Gospel of Nicodemus or Acts of Pilate, The

The "Book of Nicodemus," also known as the "Gospel of Nicodemus" or the "Acts of Pilate," is an ancient Christian apocryphal text not included in the New Testament. It is divided into two parts: the "Gospel of Nicodemus," which offers an account of Jesus's descent into Hades and the rescue of righteous figures from the Old Testament, and the "Acts of Pilate," which details the trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate, providing additional insights into the crucifixion and its political and religious context. This text emphasizes the redemptive power of Christ's sacrifice and the transformative impact of encountering Jesus, despite not being part of the canonical Christian scripture. It has had a profound influence on Christian art, literature, and theology. While the "Book of Nicodemus" is not considered part of the official Christian canon, it has had a significant influence on Christian art, literature, and theology throughout history. It has been the source of inspiration for various artistic representations of the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus and has contributed to the development of Christian eschatology and ideas about the afterlife. The text has been preserved in different versions and translations over the centuries, attesting to its enduring relevance within Christian tradition.