The Apocryphal Jesus
Mike Ervin


            The Apocryphal Jesus: An Overview

 The teaching summarized here is based on a Teaching Company book on "Apocryphal Jesus," taught by Professor David Brakke, exploring early Christian writings outside the New Testament and their significance in understanding the diversity of ancient Christianity.

The teaching explores early Christian apocryphal writings that provide insights into diverse beliefs about Jesus and his family, expanding on canonical texts.

  • The apocryphal New Testament includes writings not part of the official New Testament canon.
  • These texts reveal the diversity of early Christian beliefs and practices.
  • Apocryphal writings often fill gaps in the New Testament narratives and provide alternative perspectives on Jesus and his family.
  • The course examines various genres of early Christian literature, including gospels, acts, letters, and revelations.

The Influence of Apocrypha on Christianity

The apocryphal writings offer valuable insights into early Christian beliefs and controversies.

  • The term "apocrypha" means "hidden" or "secret" and refers to non-canonical texts.
  • Early Christian writers produced a variety of texts, including letters, gospels, and apocalypses.
  • Some apocryphal texts were labeled as esoteric, suggesting they contained secret teachings.
  • Early church leaders like Irenaeus and Tertullian criticized apocryphal writings as heretical.
  • The New Testament canon was not finalized until 367 CE, leading to ongoing debates about the legitimacy of apocryphal texts.

The Value of Early Christian Apocrypha

Apocryphal literature provides a window into the diversity of early Christianity and its theological developments.

  • Many apocryphal writings are not heretical and offer insights into early Christian thought.
  • Scholars categorize early Christian apocrypha as narratives about Jesus, his family, and the apostles.
  • These texts often expand upon or fill in gaps left by the New Testament.
  • The apocryphal Jesus is as historically significant and influential as the Jesus depicted in the New Testament.

Proto-Gospel of James: Mary and Jesus

The Proto-Gospel of James supplements the New Testament by detailing the birth and early life of Mary and Jesus.

  • Originating in the late 2nd century, it became popular among Eastern Mediterranean Christians.
  • The text fills gaps in the New Testament accounts of Mary and Joseph.
  • It emphasizes Mary’s virginity and her deep connection to Jewish tradition.
  • The narrative parallels Old Testament stories, reinforcing Christianity's roots in Judaism.
  • The text portrays the miraculous nature of Jesus's birth, highlighting its cosmic significance.

Infancy Gospel of Thomas: Young Jesus

The Infancy Gospel of Thomas presents a unique portrayal of Jesus's childhood, blending miraculous acts with troubling behavior.

  • The text includes stories of Jesus performing miracles and exhibiting divine powers.
  • It also depicts Jesus as a vengeful child, cursing those who anger him.
  • The earliest manuscripts date from the 5th and 6th centuries, with the original likely in Greek.
  • The text's popularity in the Middle Ages led to various translations and artistic representations.
  • Scholars debate the implications of Jesus's behavior in the stories and their reception in early Christian communities.

The Infancy Gospel of Thomas

The Infancy Gospel of Thomas presents an idealized portrayal of the child Jesus, emphasizing his divine powers and character traits.

  • The text likely reflects stories about Jesus's childhood that were revised over centuries.
  • It is not considered the earliest example of Christian children's literature due to a lack of similar texts from the ancient Mediterranean.
  • The young Jesus is depicted as already possessing the virtues and powers of an adult.
  • The gospel addresses criticisms of Jesus's anger, suggesting it was a childhood trait rather than an adult vice.
  • The narrative invites readers to see Jesus as both a relatable child and a divine figure.

Joseph and the Magi in Apocryphal Literature

This section explores the development of Joseph's character and the magi's role in early Christian narratives.

  • Joseph is portrayed as a widower with children from a previous marriage in the Proto-Gospel of James, explaining his absence during Jesus's ministry.
  • The Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew expands on Joseph's character and includes the Holy Family's flight to Egypt.
  • The History of Joseph the Carpenter emphasizes Joseph's love for Jesus and his ordinary reactions to extraordinary events.
  • The Revelation of the Magi presents a universalist view of Jesus, inviting worship from all traditions.

The Cult of Mary in Early Christianity

Mary's role in early Christianity evolved significantly through apocryphal texts, emphasizing her purity and intercessory power.

  • The Proto-Gospel of James highlights Mary's miraculous birth and lifelong virginity, establishing her as a model of purity.
  • Later texts depict Mary as having special knowledge and a unique relationship with God, enhancing her status among saints.
  • The Book of Mary’s Repose and the Six Books Dormition Apocryphon describe Mary's assumption into heaven, reflecting her veneration.
  • The Council of Ephesus in 431 affirmed Mary as the Mother of God, solidifying her cult in Christianity.

Lost Gospels and Fragments

Numerous early Christian gospels and fragments provide insight into the diversity of beliefs and practices in ancient Christianity.

  • Many gospels are known only through references or fragments, such as the Gospel of the Nazareans and the Gospel of the Hebrews.
  • Papyrus fragments like Papyrus Oxyrhynchus 840 and Papyrus Egerton 2 reveal ongoing debates about ritual practices and Jesus's teachings.
  • The Secret Gospel of Mark raises questions about authenticity and the nature of early Christian teachings, particularly regarding sexuality.

The Gospel of Thomas and Its Teachings

The Gospel of Thomas offers a unique perspective on Jesus's teachings, focusing on self-knowledge and spiritual enlightenment.

  • It consists solely of sayings attributed to Jesus, contrasting with the narrative style of the canonical gospels.
  • Salvation is achieved through self-knowledge, emphasizing ignorance as the primary obstacle rather than sin.
  • The text suggests that the Kingdom of God is already present, challenging traditional apocalyptic views found in the New Testament.

Agrapha: Unwritten Sayings of Jesus

Agraphas are sayings attributed to Jesus that do not appear in the canonical gospels, providing additional context for early Christian teachings.

  • Agrapha can be found in various early Christian writings, including the Acts of the Apostles and the letters of Paul.
  • Some sayings, like "It is more blessed to give than to receive," are quoted by early Christian authors but not found in the gospels.
  • The command "Be wise money changers" illustrates the need for discernment in understanding truth and falsehood within Christian teachings.

Dialogue Gospels and Conversations with Jesus

Dialogue gospels present extended conversations between Jesus and his disciples, offering deeper insights into his teachings.

  • The Book of Thomas the Contender features a dialogue between Jesus and Thomas, clarifying the nature of self-knowledge and spiritual truth.
  • The Dialogue of the Savior continues the themes of the Gospel of Thomas, emphasizing the contrast between the spiritual and material realms.
  • These texts reflect the struggles of early Christians to understand and articulate their beliefs in the face of external challenges.

Connections Between Gnostic Texts

The Dialogue of the Savior shares subtle connections with the Gospel of Thomas and the Book of Thomas, highlighting themes of self-knowledge and spiritual truth.

  • The Dialogue features Jesus speaking to named disciples, with Judas, Matthew, and Mary receiving special visions.
  • Echoes of sayings from the Gospel of Thomas are present, emphasizing self-knowledge and spiritual pursuits.
  • The Book of Thomas simplifies the message, while the Dialogue retains its mystical tone.
  • The Gospel of the Savior, a fragmentary text, shows similarities to the Gospel of Thomas and may have been influenced by it.

The Gospel of the Savior Overview

The Gospel of the Savior, a fragmentary Coptic text, presents teachings of Jesus and explores themes of self-knowledge and perseverance.

  • The text survives in two Coptic manuscripts, with the Berlin manuscript dating to the late 7th or 8th century and the Strasbourg manuscript being older.
  • Scholars debate its original composition date, with some suggesting the 2nd or 3rd century and others proposing the late 5th or 6th century.
  • The Gospel emphasizes the importance of self-knowledge for salvation and encourages perseverance among Christians.

The Gospel of Judas and Its Themes

The Gospel of Judas presents a Gnostic perspective on Judas Iscariot, portraying him as a misunderstood figure with unique knowledge of Jesus.

  • Published in 2006, the text was discovered in the late 1970s and is believed to have been composed in the mid-100s.
  • The narrative focuses on conversations between Jesus and Judas, with Jesus revealing the true nature of God and the cosmos.
  • Judas is depicted as having knowledge that sets him apart from the other disciples, but he is also told he will not enter the kingdom.
  • The text challenges traditional views of Judas, presenting him as a necessary part of the divine plan.

The Gospel of Peter's Unique Perspective

The Gospel of Peter offers a distinctive account of Jesus's trial, crucifixion, and resurrection, emphasizing the divinity of Jesus and shifting blame for his death.

  • Discovered in the late 19th century, the text portrays Pilate as a reluctant executioner and minimizes his role in Jesus's death.
  • The narrative shifts blame to the Jews, depicting them as guilty and hostile towards Jesus.
  • The resurrection scene includes a talking cross and emphasizes Jesus's divine nature, presenting him as a heavenly being.
  • The text reflects early Christian efforts to distance themselves from Judaism and align with Roman authority.

Pilate's Transformation in Early Christianity

Early Christian writings sought to transform Pontius Pilate from a reviled figure into a sympathetic character, often portraying him as a Christian.

  • The Gospels of the New Testament began the trend of exonerating Pilate and blaming the Jews for Jesus's death.
  • Apocryphal texts, such as the Gospel of Nicodemus, further sanctified Pilate, depicting him as a witness to Jesus's divinity.
  • Forged documents from late antiquity continued to present Pilate in a positive light, often portraying him as a martyr for his role in Jesus's execution.
  • This transformation reflects the desire of early Christians to align themselves with Roman authority and distance themselves from Judaism.

Post-Resurrection Dialogues with Jesus

Several apocryphal gospels record conversations between the risen Jesus and his followers, presenting teachings that expand upon his earthly ministry.

  • The Secret Book of John reveals Gnostic teachings about the nature of God and the cosmos, emphasizing knowledge as a path to salvation.
  • The Gospel of Mary presents Mary Magdalene as a key figure, advocating for the inclusion of women in the early Christian community.
  • The Wisdom of Jesus Christ simplifies Gnostic ideas, focusing on the duality of the material and spiritual worlds and the need for moral living.
  • These texts highlight the evolving understanding of Jesus's teachings and the role of women in early Christianity.

The Acts of John: A Unique Narrative

The Acts of John combines entertaining stories with serious theological ideas, presenting a complex view of Jesus and the apostle John.

  • The text features miraculous events, such as John raising the dead and commanding bedbugs, showcasing a blend of humor and moral lessons.
  • It critiques extreme views on sexuality, emphasizing that inner desires, not the body, lead to sin.
  • The Acts of John elevates John over Paul, presenting a controversial view of Jesus as fully divine and not separate from God the Father.
  • The Hymn of the Dance illustrates a profound spirituality, emphasizing unity with the divine through worship and dance.

The Apocryphal Jesus

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