Philo of Alexandria - Pt 1

His Enduring Influence on Christian Theology, Mysticism, and Gnosticism

Abstract

Philo of Alexandria (c. 20 BCE–50 CE) represents one of the most significant yet underappreciated figures in the development of religious thought. His synthesis of Hellenistic philosophy, Jewish theology, and allegorical scriptural interpretation set the stage for early Christian theology, mystical traditions, and even the esoteric doctrines of Gnosticism. While rabbinic Judaism largely sidelined his contributions, Christian thinkers absorbed his ideas, making him a pivotal intellectual bridge between Judaism and Greek philosophy. This paper explores Philo’s impact on Christian mysticism, the Church Fathers, and Gnosticism while analyzing why later Jewish thinkers distanced themselves from his thought.

Introduction

Philo’s theological framework operates at the intersection of Second Temple Judaism and Greek philosophy, particularly Middle Platonism. His use of allegory, his concept of the Logos as a divine intermediary, and his vision of the soul’s ascent to God profoundly influenced early Christian doctrine. As a result, Philo’s intellectual legacy is embedded in Christian scriptural hermeneutics, the development of Christology, and mystical traditions that extended well into the medieval period. However, his ideas were ultimately rejected by mainstream Jewish thought, raising questions about how his legacy was preserved, transformed, and repurposed in Christian contexts.

Philo’s Allegorical Method vs. Rabbinic Interpretation

One of Philo’s most radical theological innovations was his allegorical interpretation of Scripture. Unlike rabbinic methods, which preserved a strong connection to the historical and legal aspects of the Torah, Philo sought to uncover deeper, hidden meanings that aligned with Platonic philosophy.

Philo’s Allegorical Approach

Philo viewed the Torah not merely as a historical record or a set of legal ordinances but as a philosophical text that concealed higher spiritual truths. He was particularly influenced by Plato’s idea that the material world is a shadow of divine, eternal forms. Thus, for Philo:

• The Garden of Eden symbolizes the soul’s struggle between reason (Adam) and the senses (Eve).

• The Exodus represents the soul’s ascent from the bondage of material existence to spiritual enlightenment.

• Moses serves not only as a historical lawgiver but as an archetype of the rational soul seeking divine wisdom.

Rabbinic Interpretation: The Legal and Historical Torah

While Jewish traditions were comfortable with midrashic interpretation, the emerging rabbinic schools emphasized the Torah as a historical and legal covenant. Unlike Philo, they maintained that:

• Biblical history is real and significant—the Exodus was an actual divine event, not merely symbolic.

• Legal commandments (halakha) were central—observing mitzvot was seen as binding, not just metaphorical.

• Scripture could have multiple meanings, but the literal and historical sense remained authoritative.

The Divergence: Why Rabbinic Judaism Rejected Philo

By the time of the destruction of the Second Temple (70 CE), Philo’s Greek-influenced theology was no longer useful for Jewish survival. Instead, rabbinic Judaism focused on oral law, community cohesion, and textual legalism, effectively leaving Philo’s allegorical philosophy to be embraced by early Christian theologians.

Philo’s Logos Doctrine and Middle Platonism

Philo’s concept of the Logos (Greek: "Word" or "Reason") is perhaps his most significant contribution to Christian thought. His Logos doctrine fits squarely within the framework of Middle Platonism, which emphasized a hierarchy of divine emanations:

This Logos doctrine directly influenced John’s Gospel, which proclaims: "In the beginning was the Logos, and the Logos was with God, and the Logos was God" (John 1:1). Philo’s idea of the Logos as a divine intermediary laid the groundwork for later Christological developments.

Philo’s Influence on Early Church Fathers

Christian thinkers such as Clement of Alexandria and Origen extensively borrowed from Philo’s writings.

Clement of Alexandria (150–215 CE)

Clement adapted Philo’s Logos as a divine teacher into Jesus as the Instructor of humanity. He also integrated Philo’s allegorical interpretation into his method of reading Scripture, insisting that Christianity contained deeper, mystical truths meant only for the spiritually advanced.

Origen (185–253 CE)

Origen took Philo’s allegorical system and applied it systematically to all Scripture, developing a three-tiered interpretative framework:

1. Literal (historical meaning)

2. Moral (ethical lesson)

3. Spiritual (mystical truth)

This method became foundational for Christian exegesis, influencing Augustine and medieval theology.

Philo’s Impact on Gnosticism

Philo’s metaphysics share striking similarities with Gnostic cosmology:

• The material world is corrupt and inferior to the spiritual realm.

• The soul must escape matter and reunite with the divine.

• The Logos functions as a redeemer, guiding souls toward enlightenment.

Gnostic sects, such as the Valentinians, adapted Philo’s Logos into their doctrine, though they radicalized it by depicting the material world as evil, created by an ignorant Demiurge.

Conclusion: Philo’s Enduring Legacy

Philo of Alexandria’s influence on Christianity cannot be overstated. His Logos theology, allegorical interpretation, and Platonic framework profoundly shaped:

1. Christian Mysticism – His doctrine of divine ascent prefigured later traditions of Christian theosis.

2. Church Fathers – His allegorical exegesis became the foundation of Christian scriptural interpretation.

3. Gnosticism – His dualistic cosmology and divine intermediary concept fed into radicalized esoteric traditions.

While rabbinic Judaism distanced itself from Philo, Christianity preserved and transformed his ideas, making him an unacknowledged architect of Christian metaphysics.

References

• Dillon, John. The Middle Platonists: 80 B.C. to A.D. 220. Cornell University Press, 1996.

• Runia, David T. Philo of Alexandria and the Timaeus of Plato. Brill, 1986.

• Wolfson, Harry Austryn. Philo: Foundations of Religious Philosophy in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Harvard University Press, 1947.

• Niehoff, Maren R. Philo of Alexandria: An Intellectual Biography. Yale University Press, 2018.

• Tobin, Thomas H. The Creation of Man: Philo and the History of Interpretation. Catholic Biblical Association of America, 1971.

This paper highlights Philo’s pivotal role in shaping early Christian thought, solidifying his status as one of the most influential yet overlooked figures in Western religious philosophy.