The Coptic Apocalypse of Paul, Irenaeus' Adversus Haereses 2.30.7, and the Second-Century Battle for Paul's Legacy

Abstract

This article discusses the Coptic gnostic Apocalypse of Paul (NHC V,1), an expansion of Paul's heavenly ascent as described in 2 Cor 12.2-4, arguing that its similarities to, and independence from, Irenaeus' extrapolation of a Valentinian understanding of this ascension (Adversus Haereses 2.30.7) suggests that both accounts were written in a context of controversy between Valentinian and proto-orthodox Christians wherein both sides tried to claim the apostle Paul's authority. It also argues that this proposed Sitz im Leben renders coherent certain aspects of the Apocalypse of Paul that have in the past been considered problematic.