The Acts of Thecla A Pauline Tradition Linked to Women

The Acts of Thecla and The Acts of Paul and Thecla

From Gnostic Writings 2^nd Century

The Acts of Paul and Thecla is interesting to read keeping in mind that it is Gnostic Literature. The Apostle Paul in the Bible had to come against heretical teachings from Jews and Gnostics. Gnostic simply means Knowledge or to Know spiritual things.

Gnosticism (nostisiz?m), dualistic religious and philosophical movement of the late Hellenistic and early Christian eras. The term designates a wide assortment of sects, numerous by the 2d cent. A.D.; they all promised salvation through an occult knowledge that they claimed was revealed to them alone.

There are many Gnostic writings like the Gospel of Thomas which the History Channel makes such a big deal about, Gospel of Mary, Gospel of Peter, Gospel of Barnabus and many other so called Gospels and writings. I find them interesting to read for they do give some insight of the times and living conditions 18. 1900 years ago.

The Acts of Paul and Thecla is part of a Pauline tradition that provided apostolic blessing for women's leadership roles in the church. Although the events related in the Acts are legendary, a real Thecla may have lived in Asia Minor. Like many stories about Jesus and the Apostles, originally her tales were told orally. The content of the book, with its wealth of women characters, most of whom support each other (including a lioness who protects Thecla!), suggests Thecla's adventures were popular in women's circles.

An orthodox Christian, probably from Asia Minor, penned the Acts of Thecla between 160-190. The book circulated in several languages, including Greek, Coptic, Ethiopic, and Armenian. The Syrian and Armenian churches included the Acts of Thecla in their early biblical canons. It is now a part of the Christian apocrypha.

Although Thecla's adventures were popular, particularly in Asia Minor, the stories angered some of the church's best known opponents to women's leadership. The African church father Tertullian (160-230) complained that some Christians were using the example of Thecla to legitimate women's roles of teaching and baptizing in the church.

Foxe's Book of Martyr's

Training of the Twelve