Study Guide Questions: Gospel of Thomas
To help guide the presentation and discussion on the text, Gospel of Thomas, please consider the following questions. But don't be limited in your study of Thomas by these questions, as there are so many other critical topics to present and discuss as well. Remember to use a little "eye juggling" of these richly meaningful texts.
Who was Thomas? And what was his relationship to Jesus?
What is revealed about Jesus in this text that is consistent with and that is unique from the other four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John)?
What is the image of Jesus derived from this text? Is it consistent or different from your understanding, and why?
What specifically does this text suggest about the role of Jesus regarding redemption and salvation? And what are those implications?
What specifically does this text suggest about the nature of the Kingdom of God and where it resides? And what are those implications?
Where in this gospel is the discussion on the passion and resurrection, as well as any reference to the apocalyptic world view, as in Mark? What are the implications?
Why may have this Gospel been incorporated into and established as Scripture in some early Christian communities, particularly in the eastern regions from Egypt to Syria, while in other early communities, particularly in western regions, it was not used? And speculate why the Gospel of Thomas was not included in the four canonical Gospels as established by the Council of Nicaea in 325?
What is Gnosticism, and was the Gospel of Thomas a Gnostic text?