Date of composition

• Late 100s.
• It was later placed in the Nag Hammadi Gnostic collection, which dates to the 300s.

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

• Possible error.

Length

• 4 double-spaced pages.

Summary

• This letter is a fascinating study. It was found in the Nag Hammadi Gnostic collection but could have been written by a Christian. A father wrote to his son, Rheginos, who wanted to know about the resurrection. What we have is a letter that explains the father's understanding of life after death.
• It does refer to Gnostic teachings in some places, although almost in a general way that could also be interpreted as a slightly faulty Christian understanding (For example, he uses terms common among Gnostics such as "Pleroma" and "Aeon").

Noteworthy from the book

1. The writing uses descriptions of Christ that are considered orthodox (meaning true): Christ was humanity and deity.
2. Refers to the Transfiguration and states that proof of life after death is found in Moses and Elijah appearing to Christ. This shows an understanding of the Gospels.