The three aeons
Frederik Wisse / Francis E. Williams (composite) · Public domain / scholarly composite. Reproduced for educational and religious commentary.
1Concept of our great power — concerning the great power of the Father.
2There are three aeons. The first is the aeon of flesh. The second is the aeon of soul. The third is the aeon to come, the spiritual.
3The aeon of flesh — that of Adam — is past. It was the time of the flood. The waters rose; the wickedness of the flesh was drowned. Yet the seed of Noah survived; the aeon went on.
4The aeon of soul — that of Moses and the prophets — is present. It is the time of law and prophets, of psalms and wisdom. In this aeon the Saviour has come. He came in the body. He preached. He suffered. He rose. He calls all to the third aeon.
5The aeon to come is the spiritual. It is the dwelling of the Father. There the soul rests; there the spirit is at home; there the Pleroma is whole.
6There shall be a great destruction at the end of this aeon. The earth shall be shaken. The heavens shall pass away. The rulers shall fall. Only the spiritual shall remain.
7Therefore, my children, prepare yourselves. Gather your treasure in the aeon to come. Do not lay up treasure in the aeon of flesh, for that aeon is gone. Do not lay up treasure in the aeon of soul alone, for that aeon shall pass. Lay up treasure in the spiritual — there is the place of rest.
8He who has ears to hear, let him hear.