Unveiling the Great Mysteries: Clement of Alexandria's Allegorical Exegesis

Clement of Alexandria's profound approach to the great mysteries of Christianity is intricately tied to the exegesis of scripture. Scott Brown, in his insightful paper Behind the Seven Veils, I: The Gnostic Life Setting of the Mystic Gospel of Mark, delves into this connection, revealing how Clement's methods and ideas are rooted in both Jewish and early Christian traditions.

The Roots of Allegorical Exegesis

The idea that scriptural exegesis could initiate a reader into great mysteries was not new. Clement’s Jewish predecessor, Philo, had already established this concept over a century earlier. Philo wrote:

"For I myself, having been initiated in the great mysteries (μυηθεὶς τὰ μεγάλα μυστήρια) by Moses, the friend of God, nevertheless, when subsequently I beheld Jeremiah the prophet, and learnt that he was not only initiated (μύστης), but was also a competent hierophant (ἱεροφάντης), did not hesitate to become his pupil" (Cher. 14.49).

Philo's reference indicates that certain books of the Bible, such as the five books of Moses and the book of Jeremiah, possess the unique ability to metaphorically initiate a reader into the great mysteries. Similarly, in the Letter to Theodore, Mark’s mystic gospel is designated as a mystagogue, while the unwritten explanations, referred to as “the hierophantic teaching of the Lord,” serve as the hierophant.

Geometry and Deeper Meanings

Clement uses geometry, one of the disciplines studied in the lesser mysteries, to uncover the deeper meanings within scripture. In Stromata VI.11.86.1, he explains that the tabernacle and Noah’s ark were built with the most rational proportions, divine in conception, to guide understanding from the sensible to the intelligible, and ultimately, to the holy of holies. This method of allegorical exegesis reveals how intellectual and pneumatic realities are embedded in the design specifications presented in scripture.

The Letter to Theodore notes that Mark “transferred to his former book the things suitable to those studies which make for progress toward gnosis” (I.20–21). This indicates that passages elucidated by knowledge gained through the encyclical disciplines, which investigate the physical world, contribute to the spiritual progress towards gnosis (Strom. I.1.15.3).

Scott Brown's Insights

Scott Brown's research emphasizes the significance of allegorical exegesis in Clement's teachings. Brown illustrates how Clement viewed the exegesis of scripture as a critical means of uncovering deeper, mystical truths. This process is not merely an academic exercise but a pathway to spiritual enlightenment, guiding the soul toward a deeper understanding of divine realities.

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

Conclusion

Clement of Alexandria's approach to the great mysteries through allegorical exegesis reveals a deep and complex theological framework. By following the tradition of Philo and integrating it with Christian thought, Clement provides a method for uncovering the spiritual truths hidden within scripture. Scott Brown's insightful analysis helps us appreciate the depth and intricacy of Clement's teachings, offering a clearer understanding of how early Christians sought and transmitted the hidden mysteries of their faith. For a thorough exploration of these ideas, Brown’s paper is an invaluable resource.