Gnostic Interpretation of the Jewish Law: Ptolemy's Letter to Flora

In this episode of Ancient Texts & Traditions, Dr. Mike Bird looks at Ptolemy's Letter to Flora as an example of Gnostic/Valentinian interpretation of the Jewish Law.
What is Gnosticism? (4:05)
Who were the Valentinians? (9:27)
Ptolemy's view of the Law (11:07)
Ptolemy's theology (17:36)
Why Ptolemy's views were rejected (22:02)
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Translation of PtF from gnosis.org/library/flora.htm
Images from wikimedia commons.
Videos from pixabay.
Title sequence by Will Thomasz
#gnosticism #tencommandments #oldtestament

[@alanadam718]

Hello Michael. I came across your videos this week as I searched for information regarding the Didache. I have watched a number of them in the past several days, and I have learned a lot. I think they are high quality and very well done. I also sense that you are a kind and charitable person, which are virtues that not all TH-cam content providers possess. Anyway, thank you for these videos. Regarding the letter that you discuss here, I had heard of it, but I knew nothing about it until now. May God bless and protect you.

[@elliotwalton6159]

Easy answer, Michael to your initial question. We turn to scholars such as yourself and Stephen Cook and Daniel Block and Mark Boda who put the "First Testament" into brilliant, relevant and modern contexts that are both meaningful and essential for Christians today, or in any day. I'm studying both Deuteronomy and Judges this Lent and their lessons have never felt more vital for the world in 2023. Sorry, I felt compelled to stop the video right off the top. I certainly look forward to listening to the rest for your own perspective.

[@louisaccardi2268]

Ptolemy's letter sounds like it has been clearly Gnostic written over it. The Law was inspired by God. Jesus teachings were in line with it and even took it a step further showing a deeply spiritual meaning to the Law, which is torah=instruction.

[@jeffreyalvarez3035]

Teachings like Ptolemy's is why people are going to hear this.
Matthew 7:21-23
King James Version
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
The only biblical definition for sin and iniquity is transgression against the law. Christianity in the beginning was no different than Yahism (the true religion of Israel not Judaism). Paul in his letters was fighting antinomianism which is against the gospel and also against the traditions of the pharisees. Two polar opposite issues which is why it often seems like he is double talking in his letters if you do not know the audience and historical context to what he was addressing. Paul was very much pro-torah even for gentiles but he was against ritual conversion to becoming a Jew before starting your walk.
Abraham started his walk before ever getting circumcised and many are called before that but the pharisees would not even let gentiles participate in torah teaching without the individual going through a ritual conversion into Yahism.

[@louisaccardi2268]

@@jeffreyalvarez3035 Oh, so what's your point?

[@jeffreyalvarez3035]

@@louisaccardi2268 I am agreeing with you but taking it further. These teachings have been assimilated into what is called Christianity today with their antinomian views of the New Testament. True Christianity is aligned with the law and prophets completely.

[@ltcajh]

Horrible heresy!