Apocryphon of John

Definition

The Apocryphon of John is a Gnostic text believed to have been composed in the 2nd century, presenting a unique interpretation of Christian theology, creation, and divine knowledge. This text reflects the philosophical and mystical developments during Late Antiquity by offering a narrative that emphasizes knowledge ('gnosis') as a means to spiritual salvation, challenging orthodox Christian teachings and providing insight into the diverse beliefs circulating in early Christianity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Apocryphon of John provides a detailed account of the creation of humanity, depicting a God who is distinct from the creator god found in mainstream Christianity.
2. This text introduces the concept of a pleroma, or fullness, representing the spiritual realm inhabited by divine beings known as Aeons.
3. It emphasizes that salvation comes through acquiring secret knowledge about one's divine origin and the true nature of God, rather than through faith alone.
4. The narrative includes a prominent role for Sophia, who plays a critical part in the process of creation and the unfolding of divine wisdom.
5. The Apocryphon of John was considered heretical by early church leaders and was excluded from the canonical Bible, showcasing the theological conflicts within early Christianity.

Review Questions

• How does the Apocryphon of John reflect Gnostic beliefs about creation and salvation compared to orthodox Christian views?
  • The Apocryphon of John illustrates Gnostic beliefs by presenting a distinct creation narrative where a remote God creates an imperfect world through a series of divine emanations called Aeons. In contrast to orthodox Christianity, which views salvation as attainable through faith in Christ, Gnosticism posits that salvation comes from acquiring hidden knowledge about one's divine origin. This divergence highlights key theological conflicts in early Christianity.
• What role does Sophia play in the Apocryphon of John, and why is she significant to its overall message?
  • Sophia is portrayed as a central figure in the Apocryphon of John, representing divine wisdom that contributes to both creation and redemption. Her significance lies in her dual role as both an Aeon who participates in the creation process and as a symbol of the knowledge needed for spiritual awakening. This emphasizes the Gnostic theme that understanding one's divine origins is essential for achieving true enlightenment and escaping the material world.
• Evaluate how the discovery of texts like the Apocryphon of John has changed our understanding of early Christian diversity and its philosophical context.
  • The discovery of texts such as the Apocryphon of John has profoundly impacted our understanding of early Christianity by revealing the rich tapestry of beliefs that existed alongside orthodox teachings. It shows that early Christians were engaged in philosophical dialogues concerning nature, existence, and divinity that differed significantly from established doctrines. This highlights the dynamic interplay between philosophy and spirituality during Late Antiquity, emphasizing how varying interpretations shaped religious thought and practice.

Related terms

Gnosticism: An ancient religious movement that emphasizes personal spiritual knowledge over orthodox teachings and institutions, often highlighting dualism between the material and spiritual worlds.

Nag Hammadi Library: A collection of early Christian and Gnostic texts discovered in Egypt in 1945, which includes the Apocryphon of John and provides critical insight into early Christian diversity.

Sophia: In Gnostic thought, Sophia represents divine wisdom and is often depicted as a figure involved in the creation process, embodying both knowledge and the complexities of the spiritual realm.