The Gospel of Thomas: The Sayings of Jesus

A Modern English Translation with Synoptic Parallels, Historical Commentary & Contextual Notes

The Gospel of Thomas – A Modern Translation of the Sayings Gospel from Early Christianity

Discover the words attributed to Jesus that nearly disappeared from history.

The Gospel of Thomas is one of the most intriguing early Christian texts ever discovered. Found in 1945 among the Nag Hammadi manuscripts in Egypt, this collection of 114 sayings presents a voice of Jesus that is at once familiar and strikingly different. Some sayings closely parallel the canonical Gospels. Others explore mystical themes of self-knowledge, inner transformation, and the kingdom within. Yet most editions present this ancient work with dense academic language, minimal explanation, or commentary that interrupts the reading experience.

This Clear Text Explainer Edition changes that.

What You Get in This Edition

Modern English Translation: The complete Gospel of Thomas rendered in clear, contemporary language that preserves the original meaning while making the text readable for modern audiences. No archaic phrasing. No academic jargon. Just clear prose that respects the source.

Inline Explainers for Essential Context: When a saying parallels Matthew or Luke, reflects Jewish wisdom traditions, or introduces mystical imagery, you’ll find concise explanations embedded directly in the text. These explainers cover:

• Synoptic Parallels: Compare Thomas’s sayings with Matthew, Mark, and Luke to see both continuity and divergence from the canonical tradition
• Mystical Themes: Clarify symbolic and esoteric language such as divine light, self-knowledge, and the kingdom within without forcing rigid labels
• Jewish Wisdom Background: Understand the Jewish roots that shaped many of the teachings and metaphors
• Scholarly Debates: See major interpretive questions addressed when they matter for understanding difficult sayings
• Textual Notes: Learn why some passages appear in brackets and how manuscript gaps affect translation choices
• Theological Significance: Discover why certain sayings mattered to the communities that preserved them

No Footnotes to Hunt For: Unlike academic editions that force constant page-flipping, this edition places explanations exactly where they are needed, inline, preserving reading flow while adding clarity.

What the Gospel of Thomas Reveals About Early Christianity

• How certain sayings parallel canonical Gospel teachings while others diverge
• Why themes of inner enlightenment and personal transformation appear so prominently
• What the text suggests about early Christian diversity and debate
• How Jewish wisdom traditions shaped many of the sayings
• Why scholars continue to debate its dating and origins
• How manuscript discoveries changed modern understanding of early Christianity

Who This Edition Is For

This book serves anyone interested in early Christianity, biblical studies, church history, or comparative theology — from students and researchers to independent learners exploring non-canonical texts. If you’ve wanted to read the Gospel of Thomas but found existing editions overly academic or lacking guidance, this translation balances accessibility with scholarly context.

About the Clear Text Explainer Series

Clear Text Editions specializes in making ancient texts readable without sacrificing accuracy. Our Explainer Series combines modern translations with strategic inline explanations, giving you the context you need exactly when you need it. No archaic language. No disruptive footnotes. Just clear access to historically important writings.