The Apocryphal Jesus

Course Overview

Gain a new perspective on early Christian life and history through non-canonical Christian literature led by an award-winning professor.

The New Testament gives us 27 canonical texts—gospels, letters, and more—but these works represent only a tiny fraction of the many volumes written about the life of Jesus, his family, and the apostles. This alternative body of literature falls under the category of “apocrypha,” meaning “hidden” or “secret,” and it offers fascinating insights into the early Christian world.

The canonical Bible is one of the most influential books in Western history, but you may be surprised by the gaps and contradictions the New Testament contains. Much of what we know about Jesus today comes from these apocryphal sources, making “The Apocryphal Jesus” an opportunity to learn about the early Christian world in depth. Over 24 revealing lectures, Professor David Brakke of The Ohio State University takes you on a tour of this world and surveys the major apocryphal works that have survived.

Throughout this course, you will examine key texts, including the Proto-Gospel of James, the Gospel of Judas, and the Gospel of Thomas—each offering unique insights that have shaped Christian thought and continue to influence Christianity today.

Video Lecture List

1. The Influence of Apocrypha

• 33 min
• Understand how early Christian writings that are considered “apocryphal” contributed significantly to Christian culture and doctrine.

1. Jesus and Mary in the Proto-Gospel of James

• 28 min
• Explore the life of the Virgin Mary and how the Proto-Gospel of James fills many gaps in her story from the New Testament.

1. Young Jesus in the Infancy Gospel of Thomas

• 30 min
• Delve into the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, which offers a troubling but fascinating glimpse into Jesus’ childhood.

1. Joseph and the Magi in the Apocrypha

• 30 min
• Analyze early Christian texts that humanize Joseph and clarify his relationship with Mary.

1. The Apocrypha and the Cult of Mary

• 32 min
• Uncover how early Christian apocrypha elevate Mary to a leading position among the saints.

1. Lost Gospels and Fragments

• 32 min
• Survey significant fragments and lost gospels to gain insight into early Christian beliefs and controversies.

1. Sayings of Jesus from the Gospel of Thomas

• 32 min
• Investigate the Gospel of Thomas, one of the most famous apocryphal gospels that presents a different angle on Jesus’ teachings.

1. Jesus’s Statements beyond the Gospels

• 31 min
• Examine sayings of Jesus found in various early Christian texts outside the canonical gospels.

1. Conversations with the Living Jesus

• 30 min
• Explore dialogic gospels containing conversations Jesus had with his disciples.

1. The Gospel of Judas’s Gnostic Vision

• 32 min
• Learn about Gnosticism and the perspective on Judas Iscariot presented in the Gospel of Judas.

(…Continued through all 24 lectures)