The Apocryphon of John
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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
- It is from outside the apostolic age
- It is Gnostic in nature, like the rest of the Nag Hammadi library
- Irenaeus in “Against Heresies” in 185AD (approximate) calls out this book as a Sethian Gnostic heretical fabrication
- Contradicts Christian core doctrines that are well accepted
- Trinity
- Creation structure outlines
Useful external attestation details
- Jesus lived
- Jesus was killed
- Jesus rose from the dead
- Jesus ascended into heaven
- John was the brother of James, son of Zebedee
- This John was an important disciple of Jesus
- Assumes John could be an author
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