The Fabrication of the Biblical Text: How the Early Church Fathers forged documents and their implications

The development of Christianity and the collection of its sacred texts is a complex and fascinating journey, but one which is not without controversy. As we delve into the works of Joseph Wheless, we encounter a significant portion of Christian literature that challenges traditional views on the authenticity of the Biblical text. In this article, we will explore the forgery in early Christianity, specifically focusing on the fake Gospels and other forged documents that shaped the early Church's narrative.

Forged Gospels and Other Documents

When Christianity first spread across the Pagan world, the early Church Fathers and priests recognized the need for tangible, concrete, and compelling evidence to win over the skeptical and spiritual population. According to Wheeler, these documents and records were often 'fictitious persons and performances' designed to persuade the credulous pagans. Some of the key forged documents include:

A Gospel written by Jesus Christ's own hand Letters and portraits of Jesus Christ Lets written by his Virgin Mother Pilate's official report to the Emperor of the trial and crucifixion of Jesus, including Pilate's confession of faith The reply of Tiberius and the trial of Pilate Official documents of the Roman Senate about Jesus Gospels, epistles, and acts by every one of the twelve Apostles Special documents of church law and government written in Greek by the Apostles Records of the earliest 'Popes' and 'Apostolic succession'

As Wheeler explains, these forged documents were part of an arms race of religious propaganda. The pious Christians of the first two centuries of the Christian 'Age of Apocryphal Literature' produced a half a hundred of these false and forged Apocryphal gospels and epistles. These works were crafted to bolster the Church's narrative and to ingrain the stories of the saints and the miracles of Jesus in the hearts and minds of the early Christians.

Forged Gospels and Other Apocryphal Documents

The text of the New Testament is filled with apocryphal documents, some of which are more well-known today than others. According to biblical scholars, these Apocryphal Gospels include:

The Gospel according to the Hebrews The Gospel according to Peter according to the Egyptians The Gospel according to Matthias The Gospel according to Philip The Gospel according to Thomas (Protocol-Evangelium of James) The Gospel of Nicodemus The Acts of Pilate

Each of the twelve Apostles had a Gospel attributed to them, some by multiple early sects. Notable examples include the Gospel of Matthew, which has several versions, including the Gospels of Matthias and the Gospel of St. Matthew dating from the 4th or 5th century. Wheeler indicates that the authenticity of these documents is widely admitted by contemporary scholars as being late productions.

The Descent into Hades and the Acta Pilati

The Acta Pilati, or Acts of Pilate, is a collection of apocryphal writings that attempt to narrate Pilate's role in the events of Jesus' life. One of the most popular versions, the Gospel of Nicodemus, is described by Wheeler as gaining wide credit in the Middle Ages. Bishop Eusebius, one of the prominent Church Fathers, recounts the supposed account of Pilate reporting on the miracles and death of Jesus to Emperor Tiberius.

Bishop Eusebius and Father Tertullian both embellished the role of Pilate in these writings, aiming to present a narrative that would support the resurrection of Christ. They exaggerated Pilate's weak defense of Jesus into a story of strong sympathy and practical belief in his divinity. However, these documents were, in reality, fabrications designed to support the Church's narrative and to provide a sense of authenticity to the otherwise non-existent accounts.

Implications and Relevance Today

The forgery and manipulation of religious texts by early Christians had significant implications for the development of the Christian faith. These forged documents provided the early Church with a basis for its doctrine and a means of establishing its divine authority and teachings.

In today's digital age, where information can be shared and replicated instantly, it is crucial to critically examine and verify the sources of religious information. Understanding the history of the development of the Bible and the process of its formation helps readers to appreciate the complexities of religious texts and to approach them with a more informed and critical eye.

Key learnings from these forged documents include:

The importance of verifying historical and religious documents The role of propaganda in shaping religious doctrine The impact of the early Church Fathers on the development of Christian thought and practice

By examining and understanding the history behind the forgery of these documents, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich and complex history of the Christian faith.