Teachings of Silvanus
Encyclopedia
The Teachings of Silvanus is one of the books found in the Nag Hammadi library
. It is generally dated around 150
. Two of the more interesting verses are 99.13, which states Christ
has a single hypostasis
(hidden spiritual reality) and 102.3, which states Christ is incomprehensible with respect to his hypostasis.
The word hypostasis was later adopted as part of the doctrine of the Trinity
of Nicene Christianity
.
It is not a Gnostic text, but has some anti-gnostic warnings, along with orthodox Christian teachings in including verses 110,14-19:
The author is unknown, but it is pseudonymously attributed to a companion of Paul and Peter – "Silias" of chapters 15-18 of the book of Acts.
Nag Hammadi library
The Nag Hammadi library is a collection of early Christian Gnostic texts discovered near the Upper Egyptian town of Nag Hammadi in 1945. That year, twelve leather-bound papyrus codices buried in a sealed jar were found by a local peasant named Mohammed Ali Samman...
. It is generally dated around 150
150
Year 150 was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Squilla and Vetus...
. Two of the more interesting verses are 99.13, which states Christ
Christ
Christ is the English term for the Greek meaning "the anointed one". It is a translation of the Hebrew , usually transliterated into English as Messiah or Mashiach...
has a single hypostasis
Hypostasis (religion)
In Christian theology, a hypostasis or person is one of the three elements of the Holy Trinity.In Christian usage, the Greek word hypostasis means beneath-standing or underpinning and, by extension, the existence of some thing...
(hidden spiritual reality) and 102.3, which states Christ is incomprehensible with respect to his hypostasis.
The word hypostasis was later adopted as part of the doctrine of the Trinity
Trinity
The Christian doctrine of the Trinity defines God as three divine persons : the Father, the Son , and the Holy Spirit. The three persons are distinct yet coexist in unity, and are co-equal, co-eternal and consubstantial . Put another way, the three persons of the Trinity are of one being...
of Nicene Christianity
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
.
It is not a Gnostic text, but has some anti-gnostic warnings, along with orthodox Christian teachings in including verses 110,14-19:
"Know who Christ is, and acquire him as a friend, for this is the friend who is faithful. He is God and teacher. This one, being God became man for your sake."
The author is unknown, but it is pseudonymously attributed to a companion of Paul and Peter – "Silias" of chapters 15-18 of the book of Acts.