APOCRYPHAL GOSPELS Meaning and
Definition
-
Apocryphal gospels refer to a collection of ancient texts that recount the life, teachings, and actions attributed to Jesus Christ but were not included in the canonical New Testament of the Christian Bible. These writings are considered outside the recognized scriptural canon and are generally regarded as lacking authenticity or divine authority.
The term "apocryphal" derives from the Greek word "apokryphos," meaning "hidden" or "secret." It conveys the notion that these gospels were seen as secret or hidden writings excluded from the official list of accepted religious texts. The apocryphal gospels often claim to be authored by disciples or followers of Jesus, providing alternative narratives and anecdotes about his life, miracles, teachings, and even controversial theological concepts.
Examples of apocryphal gospels include the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Mary Magdalene, the Gospel of Judas, and many others. These texts were composed and circulated during the early centuries of Christianity, potentially offering insights into the diversity of beliefs within early Christian communities.
While apocryphal gospels provide additional perspectives on Jesus and early Christian thought, they were not included in the canon due to theological concerns, historical inconsistencies, or suspicions of being later fabrications. Consequently, their status and authority have been disputed throughout history, with most Christian denominations considering them as non-canonical and offering limited spiritual or doctrinal significance. Nonetheless, they remain valuable sources for scholars and historians in studying the development of early Christianity and various alternative traditions.
Etymology of APOCRYPHAL GOSPELS
The word "apocryphal" comes from the Greek word "apokryptein", meaning "to hide away" or "to conceal". In the context of literature, it refers to texts that are "hidden" or "secret". The term "apocryphal gospels" is used to describe a collection of early Christian texts that were not included in the canonical New Testament.
The word "gospel" has its roots in the Old English word "godspell", which itself derives from the Greek word "euangelion" meaning "good news" or "glad tidings". The gospels refer to the accounts of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as written by his disciples and apostles.
