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Three holy words (view source)

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:''Jesus said to his disciples: “Compare me and tell me whom I am like.” Simon Peter said to him: “You are like a just messenger.” Matthew said to him: “You are like an (especially) wise philosopher.” Thomas said to him: “Teacher, my mouth cannot bear at all to say whom you are like.” Jesus said: “I am not your teacher. For you have drunk, you have become intoxicated at the bubbling spring that I have measured out.” And he took him, (and) withdrew, (and) he said three words to him. But when Thomas came back to his companions, they asked him: “What did Jesus say to you?” Thomas said to them: “If I tell you one of the words he said to me, you will pick up stones and throw them at me, and fire will come out of the stones (and) burn you up.”'' (The Gnostic Gospel of Thomas, Saying #13)25
:''Jesus said to his disciples: “Compare me and tell me whom I am like.” Simon Peter said to him: “You are like a just messenger.” Matthew said to him: “You are like an (especially) wise philosopher.” Thomas said to him: “Teacher, my mouth cannot bear at all to say whom you are like.” Jesus said: “I am not your teacher. For you have drunk, you have become intoxicated at the bubbling spring that I have measured out.” And he took him, (and) withdrew, (and) he said three words to him. But when Thomas came back to his companions, they asked him: “What did Jesus say to you?” Thomas said to them: “If I tell you one of the words he said to me, you will pick up stones and throw them at me, and fire will come out of the stones (and) burn you up.”'' (The Gnostic Gospel of Thomas, Saying #13)25


This strange passage represents the type of secret knowledge that the Gnostic Jesus supposedly imparted to his disciples when he thought they were ready for it. In many ways this example is not unlike the mantras handed out to the followers of Hindu gurus who have reached a certain level of so-called enlightenment. Hindu mantras, or secret words, like those given to Thomas in the saying above, are not meant to be shared with anyone else.
This strange passage represents the type of secret knowledge that the Gnostic Jesus supposedly imparted to his disciples when he thought they were ready for it. According to Hippolytus, the heretics Basilides and his son Isidore claimed to have learned “secret words” from Matthias, which he had received in private teaching directly from the Savior.
 
There is a work referred to as ''The Traditions of Matthias'' which is referred to by some ancient writers.  According to Clement of Alexandria, a student of John the Apostle, the teachings of Matthias were used by the Basilideans and perhaps other gnostic groups.  According to Hippolytus, the heretics Basilides and his son Isidore claimed to have learned “secret words” from Matthias, which he had received in private teaching directly from the Savior.


The Roman Catholic church also had "secret words" referred to by Martin Luther
The Roman Catholic church also had "secret words" referred to by Martin Luther
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