Gospel of the Egyptians

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The Gospel of the Egyptians is another lost document that scholars at the earliest put between 120-150AD. Clement of Alexandria, Hippolytus and Epiphanius of Salamis tell us all we know of this document. It’s either some form of narrative or a collection of sayings, we just have no idea.

Reasons for rejection/non-inclusion

  1. Written outside the apostolic age, is not an eyewitness to Jesus and has no bearing on the New Testament Canon
  2. Church fathers label this as a heretical work
    1. Hippolytus connect The Gospel of the Egyptians to the Gnostic sect known as the Naassenes, Egyptian sect
    2. Epiphanius connects the text to the heretical group called the Sabellians, Egyptian sect
  3. Endorsed a form of celibacy in a way Gnostics did who in turn rejected marriage

Useful external attestation details 

  1. Jesus is a wise teacher
  2. Jesus had disciples who considere dhis words to be a source for life
  3. Jesus is described as “The Word”, Lord, Saviour
  4. There is a body and a soul
  5. Affirms Father, Son and Holy Spirit trinity
  6. Jesus is interested in teaching women
    1. Salome is described as a target of his attention 

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