First Apocalypse of James
Christian Gnostic text / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The First Apocalypse of James is a Gnostic apocalyptic writing.[1] Its initially rediscovery was a Coptic translation[2] as the third tractate of Codex V in the Nag Hammadi library.[1][3] Additional copies were later found in Coptic as part of the Codex Tchacos[4][5] and in Greek among the Oxyrhynchus Papyri.[6][7] The text uses Valentinian theologoumena,[1][2] leading to the belief that the original document was written in c. 200 AD.[2] The content of the text is a dialogue between Jesus and James the Just.[3][8] The text takes a docetic view of Jesus via his statements "you are not my brother materially" and "never have I suffered in any way, nor have I been distressed."[8][9] The text prepares James for his death as a martyr[8] by emphasizing spiritual redemption over material existence.[1]