Apocalypse of Adam
The Apocalypse of Adam is handed down in the corpus of the Nag Hammadi writings (NHC V, 5) and is counted as part of the Setian Gnosis . In addition to fundamental Jewish influences with clear parallels to the Old Testament , Egyptian and Greek influences (e.g. nine Pierids and Muses are mentioned) can also be identified. It is controversial whether there may be Christian influences. Whether the Apocalypse of Adam is pre-Christian is also controversial; it may have originated around the 1st century BC. The consistency of the whole text is doubted. A main text may have been enriched by further elements or sources.
content
According to the short introduction and the concluding sentences, the Apocalypse of Adam contains revelations from Adam , which he preached to his son Set and which were then passed on by him. Adam first reports about Eve, about the creation of man , and a common time of knowledge and glory in which both angels were equal. This is followed by the loss of true knowledge, a time of fear and bondage begins, and death gains power over man. The flood follows , as a result of which the earth is divided up among the descendants of Noah . Thirteen kingdoms are described below in relation to the origins of a coming Savior. This is followed by apocalyptic threats of punishment and promises of salvation for the virtuous.
In the final paragraph, the salvific meaning of the revelations of Adam on Set is emphasized again (as hidden gnosis, holy baptism , living water).
translation
- Emmanouela Grypeou: Apocalypse Adam . Jewish Writings from the Hellenistic-Roman Period - New Series (JSHRZ-NF), Volume 1 / Delivery 2. Gütersloher Verlagshaus, 2015, ISBN 978-3-579-05247-2 .
literature
- Douglas M. Parrot (1989): The 13 Kingdoms of the Apocalypse of Adam: Origin, Meaning and Significance. In: Novum Testamentum XXXI (1989), 67-87.