Watch The Apocryphal Jesus

The Apocryphal Jesus, part of The Great Courses Signature Collection, is a fascinating exploration of the early Christian texts that didn't make it into the Bible, presented by David Brakke, a lecturer at The Ohio State University. Over 24 episodes, Brakke delves into a wealth of material, including the Gospel of Thomas, the Infancy Gospel of James, and the Gospel of Peter, examining their historical context and exploring the distinct teachings and perspectives they offer on Jesus and his message.

One of the key themes of the course is the diversity of early Christian thought, and Brakke does an excellent job of teasing out the nuances and differences between the various texts. For example, we learn about the gnostic Gospel of Judas, which presents Judas not as a traitor, but as the most enlightened disciple, chosen by Jesus to initiate him into the highest mysteries. We also hear about the infancy gospels, which describe Jesus' childhood in detail, including miraculous events like speaking from the crib and fashioning clay birds that come to life.

Throughout the course, Brakke makes frequent reference to the canonical gospels, highlighting how the apocryphal texts both complement and challenge the Orthodox view of Jesus that emerged in later centuries. For example, some texts present Jesus as a human teacher championing wisdom and virtue, rather than a divine savior. Others present him as more subversive or mystical than the Gospel writers let on. Through these comparisons, we gain a richer understanding of the social and theological context in which the New Testament was written, and of the complex tapestry of beliefs and practices that constituted early Christianity.

Another notable aspect of the course is Brakke's skill in weaving together the historical and theological dimensions of the material. Alongside discussions of key figures like Peter or Thomas, he provides illuminating insights into early Christian practices of scripture interpretation, ritual, and community life. By situating the apocryphal texts in their broader cultural and religious context, he shows how they reflect contemporary concerns and debates, and how their reception and circulation shaped the development of Christian thought over the centuries.

Overall, The Apocryphal Jesus is a deep and rewarding journey through a wealth of material that will be of interest both to committed Christians and to anyone interested in the history of religion and spirituality. Brakke's engaging presentation style, his obvious expertise, and his careful attention both to detail and to the big picture make this course a true standout in the Great Courses collection.

The Apocryphal Jesus is a series that ran for 1 seasons (24 episodes) between March 31, 2017 and on The Great Courses Signature Collection