DID JESUS REALLY SAY?? Startling Sayings Attributed to Jesus in Non-Canonical and Gnostic Gospels

By Louis Sefer

In "Did Jesus Really Say??", author Louis Sefer invites readers on a journey of discovery through a comprehensive collection of early Christian texts. From the well-known Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Mary Magdalene to lesser-known works like the Gospel of the Nazarenes and the Gospel of Bartholomew, this book presents a wealth of teachings and sayings attributed to Jesus.

 

By delving into these texts, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the diverse beliefs and practices of early Christianity. They will explore the Gospel of the Saviour, Gospel of the Egyptians, and Gospel of the Secret Supper, each offering unique insights into the nature of the Divine and the role of humans in the universe.

 

The book also includes the Apocryphon of John, Sayings Gospel Q, and other important writings, providing a well-rounded view of the early Christian canon. And for those who want to explore further, the appendix offers a selection of non-canonical, apocryphal, and Gnostic texts, including the Oxyrhynchus Sayings and the Acts of Paul and Thecla.

 

Through this journey of discovery, readers will gain new perspectives on the teachings of Jesus and their relevance to modern spirituality. Whether you are a scholar, a seeker, or simply curious, "Did Jesus Really Say??" is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking a deeper connection to the Divine.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Louis Sefer
• Release date: Mar 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215306512

Book preview

DID JESUS REALLY SAY??

Startling Sayings Attributed to Jesus in Non-Canonical and Gnostic Gospels

By Louis Sefer

Copyright © 2023

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Copyright © 2023

All Rights Reserved.

The Publisher has strived to be as accurate and complete as possible in the creation of this report, notwithstanding the fact that he does not warrant or represent at any time that the contents within are accurate due to the rapidly changing nature of the Internet.

While all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this publication, the Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein. Any perceived slights of specific persons, peoples, or organizations are unintentional.

Readers are cautioned to rely on their own judgment about their individual circumstances and beliefs and to act accordingly.

This book is not intended for use as a source of legal, health, business, accounting, or financial advice. All readers are advised to seek the services of competent professionals in legal, business, health, and finance fields.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Gospel of Thomas

Gospel of Philip

Gospel of Mary Magdalene

Gospel of the Nazarenes

Gospel of Judas

Gospel of the Egyptians

Gospel of the Saviour

Gospel of Nicodemus

Gospel of Bartholomew

Gospel of Barnabas

Gospel of Thomas the Contender

Gospel of the Twelve (Ethiopian Version)

Gospel of Peter

Gospel of the Secret Supper

Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew

Infancy Gospel of Thomas

Infancy Gospel of James

Acts of John

Acts of Thomas

Dialogue of the Savior

Apocryphon of John

Sayings Gospel Q

Epistula Apostolorum

Pistis Sophia

Conclusion

Additional Early Christian Texts

The Oxyrhynchus Sayings

The Sophia of Jesus Christ

The Gospel of the Hebrews

The Acts of Paul and Thecla

The Acts of Peter

Bibliography

About The Author

Introduction

Jesus of Nazareth is arguably the most influential figure in human history. As the founder of Christianity, his life, teachings, and death have shaped the course of Western civilization and continue to inspire billions of people around the world. Yet, despite the enormous impact he has had on the world, much about Jesus remains shrouded in mystery and debate. One of the most pressing questions that scholars and believers alike seek to answer is: What did Jesus really say?

The canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John provide a wealth of information about Jesus' life and teachings. However, there are also a number of ancient non-canonical texts that contain sayings and stories attributed to Jesus that are not found in the canonical gospels. These texts include the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Mary, the Gospel of the Nazarenes, the Gospel of the Ebionites, and the Gospel of the Egyptians, among others.

The sayings and stories found in these texts are often strikingly different from those found in the canonical gospels. Some are more mystical or esoteric, while others emphasize Jesus' humanity rather than his divinity. Many of these texts were likely written by early Christian communities that had different beliefs and practices than those reflected in the canonical gospels. For this reason, they offer important insights into the diversity of early Christian thought and the various ways in which Jesus' teachings were interpreted and applied.

However, the non-canonical texts also present a challenge for scholars and readers alike. Without the authority of the Church to validate their authenticity, it can be difficult to determine which sayings and stories are genuinely attributable to Jesus and which are later additions or inventions. Moreover, because many of these texts were written decades or even centuries after Jesus' death, they may reflect the beliefs and concerns of their own time rather than the teachings of the historical Jesus.

Despite these challenges, studying the non-canonical texts is essential for anyone seeking to understand the full breadth and depth of Jesus' teachings. By examining all of the available sources, we can gain a more complete picture of who Jesus was and what he stood for. We can also better appreciate the diversity of Christian thought and practice that existed in the early centuries of the faith.

In this book, we will examine a number of ancient non-canonical texts that contain sayings attributed to Jesus. We will explore the context in which these texts were written, the communities that produced them, and the themes and messages they convey. By doing so, we hope to provide readers with a deeper appreciation of Jesus' teachings and a fuller understanding of the complex and multifaceted history of Christianity.

As we delve into the non-canonical texts that contain