Although the Gospel of Thomas had access to the Q source just like a few of the canonized gospel books did, it is not one of the four canonical gospels in the Bible (and was not canonized at all). Yet the Gospel of Thomas still provides an in-depth insight into early Christian communities and more specifically into the life and specific sayings of Jesus. White argues that Didymus Judas Thomas (Jesus’ twin brother) was explicitly attributed the authorship of The Gospel of Thomas. Didymus Judas Thomas can be translated into English as “Twin Judas Twin.” Thomas approaches Jesus’s identity in a more heavenly, spiritual, holy, and wisdom engraved type of way, which is much different from the divine man who is portrayed in aretologies within the first three synoptic gospels. Although inherently counteracting each other’s beliefs and theology, the Gospel of Thomas draws similarities to the book of John which helps readers to draw insights about the more spiritual and abstract aspects of Jesus. And after reading about Jesus in the Gospel of Thomas, it is also important realize that there are no mentions of birth narratives, miracle stories, and travel chronicles. In addition, some of the most significant things that notably missing from the Gospel of Thomas is any mention of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. Based off the chapters (1, 13, 17, 28, 38, 52, 59, 77, 90, 108) Jesus is not being portrayed as a suffering messiah but rather as a wisdom-loving sage who is extremely strict and secretive towards his disciples because they “have disregarded the living one who is in your presence, and have spoken of the dead” (Thomas 52).

The collections of Jesus sayings and dialogue with his disciples were complicated and hard to follow and comprehend at times, but it eventually paved the way to create an image of Jesus as a heavenly being who could only be understood at a level much above humanity. Jesus urges the importance of understanding his sayings in order to gain eternal life. In verse one of the sayings, Jesus says that “Whoever discovers the interpretation of these sayings will not taste death” (Thomas 1). Thomas sets up the gospel with having Jesus inform his followers that the words of Jesus have the key to eternal life. What Jesus says is truth, and ultimately the law of the kingdom. Understanding what Jesus says, and emulating his words and ways by how one lives their life is ultimately the key into the kingdom of heaven. And in verse two, Jesus explains what it takes to “reign over all.” Jesus explicitly says that “those who seek should not stop seeking until they find. When they find, they will be disturbed. When they are disturbed, they will marvel, and will reign over all” (Thomas 2).

Jesus speaks to his disciples as if he were a prophet (specifically in verses 13 and 17). Jesus has come to lead and usher the new age. And in the new age, the old things and those who have passed away are not relevant. Jesus is a figure that puts forth optimism to looking ahead and living life on earth following the instructions of the heavenly kingdom, which Jesus as messenger delivers. Jesus is a prophet and a messenger, here and now. He corrects his disciples and makes clear that he is omnipresent. Thomas chooses to make Jesus an approachable messenger when he integrates Jesus as gentle and someone in whom one can take rest, in addition to Jesus’s divinity. Jesus’s suffering and death is not mentioned in Thomas, instead, Thomas chooses to focus on the relationship that Jesus has into the eternal life and how in which to make life on earth one full of discipleship and love that most closely mirrors that of the divine and heavenly kingdom which Jesus portrays as the ultimate goal and idea of perfection.

Thomas portrays that the kingdom of heaven is a part of each of Jesus’s followers by nature and through the faith they gain and spread to new followers, with Jesus explicitly saying that “the kingdom is within you and it is outside you” (Thomas 3). The actual physical human condition is not what Jesus and the kingdom of heaven is concerned about. The human condition, as well as the earthly world is drunk and flawed within these sayings, as even nursing babies are within means of reaching the kingdom of heaven (Thomas 22). But when questions regarding the physicality and actions of humans are revealed, Jesus talks about the flaws of humanity for as a way of concentrating and placing strict laws on the human condition. Regardless, it is obvious that Jesus cares much more for the souls of humanity. The disciples ask Jesus in verse 53, “‘is circumcision useful or not?’”, (Thomas 53) in which Jesus responds, “‘If it were useful, their father would produce children already circumcised from their mother. Rather, the true circumcision in spirit has become profitable in every respect’” (Thomas 53). Over and over, throughout the sayings with the Gospel of Thomas, Jesus clearly disregards and takes the focus away from human and worldly things and puts it on the character of Jesus, the spirit and understanding of an individual. This is what truly makes an individual most like the image of Christ and kingdom of heaven. There is less importance on what someone eats or wears or does to his physical body. In addition, entering the kingdom of heaven according to Christ depends on an understanding of one’s own spiritual heart and relationship with Jesus. The earthly world and all its worries about the physical body, riches, and material possessions are intrinsically flawed; concluding that the only way to be obedient and Christ-like is to put all efforts on the spirit and finding your identity in Christ.

Thomas presents the exclusiveness of Jesus’ teaching to his insiders. The disciples know more than most due to their relationship with Christ and Christ makes it clear that “I am not your teacher. Because you have drunk, you have become intoxicated from the bubbling spring that I have tended” (Thomas 13). In addition, the following part of verse 13 makes it clear (through Thomas) that any secret revealed is not to be shared. Jesus reveals to his closest followers the keys and insights to achieve a place in the kingdom of heaven and to be reunited with Jesus again. This idea is also supported in verse 108 when Jesus says that “whoever drinks from my mouth will become like me; I myself shall become that person, and the hidden things will be revealed to him” (Thomas 108). Jesus implicitly makes it clear that those who are closest to him and listening to his teachings will become like him. And this would lead to gaining the knowledge of Jesus and gaining a spot in the kingdom of heaven just like Jesus.

White seems to paint the picture that Thomas is developing a form of Christianity that seems to go hand in hand to that of asceticism. This particular form of Christianity that is developed in the Gospel of Thomas appeals directly to the nature driven and overall spiritual individual. It could also be desirable to an individual and/or community that greatly lack physical/material possessions. In addition, it was probably an attraction and light of hope to those who doubted Jesus or lost faith post-crucifixion. Thomas and his representation of Jesus seem to extend the divine kingdom to anyone who can fully understand and articulate the words of Christ. The physical body and identity has no significance or value in these Jesus sayings. It is solely the role of the human soul and spiritual relationship with Jesus, God the Father, and the people on earth.

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.

Drew Williams

5/31/2016

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Gospel of Thomas

In the Gospel of Thomas, the image of Jesus is shifted from a suffering servant taught is machinated by Mark, to a philosophic Prophet. Jesus is seen professing teachings and wisdom that “what has not arisen in the human heart.” These teachings go along with a older and more original motif that the earliest communities of messianic Jews most likely adhered to. The Teachings and sayings of Jesus are for the most part, significantly different from those created in Mark and the later gospels. This along with the fact that Q and Thomas overlap significantly,  tells us that the Gospel of Thomas is a old and quite authentic source. The composition of this gospel and of q  shows us that the sayings of Jesus were the central part of devotional life for early Christians.The fact that Jesus is quoted multiple times in both of these sources stating the importance of the knowledge and sayings he is professing to his disciples, shows us that the early community of  Jesus’s followers were more concerned with right action and teachings rather that sacrificial redemption.

Throughout the Gospel, Jesus is stating the importance of his teachings and how through the understanding and adhering to those teachings, one will attain sovereignty over oneself and the life that they are provided. Jesus continually states that his teachings will uncover the true logic and reason of his father’s commandments. He then continually extols his disciples to head his words and take action in this life. The statements in 80 and 87 show the intent  and reassurance of Jesus to his disciples that to follow his words, man will attain mastery over himself. After one attains mastery of himself he can inherit the kingdom. This deep rooted instruction to attain mastery over oneself is inherently a sign of the early messianic movements theology. The early movement must relied on the self discipline and religious adherence to the laws and commandments of God. Through this they were seeking to submit their will to God as Jesus taught. The Importance of internal knowledge leading to worldly sovereignty is a teaching throughout the Gospel that leads the reader to understand the importance of adhering to God’s commandments as presented through Jesus. The earthly world is one of little sustenance and Jesus sought to guide us to the understanding that would bring eternal life. The worldly attainments one could possess in this life were considered to have no value at all in the eyes of God and through his teachings Jesus sought to bring to light the importance of God’s commandments.
The teachings Jesus is professing would most likely be attractive to the lower classes of Jewish society. The oppressed and subjugated peoples of Palestine as well as poor Gentiles may have been compelled to seek understanding and salvation through righteous deeds. The multiple references to good works and  knowledge as the catalyst for salvation would most attract those average Jewish citizens who were left on the fringes of temple Judaism and under the yoke of oppressive roman rule. The lowest classes would see these teachings as the pathway to divine retribution, something temple Judaism would not allow. The pharisees were seen as corrupt and unholy inheritors of the Jewish faith and  did little for the wider Jewish community in the eyes of most Jews. Jesus’ teachings about divine guidance that’s found in knowledge professed by him through his prophet, is something anyone would surely adhere to. The pharisaic classes were surely opposed to this rhetoric as it undermined their authority altogether. The teachings about the power of intellectual understanding of God’s path by the individual is something that removes the need for suddusaic Temple priests or pharisees. One can attain salvation through understanding. This was a theology that would attract those who were unable to attain justice in this life and wish to inherit  eternal Justice in the Kingdom of God.

The Gospel of Thomas starts by saying this gospel contains the secrets sayings of Jesus and that the purpose is to save people. Jesus tells the disciples that they do not understand his purpose for the world and so he tells them that he will bring salvation. Jesus then starts to tell them that where they will spend the rest of the lives is not like this world. Thomas is trying to stress the importance of faith and says that people were born without it but spend their lives seeking it even if they do not know exactly what it is. Thomas then adds the importance of spreading the gospel of Jesus because he will not be on available to them on earth forever. Jesus wants the disciples to focus on the now and not think about what he is supposed to do until after he is gone. In verse 52 Jesus rebukes the disciples for speaking of the great prophets of Israel and comparing Jesus to them. Jesus’ teaching in the Gospel of Thomas focuses on the spirituality of people and caring for those in your community that are currently living. Jesus continues to stress that he is with God and because of this Jesus is in all things and made all things. Jesus states that whoever believes in him will be like him and have peace knowing that they will be in the Kingdom of God forever. The Gospel of Thomas presents Jesus not as a suffering messiah, but as the person who will bring in the new age — the Kingdom of God.

The readings teach that people should focus on their spirituality and not there bodies. The body will come and go, but spirituality will lead to the Kingdom of God which is nothing like anything on Earth and will last forever. the teachings show us that the Kingdom of God is everywhere and that is defy human understanding. Jesus again stresses the importance of being a good person and accepting him into their hearts so that they will act like him to gain acceptance into heaven. Jesus continues to stress the importance of the spirit and teaches that everyone came from God and he wants them all to gain access to heaven through there hearts and to spread their salvation to others who do not yet know. Jesus wants people to develop their spirituality and move away from the worldly view of how things are currently in the world. Jesus wants to become one with the people he is sharing the good news with people so that they might believe in him and join him to go to heaven together. The insiders of Jesus have the spirit of Jesus inside them and because of this they are asked to be like Jesus. They are to share the good news and help other people find Jesus and gain access into heaven as they have already.

I think that the people who would have been most attracted to this are the people were were not accepted into communities already. Those who fear death and do not currently have very much on earth. Jesus wants to bring them to the heaven where they will not be thirsty or hungry or need to worry about anything. They will not have aliments or suffer they will join Jesus and be like him as well as with him. The Jews and gentiles seemingly would both be attracted to this form of christianity because it shows that everyone can benefit from Jesus and his love for them.

The Gospel of Thomas, a Q-esque off shoot, is not one of the core-four canonical Gospels of the Bible, but nevertheless provides an extensive insight into early Christian communities as well as the life of Jesus as the other four main Gospels do. White explains Thomas’s authorship to be “explicitly attributed” to Didymus Judas Thomas (360). This full name translates into “twin”, or someone intrinsically connected to the Jesus figure. Thomas approaches Jesus’s identity in a spiritualized, heavenly, and Wisdom/Sophia-like way; different from the human or divine man formed aretologies of the first three synoptic gospels. Although inherently counteracting each other’s theologies, Thomas is most similar to the Gospel of John which helps readers to draw insights about the more spiritual and abstract being that is Jesus.
Thomas’s collections of the sayings of Jesus and dialogue with his disciples is complex and wordy at first read, but is formed like so to create an image of Jesus as a heavenly figure understood only at a level above that of humanity. In the very first verse of Thomas, Jesus says, “Whoever discovers the interpretation of these sayings will not taste death” (Thomas 1). Thomas sets up his gospel by having Jesus inform his followers that the words of Jesus have the key to eternal life. What Jesus says is truth, and ultimately the law of the kingdom. Understanding what Jesus says, and emulating his words and ways by how one lives their life is ultimately the key into the kingdom of heaven. In verses 13 and 17, Jesus is like a divine prophet, who has come to usher in a new age, a new time. In this new era, the old and those who have passed away are not regarded. Jesus is a figure that puts forth an optimism to looking ahead and living life on earth following the instructions of the heavenly kingdom, which Jesus as messenger delivers. Jesus is a prophet and a messenger, here and now. He often corrects his disciples and emphasizes the point that he is omnipresent. Thomas chooses to make Jesus an approachable messenger when he integrates Jesus as gentle and someone in whom one can take rest (Thomas 90), in addition to Jesus’s divinity. Jesus’s suffering and death is not mentioned in Thomas, instead, Thomas chooses to focus on the relationship that Jesus has into the eternal life and how in which to make life on earth one full of discipleship and love that most closely mirrors that of the divine and heavenly kingdom which Jesus portrays as the ultimate goal and idea of perfection.
From the start of the Gospel of Thomas, Thomas seeks to portray that the kingdom of heaven as a part of each of Jesus’s followers intrinsically and in the faith that they spread to new followers; “the kingdom is within you and it is outside you” (3). The physical conditions of humanity is not what Jesus and the kingdom of heaven is concerned about according to Thomas. The human condition, as well as the earthly world is drunk and flawed within these readings; nursing babies are within means of reaching the kingdom of heaven, but once questions regarding physicality and actions, come up, Jesus talks about the flaws of humanity for focusing and placing laws on the human condition. Jesus cares much more for the souls of humanity. Midway through Thomas’s gospel, the disciples ask Jesus, “‘is circumcision useful or not?'”, in which Jesus wittily responds, “‘If it were useful, their father would produce children already circumcised from their mother. Rather, the true circumcision in spirit has become profitable in every respect'” (53). Time and time again, Jesus disregards and takes the focus away from human and worldly things; to Thomas’s character of Jesus, the spirit and understanding of an individual is what makes him most in the image of Christ and the kingdom of heaven, not what he eats or wears or does to his body. Entrance to the kingdom of heaven according to Christ depends on an understanding of one’s own spirit and relationship with Jesus. The earthly world and all its worries about the physical body, riches, etc. is intrinsically flawed according to Thomas, and the only way to align oneself with Christ is a focus on the spirit and the identity of Christ.
Thomas almost presents a messianic secret in alignment with his allusions to insiders. The disciples know more than the “average Joe” due to their relationship with Christ and having heard (“drunk” (13)) his words directly from him. Even more so, what Thomas is revealed is secret and not able to be shared. Jesus reveals to his closest followers the keys and insights to achieve a place in the kingdom of heaven and to be reunited with Jesus one day, the ultimate gift from Christ.
Thomas’s form of Christianity seems to be that like aestheticism according to White. This form of Christianity appeals to the intrinsically spiritual individual, or someone/a community who lacks physical possessions. Thomas and his representation of Jesus extend the divine kingdom to anyone who can grasp the words of Christ. Body or identity does not matter to this version of Jesus, solely the soul and spiritual relationship between Jesus, God the Father, and each earthly individual. A unique gospel surely, but not one without value and insight on a different interpretation of Christ himself.