Clement of Alexandria — Stromata 8

For Paul too, in the Epistles, plainly does not disparage philosophy ; but deems it unworthy of the man who has attained to the elevation of the Gnostic , any more to go back to the Hellenic philosophy , figuratively calling it the rudiments of this world, as being most rudimentary, and a preparatory training for the truth . Wherefore also, writing to the Hebrews, who were declining again from faith to the law, he says, Have you not need again of one to teach you which are the first principles of the oracles of God , and have become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat?

Hebrews 5:12 So also to the Colossians, who were Greek converts, Beware lest any man spoil you by philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men , after the rudiments of this world, and not after Christ, Colossians 2:8 — enticing them again to return to philosophy , the elementary doctrine. And should one say that it was through human understanding that philosophy was discovered by the Greeks, still I find the Scriptures saying that understanding is sent by God . The psalmist, accordingly, considers understanding as the greatest free gift, and beseeches, saying, I am Your servant; give me understanding. And does not David, while asking the abundant experience of knowledge , write, Teach me gentleness, and discipline, and knowledge : for I have believed in Your commandments?

He confessed the covenants to be of the highest authority, and that they were given to the more excellent. Accordingly the psalm again says of God , He has not done thus to any nation; and He has not shown His judgments to them. The expression He has not done so shows that He has done , but not thus. The thus, then, is put comparatively, with reference to pre-eminence, which obtains in our case. The prophet might have said simply, He has not done, without the thus. Further, Peter in the Acts says, Of a truth , I perceive that God is no respecter of persons ; but in every nation he that fears Him, and works righteousness, is accepted by Him. Acts 10:34-35 The absence of respect of persons in God is not then in time, but from eternity . Nor had His beneficence a beginning; nor any more is it limited to places or persons .

For His beneficence is not confined to parts. Open the gates of righteousness, it is said; entering into them, I will confess to the Lord . This is the gate of the Lord . The righteous shall enter by it. Explaining the prophet's saying, Barnabas adds, There being many gates open, that which is in righteousness is the gate which is in Christ , by which all who enter are blessed. Bordering on the same meaning is also the following prophetic utterance: The Lord is on many waters; not the different covenants alone, but the modes of teaching, those among the Greek and those among the Barbarians, conducing to righteousness. And already clearly David, bearing testimony to the truth , sings, Let sinners be turned into Hades, and all the nations that forget God.