The Acts of Thomas, an anonymous third century Syriac romance, is the source of the Indian mission narrative attributed to the apostle Thomas, the story of King Gundaphorus, and the tradition identifying Thomas as the twin of Jesus. Its strength is that it is the primary ancient text itself, the origin point for these traditions. Its limit is that it is a legendary romance rather than a historical record, so its narrative details should not be read as verified history without independent corroboration.
Facts
Assessment
Reliability Tier2
The Acts of Thomas, an anonymous third century Syriac romance, is the primary ancient source itself for the Thomas-in-India traditions, the middle tier reflecting that it is a legendary romance rather than a historical record, notwithstanding its genuine standing as the origin point for the narrative it is cited for. NotesSyriac romance of the third century. Source of the Indian mission narrative, of the king Gundaphorus, and of the identification of Thomas as the twin of Jesus.
Citation
AuthorAnonymous
Source Typeprimary-text
Connections
Associated With
This source names Thomas directly: "The Acts of Thomas, an anonymous third century Syriac romance, is the source of the Indian mission narrative attributed to the apostle Thomas, the story of King Gundaphorus, and the tradition..."
Source The Acts of ThomasAnonymous
Claims Backed By This Source (16 claims)
This source backs 16 claims across the atlas. As facts: 9 well-attested. As cited relationships: 4 holds. Plus 3 entities citing it as a general reference with no single fact or relationship attached.
Disposition By Topic
- Sources, 6 claims: 5 well-attested, 1 holds.
- Scriptures & Texts, 4 claims: 3 holds, 1 general references.
- Doctrines, 3 claims: 2 well-attested, 1 general references.
- Figures, 3 claims: 2 well-attested, 1 general references.
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