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Teachings of Silvanus
Also known as NHC VII,4
undated
Wisdom text close to Alexandrian Christianity, showing the Nag Hammadi codices are not all 'Gnostic'.
Wikipedia extract
The Teachings of Silvanus is the fourth tractate in Codex VII of the Nag Hammadi library. The Coptic translation dates to c. 350 AD, but the original Greek version was likely written near Alexandria between c. 200 and the early 300s AD. The text is pseudepigrapha attributed to Silas (Silvanus), a companion of Paul in Acts of the Apostles. Scholars typically consider it not Gnostic, but J. L. Sumney argues that it is a Gnostic work. It is a rare example of an early Christian Wisdom text and was used in monastic circles. The content of the text encourages the reader to seek wisdom and knowledge, embrace Christ as the King and Teacher, and to cast out any negative influences. God and Christ are described as divine, with Christ being an emanation of God's power, wisdom, and life. The text instructs the reader to fear God, glorify Him through good works, and be pure.
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- Teachings of Silvanus · Wikipedia contributorsAccessed 2026-11-12 · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Wikidata Q1282670 · Wikidata contributorsAccessed 2026-11-12 · CC0 1.0
- Teachings of Silvanus · Early Christian Writings (Peter Kirby)Accessed 2026-11-12 · Hub site; each linked translation keeps its own rights. Link only.
Authority files
wisdom · nag-hammadi