# Gospel of Thomas

> Coptic-language early Christian non-canonical gospel, part of the Nag Hammadi library

**Wikidata**: [Q131546](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q131546)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospel_of_Thomas)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gospel-of-thomas

## Summary
The Gospel of Thomas is a non-canonical early Christian text written in Coptic, discovered as part of the Nag Hammadi library in 1945. It consists of 114 sayings attributed to Jesus, offering insights into Gnostic theology and early Christian thought. Excluded from the Biblical canon, it provides a unique perspective on Jesus' teachings distinct from the New Testament.

## Key Facts
- **Discovery**: Found near Nag Hammadi, Egypt, in 1945 as part of a collection of 13 codices.
- **Language**: Written in Coptic, though scholars believe it was originally composed in Greek.
- **Date**: Estimated to have been written between 50–150 AD, with the Coptic version dated to the 4th century.
- **Content**: Contains 114 logia (sayings) of Jesus, emphasizing spiritual knowledge (gnosis) over dogma.
- **Classification**: Part of the New Testament apocrypha and categorized as a Gnostic text.
- **Related Entities**: Linked to the Nag Hammadi library, Thomas the Apostle, and the Parable of the Pearl.
- **Identifiers**: VIAF ID 303438479, Google Knowledge Graph ID /m/0122ml, WorldCat ID 122374585.
- **Publication**: First published in 1956 after its discovery.
- **Structure**: Presented as a collection of aphorisms without a narrative framework.
- **Exclusion**: Not included in the canonical New Testament, reflecting early Christian debates over orthodoxy.

## FAQs
**What is the Gospel of Thomas, and why is it significant?**  
The Gospel of Thomas is a non-canonical text containing 114 sayings of Jesus, significant for its Gnostic perspective and insights into early Christian diversity. It highlights teachings emphasizing personal spiritual understanding over traditional doctrine.

**How does it differ from the canonical Gospels?**  
Unlike the New Testament Gospels, it lacks a narrative structure, focusing solely on Jesus' sayings. It also presents a Gnostic worldview, where salvation comes through secret knowledge rather than faith in Jesus' death and resurrection.

**Where was it discovered, and what is its historical context?**  
Discovered in 1945 near Nag Hammadi, Egypt, it is part of a larger collection of early Christian and Gnostic texts. Dating to the 1st–2nd century AD, it reflects theological debates of the time, particularly between orthodox and Gnostic communities.

**Why was it excluded from the Biblical canon?**  
Early Christian councils, such as the Council of Nicaea (325 AD), likely excluded it due to its Gnostic themes, which conflicted with emerging orthodox teachings. Its emphasis on individual enlightenment diverged from the canonical focus on Jesus' divinity and atonement.

**What are its key teachings?**  
Central themes include the pursuit of gnosis (spiritual knowledge), the unity of the divine and human, and the importance of self-discovery. Notable sayings, such as "Know thyself" and the Parable of the Pearl, underscore these ideas.

## Why It Matters
The Gospel of Thomas is crucial for understanding the diversity of early Christian thought, particularly Gnostic traditions. Its exclusion from the canon reveals theological power struggles, while its teachings offer alternative perspectives on Jesus' message. Scholars value it for its insights into the evolution of Christian doctrine and the cultural context of the Mediterranean world. Its rediscovery in the 20th century revitalized discussions about lost scriptures and the complexity of early Christianity.

## Notable For
- **Unique Structure**: A "sayings gospel" without narrative, focusing on Jesus' teachings.
- **Gnostic Themes**: Emphasis on secret knowledge and the divine spark within individuals.
- **Exclusion from Canon**: Reflects early Christian debates over orthodoxy and heresy.
- **Cultural Impact**: Influenced literature and spirituality, including modern Gnostic movements.
- **Historical Significance**: Provides a window into 1st–2nd century religious diversity.

## Body

### Discovery and History
The Gospel of Thomas was unearthed in 1945 near Nag Hammadi, Egypt, as part of a buried jar containing 13 codices. This collection, known as the Nag Hammadi library, included over 50 texts, many of which were Gnostic. The gospel itself is dated to the 1st–2nd century AD, though the Coptic manuscript dates to the 4th century. Its rediscovery revolutionized the study of early Christianity, offering evidence of theological diversity suppressed by later orthodox traditions.

### Content and Structure
The text comprises 114 logia, or sayings, attributed to Jesus. These include proverbs, parables, and dialogues, such as the Parable of the Pearl (Logion 76), which symbolizes the pursuit of spiritual treasure. Unlike the canonical Gospels, it lacks a narrative of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, instead focusing on his teachings. Scholars debate its relationship to the hypothetical Q source, a collection of sayings thought to have influenced Matthew and Luke.

### Relationship to Canonical Gospels
While some sayings parallel the New Testament (e.g., "Love your neighbor" in Logion 25), many reflect a distinct Gnostic worldview. For example, Logion 3 states, "Split a piece of wood, and I am there," emphasizing the immanence of the divine. These teachings contrast with orthodox Christian doctrines, contributing to its exclusion from the canon.

### Theological Themes
Central to the Gospel of Thomas is the pursuit of gnosis—direct knowledge of the divine. Sayings like "Know thyself" (Logion 3) and "You are the sons of the living Father" (Logion 9) stress individual spiritual awakening. The text also critiques institutional religion, as in Logion 12, where Jesus warns against "the Pharisees and the scribes."

### Related Entities
- **Nag Hammadi Library**: A collection of 13 codices containing over 50 texts, including the Gospel of Thomas, discovered in 1945.
- **Thomas the Apostle**: Traditionally attributed as the author, though scholars debate his role. He is also linked to the *Apocalypse of Thomas*.
- **Parable of the Pearl**: A teaching in Logion 76 about seeking spiritual treasure, also found in Matthew 13:45–46.

### Legacy and Influence
The Gospel of Thomas has inspired modern scholarship on Gnosticism and early Christian diversity. Its themes resonate in contemporary spirituality, emphasizing personal enlightenment over dogma. Institutions like the Nag Hammadi Library preservation project ensure its accessibility, while its teachings continue to provoke theological and philosophical discourse.

### Technical Specifications
- **Language**: Coptic (original likely Greek).
- **Manuscript**: Written on papyrus, part of Nag Hammadi Codex II.
- **Dimensions**: 21.2 cm × 14.5 cm.
- **Identifiers**: VIAF 303438479, WorldCat 122374585, Google Knowledge Graph ID /m/0122ml.
- **Genres**: Apocryphal gospel, Gnostic text, early Christian literature.

### Cultural and Academic Context
The Gospel of Thomas is studied in religious studies, theology, and history departments worldwide. It is referenced in works like *The Gnostic Gospels* by Elaine Pagels and featured in academic databases such as JSTOR. Its exclusion from the canon underscores the political and doctrinal struggles of early Christianity, making it a key artifact for understanding the era's intellectual landscape.

## References

1. Library of Congress
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
5. KBpedia