The gnostic exegesis of the biblical texts demonstrates the serious threat posed by the Valentinians within the church, precisely because they claimed biblical authority for their views. 

While the Valentinians were wrestling with Pauline theology, argues Pagels, the post-biblical tradition inherited by Ireneus seems devoid of any Pauline influence. 

The gnostics developed a range of Pauline questions, such as

• the relation of the elect to God,
• baptism as dying with Christ,
• the theme of the resurrection, and
• the participation of the believer in the body of Christ

Did the orthodox church she muses, avoid avoid such issues as grace and election because those were preempted by the Valentinians?  The Gnostic Paul challenges those concerned with Pauline thought or the theological developments in the Second Century to rethink and reevaluate their views.