Gospel of Philip

 

  ANALOGUE 33 The Craft of the Vessels Both vessels made out of glass as well as those made from clay come into being through fire. When glass vessels break they can be remade because they are formed by breath. When pottery breaks, however, it is destroyed, for it has been made without breath. SYNOPSIS The analogy of the vessels and the metaphors of pottery and glass made with or without breath (Spirit). A simple metaphor with many implications concerning human beings. What happens to each depends on what is in the make-up of the human being—virtue and character are in play. What has been forged by fire into a human being?  Has it been created by “breath/spirit/anointing” or has it been created simply by water and fire?  Refinement and the actual substance of being.  This analogue may also have reference to the crucifixion of Yeshua.  COMMENTARY The Analogy of Craft This is a simple metaphor using images from the craft of pottery making and glass blowing through...

 

ANALOGUE 32 Critique of the Gods People have been sacrificed to gods who “devoured” human beings. Before humans, animals were sacrificed to these so-called “divinities.” Whoever receives such sacrifices, however, are not, in fact, divine. SYNOPSIS The consequences of Yeshua’s Messiahship was a bloody crucifixion.  Paul’s interpretation was that this was a “sacrifice demanded by or made to God” against which Philip appears to forcefully argue. Philip critiques the whole sacrificial system as a human construct—and in this short passage counters the Pauline argument in agreement with the prophets.  In Philip’s estimation, a “god” who accepts human sacrifice is, in fact, not divine.  COMMENTARY A basic (and not so subtle) argument is being made in this analogue (and in earlier sections of the Gospel) which comes perhaps from Yeshua’s own experience of the religious world of Palestine and its assault upon him (both Jewish and Roman). As a result of the religious and political ...