Considered a gnostic piece of literature, the Gospel of Thomas can be summarized through the belief that ALL human beings contain a piece of God 🛐
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Gospel-of-Thomas-LambdinKey Takeaways from the Gospel of Thomas
The Gospel of Thomas is a collection of 114 sayings (logia) attributed to Jesus, discovered in 1945 as part of the Nag Hammadi library. Unlike the four canonical Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), it presents Jesus as a teacher of hidden wisdom, emphasizing self-discovery rather than traditional Christian doctrine.
1. The Kingdom of God is Within You
- Jesus teaches that the Kingdom of God is not a future event but exists within and around us (Saying 3).
- This aligns with mystical traditions that emphasize inner enlightenment over external worship.
2. Self-Knowledge Leads to Salvation
- “When you come to know yourselves, then you will be known.” (Saying 3)
- Instead of emphasizing faith in Jesus as a savior, Thomas encourages self-realization and direct experience of divine truth.
3. Jesus as a Wisdom Teacher, Not a Messiah
- Unlike the canonical Gospels, Thomas lacks stories of Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection.
- He appears as a sage offering cryptic wisdom, not a figure of atonement or divine sacrifice.
4. Spiritual Awakening Over Rituals or Dogma
- Jesus does not mention sin, the cross, or the need for repentance.
- Instead, he emphasizes transcending ignorance and realizing one’s divine nature.
5. The Material World is an Illusion
- Some passages suggest a Gnostic influence, where the physical world is seen as a trap, and true life is found in spiritual awakening.
How Is It Different from Other Gospels?
- No Narrative or Miracles – Unlike Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, Thomas has no storyline, no crucifixion, resurrection, or miracles—just sayings.
- Mystical & Gnostic Elements – It focuses on direct knowledge (gnosis) and inner enlightenment rather than faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection.
- Lacks Apocalyptic Themes – Unlike Mark and Matthew, Thomas does not predict an end-time judgment but speaks of a kingdom that is already present.
- Encourages Individual Awakening – Rather than following church teachings, Thomas suggests seeking truth within oneself.
Why It Was Left Out of the Bible
- The early Church favored the Gospels that supported Jesus’ divinity, crucifixion, and resurrection.
- Thomas’ focus on personal enlightenment rather than salvation through Jesus was seen as heretical, especially by orthodox Christian leaders.
- It was associated with Gnosticism, which was condemned as a heresy in the 2nd–4th centuries.
Final Thought
The Gospel of Thomas challenges mainstream Christianity by presenting a Jesus who calls for inner transformation rather than external worship. It is a mystical text, resonating with those interested in self-discovery, consciousness, and direct experience of the divine.
Find out more about the Thomas the Apostle