The Gospel of Thomas is probably the most read and followed non-canonical book ever written. Even though it is not a canonical gospel, people still listen to and follow the teachings that this gospel has to offer. This gospel really defines Jesus in a spiritual way compared to the human form in other gospels. This Gospel of Thomas contains mostly sayings that come from Q that involve Jesus and his disciples. These saying help to elevate the divinity of Jesus to higher levels than the canonical gospels. You can see this mostly in the first book of the gospel when Jesus says, “Whoever discovers the interpretation of these sayings will not taste death.” This quote helps to leave no question in the reader about the nature of Jesus like there may be in the readers of the canonical gospels (especially Mark). This passage also helps to confirm the destiny of all the readers that come across this gospel.

The things that Jesus say in this gospel are also very important because with this elevated power the things that Jesus say have great authority. The words of Jesus hold the key to gain eternal life. Since this gospel starts with the proclamation of those that understand will never taste death it gives every action Jesus takes much more authority. In 80 and 87 Jesus speaks to his disciples and tells them that once they understand the words then they will not be miserable. Jesus speaks about people who understand the word and will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. He says that these insiders have become “intoxicated by the bubbling spring that I have tended.” Jesus also says that if you are an insider then you will become one with Jesus.

I think that the people that would have been attracted to this form of Christianity would have been people struggling with their faith after the death of Jesus. Also people who were generally unhappy with their situations in this world would have been attracted to this Christianity. This gospel stresses that if you remain faithful the Kingdom of Heaven will be yours and you will be one with Jesus.