Canon Status
Not canonical in any tradition. Gnostic in orientation.
Date & Provenance
Composed in Greek in the 3rd or 4th century CE.
Language & Manuscripts
Coptic text in Nag Hammadi Codex VI (4th c.).
Why It Matters for Study
Presents a symbolic narrative of Peter and the twelve apostles, with a focus on the pearl and the city of the blessed. Important for understanding Gnostic literature and the reception of apostolic traditions.
" The apostles went up to the temple, and they saw a man who was selling pearls." — Acts of Peter and the Twelve Apostles (paraphrase)
Read the Text & External Resources
Public-domain translations and scholarly databases where the text can be read online or downloaded.
- Acts of Peter and the Twelve Apostles — Gnostic Society Full translation and introduction.
- Early Christian Writings Text and scholarly resources.
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
Robinson, J. M., ed. The Nag Hammadi Library in English. Harper & Row, 1988.
Stifel, K. Die Taten des Petrus und der zwölf Apostle. De Gruyter, 2019.
Miceli, C. A. " Acts of Peter and the Twelve Apostles." In The Nag Hammadi Library in English.