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Gospel of Truth

The Gospel of Truth is a Valentinian Gnostic text, possibly written by Valentinus himself, describing the revelation of truth that brings salvation through knowledge.|||Coptic text in Nag Hammadi Codex I (Jung Codex) and Codex XII. Subakhmimic and Sahidic dialects.|||Composed c. 140–180 CE. Irenaeus attributed a work of this title to Valentinus.|||Not canonical in any tradition. Valentinian Gnostic in orientation.|||A meditation on the revelation of truth, the nature of error, and the return of the soul to the Father. One of the most elegant Gnostic texts, with close affinities to the Gospel of John.|||Robinson, J. M., ed. The Nag Hammadi Library in English. Harper & Row, 1988.|||Attridge, H. W. " The Gospel of Truth." In The Nag Hammadi Library in English.|||Markschies, C. Valentinus Gnosticus? Mohr Siebeck, 1992.|||Gospel of Truth — Gnostic Society|https://gnosis.org/naghamm/got.html|Full translation with introduction.;; Early Christian Writings — Gospel of Truth|https://www.earlychristianwritings.com/gospeltruth.html|Indexed text and scholarly resources.|||" The gospel of truth is joy for those who have received from the Father of truth the grace of knowing him." — Gospel of Truth 16:31

Collection: Gnostic Literature Canon: varies

Canon Status

Not canonical in any tradition. Valentinian Gnostic in orientation.

Date & Provenance

Composed c. 140–180 CE. Irenaeus attributed a work of this title to Valentinus.

Language & Manuscripts

Coptic text in Nag Hammadi Codex I (Jung Codex) and Codex XII. Subakhmimic and Sahidic dialects.

Why It Matters for Study

A meditation on the revelation of truth, the nature of error, and the return of the soul to the Father. One of the most elegant Gnostic texts, with close affinities to the Gospel of John.

" The gospel of truth is joy for those who have received from the Father of truth the grace of knowing him." — Gospel of Truth 16:31

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.
Attridge, H. W. " The Gospel of Truth." In The Nag Hammadi Library in English.
Markschies, C. Valentinus Gnosticus? Mohr Siebeck, 1992.