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PHILIP, GOSPEL OF

(II,3)

A Gospel discovered at Nag Hammadi in 1945. This Coptic translation from a Greek original exists in only one recension and probably dates from the 2nd century. It is not to be confused with the other Gospel of Philip quoted by Epiphanius (Haer. 26.13.2-3). The name of the text is attested in the incipit, but its positioning suggests that it may have been a later insertion, possibly suggested because Philip is the only apostle named (Gos. Phil. 73:8).

Variously described as a florilegium, a Valentinian anthology, and sermon notes, the Gospel is probably best understood as a loosely organized “notebook for speculation” (cf. Clement of Alexandria Excerpta ex Theodoto). This compilation of several divergent sources is best divided into two major sections: (1) the first three fourths of the text (51:29–77:15) and (2) the final one fourth (77:16–86:19). The first of these two major sections contains a variety of materials including segments related to Thomas traditions (e.g., Gospel of Thomas, Acts of Thomas, Thomas the Contender), traditions reflecting a more classical Gnosticism (e.g., references to a fallen Sophia), and some Valentinian material. The second major section, which speaks with a more coherent voice, includes longer rhetorical units and reflects a primitive Valentinianism, displaying conceptual similarities with the Gospel of Truth (e.g., Gos. Phil. 83:30–84:13; Gos. Truth 18:7-11; 24:28-32).

Despite its textual complexities, the Gospel of Philip remains alluring predominantly because of its discussion of Christian sacramentalism from a gnostic viewpoint. It lists five sacraments including baptism, chrism, eucharist, redemption, and the bridal chamber (67:27-30) and discusses the last of these in some detail (e.g., 70:5-9, 17-22). Among other things it is also unique in its use of the term “Christian” (62:31-32; 74:12-16), which only appears one other time in the Nag Hammadi corpus (Testim. Truth 31:25).

Bibliography. M. L. Turner, The Gospel According to Philip. NHMS 38 (Leiden, 1996); R. McL. Wilson, The Gospel of Philip (New York, 1962).

Andrea Lorenzo Molinari

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

PHILIP, GOSPEL OF

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)