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Gnostic Gospels

Gnostic Gospels. Gospel of Truth, Gospel of Mary, Gospel of Peter, and Coptic Apocalypse of Peter. Gnosticism. γνῶσις, gnōsis. Valentinian Gnosticism. Valentinus Gnosis “knowledge; insight” Gnostic Myth Pleroma/Bythos Aeons Sophia. Gospel Of Truth.

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Gnostic Gospels

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  1. Gnostic Gospels Gospel of Truth, Gospel of Mary, Gospel of Peter, and Coptic Apocalypse of Peter

  2. Gnosticism γνῶσις, gnōsis

  3. Valentinian Gnosticism • Valentinus • Gnosis • “knowledge; insight” • Gnostic Myth • Pleroma/Bythos • Aeons • Sophia

  4. 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

  5. Background • Who: Valentinian Gnostics (maybe Valentinus himself) • When: about 140-180 AD • Where: found in Nag Hammi

  6. Intro • Sermonic letter of exhortation • Gnostic audience • Underlying Gnostic theology • The “Good News” of Jesus Christ

  7. General Themes • 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

  8. Biblical Allusions • Word as Double-Edged Sword • Hebrews 4:12 • Parable of the Lost Sheep • Luke 15:1-7 • Fragrance of the Knowledge of God • 2 Corinthians 2:14 • Fall of Man and The Second Adam • Genesis 3, Romans 5:12-21 • Book of Life • Philippians 4:3, Revelation • Jars of Clay • 2 Corinthians 4:7

  9. Similarities Differences • Minimal dealing with Judaism • Western/Greco-Roman Philosophical thought • Theologically antithetical to the New Testament • Most like Book of Hebrews • Genre • Emphasis • Rhetorical strategy • Frequent allusion to the New Testament

  10. Canonicity? • Should not be canonical • No apostolic tie to the text • Valentinian Gnostic • Declared heresy by Irenaeus

  11. 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

  12. Background • Who: Mary Magdalene • When: (late) 2nd Century AD • Where: ?

  13. Summary • Jesus on sin • Jesus’ ascension • Mary comforts/encourages troubled disciples • Jesus’ words to Mary • Four levels to eternal rest • Validity of Mary’s testimony?

  14. Similarities Differences • Inner self • Four levels • Private conversation/ revelation • “the Good” • Written by a woman • Blessing and Great Commision • Status of Peter and Mary Magdalene • Sin is from man, not from the world • Jesus came to reconcile this

  15. Canon? NO

  16. Gospel Of Peter κατά Πέτρον ευαγγέλιον

  17. Background Basic Story • Who: Simon Peter • When: 2nd Century AD • Where: Unknown; found in Egypt • Passion

  18. Similarities to the NT • Quotes • Storyline • Trial and torture • Effects of crucifixion

  19. Differences from the NT • Anti-semitic • Jesus’ last words • Supernatural drama

  20. Add to canon? • No • Does not add any depth • Adds disagreement • Places blame on Jews

  21. Coptic Apocalypse Of Peter Did you know?: The Coptic Apocalypse of Peter is an entirely different text from The Apocalypse of Peter

  22. Background • Who: Simon Peter • When: 3rd Century AD • Where: Unknown; Nag Hammadi

  23. Basic Story • Peter’s vision • Many believers are incorrect • Gnostic

  24. Similarities to the NT • Revelation • Believers led astray

  25. Add to Canon? No Contradiction Minimizes sacrifice Differences from the NT • Beliefs put into question • Confusing Language

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