Gnostic GospelsGospel of Truth, Gospel of Mary, Gospel of

Peter, and Coptic Apocalypse of Peter

Gnosticismγνῶσις, gnōsis

• Valentinus• Gnosis

o “knowledge; insight”

• Gnostic Mytho Pleroma/Bythoso Aeons

Sophia

Valentinian Gnosticism

Gospel Of Truth

“Indeed their audacity has gone so far that they entitle their recent composition the Gospel of Truth, though it agrees in nothing with the Gospels of the

apostles, and so no Gospel of theirs is free from blasphemy.”

-Irenaeus

• Who: Valentinian Gnostics (maybe Valentinus himself)

• When: about 140-180 AD

• Where: found in Nag Hammi

Background

• Sermonic letter of exhortation

• Gnostic audience

• Underlying Gnostic theology

• The “Good News” of Jesus Christ

Intro

• Immense awe and respect for God the Father

• Important work of Jesus Christ• Saving Power of Knowledge(Gnosis)• Personification of Error/Oblivion/Ignorance• Reiteration of Gnostic Theology and Myth

General Themes

• Fall of Man and The Second Adamo Genesis 3,

Romans 5:12-21• Book of Life

o Philippians 4:3, Revelation

• Jars of Clayo 2 Corinthians 4:7

Biblical Allusions● Word as Double-

Edged Sword○ Hebrews 4:12

• Parable of the Lost Sheepo Luke 15:1-7

• Fragrance of the Knowledge of Godo 2 Corinthians 2:14

• Most like Book of Hebrewso Genreo Emphasiso Rhetorical

strategy• Frequent allusion to

the New Testament

Similarities Differences• Minimal dealing

with Judaism• Western/Greco-

Roman Philosophical thought

• Theologically antithetical to the New Testament

• Should not be canonical

o No apostolic tie to the text

o Valentinian Gnostic

o Declared heresy by Irenaeus

Canonicity?

Gospel Of Mary

Did you know?: The Gospel of Mary was found in the manuscripts of Papyrus Oxyrhynchus L 3525, Papyrus

Rylands 463, Papyrus Berolinensis 8502

• Who: Mary Magdalene

• When: (late) 2nd Century AD

• Where: ?

Background

• Jesus on sin• Jesus’ ascension• Mary comforts/encourages troubled

disciples• Jesus’ words to Mary

o Four levels to eternal rest• Validity of Mary’s testimony?

Summary

• Blessing and Great Commision

• Status of Peter and Mary Magdalene

• Sin is from man, not from the worldo Jesus came to

reconcile this

Similarities Differences• Inner self• Four levels• Private

conversation/ revelation

• “the Good”• Written by a woman

NOCanon?

Gospel Of Peter

κατά Πέτρον ευαγγέλιον

• Who: Simon Peter

• When: 2nd Century AD

• Where: Unknown; found in Egypt

Background Basic Story• Passion

• Quotes

• Storyline

• Trial and torture

• Effects of crucifixion

Similarities to the NT

• Anti-semitic

• Jesus’ last words

• Supernatural drama

Differences from the NT

• No

o Does not add any depth

o Adds disagreement

o Places blame on Jews

Add to canon?

Coptic Apocalypse Of

PeterDid you know?: The Coptic Apocalypse of Peter is an entirely different text from The Apocalypse of Peter

• Who: Simon Peter

• When: 3rd Century AD

• Where: Unknown; Nag Hammadi

Background

• Peter’s vision

• Many believers are incorrect

• Gnostic

Basic Story

• Revelation

Similarities to the NT

• Believers led astray

• Beliefs put into question

• Confusing Language

Differences from the NT

Add to Canon?

• No

o Contradiction

o Minimizes sacrifice