Book of Thomas the Contender

The Book of Thomas the Contender or The Book of Thomas is a Gnostic revelation dialogue. It is the seventh tractate in Codex II of the Nag Hammadi library. The tractate is a Coptic translation of a Greek original, likely composed in Syria during the early 200s AD. The dialogue is between Jesus and Judas Thomas, whom Jesus calls "my twin" and "my brother." Scholars disagree on whether Judas Thomas is Thomas the Apostle, Jude the Apostle, and/or Jude, brother of Jesus. Judas is one of the brothers of Jesus named in Mark 6:3, and Thomas is Aramaic for 'twin.' The ending of the text is a monologue delivered by Jesus. The text is introduced as secret words written down by Mathaias while listening to Jesus speaking with Judas Thomas. Jesus tells Thomas to listen because Jesus will reveal to Thomas the things he has pondered in his mind. Jesus urges Thomas to examine himself and learn who he is and how he will come to be, since it is not fitting for him to be ignorant of himself. Jesus emphasizes that one who has not known himself has known nothing, and only one who has known himself has already achieved knowledge about the depth of the all. Thomas then asks Jesus to tell him about the hidden things, but Jesus asks him if visible things are already difficult for him, how can he hear about the invisible things? Jesus says that Thomas and others are still apprentices and have not yet received the height of perfection. Thomas asks Jesus about invisible things. Jesus explains that visible bodies change and perish since they are bestial, and their formations will also perish. Thomas compares those who speak of invisible things to archers shooting at night. Jesus says that light exists in light. Thomas asks why visible light rises and sets. Jesus explains that the light shines on behalf of humans, and when all abandon bestiality, it will withdraw up to its essence. Jesus describes the unsearchable love of light and the bitterness of the fire that blazes in humans, making their minds and souls deranged, and advises fleeing visible spirits.