Second Apocalypse of James
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The Second Apocalypse of James (in this context "apocalypse" means revelation or vision) is one of the Gnostic Gospels
, part of the New Testament apocrypha
. It is believed to have been written around the 2nd century CE, and then buried and lost until it was re-discovered amongst 52 other Gnostic Christian
texts spread over 13 Codices by an Arab peasant, Mohammad Ali al-Samman, in the Egyptian town of Nag Hammadi
late in December 1945.
Although the text is gnostic, it is quite restrained, containing many Jewish-Christian
themes, making many scholars think it to be one of the earlier texts, originally from the early or mid 2nd century. One of the most curious features of the second apocalypse of James is that this range of dating, of its original text, assigned to it by scholars, requires that it was written before the First Apocalypse of James
.
There are a number of differences with the more canonical history that the text describes, for example, it names James' father Theudas rather than Joseph
, who is presented as the biological father of James by the mid 2nd century Protevangelium of James. The wife of this Theudas is named Mary, but whether this Mary is the same woman as Mary, the mother of Jesus, or whether this wife of Theudas named Mary is supposed to be the biological mother of James is not clear from the text. The First Apocalypse of James, explicitly claims that James and Jesus are not biological brothers.
The text features a kiss between James and Jesus, on the lips, in a similar manner to the way in which Jesus is said to have kissed Mary Magdalene in other gnostic texts (which lent credence to the idea that early tradition considered Mary to be the Beloved Disciple).
However, the text also describes how such a kiss was a metaphor for the passing of gnosis
, explaining the references to it elsewhere, making it clear that this isn't the homosexual relationship it appears to be.
The text ends with the rather gruesome death of James by stoning, possibly reflecting an early oral tradition of what became of James:
Gnostic Gospels
The Gnostic Gospels are a collection of about fifty-two texts supposedly based upon the ancient wisdom teachings of several prophets and spiritual leaders including Jesus, written from the 2nd to the 4th century AD. These gospels are not part of the standard Biblical canon of any major Christian...
, part of the New Testament apocrypha
New Testament apocrypha
The New Testament apocrypha are a number of writings by early Christians that claim to be accounts of Jesus and his teachings, the nature of God, or the teachings of his apostles and of their lives. These writings often have links with books regarded as "canonical"...
. It is believed to have been written around the 2nd century CE, and then buried and lost until it was re-discovered amongst 52 other Gnostic Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
texts spread over 13 Codices by an Arab peasant, Mohammad Ali al-Samman, in the Egyptian town of Nag Hammadi
Nag Hammâdi
Nag Hammadi , is a city in Upper Egypt. Nag Hammadi was known as Chenoboskion in classical antiquity, meaning "geese grazing grounds". It is located on the west bank of the Nile in the Qena Governorate, about 80 kilometres north-west of Luxor....
late in December 1945.
Although the text is gnostic, it is quite restrained, containing many Jewish-Christian
Jewish Christians
Jewish Christians is a term which appears in historical texts contrasting Christians of Jewish origin with Gentile Christians, both in discussion of the New Testament church and the second and following centuries....
themes, making many scholars think it to be one of the earlier texts, originally from the early or mid 2nd century. One of the most curious features of the second apocalypse of James is that this range of dating, of its original text, assigned to it by scholars, requires that it was written before the First Apocalypse of James
First Apocalypse of James
The First Apocalypse of James, part of the New Testament apocrypha also called the Revelation of Jacob, was first discovered amongst 52 other Gnostic Christian texts spread over 13 codices by an Arab peasant, Mohammad Ali al-Samman, in the Egyptian town of Nag Hammadi late in December 1945...
.
There are a number of differences with the more canonical history that the text describes, for example, it names James' father Theudas rather than Joseph
Saint Joseph
Saint Joseph is a figure in the Gospels, the husband of the Virgin Mary and the earthly father of Jesus Christ ....
, who is presented as the biological father of James by the mid 2nd century Protevangelium of James. The wife of this Theudas is named Mary, but whether this Mary is the same woman as Mary, the mother of Jesus, or whether this wife of Theudas named Mary is supposed to be the biological mother of James is not clear from the text. The First Apocalypse of James, explicitly claims that James and Jesus are not biological brothers.
The text features a kiss between James and Jesus, on the lips, in a similar manner to the way in which Jesus is said to have kissed Mary Magdalene in other gnostic texts (which lent credence to the idea that early tradition considered Mary to be the Beloved Disciple).
- And Jesus kissed my mouth. He took hold of me saying, 'My beloved! Behold, I shall reveal to you those things that the heavens nor the angels have known. Behold, I shall reveal to you everything, my beloved. Behold, I shall reveal to you what is hidden. But now, stretch out your hand. Now, take hold of me'
However, the text also describes how such a kiss was a metaphor for the passing of gnosis
Gnosis
Gnosis is the common Greek noun for knowledge . In the context of the English language gnosis generally refers to the word's meaning within the spheres of Christian mysticism, Mystery religions and Gnosticism where it signifies 'spiritual knowledge' in the sense of mystical enlightenment.-Related...
, explaining the references to it elsewhere, making it clear that this isn't the homosexual relationship it appears to be.
The text ends with the rather gruesome death of James by stoning, possibly reflecting an early oral tradition of what became of James:
- they decided to throw him down from the height, and they cast him down....they seized him and struck him as they dragged him on the ground. They stretched him out and placed a stone on his abdomen. They all placed their feet on him, saying, 'You have erred!' Again they raised him up, since he was alive, and made him dig a hole. They made him stand in it. After having covered him up to his abdomen, they stoned him