The Source of Mark's Naked Youth Narrative?

In exploring the narrative of the naked young man in the Gospel of Mark, it becomes clear that this story might have deeper roots in biblical and apocryphal traditions. One such connection is found in the story of Joseph in Genesis, specifically Genesis 39:12, where Joseph escapes Potiphar's wife by leaving his cloak behind. This motif of leaving behind a garment and fleeing is echoed in Mark's account of the young man who flees naked after Jesus is arrested (Mark 14:51-52).

Clement of Alexandria, in his works, draws significant parallels between Joseph and the notion of nakedness. In Stromata 7, he highlights Joseph's steadfastness in the face of temptation, noting that Joseph divests himself of his cloak to escape sin, thereby becoming "bare of sin, but clothed with seemliness of character." This metaphorical use of nakedness to signify purity and moral integrity aligns with the symbolism seen in the Gospel of Mark.

Further, Clement's interpretation of Joseph's "stripping" by his brothers, as described in Stromata 5, suggests a deeper, mystical meaning. He relates the stripping of Joseph's coat of many colors to the rejection of knowledge and the embrace of a more profound spiritual insight. This allegorical reading presents Joseph's nakedness as a symbol of esoteric knowledge and spiritual initiation, a theme that resonates with the mysterious nature of the young man in Mark's Gospel.

In Clement's Alexandrian community, there is evidence of a mystery involving nakedness and the uttering of "passwords" or tolls to angelic gatekeepers, indicating a ritualistic and symbolic use of nakedness. This context helps us understand why the narrative of the naked young man in Mark might be more than just a literal account but rather a symbolic reference to deeper spiritual truths and initiatory rites.

The parallels drawn by Clement between Joseph and the concept of nakedness provide a fascinating backdrop to the story in Mark. The naked young man could symbolize purity, spiritual readiness, or a form of initiation, reflecting themes prevalent in Gnostic and early Christian thought. Thus, the narrative in Mark might be seen as part of a broader tradition of using nakedness as a powerful symbol in religious and mystical contexts.