Acts of Paul
CHAPTER 2
1 When Paul went up unto Iconium after he fled from Antioch, there journeyed with him Demas and Hermogenes the coppersmith, which were full of hypocrisy, and flattered Paul as though they loved him. But Paul, looking only unto the goodness of Christ, did them no evil, but loved them well, so that he assayed to make sweet unto them all the oracles of the Lord, and of the teaching and the interpretation (of the Gospel) and of the birth and resurrection of the Beloved, and related unto them word by word all the great works of Christ, how they were revealed unto him (Copt. Adds: how that Christ was born of Mary the virgin, and of the seed of David).
2 And a certain man named Onesiphorus, when he heard that Paul was come to Iconium, went out with his children Simmias and Zeno and his wife Lectra to meet him, that he might receive him into his house. For Titus had told him what manner of man Paul was in appearance; for he had not seen him in the flesh, but only in the spirit.
3 And he went by the king's highway that leads unto Lystra and stood expecting him, and looked upon them that came, according to tbe description of Titus. And he saw Paul coming, a man little of stature, thin-haired upon the head, crooked in the legs, of good state of body, with eyebrows joining, and nose somewhat hooked, full of grace; for sometimes he appeared like a man, and sometimes he had the face of an angel.
4 And when Paul saw Onesiphorus he smiled, and Onesiphorus said, "Hail, servant of the blessed God." And he said, "Grace be with you and with your house." But Demas and Hermogenes were envious, and stirred up their hypocrisy yet more, so that Demas said, "Are we not servants of the Blessed, that you did not salute us so?" And Onesiphorus said, "I see not in you any fruit of righteousness, but if you be such, come you also into my house and refresh yourselves."
5 And when Paul entered into the house of Onesiphorus, there was great joy, and bowing of knees and breaking of bread, and the word of God concerning abstinence (or continence) and the resurrection; for Paul said,
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are they that keep the flesh chaste, for they shall become the temple of God.
Blessed are they that abstain (or the continent), for unto them shall God speak.
Blessed are they that have renounced this world, for they shall be well-pleasing unto God.
Blessed are they that possess their wives as though they had them not, for they shall inherit God.
Blessed are they that have the fear of God, for they shall become angels of God.
6 Blessed are they that tremble at the oracles of God, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are they that receive the wisdom of Jesus Christ, for they shall be called sons of the Most High.
Blessed are they that have kept their baptism pure, for they shall rest with the Father and with the Son.
Blessed are they that have compassed the understanding of Jesus Christ, for they shall be in light.
Blessed are they that for love of God have departed from the fashion of this world, for they shall judge angels, and shall be blessed at the right hand of the Father.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy and shall not see the bitter day of judgment. Blessed are the bodies of the virgins, for they shall be well- pleasing unto God and shall not lose the reward of their continence (chastity), for the word of the Father shall be unto them a work of salvation in the day of his Son, and they shall have rest world Without end."
7 And as Paul was saying these things in the midst of the assembly (church) in the house of Onesiphorus, a certain virgin, Thecla, whose mother was Theocleia, which was betrothed to an husband, Thamyris, sat at the window hard by, and hearkened night and day unto the word concerning chastity which was spoken by Paul, and she stirred not from the window, but was led onward (or pressed onward) by faith, rejoicing exceedingly. And further, when she saw many women and virgins entering in to Paul, she also desired earnestly to be accounted worthy to stand before Paul's face and to hear the word of Christ; for she had not yet seen the appearance of Paul, but only heard his speech.
8 Now as she removed not from the window, her mother sent unto Thamyris, and he came with great joy as if he were already to take her to wife. Thamyris therefore said to Theocleia: Where is my Thecla? And Theocicia said: I have a new tale to tell you, Thamyris: for for three days and three nights Thecla arises not from the window, neither to eat nor to drink, but looking earnestly as it were upon a joyful spectacle, she so attends to a stranger who teaches deceitful and various words, that I marvel how the great modesty of the maiden is so hardly beset.
9 O Thamyris, this man upsets the whole city of the Iconians, and your Thecla also, for all the women and the young men go in to him and are taught by him. You must, says he, fear one only God and live chastely. And my daughter, too, like a spider at the window, bound by his words, is held by a new desire and a fearful passion: for she hangs upon the things that he speaks, and the maiden is captured. But go you to her and speak to her; for she is betrothed unto you.
10 And Thamyris went to her, alike loving her and fearing because of her disturbance (ecstasy), and said: Thecla, my betrothed, why sit you thus? And what passion is it that holds you in amaze; turn unto your Thamyris and be ashamed. And her mother also said the same: Thecla, why sit you thus, looking downward, and answering nothing, but as one stricken? And they wept sore, Thamyris because he failed of a wife, and Theocleia of a child, and the maidservants of a mistress; there was, therefore, great confusion of mourning in the house. And while all this was so, Thecla turned not away, but paid heed to the speech of Paul.
11 But Thamyris leapt up and went forth into the street and watched them that went in to Paul and came out. And he saw two men striving bitterly with one another, and said to them: You men, tell me who you are, and who is he that is within with you, that makes the souls of young men and maidens to err, deceiving them that there may be no marriages but they should live as they are. I promise therefore to give you much money if you will tell me of him: for I am a chief man of the city.
12 And Demas and Hermogenes said unto him: Who this man is, we know not; but he defrauds the young men of wives and the maidens of husbands, saying: You have no resurrection otherwise, except you continue chaste, and defile not the flesh but keep it pure.
13 And Thamyris said to them: Come, you men, into mine house and refresh yourselves with me. And they went to a costly banquet and much wine and great wealth and a brilliant table. And Thamyris made them drink, for he loved Thecla and desired to take her to wife: and at the dinner Thamyris said: Tell me, you men, what is his teaching, that I also may know it: for I am not a little afflicted concerning Thecla because she so loves the stranger, and I am defrauded of my marriage.
14 And Demas and Hermogenes said: Bring him before Castelius the governor as one that persuades the multitudes with the new doctrine of the Christians; and so will he destroy him and you shall have your wife Thecla. And we will teach you of that resurrection which he asserts, that it is already come to pass in the children which we have, and we rise again when we have come to the knowledge of the true God.
15 But when Thamyris heard this of them, he was filled with envy and wrath, and rose up early and went to the house of Onesiphorus with the rulers and officers and a great crowd with staves, saying unto Paul: You have destroyed the city of the Iconians and her that was espoused unto me, so that she will not have me: let us go unto Castelius the governor. And all the multitude said: Away with the wizard, for he has corrupted all our wives. And the multitude rose up together against him.
16 And Thamyris, standing before the judgment seat, cried aloud and said: "proconsul, this is the man-we know not where he is-who allows not maidens to marry: let him declare before you wherefore he teaches such things. And Demas and Hermogenes said to Thamyris: Say you that he is a Christian, and so will you destroy him. But the governor kept his mind steadfast and called Paul, saying unto him: Who are you, and what teach you? For it is no light accusation that these bring against you."
17 And Paul lifted up his voice and said: If I am this day examined what I teach, hearken, "proconsul. The living God, the God of vengeance, the jealous God, the God that has need of nothing, but desires the salvation of men, has sent me, that I may sever them from corruption and uncleanness and all pleasure and death, that they may sin no more. Wherefore God has sent his own Child, whom I preach and teach that men should have hope in him who alone has had compassion upon the world that was in error; that men may no more be under judgment but have faith and the fear of God and the knowledge of sobriety and the love of truth. If then I teach the things that have been revealed unto me of God, what wrong do I O proconsul? And the governor having heard that, commanded Paul to be bound and taken away to prison until he should have leisure to hear him more carefully."
18 But Thecla at night took off her bracelets and gave them to the doorkeeper, and when the door was opened for her she went into the prison, and gave the jailer a mirror of silver and so went in to Paul and sat by his feet and heard the wonderful works of God. And Paul feared not at all, but walked in the confidence of God: and her faith also was increased as she kissed his chains.
19 Now when Thecla was sought by her own people and by Thamyris, she was looked for through the streets as one lost; and one of the fellow-servants of the doorkeeper told that she went out by night. And they examined the doorkeeper and he told them that she was gone to the stranger unto the prison; and they went as he told them and found her as it were bound with him, in affection. And they went forth there and gathered the multitude to them and showed it to the governor.
20 And he commanded Paul to be brought to the judgment seat; but Thecla rolled herself upon the place where Paul taught when he sat in the prison. And the governor commanded her also to be brought to the judgment seat, and she went exulting with joy. And when Paul was brought the second time the people cried out more vehemently: He is a sorcerer, away with him! But the governor heard Paul gladly concerning the holy works of Christ: and he took counsel, and called Thecla and said: Why will you not marry Thamyris, according to the law of the Iconians? But she stood looking earnestly upon Paul, and when she answered not, her mother Theocleia cried out, saying: Burn the lawless one, burn her that is no bride in the midst of the theatre, that all the women which have been taught by this man may be affrighted.
21 And the governor was greatly moved: and he scourged Paul and sent him out of the city, but Thecla he condemned to be burned. And straightway the governor arose and went to the theatre: and all the multitude went forth unto the dreadful spectacle. But Thecla, as the lamb in the wilderness looks about for the shepherd, so sought for Paul: and she looked upon the multitude and saw the Lord sitting, like unto Paul, and said: As if I were not able to endure, Paul is come to look upon me. And she earnestly paid heed to him: but he departed into the heavens.
22 Now the boys and the maidens brought wood and hay to burn Thecla: and when she was brought in naked, the governor wept and marveled at the power that was in her. And they laid the wood, and the executioner bade her mount upon the pyre: and she, making the sign of the cross, went up upon the wood. And they lighted it, and though a great fire blazed forth, the fire took no hold on her; for God had compassion on her, and caused a sound under the earth, and a cloud overshadowed her above, full of rain and hail, and all the vessel of it was poured out so that many were in peril of death, and the fire was quenched, and Thecla was preserved.
23 Now Paul was fasting with Onesiphorus and his wife and their children in an open sepulchre on the way whereby they go from Iconium to Daphne. And when many days were past, as they fasted, the boys said unto Paul: We are anhungered. And they had not wherewith to buy bread, for Onesiphorus had left the goods of this world, and followed Paul with all his house. But Paul took off his upper garment and said: Go, child, buy several loaves and bring them. And as the boy was buying, he saw his neighbor Thecla, and was astonished, and said: Thecla, where go you? And she said: I seek Paul, for I was preserved from the fire. And the boy said: Come, I will bring you unto him, for he mourns for you and prays and fasts now these six days.
24 And when she came to the sepulchre unto Paul, who had bowed his knees and was praying and saying: O Father of Christ, let not the fire take hold on Thecla, but spare her, for she yours: she standing behind him cried out: O Father that made heaven and earth, the Father of your beloved child Jesus Christ, I bless you for that you have preserved me from the fire, that I might see Paul. And Paul arose and saw her and said: O God the knower of hearts, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, I bless you that you have speedily accomplished that which I asked of you, and have hearkened unto me.
25 And there was much love within the sepulchre, for Paul rejoiced, and Onesiphorus, and all of them. And they had five loaves, and herbs, and water (and salt), and they rejoiced for the holy works of Christ. And Thecla said unto Paul: I will cut my hair round about and follow you whithersoever you go. But he said: The time is ill-favored and you are comely: beware lest another temptation take you, worse than the first, and you endure it not but play the coward. And Thecla said: Only give me the seal in Christ, and temptation shall not touch me. And Paul said: Have patience, Thecla, and you shall receive the water.
26 And Paul sent away Onesiphorus with all his house unto Iconium, and so took Thecla and entered into Antioch: and as they entered in, a certain Syriarch, Alexander by name, saw Thecla and was enamoured of her, and would have bribed (flattered) Paul with money and gifts. But Paul said: I know not the woman of whom you speak, neither is she mine. But as he was of great power, he himself embraced her in the highway; and she endured it not, but sought after Paul and cried out bitterly, saying: Force not the stranger, force not the handmaid of God. I am of the first of the Iconians, and because I would not marry Thamyris, I am cast out of the city. And she caught at Alexander and rent his cloak and took the wreath from his head and made him a mocking-stock.
27 But he alike loving her and being ashamed of what had befallen him, brought her before the governor; and when she confessed that she had done this, he condemned her to the beasts; But the women were greatly amazed, and cried out at the judgment seat: An evil judgment, an impious judgment! And Thecla asked of the governor that she might remain a virgin until she should fight the beasts; and a certain rich queen, Tryphaena by name, whose daughter had died, took her into her keeping, and had her for a consolation.
28 Now when the beasts were led in procession, they bound her to a fierce lioness, and the queen Tryphaena followed after her: but the lioness, when Thecla was set upon her, licked her feet, and all the people marveled. Now the writing (title) of her accusation was: Guilty of sacrilege. And the women with their children cried out from above: O God, an impious judgment comes to pass in this city. And after the procession Tryphaena took her again. For her daughter Falconilla, which was dead, had said to her in a dream: Mother, you shall take in my stead Thecla the stranger that is desolate, that she may pray for me and I be translated into the place of the righteous.
29 When therefore Tryphaena received her after the procession, she alike bewailed her because she was to fight the beasts on the morrow, and also, loving her closely as her own daughter Falconilla; and said: Thecla, my second child, come, pray you for my child that she may live forever; for this have I seen in a dream. And she without delay lifted up her voice and said: O my God, Son of the Most High that are in heaven, grant unto her according to her desire, that her daughter Faleonilla may live forever. And after she had said this, Tryphaena bewailed her, considering that so great beauty was to be cast unto the beasts.
30 And when it was dawn, Alexander came to take her-for it was he that was giving the games-saying: The governor is set and the people troubles us: give me her that is to fight the beasts, that I may take her away. But Tryphaena cried aloud so that he fled away, saying: A second mourning for my Falconilla comes about in mine house, and there is none to help, neither child, for she is dead, nor kinsman, for I am a widow. O God of Thecla my child, help you Thecla.
31 And the governor sent soldiers to fetch Thecla: and Tryphaena left her not, but herself took her hand and led her up, saying: I did bring my daughter Falconilla unto the sepulchre; but you, Thecla, do I bring to fight the beasts. And Thecla wept bitterly and groaned unto the Lord, saying: Lord God in whom I believe, with whom I have taken refuge, that saved me from the fire, reward you Tryphaena who has had pity on your handmaid, and has kept me pure.
32 There was therefore a tumult, and a voice of the beasts, and shouting of the people, and of the women which sat together, some saying: Bring in the sacrilegious one! And the women saying: Away with the city for this unlawful deed! Away with all us, you proconsul! It is a bitter sight, an evil judgment!
33 But Thecla, being taken out of the hand of Tryphaena, was stripped and a girdle put upon her, and was cast into the stadium: and lions and bears were set against her. And a fierce lioness running to her lay down at her feet, and the press of women cried aloud. And a bear ran upon her; but the lioness ran and met him, and tore the bear in sunder. And again a lion, trained against men, which was Alexander's, ran upon her, and the lioness wrestled with him and was slain along with him. And the women bewailed yet more, seeing that the lioness also that succored her was dead.
34 Then did they put in many beasts, while she stood and stretched out her hands and prayed. And when she had ended her prayer, she turned and saw a great tank full of water, and said: Now is it time that I should wash myself. And she cast herself in, saying: In the name of Jesus Christ do I baptize myself on the last day. And all the women seeing it and all the people wept, saying: Cast not yourself into the water: so that even the governor wept that so great beauty should be devoured by seals. So, then, she cast herself into the water in the name of Jesus Christ; and the seals, seeing the light of a flash of fire, floated dead on the top of the water. And there was about her a cloud of fire, so that neither did the beasts touch her, nor was she seen to be naked.
35 Now the women, when other more fearful beasts were put in, shrieked aloud, and some cast leaves, and others nard, others cassia, and some balsam, so that there was a multitude of odors; and all the beasts that were struck thereby were held as it were in sleep and touched her not; so that Alexander said to the governor: I have some bulls exceeding fearful, let us bind the criminal to them. And the governor frowning, allowed it, saying: Do that you will. And they bound her by the feet between the bulls, and put hot irons under their bellies that they might be the more enraged and kill her. They then leaped forward; but the flame that burned about her, burned through the ropes, and she was as one not bound.
36 But Tryphaena, standing by the arena, fainted at the entry, so that her handmaids said: The queen Tryphaena is dead! And the governor stopped the games and all the city was frightened, and Alexander falling at the governor's feet said: Have mercy on me and on the city, and let the condemned go, lest the city perish with her; for if Caesar hear this, perchance he will destroy us and the city, because his kinswoman the queen Tryphaena has died at the entry.
37 And the governor called Thecla from among the beasts, and said to her: Who are you? And what have you about you that not one of the beasts has touched you? But she said: I am the handmaid of the living God; and what I have about me-it is that I have believed on that his Son in whom God is well pleased; for whose sake not one of the beasts has touched me. For he alone is the goal (or way) of salvation and the substance of life immortal; for unto them that are tossed about he is a refuge, unto the oppressed relief, unto the despairing shelter, and in a word, whosoever believes not on him, shall not live, but die everlastingly.
38 And when the governor heard this, he commanded garments to be brought and said: Put on these garments. And she said: He that clad me when I was naked among the beasts, the same in the day of judgment will clothe me with salvation. And she took the garments and put them on. And the governor forthwith issued out an act, saying: I release unto you Thecla the godly, the servant of God. And all the women cried out with a loud voice and as with one mouth gave praise to God, saying: One is the God who has preserved Thecla: so that with their voice all the city shook.
39 And Tryphaena, when she was told the good tidings, met her with much people and embraced Thecla and said: Now do I believe that the dead are raised up: now do I believe that my child lives: come within, and I will make you heir of all my substance. Thecla therefore went in with her and rested in her house eight days, teaching her the word of God, so that the more part of the maid-servants also believed, and there was great joy in the house.
40 But Thecla yearned after Paul and sought him, sending about in all places; and it was told her that he was at Myra. And she took young men and maids, and girded herself, and sewed her mantle into a cloak after the fashion of a man, and departed into Myra, and found Paul speaking the word of God, and went to him. But he when he saw her and the people that were with her was amazed, thinking in himself: Has some other temptation come upon her? But she perceived it, and said to him: I have received the washing, Paul; for he that has worked together with you in the Gospel has worked with me also unto my baptizing.
41 And Paul took her by the hand and brought her into the house of Hermias, and heard all things from her; so that Paul marveled much, and they that heard were confirmed, and prayed for Tryphaena. And Thecla arose and said to Paul: I go unto Iconium. And Paul said: Go, and teach the word of God. Now Tryphaena had sent her much apparel and gold, so that she left of it with Paul for the ministry of the poor.
42 But she herself departed unto Iconium. And she entered into the house of Onesiphorus, and fell down upon the floor where Paul had sat and taught the oracles of God, and wept, saying: O God of me and of this house, where the light shone upon me, Jesu Christ the Son of God, my helper in prison, my helper before the governors, my helper in the fire, my helper among the beasts, you are God, and unto you be the glory forever. Amen.
43 And she found Thamyris dead, but her mother living. And she saw her mother and said unto her: Theocleia my mother, can you believe that the Lord lives in the heavens? For whether you desire money, the Lord will give it you through me: or your child, lo, I am here before you. And when she had so testified, she departed unto Seleucia, and after she had enlightened many with the word of God, she slept a good sleep.
CHAPTER 3
1 When Paul was teaching the word of God in Myra, there was there a man, Hermoerates by name, who had the dropsy, and he put himself forward in the sight of all, and said to Paul: Nothing is impossible with God, but especially with him whom you preach; for when he came he healed many, even that God whose servant you are.
2 Lo, I and my wife and my children, we cast ourselves at your feet: have pity on me that I also may believe as you have believed on the living God.
3 Paul said unto him: I will restore you (your health) not for reward, but through the name of Jesus Christ you shall become whole in the presence of all these.
4 (And he touched his body) drawing his hand downwards: and his belly opened and much water ran from him and... He fell down like a dead man, so that some said: It is better for him to die than to continue in pain.
5 But when Paul had quieted the people, he took his hand and raised him up and asked him, saying: Hermocrates, ask for what you desire. And he said: I would eat. And he took a loaf and gave him to eat. And in that hour he was whole, and received the grace of the seal in the Lord, he and his wife.
6 But Hermippus his son was angry with Paul, and sought for a set time wherein to rise up with them of his own age and destroy him. For he wished that his father should not be healed but should die, that he might soon be master of his goods. But Dion, his younger son, heard Paul gladly.
7 Now all they that were with Hermippus took counsel to fight against Paul so that Hermippus... And sought to kill him.
8 Dion fell down and died: but Hermippus watered Dion with his tears. But Hermocrates mourned sore, for he loved Dion more than his other son. (Yet) he sat at Paul's feet, and forgat that Dion was dead.
9 But when Dion was dead, his mother Nympha rent her clothes and went unto Paul and set herself before the face of Hermocrates her husband and of Paul.
10 And when Paul saw her, he was aifrighted and said: Wherefore are you thus, Nympha? But she said to him: Dion is dead; and the whole multitude wept when they beheld her.
11 And Paul looked upon the people that mourned and sent young men, saying to them: Go and bring me him here.
12 And they went: but Hermippus caught hold of the body (of Dion) in the street and cried out... The word in him (them?).
13 But an angel of the Lord had said unto him in the night: Paul, you have today a great conflict against your body, but God, the Father of his Son Jesus Christ, will protect you.
14 When Paul had arisen, he went unto his brethren, and remained (sorrowful?) saying: What means this vision? And while Paul thought upon this, he saw Hermippus coming, having a sword drawn in his hand, and with him many other young men with staves.
15 And Paul said unto them: I am not a robber, neither a murderer. The God of all things, the Father of Christ, will turn your hands backward, and your sword into its sheath, and your strength into weakness: for I am a servant of God, though I be alone and a stranger, and small and of no reputation (?) among the Gentiles. But do you, God, look down upon their counsel and suffer me not to be brought to nought by them.
16 And when Hermippus ran upon Paul with his sword drawn, straightway he ceased to see, so that he cried out aloud, saying: My dear comrades, forget not your friend Hermippus. For I have sinned, Paul, I have pursued after innocent blood.
17 Learn, you foolish and you of understanding, that this world is nought, gold is nought, all money is nought: I that glutted myself with all manner of goods am now a beggar and entreat of you all: Hearken to me all you my companions, and every one that dwells in Myra.
18 I have mocked at a man who has saved my father: I have mocked at a man who has raised up my brother Dion... I have mocked at a man who... Without doing me any evil.
19 But entreat you of him: behold, he has saved my father and raised up my brother; he is able therefore to save me also.
20 But Paul stood there weeping alike before God, for that he heard him quickly, and before man, for that the proud was brought low. And he turned himself and went up...
21 But the young men took the feet and bore Hermippus and brought him to the place where Paul was teaching and laid him down before the door and went unto their house.
22 And when they were gone a great multitude came to the house of Hermocrates; and another great multitude entered in, to see whether Hermippus were shut up there.
23 And Hermippus besought every one that went in, that they would entreat Paul, with him. But they that went in saw Hermocrates and Nympha, how they rejoiced greatly at the raising up of Dion, and distributed victuals and money unto the widows for his recovery. And they beheld Hermippus their son in the state of this second affliction, and how he took hold on the feet of every one, and on the feet of his parents also, and prayed them, as one of the strangers, that he might be healed.
24 And his parents were troubled, and lamented to every one that came in, so that some said: Wherefore do these weep? For Dion is arisen. But Hermocrates possessed goods... And brought the value of the goods and took it and distributed it.
25 And Hermocrates, troubled in mind and desiring that they might be satisfied, said: Brethren, let us leave the food... And occupy ourselves... Hermocrates. And immediately Nympha cried out in great affliction unto Paul.. They said: Nympha, Hermocrates calls upon God that your son Hermippus may see and cease to grieve, for he has resisted Christ and his minister.
26 But they and Paul prayed to God. And when Hermippus recovered his sight, he turned himself to his mother Nympha, and said to her: Paul came unto me and laid his hand upon me while I wept, and in that hour I saw all things clearly.
27 And she took his hand and led him unto the widows and Paul. But while Paul wept bitterly, Hermippus gave thanks, saying unto them: Every one that believes, shall...
...concord and peace... Amen.
28 And when Paul had confirmed the brethren that were in Myra, he departed unto Sidon.
CHAPTER 4
[Book IV]
1 When he was departed from Myra... Now when Paul was departed from Myra and would go unto Sidon there was great sadness of the brethren that were in Pisidia and Pamphylia, because they yearned after his word and his holy appearance in Christ; so that some from Perga followed Paul, namely Thrasymachus and Cleon with their wives Aline (?) and Chrysa, Cleon's wife.
2 And on the way they nourished Paul: and they were eating their bread under a tree (?).
3 And as he was about to say Amen, there came (five lines broken: the words 'the brethren' and 'idol' occur)... Table of devils... He dies therefor, but every one that believes on Jesus Christ who has saved us from all defilement and all uncleanness and all evil thoughts, he shall be manifest.
4 And they drew near unto the table... Idol... Stood... A mighty idol.
5 And an old man... Stood up among them, saying unto them: You men, (wait a little and see) what befalls the priests which would draw near unto our gods: for truly when our fellow-citizen Charinus hearkened and would... Against the gods, there died he and his (father). And thereupon died Xanthus also, Chrysa (?), and (Hermocrates?) died, sick of the dropsy, and his wife Nympha.
6 after the manner of strange men. Wherefore presume you to do that which is not seemly (?)? Or have you not heard of that which came to pass, which God brought upon Sodom and Gomorrah, because they robbed... After the manner of strangers and of women?
7 God did not... Them but cast them down into hell. Now therefore we are not men of this fashion that you say, nor such as you think, but we are preachers of the living God and his Beloved. But that you may not marvel, understand... The miracles (?) which bear witness for us.
8 But they hearkened not unto him, but took the men and put them into the temple of Apollo, to keep them until the morrow, whereon they assembled the whole city. And many and costly were the victuals which they gave them.
9 But Paul, who was fasting now the third day, testified all the night long, being troubled, and smote his face and said: O God, look down upon their threatenings and suffer us not to slide, and let not our adversaries cast us down, but save us and bring down quickly your righteousness upon us.
10 And as Paul cast himself down, with the brethren, Thrasymachus and Cleon, then the temple fell... So that they that belonged to the temple and the magistrates that were set over it... Others of them in the... For (the one part) fell down... Fell down... Round about, in the midst of the two parts.
11 And they went in and beheld what had happened, and marveled that... In their... And that the... Rejoiced over the falling of the temple(?).
12 And they cried out, saying: Truly these are the works of the men of a mighty God! And they departed and proclaimed in the city: Apollo the god of the Sidonians is fallen, and the half of his temple.
13 And all the dwellers in the city ran to the temple and saw Paul and them that were with him, how they wept at this temptation, that they were made a spectacle for all men.
14 But the multitude cried out: Bring them into the theatre. And the magistrates came to fetch them; and they groaned bitterly with one soul.
15 through me. Consider... Egyptians... And they... But the multitude... And followed after Paul, crying: Praised be the God... Who has sent Paul... That we should not... Of death.
16 But Theudes... And prayed at Paul's feet and embraced his feet, that he should give him the seal in the Lord. But he commanded them to go to Tyre... In health (or farewell), and they put Paul (in a ship?) and went with him.
17 The purpose of confining Paul and his companions in the temple appears to have been connected with the sins of the cities of the plain of which Paul speaks.
The Acts of Titus, quoted before, have a sentence referring to this and the next episode: 'And Paul healed Aphphia the wife of Chrysippus who was possessed with a devil: and fasting for seven days he overthrew the idol of Apollo.'
18 The Acts place this immediately after the conversion and preaching at Damascus, and put the Panehares episode later. They are not to be trusted, therefore, as a guide to the order of our book.
CHAPTER 5
1 When he was departed out of Sidon and would go unto Tyre.
2 Now when Paul was entered unto Tyre there came a multitude of Jews... In to him. These... And they heard the mighty works... They marveled... Amphion (Aphphia of the Acts of Titus)... Saying... In... Chrysippus... Devil with him... Many...
3 When Paul came... He said: "He... God and will not be an evil spirit" (?)... In (?) Amphion... Through the evil spirit... Without any one's having...
4 she said to him: "Save me that I die not."
5 And while the multitude... Then arose the other (?) evil spirit... And forthwith the devils fled away. And when the multitude saw this, by the power of God, they praised him who had (given such power) unto Paul.
6 And there was there one by name... Rimus, who had a son born to him which was dumb.
7 'I preach the good tidings of the Savior... Son of God'.
8 For that which we say comes to pass forthwith. Behold we will bring him here unto you that he may... You, to hear the truth of your...
9 On God whose desire is come to pass in him, this is the wise man... The Father and he has sent Jesus Christ.
10 Turned toward the East.
11 Moses...
12 in Syria in Cyrene...
13 Again I say unto you...
14 I, that do the works...
15 that a man is not justifed by the Law, but that he is justified by the works of righteousness, and he...
16 liberty...
17 and the yoke...
18 all flesh...
19 and every one confess that Jesus Christ is the glory of the Father.
20 is not water in him, but... Being water, I am not hungry but I am thirsty; I am not but not to... To suffer them, to be (devoured) by wild beasts, not to be able... From the earth, but not to suffer them to be burnt by the fire, are these things of the present age testified, he which was a persecutor...
21 (Cle)anthes. The law of God which is called...
22 who walks here before them, has he not followed us throughout all the cities...
23 And when... He turned himself toward the East after this (after two lines) such words, neither preaches he as you preach them, Paul, that you may not...
24 You are in the presence (sight, face) of Jerusalem, but I trust in the Lord that you will... Whom they crucified.
25 And at the end: raised up our flesh.
26 For since the day when... Persecuted the apostles which were (with me) out of Jerusalem, I hid myself that I might have comfort, and we nourish them which stand, through the word according to the promise (?) of his grace.
27 I have fallen into many troubles and have subjected myself to the law, as for your sakes. But thought by night and by day in my trouble on Jesus Christ, waiting for him as a lamb... When they crucified him he did not... Did not resist... Was not troubled.
28 through Paul. But... Was troubled because of the questioning (examination) that (was come) upon Peter and he cried out, saying: Truly, God is one, and there is no God beside him: one also is Jesus Christ his Son, whom we... This, whom you preach, did we crucify, whom expect in great glory, but you say that he is God and Judge of the living and the dead, the King of the ages, for the in the form of man.
29 Paul is condemned to the mines in an unknown place. Longinus and Firmilla have a daughter, Frontina, who is to be thrown down from a rock, and Paul with her. It is my distinct opinion that Fontina is already dead: her body is to be thus contumeliously treated because she has become a Christian.
30 For since... The mine, there has not... Nothing good has befallen mine house.
31 And he advised that the men which were to throw Frontina down, should throw down Paul also with her, alive.
32 Now Paul knew these things, but he worked fasting, in great cheerfulness, for two days with the prisoners.
33 They commanded that on the third day the men... Should bring forth Frontina: and the whole city followed after her.
34 And Firmilla and Longinus lamented and the soldiers... But the prisoners carried the bed (bier). And when Paul saw the great mourning with the daughter and eight...
CHAPTER 6
1 Paul alive with the daughter. But when Paul had taken the daughter in his arms, he groaned unto the Lord Jesus Christ because of the sorrow of Firmilla, and cast himself on his knees in the mire... Praying for Frontina with her in one (a) prayer.
2 In that hour Frontina rose up. And the whole multitude was afraid, and fled.
3 Paul took the hand of the daughter and led her through the city unto the house of Longinus, and the whole multitude said with one voice: God is one, who has made heaven and earth, who has granted the life of the daughter in the presence of Paul...
4 a loaf. And he gave thanks to him.
5 When he was departed from... And would go.
6 Now when Paul was come to Philippi... He entered into the house of... And there was great joy (among the brethren) and to every one.
CHAPTER 7
1 the lawless one...
2 the reward. They... In...
3 a prayer... Every...
4 one, and every one (?)
5 [no verse]
6 Paul... Again (or together).
7 prayed that a messenger be sent to Philippi.
8 For the Corinthians were in great trouble concerning Paul, that he would depart out of the world, before it was time.
9 For there were certain men come to Corinth, Simon and Cleobius, saying, "There is no resurrection of the flesh, but that of the spirit only," and that the body of man is not the creation of God; and also concerning the world, that God did not create it, and that God knows not the world, and that Jesus Christ was not crucified, but it was an appearance (i.e. But only in appearance), and that lie was not born of Mary, nor of the seed of David.
10 And in a word, there were many things which they had taught in Corinth, deceiving many other men, (and deceiving also) themselves.
11 When therefore the Corinthians heard that Paul was at Philippi, they sent a letter unto Paul to Macedonia by Threptus and Eutychus the deacons. And the letter was after this manner.
12 "Stephanus and the elders (presbyters) that are with him, even Daphnus and Eubulus and Theophilus and Zenon, unto Paul their brother eternal greeting in the Lord."
13 "There have come unto Corinth two men, Simon and Cleobius, which are overthrowing the faith of many with evil [corrupt] words
14 which do you prove and examine
15 for we have never heard such words from you nor from the other apostles
16 but all that we have received from you or from them, that do we hold fast.
17 Since therefore the Lord has had mercy on us, that while you are still in the flesh we may hear these things again from you,
18 if it be possible, either come unto us or write unto us.
19 For we believe, according as it has been revealed unto Theonoe, that the Lord has delivered you out of the hand of the lawless one [enemy, Laon].
20 Now the things which these men say and teach are these:
21 They say that we must not use the prophets,
22 and that God is not Almighty,
23 and that there shall be no resurrection of the flesh,
24 and that man was not made by God,
25 and that Christ came not down in the flesh, neither was born of Mary,
26 and that the world is not of God, but of the angels.
27 Wherefore, brother, we pray you use all diligence to come unto us, that the church of the Corinthians may remain without offence, and the madness of these men may be made plain. Farewell always in the Lord.
CHAPTER 8
1 The deacons Threptus and Eutyches brought the letter unto Philippi,
2 so that Paul received it, being in bonds because of Stratonice the wife of Apollophanes, and he forgot his bonds, and was sore afflicted
3 and cried out, saying, "It were better for me to die and to be with the Lord, than to continue in the flesh and to hear such things and the calamities of false doctrine, so that trouble comes upon trouble."
4 "And over and above this so great affliction I am in bonds and behold these evils whereby the devices of Satan are accomplished. May not the priests [intrigues] of Satan anticipate me while (or after) I suffer (have suffered) fetters for the sake of men.
5 Paul therefore, in great affliction, wrote a letter, answering thus:
6 "Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, unto the brethren which are in Corinth, greeting."
7 "Being in the midst of many tribulations, I marvel not if the teachings of the evil one run abroad apace."
8 "For my Lord Jesus Christ will hasten his coming, and will set at nought (no longer endure the insolence of) them that falsify his words."
9 For I delivered unto you in the beginning the things which I received of the holy apostles which were before me, who were at all times with Jesus Christ,
10 namely, that our Lord Jesus Christ was born of Mary which is of the seed of David according to the flesh, the Holy Spirit being sent forth from heaven from the Father unto her by the angel, Gabriel,
11 that He (Jesus) might come down into this world and redeem all flesh by His flesh, and raise us up from the dead in the flesh, like as he has shown to us in himself for an example.
12 And because man was formed by his Father,
13 therefore was he sought when he was lost, that he might be quickened by adoption.
14 For to this end did God Almighty who made heaven and earth first send the prophets unto the Jews, that they might be drawn away from their sins.
15 For he designed to save the house of Israel; therefore he conferred a portion of the spirit of Christ upon the prophets and sent them unto the Jews first, and they proclaimed the true worship of God for a long space of time.
16 But the prince of iniquity, desiring to be God, laid hands on them and slew them (banished them from God), and bound all flesh by evil lusts and the end of the world by judgment drew near.
17 But God Almighty, who is righteous, would not cast away his own creation, but had compassion on them from heaven,
18 and sent His spirit into Mary in Galilee, who believed with all her heart and received the holy spirit in her womb, that Jesus might come into the world,
19 that by that flesh whereby that wicked one had brought in death (had triumphed), by the same he should be shown to be overcome.
20 For by his own body Jesus Christ saved all flesh,
21 that he might show forth the temple of righteousness in his body.
22 In whom (or whereby) we are saved; in whom if we believe we are set free.
23 They therefore are not children of righteousness but children of wrath who reject the wisdom and providence of God, saying that the heaven and the earth and all that are in them are not the work of God.
24 They therefore are children of wrath, for cursed are they, following the teaching of the serpent,
25 whom do you drive out from you and flee from their doctrine.
26 For you are not children of disobedience, but of the well-beloved Church.
27 Therefore is the time of the resurrection proclaimed unto all.
28 And as for that which they say, that there is no resurrection of the flesh, they indeed shall have no resurrection unto life, but unto judgment.
29 because they believe not in him that is risen from the dead; not believing nor understanding,
30 for they know not, O Corinthians, the seeds of wheat or of other seeds (grain), how they are cast bare into the earth and are corrupted and rise again by the will of God with bodies, and clothed.
31 And not only that [body] which is cast in rises again, but manifold more blessing itself.
32 And if we must not take an example from seeds only, but from more noble bodies.
33 You know how Jonas the son of Amathi, when he would not preach to them of Nineveh, but fled, was swallowed by the sea monster;
34 and after three days and three nights God heard the prayer of Jonas out of the lowest hell, and no part of him was consumed, not even an hair nor an eyelash.
35 How much more, O you of little faith, shall he raise up you that have believed in Christ Jesus, like as He Himself arose.
36 Likewise also a dead man was cast upon the bones of the prophet Helisaetis by the children of Israel, and he arose, both body and soul and bones and spirit; how much more shall you which have been cast upon the body and bones and spirit of the Lord arise again in that day having your flesh whole, even as He arose?
37 Likewise also concerning the prophet Elias: He raised up the widow's son from death. How much more shall the Lord Jesus raise you up from death at the sound of the trumpet, in the twinkling of an eye? For He has showed us an example in His own body.
38 If, then, you receive any other doctrine, God shall be witness against you; and let no man trouble me,
39 for I bear these bonds that I may win Christ, and I therefore bear his marks in my body that I may attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
40 And whoever receives (abides in) the rule which he has received by the blessed prophets and the holy gospel, shall receive a recompense from the Lord, and when he rises from the dead shall obtain eternal life.
41 But whoever transgresses these things, with him is the fire, and with them that walk in like manner; men without God,
42 which are a generation of vipers,
43 whom do you reject in the power of the Lord,
44 and peace, grace and love shall be with you.
CHAPTER 8
1 For if we believe that when Paul was condemned to the beasts the lion that was set upon him lay down at his feet and licked him, how shall we not believe that which happened in the case of Daniel?
2 Now they who drew up the travels of Paul have related that he did many other things, and among them this, which befell when he was at Ephesus. Hieronymus being governor, Paul used liberty of speech, and he (Hieronymus) said that he (Paul) was able to speak well, but that this was not the time for such words.
3 But the people of the city, fiercely enraged, put Paul's feet into irons, and shut him up in the prison, till he should be exposed as a prey to the lions.
4 But Eubula and Artemilla, wives of eminent men among the Ephesians, being his attached disciples, and visiting him by night, desired the grace of the divine washing.
5 And by God's power, with angels to escort them and enlighten the gloom of night with the excess of the brightness that was in them, Paul, loosed from his iron fetters, went to the sea-shore and initiated them into holy baptism, and returning to his bonds without any of those in care of the prison perceiving it, was reserved as a prey for the lions.
6 A lion, then, of huge size and unmatched strength was let loose upon him, and it ran to him in the stadium and lay down at his feet.
7 And when many other savage beasts, too, were let loose, it was permitted to none of them to touch the holy body, standing like a statue in prayer.
8 At this juncture a violent and vast hailstorm poured down all at once with a great rush, and shattered the heads of many men and beasts as well, and shore off the ear of Hieronymus himself. And thereafter, with his followers, he came to the God of Paul and received the baptism of salvation. But the lion escaped to the mountains.
9 And there Paul sailed to Macedonia and Greece, and thereafter through Macedonia came to Troas and to Miletus, and from there set out for Jerusalem.
10 Now it is not surprising that Luke has not narrated this fight with the beasts along with the other Acts: for it is not permitted to entertain doubt because (or seeing that) John alone of the evangelists has told of the raising of Lazarus: for we know that not every one writes, believes, or knows everything, but according as the Lord has imparted to each, as the spirit divides to each, so does he perceive and believe and write spiritually the things of the spirit.
11 Hippolytus is a voucher for the early date of the story, and Nicephorus for its source. It will be recognized, moreover, at once as being quite in the manner of our author. The anger of the Ephesians, it cannot be doubted, was roused by Paul's preaching of continence, to which Eubula and Artemilla had become converts. The episode is really little more than a repetition of Thecla, with Paul for the principal figure.
CHAPTER 9
1 (Paul speaking)...thanksgiving..."The grace of the Lord will walk with me until I have fulfilled all the dispensations which shall come upon me with patience."
2 But they were sorrowful, and fasted.
3 And Cleobius was in the Spirit and said unto them, "Brethren, (the Lord) will suffer Paul to fulfill every dispensation and thereafter will suffer him to go up (to Jerusalem). But thereafter shall be... In much instruction and knowledge and sowing of the word, so that men shall envy him, and so he shall depart out of this world."
4 But when Paul and the brethren heard this, they lifted up their voices, saying,...
5 "...beheld......shall say..."
6 But the Spirit came upon Myrte so that she said unto them, "Brethren... And look upon this sign, that you..."
7 "For Paul the servant of the Lord shall save many in Rome, so that of them shall be no number, and he will manifest himself more than all the faithful."
8 "Thereafter shall... Of the Lord Jesus Christ come... A great grace is... At Rome."
9 And this is the manner wherein the Spirit was speaking unto Myrte. And every one took the bread, and they were in joy, according to the custom of the fast, through... And the psalms of David and... He rejoiced.
10 to Rome......the brethren.......grieved...
11 took the bread......praised the Lord......were very sorrowful...
12 the Lord......risen......Jesus...
13 Paul said to him...
14 he (they) greeted...
CHAPTER 10
1 Now there were awaiting Paul at Rome Luke from Galatia (Gaul) and Titus from Dalmatia, whom when Paul saw he was glad, and hired a grange outside Rome, wherein with the brethren he taught the word of truth, and he became noised abroad and many souls were added unto the Lord, so that there was a rumour throughout all Rome, and much people came unto him from the household of Caesar, believing, and there was great joy.
2 And a certain Patroclus, a cup-bearer of Caesar, came at even unto the grange, and not being able because of the press to enter in to Paul, he sat in a high window and listened to him teaching the word of God.
3 But whereas the evil devil envied the love of the brethren, Patroclus fell down from the window and died, and forthwith it was told unto Nero.
4 But Paul perceiving it by the spirit said, "Men and brethren, the evil one has gained occasion to tempt you. Go out of the house and you shall find a lad fallen from the height and now ready to give up the spirit; take him up and bring him here to me."
5 And they went and brought him; and when the people saw it they were troubled.
6 But Paul said, "Now, brethren, let your faith appear; come all of you and let us weep unto our Lord Jesus Christ, that this lad may live and we continue in quietness."
7 And when all had lamented, the lad received his spirit again, and they set him on a beast and sent him back alive, together with the rest that were of Caesar's household.
8 But Nero, when he heard of the death of Patroclus, was sore grieved, and when he came in from the bath he commanded another to be set over the wine.
9 But his servants told him, saying, "Caesar, Patroclus lives and stands at the table."
10 And Caesar, hearing that Patroclus lived, was affrighted and would not go in. But when he went in, he saw Patroclus, and was beside himself, and said, "Patroclus, you live?"
11 And he said, "I live, Caesar."
12 And he said, "Who is he that made you to live?"
13 And the lad, full of the mind of faith, said, "Christ Jesus, the king of the ages."
14 And Caesar was troubled and said, "Shall He, then, be king of the ages and overthrow all kingdoms?
15 Patroclus said unto him, "Yes, He overthrows all kingdoms and He alone shall be forever, and there shall be no kingdom that shall escape Him.
16 And Caesar struck him on the face and said, "Patroclus, are you also a soldier of that king?"
17 And he said, "Yes, Lord Caesar, for he raised me when I was dead."
18 And Barsabas Justus of the broad feet, and Urion the Cappadocian, and Festus the Galatian, Caesar's chief men, said, "We also are soldiers of the King of the ages.
19 And he shut them up in prison, having grievously tormented them, whom he loved much, and commanded the soldiers of the Great King to be sought out, and set forth a decree to this effect, that all that were found to be Christians and soldiers of Christ should be slain.
CHAPTER 11
1 And among many others Paul also was brought, bound: unto whom all his fellow-prisoners gave heed; so that Caesar perceived that he was over the camp.
2 And he said to him, "You that are the great king's man, but my prisoner, how thought you well to come by stealth into the government of the Romans and levy soldiers out of my province?"
3 But Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, said before them all, "Caesar, not only out of your province do we levy soldiers, but out of the whole world."
4 "For so has it been ordained unto us, that no man should be refused who wishes to serve my king. And if it like you also to serve Him, it is not wealth nor the splendour that is now in this life that shall save you; but if you submit and entreat him, you shall be saved; for (in) one day He shall fight against the world with fire."
5 And when Caesar heard that, he commanded all the prisoners to be burned with fire, but Paul to be beheaded after the law of the Romans.
6 But Paul kept not silence concerning the word, but communicated with Longus the prefect and Cestus the centurion.
7 Nero therefore went on in Rome, slaying many Christians without a hearing, by the working of the evil one; so that the Romans stood before the palace and cried, "It suffices, Caesar! For the men are our own! You destroy the strength of the Romans!"
8 Then at that he was persuaded and ceased, and commanded that no man should touch any Christian, until he should learn thoroughly concerning them.
9 Then was Paul brought unto him after the decree; and he abode by his word that he should be beheaded.
10 And Paul said, "Caesar, it is not for a little space that I live unto my king; and if you behead me, this will I do: I will arise and show myself unto you that I am not dead but live unto my Lord Jesus Christ, who comes to judge the world."
11 But Longus and Cestus said unto Paul, "Where have you this king, that you believe in Him and will not change your mind, even unto death?"
12 And Paul communicated unto them the word and said, "You men that are in this ignorance and error, change your mind and be saved from the fire that comes upon all the world."
13 "For we serve not, as you suppose, a king that comes from the earth, but from heaven, even the living God, who because of the iniquities that are done in this world, comes as a judge; and blessed is that man who shall believe in him and shall live forever when he comes to burn the world and purge it thoroughly.
14 Then they beseeching him said, "We entreat you, help us, and we will let you go."
15 But he answered and said, "I am not a deserter of Christ, but a lawful soldier of the living God.
16 "If I had known that I should die, O Longus and Cestus, I would have done it, but seeing that I live unto God and love myself, I go unto the Lord, to come with him in the glory of his Father."
17 They say unto him, "How then shall we live when you are beheaded?"
18 And while they yet was speaking thus, Nero sent one Parthenius and Pheres to see if Paul were already beheaded, and they found him yet alive.
19 And he called them to him and said, "Believe on the living God, which raises me and all them that believe on him from the dead."
20 And they said, "We go now unto Nero; but when you die and rise again, then will we believe on your God."
21 And as Longus and Cestus entreated him yet more concerning salvation, he said to them, "Come quickly unto my grave in the morning and you shall find two men praying, Titus and Luke. They shall give you the seal in the Lord."
22 Then Paul stood with his face to the east and lifted up his hands unto heaven and prayed a long time, and in his prayer he conversed in the Hebrew tongue with the fathers, and then stretched forth his neck without speaking.
23 And when the executioner struck off his head, milk spurted upon the cloak of the soldier.
24 And the soldier and all that were there present when they saw it marveled and glorified God which had given such glory unto Paul: and they went and told Caesar what was done.
25 And when he heard it, while he marveled long and was in perplexity, Paul came about the ninth hour, when many philosophers and the centurion were standing with Caesar, and stood before them all and said,
26 "Caesar, behold, I, Paul, the soldier of God, am not dead, but live in my God."
27 "But unto you shall many evils befall and great punishment, you wretched man, because you have shed unjustly the blood of the righteous, not many days away."
28 And having so said, Paul departed from him. But Nero hearing it and being greatly troubled commanded the prisoners to be loosed, and Patroclus also and Barsabas and them that were with him.
29 And as Paul charged them, Longus and Cestus the centurion went early in the morning and approached with fear unto the grave of Paul. And when they were come there they saw two men praying, and Paul between them, so that they beholding the wondrous marvel were amazed,
30 but Titus and Luke being stricken with the fear of man when they saw Longus and Cestus coming toward them, turned to flight.
31 But they pursued after them, saying, "We pursue you not for death but for life, that you may give it unto us, as Paul promised us, whom we saw just now standing between you and praying.
32 And when they heard that, Titus and Luke rejoiced and gave them the seal in the Lord, glorifying the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and all the saints. Unto whom be glory world without end. Amen.