The concept of Gospel of Thomas in Christianity

The Gospel of Thomas is an apocryphal text attributed to Thomas the Apostle, consisting of 114 sayings and teachings of Jesus. It offers unique interpretations of Jesus' messages, often diverging from canonical gospels. The text is characterized by its Gnostic elements and emphasizes spiritual knowledge and personal interpretation. It includes themes like unity and the importance of seeking understanding. The Gospel of Thomas is significant for its alternative perspective on Jesus' life and teachings, providing insights into early Christian beliefs and Gnosticism.

Synonyms: Gnostic gospel, Sayings of jesus, Apocryphal text

In Malay: Injil Thomas; In Swedish: Tomas evangelium; In Finnish: Tuomaan evankeliumi; In German: Thomasevangelium; In Dutch: Evangelie van Thomas; In Spanish: Evangelio de Tomás

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Gospel of Thomas'

Christianity Books

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Gospel of Thomas Commentary

(1) This refers to a specific religious text that is the subject of study and analysis, indicating a focus on its content and its context.[1] (2) This is a text that contains a version of the saying, which has a parallel saying regarding a physician, discussed in the document.[2] (3) This refers to a collection of sayings and parables, including the one about the rich man, offering an alternative version of the story with different nuances.[3] (4) The text is mentioned as a source for sayings of Jesus, where the saying in question is found, and provides context for its interpretation, according to the text.[4] (5) This is the name of a text that contains sayings about John, and has been subject to interpretation and analysis by scholars.[5]

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) A text that presents Thomas the Israelite Philosopher’s account of the early life and miracles of Jesus Christ.[6] (2) An ancient text associated with Gnostic beliefs, referred to by early church fathers, and characterized by its content and Greek form, which does not exhibit high linguistic quality.[7]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) An account of the childhood of Jesus, consisting largely of stories about His miraculous powers and knowledge, with a focus on the theme of Jesus possessing Divine power before His baptism.[8] (2) An apocryphal text attributed to Thomas, featuring sayings and teachings of Jesus, often viewed with skepticism compared to canonical gospels.[9]

Gnostic concept of 'Gospel of Thomas'

Gnosticism Books

Significance in Gnosticism (Mystical or Esoteric Christianity):

From: The Gnostics and Their Remains

(1) The Gospel of Thomas is referenced, and the text includes the quote, 'He that seeketh shall find me amongst children from seven years downwards, for in the fourteenth generation, being hidden, I will manifest myself.'[10]