Gospel of Thomas Quotes

Translated by Mark M. Mattison

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These are the hidden sayings that the living Jesus spoke and Didymos Judas Thomas wrote down.

Symbols

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A Random Saying


Saying 64: The Parable of the Dinner Party

Jesus said, "Someone was planning on having guests. When dinner was ready, they sent their servant to call the visitors.

"The servant went to the first and said, 'My master invites you.'

"They said, 'Some merchants owe me money. They're coming tonight. I need to go and give them instructions. Excuse me from the dinner.'

"The servant went to another one and said, 'My master invites you.'

"They said, "I've just bought a house and am needed for the day. I won't have time.'

"The servant went to another one and said, 'My master invites you.'

"They said, 'My friend is getting married and I'm going to make dinner. I can't come. Excuse me from the dinner.'

"The servant went to another one and said, 'My master invites you.'

"They said, "I've just bought a farm and am going to collect the rent. I can't come. Excuse me.'

"The servant went back and told the master, 'The ones you've invited to the dinner have excused themselves.'

"The master said to their servant, 'Go out to the roads and bring whomever you find so that they can have dinner.'

"Buyers and merchants won't [enter] the places of my Father."


Credits


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Visit The Gnosis Archive (a site I founded in 1993, but no longer operate) and, specifically, their Gospel of Thomas Collection for lots more information on the Gospel of Thomas and other Gnostic works.