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

2. Gnosticism γν ῶ σις, gnōsis

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

5. Gospel Of Truth “Indeed their audacity has gone so far that they entitle their recent composition the Gospel of Truth, though it agrees in nothing with the Gospels of the apostles, and so no Gospel of theirs is free from blasphemy.” -Irenaeus

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

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

8. Immense awe and respect for God the Father Important work of Jesus Christ Saving Power of Knowledge(Gnosis) Personification of Error/Oblivion/Ignorance Reiteration of Gnostic Theology and Myth General Themes

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

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

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

12. Gospel Of Mary Did you know?: The Gospel of Mary was found in the manuscripts of Papyrus Oxyrhynchus L 3525, Papyrus Rylands 463, Papyrus Berolinensis 8502

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

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

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

16. NO Canon?

17. Gospel Of Peter κατά Πέτρον ευαγγέλιον

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

25. Revelation Similarities to the NT Believers led astray

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