Canon Status
Not canonical in any tradition. Widely read in the early Church, especially in Syriac-speaking regions.
Date & Provenance
Composed in Syriac in the early 3rd century CE.
Language & Manuscripts
Syriac and Greek manuscripts. The work dates to the early 3rd century CE.
Why It Matters for Study
Presents Thomas's mission to India, his miracles, and his martyrdom. Contains the Hymn of the Pearl. Important for understanding the development of Thomas's tradition and the history of the apocryphal Acts.
" And Thomas said, I am the servant of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who has sent me to India." — Acts of Thomas (paraphrase)
Read the Text & External Resources
Public-domain translations and scholarly databases where the text can be read online or downloaded.
- Acts of Thomas — Early Christian Writings Full translation and scholarly resources.
- Acts of Thomas — 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
Elliott, J. K. The Apocryphal New Testament. Oxford, 1993.
Klijn, A. F. J. The Acts of Thomas. Brill, 2003.
Schneemelcher, W. New Testament Apocrypha. Westminster John Knox, 1991.