Apocryphon of James
The Apocryphon of James, also called the Secret Book of James or the Apocryphal Epistle of James, is a Gnostic epistle. It is the second tractate in Codex I of the Nag Hammadi library. The tractate is a Coptic translation of a Greek original, likely written in Egypt, with estimates of the date ranging from c. 100 AD to c. 200 AD. The content of the text mainly consists of James the Just's recollection of a special revelation that Jesus gave to James and Peter. The topics discussed include being filled, believing in the cross, being eager for the Word, and the importance of knowing the self. The intended recipient of the letter from James is unclear because of damage to the document. Only the ending part of the name is known (Coptic: [...]ⲑⲟⲥ), but a few scholars suggest restoring the name as Cerinthus. James says he has written a secret book in Hebrew, revealed to him by Jesus, and has sent it to the recipient of the letter, who is "a minister of the salvation of the saints." He warns to be careful not to reveal the book to many people, since it was not meant to be revealed even to all of the twelve disciples. Jesus appeared to the disciples after he had left, and he commanded James and Peter to be filled. Jesus reminded them that they had seen the human Son, and they should be filled and leave no space empty, or he who is coming will mock them. Peter questions why Jesus keeps telling them to "be filled" with the spirit when they already feel full. Jesus responds by explaining that being filled with the spirit is good, and lacking is bad, but it's also good to lack when they can fill themselves. He encourages them to be filled with the spirit. James then asks for help not to be tempted by the Devil, and Jesus responds by saying that if they are oppressed and persecuted but still do the Father's will, they will be loved and considered equals. He urges them not to fear suffering and reminds them of his own crucifixion. Jesus tells them not to fear death, and the Kingdom of God belongs to those who have believed in his cross.
