The Letter to Theodore is Officially Authenticated - Whenever Jerome Makes Reference to the 'Nudus Nudum' Concept He Does So Specifically in the Context of Mark 10:17 - 31

I have written already about this at length in my previous post but now we have uncovered the key to unlock the door and prove once and for all that the Mar Saba document is authentic. One of Jerome's most recognizable theological concepts is the saying nudus nudum christum sequi - 'naked following the naked Christ.' I have argued that previously that the Latin nudus nudum is related to the γυμνὸς γυμνῷ concept in Clement's Letter to Theodore discovered in 1958 by Morton Smith at the Mar Saba monastery. Now I want to show that Jerome himself explicitly consistently (some might say ritually) connects the 'nudus nudum' formula to Mark 10:17 - 31.

Whenever you come across a discussion of his use of nudus nudum christum sequi scholars will direct you to Letter 125 in Jerome's collection in which a clear reference to Mark 10:17 - 31 introduces the formula:

In his steps follow closely and in those of others like him in virtue, whom the priesthood makes poor men and more than ever humble. Or if you will be perfect, go out with Abraham from your country and from your kindred, and go whither you know not. If you have substance, sell it and give to the poor. If you have none, then are you free from a great burden. Naked yourself, follow a naked Christ. The task is a hard one, it is great and difficult; but the reward is also great.

This isn't the only example of this contextual grounding of the 'nudus nudum' concept. I will bring other examples from the letters of Jerome.

In any event, I'd say that was better than a home run! Grand slam? Inside the park grand slam? If you don't understand the significance for the understanding of the Letter to Theodore, please read the last five posts. The point is that Jerome was connected to Alexandria through Origen, whose works he zealously preserved in Latin. If you still don't get it, buy Stephen Carlson's book the Gospel Hoax ...