Summary: This article offers a basic introduction to the Gospel of Thomas, which was a document produced probably in the second century. It appears to reflect the values and perspectives of Christians who were committed to ancient “gnostic” ideas. The question of why this gospel was not included in the New Testament connects to larger questions about how early Christians understood Jesus and his significance. Various Christian groups remembered and described Jesus in various ways. The different perspectives among these groups describe different theologies, different understandings of how Jesus reveals God and God’s salvation to us.
Read the full article, and listen to an accompanying podcast, in the “Everything You Wanted to Know about the Bible but Were Afraid to Ask” section of EnterTheBible.
Why Isn’t the Gospel of Thomas in the Bible?
Summary: This article offers a basic introduction to the Gospel of Thomas, which was a document produced probably in the second century. It appears to reflect the values and perspectives of Christians who were committed to ancient “gnostic” ideas. The question of why this gospel was not included in the New Testament connects to larger questions about how early Christians understood Jesus and his significance. Various Christian groups remembered and described Jesus in various ways. The different perspectives among these groups describe different theologies, different understandings of how Jesus reveals God and God’s salvation to us.
Read the full article, and listen to an accompanying podcast, in the “Everything You Wanted to Know about the Bible but Were Afraid to Ask” section of EnterTheBible.
Bible commentary: general audience
canon gnosis gnostic gospel of thomas jesus