A copy of the apocryphal gospel of James, believed to be written by James, brother of Jesus when he was a young man, described as apocryphal because it isn’t recognised by the patriarchs, was discovered in 1945 by a farmer near Nag Hammadi in Egypt. Also the apocryphon of John, or secret book of John which may have been influenced by Greek philosophy.
According to thought to be ecumenical sources, the church in Alexandria, Egypt may have been founded by Mark of the gospel in 49 ad, and claims jurisdiction, reportedly over all christians on the African continent. Not believed.
Thirteen manuscripts in all were uncovered, written in the coptic language, a language of that era; may have Persian roots. Thought to be early Christian writings said to have influenced Christianity and Gnosticism.
Gnosticism is believed to be a selection of ancient religious ideas and constructs of the first Century relating to Jewish, Christian and other dualist philosophies such as Zoroastrianism. Gnostics believe mystical insight into the divine through esoteric means to be paramount. That is, numbers and other phenomena may have a special meaning. Gnosticism still prevails in Catholic schools of thought such as transubstantiation.
Stories and themes of the apocryphal book of John include Jesus as a saviour, and reportedly his role in the reawakening and liberation of mankind.