Gospel of Thomas
Mike Ervin

Historical Background of the Gospel of Thomas

Authorship and Date

  • Traditionally attributed to Didymus Judas Thomas, purportedly the twin brother of Jesus.
  • Most scholars date it to the mid-1st to early 2nd century (50–140 CE).

  • Some place its origins before the canonical Gospels due to its primitive sayings.
  • Others argue it’s a later Gnostic adaptation using earlier materials.

Literary Form

  • A sayings gospel: 114 sayings (logia) attributed to Jesus, with no narrative framework.
  • Many sayings overlap with the Synoptic Gospels, but others are unique or clearly Gnostic in tone.

2. Manuscript History

Discovery

  • The complete text of Thomas was found in 1945 at Nag Hammadi, Egypt, in a codex now known as Nag Hammadi Codex II.
  • This copy is in Coptic and dated to the late 4th century.
  • Before that, fragments in Greek were discovered at Oxyrhynchus in Egypt (early 20th century), dated to the 2nd–3rd centuries.

Textual Transmission

  • The Coptic version is likely translated from an earlier Greek version.
  • Its preservation in the Nag Hammadi library—along with many Gnostic texts—shows it was valued by Egyptian Christian sects with alternative theological views.

3. Rejection by Ancient Christian Writers

Church Fathers’ Criticism

  • Thomas is not directly quoted by many early orthodox writers, but likely known.
  • Hippolytus, Origen, and Eusebius all denounce gospels used by Gnostic groups, including one “according to Thomas.”
  • Eusebius (4th c.) classifies it as heretical.
  • Cyril of Jerusalem and Jerome include it in lists of apocryphal or non-canonical works.

Why It Was Rejected

  • The Gospel of Thomas lacks:
  • A Passion narrative
  • Reference to the resurrection
  • A clear timeline of Jesus’ life
  • It promotes secret knowledge (gnosis) as the key to salvation.
  • Its individualistic and esoteric spirituality conflicted with emerging Christian orthodoxy that emphasized community, sacraments, and the apostolic tradition.

4. Modern Scholarly Interpretation

Mid-20th Century Onward

  • Scholars are divided into two broad camps:

(A) Early Independent Source Theory

  • Suggests Thomas preserves early, possibly pre-canonical Jesus traditions.
  • Supported by scholars like Helmut Koester, John Dominic Crossan, and Elaine Pagels.
  • Crossan considered it part of a lost “Q-like” source emphasizing sapiential (wisdom) Jesus

(B) Late Gnostic Composition Theory

  • Argues Thomas is a 2nd-century Gnostic reinterpretation of Jesus’ teachings.
  • Emphasized by scholars like Nicholas Perrin and April DeConick (though DeConick sees layers of development).

Key Themes in Thomas

  • Self-knowledge and divinity: “The kingdom is inside of you…”
  • Rejection of the material world: Often linked to Gnostic dualism.
  • Non-sacramental salvation: Knowledge, not baptism or eucharist, brings life.

21st-Century Developments

  • Focus on multiple layers of tradition within Thomas.
  • Some sayings may be early and Jewish, others later and Gnostic.
  • Thomas is seen as a window into alternative Christianities, not necessarily heretical but diverse.
  • Used in academic and spiritual renewal circles as a text exploring mystical Christianity.

Our Discussion

Title: The Gospel of Thomas: Exploring Early Christian Diversity

I. Introduction (10 minutes)

Objective: Set the stage for why this topic matters.

  • Overview of the session:

  • What is the Gospel of Thomas?
  • Why was it excluded from the Bible?
  • What can it teach us about early Christianity?

Discussion Starter:

Have you ever heard of the Gospel of Thomas before today? What comes to mind when you hear about “lost” or “excluded” Gospels?

II. Historical Context & Discovery (15 minutes)

Objective: Understand when and where the Gospel of Thomas arose and how we have it today.

Key Points:

  • Authorship attributed to Didymus Judas Thomas (possibly symbolic or pseudonymous).
  • Likely written 50–140 CE; scholars debate early vs. late origin.
  • Discovery:
  • Nag Hammadi Library (Egypt, 1945): complete Coptic version
  • Oxyrhynchus Papyri (Greek fragments from ~200 CE)
  • Non-narrative form: 114 sayings (logia), no crucifixion or resurrection story.

Visual Aid Idea:

Map of Nag Hammadi and timeline showing discovery and dating of manuscripts.

III. Rejection by the Early Church (15 minutes)

Objective: Explore why the Gospel of Thomas was not included in the New Testament.

Key Points:

  • Not included in early canonical lists (e.g., Muratorian Fragment).
  • Condemned by:

  • Eusebius (called it heretical)
  • Cyril of Jerusalem, Jerome, Origen
  • Concerns:
  • Emphasis on secret knowledge
  • Absence of resurrection narrative
  • Individualism vs. Church community and sacraments

Discussion Question:

What criteria do you think were most important for early Christians when deciding which books to include in the New Testament?

IV. Themes and Sayings in Thomas (20 minutes)

Objective: Introduce the content of the Gospel and reflect on its meaning.

Sample Sayings to Read Together:

1.      Logion 3 – “The kingdom is inside of you and outside of you.”

2.      Logion 77 – “I am the light that is over all things…”

3.      Logion 114 – Peter says women must become male to enter the kingdom.

Themes:

  • Mystical union with God
  • Inner knowledge over ritual
  • Salvation through awakening, not belief
  • Spiritual elitism? Gnostic influence?

Group Activity:

Break into small groups and reflect on what one saying might mean—then share with the class.

V. Modern Scholarly Views (20 minutes)

Objective: Compare interpretations from major 20th–21st century scholars.

Discussion Prompt:

Should we read Thomas devotionally, historically, or not at all? What place (if any) does it have in Christian reflection?

VI. Final Thoughts and Application (5–10 minutes)

Objective: Wrap up and reflect on the value of exploring non-canonical texts.

  • Thomas shows the rich diversity of early Christian thought.
  • Encourages us to ask: What is central to Christian faith?
  • Importance of discernment in historical interpretation.

For wisdom in understanding the deep roots of our faith, and openness to the Spirit’s leading in all truth.

Optional Add-ons and Handouts

Handout #1: Key Sayings from the Gospel of Thomas

  • 8–10 selected sayings for study and reflection.

Handout #2: Canon Criteria in Early Christianity

  • What made a book “scripture” vs. “apocryphal”?

Handout #3: Comparison Chart

  • Gospel of Thomas vs. Synoptic Gospels: structure, themes, theology.

Slide Deck Suggestions

Slide Titles:

1.      Title Slide: The Gospel of Thomas

2.      Timeline: Origins and Discovery

3.      Map of Nag Hammadi and manuscript photos

4.      Canon Rejection Reasons

5.      Sample Sayings Slide (Logion 3, 77, 114)

6.      Scholar Views Comparison Chart

7.      Discussion/Reflection Slide: What’s the Value?

PowerPoint Presentation: The Gospel of Thomas

Subtitle: Exploring Early Christian Diversity and the Boundaries of the Canon

Slide 1: Title Slide

  • Title: The Gospel of Thomas
  • Subtitle: Exploring Early Christian Diversity and the Boundaries of the Canon
  • Include your name, date, and church class or group name

Slide 2: Class Overview

  • What is the Gospel of Thomas?
  • Why is it not in the Bible?
  • What can it teach us about early Christianity?

Slide 3: Who Was Thomas?

  • Didymus Judas Thomas = “Twin”
  • Apostle in Eastern tradition (India)
  • Often symbolic in later texts

Slide 4: Manuscript Discovery

  • 1945: Found in Nag Hammadi, Egypt
  • Coptic manuscript in Codex II (late 4th century)
  • Earlier Greek fragments found at Oxyrhynchus (~200 CE)

Visual: Photo of Nag Hammadi codices, map of Egypt with find spots

Slide 5: What Kind of Gospel Is It?

  • 114 sayings (logia) of Jesus
  • No narrative: no birth, miracles, Passion, or Resurrection
  • Emphasis on secret knowledge and insight

Slide 6: Dating and Authorship

  • Possible range: 50–140 CE
  • Scholars debate early oral tradition vs. later Gnostic redaction
  • Pseudonymous authorship likely

Slide 7: Why the Early Church Rejected It

  • No crucifixion or resurrection
  • Secret teachings (gnosis)
  • Contradicted emerging orthodox teachings

Quotes from:

  • Eusebius (called it “illegitimate and absurd”)
  • Origen, Cyril, Jerome

Slide 8: Key Sayings from the Gospel of Thomas

  • Logion 3: “The kingdom is inside you and outside you.”
  • Logion 77: “I am the light that is over all things…”
  • Logion 114: “Every woman who makes herself male…”

Slide 9: Major Themes in Thomas

  • Inner enlightenment over faith or ritual
  • The kingdom is present now
  • Salvation through self-discovery
  • Spiritual elitism?

Slide 10: How Thomas Compares with the Canonical Gospels

Speaker Notes

Slide 1: Title Slide

Speaker Notes:

Welcome everyone! Today we’re diving into one of the most intriguing non-canonical writings from early Christianity: The Gospel of Thomas. We’ll explore its origins, why it was excluded from the Bible, and how modern scholars interpret it today.

Slide 2: Class Overview

Speaker Notes:

We’ll cover three big questions:

1.      What is the Gospel of Thomas and where did it come from?

2.      Why didn’t the early church include it in the Bible?

3.      What can we learn from it—whether historically, spiritually, or theologically?

Slide 3: Who Was Thomas?

Speaker Notes:

Thomas means “twin” in both Hebrew and Greek. Some early Christian traditions claim he was Jesus’ twin brother, but most scholars think this is symbolic. He plays a prominent role in Eastern Christianity, especially in India, and was later used as a fictional figure in spiritual writings.

Slide 4: Manuscript Discovery

Speaker Notes:

In 1945, a farmer discovered a jar near Nag Hammadi, Egypt, filled with ancient Christian texts. One of them was the Gospel of Thomas, written in Coptic. Earlier Greek fragments had already been found at Oxyrhynchus, indicating it was known in the 2nd century. These discoveries revolutionized our understanding of early Christian diversity.

Slide 5: What Kind of Gospel Is It?

Speaker Notes:

Unlike the Gospels we’re used to, this one has no storyline. It’s just 114 sayings attributed to Jesus. Some are familiar, others are very unusual. There’s no crucifixion, resurrection, or miracles—just teaching. And many of these sayings emphasize secret knowledge or spiritual insight.

Slide 6: Dating and Authorship

Speaker Notes:

There’s a big scholarly debate here. Some say Thomas contains very early traditions, perhaps even before the Synoptic Gospels. Others say it’s a 2nd-century Gnostic text that borrows from the Gospels. Most agree it’s written under a pseudonym - possibly to give it authority by attaching Thomas’s name to it.

Slide 7: Why the Early Church Rejected It

Speaker Notes:

The early church prioritized writings that supported the death and resurrection of Jesus, promoted unity in the church, and aligned with apostolic teaching. Thomas didn’t fit. Writers like Eusebius and Jerome dismissed it as heretical or absurd—especially because of its focus on secret knowledge and lack of resurrection.

Slide 8: Key Sayings from the Gospel of Thomas

Speaker Notes:

Here are a few examples.

  • Saying 3 is mystical: the Kingdom is inside and all around us.
  • Saying 77 shows a cosmic view of Jesus’ identity.
  • Saying 114 is controversial and reflects Gnostic ideas about gender and transformation.
    Let’s read them aloud and see what impressions they leave.

Slide 9: Major Themes in Thomas

Speaker Notes:

The Gospel emphasizes a deep, inward journey—awakening to divine knowledge. The “Kingdom” isn’t a future event; it’s a present reality if we open our eyes to it. The tone is very individualistic—salvation isn’t through community or sacraments, but through inner enlightenment.

Slide 10: How Thomas Compares with the Canonical Gospels

Speaker Notes:

This chart highlights the differences.

The canonical Gospels emphasize faith, crucifixion, and resurrection. Thomas presents a very different Jesus—more like a wisdom teacher or spiritual guide. This helps us understand why the church made the choices it did when forming the canon.

Slide 11: Scholarly Views on Thomas

Speaker Notes:

Scholars are all over the map on this one.

  • Crossan and Pagels see Thomas as early and valuable for understanding Jesus.
  • Perrin sees it as a late Gnostic imitation.
  • DeConick thinks it’s layered—starting with early material, but later edited with Gnostic ideas.
    These views shape how Thomas is studied and whether it’s seen as trustworthy or heretical.

Slide 12: Scholarly Debates

Speaker Notes:

So what is Thomas? A spiritual resource? A window into early Christian mysticism? Or just a heretical text? The answer depends on your framework. The debates about Thomas also reflect broader conversations about how we define Christianity and what we consider authentic.

Slide 13: Group Discussion Prompt

Speaker Notes:

Let’s pause here and talk.

What do these sayings suggest about how some early Christians understood Jesus, the Kingdom of God, and salvation?

How do those views compare with what we see in the New Testament?

Slide 14: Final Reflections

Speaker Notes:

Whether or not we accept Thomas as inspired, it’s clear that early Christianity was diverse. The Gospel of Thomas challenges us to think more deeply about what Jesus taught, what the Kingdom is, and how the church preserved and shaped that message. Studying texts like this strengthens—not threatens—our understanding of the faith.

Slide 15: Thank You / Q&A

Speaker Notes:

Thank you for joining this exploration. If you have questions, thoughts, or want to keep studying texts like this, I’d love to hear from you!