gospel-marynag-hammadi
Gospel of Mary 4
Levi rebukes Peter's contention against Mary, naming the Saviour's own worthiness-judgment as the only standing from which to accept or reject a witness — a direct appeal to the Holy Order principle that priesthood authority neither grants nor revokes what Jehovah has already conferred. The text closes with threefold beatitudes: honoring the woman as first resurrection witness, commending those who put on the perfect Man and thus pass undetained through the powers of the lower kingdoms, and sealing the gospel in Mary's name among the holy ones — those prepared to receive what the broader assembly was not ready to hold.
1
Levi answered, and said unto Peter: Peter, thou hast ever been hot-tempered. Now I behold thee contending against this woman, even as her adversary.
2
Yet, if the Saviour hath made her worthy, who, then, art thou to reject her? Surely the Saviour knoweth her exceeding well. For this cause He loved her more than us.
3
Rather, let us be ashamed; and let us put on the perfect Man — let us bring Him forth among us, even as He commanded us. And let us proclaim the gospel, and lay no rule, neither any law, beyond what the Saviour spake unto us.
4
And when Levi had said these things, they began to go forth that they might proclaim and preach.
5
And the gospel, even the Gospel according to Mary, was sealed up; and it was kept among the holy ones.
6
Blessed are they that have received the words of Mary; for they have received the words of the Saviour.
7
Blessed are they that have not despised the testimony of a woman; for the woman was the first witness of the resurrection.
8
Blessed are they that put on the perfect Man, and walk in His way; for they shall not be detained by the powers, neither shall they be bound by the kingdom of the flesh.
9
Glory be unto the Saviour, who hath taught us; and unto Mary, who hath remembered His words; and unto Levi, who hath defended her; and unto all the holy apostles, who have proclaimed the gospel of the kingdom.
10
Forever and ever. Amen.
