The Bible’s reliabilityDraft · awaiting advisor review
What about the lost gospels, like Thomas and Judas?
In short
Gospels such as Thomas, Judas and Mary were written later than the four Gospels, mostly in the second century or after, and many reflect the ideas of groups such as the Gnostics. They were never widely accepted rather than secretly suppressed. They matter for history, but they aren’t earlier or more reliable accounts of Jesus.
The Objection
There were dozens of gospels; the church picked four that suited it and destroyed the rest. The Gospel of Thomas or the Gospel of Judas may preserve the real, hidden Jesus.
Put as its strongest advocates would put it.
The Christian Case
- Historical evidence
Most scholars date Matthew, Mark, Luke and John to the first century. The Gospel of Judas is known from the second century (Irenaeus mentions it around 180), and most date Thomas to the second century, though some argue parts are earlier.
- Historical evidence
Many of these texts teach secret knowledge for a few and treat the physical world as a prison; the Gospel of Judas presents Judas as the hero who helps Jesus escape his body.
- Historical evidence
Christian writers such as Irenaeus discussed these books openly in order to answer them. Many were rediscovered in 1945 in the Nag Hammadi library in Egypt.
- Scripture
The New Testament warns against teaching that denies Jesus truly came in the flesh, and rests on what the apostles saw and touched.
Where the Evidence Is Weaker
Some scholars think Thomas preserves a few sayings of Jesus independently of the four Gospels, and the dating of these texts is debated.
Arguments to Avoid
- Claiming the church burned every other gospel.
- Dismissing these books without reading them.
Read for Yourself
Luke 1:1–4
1Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, 2Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; 3It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, 4That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.
1 John 1:1–3
1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
Further Reading
- Hidden Gospels · Philip Jenkins (2001)
- Lost Christianities · Bart D. Ehrman (2003)A sceptical scholar’s view.
Drafted with Opened AI and awaiting review by Opened’s apologetics advisors. Labels show the kind of support each point has: Scripture is what the Bible says; historical evidence and philosophical arguments can be checked by anyone; “Christians differ” marks questions on which faithful Christians disagree.
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