Sayings of the Savior
Collected and Amplified from Diverse Sources.
Acts 20:35, quoted by Paul:
It is more blessed to give than receive.
Justin and several others:
In the last days, there will be dissenting opinions and squabbles brought about by false teachers.
Theodatus quotes Clement of Alexandria:
Save your soul and your life!
Apelles quotes Epiphanius:
Be competent money managers!
Tertullian:
One who has never gone through trials can never perceive the Kingdom of Heaven!
Clement of Alexandria:
Seek first the Reign of the Deity and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. Ask for great things and the Deity will add unto you small things.
Actus Vercellenses:
Those with me haven't understood me.
Origen and several others:
He who is close to me is close to the fire; she who is far from the fire is far from the Kingdom.
Luke 6:4, variant reading from Codex D:
On the Sabbath Jesus saw a man working, and he said to him, "Man! If you know what you are doing, you are blessed! But if you don't know what you are doing, you are a law-breaker and cursed!"
Inscription on a mosque in India (1601), but traced back to at least the 8th century:
Jesus, on whom be peace, said, "The world is like a bridge. Go over it, but do not install yourself upon it."
Ephraem:
I have chosen you before the world was.
Berlin papyrus 11710:
Jesus to Nathaniel: Walk in the sun!
Fayyum Fragment:
As he led them out, he said, "All of you will be offended tonight, as it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered.'" When Peter said, "Even if all, not I," Jesus said, "Before the cock crows twice, three times you will today deny me."
Letter of the Romans to the Corinthians; Clement, Bishop of Rome, first century:
Show mercy so that you may receive it. Forgive others so that you may be forgiven. As you do, it will be so done to you. As you give, so will it be given to you. As you judge, so will you also be judged. As you show kindness, so will you be shown kindness. With the same rule you use to measure these things, so will you be measured.
An Ancient Christian Sermon; Pseudo-Clement, second century:
If you are gathered with me into my bosom yet you do not keep my commandments, I will discard you and say to you, "Get away from me; I do not know where you are from, you evildoer!"
Let the lambs not fear the wolves after their death. As for you, do not fear those who kill you, for they can do no more. Fear him who has the power to throw soul and body into hell after you are dead.
If you do not guard something small, who will give you something great? Whoever is faithful with very little is faithful with very much.
Ignatius to the Smyrnians, first decade of the second century:
Hold and handle me to see that I am not a disembodied demon.
Epistle of Barnabas, between A.D. 70 and 135: Those who want to see me and gain my kingdom must receive me through suffering and affliction.
The Preaching of Peter
The
Preaching of Peter (Kerugmata Petrou) expounds several important opinions of Peter: the secrecy of his books of sermons, his attitude toward women and his version of the confrontation with Paul described in Galatians. It is a very enlightening collection of sermons dated to the second century.
Jesus to the disciples: If anyone of Israel desires to repent and through my name believes in Yahweh, his sins will be forgiven him. For 12 years go into the world and preach this message so that no one may say, "We haven't heard."
I have chosen the twelve because I have found them worthy to be my disciples. I sent these, whom I was sure would be true Apostles, into the world to proclaim to all the joyous message that all may know that there is only one qeos, and to reveal the future through those who believe in me. The end of which is that those who hear and believe might be saved; and those who do not believe may yet testify that they too have heard the message. That they might not be able to excuse themselves by saying, "We haven't heard."
The Papyrii Library of Oxyrhynchus
About 1900, two Oxford professors went to Oxyrhynchus in Upper Egypt to search for treasure among the ancient tombs. In the course of their excavation, they found alarge, subterranean room filled with thousands of stuffed crocodiles. By accident, one of the crocodiles was dropped and split open. Inside was found papyrii with writing on Christian and many other subjects. The Oxyrhynchus fragments were later dated to about the same time as the New Testament autographs!
(The first example was released by BAR in the March 2011 issue, p. 67. Much of this issue is dedicated to the find, which is still yielding much valuable information yet today.)
In December 1905—the sixth season at Oxyrhynchus—Grenfell and Hunt registered the discovery of a very small parchment book measuring approximately 3.3 by 2.75 inches (8.5 x 7 cm). Such a relic was likely valued as much as an amulet as for its content, which was written in the tiniest of scripts. The contents, however, turned out to be quite interesting: parts of two episodes from a heretofore-unknown gospel, the identity of which remains a mystery to this day. The manuscript is housed in the Bodleian Library at Oxford. In the first episode, we hear Jesus warning the disciples against imitating certain "evildoers," who are to be punished in this life and in the next. In the second episode, Jesus and his disciples wander into the Temple precinct and are confronted by a Pharisaic priest.
Text of POxy 840
SIDE1
He took [the disciples] and went into the place of purification itself and walked around in the Temple. And a certain Pharisee, a high priest named [...] approached them and fell in with them and said to the savior, "Who allowed you to set foot in this place of purification and look upon these holy vessels when you have not bathed and your disciples have not even washed their feet? In spite of being unclean, you have set foot in this temple which is clean, in which no one may walk unless he has bathed and changed his clothes, nor dare to look at these holy vessels." And
standing with his disciples, the savior answered him,
SIDE1
He took [the disciples] and went into the place of purification itself and walked around in the Temple. And a certain Pharisee, a high priest named [...] approached them and fell in with them and said to the savior, "Who allowed you to set foot in this place of purification and look upon these holy vessels when you have not bathed and your disciples have not even washed their feet? In spite of being unclean, you have set foot in this temple which is clean, in which no one may walk unless he has bathed and changed his clothes, nor dare to look at these holy vessels." And
standing with his disciples, the savior answered him,
SIDE2
"Then are you, being in the Temple, clean?' He [the Pharisee] said to him, "I am clean, for I have bathed in the pool of David. I went down into it by
one flight of stairs and came up out of it by another. Then I put on clean,
white clothes. Only then did I come and view these holy vessels." The savior answered him, "Woe to the blind who cannot see! You have bathed in these gushing waters, in which dogs and pigs lie night and day! And you have washed and scraped the outer layer of skin, just where prostitutes and flute girls anoint, bathe, cleanse and adorn in order to arouse the desires of men—but they are filled with scorpions and all kinds of evil on the inside. But I and my disciples, whom you say have not washed, have been dipped in waters [of which you know nothing ...]
"Then are you, being in the Temple, clean?' He [the Pharisee] said to him, "I am clean, for I have bathed in the pool of David. I went down into it by
one flight of stairs and came up out of it by another. Then I put on clean,
white clothes. Only then did I come and view these holy vessels." The savior answered him, "Woe to the blind who cannot see! You have bathed in these gushing waters, in which dogs and pigs lie night and day! And you have washed and scraped the outer layer of skin, just where prostitutes and flute girls anoint, bathe, cleanse and adorn in order to arouse the desires of men—but they are filled with scorpions and all kinds of evil on the inside. But I and my disciples, whom you say have not washed, have been dipped in waters [of which you know nothing ...]
(Some of the biblical texts found at Oxyrhynchus were later identified as passages from the Gospel of Thomas once it was found nearby a generation later.)
He who has found the meaning of these words (of Jesus in the Gospel of Thomas) will not experience death.
The one who is far from you today will be near tomorrow.
The splinter that is in your brother's eye you see; but the beam that is in your own eye you cannot. When you pull the beam out of your eye, then you may see clearly enough to remove your brother's splinter.
If you do not fast as to the things of this world, you will not find the kingdom of Yahweh. If you do not keep the Sabbath, you will not see the Father.
Jesus says: A prophet is not acceptable in his own country, neither does a doctor cure those who know him well.
The Pharisees have obtained the keys of the kingdom, but they have hidden them. They do not go in themselves, and they do not allow those in who desire to go. But you, be wise as serpents and meek as doves.
The scribes, the Pharisees, and the priests were angry when they saw that Jesus reclined at the table with sinners. Jesus heard of their anger and said: The healthy do not need a doctor.
Pray for your enemies. The one who is not against you is for you. The one who is today far away will be near you tomorrow.
His disciples asked him, When will we again be able to see you? He said, When you have undressed and are not ashamed.
The Interpretation of Knowledge
The excerpt below demonstrates a little Gnostic theology applied to familiar, orthodox scriptures; it is a part of an exegesis on texts from the Sermon on the Mount. The Interpretation was found in the Nag Hammadi library.
This Teacher of Immortality made a living school against the other school, that which teaches using dead writings as textbooks. Through this school we are taught about our death and dead things. On the other hand, the teacher of immortality causes us to remove ourselves from this kind of worldly evil.
Here is his teaching: Don't call to any father on the earth; rather, call upon your Father in heaven, for he is one. Those who do his will are my family and friends.
You are the light of the world. But what good is it to gain the world when you lose your very soul? Now the world does not belong to you, nor you to it. Don't esteem worldly possessions as advantageous! On the contrary, the world is disadvantageous, even punishment....
Unknown Gospels I & II
I
This gospel fragment is of the school of John, and dated to around 150.
Jesus was keeping company with tax collectors. After he had eaten with them in the inn, a leper approached him and said, "Master Jesus, I was eating with lepers and keeping company with them, thus I became a leper. If you desire it, I am clean."
Immediately the Lord said, "I AM, be clean." Then the leprosy left him.
The scribes and lawyers came to test him, thus tempt him to break the law. "Master Jesus," they said, "we know that you came from Yahweh, for you have outdone all the prophets. Tell us, according to your teaching, are we allowed to bankroll kings by paying their taxes? Should we pay or not?" But Jesus discerned their evil intention and became angry, saying to them, "Why do you call me 'Master' with your mouth, but do nothing I say? Isaiah has spoken truly concerning you: 'This people honors me with their lips but their heart is far from me; their worship is vanity. They teach man-made rules.'"
Jesus and his disciples were walking along the bank of the Jordan river. Jesus quizzed his disciples, "Behold, a grain of wheat. When it is planted by nature, lying invisible beneath the earth, do we consider that time is well spent pondering its wealth?"
And as they were pondering, perplexed by this strange question, Jesus knelt and sowed a handful of wheat on the bank, watering it. Immediately before their eyes, the wheat sprouted and grew to seed, to their amazement and great joy.
II
Here is another nameless gospel excerpt of the Synoptic school found at Oxyrhynchus and dated to the early second century.
"Evil doers plan their evil works through crafty designs. Guard that you do not deserve the same fate as they! Evil doers not only receive their just recompense in this life, but they must also suffer punishment and great torment after."
He took his disciples to the place of purification, and he walked through the courts of the Temple of Jerusalem. Levi, a Pharisee, fell in with them and asked the Savior, "Who gave you and your followers permission to inspect this holy place and its holy utensils without having bathed and changed your clothing or even washing your feet? You are defiled, and have defiled this holy place and its utensils!"
Not venturing to leave that place, the Savior spoke to Levi and said, "How is it with you, since you, too, are in the same Temple Court as we are? Are you then clean?" Levi said, "I am clean, because I washed in the pool of David by going down the one stair, through the water, and up the other stair, and I have put on clean, white clothing in the prescribed manner. Only after becoming clean have I ventured into this pure place and viewed its holy utensils."
Then the Savior said to him, "Woe unto you unseeing blind man! So you have washed yourself in the water that was poured out from the same source where dogs and swine lie day after day. So you have scrubbed your skin to a chafe, just like prostitutes and erotic dancers do, making themselves up with rouge, oils, and perfumes in order to arouse men, looking so attractive, but being full of scorpions and vermin of every kind. You, who bathed with the swine, have dared to accused those who have been cleansed in the living water which falls from Heaven of being unclean? Woe to you and all like you!"
The Gospel of Thomas the Athlete
This Thomas, identified with the disciple, is, in the context of the tradition it is written, the twin brother of Jesus. His gospel is composed of dialogue between Thomas and Jesus, as recorded by Matthew or Matthias. It is one of the installments of the Nag Hammadi Library, and was not known before its discovery in 1945.
You have heard it said, Everyone who seeks truth from the true Wisdom of God will grant himself wings to fly away from the lust that scorches men's spirits, as well as every spirit that the eye can see.
Blessed is the wise one who has searched for the truth. When that one finds truth, he rests on it unafraid forever, undaunted by skeptics.
It is useful and good to know the end. All things visible to men will dissolve, including men themselves. The vessel they call flesh will dissolve. Flesh will be dissolved to nothing. Those that have given up or otherwise denied the faith will count the flame as punishment for what they have renounced. The ordeal will make them finally realize that they are visible indeed and outside the invisible kingdom they once inhabited. Even those with a measure of spiritual insight will be scorched and perish, because their worldly concerns had overshadowed their first love.
The dissolving of all things will happen unexpectedly. What will be left of men will appear to be shapeless ghosts unable to abandon their pain-filled corpses, dwelling forever in the dimness of the graveyard, their souls corrupted and ruined.
Woe to you, godless ones, who have no hope, yet rely on a future that you have created for your own safety and security. Your future will never become reality! Woe to you, whose hope is set on your prison of flesh - you will surely die! How long will you be oblivious to the truth? How long will you suppose yourselves to be imperishable? Your hope is set on the world; your god is this life! Your blindness is ruining your chances by corrupting your souls.
Woe to you. The fire is already burning you up from within, and it is insatiable! Woe to you, for you are in the grip of an inward fire, which devours you openly, but secretly destroys your souls! Be prepared to meet your companions!
Woe to you because of the wheels that grind in your minds. Woe to you captives bound in dark caves! You laugh! In mad laughter you rejoice! You do not reflect on your dire circumstances nor understand that you are already in perdition: living in darkness and death!
On the contrary, you are drunk on fire, and consumed by bitterness! Your minds are deranged from your inner burning; the poison is sweet, as are the blows of your adversaries! Darkness rises as sunlight to you, for you have traded your freedom for bondage! You have surrendered your minds to the folly of your ways - you meditate on smoke, thus your hearts are blackened from it!
Light only exists within light. Any light you might have shone has been hidden in the haze - it enshadows you like a shroud! Consider whom you have believed! Don't you know that your confidence cannot be placed in those who share your desperate situation? That the baptism of the world is in dirty waters? That you are the victims of your own untimely whims?
Woe to you who dwell in this error. Why can't you heed the light of the sun which observes all from the sky as it circles. Only light can free you from your enemies! Even the moon, with its lesser light, can judge you by observing the bodies left from your slaughtering!
Woe to you sex perverts, who thrive on immoral and wanton acts with with women! Woe to you, in the grips of the powers of your bodies! You are so afflicted! Woe to you, servants of the powers of demons!
Woe to you who destroy your limbs in fire! Who is it that can quench the burning with refreshing dew? Who is it that can chase away the darkness that enshrouds you, enlighten your inner man, and cleanse the polluted baptismal waters with holy sunlight?
Who is it that can hide the confusion that torments you? It is not too late! The light of the sun and the moon together with fresh air, holy spirit, clean earth and unpolluted water will give you a new fragrance if you allow it to be so!
For if the light does not shine on your bodies, they will dry up and die like weeds or grass. If the light shines on these, they become so strong that they grow to choke out the grapevine! But if the grapevine prevails, and shades the weeds and grasses, it alone inherits the land on which it is planted. Every place a grapevine shades it dominates! We know grape arbors dominate all the land, bringing profit to the farmer, which pleases him greatly. He would have suffered great hardship on account of the worthless plants, until he would finally have to put forth the effort to uproot them! But the grapevine, because it was so nourished by the light, was able to remove them by choking them out. Thus the grapevine strengthens its dominion even more, as the remains of the weeds become as the soil, and provide mulch.
Blessed are you who know your stumbling-blocks, and flee alien things. Blessed are you who are reviled, and not respected because of the love that the Lord has for you. Blessed are you who weep and are held captive by the hopeless, for you will be released from every bondage. Watch and pray that you do not remain in the flesh, but that you come forth. For the flesh is a bondage of bitterness that brings much suffering and disgrace.
When you leave the passion and suffering of your bodies, you will receive rest from the Good; you will reign with the King; you will be one with him and he with you from this time on and forever. Amen.
The Gospel of Peter
Also known as
The Lost Gospel of Peter.
Early commentators first spoke of this gospel around 200 A. D. It's content was totally unknown until a fragment was discovered in 1886 inside the crypt of a Christian monk (dated to the 8th century) in Upper Egypt. That fragment bore the story of Jesus' passion from Pilate's washing of hands through a somewhat different account of the resurrection.
It was noon, yet darkness descended over Judea. Those who were in charge of the crucifixion were troubled, because they had a law that the sun should not set on anyone who has been put to death. One of them said, "Mix up some gall and vinegar for him to drink." They did so and administered it to him, thus fulfilling that which was to happen and completing their sins against themselves.
Many there had lamps, attempting to dispel the darkness, for they supposed that it was night; it was very dark. They stumbled and fell.
Soon the Lord cried out loud, saying, "My Power, my Power, you have left me!" When he said this, he ascended. In that same hour the veil of the temple in Jerusalem was torn in two.
The Gospel of the Nazaraeans
Also possibly known as:
The Gospel of the Hebrews
The Gospel of the Jews
The Gospel of the Ebionites
(that is, the Poor)
The Gospel of Matthew
(that is, the "Authentic")
and/ or secondary quotes from other very early gospels.
As far as we know, none of these gospels exist today. All these titles may refer to one, two or several works. Our knowledge of the text comes from early quotations. We do know that these gospels were used primarily in assemblies of Messianic Jews.
quoted from Clement of Alexandria
: Whoever marvels will reign, and whoever has reigns will rest. Whoever looks will not rest until he finds; whoever finds will marvel; whoever marvels will reign. Whoever reigns will rest.
quoted from 2 Clement:
If you do not fulfill my commands then even if you should gather together in my bosom, I will throw you out and say: Leave me, I do not know where you come from, you workers of evil.
quoted from Jerome:
The Lord's mother and brothers said to him, "John baptizes for the forgiveness of sins. Let's go and be baptized by John!" The Lord said to them, "In what way have I sinned that I should go and be baptized by him? Unless, of course, I have just committed the sin of ignorance!"
Give us today tomorrow's bread.
"If your brother has sinned against you with words, but has asked forgiveness and made reparations, forgive him seven times a day." Simon, his disciple, asked him, "Seven times a day?" The Lord told him, "Yes, I'm telling you, as many as seventy times seven times; for it is written that the words of sinful discourse were found even after the Holy Spirit anointed the prophets."
When the Lord had come out of baptism's waters, the entire of the Holy Spirit descended on him and remained. The Spirit said, "My Son, through all the prophets I have been waiting for you so that I might rest in you. For you are my rest; you are my first-begotten Son that will reign forever."
When the Lord had come out of baptism's waters, the entire of the Holy Spirit descended on him and remained. The Spirit said, "My Son, through all the prophets I have been waiting for you so that I might rest in you. For you are my rest; you are my first-begotten Son that will reign forever."
The Lord said to his disciples, Be joyful only when you look upon your brother's face with love. The most grievous offenders are those who have offended their brothers' spirits.
quoted from Origen:
The other of two rich men said to him, "Master, what good works should I do so that I will live?" The Lord said to him, "Man, fulfill the law and the prophets." The rich man said, "I have done that already." Then the Lord commanded, "Go and sell everything you have and distribute it among the poor, then come and follow me." The rich man could only scratch his head, for what the Lord had said hadn't pleased him at all. So the Lord said to him "How can you say that you have fulfilled the law and the prophets? For it stands written in the law, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Yet, look around and see that many of the sons of Abraham are begrimed with dirt and die with hunger. Your house is full of all kinds of desirable things, but none of your wealth comes out of it for them!" He turned and said to his disciple Simon, who was sitting near by, "Simon, son of Jona, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven."
Jesus said, Even so my mother, the Holy Spirit, took me by one of my hairs and carried me to the great Mount Tabor.
quoted from Eusebius:
I choose for myself the most worthy - they are given me by my Father in Heaven.
quoted from Haimo of Auxerre:
As the Lord spoke the words of Isaiah from the cross, thousands of the Jews standing around became believers.
amplified from a marginal note on a copy of Aurora:
Jesus entered the temple of Yahweh and drove out all those who bought or sold. He overturned the moneychanger's tables and the seats of the pigeon-sellers. Rays of light came out from his eyes, by which many were terrified and ran away.
quoted from Epiphanius:
There appeared a man of about thirty years of age named Jesus who chose us. When he came to Capernaum, he went into the house of Simon Peter and said, "As I walked along the Lake of Tiberias, I chose John and James the sons of Zebedee, then Simon, Andrew, Thaddeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the Iscariot. You, Matthew, I called as you sat at the tax collection table and you followed me. I will you to be 'sent ones' for a testimony to Israel."
I have come to do away with the system of sacrifices. If you do not quit sacrificing, the wrath of Yahweh will not quit you.
The disciples said, "Where do you want us to prepare the Passover?" Jesus answered, "Do you think I desire with desire to eat flesh with you at this Passover?"
from other sources:
Whoever seeks will not rest until he finds; whoever finds will be amazed; whoever is amazed will reign; whoever reigns will rest.
The Lord appeared to James, who had sworn that he would not eat until he should see the Lord risen from them that are asleep. The Lord said, "Bring a table and bread!" James did as he was told. The Lord took the bread, blessed it and broke it. Handing it to James the Just, he said, "My brother, you may now eat your bread, for the Son of Man is risen from sleepers."
When he came to Peter and the others with him, he said to them, "Behold! Touch me and see that I am not a bodiless demon!" Right away, they touched him and believed, being in close contact with his flesh and his spirit.
The Gospel of Mary (Magdalene)
In this excerpt, Mary Magdalene receives a message from the risen Savior that she conveys to the other disciples. Peter, who disdains women, does not believe her story. Part of a fifth century manuscript still exists in Berlin; the text is dated to the second century.
Peace be with you - receive my peace in your hearts. Take care that no one led you astray by saying such things as, "Look here!" or "Look over there!" For the Son of Man is among you. Follow him! Those who look for him will find him!
Go then and preach the good news of the kingdom. Do not lay down any rules beyond those that I have authorized, and never dispense law like a lawgiver. You may find yourself breaking your own rules and constrained by your own laws!
The Gospel of Mark, Secret Mark
Secret Mark is a section of perhaps the source of Mark that was left out or lost from the canonical issue, and quoted from the epitomes of Clement of Alexander. There is a scene in Secret Mark that could be construed as 'Jesus' performing a homosexual act upon the 'boy in the sheet.' It is little wonder Secret Mark was 'discovered' by the late Morton Smith, being himself a famous homosexual? Here is Secret Mark from Smith's own translation.
From the letters of the most holy Clement, the author of the Stromateis. To Theodore.
You did well in silencing the unspeakable teachings of the Carpocratians. For these are the “wandering stars” referred to in the prophecy, who wander from the narrow road of the commandments into a boundless abyss of the carnal and bodily sins. For, priding themselves in knowledge, as they say, “of the deep things of Satan,” they do not know that they are casting themselves away into “the nether world of the darkness” of falsity, and, boasting that they are free, they have become slaves of servile desires. Such men are to be opposed in all ways and altogether. For, even if they should say something true, one who loves the truth should not, even so, agree with them. For not all true things are the truth, nor should that truth which merely seems true according to human opinions be preferred to the true truth, that according to the faith.
You did well in silencing the unspeakable teachings of the Carpocratians. For these are the “wandering stars” referred to in the prophecy, who wander from the narrow road of the commandments into a boundless abyss of the carnal and bodily sins. For, priding themselves in knowledge, as they say, “of the deep things of Satan,” they do not know that they are casting themselves away into “the nether world of the darkness” of falsity, and, boasting that they are free, they have become slaves of servile desires. Such men are to be opposed in all ways and altogether. For, even if they should say something true, one who loves the truth should not, even so, agree with them. For not all true things are the truth, nor should that truth which merely seems true according to human opinions be preferred to the true truth, that according to the faith.
Now of the things they keep saying about the divinely inspired Gospel according to Mark, some are altogether falsifications, and others, even if they do contain some true elements, nevertheless are not reported truly. For the true things being mixed with inventions, are falsified, so that, as the saying goes, even the salt loses its savor.
As for Mark, then, during Peter’s stay in Rome he wrote an account of the Lord’s doings, not, however, declaring all of them, nor yet hinting at the secret ones, but selecting what he thought most useful for increasing the faith of those who were being instructed. But when Peter died a martyr, Mark came over to Alexandria, bringing both his own notes and those of Peter, from which he transferred to his former book the things suitable to whatever makes for progress toward knowledge. Thus he composed a more spiritual Gospel for the use of those who were being perfected. Nevertheless, he yet did not divulge the things not to be uttered, nor did he write down the hierophantic teaching of the Lord,* but to the stories already written he added yet others and, moreover, brought in certain sayings of which he knew the interpretation would, as a mystagogue,** lead the hearers into the innermost sanctuary of that truth hidden by seven veils. Thus, in sum, he prepared matters, neither grudgingly nor incautiously, in my opinion, and, dying, he left his composition to the church in Alexandria, where it even yet is most carefully guarded, being read only to those who are being initiated into the great mysteries.
But since the foul demons are always devising destruction for the race of men, Carpocrates, instructed by them and using deceitful arts, so enslaved a certain presbyter of the church in Alexandria that he got from him a copy of the secret Gospel, which he both interpreted according to his blasphemous and carnal doctrine and, moreover, polluted, mixing with the spotless and holy words utterly shameless lies. From this mixture is drawn off the teaching of the Carpocratians. To them, therefore, as I said above, one must never give way; nor, when they put forward their falsifications, should one concede that the secret Gospel is by Mark, but should even deny it on oath. For, “Not all true things are to be said to all men.” For this reason the Wisdom of God, through Solomon, advises, “Answer the fool from his folly,” teaching that the light of the truth should be hidden from those who are mentally blind. Again it says, “From him who has not shall be taken away,” and, “Let the fool walk in darkness.” But we are “children of light,” having been illuminated by “the dayspring” of the spirit of the Lord “from on high,” and “Where the Spirit of the Lord is,” it says, “there is liberty,” for “All things are pure to the pure.”
To you, therefore, I shall not hesitate to answer the questions you have asked, refuting the falsifications by the very words of the Gospel. For example, after “And they were in the road going up to Jerusalem,” and what follows, until “After three days he shall arise,” the secret Gospel brings the following material word for word: “And they come into Bethany. And a certain woman whose brother had died was there. And, coming, she prostrated herself before Jesus and says to him, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me.’ But the disciples rebuked her. And Jesus, being angered, went off with her into the garden where the tomb was, and straightway a great cry was heard from the tomb. And going near Jesus rolled away the stone from the door of the tomb. And straightway, going in where the youth was, he stretched forth his hand and raised him, seizing his hand. But the youth, looking upon him, loved him and began to beseech him that he might be with him. And going out of the tomb they came into the house of the youth, for he was rich. And after six days Jesus told him what to do and in the evening the youth comes to him, wearing a linen cloth over his naked body. And he remained with him that night, for Jesus taught him the mystery of the kingdom of God. And thence, arising, he returned to the other side of the Jordan.” After these words follows the text, “And James and John come to him,” and all that section. But “naked man with naked man,” and the other things about which you wrote, are not found. And after the words, “And he comes into Jericho,” the secret Gospel adds only, And the sister of the youth whom Jesus loved and his mother and Salome were there, and Jesus did not receive them.” But the many other things about which you wrote both seem to be and are falsifications. Now the true explanation and that which accords with the true philosophy.
* hierophantic teaching of the Lord = instructions for gaining access to holy places; how to ascend to heaven, or how to conjure a prophet.
** mystagogue = one who leads others into mystical or mysterious experiences or psychological states.
The Gospel of Mani
Mani was an early and very influential cult leader and messiah who founded a movement known as Manicheism. These fragments are from
The Book of Mysteries, The Coptic Psalm Book, and The Gospel of Mani (a commentary on the gospel of Jesus). Mani was influenced by The Lost Gospel of Peter and The Gospel of Thomas.
The old men of gray hair will be instructed by little children; six year-olds will teach sixty year-olds.
Know what is in front of your face and what is hidden will be revealed.
I came to redeem you from death and destruction. I will give you what you have not seen with your eyes, have not heard with your ears, have not grasped with your hands.
Blessed are the persecuted, for they will rest in light. Blessed are the hungry and thirsty, for they will be satisfied.
They will deliver me up and crucify me; on the third day will I rise from the dead. Go to Galilee this afternoon, and tell the news to Simon and the others.
Mary, Mary - know me but do not touch me. Stop the tears from flowing and know that I am your master. Only do not touch me, for I haven't seen my Father's face yet. Your God wasn't stolen from you, as your small thoughts lead you to believe. Your God did not die, but mastered death! I am not the gardener! I have given life and received life eternal. But I now appear to you because I have seen the tears in your eyes. Throw your sadness away from me to wandering orphans. Start rejoicing now and tell the eleven. You will find them gathered on Jordan's bank. The traitor persuaded them to once again become fishermen as once they were and to lay down their nets that caught people to life!
Say to them, 'Rise up! Let's go! Your brother calls for you!' If they scorn brotherhood with me, tell them, 'Your master calls.' If they disagree with that, tell them, 'It is your Lord.' Use all your skill to bring the sheep in to the shepherd. If you see that they have lost their wits for grief, draw Simon Peter away and say to him, 'Remember what I spoke to you about privately on the Mount of Olives: I have something to say but no one to say it to.'
Jesus stands among us; he winks at us secretly and says, "Repent, so that I may forgive you your sins".
I am close to you, like clothing.
He that dies will live; the humble will be lifted up.
Blessed is the one who knows her own soul.
Whoever works to come to that world of peace must collect his soul in the sign of the gods in paradise from now on.
The one who sees himself on the outside only becomes small and makes others small.
The one who has compassion on his soul will weep and lament, pray and implore, and beg remission of sins.
Where love is little, all deeds are imperfect.
What good is it for a man to say, "I have power in my members," when he creates corruption by eye, ear, and senses?
Every time you gather for begging for remission of sins, forgive - seek pardon from one another. The one who doesn't forgive is not forgiven.
The (Greek) Gospel of the Egyptians
This
Gospel of the Egyptians is to be distinguished from the Nag Hammadi gospel of the same name, and no longer exists in any form other than early quotes. Scholars think it is similar or related to the Gospel of Thomas, since Salome is an important character in each. The work is dated to the first or second century.
quoted from
Clement of Alexandria: Salome: "How long will death have power?" The Lord: "As long as you women have children." Salome: "Then it is good that I haven't had any children!"
The Lord: "Eat every herb but the bitter one. I have come to undo the effects of lust, which are birth, then decay." Salome: "When will all know this?" The Lord: "When the garment of shame has been put underfoot; when two become one; when male and female are no longer distinguishable."
quoted from
2 Clement: The married should not repudiate the spouse; the unmarried should remain so.
quoted from Justin's
Apology: The Lord said, "You will be like sheep among wolves." Peter said, "What if the wolves tear the sheep to pieces?" The Lord replied, "Then let the sheep not fear the wolves after death. So, have no fear of those that kill you, for that is the last and worst they can do. Fear the one who has power to throw you into hell after you've been killed."
from the
Oxyrhynchus Papyrii: You will not recognize the Kingdom of Yahweh until you make what is in your right hand the same as what is in your left hand; what is in your left hand the same as what is in your right hand; what is above as what is below; what is behind you as what is before.
from the
Epistle of Titus: What manner of woman are you! You have told me a mystery of resurrection, you who instituted vain festivals in your own honor and delighted in worldly revelries and amusements! See what manner of young people are among you! Come together and think about the condition of your souls, for he is here who is a soul-thinker, and the last days of persecution and punishment are upon us. To me, those who despise their sinful condition are precious. I see that some have allowed their hearts to grow cold through vanity. Some have surrendered themselves to this age of uncleanliness and turned to the devil. I can help them by exhorting them by saying: O you hearts who abandon yourselves to voluptuousness! The fear of the Deity is not in you!
Finally:
Hear me, my chosen lambs! Do not fear the wolves!
The cypress tree is a mystery of pious conduct.
The Gospel of Bartholomew
Bartholomew deals with Christ's descent into Hades, and his liberation of the Old Testament saints there. The text is preserved in many fragments in several languages, and can be dated to around 200.
Before the passion of our Lord Christ, he assembled with all the Apostles. They asked him as one, "Lord, show us the secrets of Heaven." Jesus answered, "I can show you nothing about the afterlife until I have put off this body of flesh." After his suffering and rising, the Apostles didn't dare ask him that question, because his appearance changed; he revealed himself to them in the glory and fullness of the Godhead.
Courageously, Bartholomew approached him and said, "Lord, I wish to speak to you." Jesus spoke next, "Bartholomew, my beloved, I already know what you wish to say. Ask then, and I will tell you what you need to know. I will make known to you what you do not say."
Bartholomew said, "Lord, when you went to be hanged on the cross, I followed from a distance and saw that angels from above descended to worship you. When it became dark, I looked up and found you gone; except that I seemed to hear your voice speaking from among the sounds of wailing and gnashing of teeth rising from the nether world. Tell me, Lord, where you left the cross." The Lord replied, "When I seemed to disappear from the cross, I descended to the nether world with my angels in order to raise Adam and the fathers (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) as Michael, the archangel, had petitioned me to do. As we intended to shatter the doors and rend the iron bars of that place, all hell cried out to the devil, 'I perceive that God has come down to earth!' Then the angels cried to the principalities and powers there, 'Open your gates, you princes, for the King of Glory has come down!' Hell asked, 'Who is this King of Glory?'
"When I had descended down the length of five-hundred steps, all Hell began to tremble violently and cried, 'I believe Yah has come! His mighty breath comes before him! I cannot stand it!' But the Devil said to Hell, 'Don't submit! Make yourself strong! Yahweh has not come down!'
"When I descended another five-hundred steps, the strong angels commanded, 'Open up, you doors of your prince! Throw the gates wide open! Look, the King of Glory has come.' Again Hell cried out to the devil in fear, 'How doleful I am! I feel the Divine breath! Yet you say He has not come!'
"The Lord of the Flies replied, 'Why do you fear? You think it is Yahweh, but it is only a prophet who has made himself like the Most High. We will take him and put him with the rest of those who have the ridiculous hope that they will ascend to Heaven!'
"Hell then said, 'So which of the prophets comes? Enoch, the scribe of holiness? Yahweh has not allowed him to descend until six thousand years are completed. Elijah, the avenger? You told me that he does not come down here before the end. What will I do if I am to be destroyed by Yahweh? I feel that already the end is near, for I know the number of years that I have!'
"But when the Devil finally perceived that the Logos of the Father had come down, he said, 'Hell, don't be afraid! We will lock the gates and fortify the bars. This is not Yah that comes down.' And Hell cried out, 'Where, oh where will we hide ourselves from the face of Yahweh, the greatest king? Do not keep me from hiding; I was created before you!'
"At this cry, the angels tore the brass gates of Hell to pieces, while I shattered the iron bars. I went in and pummeled Hell with one hundred blows, and bound him up with unbreakable chains. I brought out all those awaiting, then I returned to the cross."
Then Bartholomew said to him, "Lord, I saw you again on the cross, and what appeared to be the dead arising and worshipping you. Tell me, Lord, who was that giant whom the angels brought up in their arms, and what did you say to him that caused him to groan so deeply?"
The Lord told Bartholomew, "It was Adam, the first living soul that was created. I said to him, 'I suffered on the cross for your sake and for your generation.' He groaned and told me, 'You were pleased to complete this mission, O Lord.'"
Bartholomew then said, "Lord, I saw angels coming up before Adam and singing songs of praise. The largest of these angels, who had a fiery sword in his hands, would not come up. Although he was bid to arise, he refused. When you commanded him to come, I saw a mighty flame issue from the sword in his hands, that reached as far as Jerusalem!" Jesus replied, "My beloved Bartholomew, you are blessed to have seen such mysteries! This angel you witnessed was one of the avengers who stands before my Father's throne, and he was sent to me. He would not go up because he wanted to destroy all the power of this world. When I commanded him to rise, he ripped the temple veil in two by that fiery sword as a testimony to the children of Israel of my sufferings. They are the ones who bear the guilt of my crucifixion."
After he had spoken with Bartholomew, he again addressed his Apostles and said, "Wait for me here." I am going to Paradise where a sacrifice is being offered in my honor." But Bartholomew, bewildered, said, "Lord, what kind of sacrifice can be offered in Paradise?" Jesus answered, "When the body dies, the spirits of the righteous ascend to Paradise. Unless I am present there, they cannot enter. The spirits of the righteous are the sacrifices of Paradise!"
Bartholomew further questioned the Lord, "How many die daily?" Jesus answered, "About thirty thousand." Again he asked, "If thirty thousand die daily, about how many go to Paradise?" "Only three," Jesus answered.
Bartholomew continued, "How many are born every day?" Jesus said, "Thirty thousand and one." Again he asked, "Lord, when you lived here among us, how were they able to receive sacrifices in Paradise?" Jesus answered, "Truly I say to you, my beloved, even when I was here teaching you, I sat at the Father's right hand and received the sacrifices in Paradise."
When Jesus had said these things, he passed them the peace and left their sight.
Mary Magdalene quotes Christ, "Did not our Lord say: 'The head of the man is Christ, but the head of the woman is man?'"
Later, the Apostles followed Jesus to the mountain Moriah,and he sat down among them. They were in awe of him, and afraid to ask anything of him.
Jesus told them, "Ask me whatever you want, and give me the opportunity to teach and show you things, for I will no longer appear to you in this form after I ascend to my Father. I will be here only seven more days."
Hesitating, they said to him, "Lord, show us the abyss, as you promised." He said, "The abyss is not a good thing for you to see, but if you so desire, my promise I will keep. Follow me and see." He led them to Cherubim, the place of truth. He then summoned the angels of the west. The earth seemed to be rolled as a scroll, and beneath it was the awesome sight of the abyss.
When the Apostles beheld the spectacle, they fell into a swoon on their faces. Jesus said to them, "Didn't I say that it wasn't a good thing for you to see the abyss?" Again he summoned the angels, who covered the abyss.
After the Apostles had recovered from the sight of the abyss, Jesus again appeared to them. Bartholomew said, "Lord, show us the adversary of men so that we can see what he looks like, or what evil he works, where he comes from, and the power he has in that he did not even spare you, but caused you to be hanged on the cross." Jesus looked on Bartholomew and said, "O bold heart! You ask for something you cannot have."
Bartholomew, being afraid, fell at Jesus' feet and cried, "O lamp never extinguished, Lord Jesus Christ, the everlasting, who entrusted grace to the ones he loved for the entire world, and gave everlasting light through his appearance on earth, who at the Father's bidding gave up his heavenly home and fulfilled his destiny, who transformed the shame of Adam into joy and nullified the sorrowful curse of Eve through his birth from a virgin mother; Do not be angry, but grant me the right to ask."
When he had thus said, Jesus compassionately raised him to his feet and told him, "Bartholomew, do you truly wish to see the Adversary of Men? I tell you the truth, that the Apostles, Mary, and yourself will all fall on your faces like the dead when you see him." Nevertheless, they all said, "Lord, this is our desire."
So he led them down from the mount of Olives. He bound the demons that protected hell, and commanded Michael to sound the trumpet of authority in the heavens. When the notes of the trumpet reverberated over the earth, it began to shake as though there were an earthquake, and Beliar himself came up from beneath the earth, held by 666 angels and bound with chains that appeared as fire.
Beliar seemed to be nearly a mile long by about forty yards wide. His face was ablaze as though it was lightning, and his eyes were threatening sparks. His nostrils exuded a stinking and foul smoke. His mouth was like the crag of a mountain, and each wing spanned about eighty yards. As soon as the Apostles saw the spectacle, they fell to the ground in a deathlike swoon. Jesus came near to each and lifted them up, imparting to them the strengthening Spirit of Power.
When Bartholomew recovered, he found this Beliar approaching. Before he could fear any more, Jesus said, "Approach Beliar, and draw near to him, Bartholomew." He did. Then Jesus told him, "Put your foot on Beliar's neck, and take authority over him; command him to tell you what his mission is, and how he deceives men." Then Jesus left Bartholomew there with Beliar, and retreated back a space with his Apostles.
Bartholomew cried out, "O womb larger than a city! O womb wider than the heavens! O womb that held the one whom seven heavens could never contain! Painlessly you held within your bosom him who was able to change into the smallest of things! O womb that hid the Messiah who became visible to many! O womb that became greater than the space of the entire creation!" Then Bartholomew became exceedingly the more afraid and cried to the Lord, "Jesus! Give me but a hem of your garment, and I will have courage to approach closer!" Jesus replied, "You can have none of my garment. It isn't the garment I wore before my passion!"
Then Bartholomew said, "Lord, I fear that Beliar will swallow me whole, since he did not spare your angels!" Jesus answered, "Weren't all things created through the Word and according to my Father's plan? Even Solomon had authority over spirits. Go on, then - you have been commanded to do so in my name! Ask him what you wish!"
Finally Bartholomew put his foot on the neck of Beliar. To his surprise, he was able to press his face in to the ground as far as his ears! Bartholomew asked him, "Tell me your name and who you are." Beliar said, "Let up a little, and I will tell you how great my power is...."
Then Bartholomew commanded Beliar to return to where he came from. Then he came back to Jesus and prostrated himself before him and began to cry. And he prayed, "Abba, Father, who can't be discovered by mortal men, Word of the Father...whose thought ordained all as it should be...because of your advent you have made all souls rejoice at the prospect of the gospel of eternal life. My God, great Father and King; save the sinner, Lord!"
When Bartholomew finished praying, Jesus said to him, "Bartholomew, the Father appointed me as Messiah, that I might come and anoint everyone who comes to me with the oil of life. He called me Jesus, that I might heal every evil of the ignorant and dispense God's truth."
Again Bartholomew spoke, "Lord, allow me to tell everyone the mysteries that have been revealed to me." Jesus answered him, "My beloved, tell the faithful who can keep these mysteries to themselves. Some are worthy of mysteries, but others can't be trusted with such revelation, especially the boasters, drunkards, prideful, merciless, idol worshipers, sexual seducers, gossips, false teachers, and those who follow the devil. Do not let these mysteries fill their ears, for they are not worthy! So it would be better if you kept these things a secret, for ones such as these will not believe you - they will mock you!
"On the other hand, all who can bear these things will have a part in them. Therefore, my beloved, I have shown you because you are especially blessed, as are all those to whom you entrust this message. Those who gain grace from your words will receive all they want in all times of my judgment."
The Epistle of Peter to Philip
This tract, written in the second century, was found at Nag Hammadi in Egypt.
The Lord instructed the Apostles: "Powerful demons are striving against the inner man! This is how you are to fight them: Be united, and teach the world salvation with a promise. Clothe yourself with my Father's power and authority. Become known as people of prayer. In this way, the Father will help you in the same way as he helped you by sending me. I am with you forever, just as I told you when I was in the body, so you need not have any fear of demons."
After he had said these words, there was lightning and thunder, and that which had appeared to them there was taken up through the stratosphere.
The apostles gave thanks to the Lord with every blessing they knew, then returned to Jerusalem. As they were walking along, they spoke about the light which had come. Someone made a remark about the Lord - "If he, our Lord, suffered, then how much must we?"
Epistles of Jeu
The books of Jeu (Jeu being an emanation from the bosom of the Father and a "true god") were composed in the third century, and are mentioned in the
Pistis Sophia. This short excerpt presents the familiar question and answer format of many other "gospels." Other parts of the book have Jesus dealing with the 3 baptisms, explaining the 28 emanations, imparting the "mystery" of removal of sins and reciting esoteric formulas.
Jesus said, "As for the mysteries I will impart to you: keep them; repeat them to no one except the worthy. Don't confide them to your mother, brother, sister, or any relative neither for food, drink, women, gold or silver or for anything else of this world. Keep them and give them to no one for the sake of the world's good!"
Jesus, the living, said to his apostles, "Blessed is he who has crucified the world, and has not allowed the world to crucify him!" The Apostles answered with a voice, "Lord, teach us how to crucify the world so that it may not crucify us, so that we may not perish by losing our lives!" Jesus answered, "The one who has crucified the world is the one who has found my Word and has fulfilled it in the will of the One who sent me."
The Apostles said, "Speak to us that we may hear. We have followed you with our whole heart, having left father and mother, vineyard and field and all our goods. We have left the glory of the king and have followed you so that you might teach us about the life of your Father." The Living One answered, "This is the life of my Father, that you receive your soul back from reason; that it cease to be of this world and become wise according to the words that I say to you so that it may be completed. For your soul needs be delivered from the Watcher of this Age and his endless traps. Since you are my disciples, be quick to carefully listen to what I say so that you may come to perfect understanding. May the Watcher of this Age find my commands within you, and thus no longer strive with you. May you yourselves, my Apostles, fulfill my Word in my way. I will thus make you free, and through freedom you may become whole and unblemished. As the spirit of the Comforter is whole, you will become whole through its freedom."
The Apostles, Matthew, John, Philip, Bartholomew, and James, answered him together, "Lord Jesus, you are the Living One whose goodness is spread out on those who have found his wisdom and know him; O light who shines and illuminates our hearts; true Word, which through knowledge teaches us the hidden wisdom of the Lord Jesus, the living."
Jesus answered, "Blessed is he who knows these things and has brought Heaven down to earth, then sent it back again. He became The Midst within nothingness."
The Epistle of Jesus
Also known as
The Abgar Legend
The legend is first mentioned in Eusebius' church history, written around the first quarter of the 4th century. It concerns the founding of a Christian church in Edessa as a result of a letter from King Abgar the Black to Jesus, and the Savior's reply. Eusebius claims his source to be Edessa public records.
Here is a copy of the the letter from King Abgar of Edessa to Jesus, delivered by Ananias to Jerusalem:
From Abgar Uchama the King to Jesus the good Savior in Jerusalem, greetings! I have heard about you, and your ability to heal without the benefit of drugs or herbs. It is said hereabouts that you make the blind see and the lame walk; You cleanse lepers, cast out demons and spirits, cure long-term diseases, and raise the dead. When I heard about these wonders, I concluded that either you are God or the Son of God. So now I am writing to ask you to visit with me, and hear me describe my affliction.
Moreover, I have heard that the Jews are speaking against you and wish to harm you. I have a city here for your safety. It is small but noble, and sufficient for both of us.
Jesus' reply:
You are blessed, for you believe in me having not yet seen me. For it is written of me that those who see me won't believe in me, but those who haven't will, and those who believe will live!
But concerning your letter that I should come to you: It is necessary that I fulfill all the purposes for which I was sent here. Afterwards, I must be taken back to Him who sent me. When that time comes, and I am taken up, I will send one of my disciples to you, so that you may be healed of your affliction, and that you and yours might have life.
After the fulfillment of this prophesy, he appeared to Thaddeus, his disciple, and sent him to Edessa, where King Abgar was healed of his affliction, and many came to know of the power of the risen Lord through the disciple.
The Apocalypse of Thomas
One citation dates this apocalypse to "the 18th year of Tiberius Caesar," but scholars date it late, due to its similarity in some aspects to the canonical
Revelation. Note the reference to 7 days.
Listen to me, Thomas, for I am the Son of God the Father and father of all spiritual beings. Hear about the signs of the end of the world which must be fulfilled before my elect ones come out of the world. Openly I tell you what is about to happen to me; when these things will happen not even the princes of the angels will know.
When the time is fulfilled, world rulers will divide the earth among themselves. There will be widespread famine, plagues, and much distress. Men and women will be forced into slavery, and many will be slain by weapons. Disorder will be rampant. When the very hour of the end draws near, there will be great signs in the sky for seven days while the powers of the heavens are set in motion.
At nine o'clock (the third hour) on the first day there will be a loud and mighty voice in the midst of the clouds. A cloud of blood will ascend from the north followed by great rolls of thunder and powerful flashes of lightning. Such will fill the entire sky. There will be a bloody rain all over the world. These are signs of the first day.
On the second day a great voice will resound from the clouds. The earth's orbit will shift. The entrance gates of Heaven will be opened in the sky from the east. The smoke of a great fire will burst through these gates and will pollute the skies as far as the west. On that day there will be great fears and terrors among the people of the world. These are the signs of the second day.
On the third day at about nine in the morning there will be a great voice coming from Heaven, and the depths of the earth will roar out from the four corners of the earth. The pinnacles of the sky will be laid open; all the air will be polluted with pillars of smoke. A terrible smell resembling sulfur fumes will continue until five in the afternoon. It will be said on earth, "We believe that the end of the world is upon us and we will now perish." These are the signs of the third day.
At seven in the morning of the fourth day, the Abyss, in the land of the east, will rumble and erupt. The entire earth will shake from its earthquake. The idols of heathens will fall along with all the buildings on earth. These are the signs of the fourth day.
On the fifth day at noon there will suddenly be great thunder from the skies, tremendous lightning will flash, and the sun will burst. The moon will be darkened. Stars will quit shining. The earth as far as the west will be engulfed in darkness. The air will be heavy with sorrow, for people will only be able to see as though they were enclosed inside a sack. They will despise living in such a world. These are the signs of the fifth day.
At ten in the morning on the sixth day another great voice will call from heaven. The sky will be split from east to west so that the angels will look out through the tears in the sky. People on earth will likewise be able to see angels watching above. At this sight, all people left will search for refuge in tombs and caves saying, "O, that the earth would open and swallow us!" Such things will happen as haven't happened since the creation of the earth. Then all will see me as I descend from above in the light of my Father, and with the power and honor of the holy angels.
When I arrive on earth, the restraint holding back the fire of paradise will be loosed (for paradise is enclosed by fire). This is the eternal fire which will devour the orb of the worlds and all its elements. Then the spirits and souls of the saints will come out of paradise to the earth, each into the body wherever it is laid up. When the voices of these spirits are heard, there will be such an earthquake that its force will shatter the mountains above and rocks below. Then each spirit will enter its own vessel, and these bodies of sleeping saints will arise. These bodies will be changed into the image, likeness, and honor of the holy angels and into the power of the image of my holy Father. They will put on the garment of eternal life. This garment is from the cloud of light that has never before been seen in this world, for this cloud comes down from the upper kingdom by the power of my Father, and will invest every spirit that has believed in me with its glory.
These glorified saints will be borne up by the hands of holy angels to a cloud of light, which will carry them off into the skies. Rejoicing, the saints will go with me into the heavens and remain in the light and honor of my Father. There will be great joy for them in the presence of my Father and the holy angels. These are the signs of the sixth day.
At two in the afternoon of the seventh day there will be voices in the four corners of heaven. All the air will be set in motion and filled with holy angels, who will battle each other for the entire day, but the elect will be delivered from the subsequent destruction of the world. Then all will see that the hour of their destruction has come. These are the signs of the seventh day.
And when the seven days are finished, on the eighth day at noon there will be a soft, pleasant voice from the east of heaven. Then the chief angel of all will be seen. With him will go forth all the other angels of my Father's chariot of clouds to deliver those who have believed in me, and they will rejoice that the destruction of the earth has come.
So ends the words of the Savior to Thomas about the end of the world.
The Apocalypse of Peter
(Orthodox)
One should feel more comfortable in this apocalypse of Peter than in the last. Like the Acts of John and other such writings, the Savior ascends with his disciple(s) to the mountain of prayer, then a theophany of some kind takes place through which the disciples' thorny questions are answered.
My Lord Jesus Christ, our King, said to me, "Let's go into the holy mountain." And all the disciples went with him in an attitude of prayer.
Behold, two men appeared. We could not look them in the face, for a light brighter than the sun emanated from them. Their clothing also was glistening and indescribable. Nothing in the world could compare in radiance! They were gentle, and mouths cannot describe their beauty. Their countenance was astonishing and wonderful! One was very great, and appeared as though he were crystal. His appearance was like the color and texture of roses. They wore crowns of nard and braided flowers; their hair was as a rainbow in water. This was the beauty of their countenance, and they were adorned with a variety of ornaments. We saw them most suddenly, and marveled.
I approached the Lord and asked, "Who are these?" He told me that "These are your righteous brothers that you longed to see."
I said, "Then where are all the righteous, and what is the nature of their world?" The the Lord showed me a wide expanse of space outside this world, all agleam with light and flooded with the sun's rays. The ground of that place was budding with flowers which never fade, and bear fruit of blessings. The fragrance of the flowers was so strong that we even smelled it through the vision! The inhabitants wore radiant clothing suited to their surroundings.
Angels walked among them. Each inhabitant possessed equal glory and with one voice praised God as Lord, rejoicing there. The Lord explained, "This is the dwelling place of your high priests, righteous men."
Having seen the vision, I was joyful and began to believe wholeheartedly and understand perfectly that which is to be found in the book of my Lord Jesus Christ.
I said to him, "My Lord, do you want me to make three houses here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elias?" But he was angry with me, saying, "Satan makes war against you, and has veiled your understanding.
The good things of this world conquer you. Your eyes must be opened and your ears unstopped! Our dwelling place is a home which the hand of humankind has not made, but which my heavenly Father has made for me and for the elect." And we were full of joy as we beheld him.
Then Behold! A voice came from heaven saying, "This is my Son, whom I love and in whom I have pleasure, who has revealed my commandments." There came a great white cloud overhead that bore away our Lord, Moses and Elias. I was shaking, and very scared!
We looked up and the heavens opened. We saw men of flesh, and they greeted our Lord, Moses and Elias, then they all ascended into the second heaven. Scripture was thus fulfilled: This generation seeks him and has sought the face of the Elohim of Jacob.
The Apocalypse of Peter
("Gnostic")
This Apocalypse, discovered at Nag Hammadi, contains Jesus' interpretation of Peter's visions. It is significant in that it exemplifies Gnostic passion theology. It was probably written in the third century.
I had a vision (said Peter) that the Savior was sitting in the temple speaking these words to me. "Peter, blessed are those above who belong to the Father. They have revealed life to those who are of life. They have done this through me, since I have reminded them of who they are and whose strength that they are empowered with. And this power is the ability to distinguish words of unrighteousness and sin from those of righteousness. They are yet able to hear my words. For they are from the realm of the Authorities of Truth, having been brought to saving knowledge by the very One sought by all principalities. None have found him through scripture alone, since his name was never specifically mentioned therein, even among the generation of the prophets. Nevertheless, the Son of Man (who is exalted above all men, even those of like nature and being) has appeared among those who belong to him.
"But you, Peter, become completed, even though you are already completed in my estimation. Remember that I chose you out of all to become the foundation of the remnant whom I have summoned to knowledge (gnwssis). So be strong until the Image of Holiness - which is the one who has called you to know him, the one who was rejected by mankind, the one who is branded by the mark of rejection in the flesh of his hands and feet, the one who was crowned in the nether world, the one who has put on a body of radiance which is the hope of the servant and his badge of honor - tests you three times this night."
As the Lord was saying these things, I saw the priests and people quickly approaching us with stones; their intent was to kill us! I was afraid that we were going to die!
Then he said to me, "Peter, I have told you many times that these people are blind, and they have no leader. If you want to experience their blindness, hold your robe over your eyes, then tell me what you see." When I had done this thing, I saw nothing at all. "No one is able to see this way," I said. Then he told me to do it again. I did, and a mixture of fear and joy came into my being, for I saw a new light greater than the light of day. Then the light descended on the Savior, and I told him what I saw.
He spoke to me again, "Put your hands to your ears and listen to what the people are saying." I listened to the priests as they sat with their scribes, while the multitudes were shouting. I told him what I heard, and he again said to me, "Prick up your ears and listen to what they are saying." I listened again. "As you sit, the multitude is praising you!" When I said this, the Savior replied, "I told you before that these people can neither see nor hear. But now I tell you to listen to what they say, for their words are a mystery. Guard the words you hear! Keep them secret; do not tell anyone, for they are not for this time, but for the future. If you do this, you will be praised for your divine wisdom. On the other hand, if you tell all that you know, and make your visions public, the ignorant will beseech God against you!
"The interpretation is this: that many will accept our teaching at first, and will turn against the priests and back to the Father, for they have done his will. And the Father will reveal the Servants of the Logos. But if some choose to mingle with these priests, they will be taken captive by them, since they are naturally blind and without spiritual perception. In this way the guileless, good, and pure will join the congregation of those still looking for their christ and awaiting final delivery to the Worker of Death. Skilled men will come after you who will be highly praised for the propagation of false teaching. They will cause many to cleave to the name of a dead man, thinking that through death alone (and not life) they have become pure. Their very means to purification will defile them, and they will fall into a congregation called 'Name of Error,' into the hands of evil and conniving men with manifold doctrines and laws, and they will be ruled by a heretic hierarchy.
"Some will speak against the truth as well as proclaim evil teaching. They will even revile each other. Some will give themselves impressive names - names of the very demons that control them and give them their strength! They will not be threatened, even by the possibility of suffering for the sake of their sexual immorality. They will solicit for dreams. And if they perceive that a dream came from a kindred demon, one skilled at deception, they shall pronounce judgments that will render perdition instead of incorruption.
"For a bad tree cannot produce good fruit. Whatever the tree is, that is what will come from it. Certainly not every one is of the truth. Not all are immortal! Actually, in our view all souls of these ages are naturally assigned to death, because the soul-man is always a slave, being generated to fulfill its desires and their destruction. Soul-men are in destruction and from destruction! Souls love the flesh which was generated with them!
"But immortal souls are not like these, Peter. Until death, the immortal resembles the mortal. But the revealed nature of the immortal soul produces thoughts of everlasting life, has faith, and desires to renounce that which is not good!
"Figs are not plucked from thorn trees by the wise, nor grapes from thistles. The mortal soul is always developing into what it already is. Since it is not from good, but evil, it becomes destruction and death. But the immortal soul which comes to be united with the Eternal One (which is the one of life), resembles immortality and all the good fruit that comes from Him.
"Therefore those who are deaf and blind will join with their own kind, and the things dead will dissolve into non-existence. Others will be transformed from their practice of evil speaking and misleading mysteries.
"Some of those who are 'intellectual' (yet 'unenlightened'), who do not understand true mysteries, will boast that they alone know all truth. They will come to believe their own fables; then, being envious of the immortals, will arrogantly and pridefully seek to lead others to their own point of view. (But these boasters have never been saved by the prescribed method; that is, the Way, although their greatest desire may yet be imperishability!) To hear them speak, one would think that they had direct communication with the various ranks of angels (principalities, powers, authorities), and that they were present at the very creation of the world! Their desire is to be remembered, praised and blessed by the immortals, even though they know that they have no part in immortality. Those who are deceived by such do indeed receive a feeling of soul-power, but it emanates from the intellect rather than the spirit. Thus, these 'disciples' immediately join those who mislead them!
"Other messengers of error oppose the truth by making up laws against thoughts that are pure (and are my thoughts). They speak from one narrow-minded doctrinal perspective, teaching that good and evil are from the same place. They make what they call 'God's Word' into a business concern, and promise a harsh fate to those who will not cooperate. Even the race of the immortal will continue in deception until my public return. Only through the power of forgiving sins, will the chosen come out from among them, for I have ransomed them from the slavery of their adversaries. Even then, the free will create an 'imitation remnant' in the name of a dead man, who is in fact Hermas, the eldest son of unrighteousness, in order that the light which exists may not be believed by the 'little ones.' But those of this sort will be separated from the sons of light, and cast into outer darkness! For they will neither enter in themselves nor release those who are ascending for their reprieve.
"Still others think that they can improve upon the perfect wisdom that the 'brotherhood' already enjoys; that is, the spiritual fellowship of those united in the communion, through which comes the revelation of the binding of the corruptible with the incorruptible. A kindred fellowship of imitators will appear and be known as 'The Sisterhood.' These sisters will oppress their brothers by saying such things as, "Because Salvation came from the womb, God has given women special privileges." They do not know of the severe punishment they will have to endure for approaching and taking those little ones prisoner with this deception.
"Even some who are outside our fellowship have given themselves impressive titles such as Reverend So-and-so, Bishop Something-else, and Deacon What's-his-name, and speak as though they have received their authority directly from God. These defy the judgment of true leaders, and are but dry canals."
But I said, "I am very troubled by what you told me, that the little ones, in our view, are counterfeit, and that multitudes will mislead multitudes of those possessing life, and destroy them by intermingling. But when they speak your name, they will be believed."
The Savior said, "For a predetermined time in proportion to their error, they will have authority over the little ones. When the time is right, the Never-Aging One of Immortal Understanding will become young, and the little ones will overturn their rulers. He will excise the root of their error, and will expose it in all the impudent glory that it has taken for itself. Then those who witness this will become unchangeable, O Peter.
"Come, then, let us continue completing the will of the incorruptible Father. For behold, those who will bring false judgment are on their way, and they will be shamed. They cannot touch me now! But you, Peter, shall stand amongst them. You are a coward, but I tell you, have no fear! Their minds shall be closed, for the Invisible One has come against them!"
When he had said these things, I saw the multitude seize him. I said, "What do I see, O Lord! Are they really taking you away? Are you grasping at me? Who is this person I see, glad and laughing on the tree? And is it another one whose feet and hands they are striking at?"
The Savior said to me, "The person that you saw on the tree, the one who is glad and laughing, that is the living Jesus! The other one, into whose hands and feet they are driving spikes, that one is the body; he is the flesh-manifestation of the immortal being put to shame, the likeness perceived by the natural eye. Look at him, then look at me."
I looked, and was much afraid and perturbed. In my confusion I said, "Lord, no one is looking at you. Let's get out of here!" But he said to me, "Haven't I told you to stay away from the blind? Can't you hear that they don't know what they are saying? They think that they have put my servant to shame, when in reality, they have hung the son of THEIR glory on the tree!"
Then I looked again and saw someone approaching that resembled the one who was laughing on the tree. He was filled with the Holy Spirit, and I knew him then to be the Savior.
There was a great and searing light around and about him. And I perceived a multitude of luminescent and invisible angels blessing him. And when I looked at him, the Blessed One was revealed!
And he said to me, "Be strong, you have been trusted with these mysteries and their interpretation through divine revelation. The one whom they crucified was the first-born in the home of demons, in a corruptible vessel with which the god of this world had his way by means of the Law and its cross. But near the first-born you have seen the living Savior, the first in spirit, whom they seized and released, who looks at his assassins with joy, while they are yet confused and divided among themselves. He laughs at their lack of perception, knowing full well that they were born blind and are blind still. The one susceptible to suffering suffered; that is, this one who they perceive with their eyes. But what they have released is my divine body. Yes, I am the all-knowing spirit filled with radiant light! The light which you saw about me is our Heavenly Host, which unite perfect light with my Holy Spirit.
"These things you have seen you will present to a future generation. There is no natural honor in any one who is not immortal, but only in those chosen to be from an the immortal, the only substance able to contain the one who gives his abundance! It is for this reason that I said, 'Every one who has, it will be given him, and he will have plenty.' But the completely dead - those that are creatures of this place - are rooted out from the planting of the recreation of what is begotten of God. Even if the immortal substance appears to some extent in these, it will be taken from him and added the living. You, then, take courage and do not fear anything. None of your enemies will defeat you, for I will be with you. Take peace; be strong!"
When Jesus had said these things, I came to myself.
Alternate Readings
There are over 5000 hand-copied texts in existence containing all or part of the canonical gospels of the Bible. There are just many variations in the text. The following are considered to be primary alternative readings.
Matthew 5:22: But I say to you that anyone who is angry with his brother without a just cause will be answerable to judgment. Whoever spits at his brother shall be answerable to the council and whoever says, "You fool!" shall be answerable to the Gehenna of fire.
Matthew 5:37: Let what you say be "Yes" or "No"; anything more comes from the evil one.
Matthew 6:9-13: Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our bread for tomorrow. Forgive us our debts, as we have likewise forgiven our debtors. Do not allow us to be lead into temptation. Deliver us from the evil one.
Matthew 7:21: If you are in my bosom and don't do the Heavenly Father's will, I will throw you out of my bosom.
Matthew 11:19b: Wisdom is justified by her children.
Matthew 22:44: Whoever falls on this stone will be broken into pieces; whoever it falls upon will be crushed.
Matthew 24:28: Where the corpse is, there gathers the buzzards.
Mark 1:41: 41. Moved with anger, he stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, "I will; be clean."
Mark 9:49: Everyone will be salted with fire and every sacrifice will be salted with salt.
Mark 11:11: If you do not forgive the sins of others, neither will your Father in heaven forgive yours.
Mark 16, following verse 8: The women reported all they had heard from the risen Lord to Peter and those with him. Later, Jesus himself, through his disciples, sent out the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation to the east and the west.
Luke 3:21,22: When all the people were baptized, and when Jesus had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in the bodily form of a dove, and a voice came from heaven: "You are my son, the beloved. This day I have begotten you." (see He 1:5, Ps 2:7)
Luke 9:54-56: When his disciples James and John saw that the Samaritans would not receive them, they said, "Lord, do you want us to bid fire come down from heaven to destroy them as Elijah did?" Jesus turned and rebuked them saying, "You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them."
Luke 22:28 Cod D.: You have grown up in my service as one who serves.
The Acts of Peter
There is a wealth of early Petrine literature, and I will paraphrase excerpts from several. The Acts of Peter here transcribed have been condemned by several church Fathers, accepted by one as inspired and was canonized in the Muratori Canon as
The Passion of Peter.
The resurrected Lord said to his disciples, "Go to the city called Habitation. Stay there and endure with patience those who have believed in my name because of the hardships I have endured. They should be taught the things I have imparted to you. I will provide for your needs if you are obedient in this work. Give the poor what they need from what you have until I give them something better - those things that you received from me for nothing."
Peter answered the Lord, "Lord you have instructed us to give up the world and all that is therein. We have done so for your sake. But we are concerned about what we will eat, for we have sustenance only from day to day, and no more than for a single day. How will we be able to provide for these poor when we can barely provide for ourselves?"
The Lord answered, "Peter, understand me. Don't you yet know that my name, which you teach, is greater than all riches, and the Wisdom of the Deity is better than gold, silver, and precious stones?"
He gave the disciples a small bag of medicine and told them, "Heal all who live in the city that believe in my name."
Peter doubted the words of the Lord, but was afraid to speak up again. He motioned to John and said to him, "You speak to him about it this time." So John said, "Lord, we are afraid to say much to your face. We have not been taught to be doctors, but this is what you have asked us to be. How then will we heal bodies, as you bid us to?"
The Lord answered them, "You are correct in what you have said, John. I know that the world's doctors are able to heal those that belong to this world. However, the doctors of souls heal hearts. It is less difficult to heal bodies than hearts! Knowing this, heal the bodies first with true healing power, not medicines. Then, the ones who you have cured will have enough faith in your method that their hearts might be likewise healed!"
"But I caution you to stay out of the houses of the rich of the city who have not even taken notice of what I have accomplished; do not eat with them or befriend them. You may think that you will influence them, but they will influence you! Many disciples have given undue respect to the rich, because they desire the riches of the world above heavenly wealth, and thus sin. These so-called disciples then influence others to sin. You have the discernment to judge these ones, but I exhort you to judge with honesty, so that your ministry may become well-known. In this way my name will be glorified."
The disciples answered, "Yes, these are the right things to do."
The Acts of John
"No one is to copy this book...we consider that it deserves to be consigned to the fire," the Nicene Council of 787 proclaimed. Nevertheless, much of this book survives in several languages and is dated by scholars to as early to the fourth century.
One time Jesus took James, Peter, and I (John) to the mountain where he prayed, and we saw him in an indescribable light.
Another time he bid us come up the mountain saying, "Come with me." When we arrived, he went a distance and began to pray.
Since I knew he loved me, I quietly approached him from behind and stood looking at his back. Then I perceived in the spirit that he was not dressed in clothing, but stripped of his usual garments. As such, he did not look at all like a regular man. For his feet were very white, snow white, and the ground was lit up by them. And his head seemed to stretch upward to heaven. It so frightened me that I cried aloud.
As he turned to answer my cry, I saw him once again as a small man. He grabbed my beard and pulled it saying, "John, do not be without your faith, but believe. Do not question the vision that you have seen." I said to him, "Lord, what have I done?" But I'm telling you, friends, that, for a month, I suffered nearly unbearable pain where he pulled at my beard. I even told him, "Lord, if your playful tug has caused me such pain, how much pain would I have had to bear if you had struck me?" He said to me, "Be concerned from now on not to tempt the untemptable one."
One time all the disciples were sleeping in a house in Gennesaret. I unwrapped my covers to see what Jesus was doing. Jesus said to me, "John, go back to sleep." I pretended to sleep, and after a while I saw another man like him descending and I heard him say to the Lord, "Jesus, these men you have chosen still do not believe you." My Lord replied, "You are right; for they are men."
Before Jesus was arrested by the lawless Jews, whose lawgiver is the lawless serpent, he brought us together and said, "Before I am delivered to them, let us sing a hymn to the Father, and then go on to meet our destiny." We held hands at his bidding, and he stood in the middle of our circle. "Answer Amen to me." He sang this hymn.
Glory be to thee, Father.
Glory be to thee, Logos:
Glory be to thee, Grace. --Amen.
Glory be to thee, Logos:
Glory be to thee, Grace. --Amen.
Glory be to thee, Spirit:
Glory be to thee, Holy One:
Glory be to thy Glory. --Amen.
Glory be to thee, Holy One:
Glory be to thy Glory. --Amen.
We praise thee, Father:
We thank thee, Light:
In whom darkness stays not.
--Amen.
We thank thee, Light:
In whom darkness stays not.
--Amen.
And why we give thanks,
I tell you: I will be saved,
And I will save.
--Amen.
I tell you: I will be saved,
And I will save.
--Amen.
I will be loosed,
And I will loose.
--Amen.
And I will loose.
--Amen.
I will be wounded,
And I will wound.
--Amen.
And I will wound.
--Amen.
I will be born,
And I will bear.
--Amen.
And I will bear.
--Amen.
I will eat,
And I will be eaten.
--Amen.
And I will be eaten.
--Amen.
I will hear,
And I will be heard.
--Amen.
And I will be heard.
--Amen.
I will be thought,
Being wholly thought.
--Amen.
Being wholly thought.
--Amen.
I will be washed,
And I will wash.
--Amen.
And I will wash.
--Amen.
Grace dances.
I will pipe,
Dance, all of you.
--Amen.
I will pipe,
Dance, all of you.
--Amen.
I will mourn,
Beat you all your breasts.
--Amen.
Beat you all your breasts.
--Amen.
The one Ogdoad
sings praises with us.
--Amen.
sings praises with us.
--Amen.
The twelfth number
dances on high.
--Amen.
dances on high.
--Amen.
To the Universe
belongs the dancer.
--Amen.
belongs the dancer.
--Amen.
He who does not dance
does not know what happens.
--Amen.
does not know what happens.
--Amen.
I will flee,
and I will be fled.
--Amen.
and I will be fled.
--Amen.
I will adorn,
and I will be adorned.
--Amen.
and I will be adorned.
--Amen.
I will be united,
and I will unite.
--Amen.
and I will unite.
--Amen.
I have no house,
and I have houses.
--Amen.
and I have houses.
--Amen.
I have no place,
and I have places.
--Amen.
and I have places.
--Amen.
I have no temple
and I have temples.
--Amen.
and I have temples.
--Amen.
I am a lamp to you
who see me.
--Amen.
who see me.
--Amen.
I am a mirror to you
who know me.
--Amen.
who know me.
--Amen.
I am a door to you
who knock on me.
--Amen.
who knock on me.
--Amen.
I am a way to you
the traveler.
--Amen.
the traveler.
--Amen.
Now if you follow my dance,
see yourself in Me who am speaking, And when you have seen what I do, keep silent about my mysteries. You who dance, consider what I do, for yours is This Passion of Man which I am to suffer. For you could by no means have understood what you suffer unless I was to you as the Logos, sent by the Father.
see yourself in Me who am speaking, And when you have seen what I do, keep silent about my mysteries. You who dance, consider what I do, for yours is This Passion of Man which I am to suffer. For you could by no means have understood what you suffer unless I was to you as the Logos, sent by the Father.
You who have seen what I suffer saw me as suffering yourself, and seeing it you did not stay, but were wholly moved. Being moved towards wisdom, you have me as a support; rest in me.
Who I am, you shall know when I go forth. What I now am seen to be, that I am not; What I am you shall see when you come yourself.
If you knew how to suffer you would be able not to suffer. Learn how to suffer and you shall be able not to suffer.
What you do not know I myself will teach you.
I am your Deity, not the Deity of the traitor. I will that there be prepared holy souls for me.
Understand the word of wisdom!
As for me,
If you would understand what I am: By the word Word I was mocked at all things and I was not mocked at all. I leaped but do you understand the whole. And when you have understood it, then say, Glory be to thee, Father.
If you would understand what I am: By the word Word I was mocked at all things and I was not mocked at all. I leaped but do you understand the whole. And when you have understood it, then say, Glory be to thee, Father.
Say again with me,
Glory be to thee, Father,
Glory be to thee, Word.
Glory be to thee, Holy Spirit.
--Amen.
Glory be to thee, Word.
Glory be to thee, Holy Spirit.
--Amen.
After the Lord had danced with us he left. We were like men amazed or fast asleep, and we ran away to and fro.
Jesus revealed the mystery of the cross. "One ready man must hear what I have to say, John.... For your sakes I sometimes call this mysterious 'cross of light' by various names, among them, the Logos, the Son, the Father, the Spirit, Jesus, the Christ, the Mind, the Door, the Way, the Bread, the Seed, the Resurrection, the Faith, and Grace. All these are part of the mystery, but given names for the sake of mankind.
"But the true identity of the 'cross of light,' as it is known to itself and spoken to us, is the discernment of the nature of all things, the strengthening bulwark of stability from instability, and the harmonious application of wisdom, being wisdom in harmony. For unstable and transient things proceed from other convenient entities, such as principalities, powers, authorities, and demons with the accompanying demonic activities, the like of threats, inflamed passions, and devilish intentions.
All these sprout from the inferior root of Satan and his nature.
"This cross has united all things through the Logos, then dispatched that which is unstable and inferior. But I do not speak of the cross made of wood that you will see when you descend from here; nor am I that man you on the cross, I who you can hear but not see. I was recognized for what I am not. That which I was recognized for was the subject of mean insults, the likes of them I did not deserve. I am the Lord of this place, and as my place of rest is not seen nor rightly spoken of, all the more will I not be seen or rightly spoken of.
"Since the crowd around the cross is not united, then we perceive its inferior nature. Those who you saw on the cross are not united in him, for they had not yet been gathered together.
When human nature is humbled and the masses come to me and obey me, the one who hears me will be united with me. That one will be changed, and become superior to the rest even as I am now superior.
"For as long as you do not say that you belong to me, I am not what I am. If you listen to me, you will be like me, and I will be what I was, and we will be united - from me you become what I am!
So ignore what the rest say, and despise the talk of those outside the mystery. Know only that I am with the Father entirely, and he is with me.
"They will say I have suffered grievously, but I have not suffered at all. What you and the others perceived as suffering is to be called a mystery that has been revealed to you in my dance. For I have shown you that which you are; but what I am is known only to me. Allow me to be what I am and let me have that which is mine. What is yours you must see through me. Now you must see me not as I appear to your natural mind, but rather through your knowledge as my brother.
"You have heard that I did suffer, but I did not. You heard that I did not suffer, yet I did. You have heard that I was pierced, yet I was not wounded; that I was hanged, yet I wasn't; that my blood flowed, yet it didn't. Those things that they say that I endured, I did not. But those things that they did not say I endured. I did!
Now I will show you the mystery of what I really suffered, for I know that you will understand. Know me, then, as the torment of the Logos, the piercing of the Logos, the blood of the Logos, the wounding of the Logos, the nailing of the Logos, and the death of the Logos. I have thus discarded my manhood. In order to fully know the Deity, you must first know the Logos. Finally, know the man, and what he has suffered."
The Acts of Andrew
The following is an excerpt of a fragment translated from Coptic of what scholars believe to be one of several lost manuscripts designated Acts of Andrew. These Acts are known from Eusebius, 4th century, who, along with other apocryphal books, condemned it to the fire.
Jesus said to Andrew, "Come close to me, Andrew. Your name is 'the fire.' Blessed are you among men!"
Andrew answered, "Let me speak."
Jesus replied, "Speak, then, Andrew. You are a steadfast pillar."
Andrew said, "As God lives, who is your father? I came to you from the house of my father and mother, and as my soul lives, I have not returned to it. I haven't even looked at the faces of my father and mother, my children, or even my wife. But I have borne my cross every day, following you from morning until night, without once laying it down. A lesser disciple could not so bear your name, Lord. I have not even desired two tunics for myself. I despise even this coat that I wear."
אין תגובות:
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