Apocryphote of the Day: 3-11-08

"Be earnest about the word! For as to the word, its first part is faith, the second is love, the third is works. From these comes life...You can receive the kingdom of heaven. But unless you receive it through knowledge, you will not be able to find it."

Apocryphon of James 8.10-15, 25-27 (ca. mid-second century; probably Valentinian text)

Apocryphote of the Day: 2-29-08

The Lord answered James, saying, "If you are oppressed by Satan and persecuted and you do the Father's will, I say that he will love you, and make you equal with me, and consider you beloved by his providence and by your own choice. So will you not stop loving the flesh and being afraid of suffering?...Remember my cross and my death, and you will live!"

Apocryphon of James 4.35-5.10, 34-35 (ca. 150-200, a Valentinian text) trans. by DeConick

Apocryphote of the Day: 2-18-08

Jesus: "Truly I say to you, no one will enter the Kingdom of Heaven at my request, but rather because you are filled...Hence, become full of the Spirit." Apocryphon of James 2.29-34, 4.19-20.

NOTE: Many people are only familiar with the canonical materials and the forms of religiosity that have emerged from that material. Materials outside this purview have remained largely unknown and discredited for centuries for its impiety and heresy. I hope that my postings of these Apocryphotes will begin to make some of the para-biblical material heard more widely, particularly the voices of its authors who were living piously their interpretation(s) of Judaism and Christianity. Some have asked how I pick these quotes. The truth is I take a collection of apocryphal works, open it up, and post something from that page. This literature is so full of rich material, it is fairly easy to do!