The Public and Secret Teachings of Jesus

The Public and Secret Teachings of Jesus: Selections from the New Testament Gospels and Gnostic Gospels

Rebound by

Elaine Pagels

Coming Soon

The Public and Secret Teachings of Jesus is an unprecedented collection bringing together the public teachings of Jesus found in the New Testament with the secret teachings preserved in Gnostic and apocryphal texts. By presenting these works side by side, readers can explore the full spectrum of early Christian thought and practice. From the familiar parables of the canonical gospels to the mystical insights of the Gnostic texts, this volume reveals the rich diversity of early Christian spirituality. Essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the complex origins of Christianity and the various ways Jesus's teachings were interpreted by early followers.

The texts included in The Public and Secret Teachings of Jesus represent multiple authors and traditions from the formative period of Christianity. The canonical gospel authors traditionally identified as Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John wrote between 70-100 CE, though their precise identities remain scholarly matters of debate. The Gnostic and apocryphal texts represent various early Christian communities and theological perspectives, often presenting alternative views of Jesus's teachings. These diverse authors and communities contributed to a rich tapestry of early Christian thought before the establishment of orthodox doctrine.

Elaine Pagels is the Harrington Spear Paine Professor of Religion at Princeton University. Her groundbreaking work on the Nag Hammadi library and early Christian texts has transformed our understanding of Christianity's formative period. Her 1979 book The Gnostic Gospels won both the National Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award. Pagels has dedicated her career to illuminating the diversity of early Christian thought and challenging simplified narratives about Christianity's development. Her expertise in both canonical and non-canonical texts makes her an ideal guide through this complex spiritual landscape.