Christianity Quote by Elaine Pagels
![“The Gospel of Philip takes up the same theme: Jesus took them all by stealth, for he did not reveal himself in the manner [in which] he was, but in the manner in which [they would] be able to see him. He revealed himself to [them all. He revealed himself] to the great as great … (and) to the small…” quote by Elaine Pagels](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/628/elaine-pagels-8423_christianity_the-gospel-of-philip-takes-up-the-same-t_2074735.jpg)
““The Gospel of Philip takes up the same theme: Jesus took them all by stealth, for he did not reveal himself in the manner [in which] he was, but in the manner in which [they would] be able to see him. He revealed himself to [them all. He revealed himself] to the great as great … (and) to the small as small.69 To the immature disciple, Jesus appears as a child; to the mature, as an old man, symbol of wisdom. As the gnostic teacher Theodotus says, “each person recognizes the Lord in his own way, not all alike.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Gnostic Gospels by Elaine Pagels, 1979
Jesus adapts his revelation to each person's maturity, showing that spiritual insight is personal and varies with development.
In simple terms: Spiritual truth appears differently to each person.
Key Takeaway
Seek personal understanding rather than a single interpretation.
Themes
spirituality
personal growth
gnosticism
Mood
contemplative
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal meditation
- religious study
- interfaith dialogue
- spiritual counseling
Key Concepts
symbolism
subjective truth
wisdom
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your maturity shape your perception of the divine?
- Can multiple truths coexist peacefully?
A Different Perspective
Not all may accept varied revelations; some seek a single definitive truth.
![“Even Tacitus admitted that “whatever their origin, [the Jews’] observances are sanctioned by their antiquity,”64 and the Romans respected tradition. Christians, however, had no such excuse.” quote by Elaine Pagels](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/865/elaine-pagels-8423_jews_even-tacitus-admitted-that-whatever-thei_61864.jpg)
![“Augustine reflects that “what made me a slave to it was the habit [consuetudo] of satisfying an insatiable lust.”31” quote by Elaine Pagels](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c77/elaine-pagels-8423_habits_augustine-reflects-that-what-made-me-a-s_240814.jpg)
