Canon Status
Not canonical in any tradition. Considered heretical by Serapion of Antioch.
Date & Provenance
Composed in the mid-to-late 2nd century CE.
Language & Manuscripts
Greek fragment from Akhmim, Egypt (8th–9th c., discovered 1886). Referenced by Eusebius and Serapion of Antioch (c. 200 CE).
Why It Matters for Study
Presents a docetic Christ who suffers no pain. Contains an early account of the resurrection. Important for understanding docetic Christology and the diversity of early Christian gospels.
" But the Lord cried out, saying, My Power, my Power, you have forsaken me. And having said this, he was taken up." — Gospel of Peter 19
Read the Text & External Resources
Public-domain translations and scholarly databases where the text can be read online or downloaded.
- The Gospel of Peter — Early Christian Writings Full translation and scholarly resources.
- The Gospel of Peter — Sacred Texts Public-domain translation.
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
Brown, R. E. " The Gospel of Peter." In The Anchor Bible Dictionary. Doubleday, 1992.
Crossan, J. D. The Cross That Spoke. Harper & Row, 1988.
Foster, P. The Gospel of Peter. Brill, 2010.