Testimony of Truth

The Testimony of Truth is a Gnostic Christian text.[1] It is the third of three treatises in Codex IX of the Nag Hammadi library texts, taking up pages 29–74 of the codex.[2] The original title is unknown; the editor created the title based on expressions in the text, such as "the word of truth" and "true testimony."[3] The text is a homily that argues for accepting spiritual truth and renouncing the material world.[4] The author interprets the serpent that instructed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden[5] as Christ, who revealed knowledge of a malevolent Creator.[6] Testimony of Truth is also the only Nag Hammadi text that identifies opposing Gnostic Christian groups by name.[1]

  1. ^ a b van Os, Bas (22 March 2017). "The Impediment of the Passions: The Testimony of Truth (nhc ix,3) as Deliberative Rhetoric Against the Teaching that the Confession of Faith and Baptism are Salvific without Celibacy". Gnosis. 2 (1): 40–62. doi:10.1163/2451859X-12340026. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  2. ^ Meyer & Robinson 1977, p. XIV.
  3. ^ Pearson, B. A. (1 January 1972). "Jewish Haggadic Traditions in The Testimony of Truth from Nag Hammadi (CG IX, 3)". Ex Orbe Religionum. 22. Brill: 458. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  4. ^ Pearson, Birger (26 October 2020). Nag Hammadi Codices IX and X. BRILL. pp. 101–120. ISBN 978-90-04-43887-3. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  5. ^ Genesis 3
  6. ^ Pearson 2020, p. 106.