Book of Steps
Encyclopedia
The Book of Steps is an anonymous
Syriac
treatise
on spiritual direction
, probably written in the late fourth century AD (or possibly early fifth century). The author appears to be living in the Persian Empire, perhaps somewhere near the Great Zab
, as it is mentioned, and addresses the author's own Christian community
. The Book of Steps is divided into thirty chapters, or discourses . The very first discourse, and subsequent ones (especially number 14), divides the community into two groups. One group is called the perfect , to whom the stricter major commandments apply. The other group is called the upright , who seem to comprise the remainder of the community, to whom only lesser commandments (which are described as spiritual milk to the solid food of the major commandments — Hebrews
) apply. The lesser commandments are outworkings of the Golden Rule
(Matthew
and Luke
), and represent a life devoted to charity. On the other hand, the 'perfect' are expected to renounce family, marriage and property so as to receive baptism
of fire and Spirit
. This division of the community echoes a similar division in Manichaeism
. The teaching of the Book of Steps has been described as Messalian
by some scholars (including Kmoskó the editor of the critical Syriac edition). However, Brock
has demonstrated that the Book of Steps' emphasis on the structure of the visible church (particularly strong in discourse 12) shows that its doctrine is quite removed from Messalianism. An English translation of the entirety of the Book of Steps by Kitchen and Parmentier has recently been published.
The headings of the thirty chapters, or discourses, are as follows:
Anonymity
Anonymity is derived from the Greek word ἀνωνυμία, anonymia, meaning "without a name" or "namelessness". In colloquial use, anonymity typically refers to the state of an individual's personal identity, or personally identifiable information, being publicly unknown.There are many reasons why a...
Syriac
Syriac language
Syriac is a dialect of Middle Aramaic that was once spoken across much of the Fertile Crescent. Having first appeared as a script in the 1st century AD after being spoken as an unwritten language for five centuries, Classical Syriac became a major literary language throughout the Middle East from...
treatise
Treatise
A treatise is a formal and systematic written discourse on some subject, generally longer and treating it in greater depth than an essay, and more concerned with investigating or exposing the principles of the subject.-Noteworthy treatises:...
on spiritual direction
Spiritual direction
Spiritual direction is the practice of being with people as they attempt to deepen their relationship with the divine, or to learn and grow in their own personal spirituality. The person seeking direction shares stories of his or her encounters of the divine, or how he or she is experiencing...
, probably written in the late fourth century AD (or possibly early fifth century). The author appears to be living in the Persian Empire, perhaps somewhere near the Great Zab
Great Zab
The Great Zab , , , ) is an approximately long river flowing through Turkey and Iraq. It rises in Turkey near Lake Van and joins the Tigris in Iraq south of Mosul. The drainage basin of the Great Zab covers approximately , and during its course, the rivers collects the water from a large number...
, as it is mentioned, and addresses the author's own Christian community
Christian Church
The Christian Church is the assembly or association of followers of Jesus Christ. The Greek term ἐκκλησία that in its appearances in the New Testament is usually translated as "church" basically means "assembly"...
. The Book of Steps is divided into thirty chapters, or discourses . The very first discourse, and subsequent ones (especially number 14), divides the community into two groups. One group is called the perfect , to whom the stricter major commandments apply. The other group is called the upright , who seem to comprise the remainder of the community, to whom only lesser commandments (which are described as spiritual milk to the solid food of the major commandments — Hebrews
Epistle to the Hebrews
The Epistle to the Hebrews is one of the books in the New Testament. Its author is not known.The primary purpose of the Letter to the Hebrews is to exhort Christians to persevere in the face of persecution. The central thought of the entire Epistle is the doctrine of the Person of Christ and his...
) apply. The lesser commandments are outworkings of the Golden Rule
Ethic of reciprocity
The Golden Rule or ethic of reciprocity is a maxim, ethical code, or moralitythat essentially states either of the following:* : One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself....
(Matthew
Gospel of Matthew
The Gospel According to Matthew is one of the four canonical gospels, one of the three synoptic gospels, and the first book of the New Testament. It tells of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth...
and Luke
Gospel of Luke
The Gospel According to Luke , commonly shortened to the Gospel of Luke or simply Luke, is the third and longest of the four canonical Gospels. This synoptic gospel is an account of the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. It details his story from the events of his birth to his Ascension.The...
), and represent a life devoted to charity. On the other hand, the 'perfect' are expected to renounce family, marriage and property so as to receive baptism
Baptism
In Christianity, baptism is for the majority the rite of admission , almost invariably with the use of water, into the Christian Church generally and also membership of a particular church tradition...
of fire and Spirit
Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit is a term introduced in English translations of the Hebrew Bible, but understood differently in the main Abrahamic religions.While the general concept of a "Spirit" that permeates the cosmos has been used in various religions Holy Spirit is a term introduced in English translations of...
. This division of the community echoes a similar division in Manichaeism
Manichaeism
Manichaeism in Modern Persian Āyin e Māni; ) was one of the major Iranian Gnostic religions, originating in Sassanid Persia.Although most of the original writings of the founding prophet Mani have been lost, numerous translations and fragmentary texts have survived...
. The teaching of the Book of Steps has been described as Messalian
Euchites
The Euchites or Messalians were a sect first condemned as heretical in a synod of 383AD , whose acta was referred by Photius. From Mesopotamia they spread to Asia Minor and Thrace. The name 'Messalian' comes from the Syriac , mṣallyānā, meaning 'one who prays'...
by some scholars (including Kmoskó the editor of the critical Syriac edition). However, Brock
Sebastian Brock
Sebastian Paul Brock is generally acknowledged as the foremost and most influential academic in the field of Syriac language today. He is a former Reader in Syriac Studies at the University of Oxford's Oriental Institute and currently a Professorial Fellow at Wolfson College...
has demonstrated that the Book of Steps' emphasis on the structure of the visible church (particularly strong in discourse 12) shows that its doctrine is quite removed from Messalianism. An English translation of the entirety of the Book of Steps by Kitchen and Parmentier has recently been published.
The headings of the thirty chapters, or discourses, are as follows:
- On the distinction between the major commandments, for the perfect, and the minor commandments, for the upright.
- On those who wish to be perfect.
- The physical and the spiritual ministry.
- On vegetables for the sick (see RomansEpistle to the RomansThe Epistle of Paul to the Romans, often shortened to Romans, is the sixth book in the New Testament. Biblical scholars agree that it was composed by the Apostle Paul to explain that Salvation is offered through the Gospel of Jesus Christ...
). - On milk for infants (see I CorinthiansFirst Epistle to the CorinthiansThe first epistle of Paul the apostle to the Corinthians, often referred to as First Corinthians , is the seventh book of the New Testament of the Bible...
). - On the person who becomes perfect and continues to grow.
- On the commandments for the upright.
- On the person who gives all he has to the poor to eat.
- On uprightness and on the love of the upright and of prophets.
- On the advantage we have when we endure evil while performing good; and on fasting and humiliation of body and soul.
- On hearing the Scriptures, and when the Law is read before us.
- On the ministry of the hidden and the revealed church (English trans. in and ).
- On the way of life of the upright.
- On the upright and the perfect.
- On the marriage instinct in Adam.
- On how a person grows as a result of the major commandments.
- On the sufferings of our Lord, by which an example is provided for us.
- On the tears of prayer (English trans. in ).
- On the distinguishing characteristics of the way of perfection.
- On the hard steps on the way.
- On the Tree of Adam.
- On the judgments by which those who make them are not saved.
- On SatanSatanSatan , "the opposer", is the title of various entities, both human and divine, who challenge the faith of humans in the Hebrew Bible...
, PharaohPharaohPharaoh is a title used in many modern discussions of the ancient Egyptian rulers of all periods. The title originates in the term "pr-aa" which means "great house" and describes the royal palace...
and the Children of Israel. - On repentanceRepentanceRepentance is a change of thought to correct a wrong and gain forgiveness from a person who is wronged. In religious contexts it usually refers to confession to God, ceasing sin against God, and resolving to live according to religious law...
. - On the voice of GodGodGod is the English name given to a singular being in theistic and deistic religions who is either the sole deity in monotheism, or a single deity in polytheism....
and that of Satan. - On the second law which the Lord laid down for Adam.
- On the matter of the thief who was saved.
- On the human soul not being blood.
- On subduing the body.
- On the commandments of faith and of love of the solitaries.