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Apocryphon of James

The Apocryphon of James (Secret Book of James) is a Gnostic text presenting secret teachings of Jesus to James, the Lord's brother.|||Coptic text in Nag Hammadi Codex I (Jung Codex).|||Composed in the 2nd century CE.|||Not canonical in any tradition. Gnostic in orientation.|||Presents secret teachings of Jesus to James, emphasizing the importance of spiritual knowledge and the inadequacy of mere belief. Important for understanding Gnostic pedagogy and the role of James in Gnostic tradition.|||Robinson, J. M., ed. The Nag Hammadi Library in English. Harper & Row, 1988.|||Williams, F. E. " The Apocryphon of James." In The Nag Hammadi Library in English.|||Williams, F. E. " The Apocryphon of James." In Nag Hammadi Codex I. Brill, 1985.|||Apocryphon of James — Gnostic Society|https://gnosis.org/naghamm/apocjames.html|Full translation with introduction.;; Early Christian Writings — Apocryphon of James|https://www.earlychristianwritings.com/apocjames.html|Indexed text and scholarly resources.|||" And James wrote down the secret words which Jesus spoke to him." — Apocryphon of James (paraphrase)

Collection: Gnostic Literature Canon: varies

Canon Status

Not canonical in any tradition. Gnostic in orientation.

Date & Provenance

Composed in the 2nd century CE.

Language & Manuscripts

Coptic text in Nag Hammadi Codex I (Jung Codex).

Why It Matters for Study

Presents secret teachings of Jesus to James, emphasizing the importance of spiritual knowledge and the inadequacy of mere belief. Important for understanding Gnostic pedagogy and the role of James in Gnostic tradition.

" And James wrote down the secret words which Jesus spoke to him." — Apocryphon of James (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

Robinson, J. M., ed. The Nag Hammadi Library in English. Harper & Row, 1988.
Williams, F. E. " The Apocryphon of James." In The Nag Hammadi Library in English.
Williams, F. E. " The Apocryphon of James." In Nag Hammadi Codex I. Brill, 1985.