reality of the authorities

 On account of the reality of the authorities, (inspired) by the spirit of the father of truth, the great apostle - referring to the "authorities of the darkness" [The blinding power of sin] - told us that "our contest is not against flesh and blood; rather, the authorities of the universe [the order of things] and the spirits of wickedness." [“the rulers of this dark world”, who at the time were the Romans “Principalities” is translated “magistrate” in Luke 12:11; human “rule”, in the sense of human government, in 1 Corinthians 15:24, and the “power” of the Roman governor in Luke 20:20. So it does not necessarily have reference to any power or prince in heaven. Note that the wrestling is spiritual wrestling to keep the faith (2 Cor. 10: 3-5). This time of evil had already begun as Paul was writing (Eph. 5:16)- “the days are evil’. ] I have sent this (to you) because you inquire about the reality of the authorities. 

This passage from the Hypostasis of the Archons is referencing the "authorities of the darkness," which is interpreted by some to mean the blinding power of sin. The "authorities of the universe" mentioned here are not necessarily referring to any power or prince in heaven, but rather to human government and those who hold power and rule over others. The wrestling mentioned is spiritual wrestling to keep the faith, not a physical struggle against other people. Overall, this passage is emphasizing the importance of recognizing the reality of the forces that can work against us in our spiritual journey and the need to remain steadfast in our faith.

Their chief [the roman empire, and the pontiff maxamus] is blind [SPIRITUAL ) The apostle Paul spoke to the Ephesian congregation about having the eyes of their heart enlightened. (Eph 1:16, 18) Jesus points out that those who profess to be Christians but who are not conscious of their spiritual need are blind and naked, not discerning their pitiful, groping condition. (Re 3:17) Just as being in darkness for a long period of time will cause blindness to the natural eyes, the apostle John points out that a Christian who hates his brother is walking aimlessly in a blinding darkness (1Jo 2:11); and Peter warns that one not developing Christian fruitage, the greatest of which is love, is “blind, shutting his eyes to the light.” (2Pe 1:5-9)]; because of his power and his ignorance [not knowing,] and his arrogance he said, with his power, "It is I who am God; there is none apart from me." When he said this, he sinned against the entirety. [No one you should delude by any turn; because, if not may come the falling away first, and may be revealed the man of the sin, the son of the destruction, 4  he opposing and lifting up himself above all being called a god or an august object, so that him into the temple of the God to be seated, openly showing himself, that he is a god.] And this speech got up to incorruptibility; then there was a voice that came forth from incorruptibility, saying, "You are mistaken, Samael" [It is said that he was the guardian angel of Esau and a patron of the Roman empire. Here he is the pontiff maxamus] - which is, "god of the blind." [the soul-merchants of the earth have been able to establish themselves as the spiritual guides of the people. Blind, intensely blind and intoxicated, they are leading the blind and reeling multitudes into an unfathomable abyss;]

This passage appears to be discussing the spiritual blindness of the chief of the Roman Empire and the pontiff Maxamus. The writer draws upon biblical references to highlight the importance of having spiritual insight and avoiding arrogance and ignorance, which can lead to blindness. The writer also warns against false teachings and false prophets who lead people astray.

The reference to the chief of the Roman Empire and the pontiff Maxamus being blind is likely symbolic of their spiritual blindness, rather than a physical ailment. The writer suggests that their blindness is due to their power, ignorance, and arrogance, which has led them to proclaim themselves as gods. This kind of hubris is seen as a sin against the entirety, suggesting that it goes against the natural order of things.

The passage also references Samael, who is identified as the guardian angel of Esau and a patron of the Roman Empire, and who is addressed as "god of the blind." This could be interpreted as a rebuke of Samael's role in supporting the blindness and arrogance of the Roman Empire and the pontiff Maxamus.

His thoughts became blind. [a blind leader of the blind into the ditch of perdition? The spiritual guides accepted of the people, are the "blind Pharisees" of our day, whose "light within" is the darkness of a "Christendom," apocalyptically designated, "the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt" (Apoc. 11:8)] And, having expelled his power - that is, the blasphemy he had spoken - he pursued it down to chaos and the abyss, his mother [MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH."--Revelation 17:5 ], at the instigation of Pistis Sophia. [Sophia is Isis ] And she established each of his offspring in conformity with its power - after the pattern of the realms that are above, for by starting from the invisible world the visible world was invented. 

As incorruptibility looked down into the region of the waters, her image appeared in the waters; and the authorities of the darkness became enamoured of her. But they could not lay hold of that image, which had appeared to them in the waters, because of their weakness - since beings that merely possess a soul cannot lay hold of those that possess a spirit - for they were from below, while it was from above. This is the reason why "incorruptibility looked down into the region (etc.)": so that, by the father's will, she might bring the entirety into union with the light. 

The rulers laid plans and said, "Come, let us create a man that will be soil from the earth." They modeled their creature as one wholly of the earth. Now the rulers [...] body [...] they have [...] female [...] is [...] with the face of a beast. They had taken some soil from the earth and modeled their man after their body and after the image of God that had appeared to them in the waters. They said, "Come, let us lay hold of it by means of the form that we have modeled, so that it may see its male counterpart [...], and we may seize it with the form that we have modeled" - not understanding the force of God, because of their powerlessness. And he breathed into his face; and the man came to have a soul (and remained) upon the ground many days. But they could not make him arise because of their powerlessness. Like storm winds they persisted (in blowing), that they might try to capture that image, which had appeared to them in the waters. And they did not know the identity of its power. 

Now all these things came to pass by the will of the father of the entirety. Afterwards, the spirit saw the soul-endowed man upon the ground. And the spirit came forth from the Adamantine Land; it descended and came to dwell within him, and that man became a living soul. It called his name Adam, since he was found moving upon the ground. A voice came forth from incorruptibility for the assistance of Adam; and the rulers gathered together all the animals of the earth and all the birds of heaven and brought them in to Adam to see what Adam would call them, that he might give a name to each of the birds and all the beasts. 

They took Adam and put him the garden, that he might cultivate it and keep watch over it. And the rulers issued a command to him, saying, "From every tree in the garden shall you eat; yet from the tree of recognizing good and evil do not eat, nor touch it; for the day you eat from it, with death you are going to die." 

They [...] this. They do not understand what they have said to him; rather, by the father's will, they said this in such a way that he might (in fact) eat, and that Adam might <not> regard them as would a man of an exclusively material nature. 

The rulers took counsel with one another and said, "Come, let us cause a deep sleep to fall upon Adam." And he slept. - Now the deep sleep that they "caused to fall upon him, and he slept" is Ignorance. - They opened his side like a living woman. And they built up his side with some flesh in place of her, and Adam came to be endowed only with soul. 

And the spirit-endowed woman came to him and spoke with him, saying, "Arise, Adam." And when he saw her, he said, "It is you who have given me life; you will be called 'mother of the living'. - For it is she who is my mother. It is she who is the physician, and the woman, and she who has given birth." 

Then the authorities came up to their Adam. And when they saw his female counterpart speaking with him, they became agitated with great agitation; and they became enamored of her. They said to one another, "Come, let us sow our seed in her," and they pursued her. And she laughed at them for their witlessness and their blindness; and in their clutches she became a tree, and left before them her shadowy reflection resembling herself; and they defiled it foully. - And they defiled the stamp of her voice, so that by the form they had modeled, together with their (own) image, they made themselves liable to condemnation. 

Then the female spiritual principle came in the snake, the instructor; and it taught them, saying, "What did he say to you? Was it, 'From every tree in the garden shall you eat; yet - from the tree of recognizing good and evil do not eat'?" 

The carnal woman said, "Not only did he say 'Do not eat', but even 'Do not touch it; for the day you eat from it, with death you are going to die.'" 

And the snake, the instructor, said, "With death you shall not die; for it was out of jealousy that he said this to you. Rather your eyes shall open and you shall come to be like gods, recognizing evil and good." And the female instructing principle was taken away from the snake, and she left it behind, merely a thing of the earth. 

And the carnal woman took from the tree and ate; and she gave to her husband as well as herself; and these beings that possessed only a soul, ate. And their imperfection became apparent in their lack of knowledge; and they recognized that they were naked of the spiritual element, and took fig leaves and bound them upon their loins. 

Then the chief ruler came; and he said, "Adam! Where are you?" - for he did not understand what had happened. And Adam said, "I heard your voice and was afraid because I was naked; and I hid." 

The ruler said, "Why did you hide, unless it is because you have eaten from the tree from which alone I commanded you not to eat? And you have eaten!" 

Adam said, "The woman that you gave me, she gave to me and I ate." And the arrogant ruler cursed the woman. 

The woman said, "It was the snake that led me astray and I ate." They turned to the snake and cursed its shadowy reflection, [...] powerless, not comprehending that it was a form they themselves had modeled. From that day, the snake came to be under the curse of the authorities; until the all-powerful man was to come, that curse fell upon the snake. 

They turned to their Adam and took him and expelled him from the garden along with his wife; for they have no blessing, since they too are beneath the curse. Moreover, they threw mankind into great distraction and into a life of toil, so that their mankind might be occupied by worldly affairs, and might not have the opportunity of being devoted to the holy spirit. 

Now afterwards, she bore Cain, their son; and Cain cultivated the land. Thereupon he knew his wife; again becoming pregnant, she bore Abel; and Abel was a herdsman of sheep. Now Cain brought in from the crops of his field, but Abel brought in an offering (from) among his lambs. God looked upon the votive offerings of Abel; but he did not accept the votive offerings of Cain. And carnal Cain pursued Abel, his brother. 

And God said to Cain, "Where is Abel, your brother?" 

He answered saying, "Am I, then, my brother's keeper?" 

God said to Cain, "Listen! The voice of your brother's blood is crying up to me! You have sinned with your mouth. It will return to you: anyone who kills Cain will let loose seven vengeances, and you will exist groaning and trembling upon the earth." 

And Adam knew his female counterpart Eve, and she became pregnant, and bore Seth to Adam. And she said, "I have borne another man through God, in place of Abel." Again Eve became pregnant, and she bore Norea. And she said, "He has begotten on me a virgin as an assistance for many generations of mankind." She is the virgin whom the forces did not defile. 

Then mankind began to multiply and improve. The rulers took counsel with one another and said, "Come, let us cause a deluge with our hands and obliterate all flesh, from man to beast." But when the ruler of the forces came to know of their decision, he said to Noah, "Make yourself an ark from some wood that does not rot and hide in it - you and your children and the beasts and the birds of heaven from small to large - and set it upon Mount Sir." 

Then Orea came to him, wanting to board the ark. And when he would not let her, she blew upon the ark and caused it to be consumed by fire. Again he made the ark, for a second time. 

The rulers went to meet her, intending to lead her astray. Their supreme chief said to her, "Your mother Eve came to us." But Norea turned to them and said to them, "It is you who are the rulers of the darkness; you are accursed. And you did not know my mother; instead it was your female counterpart that you knew. For I am not your descendant; rather it is from the world above that I am come." 

The arrogant ruler turned, with all his might, and his countenance came to be like (a) black [...]; he said to her presumptuously, "You must render service to us, as did also your mother Eve; for I have been given [...]." But Norea turned, with the might of [...]; and in a loud voice, she cried out up to the holy one, the God of the entirety, "Rescue me from the rulers of unrighteousness and save me from their clutches - forthwith!" 

The <great> angel came down from the heavens and said to her, "Why are you crying up to God? Why do you act so boldly towards the holy spirit?" 

Norea said, "Who are you?" The rulers of unrighteousness had withdrawn from her. 

He said, "It is I who am Eleleth, sagacity, the great angel who stands in the presence of the holy spirit. I have been sent to speak with you and save you from the grasp of the lawless. And I shall teach you about your root." 

(Norea apparently now speaking) Now as for that angel, I cannot speak of his power: his appearance is like fine gold and his raiment is like snow. No, truly, my mouth cannot bear to speak of his power and the appearance of his face! 

Eleleth, the great angel, spoke to me. "It is I," he said, "who am understanding. I am one of the four light-givers, who stand in the presence of the great invisible spirit. Do you think these rulers have any power over you? None of them can prevail against the root of truth; for on its account he appeared in the final ages; and these authorities will be restrained. And these authorities cannot defile you and that generation; for your abode is in incorruptibility, where the virgin spirit dwells, who is superior to the authorities of chaos and to their universe." 

But I said, "Sir, teach me about the faculty of these authorities - how did they come into being, and by what kind of genesis, and of what material, and who created them and their force?" 

And the great angel Eleleth, understanding, spoke to me: "Within limitless realms dwells incorruptibility. Sophia, who is called Pistis, wanted to create something, alone without her consort; and her product was a celestial thing. A veil exists between the world above and the realms that are below; and shadow came into being beneath the veil; and that shadow became matter; and that shadow was projected apart. And what she had created became a product in the matter, like an aborted fetus. And it assumed a plastic form molded out of shadow, and became an arrogant beast resembling a lion. It was androgynous, as I have already said, because it was from matter that it derived. 

Opening his eyes, he saw a vast quantity of matter without limit; and he became arrogant, saying, "It is I who am God, and there is none other apart from me". When he said this, he sinned against the entirety. And a voice came forth from above the realm of absolute power, saying, "You are mistaken, Samael" - which is, 'god of the blind'. 

And he said, "If any other thing exists before me, let it become visible to me!" And immediately Sophia stretched forth her finger and introduced light into matter; and she pursued it down to the region of chaos. And she returned up to her light; once again darkness [...] matter. 

This ruler, by being androgynous, made himself a vast realm, an extent without limit. And he contemplated creating offspring for himself, and created for himself seven offspring, androgynous just like their parent. And he said to his offspring, "It is I who am god of the entirety." 

And Zoe (Life), the daughter of Pistis Sophia, cried out and said to him, "You are mistaken, Sakla!" - for which the alternative name is Yaltabaoth. She breathed into his face, and her breath became a fiery angel for her; and that angel bound Yaldabaoth and cast him down into Tartaros below the abyss. 

Now when his offspring Sabaoth saw the force of that angel, he repented and condemned his father and his mother, matter. He loathed her, but he sang songs of praise up to Sophia and her daughter Zoe. And Sophia and Zoe caught him up and gave him charge of the seventh heaven, below the veil between above and below. And he is called 'God of the forces, Sabaoth', since he is up above the forces of chaos, for Sophia established him. 

Now when these (events) had come to pass, he made himself a huge four-faced chariot of cherubim, and infinitely many angels to act as ministers, and also harps and lyres. And Sophia took her daughter Zoe and had her sit upon his right to teach him about the things that exist in the eighth (heaven); and the angel of wrath she placed upon his left. Since that day, his right has been called 'life'; and the left has come to represent the unrighteousness of the realm of absolute power above. It was before your time that they came into being. 

Now when Yaldabaoth saw him (Sabaoth) in this great splendor and at this height, he envied him; and the envy became an androgynous product, and this was the origin of envy. And envy engendered death; and death engendered his offspring and gave each of them charge of its heaven; and all the heavens of chaos became full of their multitudes. But it was by the will of the father of the entirety that they all came into being - after the pattern of all the things above - so that the sum of chaos might be attained. 

"There, I have taught you about the pattern of the rulers; and the matter in which it was expressed; and their parent; and their universe." 

But I said, "Sir, am I also from their matter?" 

"You, together with your offspring, are from the primeval father; from above, out of the imperishable light, their souls are come. Thus the authorities cannot approach them, because of the spirit of truth present within them; and all who have become acquainted with this way exist deathless in the midst of dying mankind. Still, that sown element will not become known now. Instead, after three generations it will come to be known, and it has freed them from the bondage of the authorities' error." 

Then I said, "Sir, how much longer?" 

He said to me, "Until the moment when the true man, within a modeled form, reveals the existence of the spirit of truth, which the father has sent. 

Then he will teach them about everything, and he will anoint them with the unction of life eternal, given him from the undominated generation. 

Then they will be freed of blind thought, and they will trample underfoot death, which is of the authorities, and they will ascend into the limitless light where this sown element belongs. 

Then the authorities will relinquish their ages, and their angels will weep over their destruction, and their demons will lament their death. 

Then all the children of the light will be truly acquainted with the truth and their root, and the father of the entirety and the holy spirit. They will all say with a single voice, 'The father's truth is just, and the son presides over the entirety", and from everyone unto the ages of ages, "Holy - holy - holy! Amen!'" 

The Reality 

of the Rulers 

Gnostics and Magic On the Origin of the World The Nag Hammadi Library

Gnostics and Magic On the Origin of the World

an opening from the lyrics of john Lennon song God:  

I don't believe in magic

I don't believe in I-Ching

I don't believe in tarot

I don't believe in Buddha

I don't believe in mantra

I don't believe in Gita

I don't believe in yoga 

Let us return to the aforementioned rulers, so that we may offer some explanation of them. Now, when the seven rulers were cast down from their heavens onto the earth, they made for themselves angels, numerous, demonic, to serve them. And the latter instructed mankind in many kinds of error and magic and potions and worship of idols and spilling of blood and altars and temples and sacrifices and libations to all the spirits of the earth, having their coworker fate, who came into existence by the concord between the gods of injustice and justice. (On the Origin of the World)

Let us return to the aforementioned rulers, so that we may offer some explanation of them. Now, when the seven rulers (bishops) were cast down from their heavens onto the earth (the fall of Jerusalem 70C.E.), they made for themselves angels (other churches which had gone astray), numerous, demonic (see James 3:15 rotherhams bible) , to serve them. And the latter instructed mankind in many kinds of error and magic (witchcraft) and potions (sorcery) and worship of idols (false gods) and spilling of blood and altars and temples and sacrifices and libations to all the spirits of the earth, having their coworker fate, who came into existence by the concord between the gods of injustice and justice. (On the Origin of the World)

, the "rulers" in the text of On the Origin of the World is understood to refer to the bishops or other church leaders who were in power during the time of the fall of Jerusalem in 70 CE. The text suggests that these rulers were cast down from their position of authority and influence and became corrupted, leading them to turn away from God and lead their followers astray.

The angels made by these rulers are interpreted as other churches or religious groups that also went astray and followed their false teachings. The various kinds of error, magic, and worship of false gods mentioned in the text are seen as the sins and false teachings of these corrupt church leaders and their followers.

The coworker fate mentioned in the text is understood to be the result of the injustice and corruption of these rulers and their followers. The concord between the gods of injustice and justice implies that there is a balance between good and evil in the world, and that this balance is affected by the actions of individuals and groups, such as the corrupt rulers and their followers. In the text, the rulers (interpreted as bishops or church leaders) instructed mankind in many kinds of error, magic, and potions. This could be interpreted as the corrupt religious leaders promoting false teachings and practices, such as magic and potions, which were seen as forms of witchcraft and sorcery. This would have been viewed as particularly dangerous and misleading to the early Christian community, as they believed in a strict adherence to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The reference to magic and potions could also be a metaphor for the use of deceitful tactics and manipulation by the corrupt leaders in order to maintain their power and influence over the people.

Witchcraft was direct opposition to God.

Secret arts and uncanny powers presumably used to accomplish things beyond what is natural—associated with spiritistic, occult powers.

All such notions naturally gave rise to a crafty class of magic-practicing priests, who exercised great power over the lives of the people, extorting large payments from those under their influence on the pretense of possessing supernatural powers over and beyond those of the demons. The people believed that these professional sorcerers could invoke the demons to obey but that the demons had no power over the sorcerers.
These spiritistic practices, so-called sciences, were developed and used by the ancient Chaldeans of Babylonia. Isaiah, in the eighth century B.C.E., tells us that Babylon of his day was rife with sorceries of all sorts. (Isa 47:12-15) More than a century later, in the days of Daniel, the magic-practicing priests were still a part of the Babylonian court. (Da 1:20; 2:2, 10, 27; 4:7; 5:11) This expression “magic-practicing priests” is a literal and explicit translation of the Hebrew.

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew language describes witches as practitioners of magic and jugglers who pretend through skill in occult science to reveal the future and manipulate life events. God condemns Manasseh, the eldest son of King Hezekiah, for promoting and participating in a variety of related practices, such as observing times, using enchantments and witchcraft, dealing with familiar spirits and wizards, and worshiping the power of images and idols (2 Chr 33:6-7). God abhorred these “abominations of the heathen” (v2) and repeatedly declares their power to be nothing.

In the New Testament Paul identifies several “works of the flesh” including “idolatry and witchcraft.” (Gal 5:19). The Greek word for witchcraft is pharmakeia, Strong’s 5331, which is the origin of the English word for pharmacist. In other words, witchcraft was akin to someone who provided first-century drugs, spells or potions and attributed unexplained happenings to something other than God. Metaphorically, it refers to the deception and seduction of idolatry and witchcraft. Paul even equates this practice with other obvious immoral behavior and reveals that “Those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Gal 5:21 NIV).

In the Revelation, this same Greek word is used to describe the practices of heathen systems that God will destroy in preparation for his Kingdom on earth (Rev 9:21; 18:23; 21:8). Instead of wasting time and money on practices to objects that have no power and are godless, He wants us to follow Him so that He can say, “I will be his God.” (Rev 21:7).

The Law and Witchcraft

God provides several commands about witchcraft shortly after Israel left Egypt. Egypt had been a nation steeped in a culture of mysticism. Moses and Aaron had personally confronted Pharoah’s magicians to contrast their powerlessness with the majesty of God during a protracted appeal to “Let my people go.” (Exod 5:1-3). Through these demonstrations, both Israel and Egypt were to recognize that only God was all-powerful. They could trust in Him to take care of them, control weather and events, and did not need to fear other supposed powers.

Furthermore, the Canaanites were also steeped in the worship of pagan gods and behavior associated with witchcraft. As they prepared to enter and cleanse this land, God issues explicit instructions: “Thou shall not suffer [permit] a witch to live.” (Exod 22:18). This is a strong expression which God repeats in Lev 20:27 and is used to prevent any false sympathy or misplaced tenderness towards a person of such character.

Instead, these individuals were to be rooted out from among the Israelites because witchcraft was considered a capital offence, and an act of rebellion against God and His authority. It was direct opposition to God. Any form of witchcraft practice was strongly opposed in Israel because it implied a use of the supernatural outside of, and hostile to, the power of God.

Shortly after, God reiterates the same explicit instruction: “Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them.” (Lev 19:31 ESV). And later, He commands “Let no one be found among you… who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead.” (Deut 18:10-11 NIV). These practices and people were “detestable to the LORD.” (v. 12). Instead, He emphasizes in the context of both verses that He wanted Israel (and us) to appreciate His sovereignty and unrivalled powers: “I am the LORD your God.” (Lev 19:31; 20:24).

What are the principles we can take from the Law of Moses regarding witchcraft? There are four. 

• The LORD demands absolute loyalty and does not tolerate any involvement with other gods or spirits.
• Israel’s God was the only all-powerful God.
• Those who use witchcraft, sorcery, familiar spirits, or associated practices are opposing God.
• Practitioners of witchcraft were to be exterminated.

Saul and Jacob–Tempted by Witchcraft

God also demonstrates His abhorrence for witchcraft in the life of King Saul. In 1 Samuel 28, the Philistine army confronts Saul, and his heart is filled with fear. Israel was in grave danger and Saul was in desperate need of military advice. He turns first to the LORD, however, because of his earlier disobedience to God, he did not receive an answer (v. 6).

Desperate for direction, Saul then turns to witchcraft: “Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her.” (v. 7). Saul’s actions cannot be condoned, and they demonstrate how desperation and impatience can lead to similar sins in our own lives. Earlier, Saul had “put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land” (v. 3), upholding God’s laws that stringently opposed their existence. Ironically, he now returns to these very practices, though Samuel had warned Saul that “rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft.” (1 Sam 15:23). By disobeying God, and consulting a witch, Saul had now sinned in both arenas. Chronicles confirms that he died on both accounts (1 Chr 10:13). If we disobey God and uphold powers other than God’s, we will also distance ourselves from the all-powerful God of this world.

Jacob is another example of someone tempted with the option of witchcraft. But he responded differently than Saul. Genesis suggests that Laban and his daughters were influenced by magic and divination. Leah, his mother, and Rachel both believed that the mandrake plant held special powers of fertility (vv. 14-15), and Leah even imagines they will help her bear children to Jacob (v. 16). Later, Laban confesses his belief in witchcraft when he says, “I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me because of you [Jacob].” (v. 27 ESV). Finally, as Jacob prepares to leave Laban for Canaan, Rachel steals the household idols of her father, which were believed to hold special powers, and presumably would benefit their travels (Gen 31:19 ESV).

However, in stark contrast, Jacob instead attributes the powers working in his life to be from God. He states, “The God of my father has been with me” (v. 5), “God has not allowed him [Laban] to harm me” (v. 7), “God has taken away your father’s livestock and has given them to me” (v. 9), “God has seen my hardship and the toil of my hands.” (v42). Jacob never attributes any of his children, prosperity, or difficulties to the powers of divination, images, witches, or mysticism which influenced Laban and his daughters. He always attributes them to the true God of Israel, as it should also be with us as fellow believers.

Summary

If we really believe the records of Israel, Saul, Jacob, and Paul mentioned above, then we will not be able to accept that witches or witchcraft will have any effect upon us or others. Like Jacob, we must have faith that God is with us and will help us with our lives in good times and bad. The examples considered show that witches do not have power over God’s people–which we know we are, by reason of our calling and baptism.

In summary God’s Word teaches us that:

• God’s people must seek counsel from God through prayers and believing.
• Believers need to retain their faith in God, even in the most adverse of circumstances and not only despise witchcraft, but also root it out.
• God deems witchcraft as a human fabrication, employed to cheat others. Witchcraft is powerless.
• Those who believe or practice witchcraft must be rebuked through God’s word, so that they may have hope of the coming Kingdom of God.
• Brethren should not associate themselves with witchcraft of believe in other supernatural powers. 

Mary Magdalene is a symbol of wisdom and the church The Gospel of philip

Mary Magdalene is a symbol of wisdom and the church The Gospel of philip

Literal meaning of Mary:

Mary, ma'-ry (fr. Heb.)--contradiction; rebellious outcry; bitter complaint; bitterness; myrrh; bitter waters; aromatic spirits.

Mary Magdalene is a figure of wisdom and the church the bride of Christ she is also a leader of the early church

Mary Magdalene is an inspired leader of the early church

Mary Magdalene is seen as one of the most important of Jesus' disciples

Mary Magdalene is honoured as one of the first witnesses of the Resurrection of Jesus, and received a special commission from him to tell the Apostles of his resurrection
Mary Magdalene, who according to John 20:17–18 and Mark 16:9–1 was commissioned by the risen Jesus to inform the disciples of his resurrection, is called "the apostle to the apostles".

Matthew 28:1–8 and Luke 24:10 speak of women (in the plural), including Mary Magdalene, carrying out this function. An early Christian commentary on the Song of Songs, has Christ speak of two women, whom it calls Mary and Martha, as apostles to the apostles: "Christ showed himself to the (male) apostles and said to them: ... 'It is I who appeared to these women and I who wanted to send them to you as apostles.

Jesus could have appeared first to Peter, John, or one of the other male disciples. Instead, he chose to favour these women by making them the first eyewitnesses of his resurrection and by commissioning them to bear witness about it to his male disciples

Symbolic meaning of Mary: 

The feminine, the soul, the affectional and emotional phase of man's being, both when seemingly bound and limited by sensate thought, and in its freed, exalted state.

Through Jesus seven demons were cast out of Mary Magdalene. This means the releasing of the mind and heart (soul) from the emotional errors that have their existence in the unregenerated feelings, and establishes peace and poise in the consciousness raised to divine understanding and power,. As the soul is purified and lifted day by day out of the bondage of the errors (demons), it pours out upon the whole consciousness. Both soul and understanding (love and wisdom) must enter into our affirmations of Truth if those affirmations are really to become substance and life to us.

There were three who always walked with the Lord: Mary, his mother, and her sister, and Magdalene, the one who was called his companion. For Mary is his sister and his mother and his companion. (The Gospel of Philip)

The sentence suggests that there is only a single Mary one who is his mother, his sister, and his companion. The Gospel of Philip wants us to see these figures are more than literal historical characters

Truth did not come into the world naked, but it came in types and images. The world will not receive truth in any other way. There is rebirth and its image. The Gospel of Philip

Mary a symbol of repentance from the vanities of the world.
Mary is also an image of a greater spiritual truth:

As for the Wisdom who is called "the barren," she is the mother of the angels. And the companion of the Saviour. Mary Magdalene she is the one the Saviour loved her more than all the disciples, and used to kiss her often on her mouth. The rest of the disciples they said to him "Why do you love her more than all of us?" The Savior answered and said to them,"Why do I not love you like her? When a blind man and one who sees are both together in darkness, they are no different from one another. When the light comes, then he who sees will see the light, and he who is blind will remain in darkness." (The Gospel of Philip)

Isaiah 54:1 "Sing, barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband," says Yahweh.

Gal 4:26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written, “Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labour! For the children of the desolate one will be more than those of the one who has a husband.”

if we understand Mary as wisdom this explains how she is at once mother, sister and his companion

she is the mother of the angles and his spiritual sister since the son does not have children but siblings and his female counterpart

Mt 12:50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

Mr 3:35 For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

Luke 7:35 But wisdom is justified of all her children.

This helps to explains how Mary is at once Mother his spiritual sister and companion

The word angel means messengers this could be divine or human messengers. However I would understand that the angels are human messengers begotten by spiritual wisdom the word of God
with a spiritual kiss

Kissing refers to the close acceptance of spiritual teaching for not only does the Lord suggest that the male disciples should seek to be loved by him in the same way, but he also says:

We are nourished by the promise of heaven, from the mouth of the word. If the word emanated from the mouth, it is perfect. For it is by a kiss that the perfect conceive and give birth. For this reason we also kiss one another. (The Gospel of Philip)

This again explains how Mary is at once Mother for she conceives and gives birth to spiritual teaching through the kiss, his spiritual sister and companion. This shows the special relationship of Mary Magdalene to Jesus based on her spiritual perfection

I would argue that Mary Magdalene is a figure for the bridal archetype of the Church. That is, she is a symbol or sign for the Church that is called into relationship with it’s spiritual spouse, Christ the Divine Bridegroom.

Then, “Jesus said to her, “Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God” (John 20:17).

“Do not touch me” or “do not hold me.” It is here that the Song of Songs continues to inform us of what is happening, “when I found him whom my soul loves. I held him, and would not let him go.” (Song 3:3-4).

Jesus wasn’t holding Mary away at arms length, as some would imagine. In fact, she was embracing him, and he tells her she has to let him go now, and fulfil her mission: to be a witness of this encounter and an “apostle to the apostles.”

Mary Magdalene therefore not only models the courageous and faithful disciple who remained with Jesus through his crucifixion, but she also reveals the Church as a missionary Bride to us. Each member of the Body of Christ, must encounter the Lord, as she did. We must embrace him with love (something we can do every time we pray and remember his sacrifice). But, no faith, no matter how powerful and personal is ever private. We cannot simply cling to Jesus for ourselves. He sends us forth, the Good News of our Risen Lord is meant to be shared and lived out by loving others with his tender love.

Aeon Spiritual Time Psalm 90:4 2Peter 3:8

spiritual time Odes of Solomon Ode 9

Ode 9 

1 Open your ears and I will speak to you. Give me your souls that I may also give you my soul,
2 The word of the Lord and His good pleasures, the holy thought which He has devised concerning his Messiah.
3 For in the will of the Lord is your salvation, and His thought is everlasting life; and your end is immortality.
4 Be enriched in God the Father, and receive the thought of the Most High.
5 Be strong and be redeemed by His grace.

 6 For I announce to you peace, to you His saints;

Philo speaks of "aeon" as being in the life of God what "time" is in the life of Man. Time is measured by physical motion, but aeon by spiritual motion. Spiritual motion can only be conceived of, by us men, as "Thought". It is God's Thought. 

God's Thought as is reiterated throughout the Odes is a Thought, Plan, or Design, of Redemption for Man. This Thought was revealed by God's Word or Son moving and expressing Himself in the sons of Man, more especially in Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 

Galatians 3:16 Now to Abraham were the promises spoken, and to his seed. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

These three Philo calls "measures of aeon," that is to say, phases of God s Thought of Redemption as it was developed through Faith, Joy, and Righteousness

Philo says (i. 277) that "time,", being measured by the motions of the physical Cosmos, may be called son of Cosmos, but only the grandson (not the son) of God, who is the Father of Cosmos.

Aeon, he says, is the archetype of Time. We might be disposed to say that it must be measured by the motions of God's Thought; but he thinks of God's Thought as never past or future but always present: (id.) "In aeon, nothing has passed away, nothing is future, but everything simply subsists."

Ps 90:4  For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.

2Pe 3:8  But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day [is] with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

 The Hebrew view is that God combines past, present, and future, in a motion that is also rest. 

Elsewhere Philo says that the race of Wisdom produced (i. 455) "the threefold fruits of him that seeth, [namely], Israel." These are "Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob," and he calls these three "measures of aeon" i.e. apparently of divine Time. According to Philo (i. 342),

 "aeonian" does not mean "infinite in time" but "He that is graciously giving always and continuously...," in other words, "infinite in His scope of graciousness," so that no limit of space, time, or thought, can be attached to it.

For him the heroes of Israel are incarnate thoughts of God. His series of illustrations is a picture-book of the progressive phases of God's foreordained redemptive Purpose expressed in human beings. It represents spiritual lives (which are, as Philo says, "measures of aeon 1"],

When Abraham "believed." Nothing outward and visible took place then. But inwardly and invisibly a new spiritual period began, the period, or age (aeon), of "Faith." Such an age is not measured by days or years or by "time" at all. For time depends on physical, aeon on spiritual, motion

With Abraham began the aeon of Faith.

Then after the aeon of Joy typified by Isaac, and the aeon of Hopeful Endurance typified by Jacob, and after the silent aeons of the Egyptian oppression during which the patriarchal seed was being prepared to grow up into the tree of national life came Moses

Now the divine Aeons are not in time and space the Aeons of the Father they always have been and they are and they always will be as they are part of God just our thought or gnosis of the existence of the true Father brings about the creation of those things the beginning of those things for us you see but they always were those vital forces or those essences always existed.

The Repentance and Restoration of Sophia Genesis 3:16

The Restoration of Sophia

The restoration of Sophia

opening reading from the gospel of Philip

When Eve was still with Adam, death did not exist. When she was separated from him, death came into being. If he enters again and attains his former self, death will be no more.

If the woman had not separated from the man, she should not die with the man. His separation became the beginning of death. Because of this, 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. Thus Eve separated from Adam because it was not in the bridal chamber that she united with him. (Gospel of Philip)

Israel surely would not have been visited by god and brought out of the land of Egypt and the house of bondage if it had not sighed to god and wept about its oppressive labors. Again in the Psalms it is written, (the Exegesis of the soul)

This whole account is an allegory of what is occurring in the heavens (to include the earth). The Father separated a part from within Himself (“Ruach”, the feminine spirit that moves in all creation) and infused it into the body of Adam (mankind). This resulted in the beginning of the first death for the spirit became “individualized” (i.e. was given free will) in the foreknowledge that we might learn through experience all of the facets of the Father’s love and wisdom. It was the only way our heavenly Father could introduce to us the complete knowledge of good and evil that we might come to know the power of agape’ (love).

“Israel” represents the wife who was separated from Him by the veil of flesh that they might learn obedience through suffering (something they could not achieve any other way).

Lamentations 2 New International Version
2:1 How the Lord has covered Daughter Zion with the cloud of his anger!
He has hurled down the splendor of Israel from heaven to earth;
he has not remembered his footstool in the day of his anger.

Jesus was the “firstborn in many brothers” who rent the veil of flesh and by doing so He became the head of the bride of which each body part is being united in the bridal chamber(s) (through the image, our hearts) one member at a time until the whole body is completed. Then shall the dead all be raised in Christ and those who belong to Him at His coming that they be caught away to be with Him for the grand ceremony!

Eve is the mother if all living also a symbol of wisdom and the tree of life

Gen 2:20 ¶ And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.

Pr 3:18 She [is] a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy [is every one] that retaineth her.

Reading again now from the Gospel of Philip with commentary notes

When Eve [holy spirit (mother of everyone living)] was still with Adam [still in the creative thoughts of the Father], death did not exist [God does not die, hence His image and likeness would not die as long as it continued in Oneness with the Father]. When she was separated from him [when she was manifest in creation as individual spirit consciousness (i.e. was able to make independent choices)], death came into being [by making the wrong choice to follow a path contrary to Gods Law causing double mindedness – it is the separation of the will of the Father from the will of individual spirit]. If he enters again [into harmony with the will of the Father] and attains his former self [brings body, soul and spirit back together as One], death will be no more [this is victory over death] (Philip 56)

The separation of Eve from Adam happened at the fall:

Eve, through her presumptuous action, had lost her equality, her "one-ness" with her husband, and her restoration to this position was made subject to him.

Genesis 3:16 And to the woman He says, "Multiplying, yea, multiplying am I your grief and the groaning of your pregnancy. In grief shall you bear sons. "Yet by your husband is your restoration, and he shall rule over you. (Concordant Literal Version)

Some read teshuwqah, return, instead of teshuwqwah, desire. The Concordant Version reads: "By your husband is your restoration, and he shall rule over you."

The Septuagint and Syriac are similar, and render "turning or returning." The Septuagint renders by the Greek apostrophee, "a turning oneself, an escape, a place of refuge from evil" (see Liddell & Scott Greek Lexicon).

"Desire" is "teshuwqah", found in the OT only here and in Gen 3:16; 4:7; Song 7:10. Eve’s desire was for what she had lost, but hoped to regain it through him. This expresses a desire to return, a desire for oneness, a desire that the individual will (even HIS will!) should be subordinated to the needs of the unit which is the couple: "And the two will become one flesh" (Eph 5:31; cp Jn 17:21; Act 4:32; 27:23; 1Co 6:19,20). Instead "teshuwqah" some read "teshuwbah" return. Thus the Concordant translation renders: “By your husband is your restoration and he shall rule over you”. the LXX and the Syriac also render it as “return.” all these meanings are most significant. 

Spiritually, this state of equality between man and woman is restored in Christ (see Gal. 3:28), for both have equal privileges and status in him. But this is only a token of the complete restoration to equality with "the man" Christ Jesus in the age to come, to which the Lord referred in his prayer: "That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent me" (John 17:21).

As for the Wisdom who is called "the barren," [the little wisdom (Phi 28)] she is the mother of the angels [those who were anointed as men of "God" i.e. the righteousness seeking people who overcome the world and become prophets and guides to the royal line of Israel]. And the companion of the [...Christ was called] Mary Magdalene.  [...He] loved her more than all the disciples [she represents those with a pure heart who are willing and able to hear what the spirit is saying], and used to kiss her often on her mouth [this is a euphemism for passing on the deeper meanings of the Word in love (see Philip 32) – Mary obviously had a pure and unadulterated heart which is what Jesus loves most in people so He was willing to answer her deeper questions, ones the disciples would not ask]

Eve being the mother of all living she is justified by her children

Luke 7:35 But wisdom is justified of all her children.

The restoration of Sophia begins with her children Believers justify or vindicate Sophia

Wisdom or Sophia could be used collectively of the ecclesia the Bride of Christ we can see this from The Exegesis on the Soul it is at the end of the text when we get a clear understanding of who or what the soul is.

Repentance

Reading now from the The Exegesis on the Soul:

Israel surely would not have been visited by god and brought out of the land of Egypt and the house of bondage if it had not sighed to god and wept about its oppressive labors. Again in the Psalms it is written,

I was greatly troubled in my groaning. I will bathe my bed and my cover each night with my tears. I have become old in the midst of all my enemies. Depart from me, all you who work at lawlessness, for look, the lord has heard the cry of my weeping and the lord has heard my prayer.

If we repent, truly god will heed us, he who is long-suffering and abundantly merciful, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (The Exegesis on the Soul)

The text seems to be referring to the nation of Israel or the Israel of God the ecclesia collectively has the soul which needs to repent this can be seen at the end of the document:

If we repent, [we like Israel need to ask for forgiveness] truly God will listen to us, he who is long suffering and abundantly merciful, to whom is the glory for ever and ever. Amen! (Exegesis on the Soul )

The word repent is a Jewish or Hebrew term and would be understood by Jewish-Christian readers

"If we repent, truly God will listen to us,"

The soul is used collectively for the nation of Israel and the church or the Israel of God. (Galatians 6:16) The author of the Exegesis on the Soul is using figurative language the soul is symbolic of a group of people (Genesis 14:21 Genesis 23:8 Jeremiah 48:6)

In the phrase "If we repent, truly God will listen to us" It is obvious "We" is the members of the Church or the spiritual Israel. It also shows the text is addressing a group of people calling them to repentance.

Just as the soul is an allegory for the sons of Israel or the church so is Wisdom or Sophia

So our repentance is also the repentance of Sophia remember wisdom is justified of all her children.

The Restoration

Song of Solomon 7:10 New International Version

I belong to my beloved, and his desire is for me.

When the Bride exclaims: "His desire is toward me," she means that the promised restoration is directed to her, that she has been chosen to enjoy this privilege. It is significant, that immediately upon making this statement, she launches into a description of labor to be performed in mutual cooperation: "let us go forth," "let us lodge," "let us get up early," "let us see." When her Lord returns she shall be united to him, and will experience that glorious unity promised, including a restoration of that state of fellowship and equality that existed before sin entered into the world.

Therefore, Christ came to correct the separation that was from the beginning. There was both unity and equality in Eden before sin made its ugly appearance. The man and the woman were as one rejoicing together before God, which was brought to an end by the seductive suggestion of the serpent, and its terrible fruit of sin. 

The unity in Eden was broken, and because the woman was first in the transgression, she was brought into subjection to her husband (1Tim 2:12-14). After God told the serpent, He would provide a Redeemer who would bruise its head and release man from its power (sin). sentence was than pronounced upon the woman: Gen 3:16 And to the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy pains and thy groanings; in pain thou shall bring forth children, and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. Your desire... to Your husband: Woman's desire to man, Christ: Song 2:16; 6:3. Man's pre-eminence over his wife: Eph 5:22-24. 

Eve was reminded that her restoration, return, was subject to her husband, and that he must exercise the rule over her. Eve, however, was typical of the bride of Christ, and these words spoken to her have an added significance when related to the bride. The restoration of the bride is subject to her husband (Christ), and he must bear rule over her, if she would attain unto it.

What is the restoration?

That unity for which Christ prayed the Father when he declared: John: 17:20,21 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

This expresses the complete union of marriage; that oneness that shall only be experienced when the marriage of the lamb hath come. For the moment, the bride is espoused as a “chaste virgin” to Christ, and in this relationship, there is partial restoration. Thus, Paul wrote: Galatians: 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 

Paul taught that in Christ there is a restoration of oneness. We experience that initially at baptism, for no matter of which sex we might be, we are than made personally responsible to Christ. But the “oneness” there indicated, is but a token of the complete restoration in the future, when Christ’s prayer will be fulfilled, and when, taking her to himself in the bridal chamber, he will acknowledge that they are “one flesh” (Eph 5:31). Meanwhile, the second Eve remains in subjection to her husband (1Tim 2:11-12 Eph 5:22 Col 3:18)

The Marriage

Reading again from the Exegesis on the Soul

Then, by the will of the father, the bridegroom came down to her in the bridal chamber, which had been prepared. And he decorated the chamber.

This marriage is not like carnal marriage, in which those who make love with each other become satiated in their lovemaking. And as if it were a burden, they leave behind the annoyance of physical desire. They turn their faces from each other. In this marriage once they join they become a single life. As the prophet said about the first man and woman,

They will become a single flesh.

They were originally joined to each other when they were with the father, before the woman led the man astray, who is her brother. This marriage brings them together again, and the soul joins her true love and real master, as the scriptures tell us :

The woman’s master is her husband.

Then gradually she recognized him and was again happy, weeping before him as she remembered the disgrace of her former widowhood. She adorned herself abundantly so he might be pleased to stay with her.

And the prophet said in the Psalms,

Hear, my daughter, and see me and bend your ear, and forget your people and your father’s house, for the king has desired your beauty, and he is your lord.

He has her turn her face from her people and the gang of her adulterers with whom she had mingled, to devote herself now to her king, her real lord, and to forget the house of the earthly father with whom things were bad for her, and remember her father in heaven. So Abraham was told,

Leave your country and kin and your father’s house. (Exegesis on the Soul)

As Above, So Below Matthew 6:10

As Above, So Below 

A Saying Of Jesus

when you make the below 

like the above

Title: The Gnostic Dimensions of "As Above, So Below" in Ancient Christian Texts

Introduction:

The phrase "As Above, So Below" has profound implications in various ancient Christian texts, especially in the Gnostic tradition, where the duality of the spiritual and material realms is explored. This discussion focuses on Matthew 6:10, examining how this saying of Jesus reverberates through Gnostic scriptures like "The Acts of Peter," "Gospel of Philip," "The Acts of Philip," and "Odes of Solomon," as well as its reflection in the Gospel of Thomas.

Gnostic Perspectives:

1. The Acts of Peter:

The Acts of Peter conveys a mysterious teaching attributed to Jesus, emphasizing the harmonization of opposites. Jesus instructs that unless one aligns what is on the right with what is on the left, and what is above with what is below, the kingdom will remain unrecognized. This underscores a Gnostic understanding of the interconnectedness and unity of dualities.

2. Gospel of Philip:

The Gospel of Philip delves into the significance of the veil being rent from top to bottom during the crucifixion. This rending symbolizes a connection between the realms above and below, allowing access to the truth. The text suggests that the veil's tearing reveals a profound unity, where the spiritual influences the material and vice versa, echoing the Gnostic belief in transcending dualities.

3. The Acts of Philip:

In The Acts of Philip, the protagonist, Philip, hangs in a cruciform position and explains his willingness to endure such a fate. He claims to bear the form of the first man, symbolizing the inversion of the worldly order. This inversion aligns with Jesus's precept to make the below like the above, challenging conventional perspectives on the crucifixion and emphasizing the transformative power of embracing opposites.

4. Odes of Solomon:

The Odes of Solomon express the idea that everything below is a reflection of the divine pattern above. The text encourages believers to embrace simplicity of heart, connecting the inward and outward realms, and recognizing that true knowledge transcends superficial divisions. The Odes illustrate the Gnostic concept that everything real emanates from the divine above, while what is below is mere illusion without understanding.

5. Gospel of Thomas:

Saying 22 in the Gospel of Thomas expands on the idea of making the inside like the outside and the above like the below. This saying urges the unification of opposites and the transcendence of dualistic thinking. It envisions a state where the male and female become one, eyes replace an eye, and a likeness of God replaces the human image. The Gospel of Thomas echoes the Gnostic theme of achieving oneness and enlightenment by merging apparent contradictions.

Conclusion:

The Gnostic implications of "As Above, So Below" in Matthew 6:10 resonate throughout various ancient Christian texts. These writings underscore the interconnectedness of the spiritual and material realms, challenging conventional views on dualities and encouraging a holistic understanding of existence. The Gnostic teachings emphasize the transformative power of aligning opposites, transcending superficial divisions, and recognizing the divine pattern that unifies all aspects of reality. The saying becomes a guiding principle for seekers of spiritual truth, urging them to bridge the gap between the above and below in their quest for enlightenment.

The Gnostic Implications of The Message “Bible’s” “As Above, So Below” Matthew 6:10 comes from  many ancient Christian documents which speak of a above and below.  

The Acts of Peter 

"Concerning this the master says in a mystery, 'If you do not make what is on the right like what is on the left and what is on the left like what is on the right, and what is above like what is below, and what is behind like what is before, you will not recognize the kingdom.'"

Gospel of Philip 

For this reason, the veil was not rent at the top only, since it would have been open only to those above; nor was it rent at the bottom only, since it would have been revealed only to those below. But it was rent from the top to bottom. Those above opened to us the things below, in order that we may go in to the secret of the truth.

The Acts of Philip

139 And Philip, still hanging, spoke to them and told them of his offense 140 And some ran to take him down: but he refused and spoke to them . . . . " Be not grieved that I hang thus, for I bear the form (type) of the first man, who was brought upon earth head downwards, and again by the tree of the cross made alive from the death of his transgression. And now do I fulfil the precept. For the Lord said to me: Unless ye make that which is beneath to be above, and the left to be right (and the right left), ye shall not enter into my kingdom. Be like me in this: for all the world is turned the wrong way, and every soul that is in it."

Odes of Solomon

Ode 34 There is no hard way where there is a simple heart, nor barrier for upright thoughts,

Nor whirlwind in the depth of the enlightened thought.

Where one is surrounded on every side by pleasing country, there is nothing divided in him.

The likeness of that which is below is that which is above.

For everything is from above, and from below there is nothing, but it is believed to be by those in whom there is no understanding.

Grace has been revealed for your salvation. Believe and live and be saved.

Hallelujah.

"From above." This probably implies, as often in Jewish literature, that there is no dualism between "above" and "below." Comp. Ode 34:4 5 there is nothing that is divided, the likeness of what is below: He is the one that is above";

below and above the spiritual and the natural the worlds

likeness  the Syr. might perhaps be better translated "pattern" (instead of "likeness"} as it is in Exod 25:9 "according to all that I shew thee, the pattern of the tabernacle," alluded to in Heb. 8:5 "See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern that was shewed thee in the mount." 

"likeness, pattern, image--"A mental representation of anything not actually present to the senses" (Webster). Everything that is manifested was first a mental picture and was brought into expression by the forming power of the imagination.

pattern--The divine manifestation of Jesus is the divine pattern for all men who are seeking the Christ way of life.

What the poet means is "The pattern (i.e. type, or idea) of everything [that is real] below is above [in the Mount of God]." This makes the next words clear, " For everything [that is real] is above [in the Mount of God, or, in the Mind of God]. What is below [so far as it differs from the pattern above] is nothing: it is [mere seeming] what seems to those in whom know ledge has no existence." 

ODE 34.

1 No way is hard where there is a simple [undemanding/meek] heart [this one is malleable and easily moved wherever the spirit guides him]. 2 Nor is there any wound [affliction in one's conscience] where the thoughts are upright [toward the heavenly things]: 3 Nor is there any storm [turbulence that arises] in the depth [the lower/outward (fleshly) forms] of the illuminated thought [the higher/inward (spiritual) substance]: 4 Where one is surrounded on every side by beauty [this one sees the beauty of God's plan in every work], there is nothing that is divided [to this one the outward becomes the inward in One Spirit, One Truth, One Master, One Way]. 5 The likeness [image] of what is below [the outward (visible) traditions, ordinances, festivals etc. that are conducted in by those of the first birth hoping to gain life by them] is that which is above [they are only a picture of the inward (hidden) struggle that anyone who truly has Christ in them must endure i.e. they eat a physical loaf of bread and drink a physical cup of wine saying they are the body and blood of Christ in ignorance not knowing that the bread (the body of Christ) is now His faithful, obedient followers who not only eat the true hidden manna from heaven but become that bread and that the cup, the blood of His covenant is the persecution and suffering His True Disciples must endure while "in the world"]; for everything is above [all what you see whether in the image or in your spiritual body is of God]: what is below is nothing but the imagination of those that are without knowledge [religion that "do not see what is in front of them"]. 6 Grace has been revealed [by the Word, the Truth] for your salvation. Believe [first step (even the demons do this) so one must also have (true) faith which included obedience] and live [find the resurrection in Christ while still in the earth by learning obedience through suffering (crucify the flesh) and be saved. Hallelujah.

The Gospel of Thomas 

saying 22 Jesus saw some little ones nursing. He said to his disciples, "These little ones who are nursing resemble is those who enter the kingdom." They said to him, "So shall we enter the kingdom by being little ones?" Jesus said to them, "When you (plur.) make the two one and make the inside like the outside and the outside like the inside and the above like the below, and that you might make the male and the female be one and the same, so that the male might not be male nor the female be female, when you make eyes in place of an eye and a hand in place of a hand and a foot in place of a foot, an image in place of an image - then you will enter [the kingdom]."

22) ##Jesus saw infants [the Elect] being suckled [by their true spiritual mother]. He said to His disciples, "These infants being suckled are like those who enter the Kingdom." They said to Him, "Shall we then, as children, enter the Kingdom?" Jesus said to them, "When you make the two [the higher/inward (spiritual) substance and the lower/outward (fleshly) form)] one, and when you make the inside [where the Kingdom of God actually is] like the outside [where they allege it to be - you make it this way by your fruit] and the outside like the inside [replacing their image with the Fathers which is spread out over the earth - see v-113], and the above [heavenly] like the below [earthly], and when you make the male [spirit] and the female [soul] one and the same, so that the male not be male nor the female female [you become One in spirit]; and ##when you fashion eyes [two levels of seeing] in the place of an eye [one level], and a [right] hand [which knows what Jesus is doing (in His Power)] in place of a [left] hand [which doesn't (in your own power], and a [right] foot [which walks in the Way, the Truth and the Life] in place of a [left] foot [which doesn't], and a likeness [image of God] in place of a likeness [image of man]; then will you enter [the Kingdom]."

above and below see John 8:23

'make that which is above like that which is below' (saying 22). Yet the kingdom is not really a place above (saying 3) but a state of consciousness in which the Mind and the Heart are in harmony with the Mind of God.

The Message, intended as a "version of the New Testament in a contemporary idiom",uses the maxim in its translation of the Lord's Prayer from Matthew 6:10. (The prayer's phrase is traditionally rendered "on earth, as it is in heaven".)

Matthew 6:7-13 The Message (MSG)

7-13 “The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:

Our Father in heaven,

Reveal who you are.

Set the world right;

Do what’s best—

as above, so below.

Keep us alive with three square meals.

Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.

Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.

You’re in charge!

You can do anything you want!

You’re ablaze in beauty!

Yes. Yes. Yes.