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{{: II. Present Day – The Discovery }} | {{: II. Present Day – The Discovery }} | ||
The letter: | |||
To my beloved student in the faith, | |||
Grace and peace be unto you from our Lord Jesus Christ, who has called us into His marvelous light. You have inquired concerning the words spoken by the blessed Apostle Thomas and the manner in which they have come to us. It is right that you should ask, for not all teachings may be committed to writing without great peril to those unprepared in spirit. | |||
The words of Thomas were first entrusted to Pantaenus, a man of great wisdom, who in turn conveyed them to me. These teachings were never set down with an introduction, nor were they openly declared in the manner of the Gospels given to all. The reason, my child, is this: the words of the prophets and apostles are as a locked chest, which, if opened without the key of understanding, bring confusion instead of illumination. Did not our Lord speak in parables, that hearing they might not hear unless their hearts were prepared? And was not the teaching of Peter concerning serpents and poison misused by the ignorant to their own harm? The same danger befalls these words if handled without the instruction of the Spirit. | |||
For the sayings of Thomas, like the visions of John and the proverbs of Solomon, contain riddles. They are not as mere history, nor are they commandments plainly given as in the Law of Moses. Rather, they conceal the glory of Christ beneath the veil of mystery, so that only those whom the Spirit has enlightened may perceive Him therein. Those who take them according to the flesh stumble, for they grasp at shadows and miss the substance. | |||
It was for this reason that neither Thomas nor Pantaenus nor I have set forth an introduction declaring these sayings to be the very words of the Lord, though indeed they bear witness to Him. For if one approaches without the foundation of the holy teaching, he may twist them to destruction, as some have done even with the letters of our beloved brother Paul. But to you, who have been instructed in the mystery of Christ, I commend these words, that you may ponder them in the Spirit and find the treasure hidden within. | |||
Therefore, take heed, and do not be quick to speak of these things to those unprepared. The wisdom of God is foolishness to the natural man, and the pearl is not to be cast before swine. But to those who seek with a pure heart, all things shall be revealed in due time. | |||
May the Lord grant you understanding in all things. | |||
Your brother in the service of Christ, Clement | |||
