A Gem from ‘Poemandres’ and ‘Corinthians’
The Shepherd of Man
A man says in the Poemandres:
“Upon a time while my mind was meditating on the things that are, my thought was raised to a great height, while the physical senses of my body were held back—just as are the senses of men who are heavy with sleep after a large meal, or from fatigue of body.
I thought I heard a Being more than vast—in size beyond all bounds—called out my name and say: “What wouldst thou hear and see, and what hast thou in mind to learn and know?”
And I said: “Who art thou?”
It answered: “I am Shepherd of Men, Mind of all-Masterhood; I know what thou desirest and I am with thee everywhere.”
And I replied: “I long to learn the things that are, and comprehend their nature, and know God. This (I said) is what I desire to hear.”
It answered me: “Hold in thy mind all thou wouldst know, and I will teach thee.”
And with these words Its aspect changed; and straightway, in the twinkling of an eye, all things were opened to me. And I saw a limitless Vision: all things turned into Light—sweet, joyous Light. And I became transported as I gazed (…)” (Poemandres (Ποιμάνδρης), The Shepherd of Men, v. 1-4)
A man narrates in Corinthians:
“I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows (…) was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell. I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses.”
CORINTHIANS 12:2, 4-5, NIV
The American Minervan 