What is the Acts of Thomas?

Answer

The Acts of Thomas is a pseudepigraphal work that purportedly recounts the ministry of the apostle Thomas in India following Jesus’ ascension. It is one of several similar writings focusing on apostles like Andrew, John, Paul, Barnabas, and Peter. These texts exhibit strong Gnostic influences and were not endorsed by the early church. While some details align with other traditions, much of their content lacks substantiation. The Acts of Thomas is among the few surviving intact works of this nature, existing in multiple copies.

The Acts of Thomas espouses doctrines commonly found in Gnostic writings, diverging from those in the New Testament. According to the fictional narrative presented in the Acts of Thomas, the apostle Thomas persuades several married couples to embrace complete celibacy—reflecting the Gnostic disdain for all things material, particularly the body. Jesus figuratively “sells” Thomas to a merchant because Thomas initially resisted going to India, after which he appears as Thomas’s doppelgänger. This peculiar episode appears to symbolize the Gnostic belief in the complete separation of the material world from the spiritual realm.

The Acts of Thomas also features Gnostic characteristics such as highly sensational miraculous occurrences, surpassing those depicted in the New Testament. These miracles contradict the teachings of the gospels and other inspired Scriptures. For instance, in the Acts of Thomas, a murderer resurrects his victim—from hell, no less—through his own prayers. The account includes talking donkeys that not only speak but also conduct exorcisms!

Certain elements in the Acts of Thomas find vague support in other traditions or historical records. References to Thomas’s journey to India and his death by spearing can be found in other ancient texts. Historians acknowledge an early and relatively significant Christian influence, noting the presence of Christiani

Christianity in the Indian subcontinent emerged after the resurrection of Christ. Additionally, cultural references in the Acts of Thomas are quite precise.

Having said that, this work is believed to be from the early third century or even the very end of the second century. Similar to works like the Acts of Peter, the Acts of Paul, and Thecla, the Acts of Thomas was never recognized by the early church as inspired Scripture. At most, it enhances our comprehension of specific traditions—or legends—related to Thomas.