Apocrypha Arabica

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Apocrypha Arabica

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

Margaret Dunlop Gibson presents 'Apocrypha Arabica,' a collection of early Christian Arabic texts from Mount Sinai. Featuring 'The Book of the Rolls' and the story of Aphikia, this volume offers rare insights into ancient religious beliefs, genealogies, and apocryphal narratives surrounding biblical figures like Adam, Noah, and Solomon.

Summary up to 500 words

Margaret Dunlop Gibson's *Apocrypha Arabica* presents two distinct apocryphal texts derived from Arabic manuscripts discovered at the Convent of Saint Catherine on Mount Sinai. The first work, *Kitab Al-Magall* (The Book of the Rolls), is attributed to Saint Clement and serves as a defense of the Virgin Mary's lineage against Jewish accusations. The text details the creation of the world, the fall of Satan, and the genealogy of Mary, tracing her descent from Adam through Noah and the patriarchs to Jesus Christ. A significant portion is dedicated to the Flood narrative, where Noah's Ark is described as a church-like structure. Notably, the text recounts that Adam's body was kept in a chest at the center of the earth within the Ark. After the flood, Noah curses Canaan, and the narrative continues with the genealogy of Jesus, emphasizing Mary's purity and Davidic lineage. The text blends Christian doctrine with pagan notions, such as the perpetual service before Adam's body and the idea of carrying it to the earth's center. The second story, *Aphikia*, is a legendary tale set in King Solomon's court. It features Aphikia, the virtuous wife of Jesus ben Sira, who serves as the King's treasurer. When Solomon wishes to see her, she prepares a feast of forty dishes that all taste identical, illustrating the unity of the soul despite the corruption of the body. After Solomon visits her, a ruby falls from his crown, revealing his presence to her husband, Jesus. This leads to a two-year estrangement until Solomon's mother-in-law uses a vineyard parable to resolve the conflict. The story concludes with Solomon blessing Jesus to return to his duties. Gibson notes the texts' historical value, their Syriac and Arabic origins, and their theological significance in proving Mary's lineage and explaining ancient Christian doctrines mixed with pagan notions.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Religion
• Christianity