One of the most controversial topics addressed in these texts is the question of whether or not Jesus was married. While the canonical s do not mention Jesus being married, several of the Apocryphal gospels do.
The most well-known of these gospels is the Gospel of Mary, which is also sometimes called the Gospel of Mary Magdalene. This text dates back to the 2nd century, but was not discovered until the late 19th century. It was written in Coptic, an Egyptian language, and is believed to be a translation of an earlier Greek text.
In the Gospel of Mary, we see Mary Magdalene as a central figure. She is portrayed as a spiritual leader who has profound insights about Jesus. In one passage, Mary tells the disciples about a vision she had of Jesus, in which she saw him kissing her on the mouth. Peter is offended by this vision and asks why Jesus would choose to reveal such a thing to her. Mary responds by saying, “What is hidden from you, I will proclaim to you.”
This passage is often interpreted as an indication that Jesus and Mary were married, or at least had a close relationship. However, some scholars argue that this interpretation is reading too much into the text. They point out that the Greek word used for “kiss” in this passage can also mean “embrace” or “greet with affection.” Additionally, they argue that the passage is not meant to be taken literally, but rather as a metaphor for the intimacy between Jesus and Mary’s spiritual connection.
Another Apocryphal gospel that mentions Jesus being married is the Gospel of Philip. This text dates back to the 3rd century and was discovered in Egypt in the 20th century. In this gospel, Jesus is said to have a “companion,” who is identified as Mary Magdalene. The text goes on to say that Jesus loved her more than the other disciples and often kissed her on the mouth.
Like the Gospel of Mary, the Gospel of Philip is open to interpretation. Some scholars argue that “companion” was used as a euphemism for “wife.” They also note that in ancient Jewish culture, it was not unusual for rabbis to be married. However, others argue that the text does not necessarily imply that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene. It could simply be indicating that she was a close and valued disciple.
Regardless of whether or not Jesus was actually married, the controversy surrounding this topic speaks to a larger issue within Christianity. For many years, the Catholic Church and other Christian denominations have upheld the belief that celibacy is a higher state of being than marriage. The idea that the Son of God was married challenges this belief and raises questions about the nature of his humanity.
However, it’s worth noting that the Apocryphal gospels were not included in the official canon of the Bible for a reason. These texts were often considered too unorthodox or heretical to be included in mainstream Christian doctrine. While they offer valuable insights into early Christian thought and belief, they should be approached with a critical and discerning eye.
In conclusion, the Apocryphal gospels offer up a controversial idea that Jesus may have been married. While this idea may challenge traditional beliefs, it also highlights the rich diversity of Christian thought and belief throughout history. Regardless of one’s personal beliefs on the matter, it’s important to approach these texts with an open mind and a willingness to engage in critical .