This book investigates the complex textual history and theological significance of the Sayings traditions within the Apocryphon of James, a significant Gnostic text. Ron Cameron, a scholar in the field of early Christian studies, analyzes the various strata of the Sayings tradition as they appear in the Apocryphon of James. The work examines the relationship between the sayings found in this text and those present in other early Christian and Gnostic writings, particularly the Gospel of Thomas, to understand their transmission and evolution. Cameron's argument centers on the distinct development and theological function of these sayings within the specific Gnostic milieu of the Apocryphon of James.

This scholarly work is recognized for its detailed textual analysis and contribution to the understanding of Gnostic literature. Scholars in the field of early Christianity and Gnosticism generally regard Cameron's work as a significant resource for studying the Sayings traditions. The book is noted for its rigorous approach to source criticism and its careful consideration of the theological context of the Apocryphon of James.