The Apocryphon of John

Published by 1c15 on 25th December 201925th December 2019

This Gnostic text from a Sethian sect was discovered with the Nag Hammadi collection in Egypt 1945. They found a few copies with them dated 4th century, with scholars predicting the text is of 2nd century origin (120-180AD). The story has Jesus, after the ascension, appearing to John and passing on secret knowledge, much like any other Gnostic work.

Reasons for rejection/non-inclusion

1. It is from outside the apostolic age
2. It is Gnostic in nature, like the rest of the Nag Hammadi library
3. Irenaeus in “Against Heresies” in 185AD (approximate) calls out this book as a Sethian Gnostic heretical fabrication
4. Contradicts Christian core doctrines that are well accepted
   1. Trinity
   2. Creation structure outlines

Useful external attestation details 

1. Jesus lived
2. Jesus was killed
3. Jesus rose from the dead
4. Jesus ascended into heaven
5. John was the brother of James, son of Zebedee
6. This John was an important disciple of Jesus
7. Assumes John could be an author