Questions and answers in the Gospel of Thomas, pl. 81 and 83.
Journal name: Acta Orientalia
Original article title: Questions and answers in the Gospel according to Thomas: The composition of pl. 81,14–18 and pl. 83,14–27
ACTA ORIENTALIA is a journal focused on the study of Oriental languages, history, archaeology, and religions from ancient times to the present. The journal includes articles reviewed by a senior scholar in the relevant field.
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Original source:
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Søren Giversen
Acta Orientalia:
(Founded in 1922 and published annually)
Full text available for: Questions and answers in the Gospel according to Thomas: The composition of pl. 81,14–18 and pl. 83,14–27
Year: 1960 | Doi: 10.5617/ao.5278
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
1) Introduction
The Gospel according to Thomas presents a number of scholarly challenges, including questions regarding its authorship, date of composition, and overall interpretation. A key issue for modern readers is whether the current text reflects an original form or if it has undergone significant alterations over time. This paper by Søren Giversen examines specific passages from the Gospel—specifically pl. 81,14-18 and pl. 83,14-27—to explore the relationship between questions posed by the disciples and Jesus' responses, delving into how they might have been originally composed.
2) The Disciples' Questions and the Nature of Responses
In the passage pl. 81,14-18, the disciples ask Jesus four detailed questions about essential aspects of religious life: fasting, prayer, almsgiving, and chosen diets. However, Jesus' response in pl. 81,18-23 is notably general and does not directly address these specific inquiries. Instead of providing tailored answers, Jesus offers a more profound exhortation regarding truth and righteousness. Giversen argues that this response feels disconnected from the detailed nature of the disciples' questions, suggesting that what follows in the text might not form a coherent answer to their concerns.
3) Original Context of the Text
Giversen identifies a subsequent passage, pl. 83,14-27, which provides explicit answers to the disciples' questions about fasting, prayer, alms, and diet. He posits that this passage aligns much more closely with the questions in pl. 81,14-18, as it addresses each inquiry in the same order. The lack of a transitional phrase in pl. 83,14-27 indicates that the passage may have originally functioned as a direct response to the preceding questions. Together, these findings lead Giversen to propose that the texts in question were likely part of a more original and connected form of the Gospel before the current arrangement was made.
4) Conclusion
The analysis of the passages from the Gospel according to Thomas reveals inconsistencies in the dialogue between the disciples and Jesus, particularly regarding the appropriateness of the responses to the questions posed. Giversen’s investigation suggests that the current structure of the Gospel may not reflect its original compositional integrity. He concludes that the distinct answers found in pl. 83,14-27 highlight the possibility of a more coherent and complete original form, thereby inviting further study into the historical context and linguistic shifts that may have influenced the arrangement of these texts over time.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What main problems does the Gospel according to Thomas raise?
The Gospel raises issues about authorship, date, sources, composition, origin, interpretation, and tendencies, creating numerous questions for modern readers seeking to understand its context and meaning.
How does the text in pl. 81,14-18 relate to pl. 83,14-27?
The passage in pl. 81,14-18 presents disciples' questions about fasting, prayer, alms, and diet, while pl. 83,14-27 provides comprehensive answers to those specific questions in the same order.
What is the focus of Jesus' response in pl. 81,18-23?
Jesus' response in pl. 81,18-23 emphasizes living a life governed by truth and righteousness, which contrasts the specific inquiries created by the disciples regarding religious practices.
How does the Coptic text structure impact its interpretation?
The Coptic text's current structure may obscure the original relational context, suggesting that the questions in pl. 81,14-18 may have originally been followed by the answers in pl. 83,14-27.
What does the presence of 'Jesus said to them' indicate?
The phrase 'Jesus said to them' implies an audience of disciples, suggesting that either the text is misplaced or restructured, affecting the perceived context of Jesus' teachings.
Glossary definitions and references:
Oriental and Historical glossary list for “Questions and answers in the Gospel of Thomas, pl. 81 and 83.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of History, Linguistics, Religion, Philosophy, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism etc.
1) Thomas:
The Gospel according to Thomas is a non-canonical text of the New Testament, attributed to the apostle Thomas. It features a collection of sayings and teachings of Jesus, emphasizing personal spiritual knowledge. It provokes scholarly debate regarding its origins, authorship, and the distinct perspective it offers on early Christianity.
2) Diet:
Diet in the context of the Gospel according to Thomas refers to the food and lifestyle choices recommended for followers. The queries raised about diet reflect cultural and religious practices of the time. In Thomas, diet signifies not just physical sustenance but also moral and spiritual implications related to one's faith.
3) Prayer:
Prayer serves as a significant religious practice and a means of communication with the divine, highlighted in Thomas's text. The disciples seek guidance on how to pray, indicating its importance in spiritual life. The response emphasizes inner integrity over ritual, suggesting a deeper understanding of prayer’s purpose.
4) Truth:
Truth is a central theme in Thomas’s teachings, urging followers to reject deception and embrace authenticity. The call to live in truth reflects a foundational ethical principle that leads to spiritual enlightenment. It represents an overarching value that guides moral conduct and interpersonal relationships within the text.
5) Righteousness:
Righteousness in the Gospel according to Thomas embodies living in accordance with divine will and moral standards. It challenges followers to align their actions with higher ethical principles. The pursuit of righteousness relates to the way one interacts with others, emphasizing the importance of integrity in one's spiritual journey.
6) Heaven:
Heaven in the context of Thomas signifies a spiritual realm and the ultimate realization of divine truth. References to Heaven underlie the esoteric nature of the teachings, indicating that spiritual revelations are accessible to the sincere seeker. It encapsulates the promise of transformation and enlightenment for believers.
7) Hate:
Hate is viewed as a negative force in the text, synonymous with deception and moral corruption. Jesus's teachings advise against harboring hate, affirming that it obscures spiritual clarity. This moral directive underscores the importance of fostering love and compassion, as attitudes of hate contradict the core teachings of the Gospel.
8) Praxis:
Praxis refers to the practical application of religious beliefs and ethical principles. In the teachings of Thomas, there’s a clear link between knowledge and action—believers are encouraged to embody their faith through meaningful practices. The text critiques mere ritualism, instead promoting authentic, loving interactions as essential spiritual praxis.
9) Love:
Love is a fundamental concept in the Gospel according to Thomas, expressing the essence of Jesus’s teachings. It advocates for love as a transformative force that underpins righteous living and spiritual growing. Central to the discourse, love embodies the ethical response of individuals to one another and to the divine.
10) Hope:
Hope in the context of Thomas's teachings reflects the aspiration for spiritual fulfillment and understanding. It is intertwined with the pursuit of truth and inner peace, representing an optimistic outlook on spiritual growth. The text encourages disciples to cultivate hope as a sustaining force in their spiritual journey.