The Fifth Gospel (New Edition): The Gospel of Thomas Comes of Age

Description

In December 1945, at the base of cliffs that run along the Nile River near the modern-day town of Nag Hammadi, an Egyptian farmer discovered a sealed jar containing thirteen ancient Coptic codices. This discovery represented arguably the most significant manuscript discovery of the twentieth century for the study of the New Testament and Christian origins. Of all the texts found none has been more important than the Gospel of Thomas for our understanding of early Christianity. This classic book presents the best text and the best translation of Thomas in user-friendly form. Additional chapters provide a general introduction to the Gospel of Thomas and tell the fascinating story of that discovery itself by one who was directly involved in bringing this new Gospel to light. An annotated list "for further reading" completes the volume. This new edition features updated material which takes account of recent research on the gospel of Thomas. The translation has been refined at points, and the bibliographical material updated.

Stephen J. Patterson is Associate Professor of New Testament at Eden Theological Seminary and author of The God of Jesus: The Historical Jesus and the Search for Meaning (Trinity Press). Hans-Gebhard Bethge is Professor of New Testament at the Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany.

'It is astonishing that, after more than 65 years of intense research on the Gospel of Thomas, there are still scholars who too easily dismiss this important text as late, secondary to the gospels in the New Testament, and "Gnostic." This book forcefully argues that the Gospel of Thomas is every bit as important as the New Testament gospels and should be treated as such. The translation is produced by a real dream team - the renowned Berliner Arbeitskreis working together with two leading American specialists. Professor Patterson offers in this new edition the best general introduction to the Gospel of Thomas I have ever read: his is a well-balanced, academically solid, and yet accessible, synthesis, effectively placing the core of this gospel into an intellectual milieu of the late first century, colored by Middle Platonism and Jewish wisdom traditions.'- Ismo Dunderberg, University of Helsinki, Finland -- Ismo Dunderberg 'The perfect introduction to the Gospel of Thomas. The Fifth Gospel includes a definitive discussion of Thomas' literary features, theology, and historical significance; a thrilling account of the text's discovery and publication; and what is probably the best, clearest, and most accessible translation of this ancient non-canonical account of Jesus' words. A wonderful resource for those approaching Thomas for the first time, but a valuable tool for scholars as well.' - William Arnal, University of Regina, Canada -- William Arnal "The translation will likely become the standard for citation in the future."--Edgar Krentz, Currents -- Edgar Krentz * Blurb from reviewer * "As an introduction to the Gospel of Thomas, The Fifth Gospel is ideal. It is the perfect book for anyone wishing to know more about its content and discovery, while also introducing the reader to the most prevelant issues regarding the relation of the Gospel of Thomas to the New Testament and the historical Jesus."--Dr. J. Liebenberg, (UNISA) Theological Studies June 2002 -- Dr. J. Liebenberg * Blurb from reviewer * "This is an excellent new presentation of the Gospel of Thomas for a general audience, and it will be a very useful textbook."--Fred W. Burnett, Anderson University, reviewing for Religious Studies Review, July 1999 -- Fred W. Burnett * Religious Studies Review * "I hardly thought there was need for a new translation of the Gospel of Thomas until I read this one...this translation...advances the grace and ease of translation more than any previous one...This translation also distinguishes itself by clarifying some of the more obscure and difficult readings of the Gospel of Thomas. Although scholars may disagree with the reading, the general reading public will find them more accessible...In all this is an excellent translation."--Richard Valantasis, Iliff School of Theology, as printed in Review of Biblical Literature, October 1999 -- Richard Valantasis * Review of Biblical Literature *