Codex I (The Jung Codex)
This codex contains five texts that emphasize Gnostic spirituality and Christ’s role as a revealer of hidden wisdom:
The Prayer of the Apostle Paul A brief prayer attributed to Paul, reflecting Gnostic spirituality and a plea for divine knowledge.
The Apocryphon of James (The Secret Book of James) (also known as The Secret Book of James) - A revelation dialogue between Jesus and James, discussing secret teachings and the nature of the soul.
The Gospel of Truth Attributed to Valentinus, this text presents a meditation on truth, ignorance, and the role of Christ as the revealer of divine knowledge.
The Treatise on the Resurrection Resurrection** - A theological treatise discussing the nature of resurrection, viewed through a Gnostic lens as a spiritual awakening.
The Tripartite Tractate
A complex and lengthy theological treatise discussing the nature of the divine, the creation of the world, and the process of salvation.
Codex II
One of the richest codices, it features foundational Gnostic texts, including:
The Apocryphon of John (Four versions exist in the Nag Hammadi Library; this codex contains one) - A foundational Gnostic text providing an account of creation, the fall, and salvation.
The Gospel of Thomas A collection of 114 sayings attributed to Jesus, focusing on direct personal knowledge and enlightenment.
The Gospel of Philip A collection of sayings and teachings focusing on sacramental theology, including baptism, chrism, and marriage.
The Hypostasis of the Archons (The Reality of the Rulers) - Discusses the creation and nature of the archons, malevolent rulers of the material world.
On the Origin of the World A Gnostic cosmological narrative explaining the creation of the world and the origin of evil.
The Exegesis on the Soul A narrative describing the soul's journey from ignorance to enlightenment, framed as an allegory of the soul's purification.
The Book of Thomas the Contender
A dialogue between Jesus and Thomas, discussing the nature of the soul, spiritual struggle, and enlightenment.
Codex III
Contains additional versions of key Gnostic texts and insights into Sethian teachings:
The Apocryphon of John (Second version) Similar to the version in Codex II, this text elaborates on Gnostic creation myths and the nature of salvation.
The Gospel of the Egyptians (The Holy Book of the Great Invisible Spirit) A text associated with the Sethian tradition, focusing on the divine realms and the role of Seth.
Eugnostos the Blessed A philosophical treatise discussing the nature of the divine, knowledge, and the cosmos.
The Sophia of Jesus Christ A dialogue between Jesus and his disciples about the nature of wisdom (Sophia) and the role of the Savior.
The Dialogue of the Savior
A text featuring a dialogue between Jesus and his disciples, focusing on questions of salvation and spiritual knowledge.
Codex IV
Another variant of central Gnostic narratives:
The Apocryphon of John (Third version) Another version of this key Gnostic text, with variations in content and emphasis.
The Gospel of the Egyptians (Second version) Similar to the version in Codex III, this text explores Gnostic cosmology and the role of Seth.
Eugnostos the Blessed (Second version)
A duplicate of the text found in Codex III, with some textual variations.
Codex V
Apocalyptic visions and narratives about revelations given to key apostolic figures:
The Apocalypse of Paul A Gnostic apocalypse describing Paul's journey through the heavens and his visions of the afterlife.
The First Apocalypse of James A text detailing secret teachings given by Jesus to James, focusing on the nature of the soul and its ascent.
The Second Apocalypse of James Continues the themes of the First Apocalypse, with a focus on martyrdom and the destiny of the soul.
The Apocalypse of Adam A Gnostic text in which Adam recounts a revelation about the creation, the fall, and the coming of a savior.
The Acts of Peter and the Twelve Apostles
A narrative featuring the apostles and focusing on themes of spiritual guidance and the spread of Gnostic teachings.
Codex VI
Showcases an intriguing blend of Gnostic and Hermetic works:
The Acts of Peter and the Twelve Apostles (Second version) A shorter version of the text found in Codex V.
The Thunder, Perfect Mind A poetic monologue delivered by a divine feminine figure, exploring themes of wisdom and paradox.
Authoritative Teaching A philosophical treatise contrasting Gnostic wisdom with orthodox teachings.
The Concept of Our Great Power A Gnostic apocalypse detailing the end times and the role of divine power in salvation.
Plato, Republic 588a-589b An excerpt from Plato's *Republic*, discussing the nature of the soul and the idea of divine justice.
The Discourse on the Eighth and Ninth (Hermetic) A Hermetic text focused on the ascent of the soul through various levels of reality.
The Prayer of Thanksgiving (Hermetic/Gnostic) A prayer expressing gratitude for divine revelation, often associated with Hermetic and Gnostic spirituality.
Asclepius 21-29 (Hermetic)
A Hermetic text discussing the relationship between humanity and the divine, the nature of the cosmos, and spiritual transformation.
Codex VII
Highlights include Sethian teachings and alternate Christian narratives:
The Paraphrase of Shem A Gnostic apocalypse describing the journey of a soul through various realms of existence.
The Second Treatise of the Great Seth A text attributed to Seth, presenting a Gnostic reinterpretation of Christian teachings and the crucifixion.
The Apocalypse of Peter A Gnostic apocalypse attributed to Peter, offering a vision of the afterlife and a critique of orthodox Christian views.
The Teaching of Silvanus A wisdom text offering ethical and spiritual guidance, emphasizing the importance of self-knowledge.
The Three Steles of Seth
A wisdom text offering ethical and spiritual guidance, emphasizing the importance of self-knowledge.
Codex VIII
Visionary accounts and letters illustrating Gnostic beliefs about resurrection and divine revelation:
Zostrianos A Gnostic apocalypse detailing the visionary experiences of Zostrianos, exploring the nature of reality and divine beings.
The Letter of Peter to Philip
A letter attributed to Peter, discussing the resurrection of Jesus and the spread of Gnostic teachings.
Codex IX
Reveals additional Sethian perspectives and polemics against orthodoxy:
Melchizedek A Gnostic text focusing on the figure of Melchizedek, portraying him as a divine being and a revealer of secret knowledge.
The Thought of Norea A short text associated with the Sethian tradition, focusing on the figure of Norea and her role in the cosmic drama.
The Testimony of Truth
A polemical text criticizing orthodox Christian beliefs and promoting Gnostic wisdom.
Codex X
Features a single yet extensive Sethian Gnostic work:
Marsanes
A Gnostic text providing a complex and detailed cosmological and theological account, associated with the Sethian tradition.
Codex XI
A collection revealing various Gnostic sacraments and teachings:
The Interpretation of Knowledge A Gnostic treatise discussing the nature of knowledge, spiritual enlightenment, and the role of the Savior.
A Valentinian Exposition A text reflecting Valentinian Gnostic theology, discussing the relationship between the divine and the human.
On the Anointing A brief text discussing the sacramental use of anointing oil in Gnostic rituals.
On Baptism (A) A text discussing the significance of baptism in Gnostic spirituality.
On the Eucharist (A) A text discussing the meaning of the Eucharist in Gnostic practice.
Allogenes A Gnostic text focusing on the figure of Allogenes, exploring themes of divine revelation and spiritual ascent.
Hypsiphrone
A short text associated with the Sethian tradition, focusing on a female figure named Hypsiphrone.
Codex XII
Mixes philosophical fragments with duplicates of earlier texts:
The Sentences of Sextus A collection of moral sayings and aphorisms, reflecting a blend of Gnostic, Christian, and philosophical teachings.
The Gospel of Truth (Second version) A duplicate of the text found in Codex I, attributed to Valentinus.
Fragments of a Dialogue of Plato (The Seventh Letter) Excerpts from a letter attributed to Plato, discussing philosophical and ethical themes.
The Prayer of the Apostle Paul (Second version)
A duplicate of the brief prayer found in Codex I.
Codex XIII
Concluding the Nag Hammadi collection with a final Gnostic cosmology and duplicate narrative:
Trimorphic Protennoia A Gnostic text describing the threefold nature of the divine thought (Protennoia), exploring the roles of the Father, Son, and Sophia in creation and salvation.
On the Origin of the World (Second version)
A duplicate of the cosmological narrative found in Codex II.
Summary:
The Nag Hammadi texts, also known as the Nag Hammadi Library, is a collection of early Christian and Gnostic writings discovered near the town of Nag Hammadi in Upper Egypt in 1945
they are a diverse and rich collection of texts that provide valuable insights into early Christian, Gnostic, and Hermetic thought.
These texts are primarily written in Coptic and date back to the 3rd and 4th centuries AD, although they are likely based on Greek originals from earlier centuries.
The Nag Hammadi Library consists of 13 leather-bound codices (books) containing over 50 texts, many of which were previously unknown or considered lost.
The 13 codices cover a wide range of themes and genres, including gospels, apocalypses, dialogues, treatises, and letters.
They explore themes such as the nature of the divine, the creation of the world, the nature of humanity, salvation, and the quest for spiritual knowledge.
These texts have significantly expanded our understanding of the diversity of early religious beliefs and the spiritual traditions of antiquity.
These writings provide significant insights into early Christian thought, Gnosticism, and other religious and philosophical movements of the time.