Apocryphal collection · Gnostics and Nag Hammadi · 2 min read
Gospel of the Egyptians (Coptic)
The Holy Book of the Great Invisible Spirit
The full text of this study is in Portuguese; the summary, key points and official view are in English.
Despite its name, this Coptic text from Nag Hammadi has nothing to do with the Greek Gospel of the Egyptians quoted by Clement. Its own title is “The Holy Book of the Great Invisible Spirit”. It is one of the main works of the Sethian current: it describes how, from the invisible and silent Spirit, there emerge Barbelo, the Son, the four great luminaries (Harmozel, Oroiael, Daveithai and Eleleth) and the seed of Seth, the incorruptible race that passes through the floods and fires of the world until it is saved.
Key points
- Manuscripts: Nag Hammadi Codices III and IV (4th century).
- Current: Sethian Gnosticism.
- Attributed in the colophon to “the great Seth”, written on a high mountain.
- It describes the baptism of the “five seals” and initiation hymns.
- Saklas appears as the creator of this world.
What scholars say
Scholars see it as a Sethian liturgical and mythological text, probably from the 3rd century. It is an important source for understanding Gnostic baptismal rites.
Keep investigating
- Apocryphon of John The blind creator, the seven heavens and the 365 angels who shaped Adam
- Gospel of Judas The disciple who understood, the aeons of light and the 360 firmaments
Other languages: Português · Español
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