Coptic Apocalypse of Paul
The Coptic Apocalypse of Paul (Sahidic Coptic: ⲧⲁⲡⲟⲕⲁⲗⲩⲯⲓⲥ ⲙ̄ⲡⲁⲩⲗⲟⲥ)[1] is a Gnostic apocalyptic writing.[2] It is the second of five treatises in Codex V of the Nag Hammadi library texts, taking up pages 17–24 of the codex's 85 pages.[3] The text describes a Gnostic cosmogony and interpretation of Pauline epistles via its portrayal of Paul the Apostle as an apocalyptic hero.[4] The content of the text can be divided into three parts: an epiphany scene, a scene of judgment and punishment, and a heavenly journey in which Paul ultimately ascends to the tenth level of heaven.[2] The basis of the ascent narrative is Paul's own writing in 2 Corinthians 12.[5] The ideas presented in the text are consistent with Valentinianism.[6][7]
Not to be confused with Apocalypse of Paul.History[edit]
The text was discovered in Nag Hammadi, Egypt in 1945[8] as one of the 51 total treatises transcribed into the 13 codices that make up the Nag Hammadi library.[9] The codices had been buried around 400 AD.[10] The writing is a Coptic translation of a Greek original.[11] Scholars disagree on the date of authorship of the original Apocalypse of Paul text, ranging from the late-second century[12] to the fourth century.[13]
The first 12 lines of the text are either missing or extensively damaged.[14] There are also gaps at the top and bottom of each page, but some of the text can be reconstructed.[2]
Along with the rest of the works in the Nag Hammadi library, the text was translated into English and published in The Nag Hammadi Library in English in 1977.[15] The publication was part of the work of the Coptic Gnostic Library Project, which began in 1966 at Claremont Graduate University.[8] George W. MacRae and William R. Murdock translated the text to English.[16] Michael Kaler presented an additional English translation in 2008.[17] The text has also been translated into French, German, and Spanish.[18]
Summary[edit]
Paul asks a little child for directions to Jerusalem.[19] The child requests Paul's name to show him the way.[20] The child knows who Paul is and wants to find an excuse to talk more.[21] The child reveals that Paul is blessed and has been called to Jerusalem to meet his fellow apostles.[22] The child claims to be the accompanying Spirit and urges Paul to awaken his mind.[23] The child concludes the speech by mentioning powers, authorities, and demons.[24] The child instructs Paul to acknowledge that he is standing on the mountain of Jericho.[25] Then the child guides Paul to the twelve apostles who greet him.[26]
The Holy Spirit lifts up Paul to the third and fourth heavens.[27] Paul looks down and sees individuals on Earth,[28] and the twelve apostles are at his sides.[29] In the fourth heaven, Paul witnesses angelic beings resembling gods.[30] The angels bring a soul from the realm of the dead and whip it.[31] The soul questions the reason for its suffering.[32] A toll collector responds by condemning its lawless actions.[33] The soul challenges the toll collector to present witnesses and evidence of its deeds.[34]
Three witnesses arrive.[35] The first witness claims to have caused the soul anger and envy.[36] The second witness accuses the soul of murder.[37] The third witness claims to have granted darkness so the soul could sin.[38] The soul feels sorrow and is cast down.[39] It inhabits a prepared body as the witnesses conclude.[40] The Spirit calls Paul to proceed, and the gate opens to the fifth heaven.[41]
In the fifth heaven, a great angel holds an iron rod.[42] Three other angels are also present, competing with each other and wielding whips to urge souls towards judgment.[43] Paul proceeds with the Spirit, and the gate opens for him.[44] Paul advances to the sixth heaven.[45] He sees his fellow apostles while being led by the Holy Spirit.[46] A radiant light shines upon the sixth heaven.[47] Paul addresses the toll collector in the sixth heaven and requests access, and the toll collector opens for him.[48]
In the seventh heaven, Paul encounters an old man who has a throne that surpasses the Sun's brightness by sevenfold.[49] He addresses Paul as the blessed and chosen one and asks about his destination.[50] Paul says that he is going to the place from which he came.[51] The old man asks where he is from, and Paul responds that he is going down to the world of the dead to release captives from Babylon's captivity.[52] The old man questions how Paul will escape him.[53] The Spirit advises Paul to show the old man a sign.[54] Paul gives the sign, and the old man turns his face downward toward his creation and authorities.[55]
The seventh heaven opens, and Paul goes up to the Ogdoad.[56] He sees the twelve apostles who greet him, and Paul ascends to the ninth heaven.[57] Paul greets everyone there and continues to the tenth heaven, where he greets his fellow spirits.[58]