Kleóbas

Kleóbas is a figure mentioned in the apocryphal Acts of John, a Gnostic Christian text likely composed in the late 2nd century. He is depicted as one of Jesus' disciples, accompanying him during his ministry and witnessing his resurrection.

In the Acts of John, Kleóbas is often portrayed as a companion of another disciple, Symeon. Together, they are present during several key events in Jesus' life, including the Last Supper and the crucifixion. Kleóbas is notably described as one of the two disciples who encounter the resurrected Jesus on the road to Emmaus, a narrative also found in the Gospel of Luke. However, the Acts of John provides a distinct, Gnostic interpretation of this encounter, emphasizing esoteric teachings and the spiritual nature of Christ's post-resurrection appearances.

The character of Kleóbas serves to validate the teachings presented in the Acts of John by attributing them to a direct witness of Jesus. His presence highlights the early Christian tradition of preserving and interpreting the events of Jesus' life through personal testimony. The specific details and theological nuances surrounding Kleóbas in the Acts of John reflect the diverse and often heterodox beliefs present in early Christianity. He remains a figure of interest for scholars studying the development of early Christian literature and Gnosticism.