Exploring Early Christian Esotericism: Unveiling Hidden Wisdom in Pauline Teachings

In the context of religion, esotericism aims to offer a deeper or more comprehensive understanding of established myths or scriptures—the veiled inner essence (esoteric) of the external tradition (exoteric), which could be discovered through non-literal reading methods. "Imagination and allegory [were] a gateway, a hermeneutic device that opened the way to eternal truths hidden with God in the heavens" (Rowland and Morray-Jones 2009: 150). Understanding these hidden meanings through contemplative reading was itself an exercise in noetic perception, as seen in the writings of Paul’s contemporary, Philo of Alexandria. 

Philo described how senior members of an isolated Jewish community called the Therapeutae and Therapeutrides spent their days in spiritual exercise, reading the Torah allegorically based on the belief that "the words of the literal text are symbols of hidden nature, revealed through their underlying meanings" (Contempl. 28). Through this contemplative process of discovering the hidden meanings of the Torah, "they [were] initiated into the mysteries of the holy life" (τὰ τοῦ σεμνοῦ βίου μυστήρια τελοῦνται) (Contempl. 25; trans. Winston 1981: 46):

The exposition of the Sacred Scriptures deals with the inner meaning conveyed in allegory (δι ̓ ὑπονοιῶν ἐν ἀλληγορίαις). For to these people indeed the whole book of the law seems to resemble a living creature with the literal sense for its body and for its soul the invisible mind hidden in its expressions. It is especially in this mind that the rational soul (ἡ λογικὴ ψυχή) begins to contemplate things akin to itself (τὰ οἰκεῖα θεωρεῖν) and looking through the words as through a mirror (ὥσπερ διὰ κατόπτρου) beholds the wonderful beauties of the concepts, unfolds and removes the symbolic coverings and brings forth the thoughts and sets them naked in the light of day for those who need only a small reminder (ὑπόμνησις) to enable them to discern the inner and hidden through the outer and visible. (Contempl. 78; as translated in Standhartinger 2017: 148-149)

Philo himself read the Torah allegorically, treating the noetic elements of its hidden truths as profound mysteries comparable to the most sacred revelations of Eleusis. He used the terminology of mystery religion to signal to his readers where his exegesis addressed these esoteric mysteries and to emphasize the importance of excluding the "uninitiated" from this knowledge (for example, Cher. 12.40-42; 14.48-50, on which see Tóth 2017).

Paul’s Esoteric Teachings in 1 Corinthians 2:6-3:4

Paul's letters, particularly 1 Corinthians 2:6-3:4, have been the subject of much scholarly debate regarding their esoteric content. Central to this passage is the concept of hidden wisdom—knowledge reserved for the spiritually mature. Paul claims this wisdom is communicated "in a mystery" among "the perfect." In this context, "the perfect" refers to those who have reached a level of spiritual maturity necessary to grasp deeper, hidden truths.

Paul begins by acknowledging that his initial preaching to the Corinthians was devoid of eloquence and persuasive words of human wisdom, emphasizing that their faith should rest on God’s power rather than human wisdom (1 Cor 2:1-5). However, he then admits that he does impart a divine and hidden wisdom among the mature (1 Cor 2:6-7). This wisdom transcends human understanding, originating from the Spirit of God, who searches and reveals the deep things of God (1 Cor 2:10).

Teaching Spiritual Truths to Spiritual People

Paul makes it clear that he communicates "spiritual things to spiritual people" in a manner taught by the Spirit. This special mode of transmission requires spiritual discernment because the things of the Spirit of God must be spiritually discerned. For those without the Spirit, these teachings are incomprehensible and seem like foolishness (1 Cor 2:14). This distinction highlights that Paul's esoteric teachings differ from his public message, which only some outsiders perceive as foolishness, while the "called" recognize it as the "power and wisdom of God" (1 Cor 1:18, 23-24).

Spiritual Maturity and the Reception of Hidden Wisdom

To further elucidate his point, Paul explains to the Corinthians that they were "babes in Christ" when he was with them and could not yet receive the "solid food" meant for the spiritually mature. Their continued discord and lack of spiritual maturity demonstrate that they are still not ready for deeper wisdom, remaining in a carnal state (1 Cor 3:1-3).

Modern Interpretations and Misinterpretations

Many contemporary commentators associate Paul’s language in 1 Corinthians 2:6-3:4 with the Corinthians’ elitist attitudes, suggesting that Paul cleverly subverts their thinking. Morna D. Hooker, for instance, argues that Paul’s distinction between "milk" and "solid food" reflects the Corinthians' own misguided ideas:

"In his original proclamation of the Gospel to the Corinthians, Paul offered them only the crucified Christ; now, in this discussion of wisdom, he offers them an exposition of the same theme! His 'meat,' therefore, differs very little, in the end, from the 'milk' he has already fed them. But this is not surprising; he has already preached the crucified Christ to them – what else can he offer them? For Christ is the wisdom of God, and nothing else is needed. Why, then, the contrast in 3:3 [between milk and solid food]? The answer must be that Paul is echoing a distinction that has been made by the Corinthians. Yet, even using their language, the fundamental contrast in Paul's mind is not between two quite different diets he has to offer, but between the true food of the Gospel with which he has fed them (both milk and meat) and the synthetic substitutes the Corinthians have preferred. ... It is largely the attitude and understanding of the Corinthians themselves that has made Paul's teaching appear as milk, and not as meat."

However, such interpretations often conflict with Paul’s explicit statements: “I gave you milk to drink, not solid food, for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, for you are still fleshly” (1 Cor 3:2-3). A consistent reading of 1 Corinthians 2:6-3:4 poses challenges to contemporary theology, which often resists the idea that the apostles' original message contained esoteric elements.

The Gnostic Context in Clement’s Teachings

Clement of Alexandria’s writings provide a rich context for understanding Paul’s esoteric wisdom. In his allegorical interpretation of Genesis 22:3-4, Clement draws parallels between Abraham's vision "from afar" and the Christian journey towards gnosis. Baptized Christians, like Abraham, can perceive noetic realities, but only indistinctly. They must rise through the Hebdomad—a series of spiritual stages—to eventually see these things "face to face."

Mark’s Literary Activity and Audience

The Letter to Theodore elaborates on Mark's literary efforts, emphasizing different stages of spiritual education tailored for distinct audiences:

• During Peter’s stay in Rome, Mark wrote an account of the Lord’s doings, selecting what he thought most useful for increasing the faith of those who were being instructed (catechumens).
• After Peter’s martyrdom, Mark came to Alexandria, expanding his gospel with teachings suitable for those advancing in knowledge (gnosis), composing a more spiritual gospel for those being perfected.

These descriptions indicate that Mark’s Roman gospel was for catechumens, while his Alexandrian gospel catered to advanced students on the path to gnosis. The phrase “those who were being perfected” thus refers to individuals progressing in spiritual knowledge through the lesser and great mysteries.

The Process of Spiritual Perfection

Clement’s teachings consistently present the journey to perfection as a gradual, ongoing process. In the Stromateis, he depicts the transition from faith, attained through catechism and baptism, to higher realms of spiritual and virtuous knowledge through continuous training. This process involves:

• Acquiring knowledge (gnosis) through dedicated application, training, and progress.
• Developing virtues and habits that lead to a mystic habit of perfection.
• Moving from simple faith to a deep, philosophical, and spiritual understanding.

Examining Paul’s Esoteric Teaching in 1 Corinthians

The doctrine on 1 Corinthians 2:6-3:4 reflects an awareness of these theological issues, to the point that it is difficult to find discussions that are not implicitly or explicitly in contrast with the fundamental theme described. William Baird's 1959 article on 1 Corinthians 2:6 is an interesting example, as he tries to remain open to an esoteric reading until the last three pages, where he decides for theological reasons that Paul's distinction between the two diets cannot be real. Baird asserts that the distinction lies in the recipients, not in the wisdom itself. He argues that Paul must have offered "solid food" from the beginning, as it is hard to imagine Paul's message of the crucified Christ as mere "milk."

Concluding Thoughts

In conclusion, the notion that the experience of entering the holy of holies is the prerogative of the gnostic is hard to miss in Clement’s various discussions. His association of Christian baptism with a lower grade of initiation and purification supports this. A hypothetical forger would have had to discern and adapt Clement’s multifaceted conception that unveiling scripture’s mysteries through allegorical interpretation leads to the visionary experience of noetic and more pneumatic realities, without noticing that this knowledge is reserved for the gnostic. A gospel described in such a way would not be read to neophytes but to Christians who have studied the encyclical disciplines, mastered their passions, and attained the ability to discern purely intellectual and spiritual realities.

For those interested in delving deeper into these concepts, Scott Brown’s paper, L'esoterismo in Paolo: La sapienza nascosta di 1 Cor 2:6-3:4 (Parte prima), offers invaluable insights into the esoteric dimensions of early Christian teachings and their enduring legacy.