Apocryphal collection · Gnostics and Nag Hammadi · 2 min read
Gospel of Mary (Magdalene)
The disciple who comforts the apostles and the soul's ascent past the powers
The full text of this study is in Portuguese; the summary, key points and official view are in English.
The Gospel of Mary has come down to us incomplete: the first six pages and another four in the middle are missing. What remains shows the risen Saviour teaching about matter and sin and sending the disciples out to preach. They are afraid, and Mary Magdalene comforts them. Peter asks her to tell what the Saviour taught her in private, and Mary describes a vision: the soul rises and passes through four powers that try to hold it back. Peter and Andrew doubt that the Lord spoke in secret to a woman; Levi defends her.
Key points
- Coptic manuscript: Berlin Codex 8502 (5th century), bought in Cairo in 1896 and published only in 1955.
- 3rd-century Greek fragments: P.Rylands 463 and P.Oxy. 3525.
- Date of composition: 2nd century.
- Pages 1–6 and 11–14 of the codex are missing.
- The soul faces the powers of Darkness, Desire, Ignorance and Wrath (the last with seven forms).
What scholars say
For scholars, the Gospel of Mary reflects 2nd-century debates about authority, revelation and the role of women in Christian communities. Nothing in the text states that Mary and Jesus were married; that idea comes from modern readings.
Keep investigating
- Gospel of Thomas 114 secret sayings of Jesus, hidden for almost two thousand years
- Gospel of Philip Sacraments, the bridal chamber and the Savior's companion
- Pistis Sophia Jesus changes the motion of the heavenly spheres
Other languages: Português · Español
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