'Blessed is the One who Stands in the Beginning' (L. 18): Revisiting Protological Eschatology in the Gospel of Thomas. (20th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Joseph, Simon J
• Is Part Of: Journal of theological studies. Volume 72:Part 2(2021)
• Page Start: 769
• Page End: 794
• Publication Date: 2021-12-20
• Subjects: Theology -- Periodicals; Theology; Periodicals; 230.05
• DOI: 10.1093/jts/flab067
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-5185

Abstract

Abstract: Since its (re)discovery, the Gospel of Thomas has been a central site of debate in the study of Christian origins. Some scholars regard Thomas as a 'fifth gospel'; others an 'anti-Jewish' text dependent on the Synoptics. This article revisits one of Thomas 's most distinctive themes: protological eschatology. This article argues that logion 18 represents a worldview characterized by an Urzeit / Endzeit correlation, a motif relatively common in apocalyptic Judaism, and reminiscent of arguments from creation characteristic of the historical Jesus.