Date of composition

• 100s

Biography of Jesus?

• The first part details Jesus' life and theological understanding of God. The latter part focuses on questions the Apostles had for Jesus.

Type of Apocrypha (heretical or in error (made up))

• Some errors but much theology that is correct.

Length

• Approximately 38 pages.
• We have a complete version from a later period after additions were made, but we do not have the original text produced in the 100s.

Summary

• It was mainly written to counter Gnostic teachings, such as the idea that Jesus was not physical.

Noteworthy from the book

1. The book begins by claiming that the Eleven Apostles were the authors.
2. In the first paragraph, the Apostles state that Jesus Christ is the "word become flesh." This more technical phrasing probably comes from the second or even third centuries. Indeed, the entire third paragraph is filled with this type of language. Other parts of the writing could be older.
3. States that Pontius Pilate and Archelaus (Herod the Great's son) were responsible for crucifying Jesus. Instead, Archelaus was removed as ruler of southern Israel in AD 6. Henceforth, Roman governors ruled southern Israel, which is why Pilate ruled southern Israel when Jesus traveled there during his ministry.
4. After seeing the risen Lord, the women went and told the Apostles. They did not believe the women, and the women returned and told Jesus.
5. Christ took the form of Gabriel, the archangel, and told Mary she would become pregnant. After Mary accepted, Christ entered her body.