The Angelic Ascent: Clement of Alexandria's Stages of Spiritual Progression

Clement of Alexandria’s mystical teachings reveal a profound and detailed vision of the soul’s journey toward divine truth and ultimate union with God. Building on the ideas discussed in the previous blog post, this exploration delves into the further stages of spiritual ascent as described by Clement, particularly focusing on the angelic progression. Scott Brown, in his enlightening paper Behind the Seven Veils, I: The Gnostic Life Setting of the Mystic Gospel of Mark, provides a comprehensive analysis of these intricate concepts.

Stages of Angelic Progression

In Eclogae propheticae 57.5, Clement describes the transition of perfected humans through an ages-long progression within the angelic ranks. This journey begins with a millennium-long stage where perfected humans are transformed into angels and brought to perfection through instruction by higher-ranking angels (μαθητεύονται ὑπὸ τῶν ἀγέλων). In the subsequent stage, these angelic instructors are promoted to the archangelic nature, and the newly perfected angels take their place, instructing new arrivals for another millennium. This step-by-step progression continues through the ranks of archangels and protoctists, encompassing six millennial stages.

The Seventh Stage: Ultimate Contemplation

The seventh stage, alluded to in Excerpta ex Theodoto 27.5 with the phrase “having transcended the angelic teaching,” marks a significant transition. The soul retires (ἀναπαύσει) from all angelic service and attains “the first abode” (Ecl. 56.6–7), which is described as “bordering upon the Lord” (προσεχοῦς τοῦ κυρίου; Strom. VII.2.10.3). At this stage, the soul devotes itself entirely “to the contemplation of God alone” (Ecl. 56.7), focusing on Christ as the face of God. The soul becomes a “son” and “friend” of God in a special sense (Strom. VI.14.114.6; Exc. 27.5; cf. Strom. V.6.40.1).

Ineffable Inheritance and Epopteia

Clement describes these phases of angelic instruction as part of the “ineffable inheritance of that spiritual and perfect man, ‘which eye has not seen and ear has not heard and which has not arisen in the heart of human beings’” (1 Cor 2:9). This description, encountered in Stromateis V.6.40.1 and VI.8.68.1, highlights the distinctively Christian aspects of the great mysteries taught in Clement’s school. The culmination of these teachings is epopteia, the ultimate mystical vision and consummate repose, which represents the final reward for the perfected soul.

Scott Brown's Insights

Scott Brown’s analysis provides a detailed understanding of Clement’s stages of spiritual progression. Brown emphasizes how Clement’s allegorical and symbolic language conveys a structured journey through various levels of spiritual and angelic development. This journey reflects the soul’s ongoing transformation and ultimate union with the divine.

For those interested in exploring these themes further, Scott Brown’s paper Behind the Seven Veils, I: The Gnostic Life Setting of the Mystic Gospel of Mark offers an essential resource. Brown meticulously examines Clement’s cosmology and soteriology, providing readers with a comprehensive perspective on the spiritual ascent envisioned by early Christian mystics.

Conclusion

Clement of Alexandria’s teachings on the stages of angelic progression offer a rich and detailed vision of the soul’s ascent toward divine union. By using allegorical and symbolic language, Clement outlines a structured journey through various levels of spiritual and angelic development, culminating in the ultimate mystical vision and union with God. Scott Brown’s insightful analysis helps us appreciate the depth and complexity of Clement’s mystical theology, offering valuable insights into the hidden mysteries of early Christian spirituality. For a thorough exploration of these profound ideas, Brown’s paper is an invaluable guide.