Seemingly hidden for many centuries, but now revealed, the recent discovery of a "key of knowledge" has yielded a practical and very useful cross reference tool to understand the scriptures.
This Tau-Rho Cross is created by the joining of the two
letters Tau (T) and Rho (P) into the one amalgamated letter often known as the
Staurogram. This amalgamation reveals the primary message of "The Word of God": specifically, "Make the two into one." The joining
together of these two letters into the one amalgamated letter illustrates
the marriage of the bride and the bridegroom, and also the reconciliation of all things into the one body, (Ephesians 1:10, 5:32).
Upright and joined together the Tau and the Rho looks a bit like a Cross, or even a disciple carrying a cross. Turned sideways this Staurogram looks a lot
like a key. Jesus said, “Woe unto you, lawyers! for you have taken away
the key of knowledge: you have not entered in yourselves (into the kingdom),
and them that were entering in you hindered,” (Luke 11:52). Jesus said
"When you make the two into one... then will you enter the kingdom" (Thomas 39). This key is a parable, an illustration revealing the great
mystery, and the primary message of The Word of God: Reunite that which is
divided, make the two one, and enter the kingdom.
Convincing sequential similarities in thought, word, and rhetoric between the Gospel of Thomas and several canonical writings become plainly visible. Providing an invaluable contribution to the study of the New Testament, these connections appear to reveal the original thought processes behind the apostolic writings.
Aligning and combining the sayings of Jesus within The Gospel of Thomas together with the canonical apostolic writings, we "make the two into one." It's almost like Jesus and the apostles left us a cross reference study bible.
Cross Reference Study
Open the links. Connect the Key Words. Be Amazed and Enter.
The Gospel of Thomas - The Gospel of John Connection
The Gospel of Thomas - Romans Connection
The Gospel of Thomas - 1 Corinthians Connection
The Gospel of Thomas - 2 Corinthians Connection
The Gospel of Thomas - Galatians Connection
The Gospel of Thomas - Ephesians Connection
The Gospel of Thomas - Philippians Connection
The Gospel of Thomas - Colossians Connection
The Gospel of Thomas - 1 Thessalonians Connection
The Gospel of Thomas - 2 Thessalonians Connection
The Gospel of Thomas - 1 Timothy Connection
The Gospel of Thomas - 2 Timothy Connection
The Gospel of Thomas - Titus Connection
The Gospel of Thomas - Philemon Connection
The Gospel of Thomas - Hebrews Connection
The Gospel of Thomas - James Connection
The Gospel of Thomas - 1 Peter Connection
The Gospel of Thomas - 2 Peter Connection
The Gospel of Thomas - 1 John Connection
The Gospel of Thomas - 2 John Connection
The Gospel of Thomas - 3 John Connection
The Gospel of Thomas - Jude Connection
The Gospel of Thomas - Revelations Connection
“Give attendance to reading… Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all,” 1 Timothy 4:13- 15.
These new insights suggest that The Gospel of Thomas squares more neatly into the framework of early Christianity than is commonly assumed. Such similarities, connections, and cross references could revolutionize our understanding of the epistles, the gospel, the tapestry of the early church, and even of Christ.
I think the implications of these revelations stretch the imagination beyond belief. What do you think? Being the only known document with simultaneously extensive, sequential, and unique connections to all these early canonical writings does not suggest a later date for Thomas, but rather a very, very early date.
If there had been only one New Testament text that aligned with the Thomas text it might be difficult to determine which text came first, but this is not the case. As can be seen in the above links, there are many New Testament writings aligning themselves with Thomas.
The reason this suggests an early date is that it becomes extremely unlikely that a later author could have fashioned Thomas using the sayings of Jesus from the canonical Gospels, while simultaneously and sequentially matching the Rhetoric of so many epistles (See the Key Word Connection links above), while also consistently maintaining both the inner and outer loosely based chiasms that provide the overarching structure for the Gospel of Thomas. It is much, much easier to believe that Thomas came first, and that the other writings flowed out from Thomas.
What does all this mean?
Why are these texts interconnected in such an extensive manner?
What do these connections teach us about the meaning of the canonical letters and about Thomas?
Did Paul, James, Peter, and John construct their letters using "The Gospel of Thomas?" This does appear to be the case, (See the Key Word Connection links above). Why would the apostles do this? I am suggesting that the apostles appear to be following a pattern provided to them by Jesus.
Without being overly dramatic, I would like to make this next point as straightforward as possible. Perhaps the most simple explanation for these connections, and for the apparent apostolic reliance upon the Gospel of Thomas is that Thomas was The Original Gospel Of Christ.
Thomas appears to be the "Original Gospel" Jesus delivered to those closest to him, and to those who walked with him in His Way. It is within his rejected message and walk of renunciation that the key is found. Specifically, Thomas appears to be a more spiritual minded message tailored primarily for those who had forsaken all to follow Christ.
The Thomas prologue explains that Christ was the originator of this Gospel and that this gospel was merely written down or scribed by Thomas. Apostolic acceptance that Christ was the author of this gospel would explain the connections, and would explain why the apostles used this gospel so extensively? (See the Thomas prologue)
As mentioned earlier, as can be seen in the above links, the apostles appear to have relied heavily upon this Original Gospel authored by Christ, considering phrase by phrase the words of Jesus in Thomas, as they wrote their own writings. If this reliance and interconnectedness between the New Testament and Thomas is genuine, as it appears to be, then the many canonical references to "The Gospel of Christ", "The Testimony of Jesus ", " The Doctrine of Christ", " His Sayings", " The Preaching of Jesus Christ", " The Gospel of God", " The Word of God", " The Revelation of Jesus Christ", " The Everlasting Gospel", and even just " The Gospel" could all reasonably be direct references, and sometimes even veiled references to "The Gospel of Thomas"
If we have now recovered Christ's own gospel, then this could be revolutionary. As a unique gospel, apparently intended primarily for those within the church, this key of knowledge teaches those who would follow Jesus, as one of his disciples, how to live life as a wandering radical. It then reveals to these solitary and elect the complete reunification and oneness of the all through the teachings of the bridal chamber. This gospel, if sent and received, could be a significant challenge to the current religious world.
May we be granted wisdom and grace.
And may we be found building upon the Rock,
URfriend,
Dean Johnson
P.S. To Consider the Old Testament's prophetic proclamation of "The Testimony of Jesus" or "The Original Gospel of Christ" see The Two Sided Scroll in the Old Testament.
Perhaps, "The Gospel of Thomas" was even used by non-canonical authors:
See The Gospel of Thomas - The Gospel of Truth Connection
This page examines the concept of the Injel or the Original 114 sayings of the Gospel of Christ as it relates to the 114 Surahs of the Quran. It is still under construction.
A Judeo-Christian-Islamic Cross Reference Study of Scripture is yet to be created.
Yet to be examined, and perhaps for another day is a possible
connection between Thomas and Enoch.
The creation of these comparisons between Thomas and these many texts may require many years of study. If you recognize the value of these comparative studies and would like to collaborate in this effort or get involved in this work, then please Contact me, or begin your own studies and publications.
Those with Desktop Publishing, Web Design, and Proofreading skills are most welcomed.
The Everlasting Gospel of Christ is for all humanity.
Some may even be interested in pursuing a comparison between Thomas, Mark and the witness of the stars, or even comparing the 114 sayings of Thomas, the Upanishads and the 114 Chakras. A comparison between The Tao Te Ching and Thomas will yield useful results. The 55 sections of the Diatesseron could also be examined to see if they might align with the 55 Sayings of the first side of the larger chiasm in Thomas centered around Saying 55.
Or if you prefer to just enjoy the fruits of this labour, you may examine
Cross Reference Study
And
Read The Gospel of Thomas
Watch The Gospel of Thomas
Blessings on you as you discover His message for all humanity.
41 comments:
Did this gospel come directly from Christ, merely being scribed by Thomas, as this gospel claims?
(See the Thomas Prologue?)
This would make Thomas Christ's own gospel.
Regarding this question, there four pages worth considering:
Considered together these 4 pages suggest that the Apostle Paul relied heavily upon on the Gospel of Thomas. Paul's reliance on the Gospel of Thomas in his creation of 1 Corinthians suggests a very early date for Thomas. This early dating together with Paul's extensive usage of Thomas suggests a pre-eminent authority present in this text. One reasonable explanation is that "The Gospel of Thomas" was "The Gospel of Christ."
1. http://www.angelfire.com/dc/universalism/Corinthian_Thomas_Parallels.html
This is a complete side by side comparison of both 1 Corinthians and The Gospel of Thomas. There appears to be extensive and entirely sequential similarities in thought, word, and rhetoric, throughout both the gospel and letter. Individually these similarities might be inconsequential, but sequentially throughout the entirety of both texts they cannot be ignored.
Then there are the 2 loose chiastic structures based on key word connections throughout Thomas:
2. The Outer Thomas Chiasmic Structure based on the Cross (Staurogram):
http://www.angelfire.com/dc/universalism/keyofknowledge.html
3. The Inner Chiasmic Structure
based on the Kingdom:
http://www.angelfire.com/dc/universalism/realizedeschatologychart.html>
Cumulatively, the evidence from these 3 web pages suggests a very early date for the Gospel of Thomas. The reason they suggest an early date is that it becomes extremely unlikely that a later author could have fashioned Thomas using the saying of Jesus, while sequentially matching the Rhetoric of 1 Corinthians, while also simultaneously maintaining both the inner and outer loosely based chiasms that provide the overarching structure for the Gospel of Thomas. It is much easier to believe that Thomas came first, and that the other gospels flowed out from Thomas.
Finally, with Paul's extensive reliance upon Thomas in mind, http://www.angelfire.com/dc/universalism/mygospel.html hesitantly considers the realistic possibility that "The Gospel of Christ" that is so often referred to in the scriptures and in Paul's writings may be an actual early text commissioned by Christ himself. The possibility is examined that the gospel commonly known as "The Gospel of Thomas" may be the actual Gospel of Christ: Christ's own message and gospel passed on to his closest disciples.
This might explain the apostle Paul's extensive use of The Gospel of Thomas in his own writings.
Today, many similarities in thought, word, and rhetoric between Thomas and Galatians were posted online for the benefit of the body of Christ.
The Gospel of Thomas Compared to Galatians
It is almost like Jesus and the Apostles gave us a cross reference Bible for our personal studies. Enjoy.
Today is posted a sequential side by side comparison of
James and The Gospel of Thomas
James was leader in the initial church in Jerusalem.
These similarities between James and the Gospel of Thomas may suggest that James also recognized the value of Thomas, perhaps also viewing it as the very gospel of Christ.
This connection to James is especially interesting as it is reminiscent of the the "Gospel to the Circumcision" mentioned by Paul.
These connections may also imply that some of the the early Jewish believers which were scattered abroad in the early dispersion could have been very familiar with this gospel known as Thomas. James 1:1
For the sake of the church, and especially for those who value the special place of Peter in Church history, today is revealed the connections between
1 Peter and The Gospel of Thomas.
May it be a blessing.
Some recent scholarship has suggested that the disciples of Thomas and John did not get along. For example, partially based on John's gospel portrayal of Thomas as the doubting Thomas Elaine Pagels in Beyond Belief portrays Thomas and John as rival factions within the early church.
This posting of the Thomas - 1 John Connection may provide further insights and perhaps even challenge this train of thought.
The Gospel of Thomas - Gospel of Mary Connection is posted today.
Though not a canonical gospel this posting is significant as Mary was the first to see Christ in his resurrection glory.
Here is a gift for the prophets and all those who look for the Revelation of Christ from within.
Today is posted a side by side comparison between The Gospel of Christ and The Revelation of Jesus Christ
May we see him as he is.
Jesus chastised the scribes of his day for hiding the key of knowledge within their scribblings. This key was necessary for those who would enter the kingdom.
Jesus said, "The scribes have taken the keys of knowledge (gnosis) and hidden them. They themselves have not entered, nor have they allowed to enter those who wish to,” (Thomas 39, Luke 11:52).
The recognition of the scribal use of the "Staurogram" or the "Tau-Rho Cross" as this "key of knowledge" may be useful in locating other texts that are based on the Gospel of Thomas.
Just as the Staurogram is located in saying 55 at the center of the Thomas text, so also, other ancient texts constructed using Thomas also have the concepts of Thomas 55 and the cross located centrally within their texts. Seek and you will find.
Last weekend was posted a comparison between The Gospel of Thomas and Hebrews
Those who are enjoying this study may also enjoy comparing key phrases in Thomas with several different canonical writers simultaneously to gain deeper insight into how the apostles as a group viewed the words of Jesus. For example the gospel phrase in Thomas "make the two into one" seems to correspond with the phrase "the word of God" in several of the apostolic epistles. (Thomas 22, 106, James 22, 1 Peter 1:23, 1 John 2:14, 1 Thessalonians 2:8).
Seek and you will find.
Today is posted
The Thomas - 1 Thessalonians Connection
Once again it is worth mentioning that the the key phrase in Thomas "make the two one" seems to connect with the phrase "the gospel" in 1 Thessalonians.
"Make the two One" (Thomas 106) /
"The very gospel of God" (1 Thes. 5:23)
"If two make peace" (Thomas 48) /
"The gospel of Christ" (1 Thes. 3:2)
"Make the two One" (Thomas 22) /
"The gospel of God" (1 Thes. 2:8)
Now is posted
The Thomas - Ephesians Connection
I particularly enjoyed the comparison of Thomas 17 with Ephesians 1:17
I liked the thought that what Jesus gives us, which no natural eye has seen, is the spirit of wisdom and revelation. May he open our spiritual eyes
Interesting thoughts.
The parallels and similarities between Thomas 17 and 1 Corinthians 2:9 have long been acknowledged by scholars.
What is most interesting is that these two verses naturally align themselves when these two books are compared side by side. This can be seen in The Gospel of Thomas – 1 Corinthians Key Word Connections page. Perhaps, this may lend some support and credibility to the validity of the other connections that are presented.
Last night was posted a web site that is still under construction. The potential connection between these two books is still being considered.
The Gospel of Thomas - The Quran Connection
Both books are composed of 114 divisions. Matching Sayings to corresponding Suras may yield interesting results.
I especially love the climax of Thomas in Saying 55: "take up his cross" which is expanded by Matthew, Mark and Luke to include "let him deny himself, and take up his cross."
This may be significant since the phrase "will you deny Allah?" (the God) is repeated to the point of extreme emphasis in Suras 55 in the Quran.
Does this suggest that if we refuse to deny ourselves that we deny God?
Very Interesting.
So much history has passed since the Original Gospel of Christ was hidden from humanity. Now that it may have been recovered big questions may need to be asked.
I wonder if Muhammad gave more credibility to this Original Gospel of Christ than is commonly acknowledged by many of us in the west.
Suras 3:84
"Say: "We believe in Allah, and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Isma`il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and in (the Books) given to Moses, Jesus, and the Prophets, from their Lord; we make no distinction between one and another among them, and to Allah do we bow our will (in Islam)." Yusuf Ali Translation
What do we now do if we have recovered the Original Gospel text given to Christ, recognized to be holy scripture within Islam, and demonstrably the basis of the apostolic writings within the canon?
Tonight is posted the first comparison between The Gospel of Thomas and one of the Canonical Gospels.
The Gospel of Thomas - The Gospel of John Connection
A Key Word Comparison
Enjoy.
I started working again on the Injeel - Quran connection about a week ago, just hours before the big Superstorm hit New York.
The water flowing into Ground Zero like a new Niagara Falls illustrated the need many feel for a new understanding in the earth.
Perhaps, a new day is at hand.
Jesus said, "I have come to cast upon the earth: fire, sword, and war," Thomas 16.
Together as One as Jesus in the earth, we declare war on war. We pierce through the divisions with the Sword of the Spirit and the word of God. The fire within the bridal chamber burns away every high thought that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, making the two into one, declaring once again that God is ONE, and so are We.
Tearing down the middle wall of partition, the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, and spiritual. Every division will be cast down, and we will gather together in One all that was scattered abroad, for there is nothing hidden that will not be made known.
Shaking heaven and earth,
URfriend, Dean Johnson
Work Continues on the Injeel - Quran Connection.
Posted today is the proposal that The She-Camel of Allah is an Allegorical Allusion to the Suffering Soul of Jesus.
Early this morning was posted The Gospel of Thomas and The Gospel of Mark Connection.
The Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Mark are aligned using key word connections. Then deeper insights are revealed through the comparison and contrast of these two aligned gospels.
The dramatic interplay between these two specific texts is especially interesting. For example, in perhaps one of the most controversial passages in Thomas, Peter argues to exclude Mary from the group of disciples (114). Rather than to exclude Mary, Jesus "promises" to lead her. In surprising manner, in Mark's gospel it is Mary that the Angel calls to proclaim this same "promise" to Peter, the very one who had denied the Lord three times, (Mark 16:7).
Through this message of "promise" given to Mary, now for Peter, a reconciliation between Peter and Mary can be accomplished. Two become one again, and overcome carnality, and move toward maturity. Just as Jesus had promised to go with and lead Mary (in The Gospel of Thomas), so also the message of the angel through Mary to Peter (in The Gospel of Mark) is that Jesus "goeth before you." In this way the same promise is to both Peter and Mary that they might both become living Spirits.
Today is posted The Colossians - Gospel of Thomas Connection.
I found the connection to Thomas 17 especially interesting. There is a spiritual body. Perhaps, Christ and his body can be so much deeper than our mere physical senses perceive.
Thomas 39 was also interesting. Perhaps it suggests that the key of knowledge is closely connected to the Pleroma, the fulness, and our being mature and complete in him.
Today is posted The Gospel of Thomas - 1 Timothy Connection
In it I am reminded of what the kingdom of heaven is truly like: Like a certain man and a certain woman, like the Bride and the Bridegroom, of a pearl, a field, and of one who buys the field. For indeed, we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. May we all have eyes to see past the parable and into the reality within.
This past weekend was posted The Gospel of Thomas - Romans Connection.
This posting is a gift to the teachers in the body, and to all those who are interested in meditating more deeply on the gospel of our salvation. What can I say about a revelation like this? This is the book of Romans.
Earlier this week was posted
The Gospel of Thomas - Titus Connection.
In it Titus refers to "not giving heed to Jewish fables"
which seems to align with the phrase
"Flesh came into being because of spirit," (Thomas 29).
In contrast "Sound doctrine" seems to refer to
"The keys of knowledge (gnosis)," (Thomas 39).
Last week was posted the 2 Thessalonian - Gospel of Thomas Connection.
Paul is correcting a troubling misunderstanding that proclaimed to the Thessalonians that the day of Christ had already arrived.
If this error sprang from a wrong understanding of the teaching found in Thomas, then we may have another confirmation of a very early dating for Thomas.
Jesus, in his original gospel, taught that his message would be troubling. It might initially seem that Paul is alluding to this troubling. However, his heart is actually to address this
misunderstanding of "the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ," a misunderstanding that was inappropriately troubling the Thessalonian believers. Thomas 2, 2 Thessalonians 1:8, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2.
It seems that this misunderstanding could have sprung from a deficient understanding of Thomas in which "the day of Christ" was wrongly being equated with the already present "kingdom of the father". In the Gospel of Thomas, what Jesus
actually says is "the kingdom of the father is spread out upon the earth, and men do not see it."
Jesus did indeed say regarding this kingdom, "What you look forward to has already come, but you do not recognize it." However, It was the kingdom that was already here, not the day of the Lord Jesus Christ.
In Thomas "the day" is clearly distinct from "the Kingdom"
As can be seen, Jesus said, "The kingdom of the father is like a man who had good seed. His enemy came by night and sowed weeds among the good seed. The man did not allow them to pull up the weeds; he said to them, 'I am afraid that you will go intending to pull up the weeds and pull up the wheat along with them.' For on the day of the harvest the weeds will be plainly visible, and they will be pulled up and burned," Thomas 57.
Perhaps, unlike the day of Christ, the kingdom often comes subtly, silently, "without observation," like a man casting seed into the ground and trying to watch the plant grow, Luke 17:22, Mark 4:26-28.
As Paul says of those who can see this growth, if any man be in Christ (in the kingdom) all things (even the worlds) are made new." There is a new world even now. May we have eyes to see it, and look forward to the day when it will be obvious to all.
And so, to correct this error, Paul exhorts the brethren "stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by (the Sayings of Jesus and His) Word, or our epistle," 2 Thessalonians 2:15.
This weekend is posted The Gospel of Thomas - 2 Corinthians Connection.
Several comparisons stand out.
First, the "cross" in saying 55 connects with "a great trial of affliction" and "deep poverty," (2 Corinthians 8:2). This describes the life of those who would walk with Christ in his way. It may also suggest that "the grace of God," (8:1) is available for those in the church who would "not be worthy," (Thomas 55) for such a cross.
Second, "the stone... the cornerstone... which the builders have rejected," (Thomas 66) seems to align with the "the gospel of Christ," (2 Corinthians 9:13). And again, "the gospel of Christ" seems to connect with "the light," (Thomas 77), suggesting that it is this revelation from Christ that that we can look to in our journey back to the Father.
It is this "glorious gospel," (2 Corinthians 4:4) that once again connects with and that also declares "make the two One," (Thomas 22).
This is indeed a glorious gospel.
Today is posted The Gospel of Thomas and Ezekiel's First Vision Side by Side with Key Word Connections.
Ezekiel prophesies of a special two sided scroll held out to the son of man.
This same imagery is echoed in the Book of Revelation and may be a direct reference to the two sided scroll more commonly known as the Gospel of Thomas. Clues to hidden mysteries are unveiled.
Also recently posted was The Gospel of Thomas - 2 Timothy Connections. Thomas 106 together with 2 Timothy 4:17 suggests that the primary point and message of "The preaching" was to "Make the two one."
For years now, I have been waiting for an Old Testament scripture to align with Thomas. I have been hoping for insight into the gospel message to the circumcision. Perhaps, there is coming a day when a deeper understanding of the message that Jesus gave as a minister to the circumcision may be useful once again.
The Book of Revelation - Gospel of Thomas Connection to several Old Testament passages is being studied. Old Testament scriptures connected to both the book of Revelation and also to the Gospel of Thomas are being unveiled.
The Gospel of Thomas and Ezekiel's First Vision side by side with Key Word Connections: In this first vision Ezekiel prophesies of a special two sided scroll held out to the son of man. This same imagery of the the two sided scroll is echoed in the Book of Revelation and may be a direct reference to The two sides of the Gospel of Thomas.
Comparing the two texts of Thomas and Ezekiel may provide clues into the voice of the seven thunders, and the everlasting Gospel mentioned in the Book of Revelation. As the living creatures, also mentioned in Genesis 1, run and fly lightning goes forth, and a message is proclaimed in the earth. Where there is lightning there is thunder.
The Book of Revelation speaks of a special scroll sealed with seven seals. Could The Gospel of Thomas be this scroll? In this next study, the text of Thomas is sectioned seven times by setting the 7 sections or days which are found in the first book of the Genesis scroll side by side with The Gospel of Thomas.
The Gospel of Thomas Side by Side with Genesis Chapter 1 is the result.
It is appropriate that the book about the Beginning should inform our understanding of this book of Revelation about the end. The Re-creative Power of God is revealed as the Comments and the Questionings of these Disciples of Jesus within the Gospel of Thomas are contrasted with the Declarations of God in Genesis 1. For 7 days, like lightning and like 7 thunders, "The disciples asked" (In Thomas)... "And God Said" (In Genesis 1).
In the Book of Revelation there are also found frequent references to the Wedding of the Bride and the Bridegroom, and to The Song of the Lamb. This is all most reminiscent of The Old Testament Love Song of all Songs.
The Gospel of Thomas Side by Side with Song of Solomon
is a treasure trove of insight beyond belief. Side by side with key word connections, verse by verse and phrase by phrase, the longing and love between Solomon and the Shulamite reveals the intimacy between Jesus and His Disciples who follow him in His way.
(Perhaps, at some point, an examination of a joint chiastic structure created through the joining of Thomas and Song of Songs, and a detailed commentary may be worthwhile.)
God willing, a side by side comparison of all these texts, and/or an article pulling it all together may be offered. For now, it is still a work in progress. Nevertheless, if you desire to examine this work very much "still in progress" you may visit, The Testimony of Christ.
Yesterday was posted The Gospel of Thomas - 2 Peter Comparison
This comparison is most revealing. By joining Thomas 106-110 with 2 Peter 3:15-16 it is seen that the "wisdom" given to Paul was to "make the two one," Thomas 106. Paul's mystery revelation was to make the two factions of the church into one new man, Ephesians 2. This is the mystery given unto Paul that was not made known in other generations, Ephesians 3. This is a revelation of those who make the two one becoming "the Sons of Man," Thomas 106, and corporately becoming a Perfect Man, Ephesians 4. The illustration of the bride and the bridegroom is a further elaboration of this "wisdom," Ephesians 5. The parable of the lost sheep (Thomas 107) is illustrated by Paul leaving the Jewish sheepfold in Israel to seek the lost sheep of the Gentiles. Peter describes this wisdom as "these things" in Paul's epistles, 1 Peter 3:16b. Jesus refers to this wisdom as "the things that are hidden," Thomas 108. Jesus says this is "a hidden treasure in his field," that some do not know about, Thomas 109. Peter refers to this wisdom of Paul as "some things hard to be understood." Perhaps it is finally time to make these things plain, "to make known the mystery of the gospel," Ephesians 6, to make all men see, even as Paul desired. Perhaps, some might find it interesting to study Thomas, Ephesians, and 2 Peter side by side. He will gather together in One all things, Ephesians 1.
The Gospel of Thomas - The Song of Solomon - Joint Body Chiasm was posted tonight.
It is hoped that by comparing the Chiastic Structures of the
Gospel of Thomas together with the Chiastic Structures of The
Song of Songs that new insights will be discovered and recovered.
The pre-eminence of "The Bride and The Bridegroom," and the centrality of the message of "The Two Becoming One" is becoming more and more obvious.
"The Gospel of Thomas" is aligned with "The Letter of Jude". In the comparison between Thomas and Jude, every phrase in "The Letter of Jude" aligns sequentially with a corresponding or contrasting phrase in "The Gospel of Thomas."
What makes this comparison especially interesting is the possibility that Didymos Judas Thomas, who is named as the scribe of the Gospel of Jesus, may be the same Apostle that wrote "The Letter of Jude." If this author and scribe are one and the same, then this may explain the extensive interconnectedness between the two texts.
"The Gospel of Thomas" is aligned with "The Gospel of Matthew." Aligning with the Staurogram or "The Key of Knowledge" at Saying 55 in Thomas 55 is Matthew 16:19 where Jesus Says to Peter, "I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven." This may suggest that Jesus gives the keys of true knowledge and true power to those who follow his message of renunciation.
Matthew, as a gospel full of teaching, often effectively explains in detail difficult passages within Thomas. For example, Matthew 6:10-25 gives his explanation of Saying 14 where Jesus says, "If you fast, you will give rise to sin for yourselves; and if you pray, you will be condemned; and if you give alms, you will do harm to your spirits." In the side by side comparison check out Matthew's explanation.
And perhaps of interest to scholars, just as Thomas 17 aligns with 1 Corinthians 2:9, several times throughout the side by side scrolling of Thomas and Matthew identical verses appear on both the right hand and the left hand side of the page.
Presented for your edification.
A few days ago was posted The Gospel of Thomas - 2nd John Connection.
In this posting "The cornerstone" lines up and clarifies "The doctrine of Christ."
"The blind leading the blind" is equated with those who write "a new commandment unto thee."
And John's warning against those "Who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh" is contrasted with the true discipleship of those who "take up (the) cross in (his) way."
I have decided to post a response to a recent video posting that relies heavily on a page from an article "The Gospel of Christ."
Within this response the reader will find a side by side examination of The Book of Daniel together with The Book of Revelation.
For this reason, even though it is a more pastoral posting, it is added to this blog because of the connections within the parallel scriptures that are found at the end of the article. Eventually, God willing, a commentary on Daniel and Revelation will be added to the article.
Check out The Elect and The Effect."
Today is posted The Seven Thunders. This is an attempt to understand the Seven Thunders based on the Seven Days of Creation, the Seven Seals, and the corresponding Seven Sections in the Little Scroll which is today known as the Gospel of Thomas.
Previously, the message of these thunders had been shut up until the time of the end. John had written about these seven thunders saying, "When the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not... But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets," Revelation 10:4-7.
Perhaps, these things are now beginning to open up for us.
Today is posted The Book of Jonah - Gospel of Thomas - Side by Side Comparison.
Jonah is the story of a reluctant prophet.
Thomas is Jesus' training manual that he gives to reluctant messengers.
By comparing and contrasting the two messages using color coded corresponding phrases we can see what God through Jesus might say to hesitant messengers even today.
Today is posted The Book of Revelation - The Book of Daniel - Side by Side Comparison.
By comparing these two prophetic books new insights may be gleaned for those who are interested in the time of the end.
Today is posted a detailed comparison:
The Gospel of Thomas - The Gospel of Truth - Side by Side.
By comparing these two gospels a long lost "interpretation" of the gospel of the living Jesus may be recovered.
This week is posted The Gospel of Thomas - Gospel Luke Comparison.
The Gospel of Thomas - The Book of Acts Comparison has been up for some time now.
Efforts have begun to create files of these scriptural comparisons that can be printed out at a local book printer.
The Gospel of Mark Side by Side with the the Gospel of Thomas is now available in various file formats including ODF for Open Office and Libre, PDF for PDF viewers, and Word.doc for Microsoft Office.
I have created these files so that I might ask a Local Book Printer to print an actual book that I can hold in my hand. These files can also be viewed online.
View these files online (or save the file and open with the appropriate program in book or reading view for better readability as these scrolling texts were created side by side for ease of comparison)
ODT Files (Use the "Book View Icon" in Libre to see Thomas and Mark side by side)
https://1drv.ms/w/s!AsRIdjLJ8yJgqRLMkKpTemqH4fb6?e=3vbGmO
PDF Files (in Book Reader)
https://1drv.ms/b/s!AsRIdjLJ8yJgqRfHtD_IOVKWLki6?e=ORVdp4
Word.docs (Use "Reading View")
https://1drv.ms/w/s!AsRIdjLJ8yJgqRoz9IJYnXocCPBG?e=dtQnNN
For Word 2003: Open Word-> Tools-> Options-> tab General-> Allow starting in Reading Layout
For Word 2007: Open Word-> Office Logo-> Word Options…-> section Popular-> Open e-mail attachments in Full Screen Reading view
For Word 2010: Open Word-> File-> Options-> section General-> Open e-mail attachments in Full Screen Reading view
For Word 2013: Open Word-> File-> Options-> section General-> Open e-mail attachments and other uneditable files in reading view
When scrolling The Gospel of Thomas and 1 Corinthians together side-by-side,
then Thomas 17 and 1 Corinthians 2:9 align themselves together.
Their positions on the page align.
Thomas 17 & 1 Corinthians 2:9 Aligned.
And the similarities in thought, word and rhetoric are obvious.
Jesus said, "I shall give you what no eye has seen and what no ear has heard and what no hand has touched and what has never occurred to the human mind," Thomas 17.
Paul elaborates, "As it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him," 1 Corinthians 2:9.
Again, this may suggest dependence of one text upon the other.
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