Apocryphal collection · Passion and descent into hell · 2 min read
Gospel of the Savior (Berlin Papyrus 22220)
Jesus's farewell, the ascent to heaven and the dialogue with the cross
The full text of this study is in Portuguese; the summary, key points and official view are in English.
Identified in 1991 among papyri of the Egyptian Museum in Berlin and published in 1999, the Gospel of the Saviour is a 6th-century Coptic text with scenes from Jesus’s last night. The Saviour takes leave of his disciples, speaks of his death and asks the Father, as in Gethsemane, to let the cup pass. The apostles have a vision: they are taken up, cross the heavens and see the Saviour before the Father’s throne, surrounded by angels. In another passage, Jesus speaks directly to the cross: “O cross, do not be afraid!”.
Key points
- Manuscript: P.Berol. 22220, Coptic parchment (6th century).
- Published in 1999 by Charles Hedrick and Paul Mirecki.
- Composition: probably 2nd or 3rd century.
- It has parallels with Coptic fragments from Strasbourg (the “Berlin-Strasbourg Apocryphon”).
- It combines material from Matthew and John with a heavenly vision.
What scholars say
The editors date the composition to the 2nd century; other scholars prefer the 3rd century or later. The text shows how Coptic literature expanded the Passion accounts with heavenly visions.
Keep investigating
- Gospel of Peter Giants whose heads touch the sky and the talking cross
- Gospel of Nicodemus (Acts of Pilate) The trial, the bowing standards and Christ's descent into Hades
- Gospel (Questions) of Bartholomew The abyss, Beliar in chains and the angels of the four winds
Other languages: Português · Español
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