Die apokryphe Bibel

Hans-Josef Klauck tries to illuminate the broad field of early Christian apocryphal writings, which has found renewed interest in the last couple of years. In doing so, he provides a detailed analysis of seven individual case studies and focuses on the main genres also known from the New Testament. The series of chapters begins with the gospels of Judas, Thomas and Secret Mark. The Apocryphal Acts are represented by the partly funny episodes about humans and animals. Two apocryphal apocalypses of Paul and the correspondence between Seneca and Paul follow. The author then moves on to the often neglected Pseudo-Clementine writings and discusses the magical context between Simon Peter and Simon Magus and the framing and embedded letters. The last chapter is devoted to an extended thematic study of the polymorphic saviour in early Christian writings.