A 1,200-year-old Egyptian manuscript suggests that the Last Supper took place on a Tuesday instead of a Thursday, alters the traditional view of Judas, and presents Jesus with transformative abilities. The text also reveals a more complex relationship with Pontius Pilate and offers new perspectives on history and liturgy.
New Revelations about the Last Supper and the Transformative Power of Jesus
Similarly to other times of the year, during Holy Week, television programming often revisits a familiar narrative: the life, passion, and death of Jesus Christ. However, in this context, unprecedented versions have emerged that open up a range of alternative interpretations.
A Coptic manuscript approximately 1,200 years old, recently translated by Professor Roelof van den Broek, raises new questions about the traditional history we know.
The Last Supper Relocated in the Calendar
The most surprising discovery lies in the supposed chronological relocation of the Last Supper. Until now, Christian tradition has placed this pivotal meeting on the Thursday preceding the crucifixion. However, the Egyptian manuscript suggests that this meal was celebrated on a Tuesday.
If accurate, this temporal adjustment could alter the way the Holy Week calendar is conceived. What consequences would such a drastic change have?
On one hand, the reinterpretation of the exact day could affect liturgical commemorations and the dates that Christian communities have maintained for centuries. Consequently, we would face the possibility of reexamining customs deeply rooted in tradition.
The Surprising Transformative Capacity of Jesus
On the other hand, the document provides little-known details about the physiognomy and the supposed gifts of Jesus Christ. According to the manuscript, the Messiah would not only be recognizable by his teachings but would also possess the ability to transform, altering his appearance and, in extreme cases, even becoming invisible.
This extraordinary characteristic makes sense when reviewing the motive behind the famous kiss of Judas. Far from being a simple identifying act, this gesture would have been necessary to signal the correct man, as without it, the captors would not have been able to be sure of Jesus’ true figure.
Similarly, the idea that Jesus Christ could adopt multiple forms clashes with the conventional image established by tradition.
This is not about discrediting known sources but about understanding that, throughout history, multiple oral and written accounts have offered diverse interpretations of the person of Jesus. This plurality forces us to weigh the complex task of historiography and the impact that lesser-known accounts can have on our current understanding.
Pontius Pilate, a Character with a Different Face
Conversely, the text grants Pontius Pilate, the Roman prefect of Judea, a more favorable protagonism. The encounter between Pilate and Jesus in the former’s house, prior to the Passion, is described with unusual nuances.
The prefect reportedly offered the sacrifice of his own son, and Jesus’ response was to refuse this gesture while appearing incorporeal before the Roman governor’s eyes. These traits place Pilate in a position distant from the rigid and authoritative image with which he has been historically associated, opening the door to different interpretations in which his figure would not be solely that of the politician who agreed to the crucifixion but of a man more sensitive to the sacred.
However, in the Coptic Church, Pilate’s role was already valued with greater benevolence. The devotion to his figure in certain Coptic circles suggests that the manuscript is inscribed within a tradition more empathetic to his image. Could these nuances stem from the cultural context in which such stories were copied and transmitted?
The Coptic tradition, with its unique heritage, could have idealized the prefect, thus offering an alternative view to the traditional Western account.
A Complex and Multifaceted View of the Past
Furthermore, the translator himself, van den Broek, acknowledges that the text may contain elements derived from oral transmission, legends, and perspectives that emerged later. Therefore, it is not simply a matter of accepting these narratives as absolute but understanding them within the complex network of sources that make up the history of Christianity.
Each account, each nuance, and each detail sheds light on how the early believing communities interpreted and reinterpreted fundamental events.
Ultimately, this rediscovered manuscript does not seek to displace the canonical version but rather to enrich the debate about the origin, identity, and legacy of Jesus. Likewise, scholars, historians, and theologians will continue to evaluate the credibility of this source.
In the contemporary world, marked by the expansion of information and easy access to historical documents, it is noteworthy that meticulous research, such as that driven by prestigious institutions, is fundamental to understanding and valuing these new revelations.
Catalogue of the Coptic Manuscripts in the Utrecht University Library
