The Progressive Unveiling of Truth in Clement of Alexandria’s Thought
The Exposition of the Mystic Gospel
In Stromateis VI.8.68.1–3, Clement describes how the exposition (ἐξήγησιν) of the mystic gospel leads hearers into the innermost sanctuary of the sevenfold veiled truth. The reference to hearers (τοὺς ἀκροατάς) rather than readers suggests that a teacher would expound the veiled meanings of this text to students, following the same procedure Clement and his teachers used to transmit the unwritten gnostic tradition.
Progressive Unveiling of the Holy of Holies
Clement describes this practice as a progressive unveiling of the holy of holies:
“The wisdom of truly perfect knowledge is involved beyond the cosmos in respect of noetic (realities) and, beyond these, still more pneumatic (realities), ‘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), until the Teacher explained to us plainly the word concerning these things, unveiling the holy of holies and, beyond these, according to a hierarchical progression, the (realities) still more sacred than these, to those most genuine and not spurious heirs of the Dominical adoption.”
Clement associates philosophical knowledge (noetic realities) and epoptic knowledge (more pneumatic realities) with teachings that Christ imparted to the apostles alone—the unwritten gnostic tradition. Christ, as the pre-existent Logos, concealed these intellectual and divine matters in the scriptures and now reveals them to his disciples, explaining in a plain way “the word (of Scripture) concerning these things.”
Scott Brown's Insights
Scott Brown’s analysis emphasizes the depth and complexity of Clement’s mystical ascent and the role of Christ as the ultimate revealer of divine truths. Brown highlights how Clement’s allegorical and symbolic language conveys a structured journey through various levels of spiritual and intellectual development, culminating in the highest forms of knowledge and divine union.
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.
The Role of Christ and the Apostles
Clement views Christ as the pre-eminent teacher who unveils the deepest truths to his closest disciples. This is the same course of study Clement refers to as initiation into the great mysteries. The Letter to Theodore describes this revelatory teaching as “the hierophantic teaching of the Lord,” with the mystic gospel depicting its transmission from Christ to his disciples, as seen in Mark 4 and the description of Jesus teaching the young man the mystery of the kingdom of God.
Clement further associates this teaching with the apostles, whom he considers the true heirs of the divine mysteries. He states:
“For now we dare to say (for herein is the gnostic faith) that he who is, in essence, a gnostic is knowledgeable in all things and is comprehending of all things, accustomed to a firm mental grasp of things, even in respect of what is (to us) perplexing. Of such a kind were James, Peter, John, Paul, and the rest of the apostles.”
Conclusion
Clement of Alexandria’s teachings on the progressive unveiling of divine truth offer a rich and detailed vision of spiritual and intellectual development. By blending allegorical language with deep theological insights, Clement outlines a structured journey toward the highest forms of knowledge 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.
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