Clement's (Unrecognized) Carpocratian Gospel Reading

In the vast landscape of early Christian literature, variants and unique readings often provide crucial insights into the theological and doctrinal nuances of different sects. One such intriguing variant can be found in Clement of Alexandria's Stromata (4.14.95.3), which appears to echo the Carpocratian interpretation of scripture. This passage, which has largely gone unnoticed in scholarly circles, offers a fascinating glimpse into the complex interplay between orthodox and heterodox Christian thought in the early centuries of the Common Era.

The Variant Passage

The passage in question from Clement's Stromata reads:

μή ποτε παραδῷ σε τῷ κριτῇ, ὁ κριτὴς δὲ τῷ ὑπηρέτῃ τῆς ἀρχῆς τοῦ διαβόλου (Lest he deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officers of Satan's kingdom).

This reading diverges from the more familiar Gospel texts, which typically do not include the phrase "officers of Satan's kingdom." The addition of this phrase suggests a theological interpretation that aligns more closely with the Carpocratian view, which often emphasized a cosmic struggle involving demonic forces.

Carpocratian Theology

The Carpocratians, a Gnostic sect founded by Carpocrates in the 2nd century, held beliefs that were considered heretical by mainstream Christian authorities. They posited that Jesus was a mere mortal who attained enlightenment through his understanding of the true nature of the world, which was under the dominion of malevolent archons or demonic rulers. This worldview included the notion that earthly authorities and judges were often under the influence of these dark powers.

In his Against Heresies, Irenaeus describes the Carpocratian exegesis of a similar passage, emphasizing their belief in the corrupt nature of worldly authorities. This perspective is echoed in Clement's variant reading, suggesting a possible influence or at least a parallel interpretation within his Alexandrian context.

Scholarly Observations

David Litwa, in his work Carpocrates, Marcellina, and Epiphanes, briefly discusses the similarity between Clement's passage and the Carpocratian position. Litwa's observation underscores the importance of recognizing how Clement's works sometimes reflect or engage with heterodox ideas, either to refute them or to incorporate certain elements into his own theological framework.

Implications for Early Christian Studies

The recognition of this variant reading in Clement's Stromata has several important implications for the study of early Christianity:

1. Theological Dialogue: It highlights the extent to which early Christian theologians like Clement were in dialogue with, and sometimes influenced by, heterodox teachings. This dialogue was not always oppositional; at times, it involved a more nuanced engagement with alternative theological perspectives.

2. Textual Variants: It serves as a reminder of the fluid nature of early Christian texts and the diversity of manuscript traditions. Variants like this one can reveal underlying theological currents and debates that shaped the development of Christian doctrine.

3. Understanding Heresy: It provides a deeper understanding of how so-called heretical sects like the Carpocratians interpreted scripture and viewed the world. This, in turn, can inform our understanding of the broader landscape of early Christian thought and the processes of doctrinal formation.

Conclusion

Clement of Alexandria's incorporation of a Carpocratian-like reading in his Stromata invites us to reconsider the boundaries between orthodox and heterodox Christian teachings in the early centuries. By acknowledging and studying these textual variants, we can gain a richer and more complex picture of early Christian theology and its development. This particular passage serves as a testament to the dynamic and often contentious nature of early Christian scriptural interpretation and the ongoing struggle to define the true essence of Christian belief.