Pauline “Powers and Authorities” at Nag Hammadi
Pauline “Powers and Authorities” at Nag Hammadi

Summary/Abstract: Through an examination of the gnostic writings found near Nag Hammadi in Egypt, this article shows that language and ideas found in Paul’s letters, including the deutero-Pauline letters, were influential on many gnostic authors in their discussion of spiritual oppressive powers. I also argue that this Pauline influence on the discussion of the “cosmic powers of this present darkness” is found as well in the early monastic literature, contemporary in space and time with the Nag Hammadi codices, and suggest that gnostic and monastic works in this regard can be seen as potentially complementary.

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