What if Clement Wrote the Letter to Theodore?

The authenticity of the Letter to Theodore, purportedly authored by Clement of Alexandria, has long been a subject of scholarly debate. If we entertain the possibility that Clement did write this letter, we uncover intriguing insights into his approach and intentions.

Avoiding Exegesis of the Secret Gospel

One of the most compelling aspects of the Letter to Theodore is Clement’s deliberate avoidance of providing an exegesis of the pericope from the secret Gospel of Mark. Similar to his approach in "Quis Dives Salvetur," Clement offers a verbatim citation without delving into an explanation of Mark's gospel. In the Letter to Theodore, Clement begins by referencing Paul’s “unspeakable words” from 2 Corinthians 12:4 and then condemns the Carpocratians for revealing these mysteries, contravening the Apostle’s warning against doing so.

Clement wasn't the first to highlight this paradox in Paul's writings. The Church Fathers also refuted Marcion’s claims of possessing knowledge of what was revealed to Paul in heaven. Mark, as a disciple of Peter, would have learned these mysteries to write his secret gospel. The Carpocratians’ misuse of this gospel prompts Clement to cite a specific pericope from its pages, aiming to refute their interpretation, which includes the phrase γυμνοὶ γυμνῷ. For Clement, this passage, involving two men with only one’s nakedness mentioned, undermines the Carpocratians' claims.

The Abrupt Ending

The letter concludes with the phrase Ἡ μὲν οὖν ἀληθὴς καὶ κατὰ τὴν ἀληθῆ φιλοσοφίαν ἐξήγησις, which translates to "Therefore, indeed, true and according to true philosophy is the explanation.” Morton Smith, who discovered the letter, believed its ending was abrupt because it was only a fragment. However, this abruptness is not unique. Clement's near-contemporary Origen's letters often conclude abruptly. Whether the Letter to Theodore ends "too soon" is subjective.

The phrase Ἡ μὲν οὖν appears eleven times at the beginning of sentences in Clement's "Stromateis." It typically summarizes or concludes the preceding discussion. For example, in Strom. 2.2.5.1, Clement ends an exegesis of Proverbs 3 with Ἡ μὲν οὖν βάρβαρος φιλοσοφία, ἣν μεθέπομεν ἡμεῖς, τελεία τῷ ὄντι καὶ ἀληθής, meaning "The barbarian philosophy, which we follow, is truly complete and true." The resemblance to the conclusion of the Letter to Theodore is striking, highlighting Clement's emphasis on authenticity and correctness.

Common Use of Ἡ μὲν οὖν

Clement isn’t the only ancient author to use Ἡ μὲν οὖν to end sections or lines of thought. Josephus and Philo also employ this phrase similarly, typically marking the end of a discussion or thought. This common usage suggests that the phrase in the Letter to Theodore is consistent with literary conventions of the time.

The Paradox of Forgery Claims

Critics who claim Morton Smith forged the Letter to Theodore argue that he meticulously crafted it to align with Clement’s style. However, the phrase Ἡ μὲν οὖν ἀληθὴς καὶ κατὰ τὴν ἀληθῆ φιλοσοφίαν ἐξήγησις, which mirrors Strom. 2.2.5.1, complicates this theory. If Smith forged the letter, he would have had to model its closing sentence precisely on this passage from Stromateis, which concludes a section of scriptural exegesis with no further explanation.

Conclusion: Clement's Authorship

Considering the evidence, it seems plausible that Clement could have authored the Letter to Theodore. His avoidance of exegesis, use of familiar phrases, and adherence to literary conventions of his time support this view. The abrupt ending, consistent with his and other contemporary writings, further aligns with this possibility. If Clement wrote the Letter to Theodore, it provides valuable insight into his methods and intentions, revealing his commitment to preserving the sacred mysteries without overt exposition. Morton Smith's discovery and interpretation, while meticulous, ultimately underscore the complexities and nuances inherent in ancient manuscript studies.