The so-called Gospel of Thomas was discovered in 1945 near Nag Hammadi, Egypt. This writing is known as an alternative Gospel. But what validity does it have as being an “alternative” or warrant consideration to be included in the Canon?
Dr. Craig Evans among other intellectuals and Bible Scholars have dated the writing between 175 to 200 AD. This would be around 150 years after the crucifixion of Christ. So the writings regarding Jesus would have no real relevance as the four canonical Gospels were written in the 1st century. In fact, many of the passages of the “Gospel of Thomas” are directly taken from the writings of the New Testament! Since the writing is 150 or so years after Christs’ crucifixion, the Apostle Thomas would have been long dead!
There is a (not good) reason as to why certain people say we should include this writing as a valid Gospel, and that is that it falls into Gnosticism, the teaching of Salvation through self-knowledge. The canon refers to Jesus as our redeemer, the Gnostic idea takes Jesus out of the equation and says that you can achieve salvation through self-knowledge! Sounds very new age doesn’t it?
If you want to read the Gospel of Thomas it is readily available on the internet, and frankly having preposterous verses, you will see all the “borrowings” from the true Gospel and frankly it is boring to read. Look how anti-woman this verse is from the Gospel, not to mention that Jesus would never have made such a statement;
114 Simon Peter said to them: Let Mary go forth from among us, for women are not worthy of the life. Jesus said: Behold, I shall lead her, that I may make her male so that she also may become a living spirit like you males. For every woman who makes herself, male shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.
This so-called gospel is not worthy of consideration for the Canon. Please keep Jesus in your sights, believe in Him for your Salvation!
Revelation 1: 17
17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said:“Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.
God Bless
Brian Mason
Beacon Apologetics 