THE GOSPEL OF TRUTH

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Although its origin is debated by scholars, “The Gospel of Truth” was likely written in the second century by Valentinus. This book evaluates whether Jesus existed in the flesh. “The Gospel of Truth” contains several passages that address the life events of Jesus and support Him living as a man on earth.

  

“The Gospel of Truth” references Jesus as the truth and the light as he taught others around Him. The text states, “Through this, the gospel of the one who is searched for, which was revealed to those who are perfect, through the mercies of the Father, the hidden mystery, Jesus, the Christ, enlightened those who were in darkness through oblivion. He enlightened them; he showed (them) a way; and the way is the truth which he taught them... In schools he appeared, (and) he spoke the word as a teacher. There came the men wise in their own estimation, putting him to the test. But he confounded them, because they were foolish. They hated him, because they were not really wise.”

 

This quote highlights Jesus as a teacher of truth. It also references Jesus’s conflicts with other rabbis and religious leaders, for they would try to test Him in His knowledge, but Jesus would continue to challenge them, just as the Bible describes. 

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Another passage states, “For when they had seen him and had heard him, he granted them to taste him and to smell him and to touch the beloved Son. When he had appeared instructing them about the Father… For he came by means of fleshly appearance.” This quote indicates Jesus as the Son of God who physically came to earth as a man and instructed His audience about God the Father. 

 

“The Gospel of Truth” also references Jesus’s death and resurrection. The text states, “[T]he merciful one, the faithful one, Jesus, was patient in accepting sufferings until he took that book, since he knows that his death is life for many… he was nailed to a tree; he published the edict of the Father on the cross. O such great teaching! He draws himself down to death, though life eternal clothes him. Having stripped himself of the perishable rags, he put on imperishability, which no one can possibly take away from him.”