Overview
The Paraphrase of Shem is a Gnostic text. It is the first tractate in Codex VII of the Nag Hammadi library. and for its absence of Christian influence. It discusses cosmogony, soteriology, and eschatology.
Summary
Shem's mind is taken to the top of the world and encounters a voice, named Derdekeas (Aramaic for "boy" He says that many people who wear the erring flesh will be led astray and bound by the water, which is an insignificant body and a source of many sins. Derdekeas believes that true salvation can only be achieved through contemplation of the spirit and refraining from impure baptism. He also mentions the story of Rebouel, who was beheaded for being the support of the demon. Derdekeas instructs Shem to proceed with faith and to reveal the truth to the world. Shem returns from the journey and receives the power of light. Shem then walks in faith and the righteous follow him, and all the things the light told him would happen on earth happen. However, nature is burdened and troubled, and only the mind who was entrusted with the likeness of the forms of the womb can open them.
People with a free conscience can remove themselves from nature's chaos and be accepted by Shem's garments. After Shem leaves the earth, a great evil error will come upon the world, bringing many evils and evil times. A demon will come up from the power of fire and divide the heaven, and a wind from his mouth with a female likeness will reign over the world. At the end, nature will have a final opportunity, and the stars will cease from the sky. The mouth of error will be opened, and the forms of nature will be destroyed with the winds and all their demons. The sweet waters will perish, and all the forms of nature will cease from the middle region. Shem has completed his journey and separated his mind from the body of darkness.
He repeats the litany spoken by Derdekeas about various spiritual beings and powers and acknowledges the impure light and root of evil represented by Moluchtha and Essoch. Shem also speaks of the power of grace and faith and the importance of guarding oneself against the heritage of death. He encourages others to go in grace and continue in faith, and notes that every power of light and fire will be revealed through his testimony. Shem also mentions that when he is no longer on earth, the powers will be given to the worthy ones.