The Traditions of Matthias

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

This document dated outside the Apostolic era between 110-160AD is talked about by Clement of Alexandria in 210AD. Origen, Eusebius, Ambrose and Jerome also mention a document named Gospel of Matthias, with an assumption that the two are the same document. We only retain a few quotes from Clement as we have no manuscripts for it. 

Reasons for rejection/non-inclusion

1. The document is historically lost and wasn’t as valued by God’s people
2. It doesn’t appear to come from the apostolic era
3. It is in no early canonical lists
4. It was used by Gnostic believers 
   1. Is said to be the “secret words” Basilidies supposedly received passed down from Jesus
   2. The flesh is evil
   3. Extraordinary high value of gaining knowledge 
5. Eusebius lists this book with the heretical Thomas and Peter works as heretical
   1. Decretum Gelasianum, the Catalogue of the Sixty Canonical Books also saw the work as heretical

Useful external attestation details 

1. Jesus was a wise teacher referred to as “The Word”, “Lord” and “Saviour”
2. Saved those previously lost
3. Had disciples
4. Taught a moral code