Berlin Codex 8502

Coptic text

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July 19, 2026

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The Berlin Codex 8502 is a Coptic manuscript containing a collection of biblical literature, specifically focusing on early Christian texts. Coptic literature, which emerged around the 2nd century CE in Egypt, is predominantly religious and includes translations from Greek as well as original works. This particular codex, like other Coptic texts, is written in the Greek alphabet with some demotic additions.123

The codex is significant because it sheds light on early Gnosticism and Manichaeism within the Christian church. It is part of a broader category of early Christian writings, including apocryphal gospels, that were not included in the standard biblical canon. These texts offer valuable insights into the diverse beliefs and practices of early Christianity.21

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gnosticism
Apocryphon of John
…Coptic text, known as the Berlin Codex 8502, was announced in 1896 but not published until the mid-20th century. In 1945, 12 additional codices and parts of a 13th codex, all probably dating from the 4th century, were discovered near the town of Nag Hammadi (now Najʿ Ḥammādī) in Egypt.…
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…Coptic text, known as the Berlin Codex 8502, was announced in 1896 but not published until the mid-20th century. In 1945, 12 additional codices and parts of a 13th codex, all probably dating from the 4th century, were discovered near the town of Nag Hammadi (now Najʿ Ḥammādī) in Egypt.…
Read More