The Gospel of Peter

The Gospel of Peter was the first non-canonical gospel to be rediscovered during the modern period.' This nine page fragment from a larger text narrates a version of events dealing with the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Some of the document's more striking features include its increased anti-Jewish tendency, the heightening of miraculous elements, Jesus' cry from the cross 'my power, the power, you have left me' and perhaps most strikingly the vision of a talking cross emerging from the tomb. This text represents a later popularizing trend in handling gospel traditions.