An accessible guide to the history, meaning, and interpretation of the Apocryphal Gospels

Shows how close analysis of text, contents and context are vital in assessing the value and authenticity of such ancient and valuable texts.

Discusses the limitations of using the apocryphal gospels to reconstruct an accurate portrait of the historical Jesus - and sets this against the limitations of using the New Testament gospels.

Part of the bestselling Very Short Introductions series - over two million copies sold worldwide.

This Very Short Introduction offers a clear, accessible, and concise account of the apocryphal gospels - exploring their origins, their discovery, and discussing how the various texts have been interpreted both by the Church and beyond.

Looking at texts from the Gospels from Nag Hammadi to the Dialogues with the Risen Saviour, Paul Foster shows how the apocryphal gospels reflect the diversity that existed within early Christianity, and examines the extent to which they can be used to reconstruct an accurate portrait of the historical Jesus. Including discussions of controversies and case-studies such as the alleged hoax surrounding the discovery of Secret Mark, Foster concludes that the non-canonical texts, considered in the correct context, offer us an important window on the vibrant and multi-faceted face of early Christianity.