The Acts of Peter and the Twelve Apostles
Original Text from Nag Hammadi Codex VI
Translated from the Coptic manuscript discovered near Nag Hammadi, Egypt (1945) Dated to approximately the 2nd-3rd century CE
Introduction
This ancient Gnostic text was discovered in 1945 as part of the Nag Hammadi Library — a collection of thirteen codices containing over fifty Coptic texts. The Acts of Peter and the Twelve Apostles is found in Codex VI, Section 1.
The text presents a mystical narrative in which Peter and the twelve apostles encounter a mysterious stranger who reveals himself as their Lord and teaches them about the nature of the world, suffering, and salvation.
The Text
Chapter 1: The Call to Mission
After these things, we heard a voice saying to us: “Go forth into the world to preach.” And we, the twelve apostles, gathered together and went forth to the mountain called “Habitation.”
We prayed, and behold, a voice came forth from the heaven, saying: “My beloved Son, you are he who has come forth from me. You are the light of the world.”
Chapter 2: The Stranger Appears
As we were going about in the world, preaching the gospel, we saw a man coming toward us. He was like a stranger, and he said to us: “Peace be with you, my brethren. I have come from the Father who sent me into the world. I have traveled through every city and every land, seeking those who belong to the light.”
We were amazed at his words, for they carried authority beyond anything we had heard before.
Chapter 3: The Parable of the Pearl
The stranger spoke to us in parables, saying:
“A merchant was seeking fine pearls. He had a single pearl of great value, yet he continued searching. When he found another pearl, even more beautiful than the first, he sold everything he had to purchase it.
So it is with the Kingdom of Heaven. It is hidden from many, but revealed to those who seek it with all their heart.”
Chapter 4: The City of Light
He spoke to us of a city called “Habitation,” where the righteous dwell. He said: “This city is not built with hands, nor does it exist in any earthly place. It is a city of light, where those who have awakened from the sleep of ignorance find their true home.
Many will seek to enter, but only those who have shed their garments of darkness will be able to pass through its gates.”
Chapter 5: Peter’s Question
Then Peter answered and said to him: “Lord, why do those who follow you suffer persecution? Why does the world reject those who bring your message?”
The Lord answered:
“The world loves its own, but those who belong to the light are strangers in this place. Just as a traveler passing through a foreign land expects hardship, so too should you expect suffering in this world.
But do not be afraid. The suffering of this world is temporary, like a shadow that passes when the sun rises. The glory that awaits you is eternal.”
Chapter 6: The Commission to the Twelve
Then he spoke specifically to us, the twelve apostles:
“You are the twelve who will carry my message to the ends of the earth. But know this: not all who hear will understand, and not all who understand will accept.
Some will receive you with joy. Others will reject you with violence. But those who truly belong to the light will recognize the truth when they hear it.”
Chapter 7: The Healing Power
The stranger performed many healings among those who gathered to listen. The blind received sight, the lame walked, and the sick were made whole.
But he said to us:
“These signs are not the greatest miracle. The greatest miracle is when a soul awakens from the sleep of ignorance and recognizes its true nature as a child of light.”
Chapter 8: The Departure
When the time came for him to leave, he said to us:
“I go to prepare a place for you. But I will not leave you as orphans. My spirit will remain with you, guiding you into all truth.
Remember what I have taught you. Live as children of light in a world of darkness. Love one another as I have loved you. And when you stand before those who would condemn you, speak the truth without fear.”
Then he vanished from our sight, but his words remained in our hearts like a fire that cannot be extinguished.
Chapter 9: The Apostles’ Response
After his departure, we gathered together and Peter spoke: “Brothers, we have been given a great responsibility. The Lord has entrusted us with the message of light. Let us go forth into the world, not as conquerors, but as servants. Not as judges, but as healers. Not as masters, but as witnesses to the truth.”
And so we departed, each going to different lands, carrying the message of the Kingdom to all who would listen.
Closing Blessing
Blessed are those who have heard these words and kept them in their hearts. For they have found the pearl of great price, and nothing in this world can take it from them.
To those who seek: Do not grow weary. The light is closer than you imagine.
To those who have found: Do not hide your light. Share it freely, for it multiplies when given away.
May the peace of the Father, the wisdom of the Son, and the guidance of the Spirit be with all who read these words. Amen.
Scholarly Notes
Manuscript: Nag Hammadi Codex VI, Section 1
Language: Coptic (Sahidic dialect)
Date: Approximately 2nd-3rd century CE
Discovery: Found near Nag Hammadi, Egypt in 1945 by local farmers Current Location: Coptic Museum, Cairo, Egypt
Key Themes:
- The stranger/Lord who brings hidden knowledge (gnosis)
- The pearl as a symbol of spiritual treasure
- The city of light as the true home of awakened souls
- Suffering as temporary; glory as eternal
- The twelve apostles as carriers of gnosis
- Awakening from the “sleep of ignorance”
Related Texts:
- The Gospel of Thomas
- The Gospel of Philip
- The Apocryphon of John
- The Gospel of Truth
This text is presented for educational and spiritual study purposes. The Nag Hammadi texts are in the public domain as ancient manuscripts.