Peter, Paul and Mary Flashcards
Authority
Texts attributed to apostles and other authoritative
figures in circulation around Mediterranean world
in 2nd and 3rd centuries: Gospel of Thomas,
Homilies and Recognitions, Epistle of Barnabas,
Pistis Sophia, Gospel of Mary, Gospel of Judas,
Apocalypse of Peter, Gospel of Peter
Particularly popular: Peter, Paul and Mary Magdalene
“Thomas Christians” vs. “John
Christians”, “Peter Christians” vs. “Mary
Magdalene Christians”
Irenaeus
absolute fear of “secret teachings,” “spirit-filled Christians”; Pagels: “not a lack of
spiritual revelation but an overwhelming surplus”
posits Peter as authority, but:
–no canonical Gospel ascribed to him
(Acts 4:13: unschooled)
–second century Syriac Gospel and two
Apocalypses (later regarded as heretical)
–all of above are Docetist (Jesus only appears
to be human and to suffer; laughing;
identity switch with Simon of Cyrene)
Four-formed Gospel (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John—lion, bull, eagle, man of Ezekiel) John controversial: 4 pillars support the word of God and “right exegesis”
