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The Gospel of the Beloved Companion: The Complete Gospel of Mary Magdalene
The Gospel of the Beloved Companion is the first English translation of a previously unpublished first-century gospel of the same name. Originally written in Alexandrian Greek, and brought from Egypt to the Languedoc during the early to middle part of the first century, this exceptional manuscript has been preserved within the author's spiritual community since that period. In this extraordinary book, the Gospel of the Beloved Companion comes alive to bring us a luminously poetic yet starkly objective insight into, and perhaps a new perspective on, the teachings and philosophy of one of the greatest spiritual teachers the world has ever known.
Author Jehanne de Quillan presents this translation along with a detailed comparative study between the Gospel of the Beloved Companion and the canonical and gnostic Gospels in a clear and easy-to-read format, leading the reader step-by-step to a deep understanding of this remarkable text and, perhaps for the first time, a clear and unsullied view of the woman known to most as Mary Magdalene.
Author Jehanne de Quillan presents this translation along with a detailed comparative study between the Gospel of the Beloved Companion and the canonical and gnostic Gospels in a clear and easy-to-read format, leading the reader step-by-step to a deep understanding of this remarkable text and, perhaps for the first time, a clear and unsullied view of the woman known to most as Mary Magdalene.
274 pages, Paperback
First published November 9, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 19, 2011
A previously unpublished 1st century gospel, translated by the author. The gospel is a highly readable personal account of the life and teachings of Jesus. The simple yet beautiful prose speaks directly to the reader. I academic comparisons of this gospel to others that are similar was not of great interest to me as I feel that it stands alone on it's own merit.
January 23, 2016
Have an open mind. To me it makes sense.
September 10, 2013
I am amazed by this book and if it were possible I would include it in the canonical scriptures ... I know that I will read it over and over.
October 13, 2022
Beautiful translation in easy-to-read language. The story adds some insight into not only Mary Magdalene, but into Jesus as well. This is NOT the Gospel of Mary that was discovered in 1896. It is a completely separate work that was hidden in France for centuries and has only now been translated. That said, while the *language* is easy to read, the font takes some getting used to.
It does have a few controversial bits of text, so be sure to keep an open mind. For those in touch with the Divine Feminine and those who revere and worship Magdalene personally, this is an absolute must read.
After the Gospel itself, the translator provides extensive notes, research, and interpretations, including a comparison of the styles of the four traditional Gospels. The text is heavily skewed against the Catholic Church. This reviewer offers no opinions but simply puts it out here so the reader knows what to expect.
It does have a few controversial bits of text, so be sure to keep an open mind. For those in touch with the Divine Feminine and those who revere and worship Magdalene personally, this is an absolute must read.
After the Gospel itself, the translator provides extensive notes, research, and interpretations, including a comparison of the styles of the four traditional Gospels. The text is heavily skewed against the Catholic Church. This reviewer offers no opinions but simply puts it out here so the reader knows what to expect.
November 14, 2015
The best book I've read explaining the life of Christ from a fascinating point of view. Perhaps the most clarifying of all biblical literature.
March 19, 2017
This book changed my entire perception of biblical times--the stories, their accuracy, the veracity.
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February 7, 2024I loved reading the gospel of Mary Magdalene, and I appreciated the new angle it took on Jesus's life, death, and resurrection. I enjoyed its emphasis on female authority and divinity too :) The commentary from the translator compared it with the other canonical and gnostic gospels and left the reader to make their own conclusions about the divinity of the text and the position of Mary Magdalene.
Feels odd to rate a book that many people deem scripture.
Feels odd to rate a book that many people deem scripture.
August 12, 2021
This is a beautiful book that has been kept in the dark for much too long. Once a Christian, I saw myself consistently condemned as a sinner, however I’ve always had an innate knowing that no God would police my every move the way school nuns do. This gospel felt like a coming home to a fundamental principle within Christianity that I feel is missing in Catholicism today. It restores a bit of faith, gives true insight into Christ consciousness and shows what true enactments of love are, as are depicted by Mary Magdalene- selfless, unfaltering, and, dare I say, magical.
The book can be separated into 2 parts, first the gospel, then an explanatory segment. This latter part depicts how translations of the text over the centuries may have been manipulated and accredited different names, producing misinterpreted renditions. The absence of Mary Magdalene, and what I feel is the deliberate dismissal of her being, can be related to current issues surrounding sexism and the perpetuation of the patriarchy. I wonder where we would be had we not ‘lost’ the teachings of many great historical women, like Mary Magdalene.
Lean into the gospel, but do read the explanatory text with a critical mind. This book served as a reminder to me that my spirituality is mine- intuitive, and not dictated by anyone else.
The book can be separated into 2 parts, first the gospel, then an explanatory segment. This latter part depicts how translations of the text over the centuries may have been manipulated and accredited different names, producing misinterpreted renditions. The absence of Mary Magdalene, and what I feel is the deliberate dismissal of her being, can be related to current issues surrounding sexism and the perpetuation of the patriarchy. I wonder where we would be had we not ‘lost’ the teachings of many great historical women, like Mary Magdalene.
Lean into the gospel, but do read the explanatory text with a critical mind. This book served as a reminder to me that my spirituality is mine- intuitive, and not dictated by anyone else.
January 16, 2014
This book is definitely not a scholarly work, as clearly stated in the very beginning by the author.
The book is repetitious with too many reprints of the original text, whenever comparisons are made to the four canonical gospels. Despite the author's claim not to be philosophical there are way too many judgemental statements.
I would have liked this book to be written by someone less biased on behalf of his subject. Especially in the closing chapter does the author come out in heavy, judgmental attack on other beliefs, however much they Meyer be founded in reality.
What is also lacking is a further explanation on the history of The Gospel, it's origins, and history of the people who have kept this manuscript alive throughout the ages, or at least some referenced biography on this.
Despite it's many flaws, the book still holds a certain value, especially that of making The Gospel of the Beloved Companion public and openly available. It is a welcome addition to the comparison to the canonical gospels and other early Christian writings.
The book is repetitious with too many reprints of the original text, whenever comparisons are made to the four canonical gospels. Despite the author's claim not to be philosophical there are way too many judgemental statements.
I would have liked this book to be written by someone less biased on behalf of his subject. Especially in the closing chapter does the author come out in heavy, judgmental attack on other beliefs, however much they Meyer be founded in reality.
What is also lacking is a further explanation on the history of The Gospel, it's origins, and history of the people who have kept this manuscript alive throughout the ages, or at least some referenced biography on this.
Despite it's many flaws, the book still holds a certain value, especially that of making The Gospel of the Beloved Companion public and openly available. It is a welcome addition to the comparison to the canonical gospels and other early Christian writings.
April 28, 2021
I personally really enjoyed this. I have some questions about the original document, and some questions about some of the verses in the text. However, the majority of the text made a lot of sense to me and was very beautiful, uplifting, and inspiring. Mary’s vision of the tree of course stands out to me specifically and I think it deserves further personal reflection and study.💖
September 20, 2012
Although controversial, this book made sense to me and really hit home. I feel like this was what was missing from the bible translations I have read. It's a quick read ...I loved it!
May 28, 2016
The Gospel of the Beloved Companion by Jehanne de Quillan, published in 2010, is the first English translation of a gospel that was preserved by the author’s spiritual community based in the Languedoc region of France. Originally written in Greek, the text came from Egypt to Languedoc in the first century, and was kept at great cost since that time. de Quillan’s book provides an English translation of the text, followed by commentary that compares it to the Gnostic gospels of Thomas and Mary, and to the canonical gospels. The Gospel of the Beloved Companion (GBC) is most similar to the canonical Gospel of John. I would like to review the book as a whole, then provide my own comparison of GBC to the Gospel of John.
In the introduction to the book de Quillan writes that the original text for the GBC is extant, but protected and not available for public view. Therefore, there is no way to verify whether the text is a translation or an invention; she invites readers to determine whether the text is authentic based on its content, rather than on empirical evidence...
To read this entire review, please go to the Exponent blog at http://www.the-exponent.com/the-gospe...
In the introduction to the book de Quillan writes that the original text for the GBC is extant, but protected and not available for public view. Therefore, there is no way to verify whether the text is a translation or an invention; she invites readers to determine whether the text is authentic based on its content, rather than on empirical evidence...
To read this entire review, please go to the Exponent blog at http://www.the-exponent.com/the-gospe...
January 22, 2022
Beyond thrilled with this book. As a Magdalene scholar and student of scripture, I found this text answered many questions I had regarding John's Gospel. I love this book!
October 6, 2024
After studying this text I’ve concluded that while many people justifiably find it inspiring, this is not an early Christian text but a modern composition. Of course a red flag is the fact that no one but the author has seen the Greek original, supposedly composed by Mary Magdalen in Alexandria. The author’s reasons for denying access to the original do not make sense. In the absence of further information, one can only assume that the Greek original either doesn’t exist or that it is incriminating.
That said, the text itself betrays its modern origin. There are many anomalies, such as Jesus raising his hand, blessings water to turn it into wine, that seem anachronistic The use of the word “tolerance”. The concept didn’t exist then. The strangest is the absence of the Father and his replacement by Spirit. Every early Christian text, Gnostic. apocryphal or manichean text revolves around our relationship with a transcendental Father. It’s in our age that fathers have become unfashionable, and Spirit is in fashion. The concept of "Jesus coming from Spirit" doesn't jive with the first century. What does it mean? Here the Greek original, should it exist, would be helpful. The Logos is also missing also the high priest’s prayer, resulting in a text much impoverished.
The ascension sequence also feels like a modern reinterpretation, reduced to ascending the tree of the human spine. What we read in the gospel of Mary is of cosmic dimension, has correspondences in the first Apocalypse of James, the apocalypse of Paul, Poinanderes and mystical Jewish texts. The Gospel of the Beloved Companion with its tree is a total departure. The whole notion of ascension through the heavenly spheres and the tests of gnosis are diluted. It doesn’t feel it belongs to the first century. Its psychological language is more typical of other New Age writings.
Altogether I find the work shallow, without the texture and multiple layers of the Gospel of John, the gospel of Mary or other gnostic works.
There are so many original texts with Mary Magdalen that help you get to know this fascinating character. This (likely) forgery is unhelpful. However, if it inspires you, why not read if anyway.
That said, the text itself betrays its modern origin. There are many anomalies, such as Jesus raising his hand, blessings water to turn it into wine, that seem anachronistic The use of the word “tolerance”. The concept didn’t exist then. The strangest is the absence of the Father and his replacement by Spirit. Every early Christian text, Gnostic. apocryphal or manichean text revolves around our relationship with a transcendental Father. It’s in our age that fathers have become unfashionable, and Spirit is in fashion. The concept of "Jesus coming from Spirit" doesn't jive with the first century. What does it mean? Here the Greek original, should it exist, would be helpful. The Logos is also missing also the high priest’s prayer, resulting in a text much impoverished.
The ascension sequence also feels like a modern reinterpretation, reduced to ascending the tree of the human spine. What we read in the gospel of Mary is of cosmic dimension, has correspondences in the first Apocalypse of James, the apocalypse of Paul, Poinanderes and mystical Jewish texts. The Gospel of the Beloved Companion with its tree is a total departure. The whole notion of ascension through the heavenly spheres and the tests of gnosis are diluted. It doesn’t feel it belongs to the first century. Its psychological language is more typical of other New Age writings.
Altogether I find the work shallow, without the texture and multiple layers of the Gospel of John, the gospel of Mary or other gnostic works.
There are so many original texts with Mary Magdalen that help you get to know this fascinating character. This (likely) forgery is unhelpful. However, if it inspires you, why not read if anyway.
May 12, 2025
If you're someone who senses there's more to the story of Jesus than what institutional religion has handed down over the centuries, then The Gospel of the Beloved Companion is a revelation. Literally.
This book presents what the author claims is a translation of an ancient gospel written by Mary Magdalene — not the sinner turned saint of traditional lore, but Yeshua’s closest disciple, confidant, and spiritual equal. Whether or not one accepts the provenance of the manuscript, the message it carries is powerful, transformative, and profoundly relevant for those navigating today’s shifting spiritual landscape.
De Quillan's narrative invites us to look beyond dogma and see Yeshua���s teachings in a more intimate light — not as distant doctrine, but as practical wisdom on inner transformation, unity consciousness, and divine love. There’s no wrathful God here, no focus on sacrifice or sin. Instead, we’re offered a path of gnosis — direct knowledge of the Divine — guided by the voice of the Magdalene herself.
As someone who’s explored ancient texts, esoteric Christianity, and the intersection of spirituality with leadership and modern life, I found this work resonating on multiple levels. It aligns with the idea of reclaiming inner authority, embracing heart-based living, and breaking free from external control systems — themes I explored in Be Aware but Don’t Care.
This gospel doesn’t aim to compete with the canonical texts. It offers a parallel lens — one that brings feminine wisdom, sacred partnership, and personal spiritual sovereignty back into the conversation. For seekers, mystics, or anyone ready to re-examine the roots of their faith, this is essential reading.
This book presents what the author claims is a translation of an ancient gospel written by Mary Magdalene — not the sinner turned saint of traditional lore, but Yeshua’s closest disciple, confidant, and spiritual equal. Whether or not one accepts the provenance of the manuscript, the message it carries is powerful, transformative, and profoundly relevant for those navigating today’s shifting spiritual landscape.
De Quillan's narrative invites us to look beyond dogma and see Yeshua���s teachings in a more intimate light — not as distant doctrine, but as practical wisdom on inner transformation, unity consciousness, and divine love. There’s no wrathful God here, no focus on sacrifice or sin. Instead, we’re offered a path of gnosis — direct knowledge of the Divine — guided by the voice of the Magdalene herself.
As someone who’s explored ancient texts, esoteric Christianity, and the intersection of spirituality with leadership and modern life, I found this work resonating on multiple levels. It aligns with the idea of reclaiming inner authority, embracing heart-based living, and breaking free from external control systems — themes I explored in Be Aware but Don’t Care.
This gospel doesn’t aim to compete with the canonical texts. It offers a parallel lens — one that brings feminine wisdom, sacred partnership, and personal spiritual sovereignty back into the conversation. For seekers, mystics, or anyone ready to re-examine the roots of their faith, this is essential reading.
April 21, 2023
A very fascinating and compelling read for anyone interested in the diverse early sects of Christianity and how they evolved. The Gospel of the Beloved Companion (as preserved for centuries by the community in Languedoc/Occitane in Southern France)incorporates the breadth of narrative given us in the canonical Gospels with that in some of the other gospels (of Mary, of Thomas, of Phillip) the hierarchical church suppressed or attempted to destroy as heresy.
The original Gospel of the Beloved Companion in Greek was brought to France probably in the late 1st century CE and translated into Occitane, where it has preserved by the Occitane community which has endured centuries of persecution.
The book makes a lot of sense and gives us a fuller appreciation of Jesus' message and Mary the Magdalene role as the 1st apostle and as the one who "understood completely"
The original Gospel of the Beloved Companion in Greek was brought to France probably in the late 1st century CE and translated into Occitane, where it has preserved by the Occitane community which has endured centuries of persecution.
The book makes a lot of sense and gives us a fuller appreciation of Jesus' message and Mary the Magdalene role as the 1st apostle and as the one who "understood completely"
November 11, 2024
I felt the Holy spirit guide me through this book, it’s beautiful and rang so true to me. The traditions teach that a Rabbi must be married to be a Rabbi. That she was taken out of the Bible due to the degradation of women through out time. John being called the beloved didn’t sit right especially in that day of age. Another man resting within Jesus’ bosom was not at all acceptable even in small parties of people. Jesus Christ was married and to His beloved companion Mary and this felt so right within my being. What a beautiful book!!
August 21, 2021
The Word According to Mary Magdalene
This outstanding volume which includes a superb translation of this possibly Gnostic Gospel that was undoubtedly taken out of the running for inclusion in the Canon of the Bible as sorted by the Roman church, presents a wonderful comparison of canonical gospels. Highly recommended for those seeking a greater presentation of Jesus than what the official teachings give us.
This outstanding volume which includes a superb translation of this possibly Gnostic Gospel that was undoubtedly taken out of the running for inclusion in the Canon of the Bible as sorted by the Roman church, presents a wonderful comparison of canonical gospels. Highly recommended for those seeking a greater presentation of Jesus than what the official teachings give us.
April 30, 2019
I really liked this book, however, I want more information as to the provenance of the text. Where is the document? The author simply says we can believe or not, and that is all we get with respect to this question.
July 9, 2019
This Gospel is a The Holy Grail.
Wonderfully researched. Brings life & clarity to the 4 Canonical gospels. Praise to the Cathars for preserving this document. I will be telling others of this excellent masterpiece.
Wonderfully researched. Brings life & clarity to the 4 Canonical gospels. Praise to the Cathars for preserving this document. I will be telling others of this excellent masterpiece.
June 27, 2020
In office back wall right side bottom shelf. Very interesting book.
January 1, 2021
This book was beautiful and eye-opening! It clarifies so much about Jesus and his teachings, and about Mary Magdalene herself. Everyone should read it!!
April 22, 2024
Words of love for the world to hear.
April 30, 2019
It is a nice book and i wished it was true but i think it is a fraud.Who is to believe that this women's familly owns a gospel written right after Jesus' resurrectuon without giving ANY type of evidence.
I believe there is no book and therefor it is not a translation but purely fictional.The gospel of John glued together with the fragments of Mary's gospel plus some fantasy.
If she said it's fictional,noone would buy it.Since the topic is religious I am not interested to believe in fiction.IF she provides evidence that she tells the truth as Yeshua does,I would be very happy,even if her book was just written in occitan and from before 1900 it would proof that it is really the gospel of Mary/Miriam.But I have the feeling that this is a fraud.
I believe there is no book and therefor it is not a translation but purely fictional.The gospel of John glued together with the fragments of Mary's gospel plus some fantasy.
If she said it's fictional,noone would buy it.Since the topic is religious I am not interested to believe in fiction.IF she provides evidence that she tells the truth as Yeshua does,I would be very happy,even if her book was just written in occitan and from before 1900 it would proof that it is really the gospel of Mary/Miriam.But I have the feeling that this is a fraud.
March 25, 2024
Fascinating. I would love this all to be true. Was Mary Magdalene the Beloved Companion? Perhaps. The vision of a great tree reaching to the heavens with eight boughs on pages 77-80 was absolutely beautiful. I felt like the translator went a little too far in her commentary suggesting that Mary Magdalene was the apostle to the apostles near the end of the book. I couldn't find any evidence for a priesthood line of authority. I will wait until the prophet gives direction on the subject of Mary Magdalene. Until then, this is all a beautiful possibility.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews