Feb 6 2025

New Testament Apocrypha

• Definition: Texts not included in the canonical New Testament; often related to early Christian teachings.

Old Testament Apocrypha

• Definition: Non-canonical texts associated with the Old Testament, found in the Septuagint but absent from the Hebrew scriptures.

• Examples:

  • Book of Enoch

  • Books of Maccabees (Jewish history during Roman times)

  • Book of Judith (story of Judith and her victory over evil)

Septuagint

• Overview: Greek translation of Hebrew scriptures, began under Ptolemy Philadelphus in Alexandria.

• Significance: Includes additional Greek texts without Hebrew equivalents, referred to as the Old Testament Apocrypha.

New Testament Apocrypha

• Categories: Two main categories identified for New Testament apocrypha:

  • First Category: Early gospels reflecting teachings of Jesus and the apostles.

    • Examples: Gospel of the Hebrews, Gospel of the Ebionites

  • Second Category: Texts that fill in gaps about Jesus' life not covered in the canonical gospels (e.g., his childhood).

    • Notable text: Infancy Gospel of Thomas

Infancy Gospel of Thomas

• Description: Focuses on Jesus' early years, often portrayed negatively (e.g., using miracles for personal gain).

• Significance: Provides insight into early Christian interest in Jesus' early life.

Protevangelium of James

• Definition: "First Gospel" concerning the life of Mary, attributed falsely to James, brother of Jesus.

• Content: Describes Mary's birth, upbringing, betrothal to Joseph, and the infancy of Jesus.

• Key Characters:

  • Mary (dedicated to God at the Temple)

  • Joachim (Mary's father)

  • Joseph (selected to marry Mary through a miraculous sign)

Joseph’s Selection

• Event: Joseph is given a rod which produces a dove, marking him as Mary's betrothed.

• Cultural Context: Betrothal at age 12, a common practice for girls during ancient times.

Gnosticism

• Definition: Spiritual movement within early Christianity emphasizing secret knowledge (gnosis) and often deemed heretical.

• Beliefs: Separation of good and evil, with matter considered evil and spirit seen as good.

• Demiurge: Term used by Gnostics to describe the Creator God as a craftsman, separate from the spiritual Supreme God.

Gnostic Texts

• Types of Texts: Includes gospels, acts of apostles, and revelations.

• Notable Figures:

  • Basilides: Claimed to have teachings from Jesus' disciples, wrote a gospel (now lost).

  • Valentinus: Important teacher in Rome, possibly linked to the Gospel of Truth.

Discovery of Gnostic Texts

• Nag Hammadi Library: Discovered in 1945 in Egypt, containing 13 books and 52 texts of Gnostic writings.

• Significance: Provided scholars access to primary Gnostic writings previously thought to have been lost or suppressed.

  • Content: Includes gnostic gospels and acts that eschew traditional teachings and narratives found in the New Testament.”,

Gospel of Judas

• Overview: Unearthed in 1978, presents Judas as the most trusted disciple rather than a betrayer.

• Revelation: Depicts a secret agreement between Judas and Jesus regarding the betrayal necessary for salvation.

Conclusion

• Importance of New Testament Apocrypha: They reveal the diversity of early Christian beliefs and the complexities surrounding the formation of the biblical canon.