Teachings of Silvanus

The Teachings of Silvanus is the fourth tractate in Codex VII of the Nag Hammadi library.^[1] The Coptic translation dates to c. 350 AD,^[1] but the original Greek version was likely written near Alexandria between c. 200 and the early 300s AD.^[1]^[2] The text is pseudepigrapha attributed to Silas (Silvanus), a companion of Paul in Acts of the Apostles.^[2] Scholars typically consider it not Gnostic,^[2]^[3] but J. L. Sumney argues that it is a Gnostic work.^[4] It is a rare example of an early Christian Wisdom text and was used in monastic circles.^[2] The content of the text encourages the reader to seek wisdom and knowledge, embrace Christ as the King and Teacher, and to cast out any negative influences. God and Christ are described as divine, with Christ being an emanation of God's power, wisdom, and life. The text instructs the reader to fear God, glorify Him through good works, and be pure.

^ ^a ^b ^c van den Broek, Roelof (1 Jul 1996). Studies in Gnosticism and Alexandrian Christianity. Brill. pp. 235–236. ISBN 9789004439689. Retrieved 10 February 2023.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Robinson, James M. (1977). The Nag Hammadi Library : Chenoposkion Manuscripts English (1st U.S. ed.). New York: Harper & Row. p. 346-347. ISBN 0-06-066929-2.
^ Pearson, Birger A. (2006), Gnosticism, Judaism, and Egyptian Christianity, Fortress Pr, p. 178, ISBN 0-8006-3741-0
^ Sumney, J. L. (1992). "The Teachings of Silvanus as a Gnostic work". Studies in Religion/Sciences Religieuses. 21 (2). Studies in Religion/Sciences Religieuses, 21(2): 191–206. doi:10.1177/000842989202100205. S2CID 152271917. Retrieved 10 February 2023.

[vdb-1] van den Broek, Roelof (1 Jul 1996). Studies in Gnosticism and Alexandrian Christianity. Brill. pp. 235–236. ISBN 9789004439689. Retrieved 10 February 2023.

[nhl-2] Robinson, James M. (1977). The Nag Hammadi Library : Chenoposkion Manuscripts English (1st U.S. ed.). New York: Harper & Row. p. 346-347. ISBN 0-06-066929-2.

[pear-3] Pearson, Birger A. (2006), Gnosticism, Judaism, and Egyptian Christianity, Fortress Pr, p. 178, ISBN 0-8006-3741-0

[4] Sumney, J. L. (1992). "The Teachings of Silvanus as a Gnostic work". Studies in Religion/Sciences Religieuses. 21 (2). Studies in Religion/Sciences Religieuses, 21(2): 191–206. doi:10.1177/000842989202100205. S2CID 152271917. Retrieved 10 February 2023.

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