The suppressed Gospels and Epistles of the original New Testament of Jesus the Christ, Volume 5, St. Paul

by William Wake

"The Suppressed Gospels and Epistles of the Original New Testament of Jesus the…", edited by Archbishop Wake and other learned divines, is a collection of early Christian texts, likely written during the early centuries of Christianity. This book offers insight into the alternative narratives and teachings attributed to Jesus and his disciples, which were considered heretical or non-canonical by mainstream Christianity. The texts included provide a glimpse into the theological disputes and differing beliefs among early Christian sects before the establishment of the canonical New Testament. The contents of the book primarily encompass epistles and gospels that were either excluded from or deemed apocryphal by the early church. One notable inclusion is the correspondence between Jesus and King Abgarus, which expresses the king’s requests for healing and Jesus's acknowledgment of his faith without having met him. Additionally, the collection features the Acts of Paul and Thecla, narrating Thecla’s fierce dedication to maintaining her faith amidst persecution and her miraculous encounters. Throughout these writings, themes of faith, martyrdom, and theological debate resonate, depicting a rich tapestry of early Christian thought and practice that diverges from the orthodox narratives familiar in contemporary Christianity.