In their [the Valentinian] view, the apparent contradictions in Paul's writings arise from his awareness of the differences of spiritual insight (gnosis) among different members of the Christian community. To the psychics who "cannot understand the things of the spirit," Paul preaches the kerygma of Christ crucified, of repentance and forgiveness of sins, urging them to persevere in faith and good works. Recognizing that psychics can read his letters only "literally," he offers on the literal level moral counsel that is valid and beneficial for their needs. Yet to the pneumatics, the "wise," he addresses his deeper meaning ,a meaning hidden in his writings in allegory, to be discerned only by "the initiated." Paul reveals to them in veiled language the "hidden mystery of wisdom," of Sophia, which signifies their own election through grace. Yet even while he praises their authority, freedom, and gnosis, Paul simultaneously urges them to forego all of these, as he has, for the sake of bringing salvation to the psychics. The elect and the called are bound together in this age so that the latter too may participate in the resurrection that will restore "all" to the Father.
from "The Mystery of the Resurrection": A Gnostic Reading of 1 Corinthians 15 by Elaine Pagels in Journal of Biblical Literature, Vol. 93, No. 2 (Jun., 1974) p.287
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