Gnosis
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Definition and Origin
Gnosis, derived from the Greek word "γνῶσις," means "knowledge" or "understanding." In the context of early Christianity, it refers to a special, esoteric knowledge of spiritual truths. This concept became particularly significant in the development of Gnosticism, a diverse set of religious movements in the early Christian era that emphasized personal spiritual knowledge over orthodox teachings and institutions.

Biblical Context
While the term "gnosis" itself is not frequently used in the New Testament, the concept of knowledge is prevalent. The Apostle Paul often addresses the issue of knowledge in his epistles, sometimes warning against a false or misguided understanding. For instance, in 1 Corinthians 8:1-3 , Paul writes, "Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The one who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But the one who loves God is known by God." Here, Paul contrasts knowledge with love, emphasizing that true understanding is rooted in love and humility.

Gnosticism and Early Christianity
Gnosticism emerged as a significant challenge to early Christian orthodoxy. Gnostic beliefs often included the idea that the material world is inherently evil and that salvation comes through acquiring secret knowledge. This stood in contrast to the Christian teaching of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and the goodness of God's creation. The Apostle John addresses similar issues in his epistles, warning against false teachings and emphasizing the importance of adhering to the truth of the Gospel. In 1 John 4:1-3 , he writes, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God."

The Role of Knowledge in Christian Life
In the New Testament, knowledge is often portrayed as a gift from God, meant to be used for the edification of the church and the glorification of God. In Colossians 1:9-10 , Paul prays for the believers, saying, "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God." Here, knowledge is linked with spiritual wisdom and understanding, leading to a life that pleases God.

Warnings Against False Knowledge
The New Testament contains several warnings against false knowledge and teachings that deviate from the Gospel. In 1 Timothy 6:20-21 , Paul advises Timothy, "O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid irreverent, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of so-called 'knowledge,' which some have professed and thus swerved away from the faith." This passage highlights the danger of being led astray by teachings that claim to offer superior knowledge but ultimately lead away from the truth of Christ.

Conclusion
While the pursuit of knowledge is encouraged in the Christian faith, it is always to be grounded in the truth of Scripture and the love of God. True gnosis, from a biblical perspective, is not about secret or esoteric wisdom but about knowing God through Jesus Christ and living according to His will.
Topical Bible Verses
1 John 4:1
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Topicalbible.org

John 14:6
Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me.
Topicalbible.org

Revelation 20:1-3
And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
Topicalbible.org

1 John 4:3
And every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof you have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
Topicalbible.org

Greek
1108. gnosis -- a knowing, knowledge
... 1107, 1108. gnosis. 1109 . ... (gnoseos) -- 12 Occurrences. (gnosin) -- 7 Occurrences.
(gnosis) -- 3 Occurrences. 1107, 1108. gnosis. 1109 . Strong's Numbers
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1108.htm - 7k

56. agnosia -- ignorance
... ignorance. From a (as negative particle) and gnosis; ignorance (properly, the state) --
ignorance, not the knowledge. see GREEK a. see GREEK gnosis. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/56.htm - 6k

Library

The Knowledge which Comes through Faith the Surest of All.
... produces intelligent faith by the adducing and opening up of the Scriptures to the
souls of those who desire to learn; the result of which is knowledge (gnosis ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xi the knowledge which comes.htm

The Use of Philosophy to the Gnostic.
... which we affirm the Gnostic alone possesses) is a sure comprehension (katalepsis),
leading up through true and sure reasons to the knowledge (gnosis) of the ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xviii the use of philosophy.htm

You See How He Represents These Opinions as Things which are Held ...
... he is one, as we have shewn over and over again: only, he uses this figure of speech
so that he may escape the imputations attached to this mystic gnosis. ...
/.../41 you see how he.htm

Philosophy is Knowledge Given by God.
... and comprehends all things in the exercise of sure apprehension, respecting matters
difficult for us, and really pertaining to the true gnosis [3319] such as ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter viii philosophy is knowledge given.htm

Causes of Corruption Chiefly Intentional.
... Inasmuch, said they, as the Father willed to become known to the worlds, the Spirit
of Gnosis produced the only begotten' Gnosis,' and therefore gave birth to ...
/.../chapter xiv causes of corruption.htm

Steps to Perfection.
... For knowledge (gnosis), to speak generally, a perfecting of man as man, is consummated
by acquaintance with divine things, in character, life, and word ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter x steps to perfection.htm

The Gnostics, the Montanists, and the Manichaeans.
... The Gnosis, [430:3] or knowledge, which it supplied, and from which it derived
its designation, was a strange congeries of wild speculations. ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter iv the gnostics the.htm

The Setting
... It represents the fusion of Oriental and Greek ideas into various elaborate systems
whose aim is to acquire "gnosis" or knowledge of the divine. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/richardson/early christian fathers/the setting.htm

Klementos Pros Korinthious B
... men, hoti hemeis hoi zontes tois nekrois theois ou thuomen kai ou proskunoumen autois,
alla egnomen di' autou ton patera tes aletheias; tis he gnosis he pros ...
/.../lake/the apostolic fathers/klementos pros korinthious b.htm

Now, with Respect to Paradise, it is not Called a Cosmos. ...
... And Routh thereof proposes hos kaleitai for ou kaleitai. [1518] The text gives simply
he gnosis. ... Hence Routh would read kai he gnosis, and the knowledge. ...
/.../10 now with respect to.htm

Resources
What is Christian Gnosticism? | GotQuestions.org

What is the definition of the term Gnostic? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Demiurge? | GotQuestions.org

Gnosticism: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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