Date of composition

• Author: Basilides, a Gnostic
• He died in the mid-100s.

Biography of Jesus?

• Uncertain. We only have scattered quotes from various early church leaders.

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

• Heresy, since it contains Gnostic teachings.

Length

• We do not have any of Basilides writings, therefore, the length is unknown.
• He wrote twenty-four books, although they mainly contained his commentaries on the life and teachings of Jesus.

Summary

• See "Biography of Jesus" above.

Noteworthy from the book

1. Origen wrote that Basilides had the "audacity" to attach his name to this writing.
2. Basilides included the statement of an angel to Mary ("A Holy Spirit will come upon you") plus he referred to the parable of the rich man and poor man. Both are found in Luke, perhaps showing he knew that Gospel.
3. The lowest angels formed (not created out of nothing, ex nihilo, but formed out of already existing material) the world and divided it amongst themselves. The head of the lowest angels became the god of the Jews.
4. Simon of Cyrene bore Jesus' cross. Simon was transfigured, meaning his appearance was changed to be like Jesus, so that Simon was crucified, but people thought it was Jesus. Jesus' appearance was changed to be like Simon, so people thought he was Simon. Jesus then stood off to the side and laughed at Simon.
5. Salvation is only for the soul and not for the body.
6. Irenaeus mentioned that Basilides taught polygamy.