how did the christian gnostics think of the historical jesus, and what did they know of his existence
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Christian Gnostics had a very different perspective on Jesus compared to what became mainstream (proto-orthodox) Christianity. Their views varied across sects and texts, but there are some recurring themes in how they understood the historical Jesus and what they believed about his existence.
1. Did Gnostics Believe Jesus Existed Historically?
Yes, many Gnostic groups accepted that Jesus existed historically — as a figure who appeared in time and interacted with his disciples — but they interpreted his nature and mission in ways that were often radically different from the proto-orthodox view.
- Jesus as a Revealer: For Gnostics, Jesus was primarily a divine revealer, not a savior through physical death and resurrection. His role was to bring secret knowledge (gnosis) that could awaken the divine spark within certain humans.
- Some Gnostics leaned toward Docetism: That is, they believed Jesus only seemed to be human. His body was an illusion or a temporary shell. He was a purely divine being who didn’t truly suffer or die. Example: In texts like the “Second Treatise of the Great Seth,” Jesus laughs at the idea that he suffered on the cross, saying someone else was crucified in his place.
2. Jesus in Gnostic Texts (What They Knew or Claimed)
Gnostic texts, many of which were found in the Nag Hammadi Library (discovered in Egypt in 1945), often present a different view of Jesus. Some key examples:
- The Gospel of Thomas: This is a collection of Jesus’ sayings, many of which are cryptic or mystical. It lacks a narrative, crucifixion, or resurrection. Jesus gives wisdom for awakening the self.
- The Gospel of Judas: Here, Judas is seen as the one disciple who understands Jesus’ secret teachings and helps release his spirit by “betraying” him. Jesus is portrayed as a luminous being.
- The Apocryphon of John: Jesus appears after the resurrection to give John deep, esoteric teachings about the divine realm (the Pleroma), the fall of Sophia, and the creation of the material world by a lesser god (the Demiurge).
In these texts, Jesus is post-resurrectional — he often appears in visions or spiritual form — and gives secret knowledge to his disciples rather than publicly preaching.
3. Was Jesus’ Historical Life Important to Gnostics?
- Not particularly. Gnostics were not focused on the earthly ministry, death, or resurrection of Jesus in the way the canonical Gospels are.
- What mattered was the esoteric knowledge he conveyed — the truths about the divine world and the soul’s journey back to it.
- For some Gnostics, Jesus was more of a cosmic figure who took on a human appearance temporarily to transmit hidden wisdom.
4. Did Gnostics Know About the Canonical Gospels?
Yes. Many Gnostics were familiar with the canonical traditions — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John — and either:
- Reinterpreted them through a Gnostic lens,
- Or composed alternative gospels (like Thomas, Philip, Mary, Judas) that reflected their own theology.
Some scholars believe Gnostic writings were responses to the emerging orthodox canon, suggesting a familiarity with mainstream Christian ideas but a sharp divergence in interpretation.
In Summary
- Gnostics believed Jesus existed, but his historical reality was secondary to his spiritual identity.
- They saw Jesus as a divine emissary or revealer who brought secret knowledge for spiritual liberation.
- His crucifixion and resurrection were either symbolic, illusory, or irrelevant, depending on the sect.
- They preserved esoteric traditions that present a Jesus very different from the one in the New Testament.