This title provides the first comprehensive analysis of the stages of development of the Gospel of Thomas, including a reconstruction, translation, and analysis of the 'original' form of this gospel, the Kernel Gospel of Thomas, as well as the later accretions.


The author develops a complete analysis of the origin and meaning of Gospel of Thomas as it developed through various oral and literary compositional 'stages,' from the earliest apocalyptic Kernel Gospel from Jerusalem (30-50 C.E.) to its final form as an early Christian mystical Gospel with Alexandrian affinities (90 C.E.).