Date of composition

• Perhaps to the early 100s.
• Found in a collection called the Berlin Gnostic Codex of the 400s that also contained three other Apocrypha: The Apocryphon of John, the Sophia of Jesus Christ, and a summary of Acts of Peter (this is different than 23. Acts of Peter).
• Two of these Apocrypha were also found in the Nag Hammadi Gnostic collection, making this book Gnostic. This is why some scholars date its Gnostic message to the second century, when Gnosticism was strong.
• Note: This "Mary" is probably Mary Magdalene since she was called "sister."

Biography of Jesus?

• No.
• In the first part, Jesus answered the Apostles questions.
• The last part is a collection of conversations between Mary and some Apostles, with additional comments by the author.
• Mary gave a long speech, although much of it is missing.

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

• Heresy. Contains Gnostic teachings.

Length

• Chapters 1-3 are missing, but we have the rest of the book: Chapters 4-9.
• It is approximately 5 double-spaced pages.

Summary

• Jesus and Mary both teach Gnostic ideas to the Apostles.

Noteworthy from the book

1. Describes the spiritual world as having four levels, with the fourth level having seven forms, a Gnostic idea.
2. The Apostles were afraid to take Jesus' message to the Gentiles. Since Jesus was killed, they reasoned, they would also be killed. Mary stood up and encouraged them to stay strong. Therefore, they decided to go forward in their ministries.
3. Peter told Mary they knew Jesus loved her more than other women.
4. In one incident, Mary described Jesus' sayings to the Apostles. Andrew accused her of lying, and Peter agreed. Levi (Matthew) told Peter he had always been "hot-tempered" and defended Mary. Levi then stated that Jesus loved her more than them.
5. Example of a Gnostic teaching: Mary asked Jesus how a person sees a vision. Jesus replied that it is not with the soul or the spirit but with the mind.
6. The name "Jesus" is not used, but instead, "Savior" is used.