description Pistis Sophia Overview
Pistis Sophia is a Coptic Gnostic work preserved in the Askew Codex, a manuscript generally dated to the fourth century and now held by the British Library. Its text presents extended dialogues in which the risen Jesus teaches his disciples, with Mary Magdalene serving as a particularly prominent questioner. The work is an important source for scholars studying early Christian diversity, Gnostic cosmology, repentance, ritual, and beliefs about the soul's ascent.
help Pistis Sophia FAQ
What exactly is the Pistis Sophia?
The Pistis Sophia is a prominent Gnostic Christian text that features extended dialogues between the resurrected Jesus and his disciples. It specifically highlights Mary Magdalene as a leading questioner, portraying her as a figure of deep spiritual insight.
Where is the original manuscript of the Pistis Sophia kept today?
The primary text of the Pistis Sophia is preserved in the Askew Codex, an ancient Coptic manuscript. This historic document has been held in the collections of the British Library in London since it was acquired from Dr. Anthony Askew in the 18th century.
When was the Pistis Sophia written?
While the exact authorship remains unknown, scholars generally date the Askew Codex manuscript itself to the fourth century. The original Greek texts from which it was likely translated are believed to have been written even earlier, in the second or third centuries.
What does the title 'Pistis Sophia' actually mean?
The title translates from Greek to "Faith Wisdom," combining the words "pistis" (faith) and "sophia" (wisdom). In the Gnostic cosmology of the text, Pistis Sophia is also the name of a divine figure who falls from the heavenly realm and seeks redemption through Jesus' teachings.
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