The Gospel of Thomas

What’s inside the Gospel of Thomas? (cont...)

There are several other themes that recur frequently throughout the sayings.

Many of them explain the nature of the kingdom of heaven using allegories and parables. Others emphasize the fleeting and inferior nature of the physical world, and the need to view it with detachment in order to know the superior, heavenly kingdom. For example, Jesus states,

If you do not fast as regards the world, you will not find the kingdom.

[...] But if spirit came into being because of the body, it is a wonder of wonders. Indeed, I am amazed at how this great wealth has made its home in this poverty.

While the material world is viewed as spiritually barren, the secret knowledge that leads to salvation can be found within. As Jesus says early on in the gospel, “the kingdom is inside of you, and it is outside of you,” and he urges the disciples to “know [themselves],” so that they can become “sons of the living father.”

Remarkably, the Gospel states that not only will this secret teaching lead the seeker towards the kingdom of heaven, it can lead one to become like Jesus himself. Jesus states,

He who will drink from my mouth will become like me. I myself shall become he, and the things that are hidden will be revealed to him.

While many have written enthusiastically of the Gospel of Thomas and its teachings, others have dismissed it as fraudulent or, at best, less authentic than the canonical gospels.

But those who follow the advice of the gospel itself and search into themselves may find in it a rich collection of wisdom, offering guidance, insight, and inspiration.