Observations placeholder
Gnostic Gospels - 'Peter'
Identifier
015499
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
The Apocalypse of Peter (or Revelation of Peter) is dated to the 2nd century, and is an example of 'apocalyptic literature with Hellenistic overtones'. Given the date it was purportedly written, it is clearly not written by Peter, but it has its own interest as being a story, probably initially a word of mouth story - that was later written down.
"The text is extant in two incomplete versions of a lost Greek original, one Koine Greek, and an Ethiopic version, which diverge considerably."
The Apocalypse of Peter is framed as a discourse of the Risen Christ to his faithful.
A description of the experience
Extract from The Nag Hammadi Library The Apocalypse of Peter Translated by James Brashler and Roger A. Bullard
And as [Jesus] was saying these things, I saw the priests and the people running up to us with stones, as if they would kill us; and I was afraid that we were going to die.
And he said to me, "Peter, I have told you many times that they are blind ones who have no guide. If you want to know their blindness, put your hands upon (your) eyes - your robe - and say what you see."
But when I had done it, I did not see anything. I said "No one sees (this way)."
Again he told me, "Do it again."
And there came in me fear with joy, for I saw a new Light greater than the light of day. Then it came down upon the Savior. And I told him about those things which I saw. …………………...
And I saw someone about to approach us resembling him, …... And there was a great, ineffable Light around them, and the multitude of ineffable and invisible angels blessing them. And when I looked at him, the one who gives praise was revealed.
And he said to me, "Be strong, for you are the one to whom these mysteries have been given, to know them through revelation, that he whom they crucified is the first-born, and the home of demons, and the stony vessel in which they dwell, of Elohim, of the cross, which is under the Law.
But he who stands near him is the living Savior, the first in him, whom they seized and released, who stands joyfully looking at those who did him violence, while they are divided among themselves. Therefore he laughs at their lack of perception, knowing that they are born blind. So then the one susceptible to suffering shall come, since the body is the substitute.
But what they released was my … Spirit filled with radiant light. …………..
"These things, then, which you saw you shall present to those of another race who are not of this age. For there will be no honor in any man who is not immortal, but only (in) those who were chosen from an immortal substance, which has shown that it is able to contain him who gives his abundance. Therefore I said, 'Every one who has, it will be given to him, and he will have plenty.'
But he who does not have, that is, the man of this place, who is completely dead, who is removed from the planting of the creation of what is begotten, whom, if one of the immortal essence appears, they think that they possess him - it will be taken from him and be added to the one who is. You, therefore, be courageous and do not fear at all. For I shall be with you in order that none of your enemies may prevail unto you. Peace be to you, Be strong!"
When he (Jesus) had said these things, he (Peter) came to himself.