Second Apocalypse of James

The Second Apocalypse of James is a Gnostic writing. It is the fourth tractate in Codex V in the Nag Hammadi library, immediately following the First Apocalypse of James. The order is a deliberate scribal choice, since the first text prepares James the Just for his death as a martyr, and the second text describes his death in detail. The existing Coptic version was likely translated in c. 300 AD from a Greek original written in c. 150 AD (possibly earlier than the First Apocalypse). In the text, James serves as a Gnostic redeemer who tries unsuccessfully to persuade the people to understand God before his martyrdom.