“The Gospel of Bartholomew” is a little known book from the third century. Did you know the Quran contains an important story — and teaching, from Bartholomew?
The Gospel of Bartholomew tells the story of how one of Jesus’ disciples, Bartholomew, was permitted hold Satan down by placing his foot on his neck. Satan was forced to answer a series of questions from Bartholomew about creation, Mary, Jesus, and his perspective on these things. This is important in comparison to the Quran because the Quran’s foundational story about Satan’s rebellion comes directly from the Gospel of Bartholomew. Does this mean Bartholomew is an inspired work, or does the account in the Quran fall into question? Take a look and decide for yourself.
Several Quran passages make note of the origins of Satan, his nature, and conflict with Adam and God. (2:34, 7:11-12, 15:30-33, 17:61, 18:50, 20:116, 38:71-76.) 7:11-12 is used here:
“We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate yourselves before Adam.’ They all prostrated themselves except Satan, who refused to prostrate himself. ‘Why did you not prostrate yourself when I commanded you?’ He asked. ‘I am nobler than he,’ he replied. ‘You created me of fire, but you created him of clay.'”
Notice the similarities with the Gospel of Bartholomew:
“And when I came from the ends of the world, Michael said to me, “Worship the image of God which He has made in His own likeness.” But I said, “I am fire, of fire. I was the first angel to be formed, and shall I worship clay and matter?”
The word “worship” in this passage does not mean worship given to a deity, rather, it refers to homage paid to one greater. It has the same meaning as the Quranic passages listed above. It would be worthwhile to compare the other passages listed above with the Gospel of Bartholomew.
Bartholomew is a book of fiction. What does this comparison tell you about the Quran’s authenticity?
Another book contains great similarities to the Quran. It is called the “Protoevangeloin of James.”
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