The “lost gospel” referenced in an upcoming book isn’t actually new; it’s a long-standing text that early church authorities considered heretical. The book, titled The Girl Who Baptized Herself, authored by Meggan Watterson, is set to be released on July 22. It highlights the acts of Paul and Thecla, featuring a remarkable narrative about Thecla—a woman who became a Christian after hearing Paul’s teachings. She reportedly faced multiple life-threatening situations, first surviving a storm that ignited flames around her and, later, being thrown into an arena with wild animals.
The publisher, Penguin Random House, describes the acts of Paul and Thecla as the “Lost Bible” and “Lost Gospel” in their promotional content. According to them, these texts were “cut out of the Bible canon.” In a discussion with Publishers Weekly, Tertullian—an early church father—suggested that these acts symbolize women’s spiritual authority to baptize and teach, which was often suppressed. Watterson, noted for her feminist theology, has previously discussed figures like Mary Magdalene.
The subtitle of her book hints at a deeper message: “How the Lost Bible about a Saint Named Thecla Reveals Our Power to Know Our Values.”
Unlike the New Testament, the acts of Paul and Thecla were dismissed by early churches. This text, not authored by the apostle and distinct from Luke’s gospel—which was penned by Paul’s companion—was considered incompatible with the teachings of Christ and the apostles.
These acts are part of a broader set known as the typical acts of the Apostles that have been around for centuries. Other examples include the actions of Peter and Thomas, all of which were similarly rejected by early church authorities.
“None of these accounts were found valid by early churches due to inaccuracies in their content,” according to sources.
Issues include aspects like conversations with the dead and self-baptism—practices absent from the New Testament. Additionally, critics note that the focus on non-biblical views of sexuality poses significant problems. For instance, the texts attribute certain statements to Paul, like the notion that “no wife has a wife,” suggesting a problematic interpretation of relationships.
Experts have commented that, at best, the acts provide a perspective on legendary tales influenced by the apostles. Still, they argue such writings should not hold the same respect as scripture.
Overall, while the acts of Paul and Thecla offer intriguing narratives, they present a view that diverges from traditional Christian teachings.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Romolo Tavani
