Thomas/Twin in the Fourth Gospel and the Gospel of Thomas

The Mesopotamian Background of an Early Christian Motif

Dados Bibliográficos

ID3568263
AutoresRobin Baker (0000-0001-5633-3814, University of Winchester, autor correspondente)
Ano2025
Volume16
Fascículo2
Páginas151
Data de publicação2025-01-28
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoReligions (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
EditoraMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel16020151
OpenAlexW4406911271
IdiomaEN
Referências citadas82

This study examines the Thomas/twin motif in the Gospels of John and Thomas, which plays a significant role in each. By analyzing the motif's meaning, deployment, and development in the two Gospels against Mesopotamian models, this study brings a fresh perspective to the much-debated topic of the Gospel of Thomas's place of origin. This study demonstrates that Thomas betrays a knowledge of cuneiform polyvalence and argues that this corroborates the historical tradition that it originated in Mesopotamia. The findings also support the claim that the work is theologically sophisticated despite its disarming surface appearance. Similarly, Mesopotamian hermeneutics shed light on some enigmas of the Fourth Gospel's symbolism, esotericism, and theology conveyed in the rhetorical and symbolic role of Thomas called Didymos. This study concludes that, in both Gospels, the figure of Thomas/twin is paradigmatic for every adherent of Jesus, but the Gospels have drawn on Mesopotamian sources in different ways

Aesthetics · Ancient history · Art · Gospel · Literature · Theology · Ancient Near East History · Biblical Studies and Interpretation · Historical and Linguistic Studies · History · Philosophy · Religious studies