If the Greek version of the "Epistle of the Apostles" had survived, says Julian Hills, it would be on everyone's shelf. But this second-century document survived only in Coptic and Ethiopic translations and thus gathered dust in academic libraries. "The Epistula Apostulorum" opens with a letter-like greeting to believers worldwide, followed by a brief summary of Jesus' earthly career. It then launches into an extended dialogue between Jesus and his disciples. Its orthodox author therefore employs the very form favored by the Gnostics to refute their claims regarding resurrection and judgment....
If the Greek version of the "Epistle of the Apostles" had survived, says Julian Hills, it would be on everyone's shelf. But this second-century docume...
