The Book of Thomas the Contender

The Book of Thomas the Contender

[Secret words spoken by the Savior to Judas Thomas; preserved with damage.]

The Savior said, Brother Thomas, while you have time in the world, listen to me, and I will reveal to you what you have pondered in your mind. Since it is said that you are my twin and true companion, examine yourself, and learn who you are, and how you exist, and how you will come to be. Since you are called my brother, it is not fitting that you should be ignorant of yourself. He who has not known himself has known nothing; but he who has known himself has already attained knowledge of the depth of all.

Thomas said, Lord, tell us about the things that are hidden. The Savior said, That which is visible to you is a portion and a likeness; that which is hidden from you is whatever the visible resembles. The visible bodies feed on creatures like themselves, and so they pass away and change; that which changes will perish and be lost, and has no hope of life from then on, since that body is bestial. [Line damaged]

He said: Woe to you who love the practice of the flesh; you will be troubled, and toil over your bodies, and not rise. Woe to you in the grip of the fire that burns in you, for it is unquenchable. Woe to you because of the wheel that turns in your minds. Woe to you within the grip of burning; how many will it scorch? But blessed are you who have known the snares and fled from what is alien. Blessed are you who are reviled and not esteemed, for the sake of the love your Lord has for you. Blessed are you who weep and are oppressed by those without hope, for you will be released from every bondage. Watch and pray that you may not remain in the flesh, but come forth from the bondage of the bitterness of this life; and when you pray, you will find rest, for you have left behind the suffering and the disgrace. When you come forth from the pains and the passions of the body, you will receive rest from the Good One, and you will reign with the King, you joined with him and he with you, from now on and forever. Amen.

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