Brown argues that Clement, with the expression "the mystery of the kingdom of God," primarily meant "advanced theological instruction." On the other three occasions when Clement refers to "initiation in the great mysteries", he always refers to the "highest stage of Christian theological education, two stages beyond baptism" – a philosophical, intellectual and spiritual experience "beyond the material realm". Brown thinks the story of the young man is best understood symbolically, and the young man is best seen as an abstract symbol of "discipleship as a process of following Jesus in the way to life through death".