Apocryphon of Jannes and Jambres the magicians, The
Book Description
This scholarly exploration unveils a fascinating piece of ancient spiritual literature that has captivated readers across cultures and centuries. Albert Pietersma presents the first complete edition of a remarkable Greek text from antiquity, possibly dating to the first century CE, which tells the story of two enigmatic magicians who challenged Moses during Israel's exodus from Egypt.
The narrative of Jannes and Jambres has traveled extraordinary distances through time and geography, appearing in Jewish, Christian, and pagan writings across multiple languages and civilizations. From the deserts of Egypt to medieval European courts, these figures have inspired storytellers and spiritual seekers alike, eventually influencing the legendary Faust tales that would emerge in later European literature.
Pietersma provides not only the carefully edited ancient text but also comprehensive commentary that illuminates its meaning and significance. The introductory sections trace how these mysterious opponents of Moses captured imaginations across diverse religious traditions, revealing the universal appeal of stories about spiritual power, divine authority, and the eternal struggle between competing forces.
For readers interested in understanding how ancient spiritual narratives shaped religious thought and literary tradition, this work offers unique insights into the cross-cultural transmission of sacred stories. The book demonstrates how certain archetypal figures transcend their original contexts to become enduring symbols in humanity's spiritual imagination.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~10 hours)
📄 Length: 349 pages
What You'll Discover
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