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Acts of John

The Acts of John is a 2nd-century Christian text that narrates the travels and miracles of the Apostle John, including his exile on Patmos and his death in Ephesus.|||Greek manuscripts and fragments. The work dates to the late 2nd century CE.|||Composed in Greek in the late 2nd century CE.|||Not canonical in any tradition. Widely read in the early Church.|||Presents John's miracles, his exile on Patmos, and his mystical teachings. Contains docetic Christology. Important for understanding the development of Johannine tradition and the history of the apocryphal Acts.|||Elliott, J. K. The Apocryphal New Testament. Oxford, 1993.|||Lalleman, P. J. The Acts of John. Peeters, 1998.|||Schneemelcher, W. New Testament Apocrypha. Westminster John Knox, 1991.|||Acts of John — Early Christian Writings|https://www.earlychristianwritings.com/actsjohn.html|Full translation and scholarly resources.;; Acts of John — Sacred Texts|https://www.sacred-texts.com/bib/lbob/lbob11.htm|Public-domain translation.|||" And John said, The Lord is not a man, but the Christ of God." — Acts of John (paraphrase)

Collection: New Testament Apocrypha Canon: varies

Canon Status

Not canonical in any tradition. Widely read in the early Church.

Date & Provenance

Composed in Greek in the late 2nd century CE.

Language & Manuscripts

Greek manuscripts and fragments. The work dates to the late 2nd century CE.

Why It Matters for Study

Presents John's miracles, his exile on Patmos, and his mystical teachings. Contains docetic Christology. Important for understanding the development of Johannine tradition and the history of the apocryphal Acts.

" And John said, The Lord is not a man, but the Christ of God." — Acts of John (paraphrase)

Read the Text & External Resources

Public-domain translations and scholarly databases where the text can be read online or downloaded.

External links open in a new tab. Sources are chosen for public-domain or open-access availability; always verify edition and translation when citing in academic work.

Further Reading

Elliott, J. K. The Apocryphal New Testament. Oxford, 1993.
Lalleman, P. J. The Acts of John. Peeters, 1998.
Schneemelcher, W. New Testament Apocrypha. Westminster John Knox, 1991.