Christopher Tuckett
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199212132
- eISBN:
- 9780191705922
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199212132.003.0013
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies
This final part of the book presents some final notes regarding the Gospel of Mary. Topics covered include the teaching of the Saviour, the Saviour's final instructions, the departure of the Saviour, ...
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This final part of the book presents some final notes regarding the Gospel of Mary. Topics covered include the teaching of the Saviour, the Saviour's final instructions, the departure of the Saviour, Mary comforts the disciples, Peter's response, Mary's vision, and the journey of the soul.Less
This final part of the book presents some final notes regarding the Gospel of Mary. Topics covered include the teaching of the Saviour, the Saviour's final instructions, the departure of the Saviour, Mary comforts the disciples, Peter's response, Mary's vision, and the journey of the soul.
Christopher Tuckett
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199212132
- eISBN:
- 9780191705922
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199212132.003.0006
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies
Several places in the text of the Gospel of Mary have parallels to traditions and/or sayings which appear in texts which (later) formed part of the ‘New Testament’. Some of these parallels are at the ...
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Several places in the text of the Gospel of Mary have parallels to traditions and/or sayings which appear in texts which (later) formed part of the ‘New Testament’. Some of these parallels are at the level of significant words or phrases, while others are at the level of broader thematic parallels (or in some cases almost ‘anti-parallels’, i.e., showing significant differences from, as well as similarities to, the New Testament). This chapter addresses the question of whether the similarities and parallels in wording indicate any kind of dependence of the Gospel of Mary on New Testament texts, and, so, whether we can be any more precise about the source(s) of the language used in the Gospel of Mary. The parallels between the Gospel of Mary and New Testament texts may be divided into three groups: (1) parallels that appear to be clear ‘echoes’ or ‘allusions’ to New Testament passages; (2) parallels that are less close, and are not so clearly ‘echoes’ of New Testament passages; (3) more general thematic parallels. The nature of the parallels that seem to exist, and the fact that some of the parallels involve at times redactional elements on the side of the (later to become) canonical texts suggests that the Gospel of Mary is primarily a witness to the later, developing tradition generated by these texts, and does not provide independent witness to early Jesus tradition itself.Less
Several places in the text of the Gospel of Mary have parallels to traditions and/or sayings which appear in texts which (later) formed part of the ‘New Testament’. Some of these parallels are at the level of significant words or phrases, while others are at the level of broader thematic parallels (or in some cases almost ‘anti-parallels’, i.e., showing significant differences from, as well as similarities to, the New Testament). This chapter addresses the question of whether the similarities and parallels in wording indicate any kind of dependence of the Gospel of Mary on New Testament texts, and, so, whether we can be any more precise about the source(s) of the language used in the Gospel of Mary. The parallels between the Gospel of Mary and New Testament texts may be divided into three groups: (1) parallels that appear to be clear ‘echoes’ or ‘allusions’ to New Testament passages; (2) parallels that are less close, and are not so clearly ‘echoes’ of New Testament passages; (3) more general thematic parallels. The nature of the parallels that seem to exist, and the fact that some of the parallels involve at times redactional elements on the side of the (later to become) canonical texts suggests that the Gospel of Mary is primarily a witness to the later, developing tradition generated by these texts, and does not provide independent witness to early Jesus tradition itself.
Christopher Tuckett
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199212132
- eISBN:
- 9780191705922
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199212132.003.0002
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies
This chapter discusses the individuals mentioned in the Gospel of Mary. These include Jesus, Mary, Peter, Andrew, and Levi.
This chapter discusses the individuals mentioned in the Gospel of Mary. These include Jesus, Mary, Peter, Andrew, and Levi.
Christopher Tuckett
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199212132
- eISBN:
- 9780191705922
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199212132.003.0007
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies
This chapter introduces the second part of the book, which provides critical editions in the original languages and an accompanying English translation of each of the manuscripts containing the text ...
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This chapter introduces the second part of the book, which provides critical editions in the original languages and an accompanying English translation of each of the manuscripts containing the text of the Gospel of Mary. The critical editions are based on a re-examination of the original manuscripts themselves, together with a consideration of previous editions of the text. The English translations also take into account previous published translations. However, in relation to the translations, two issues are considered: line divisions and lacunae, and inclusive language.Less
This chapter introduces the second part of the book, which provides critical editions in the original languages and an accompanying English translation of each of the manuscripts containing the text of the Gospel of Mary. The critical editions are based on a re-examination of the original manuscripts themselves, together with a consideration of previous editions of the text. The English translations also take into account previous published translations. However, in relation to the translations, two issues are considered: line divisions and lacunae, and inclusive language.
Christopher Tuckett
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199212132
- eISBN:
- 9780191705922
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199212132.003.0004
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies
This chapter examines the genre of the text of the Gospel of Mary. It shows that any attempt to specify the genre of a text too precisely may foreclose (or predetermine) interpretative possibilities ...
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This chapter examines the genre of the text of the Gospel of Mary. It shows that any attempt to specify the genre of a text too precisely may foreclose (or predetermine) interpretative possibilities in relation to a text prematurely. Hence, it may be preferable not to seek to specify the genre of a text like the Gospel of Mary too narrowly. The Gospel of Mary may have its closest parallels with other texts, sometimes called ‘revelation discourses’, or ‘dialogues’, or ‘dialogue gospels’; but in its present form, it also has some highly individual features.Less
This chapter examines the genre of the text of the Gospel of Mary. It shows that any attempt to specify the genre of a text too precisely may foreclose (or predetermine) interpretative possibilities in relation to a text prematurely. Hence, it may be preferable not to seek to specify the genre of a text like the Gospel of Mary too narrowly. The Gospel of Mary may have its closest parallels with other texts, sometimes called ‘revelation discourses’, or ‘dialogues’, or ‘dialogue gospels’; but in its present form, it also has some highly individual features.
Christopher Tuckett
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199212132
- eISBN:
- 9780191705922
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199212132.003.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies
This chapter begins with a brief description of evidence for the existence and text of the Gospel of Mary. The evidence comes from three manuscripts which contain (parts of) text. Prime among these ...
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This chapter begins with a brief description of evidence for the existence and text of the Gospel of Mary. The evidence comes from three manuscripts which contain (parts of) text. Prime among these is the manuscript known as Papyrus Berolinensis (BG) 8502, now housed in the Papyrology section of the Ägyptisches Museum und Papyrussammlung, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin (Egyptian Museum and Papyrology Collection, National Museums of Berlin). This codex contains four works in Coptic translation, with the Gospel of Mary as the first in the codex. This manuscript provides the most extensive witness to the text of the gospel. The texts themselves, the language used, and date for the writing of the gospels are discussed.Less
This chapter begins with a brief description of evidence for the existence and text of the Gospel of Mary. The evidence comes from three manuscripts which contain (parts of) text. Prime among these is the manuscript known as Papyrus Berolinensis (BG) 8502, now housed in the Papyrology section of the Ägyptisches Museum und Papyrussammlung, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin (Egyptian Museum and Papyrology Collection, National Museums of Berlin). This codex contains four works in Coptic translation, with the Gospel of Mary as the first in the codex. This manuscript provides the most extensive witness to the text of the gospel. The texts themselves, the language used, and date for the writing of the gospels are discussed.
Christopher Tuckett
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199212132
- eISBN:
- 9780191705922
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199212132.003.0005
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies
This chapter examines the Gnostic nature of the Gospel of Mary. It argues that despite the lack of any explicit detailed account of a creation myth, or an explicit reference to the creation of the ...
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This chapter examines the Gnostic nature of the Gospel of Mary. It argues that despite the lack of any explicit detailed account of a creation myth, or an explicit reference to the creation of the world by a demiurge figure, there appears to be sufficient correlations with Gnostic themes and motifs — both in terms of general ideas and in terms of smaller details — to suggest that the Gospel of Mary is indeed Gnostic text, or at least sufficiently close to texts such as the Apocryphon of John to make a comparison between the texts fruitful and positive. However, whether we can be any more precise (e.g., assign the Gospel of Mary to a ‘Sethian’ or ‘Valentinian’ form of Gnosticism) remains uncertain.Less
This chapter examines the Gnostic nature of the Gospel of Mary. It argues that despite the lack of any explicit detailed account of a creation myth, or an explicit reference to the creation of the world by a demiurge figure, there appears to be sufficient correlations with Gnostic themes and motifs — both in terms of general ideas and in terms of smaller details — to suggest that the Gospel of Mary is indeed Gnostic text, or at least sufficiently close to texts such as the Apocryphon of John to make a comparison between the texts fruitful and positive. However, whether we can be any more precise (e.g., assign the Gospel of Mary to a ‘Sethian’ or ‘Valentinian’ form of Gnosticism) remains uncertain.
Christopher Tuckett
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199212132
- eISBN:
- 9780191705922
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199212132.003.0011
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies
This chapter presents the English translation of the Rylands Papyrus (PRyl) 463 text.
This chapter presents the English translation of the Rylands Papyrus (PRyl) 463 text.
Christopher Tuckett
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199212132
- eISBN:
- 9780191705922
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199212132.003.0010
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies
This chapter presents the English translation of the Oxyrhynchus Papyrus (POxy) 3525 text.
This chapter presents the English translation of the Oxyrhynchus Papyrus (POxy) 3525 text.
Christopher Tuckett
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199212132
- eISBN:
- 9780191705922
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199212132.003.0012
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies
This chapter compares the Greek and Coptic texts. Any detailed comparison of the differences between the POxy 3525 fragment and the Coptic text in BG 8502 is difficult due to the fragmentary nature ...
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This chapter compares the Greek and Coptic texts. Any detailed comparison of the differences between the POxy 3525 fragment and the Coptic text in BG 8502 is difficult due to the fragmentary nature of the POxy text: at several points (not least in the reconstructions of the missing beginnings and ends of lines), one is heavily dependent on the Coptic text in reconstructing the lost parts of the Greek text. Thus, any Greek text reconstructed in this way will inevitably show close agreement with the Coptic. The differences between the PRyl and Coptic texts are more extensive than those between the POxy and Coptic texts. As with POxy 3525, it is highly unlikely that the PRyl fragment represents the Vorlage of the BG text (or of its immediate Coptic Vorlage).Less
This chapter compares the Greek and Coptic texts. Any detailed comparison of the differences between the POxy 3525 fragment and the Coptic text in BG 8502 is difficult due to the fragmentary nature of the POxy text: at several points (not least in the reconstructions of the missing beginnings and ends of lines), one is heavily dependent on the Coptic text in reconstructing the lost parts of the Greek text. Thus, any Greek text reconstructed in this way will inevitably show close agreement with the Coptic. The differences between the PRyl and Coptic texts are more extensive than those between the POxy and Coptic texts. As with POxy 3525, it is highly unlikely that the PRyl fragment represents the Vorlage of the BG text (or of its immediate Coptic Vorlage).
Christopher Tuckett
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199212132
- eISBN:
- 9780191705922
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199212132.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies
This chapter discusses the unity of the text of the Gospel of Mary. Early editors and/or commentators of the gospel argued that the present text (i.e., the text as represented in the BG 8502 codex) ...
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This chapter discusses the unity of the text of the Gospel of Mary. Early editors and/or commentators of the gospel argued that the present text (i.e., the text as represented in the BG 8502 codex) is composite and originally consisted of two separate documents. However, it is argued that given the fact that there is no direct evidence for a form of the text, or for forms of parts of the text, as part of any other literary entity than the present text, and given that the present form of the text (including possible tensions within the text) can generally be adequately explained, it seems best to treat the present form of the text as a literary unity and not postulate earlier forms of the gospel different from what exists at present.Less
This chapter discusses the unity of the text of the Gospel of Mary. Early editors and/or commentators of the gospel argued that the present text (i.e., the text as represented in the BG 8502 codex) is composite and originally consisted of two separate documents. However, it is argued that given the fact that there is no direct evidence for a form of the text, or for forms of parts of the text, as part of any other literary entity than the present text, and given that the present form of the text (including possible tensions within the text) can generally be adequately explained, it seems best to treat the present form of the text as a literary unity and not postulate earlier forms of the gospel different from what exists at present.
Markus Vinzent
- Published in print:
- 2021
- Published Online:
- March 2021
- ISBN:
- 9780198867067
- eISBN:
- 9780191903830
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198867067.003.0008
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion in the Ancient World
This chapter explores ‘More “Holy Women” in Early Christianity: The Gospels of Mary and Marcion’. It provides a comparison between the role of women as described by the Gospel of Mary and Marcion’s ...
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This chapter explores ‘More “Holy Women” in Early Christianity: The Gospels of Mary and Marcion’. It provides a comparison between the role of women as described by the Gospel of Mary and Marcion’s Gospel (and Apostolikon) to that of the canonical Gospels. It emerges that in the two non-canonical texts women were regarded as true witnesses, prophets, and apostles of Christ in contrast to the ambiguous, if not dubious role of the twelve, and especially of that of Peter. The chapter also looks into the role of women in the Roman church where, for example, in Hippolytus (In Song of Songs 25.6) they are still known as ‘Apostles to the Apostles’. This picture differs considerably from what we are used to read, at least at face value, in the canonical texts, and ultimately asks us to consider the editing process that resulted in certain versions of the earliest stories to be erased.Less
This chapter explores ‘More “Holy Women” in Early Christianity: The Gospels of Mary and Marcion’. It provides a comparison between the role of women as described by the Gospel of Mary and Marcion’s Gospel (and Apostolikon) to that of the canonical Gospels. It emerges that in the two non-canonical texts women were regarded as true witnesses, prophets, and apostles of Christ in contrast to the ambiguous, if not dubious role of the twelve, and especially of that of Peter. The chapter also looks into the role of women in the Roman church where, for example, in Hippolytus (In Song of Songs 25.6) they are still known as ‘Apostles to the Apostles’. This picture differs considerably from what we are used to read, at least at face value, in the canonical texts, and ultimately asks us to consider the editing process that resulted in certain versions of the earliest stories to be erased.
Christopher Tuckett
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199212132
- eISBN:
- 9780191705922
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199212132.003.0008
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies
This chapter examines the manuscripts containing the text of the Gospel of Mary. The Coptic version of the text of the Gospel of Mary appears as the first work in the Papyrus Berolinensis 8502 codex. ...
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This chapter examines the manuscripts containing the text of the Gospel of Mary. The Coptic version of the text of the Gospel of Mary appears as the first work in the Papyrus Berolinensis 8502 codex. The codex contains 72 sheets, with 141 numbered sides. The manuscript has been dated to the 5th century on palaeographic grounds. It is written in Sahidic in the Subachmimic dialect, and appears to have been copied from a Coptic Vorlage. The POxy 3525 text is a small scrap, measuring 11.5 x 12 cm, written in a cursive hand on one side of the papyrus only. It is broken on all sides and contains in all about 21 lines. The fact that it is broken on all sides means that none of the beginnings or ends of any of the lines are visible. The PRyl 463 manuscript is a small fragment, measuring 8.9 x 9.9 cm, written on both sides (hence probably from a codex) and containing around 16 lines extant on each side. Its provenance is probably Oxyrhynchus. Comparison with the Coptic suggests that some lines at the bottom have not been preserved.Less
This chapter examines the manuscripts containing the text of the Gospel of Mary. The Coptic version of the text of the Gospel of Mary appears as the first work in the Papyrus Berolinensis 8502 codex. The codex contains 72 sheets, with 141 numbered sides. The manuscript has been dated to the 5th century on palaeographic grounds. It is written in Sahidic in the Subachmimic dialect, and appears to have been copied from a Coptic Vorlage. The POxy 3525 text is a small scrap, measuring 11.5 x 12 cm, written in a cursive hand on one side of the papyrus only. It is broken on all sides and contains in all about 21 lines. The fact that it is broken on all sides means that none of the beginnings or ends of any of the lines are visible. The PRyl 463 manuscript is a small fragment, measuring 8.9 x 9.9 cm, written on both sides (hence probably from a codex) and containing around 16 lines extant on each side. Its provenance is probably Oxyrhynchus. Comparison with the Coptic suggests that some lines at the bottom have not been preserved.
Christopher Tuckett
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199212132
- eISBN:
- 9780191705922
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199212132.003.0009
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies
This chapter presents the English translation of Papyrus Berolinensis (BG) 8502 text.
This chapter presents the English translation of Papyrus Berolinensis (BG) 8502 text.
Sarah Parkhouse
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- May 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780198814801
- eISBN:
- 9780191852480
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198814801.003.0011
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies
The theme of eschatology is not usually identified by exegetes as particularly emphasized in the Gospel of Mary, though it should be. The two primary teachings, the dialogue between the Saviour and ...
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The theme of eschatology is not usually identified by exegetes as particularly emphasized in the Gospel of Mary, though it should be. The two primary teachings, the dialogue between the Saviour and his disciples and Mary’s recollection of her vision, are predominantly eschatological in nature, the former being concerned with the earthly realm and the latter the heavenly. The earthly realm is the created cosmos made of ‘matter’, destined for dissolution owing to its inherent instability, whereas the heavenly is the home of the ‘Soul’, the goal of its perilous post-mortem journey past hostile spiritual powers that seek to bar its way. Despite obvious differences with the Olivet Discourse of Matthew 24 and parallels, there are multiple points of convergence with the eschatological teachings within the canonical gospels. Starting from the Gospel of Mary, this chapter explores connections between eschatological thinking on both sides of the canonical boundary.Less
The theme of eschatology is not usually identified by exegetes as particularly emphasized in the Gospel of Mary, though it should be. The two primary teachings, the dialogue between the Saviour and his disciples and Mary’s recollection of her vision, are predominantly eschatological in nature, the former being concerned with the earthly realm and the latter the heavenly. The earthly realm is the created cosmos made of ‘matter’, destined for dissolution owing to its inherent instability, whereas the heavenly is the home of the ‘Soul’, the goal of its perilous post-mortem journey past hostile spiritual powers that seek to bar its way. Despite obvious differences with the Olivet Discourse of Matthew 24 and parallels, there are multiple points of convergence with the eschatological teachings within the canonical gospels. Starting from the Gospel of Mary, this chapter explores connections between eschatological thinking on both sides of the canonical boundary.
Christopher Tuckett
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- May 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780198814801
- eISBN:
- 9780191852480
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198814801.003.0008
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies
While the Gospels of Mark and Mary are very different and neither gospel makes the role of women the prime focus of attention, the prominence of female characters is striking in both. This chapter ...
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While the Gospels of Mark and Mary are very different and neither gospel makes the role of women the prime focus of attention, the prominence of female characters is striking in both. This chapter explores how, despite their great differences, the two texts show a remarkable similarity in their depiction of Jesus’ women followers. In both, women take on crucial roles at the conclusion of Jesus’ earthly career. Although the original ending of Mark may suggest that the women disciples failed to communicate the message entrusted to them at the, this impression is countered by the later Markan endings and by most other post-Markan retellings of the tomb story. In the Gospel of Mary, Peter and Andrew’s attack on Mary is countered by Levi’s defence of her as a uniquely privileged disciple. Both Mark and the Gospel of Mary use women figures to present a message of discipleship.Less
While the Gospels of Mark and Mary are very different and neither gospel makes the role of women the prime focus of attention, the prominence of female characters is striking in both. This chapter explores how, despite their great differences, the two texts show a remarkable similarity in their depiction of Jesus’ women followers. In both, women take on crucial roles at the conclusion of Jesus’ earthly career. Although the original ending of Mark may suggest that the women disciples failed to communicate the message entrusted to them at the, this impression is countered by the later Markan endings and by most other post-Markan retellings of the tomb story. In the Gospel of Mary, Peter and Andrew’s attack on Mary is countered by Levi’s defence of her as a uniquely privileged disciple. Both Mark and the Gospel of Mary use women figures to present a message of discipleship.
