THE GOSPEL OF PETER - By Jessica

The Gospel of Peter is known to be written by the 8th or 9th century by the Apostle Peter in Syria. It was a prominent passion narrative in the history of Christianity, but over time it passed out of common usage. Only some fragments remain and they ascribe responsibility for the crucifixion of Jesus to Herod Antipas rather than to Pontius Pilate and for representing the true Cross as miraculously capable of speech.

This gospel was popular by the second century, but the actual text is still not found. In 1886, parts of its actual text was discovered in Egypt. Since then, we have known of the existence of this gospel.

SOURCES

It is said that the Gospel of Peter has parallels with the three other gospels but actually there are two different opinions about the sources of the Gospel of Peter.

1. Ron  Cameron and others conclude that the author may have been independent from the synoptic Gospels and that he indirectly used the Q Gospel.

2. Raymond E. Brown and others conclude that the author may have been acquainted with the synoptic Gospels including the Gospel of John.

Although sources are not certain, it is possible that the original text was vastly changed by oral tradition.

CONTENTS

Basically it talks about the death and resurrection of Jesus, but there are two main characteristics that stand out.

1. Anti-Judaism. The author opposes to Judaism and Pontius Pilate is exonerated of all responsibility for the Crucifixion. 

2. At the final parts of the text, the author talks as the cross itself is speaking, and it is even floating out of the tomb.

AGAIN, we do not know full content of the Gospel of Peter, and it is not longer used, but some parts are very interesting and they are used to study the Bible by the scholars. ^_^