, scripture was to be understood metaphorically. The *Gospel of Philip* states:  

> “Truth did not come into the world naked; rather it came in prototypes and images: the world will not accept it in any other form” (*Gospel of Philip* 67:9-12).  

Thus, biblical events and characters symbolized deeper realities:  

> “The Gospels and all of the events described in them are representations of ones in that other realm” (*Irenaeus, Against Heresies* 1.7.2).  

> “[They are] a symbol and a dispensation for the conversion and salvation of humanity” (*Acts of John* 102).  

The Valentinians distinguished their approach from those who harmonized the Gospels with the Mosaic Law. They saw the spiritual law of love as superseding the old covenant. In the *Letter to Flora*, Ptolemy writes that God does not reveal Himself through historical events directly but symbolically. Thus, revelation comes only through proper interpretation.  

### The Three Levels of Interpretation  

Valentinian theology structures reality into three levels:  

1. **Pleroma (Fullness)** – The spiritual realm of Aeons.  

2. **Kenoma (Void)** – The realm where the lower Sophia was cast.  

3. **Cosmos** – The world created by the Craftsman (Demiurge).  

Each level of reality corresponded to a level of biblical exegesis (Pagels, 1973). The cosmic level was available to the broader Christian audience, while the kenomic and pleromic levels were reserved for the spiritually mature:  

> “Because their value can be judged only on a spiritual basis” (1 Corinthians 2:14).  

#### **1. Cosmic Interpretation**  

The cosmic level concerns the structure of reality and the threefold nature of humanity: spirit, mind, and body. It is evident in texts such as *The Fragments of Herakleon*, *Letter to Flora*, and *Treatise on the Resurrection*.  

For instance, Herakleon interprets the Samaritan woman in John’s Gospel as an archetype of those who have attained a spiritual state. The distinction between the Demiurge and the true God is also explored at this level.  

Valentinians did not neglect ethical teachings. They believed Jesus fulfilled and transcended the Mosaic Law with the spiritual law of love. Ptolemy, in the *Letter to Flora*, regards the Ten Commandments as a pure but imperfect law, fulfilled in Christ. Other laws, such as fasting regulations, were read allegorically:  

> “To fast” meant to abstain from sin (*Letter to Flora* 33.5.13-14).  

Jesus abolished unjust and merely human laws:  

> “Unjust laws and human laws instituted by Moses and the elders were abolished by Jesus” (*Letter to Flora* 33.4.10, 33.4.14, 33.5.1).  

#### **2. Kenomic Interpretation**  

The kenomic level concerns the myth of Sophia’s fall, her suffering, and the creation of the three substances (*Irenaeus, Against Heresies* 1.8.2, 1.8.4).  

Interpretation at this level identifies certain biblical figures allegorically. Wisdom (Sophia), the Demiurge, and the Savior correspond to different characters. For instance, the centurion in Matthew 8:9 is linked to the Demiurge (*Irenaeus, Against Heresies* 1.7.4).  

Additionally, the sayings of Jesus are interpreted as referring to Sophia’s struggle, the Savior’s mission, and the Demiurge’s role in creation.  

#### **3. Pleromic Interpretation**  

The pleromic level represents the most esoteric exegesis, revealing the nature of the divine Aeons. Ptolemy’s *Commentary on the Prologue of John* exemplifies this, interpreting John’s Gospel in terms of Aeons such as Word (Logos), Life (Zoe), Grace, and Truth (*Irenaeus, Against Heresies* 1.8.5; *Excerpts of Theodotus* 6.4).  

Other examples include:  

> “Beginning”, “Life”, “Word”, “Humanity”, “Grace”, and “Truth” as Aeons in the Fullness (*Irenaeus, Against Heresies* 1.1.3, 1.3.1-2).  

### **Multiple Interpretations: A Layered Approach**  

Pagels (1973) demonstrates that a single biblical passage could be interpreted at multiple levels—cosmic, kenomic, and pleromic.  

For instance, John 1:3 states:  

> “All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made.”  

- **Cosmic Level**: Ptolemy and Herakleon interpret this as referring to the Savior, through whom the Demiurge created all things (*Herakleon Fragment 1; Letter to Flora* 3.26).  

- **Kenomic Level**: Theodotus interprets it as referring to the Savior’s role in delivering fallen Wisdom and creating the external elements of the universe (*Excerpts of Theodotus* 45.3; cf. *Irenaeus, Against Heresies* 1.4.5).  

- **Pleromic Level**: Ptolemy sees it as referring to the Aeon Word (Logos), who, alongside Life (Zoe), generated all subsequent Aeons (*Irenaeus, Against Heresies* 1.8.5; *Excerpts of Theodotus* 6.4).  

This layered approach illustrates the depth of Valentinian hermeneutics, revealing how scripture discloses different realities to different levels of understanding.  

### **Conclusion**  

Valentinian scriptural interpretation was not arbitrary but systematic, rooted in the belief that scripture conveys spiritual truths through allegory. By distinguishing between cosmic, kenomic, and pleromic readings, Valentinians developed a sophisticated exegesis that sought to reveal deeper divine realities. Their hermeneutic, though rejected by the emerging orthodox tradition, provides insight into early Christian approaches to scripture and remains a subject of scholarly interest today.

 Valentinian Christianity was structured around different levels of instruction, distinguishing between literal, exoteric, and esoteric teachings. Each level was tailored to the individual's spiritual development, ensuring that people received teachings appropriate to their capacity. This system of instruction was seen as following the example of Jesus, who adapted His teachings to the understanding of His listeners.  

### Levels of Instruction  

Instruction was divided into three levels. The **literal** level consisted of the basic narrative of Jesus' life as found in the Gospels. This was the most accessible and was given to those who were considered unready for deeper truths.  

The **exoteric** (publicly available) level contained Valentinian doctrines applied to the cosmic order, including teachings on resurrection, the Law, Christology, and the three natures of humanity. This level of instruction was given to those who showed greater spiritual capacity, particularly those considered to be at the *psychic* level of development.  

The **esoteric** level was the highest and most guarded, consisting of advanced teachings about the Pleroma and the complex myth of the fall. Only those who had achieved a spiritual level of development were entrusted with this knowledge. These individuals were bound by the "duty of Silence," ensuring that esoteric knowledge was not disclosed to non-initiates, as noted by Tertullian:  

*"It is hard to get anything out of them regarding their teachings if you were perceived as hostile" (Tertullian, *Against the Valentinians* 1).*  

The Valentinian approach required teachers to assess a person's level of understanding and provide instruction accordingly. This principle is expressed in the *Acts of John*, where Jesus states:  

*"I must adapt myself to your hearing and according to each person's capacity I will impart to you those things of which you can be hearers" (Acts of John 87).*  

This idea is further elaborated in the *Gospel of Philip*, which uses the metaphor of different foods to represent different levels of instruction:  

*"Bodily forms will not deceive them, rather they consider the condition of each person's soul and they speak to that person accordingly. In the world there are many animals that have human form. If the disciples of God recognize that they are hogs, they feed them acorns; if cattle, barley chaff and fodder; if dogs, bones; if slaves, a first course; if children, a complete meal" (Gospel of Philip 81:3-13).*  

This passage illustrates that those at a material level received only basic teachings ("acorns," "chaff," and "bones"), while those who were at a *psychic* level received deeper instruction ("a first course"). Those considered spiritual were given the *complete meal*—the full esoteric teachings.  

Most Christians, according to the Valentinians, were at the *psychic* level and capable of growth. Those who progressed spiritually could eventually receive the highest instruction. Tertullian records that this advanced instruction could last as long as five years and required rigorous self-discipline (*Against the Valentinians* 1).  

### Myth and Metaphor  

The Valentinians believed that while their teachings were hidden allegorically within the Bible, the myths they used were not to be taken as literal history. Instead, they were metaphorical tools used to describe profound spiritual realities that were otherwise inexpressible. The *Gospel of Philip* states:  

*"Truth did not come into the world naked; rather it came in prototypes and images: the world will not accept it in any other form" (Gospel of Philip 67:9-12).*  

This means that truth could only be communicated through symbolic representations. The Valentinian approach to scripture and doctrine differed sharply from that of their orthodox contemporaries. Since they viewed teachings as metaphorical, they did not insist on strict doctrinal uniformity. Instead, they allowed for diversity in interpretation, with different teachers emphasizing various aspects of myth and theology.  

Despite these variations, all Valentinian teachings were seen as part of a greater unified understanding. The differences among Valentinian teachers were considered minor variations on a central theme, not contradictions. This flexibility distinguished them from their orthodox counterparts, who insisted on rigid doctrinal formulations.  

In summary, Valentinian instruction was highly structured, progressing from the literal to the esoteric, with teachings tailored to each individual’s spiritual development. The use of myth and metaphor was essential to their worldview, allowing them to express ineffable truths in symbolic language. Unlike their orthodox critics, they valued diversity in interpretation rather than doctrinal uniformity, seeing all teachings as part of a greater spiritual whole.

Valentinian Monism

**Valentinian Monism**

Monism is the philosophical view that all things are derived from a single, unified source. It posits that apparent distinctions or separations between various entities are ultimately illusions or misunderstandings of a deeper, singular reality.

Valentinianism, often categorized as a form of Gnosticism, has been recognized as fundamentally monistic, rather than dualistic, in its view of reality. While some Gnostic systems, such as those associated with the Sethians, are often characterized by radical dualism (Jonas 1963), Valentinianism is different in its emphasis on the unity of the divine and the interconnectedness of all things. As Elaine Pagels points out in *The Gnostic Gospels*, Valentinianism "differs essentially from dualism" (Pagels 1978), a distinction which has been further elaborated by scholars like Simon Petrement (1990) and William Schoedel (1980). This article aims to explore the key aspects of Valentinian monism.

In Valentinian thought, God is understood as containing all things within Himself, embodying a singular, unified reality. Irenaeus, in *Against Heresies* (2:4:2), quotes a Valentinian source asserting that "the Father of all contains all things, and that there is nothing whatever outside of the Pleroma." Similarly, another Valentinian text echoes this idea by stating that God "contains in himself all things and is himself not contained" (Epiphanius, *Panarion* 31:5:3). Ptolemy, a prominent Valentinian teacher, describes God as "uncontained" (Irenaeus, *Against Heresies* 1:1:1), reinforcing the notion that God transcends all boundaries and contains the totality of existence.

Valentinus, the founder of Valentinianism, frequently used similar language to describe God’s relationship with creation. In the *Gospel of Truth* (17:5-9), he states that "the entirety was inside of him—the inconceivable, uncontained, who is superior to all thought." This reflects a view of God that is not limited by any external force or structure, and indeed, He "surrounds every way while nothing surrounds him" (Gospel of Truth, 22:22-26). According to the *Valentinian Exposition* (Nag Hammadi), "He possessed the All dwelling within him...He encompassed the All, He who is higher than the All." Such expressions assert that God is the source of all reality, and all things are ultimately contained within Him.

This view aligns with the Stoic pantheistic monism, as noted by Bentley Layton (1987), who describes the Valentinian cosmology as one where "all is enclosed by God and ultimately all is God." Unlike the radical dualism often attributed to other Gnostic systems, Valentinian thought emphasizes that the divine realm is not separate from the material world but rather encompasses it. The distinction between the divine and the created is one of knowledge and ignorance, rather than an ontological separation.

The *Gospel of Truth* (17:4-6) reflects this view, stating that the entirety is within the Father, yet it remains ignorant of Him: "the entirety searched for the one from whom they had emanated." This ignorance is seen as the source of error, creating a false perception of reality. In Valentinianism, the material world is viewed as a product of this ignorance, an illusion arising from the separation of the emanations from the Father. Valentinus elaborates on this concept by describing the "realm of appearance" as akin to a bad dream (Gospel of Truth, 29:8-10f), suggesting that what we perceive in the physical realm is not the ultimate reality but a distorted reflection of the true divine state.

Valentinians describe the material world in metaphorical terms, often comparing it to "images" or "shadows" of the divine realm. Irenaeus (2:14:3) records that "those things which are 'outside' of the Fullness have no true existence... These things are images of those which truly exist." This analogy mirrors Plato's famous cave allegory, where shadows on a wall represent an imperfect and incomplete understanding of the true forms. In this framework, the material world is not separate from God but is instead a lower, illusory manifestation of His divine essence.

Despite the apparent separation, Valentinians believe that all things ultimately emanate from the Father and are thus still within the divine unity. As Irenaeus (2:4:2) notes, the entirety is "contained by the ineffable Greatness, as the center is in a circle, or as a spot is in a garment." The metaphor of a circle or garment emphasizes the idea that while things may appear distinct or separate, they are, in fact, contained within the unity of the divine. This non-dualistic perspective is central to Valentinian monism, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things and the illusory nature of the distinctions we make between them.

The process of salvation in Valentinianism is seen as a return to this unified reality. Knowledge (gnosis) of the Father dissolves the illusion of multiplicity, revealing the true unity of all things. The *Gospel of Truth* (24:28-25:19) states that "since deficiency and suffering had their origin in ignorance, the entire system originating in ignorance is dissolved by knowledge." Through gnosis, the soul transcends the illusory separation from God and reunites with the divine source. As Valentinus writes, "from the moment the Father is known, the lack will not exist...lack passes away in completion" (Gospel of Truth, 24:28-25:19).

Ultimately, Valentinian monism presents a vision of a unified reality in which all things are contained within the Father. The material world, though seemingly separate, is part of the divine whole. The illusion of duality—between spirit and matter, good and evil, life and death—is dissolved through the knowledge of God, leading to a return to the ultimate unity of the Pleroma. In this view, the ultimate goal is to recognize the interconnectedness of all things and to transcend the false distinctions that arise from ignorance.

Thomas Hobbes and Valentinian Monism: A Connection Through Theodotus Fragment 10  

Thomas Hobbes, a 17th-century philosopher, was a proponent of materialist monism, the belief that all things in existence are composed of a single substance: matter. In his view, everything in the universe, including thought, perception, and even what many consider spiritual or supernatural, is material in nature. This perspective aligns in a significant way with the teachings of Valentinian Gnosticism as reflected in Theodotus' *Excerpta ex Theodoto*, specifically Fragment 10. This passage asserts that even the highest spiritual beings, including those in the Pleroma, have form and body, making them corporeal rather than purely immaterial.  

Hobbes’s philosophy, particularly his rejection of incorporeal entities, resonates with Theodotus' assertion that everything, even in the highest realms, possesses shape and substance. Theodotus writes:  

*"But not even the world of spirit and of intellect, nor the archangels and the First-Created, no, nor even he himself is shapeless and formless and without figure, and incorporeal; but he also has his own shape and body corresponding to his preeminence over all spiritual beings, as also those who were first created have bodies corresponding to their preeminence over the beings subordinate to them. For, in general, that which has come into being is not unsubstantial, but they have form and body, though unlike the bodies in this world."*  

This passage fundamentally rejects the idea of purely immaterial existence. The Pleroma, often thought of as the highest spiritual realm in Valentinianism, is not an abstract or incorporeal place but consists of entities with distinct form and body. Even the Only-Begotten Son is described as possessing a shape and nature, though different from material bodies on earth. Theodotus further states that the First-Created beings, though distinct in number, exist in unity, equality, and similarity because of their shared perfection from the beginning.  

Hobbes's materialist monism echoes this understanding of reality. He rejected the notion of an incorporeal God or incorporeal beings. According to Hobbes, everything that exists is composed of material bodies in motion, governed by physical laws. In *Leviathan*, he states:  

*"The universe, that is the whole mass of things that are, is corporeal, that is to say, body; and hath the dimensions of magnitude, namely, length, breadth, and depth. Every part of the universe is body, and that which is not body is no part of the universe."*  

This view aligns with Theodotus' assertion that even in the spiritual realm, there is no formless or purely immaterial being. For both Hobbes and Theodotus, existence is defined by substance and form. Theodotus emphasizes that even the act of seeing the Father requires form and corporeality:  

*"Yet that which sees and is seen cannot be formless or incorporeal. But they see not with an eye of sense, but with the eye of mind, such as the Father provided."*  

This statement reinforces the idea that perception, even in the highest realms, necessitates a kind of material presence. Though the eye of the mind differs from physical sight, it still operates within a framework where all things have form and body. Similarly, Hobbes viewed thoughts, perceptions, and even consciousness itself as material processes resulting from interactions between bodies.  

The connection between Hobbes’s philosophy and Theodotus’ Valentinian theology is striking because both reject a purely dualistic or supernaturalist worldview in favor of one that maintains corporeality at all levels of existence. Hobbes's rejection of immaterial substances and Theodotus' insistence on the corporeality of even the highest spiritual beings suggest a form of monism that, though differing in details, shares a fundamental assumption: that reality, whether physical or spiritual, is material and has form.  

While traditional Christian theology often posits an incorporeal God and purely spiritual angels, Theodotus' teaching diverges significantly by maintaining that all things, even in the Pleroma, have bodies. This is an essential distinction that sets Valentinian Gnosticism apart from mainstream theological traditions and brings it closer to Hobbes's philosophical materialism.  

In conclusion, both Hobbes and Theodotus present a view in which everything that exists, whether divine, human, or angelic, possesses form and substance. Hobbes’s materialist monism asserts that all things are bodies in motion, while Theodotus’ Valentinian teaching affirms that even the highest spiritual entities are corporeal. In both perspectives, there is no place for the formless or the purely immaterial, making Theodotus’ Valentinian cosmology uniquely compatible with Hobbes’s materialist philosophy.