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Testimony of Truth

The Testimony of Truth is a Gnostic text presenting a polemic against orthodox Christianity and a defense of Gnostic teachings.|||Coptic text in Nag Hammadi Codex IX.|||Composed in the 3rd century CE.|||Not canonical in any tradition. Gnostic in orientation.|||Presents a polemic against orthodox Christianity, including the bishops and the martyrs. Important for understanding the polemics between Gnostic and orthodox Christians.|||Robinson, J. M., ed. The Nag Hammadi Library in English. Harper & Row, 1988.|||Pearson, B. A. " The Testimony of Truth." In The Nag Hammadi Library in English.|||Pearson, B. A. " The Testimony of Truth." In Nag Hammadi Codices IX and X. Brill, 1981.|||Testimony of Truth — Gnostic Society|https://gnosis.org/naghamm/tot.html|Full translation with introduction.;; Early Christian Writings — Testimony of Truth|https://www.earlychristianwritings.com/testimonytruth.html|Indexed text and scholarly resources.|||" The truth has come into the world, and it is not received by those who are of the world." — Testimony of Truth (paraphrase)

Collection: Gnostic Literature Canon: varies

Canon Status

Not canonical in any tradition. Gnostic in orientation.

Date & Provenance

Composed in the 3rd century CE.

Language & Manuscripts

Coptic text in Nag Hammadi Codex IX.

Why It Matters for Study

Presents a polemic against orthodox Christianity, including the bishops and the martyrs. Important for understanding the polemics between Gnostic and orthodox Christians.

" The truth has come into the world, and it is not received by those who are of the world." — Testimony of Truth (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.
Pearson, B. A. " The Testimony of Truth." In The Nag Hammadi Library in English.
Pearson, B. A. " The Testimony of Truth." In Nag Hammadi Codices IX and X. Brill, 1981.