Acts of Thomas Yahudah Didymus [The Twin]
The First Act: When Thomas went into India with Abbanes the merchant.
At that season all we the apostles were at Yerusalem, Simon who is called Kepha, Andrew his brother, Yaaqob [James] the son of Zebedee, Yahchanan his brother, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew the publican, Yaaqob the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Canaanite, and Judas the brother of Yaaqob. We divided the regions of the world, that every one of us should go to the region that fell to him, to the nation which Yahushua sent him to.
According to the lot, therefore, India fell to Yahudah [Judas] Thomas, who is also the twin. But he would not go, saying that by reason of the weakness of the flesh he could not travel, and: I am a Hebrew man, how can I go among the Indians and preach the truth? As he reasoned and spoke, the Savior appeared to him by night, and said to him: Do not fear, Thomas. Go to India and preach the word there, for my grace is with you. But he would not obey, saying: Where you would send me, send me, but elsewhere, for to the Indians I will not go.
2 While he thus spoke and thought, it chanced there was a certain merchant come there from India, whose name was Abbanes, sent from the King Gundaphorus, having commandment from him to buy a carpenter, and bring him to him.
Yahushua saw him walking in the market-place at noon, and said to him: Would you buy a carpenter? He said to him: Yea. Yahushua said to him: I have a slave who is a carpenter, and I desire to sell him. And so saying he showed him Thomas afar off, agreed with him for three litrae of silver unstamped, and wrote a deed of sale, saying: I, Yahushua, the son of Yahusef the carpenter, acknowledge that I sold my slave, Yahudah by name, to you Abbanes, a merchant of Gundaphorus, king of the Indians. When the deed was finished, the Savior took Yahudah Thomas, and led him away to Abbanes the merchant. When Abbanes saw him he said to him: Is this your master? And the apostle said: Yea, He is my Master. And he said: I bought you from him. And the apostle held his peace.
3 On the following day the apostle arose early, prayed, and begged Yahushua. He said: I will go where you will, Yahushua, your will be done. He departed to Abbanes the merchant, taking with him nothing at all save only his price. Yahushua gave it to him, saying: Let your price also be with you, together with my grace, wheresoever you go.
The apostle found Abbanes carrying his baggage on board the ship, so he began to carry it aboard with him. When they were embarked in the ship, and were set down, Abbanes questioned the apostle, saying: What craftsmanship do you know? He said: In wood I can make plows, yokes, augers, boats, oars for boats, masts, and pulleys. And in stone, pillars, temples, and court-houses for kings. Abbanes the merchant said to him: Yea, it is such a workman we need. They began to sail homeward. They had a favorable wind, and sailed prosperously till they reached Andrapolis, a royal city.
4 They left the ship and entered into the city. Lo, there were noises of flutes and water-organs, and trumpets sounded about them. The apostle inquired, saying: What is this festival that is in this city? Those who were there said to him: The gods brought you to make merry in this city. The king has an only daughter, and now he gives her in marriage to a husband. This rejoicing and assembly of the wedding today is the festival which you see. The king sent heralds to proclaim everywhere that all should come to the marriage, rich and poor, bond and free, strangers and citizens. If any refuse and not come to the marriage he will answer for it to the king. Hearing that, Abbanes said to the apostle: Let us go, unless we offend the king, especially seeing we are strangers. And he said: Let us go.
After they put up in the inn, and rested a little space, they went to the marriage. The apostle saw them all set down. He laid himself in the midst, and all looked upon him as upon a stranger, one come from a foreign land. Abbanes the merchant, being his master, laid himself in another place.
5 As they dined and drank, the apostle tasted nothing. Those who were about him said to him: Why are you come here, not eating nor drinking? But he answered them, saying: I am come here for somewhat greater than the food or the drink, that I may fulfil the king's will. The heralds proclaim the king's message, and whoever does not hearken to the heralds will be subject to the king's judgment.
So when they had dined and drunken, garlands and unguents were brought to them. Every man took of the unguent, one anointed his face, another his beard, and another other parts of his body. The apostle anointed the top of his head, smeared a little upon his nostrils, dropped it into his ears, touched his teeth with it, and carefully anointed the parts about his heart. The wreath was brought to him, woven of myrtle and other flowers. He set it on his head, took a branch of calamus, and held it in his hand.
Holding her flute in her hand, the flute-girl went about to them all and played, but when she came to the place where the apostle was, she stood over him and played at his head for a long space. This flute-girl was a Hebrew by race.
6 As the apostle continued looking on the ground, one of the cup-bearers stretched forth his hand, and gave him a buffet. The apostle lifted up his eyes, looked upon him that hit him, and said: Yahushua will forgive you this iniquity in the life to come, but in this world you will show forth His wonders. Even now I will see this hand that hit me dragged by dogs. And having said so, he began to sing, and to say this song:
The damsel is the daughter of light, in whom consists and dwells the proud brightness of kings. The sight of her is delightful, she shines with beauty and cheer. Her garments are like the flowers of spring, a waft of fragrance is borne from them. In the crown of her head the king is established which with his immortal food nourishes those who are founded upon him. Truth is set in her head, and she shows forth joy with her feet. Her mouth is opened, and it becomes her well, thirty and two are they that sing praises to her. Her tongue is like the curtain of the door, which waves to and fro for those who enter in. Her neck is set in the fashion of steps which the first maker wrought. Her two hands signify and show, proclaiming the dance of the happy ages. Her fingers point out the gates of the city. Her chamber is bright with light, breathes forth the odor of balsam and all spices, and gives out a sweet smell of myrrh and Indian leaf. Within myrtles are strewn on the floor, [garlands] of all manner of odorous flowers, and the door-posts are adorned with freeds.
7 Surrounding her, her groomsmen keep her, the number of whom is seven, whom she herself chose. Her bridesmaids are seven, and they dance before her. And twelve in number are those who serve before her and are subject to her. They have their aim and their look toward the bridegroom, that they may be enlightened by the sight of him. They will be with her in that eternal joy forever, will be at that marriage where the princes are gathered together, will attend at that banquet where the eternal ones are accounted worthy, will put on royal garments and be clad in bright robes, will be in joy and exultation, will glorify the Father of all, whose proud light they received, are enlightened by the sight of their master, whose immortal food they received, that has no failing, and drunk of the wine that gives them neither thirst nor desire. They glorified and praised with the living spirit, the Father of truth, and the mother of wisdom.
8 When he sung and ended this song, all that were present there gazed upon him. He kept silence, and they saw that his likeness was changed. They did not understand that which was spoken by him, forasmuch as he was a Hebrew, and that which he spoke was said in the Hebrew tongue. The flute-girl alone heard all of it, for she was by race a Hebrew. She went away from him and played to the rest, but for the most part she gazed and looked upon him, for she loved him well, as a man of her own nation. Moreover he was comely to look upon beyond all that were there. When the flute-girl played to them all, and ended, she sat down over against him, gazing, and looking earnestly upon him. He looked upon no man at all, nor took heed of any, but only kept his eyes looking toward the ground, waiting for the time when he might depart.
The cup-bearer who hit him went down to the well to draw water. There chanced to be a lion there. It killed him and left him lying in that place, having torn his limbs in pieces. And forthwith dogs seized his members, and among them one black dog holding his right hand in his mouth bore it into the place of the banquet.
9 When they saw it all were amazed, and inquired which of them it was that was missing. When it became known that it was the hand of the cup-bearer which had smitten the apostle, the flute-girl broke her flute, cast it away, went, and sat down at the apostle's feet, saying: This is either a god or an apostle of Yahwah. I heard him say in the Hebrew tongue: I will see the hand that hit me dragged by dogs. You have now seen this thing. As he said, so it came about. Some believed her, and some not.
When the king heard of it, he came and said to the apostle: Rise up, come with me, and pray for my daughter. She is my only-begotten, and I give her in marriage today. The apostle was not willing to go with him, for Yahushua was not yet revealed to him in that place. But the king led him away against his will to the bride-chamber, that he might pray for them.
10 The apostle stood, began to pray, and to speak thus: Yahushua my Master, who travels with your servants, that guides and corrects those who believe in you, the refuge and rest of the oppressed, the hope of the poor, ransomer of captives, the physician of the souls that lie sick, Savior of all creation, that gives life to the world, and strengthens souls; you know things to come, and accomplishes them by our means. You Yahushua are He who reveals hidden mysteries and makes known words that are secret. You Yahushua are the planter of the good tree, and of your hands are all good works engendered. You Yahushua are He that is in all things, passes through all, are set in all your works, and known in the working of them all. Yahushua Messiyah, Son of compassion and perfect Savior, Messiyah, Son of the living Yahwah, the undaunted power that overthrew the enemy, the voice that was heard of the rulers and made all their powers to quake, the ambassador who was sent from the height and came down even to hell, who did open the doors and bring up from there those who were shut up in the treasury of darkness for many ages, and showed them the way that leads up to the height. I beg you, Yahushua, and offer to you supplication for these young persons, that you would do for them the things that will help them, be expedient, and profitable for them. He laid his hands on them, said: Yahushua will be with you; left them in that place, and departed.
11 The king desired the groomsmen to depart out of the bride-chamber. When all were gone out, and the doors were shut, the bridegroom lifted up the curtain of the bride-chamber to fetch the bride to him. He saw Yahushua bearing the likeness of Yahudah Thomas the apostle (even him who but now had blessed them and gone out from them), and speaking with the bride. He said to him: Did you not go out in the sight of all? How then are you found here? But Yahushua said to him: I am not Yahudah which is also called Thomas. I am his brother. Yahushua sat down upon the bed, asked them sit upon chairs, and began to say to them:
12 Remember, my children, what my brother spoke to you, and what he delivered before you. Know this, you can abstain from this foul intercourse, you become holy temples, pure, being quit of impulses and pains, seen and unseen. You will acquire no cares of life or of children, whose end is destruction. If you indeed get many children, you become grasping and covetous for their sakes, stripping orphans and overreaching widows, and by so doing subject yourselves to grievous punishments. Most children become useless, oppressed of devils, some openly and some invisibly. They either become lunatic, or half-withered, or blind, or deaf, or dumb, or paralytic, or foolish. Or if they are sound, again they will be vain, doing useless or abominable acts, for they will be caught either in adultery, or murder, or theft, or fornication, and you will be afflicted by all these.
If you are persuaded, and keep your souls chaste before Yahwah, there will come to you living children whom these blemishes do not touch. You will be without care, leading a tranquil life, without grief or anxiety, looking to receive that incorruptible and true marriage, and you will be the groomsmen entering into that bride-chamber which is full of immortality and light.
13 When the young people heard these things, they believed Yahushua, gave themselves up to Him, abstained from foul desire, and continued so, passing the night in that place. Yahushua departed from before them, saying thus: The grace of Yahushua will be with you.
When the morning was come the king came to meet them, furnished a table, and brought it in before the bridegroom and the bride. He found them sitting over opposite each other. He found the face of the bride unveiled, and the bridegroom was right joyful.
The mother came to the bride, and said: Why do you sit so, child, and are not ashamed, but are as if you had lived with your husband a long season? Her father said: Because of your great love toward your husband do you not even veil yourself?
14 The bride answered and said: Verily, father, I am in great love. I pray by Yahushua that the love which I perceived this night may abide with me. I will ask for that husband of whom I learned today. I will not veil myself, because the veil of shame is removed from me. I am not ashamed or abashed, because the deed of shame and confusion is departed far from me. I am not confounded, it is because my astonishment has not continued with me. I am in cheerfulness and joy, it is because the day of my joy was not troubled. I set aside this husband and this marriage that passes away from before my eyes, it is because I am joined in another marriage. I had no intercourse with a husband that is temporal, of which the end is with lasciviousness and bitterness of soul, because I am yoked to a true husband.
15 While the bride was saying yet more than this, the bridegroom answered and said: I give you thanks, O Yahushua, who was proclaimed by the stranger, and found in us; who removed me far from corruption, and sown life in me; who rid me of this disease that is hard to be healed and cured, and abides forever, and implanted sober health in me; who showed me yourself, and revealed to me all my state I am in; who redeemed me from falling, led me to that which is better, set me free from temporal things, and made me worthy of those that are immortal and everlasting; who made yourself lowly, even down to me and my littleness, that you may present me to your greatness, and unite me to yourself; who did not withhold your own bowels from me that was ready to perish, but showed me how to seek myself, and know who I am, and who and in what manner I am now, that I may again become that which I was: whom I did not know, but you yourself did seek me out; of whom I was not aware, but you took me to you; whom I perceive, and am now not able to be unmindful of; whose love burns within me, and I cannot speak of it as is fit. That which I am able to say of it is little and scanty, and not fitly proportioned to His glory. He does not blame me that presume to say to Him even that which I do not know, for it is because of His love that I say even this much.
16 When the king heard these things from the bridegroom and the bride, he tore his clothes, and said to those who stood by him: Go forth quickly, go about the whole city, bring me that man that is a sorcerer who by ill fortune came to this city. I brought him into this house with my own hands, and I told him to pray over this my ill-starred daughter. Whoever finds and brings him to me, I will give him whatsoever he asks of me. They went, therefore, and went about seeking him, and did not find him, for he had set sail. They also went to the inn where he had lodged, and found the flute-girl there, weeping and afflicted because he did not take her with him. When they told her the matter that fell out with the young people, she was exceeding glad at hearing it. She put away her grief and said: Now I also find rest here. She rose up, went to them, and was with them a long time, until they instructed the king also. Many of the brothers also gathered there until they heard the report of the apostle, that he was come to the cities of India, and was teaching there. They departed and joined themselves to him.
The Second Act: Concerning his coming to the king Gundaphorus.
17 When the apostle was come into the cities of India with Abbanes the merchant, Abbanes went to salute the king Gundaphorus, and reported to him of the carpenter whom he brought with him. The king was glad, and commanded him to come in to him. When he was come in the king said to him: What craft do you understand? The apostle said to him: The craft of carpentering and of building. The king said to him: What craftsmanship, then, do you know in wood, and what in stone? The apostle said: In wood; plows, yokes, goads, pulleys, boats, oars, and masts; and in stone; pillars, temples, and court-houses for kings. The king said: Can you build me a palace? And he answered: Yea, I can both build and furnish it. I am come to this end, to build, and to do the work of a carpenter.
18 The king took him, went out of the city gates, and began to speak with him on the way concerning the building of the court-house; and of the foundations, how they should be laid; until they came to the place where he desired that the building should be. He said: Here I want the building to be. And the apostle said: Yea, this place is suitable for the building. But the place was woody and there was much water there. So the king said: Begin to build. But he said: I cannot begin to build now at this season. And the king said: When can you begin? And he said: I will begin in the month Dius and finish in Xanthicus. But the king marvelled and said: Every building is built in summer, and you can in this very winter build and make ready a palace? And the apostle said: Thus it must be, and otherwise it is not possible. And the king said: If, then, this seem good to you, draw me a plan, how the work will be, because I will return here after some long time. The apostle took a reed and drew, measuring the place. The doors he set toward the sunrising to look toward the light, the windows toward the west to the breezes, the bakehouse he appointed to be toward the south, and the aqueduct for the service toward the north. The king saw it and said to the apostle: Verily, you are a craftsman. It belittles you to be a servant of kings. He left much money with him, and departed from him.
19 From time to time he sent money and provision, and victual for him and the rest of the workmen. Thomas received it all, and dispensed it, going about the cities and the villages round about, distributing, giving alms to the poor and afflicted, and relieving them, saying: The king knows how to obtain recompense fit for kings, but at this time it is needful that the poor should have refreshment.
After these things the king sent an ambassador to the apostle, and wrote thus: Signify to me what you have done, or what I will send you, or of what you have need. The apostle sent to him, saying: The palace is built and only the roof remains. Hearing it the king sent him again gold and silver, and wrote to him: Let the palace be roofed, if it is done. The apostle said to Yahushua: I thank you O Yahushua in all things, that you did die for a little space that I might live forever in you, and that you sold me that by me you might set many free. He did not cease to teach and to refresh the afflicted, saying: Yahushua dispensed this to you, He gives to every man His food. He is the nourisher of orphans, steward of the widows, and to all that are afflicted He is relief and rest.
20 When the king came to the city he inquired of his friends concerning the palace which Yahudah that is called Thomas was building for him. And they told him: He has not built a palace, nor did anything else of what he promised to perform. He goes about the cities and countries, and whatsoever he has he gives to the poor. He teaches of Yahushua, heals the sick, drives out devils, and does many other wonderful things. We think him to be a sorcerer. Yet his compassions, and his cures which are done of him freely, moreover the simplicity and kindness of him and his faith, do declare that he is a righteous man, an apostle of Yahushua whom he preaches. He fasts continually, prays, eats bread only, with salt, his drink is water, he wears but one garment alike in fair weather and in winter, receives nothing of any man, and what he has he gives to others. When the king heard that, he rubbed his face with his hands, and shook his head for a long space.
21 He sent for the merchant who brought him, and for the apostle, and said to him: Have you built me the palace? He said: Yes. And the king said: When will we go and see it? But he answered him and said: You can not see it now, when you depart this life, then you will see it. The king was exceeding wroth, and commanded both the merchant and Yahudah which is called Thomas to be put in bonds and cast into prison until he should inquire and learn to whom the king's money was given, and so destroy both him and the merchant.
The apostle went to the prison rejoicing, and said to the merchant: Fear nothing, only believe in Yahushua who is preached by me. Indeed you will be set free from this world, but from the world to come you will receive life. The king took thought with what death he should destroy them. He determined to flay them alive and burn them with fire. In the same night Gad the king's brother fell sick, he was greatly oppressed by reason of his vexation, and the deceit which the king had suffered. He sent for the king, and said to him: O king my brother, I commit to you my house and my children. I am vexed by reason of the provocation that happened to you, and lo, I die. If you not visit with vengeance upon the head of that sorcerer, you will give my soul no rest in hell. The king said to his brother: All this night I considered how I should put him to death. This seemed good to me, to flay him, and burn him with fire, both him and the merchant who brought him. The brother of the king said to him: If there is anything else that is worse than this, do it to him. I give you charge of my house and my children.
22 As they talked together, the soul of his brother Gad departed. The king mourned sore for Gad, for he loved him much, and commanded that he should be buried in royal and precious apparel. Now after this malaks took the soul of Gad the king's brother and bore it up into heaven, showing to him the places and dwellings that were there, and inquired of him: Which place would you dwell in? When they drew near to the building of Thomas the apostle which he had built for the king, Gad saw it, and said to the malaks: I beg you, my lords, allow me to dwell in one of the lowest rooms of this. And they said to him: You cannot dwell in this building. And he said: Why? And they said to him: This is that palace which the Messianic built for your brother. And he said: I beg you, my lords, allow me to go to my brother, that I may buy this palace of him, for my brother does not know of what sort it is, and he will sell it to me.
23 The malaks let the soul of Gad go. As they were putting his grave clothes upon him, his soul entered into him. He said to those who stood about him: Call my brother to me, that I may ask one petition of him. They told the king, saying: Your brother is revived. The king ran forth, with a great company, came to his brother, entered in, and stood by his bed as one amazed, not being able to speak to him. His brother said: I know and am persuaded, my brother, that if any man asked of you the half of your kingdom, you would have given it him for my sake. I beg of you to grant me one favor which I ask of you, that you would sell me that which I ask of you. The king answered and said: And what is it which you ask me to sell you? And he said: Convince me by an oath that you will grant it me. And the king swore to him: One of my possessions, whatsoever you will ask, I will give you. He said to him: Sell me that palace which you have in the heavens! And the king said: Why should I have a palace in the heavens? And he said: Even that which the Messianic built for you, who is now in the prison, whom the merchant brought to you, having purchased him of one Yahushua. I mean that Hebrew slave whom you desired to punish as having suffered deceit at his hand, when I was grieved, died, and am now revived.
24 The king considered the matter, understood it of those eternal benefits which should come to him and which concerned him, and said: I cannot sell you that palace. I pray to enter into it, dwell there, and to be accounted worthy of the inhabiters of it. If you indeed desire to buy such a palace, lo, the man lives, and will build you one better than it. He sent and brought the apostle out of prison, and the merchant that was shut up with him, saying: I ask you, as a man that begs the minister of Yahwah, that you would pray for me and beg Him whose minister you are to forgive me and overlook that which I did to you or thought to do, and that I may become a worthy inhabiter of that dwelling for the which I took no pains, but you built for me, laboring alone, the grace of Yahushua working with you, and that I also may become a servant and serve this Yahushua whom you preach. His brother also fell down before the apostle and said: I ask and supplicate you before Yahushua that I may become worthy of His ministry and service, and that it may fall to me to be worthy of the things that were shown to me by His malaks [gods, servants].
25 Filled with joy, the apostle said: I praise you, O Yahushua, that you revealed your truth in these men. You only are Yahushua of truth, and none other, you are He that knows all things that are unknown to the most. You, Yahushua, are He who shows compassion in all things, and spares men. Men overlooked you by reason of the error that is in them, but you did not overlook them. And now at my supplication and request receive the king and his brother. Join them to your fold, cleanse them with your washing and anoint them with your oil from the error that encompasses them. Keep them from the wolves, bearing them into your meadows. Give them drink out of your immortal fountain which is not fouled nor dries up. They ask and supplicate you and desire to become your servants and ministers. For this they are content even to be persecuted of your enemies, to be hated of them for your sake, to be mocked, and to die, like as you did suffer all these things for our sake, that you might preserve us, you that are Yahushua and verily the good shepherd. Grant them to have confidence in you alone, the succour that comes of you, the hope of their salvation which they look for from you alone, that they may be grounded in your mysteries, receive the perfect good of your graces and gifts, flourish in your ministry, and come to perfection in your Father.
26 Being wholly set upon the apostle, both the king Gundaphorus and Gad his brother followed him and did not depart from him at all. They also relieved those who had need, giving to all, and refreshing all. They begged him that they also might receive the seal of the Word, saying to him: Seeing that our souls are at leisure and eager toward Yahushua, give us the seal, for we heard you say that Yahushua whom you preach knows His own sheep by His seal. The apostle said to them: I rejoice and ask you to receive this seal, to partake with me in this eucharist and blessing of Yahushua, and to be made perfect by it. For this is Yahushua King of all, even Yahushua Messiyah whom I preach, and He is the father of truth, in whom I taught you to believe. He commanded them to bring oil, that they might receive the seal by the oil. The king gave orders that the bath should be closed for seven days, and that no man should bathe in it. When the seven days were done, on the eighth day they three entered into the bath by night, that Yahudah might immerse [baptise] them. Many lamps were lighted in the bath.
27 The apostle arose and sealed them. Yahushua was revealed to them by a voice, saying: Peace be to you brothers. They heard His voice only, but His likeness they did not see, for they were not immersed. The apostle took the oil, poured it upon their heads, anointed them, and began to say:
Come, you holy Name of the Messiyah that is above every name.
Come, you power of the Most High, and the compassion that is perfect.
Come, gift of the Most High.
Come, compassionate mother.
Come, communion of the male.
Come, she that reveals the hidden mysteries.
Come, mother of the seven houses, that your rest may be in the eighth house.
Come, elder of the five members, mind, thought, reflection, consideration, reason. Communicate with these young men.
Come, holy spirit, cleanse their reins and their heart, and give them the added seal, in the Name of the Father and Son.
When they were sealed, there appeared to them a youth holding a lighted torch, so that their lamps appeared dim at the approach of its light. He went forth, and was not seen of them anymore. The apostle said to Yahushua: Your light, O Yahushua, is not to be contained by us, we are not able to bear it, it is too great for our sight.
When the dawn came, and it was morning, he broke bread and made them partakers of the eucharist of the Messiyah. They were glad, and rejoiced.
Many others were also added to them, believing, and came into the refuge of the Savior.
28 The apostle did not cease to preach, and to say to them: You men and women, boys and girls, young men and maidens, strong men and aged, whether bond or free, abstain from fornication, covetousness, and the service of the belly. For under these three heads all iniquity comes about. Fornication blinds the mind, darkens the eyes of the soul, and is an impediment to the life of the body, turning the whole man to weakness, and casting the whole body into sickness. Greed puts the soul into fear and shame. Being within the body it seizes upon the goods of others, and is under fear because if it restore other men's goods to their owner it be put to shame. The service of the belly casts the soul into thoughts, cares, and vexations, taking thought unless it come to be in want, and have need of those things that are far from it. If you be rid of these, you become free of care, grief, and fear, and that abides with you which was said by the Savior: Take no thought for tomorrow, for tomorrow will take thought for the things of itself. Remember also that word of him of whom I spoke: Look at the ravens, see the fowls of the heaven, that they do not sow, nor reap, nor gather into barns, and Yahwah dispenses to them. How much more to you, O you of little faith? Look for His coming, have your hope in Him, and believe on His Name. For He is the judge of quick and dead. He gives to everyone according to their deeds. At His coming and His latter appearing no man has any word of excuse when he is to be judged by Him, as though he did not hear. His heralds do proclaim in the four quarters of the world. Repent, therefore, believe the promise, receive the yoke of meekness, the light burden, that you may live, and not die. These things get, these keep. Come forth of the darkness that the light may receive you! Come to Him that is indeed good, that you may receive grace of Him, and implant His sign in your souls.
29 When he spoke, some of those who stood by said: It is time for the creditor to receive the debt. And he said to them: He that is lord of the debt desires always to receive more, but let us give him that which is due. He blessed them, and took bread, oil, herbs, salt, and blessed, and gave to them. He himself continued his fast, for the first day was coming on.
When night fell and he slept, Yahushua came and stood at his head, saying: Thomas, rise early, and bless them all. After the prayer and the ministry go by the eastern road two miles, and I will show you my glory there. By your going many will take refuge with me, and you will bring to light the nature and power of the enemy. He rose up from sleep and said to the brothers that were with him: Children, Yahushua would accomplish somewhat by me today. Let us pray, and ask of Him that we may have no impediment toward Him, but that as at all times, so now also it may be done by us according to His desire and will. Having so said, he laid his hands on them, blessed them, broke the bread of the eucharist, and gave it them, saying: This Eucharist will be to you for compassion and mercy, not to judgment and retribution. And they said: Amein.
The Third Act: Concerning the servant
30 The apostle went forth to go where Yahushua sent him. When he was near to the second mile, and turned a little out of the way, he saw the body of a comely youth lying, and said: Yahushua, is it for this that you brought me forth, to come here that I might see this temptation? Your will therefore be done as you desire. He began to pray, and to say: O Yahushua, the judge of quick and dead, of the quick that stand by, and the dead that lie here. Master and father of all things, not only father of the souls that are in bodies, but of those who have gone forth of them, and also of the souls that are in polluted bodies, you are lord, and judge. Come at this hour while I call upon you, show forth your glory upon him who lies here. He turned himself to those who followed him, and said: This thing is not come to pass without cause, the enemy effected it, and brought it about that he may assault us with it. See that he did not make use of another sort, nor wrought through any other creature, save that which is his subject.
31 When he so said, a great black dragon came out of a hole, beating with his head, shaking his tail upon the ground, and said to the apostle with a loud voice: I will tell before you the reason why I killed this man, since you are come here for that end, to reprove my works. The apostle said: Yes, say on. And the serpent: There is a certain beautiful woman in this village opposite us. As she passed by me I saw her, and was enamoured of her. I followed her, and kept watch upon her. I found this youth kissing her, he had intercourse with her, and did other shameful acts with her. It was easy for me to declare them before you, for I know that you are the twin brother of the Messiyah, and always abolish our nature. I did not kill him at that time because I did not want to frighten her. I waited for him till he passed by in the evening, and smote and killed him, especially because he adventured to do this upon Yahushua's day. The apostle inquired of him, saying: Tell me of what seed and of what race you are.
32 He said to him: I am a reptile of the reptile nature, noxious son of the noxious father, of him that hurt and smote the four brothers which stood upright. I am son to him who sits on a throne over all the earth, who receives back his own from those who borrow. I am son to him that wraps about the sphere. I am kin to him that is outside the ocean, whose tail is set in his own mouth [Milky Way galaxy]. I am he that entered through the barrier into paradise, and spoke with Eve the things which my father made me speak to her. I am he who kindled and inflamed Cain to kill his own brother, on my account did thorns and thistles grow up in the earth. I am he who cast down the gods from above, bound them in lusts after women, that children born of earth might come of them, and I might work my will in them. I am he who hardened Pharaoh's heart that he should kill the children of Yisrayah, and enslave them with the yoke of cruelty. I am he who caused the multitude to err in the wilderness when they made the calf. I am he who inflamed Herod, and enkindled Caiaphas to false accusation of a lie before Pilate, for this was fitting to me. I am he who stirred up Judas and bribed him to deliver up the Messiyah. I am he who inhabits and holds the deep of hell (Tartarus). The Son of Yahwah wronged me, against my will, and took those who were His own from me. I am kin to him that is to come from the east, to whom also power is given to do what he will upon the earth.
33 When the serpent spoke these things in the hearing of all the people, the apostle lifted up his voice on high and said: Cease now, O most shameless one. Be put to confusion, die wholly, the end of your destruction is come, and dare not to tell of what you did by those who became subject to you. I charge you in the Name of Yahushua who until now contends with you for the men that are His own, that you suck out your venom which you put into this man. Draw it forth, take it from him. But the serpent said: Not yet is the end of our time come, as you say. Why do you compel me to take back that which I put into this man, and to die before my time? When my own father will draw forth and suck out that which he cast into the creation, then his end will come. The apostle said to him: Show, then, the nature of your father. The serpent came near, set his mouth upon the wound of the young man, and sucked forth the gall out of it. By little and little the color of the young man (which was as purple) became white, but the serpent swelled up. When the serpent had drawn up all the gall into himself, the young man leapt up, stood, ran, and fell at the apostle's feet. Being swelled up, the serpent burst and died. His venom and gall were shed forth. In the place where his venom was shed there came a great gulf, and that serpent was swallowed up in it. The apostle said to the king and his brother: Take workmen. Fill up that place, lay foundations, build houses upon them, that it may be a dwelling-place for strangers.
34 With many tears the youth said to the apostle: When did I sin against you? You are a man that has two forms, and wheresoever you will, there you are found, and are restrained of no man, as I see. I saw that man who stood by you, and said to you: I have many wonders to show forth by your means. I have great works to accomplish by you, for which you will receive a reward. You will make many to live, and they will be in rest in light eternal as children of Yahwah. Speaking to you of me, He said: Quicken this youth who was stricken of the enemy, and be at all times his overseer. Well are you come here, well you will depart again to Him, and yet He will never leave you at any time. I am become without care or reproach. He enlightened me from the care of the night, I am at rest from the toil of the day. I am set free from him who provoked me to do thus, sinning against Him who taught me to do contrary things. I lost him that is the kinsman of the night, who compelled me to sin by his own deeds. I found Him who is of the light, and is my kinsman. I lost him who darkens and blinds his own subjects, that they may not know what they do, and, may depart from him being ashamed at their own works, and their works come to an end. I found Him whose works are light, His deeds truth, which if a man does he does not repent of them. I left him with whom lying abides, and before whom darkness goes as a veil, and behind him follows shame, shameless in indolence. I found Him who shows me fair things, that I may take hold on them, even the son of the truth that is akin to concord, who scatters away the mist and enlightens His own creation, heals its wounds, and overthrows its enemies. I beg you, O man of Yahwah, cause me to see Him again, to see Him who is now become hidden from me, that I may also hear His voice of which I am not able to express the wonder, for it belongs not to the nature of this bodily organ.
35 The apostle answered him, saying: If you depart from these things you received knowledge of, as you said, if you know who it is that wrought this in you, learn, and become a hearer of Him whom you now seek in your fervent love, you will both see Him and be with Him forever. You will rest in His rest, and will be in His joy. If you are slackly disposed toward Him, turn again to your former deeds, leave that beauty and that bright countenance which was showed you, and forget the shining of His light which you now desire, not only will you be bereaved of this life, but also of that which is to come. You will depart to him whom you said you lost, and will not see Him whom you said you found.
36 When the apostle said this, he went into the city holding the hand of that youth, and saying to him: These things you saw, my child, are but a few of the many Yahwah has. He does not give us good tidings concerning these things that are seen, but greater things than these He does promise us. So long as we are in the body we are not able to speak and show forth those which He will give to our souls. If we say He gives us light, it is this which is seen, and we have it. If we say it of wealth, which is and appears in the world, we name it, and we do not need it, for it was said: Hardly will a rich man enter into the kingdom of heaven. If we speak of apparel or garments which those who are luxurious in this life are clad, it is named we mention something that nobles wear, and it was said: Those who wear soft garment are in the houses of kings. And if of costly banquets, concerning these we received a commandment to beware of them, to not be weighed down with reveling, drunkenness, and cares of this life. Speaking of things that are, it was said: Take no thought for your life, what you will eat, what you will drink, nor for your body, what you will put on, for the soul is more than the meat, and the body than the garment. And of rest, if we speak of this temporal rest, a judgment is appointed for this also. We speak of the world which is above, of Yahwah, gods, watchers, holy ones, the immortal food, the drink of the true vine, clothing that endures and does not grow old, of things which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have they entered into the heart of sinful men, the things which Yahwah prepared for those who love Him. Of these things we converse, and of these we bring good tidings. Believe in Him, that you may live. Put your trust in Him, and you will not die. He is not persuaded with gifts, that you should offer them to Him, nor is He in need of sacrifices, that you should sacrifice to Him. Look to Him, and He will not overlook you. Turn to Him, and He will not forget you. His comeliness and His beauty will make you wholly desirous to love Him, and indeed He does not permit you to turn yourself away.
37 When the apostle said these things to that youth, a great multitude joined themselves to them. The apostle looked and saw them raising themselves on high, that they might see him, they were going up into high places. The apostle said to them: You men who are come to the assembly of Messiyah, and would believe on Yahushua, take this example, and see that you are not lifted up. You cannot see me who am little, are not able to spy me out who am like to you. If you cannot see me who am like you unless you lift yourselves up a little from the earth, how can you see Him who dwells in the height, and is found in the depth, unless you first lift yourselves up out of your former conversation, your unprofitable deeds, your desires that do not abide, the wealth that is left here, the possession of earth that grows old, the garment that corrupts, the beauty that waxes old and vanishes away, and yet more out of the whole body where all these things are stored up, which grows old, and becomes dust, returning to its own nature? It is the body which maintains all these things. Believe rather on Yahushua Messiyah, whom we preach, that your hope may be in Him. In Him you may have life world without end. He will become your fellow traveller in this land of error, and will be to you a harbor in this troublous sea. He will be to you a fountain springing up in this thirsty land, a chamber full of food in this place of those who hunger, a rest to your souls, yea, and a physician for your bodies.
38 Hearing these things, the multitude of those gathered together wept, and said to the apostle: O man of Yahwah, Yahushua whom you preach, we dare not say that we are His, for the works which we did are alien to Him, and not pleasing to Him. If He will have compassion on us, pity us, and save us, overlooking our former deeds, and will set us free from the evils which we commit being in error, and not impute them to us nor make remembrance of our former sins, we will become His servants, and will accomplish His will to the end. The apostle answered them and said: He does not reckon against you, nor takes account of the sins which you committed being in error, but overlooks your transgressions which you did in ignorance.
The Fourth Act: Concerning the colt
39 While the apostle yet stood in the highway speaking with the multitude, a she ass's colt came, and stood before him. Yahudah said: It is not without the direction of Yahwah that this colt came here. I say to you, O colt, by the grace of Yahushua there will be given to you speech before these multitudes who are standing here. Say whatsoever you will, that they may believe in Yahwah of truth whom we preach. The mouth of the colt was opened, it spoke by the power of Yahushua, and said to him: You twin of Messiyah, apostle of the Most High, initiate in the hidden word of Messiyah, who receives His secret oracles, fellow worker with the Son of Yahwah, who being free became a bondman, and being sold has brought many into liberty. You kinsman of the great race that condemned the enemy, and redeemed his own, that became an occasion of life to man in the land of the Indians. You came against your will to men who were in error. By your appearing and your divine words they are now turning to Yahushua of truth, who sent you. Mount, sit upon me, repose yourself until you enter into the city. The apostle answered, and said: O Yahushua Messiyah who understands the perfect mercy! O tranquillity and quiet that now are spoken of by brute beasts! O hidden rest, that are manifested by your working, Savior of us and nourisher, keeping us and resting in alien bodies! O Savior of our souls! Spring that is sweet and unfailing; fountain secure, clear, and never polluted; defender and helper in the fight of your own servants, turning away and scaring the enemy from us; that fights in many battles for us, and makes us conquerors in all; our true and undefeated champion; our holy and victorious captain: glorious and giving to your own a joy that never passes away, a relief with no affliction; good shepherd who gives yourself for your own sheep, vanquished the wolf, redeemed your own lambs, and led them into a good pasture: we glorify and praise you, your invisible Father, and your sacred spirit the mother of all creation.
40 When the apostle said these things, all the multitude that were there looked upon him, expecting to hear what he would answer to the colt. The apostle stood a long time, as it were astonished, looked up into heaven, and said to the colt: Of whom are you and to whom do you belong? The things shown forth by your mouth are marvelous, amazing, and such as are hidden from the many. The colt answered, and said: I am of that stock who served Balaam. Your master and teacher also sat upon one that appertained to me by race. I was sent to give you rest by your sitting upon me, [that] I may receive faith, and to me may be added that portion which I will receive by your service which I served you. When I minister to you, it will be taken from me. The apostle said to him: He who granted you this gift is able to cause it to be fulfilled to the end in you, and in those who belong to you by race. As to this mystery I am weak and powerless. And he would not sit upon him. The colt begged and asked him that he might be blessed of him by ministering to him. Then the apostle mounted him, and sat upon him. They followed him, some going before, some following after. All of them ran, desiring to see the end, how he would dismiss the colt.
41 When he came near to the city gates he dismounted from him, saying: Depart, and be you kept safe where you were. Straightaway the colt fell to the ground at the apostle's feet, and died. All those who were present were sorry, and said to the apostle: Bring him to life, raise him up. But he answered, and said to them: I indeed am able to raise him by the Name of Yahushua Messiyah, but this is not by any means expedient. He who gave him speech that he might talk was able to cause that he should not die. I will not raise him, not as being unable, but because this is that which is expedient and profitable for him. He asked those who were present to dig a trench, and bury his body, and they did as they were commanded.
The Fifth Act: Concerning the devil that took up his abode in the woman
42 The apostle entered into the city, and all the multitude followed him. He thought to go to the parents of the young man whom he made alive after he was killed by the serpent, for they earnestly asked him to come to them, and enter into their house. But a very beautiful woman uttered an exceeding loud cry on a sudden, saying: O Apostle of Yahushua that is come into India, servant of that holy and only good Yahushua. He is preached by you, the Savior of the souls that come to Him. The bodies of those who are tormented by the enemy are healed by you, and you are he who is become an occasion of life to all who turn to Him. Command me to be brought before you, that I may tell you what has happened to me. Maybe I may have hope of you, and these who stand by you may be more confident in Yahushua whom you preach. I am tormented not a little by the adversary this five years space. The apostle asked her to come to him. The woman stood before him, and said: I, O servant of Him who is Yahwah indeed, am a woman. I was sitting in quiet at the first, peace encompassed me on every side, and I had no care for anything, for I took no thought for any other.
43 It fell out one day as I came out from the bath there met me a man troubled and disturbed, his voice and speech seemed to me exceeding faint, and dim. He stood before me, and said: I and you will be one in love, we will have intercourse together as a man with his wife. I answered and said to him: I never had to do with my betrothed, for I refused to marry. How will I yield myself to you that would have intercourse with me in adultery? Having so said, I passed on, and I said to my handmaid that was with me: Did you see that youth, his shamelessness, how he spoke boldly with me, and had no shame? But she said to me: I saw an old man speaking to you. When I was in my house, and had dined, my soul suggested some suspicion to me, especially because he was seen of me in two forms. I fell asleep having this in my mind. He came in that night, and joined to me in his foul intercourse. When it was day I saw him, and fled from him. On the night following that he came and abused me. Now as you see me I have spent five years being troubled by him, he has not departed from me. I know and am persuaded that both devils, spirits, and destroyers are subject to you, and are filled with trembling at your prayers. Pray for me, drive away from me the devil that ever troubles me, that I may be set free, be gathered to the nature that is mine from the beginning, and receive the grace that was given to my kindred.
44 The apostle said: O evil that cannot be restrained! O shamelessness of the enemy! O envious one that are never at rest! O hideous one that subdues the comely! O you of many forms! He appears as he wills, but his essence cannot be changed. O the crafty and faithless one! O the bitter tree whose fruits are like to him! O the devil that overcomes those who are alien to him! O the deceit that uses impudence! O the wickedness that creeps like a serpent, and that is of his kindred! When the apostle said this the malicious one came, and stood before him, no man seeing him save the woman and the apostle. He said in the hearing of all with an exceeding loud voice:
45 What have we to do with you, you apostle of the Most High! What have we to do with you, you servant of Yahushua Messiyah? What have we to do with you, you counsellor of the Son of Yahwah? Why will you destroy us when our time is not yet come? Why will you take away our power? Until this hour we had hope and time remaining to us. What have we to do with you? You have power over your own, and we over ours. Why will you act tyrannously against us, when you yourself teach others to not act tyrannously? Why do you crave other men's goods, and not suffice yourself with your own? Why are you made like to the Son of Yahwah, which did us wrong? You resemble Him altogether, as if you were born of Him. We thought to bring Him under the yoke, like as we did the rest, but He turned, and made us subject to Him. We did not know Him. He deceived us with His form of all uncomeliness, His poverty, and His neediness. Seeing Him to be such, we thought He was a man wearing flesh, and did not know it is He who gives life to men. He gave us power over our own, that we should not leave them in this present time, but have our walk in them. But you would get more than your due, that which was given you, and afflict us altogether.
46 Having said this the devil wept, saying: I leave you, my fairest consort, whom long since I found and rested in you. I leave you, my sure sister, my beloved in whom I was well pleased. What I will do I do not know, or on whom I will call that he may hear me and help me. I know what I will do. I will depart to some place where the report of this man has not been heard, and maybe I will find a substitute for you, my beloved. He lifted up his voice, and said: Abide in peace, you took refuge with one greater than I. I will depart and seek for one like you, and if I do not find her, I will return to you again. I know while you are near to this man you have a refuge in him, but when he departs you will be such as you were before he appeared. You will forget him, and I will have opportunity and confidence, but now I fear the Name of Him who saved you. Having so said the devil vanished out of sight. When he departed only fire and smoke were seen there, and all that stood there were astonished.
47 Seeing it, the apostle said to them: This devil showed nothing that is alien or strange to him, but his own nature which will be consumed, for verily the fire will destroy him utterly, and the smoke of it will be scattered abroad. He began to say:
Yahushua, the hidden mystery that was revealed to us, you are He who showed many mysteries to us. You called me apart from all my fellows, and spoke three words to me with which I am inflamed, yet am not able to speak them to others. Yahushua, man who was killed, dead, buried! Yahushua, Son of Yahwah, Savior who quickens the dead, and heals the sick! Yahushua, who was in need like [a poor man], saves as one who has no need, who caught the fish for breakfast and dinner, and made all satisfied with a little bread. Yahushua, who rested like a man from the weariness of wayfaring, and walked on the waves like Yahwah.
48 Yahushua most high, voice arising from perfect mercy, Savior of all, the right hand of the Light, overthrowing the evil one in his own nature, and gathering all His nature into one place. You of many forms, that are only begotten, first-born of many brothers, Messiyah of the Most High Yahwah, man despised until now. Yahushua Messiyah, who does not neglect us when we call upon you, who is become an occasion of life to all mankind, who was judged and shut up in prison for us, loosens all that are in bonds, who was called a deceiver, and redeems your own from error. I beg you for those who stand here and believe on you, for they want to obtain your gifts, having good hope in your help, and having their refuge in your greatness. They hold their hearing ready to listen to the words that are spoken by us. Let your peace come, tabernacle in them, renew them from their former deeds, let them put off the old man with his deeds, and put on the new that now is proclaimed to them by me.
49 He laid his hands on them, and blessed them, saying: The grace of Yahushua Messiyah will be upon you forever. And they said: Amein. The woman begged him, saying: O apostle of the Most High, give me the seal, that that enemy not return again to me. Then he caused her to come near to a river which was close by there, laid his hands upon her, and sealed her in the Name of the Father and the Son. Many others were sealed with her also. The apostle asked his minister to set forth a table. He set forth a stool they found there, spread a linen cloth upon it, and set on the bread of blessing. The apostle stood by it, and said: Yahushua, you accounted us worthy to partake of the eucharist of your holy body and blood. Lo, we are bold to draw near to your eucharist, and to call upon your holy Name. Come and communicate to us.
50 He began to say: Come, O perfect compassion. Come O communion of the male. Come, she who knows the mysteries of Him who is chosen. Come, she who has part in all the combats of the noble champion. Come, the silence that reveals the great things of the whole greatness. Come, she who manifests the hidden things, and makes the unspeakable things plain, the dove who bears the twin young. Come, the hidden mother. Come, she who is manifest in her deeds, and gives joy and rest to those who are joined to her. Come, communicate with us in this eucharist which we celebrate in your Name, and in the love-feast where we are gathered together at your calling. He marked out the stake upon the bread, broke it, and began to distribute it. First he gave to the woman, saying: This will be to you for remission of sins and eternal transgressions. After her he gave to all the others who received the seal, and said to them: Let this eucharist be to you for life and rest, not for judgment and vengeance. And they said: Amein.
The Sixth Act: Of the youth that murdered the woman.
51 Now there was a certain youth who did an abominable deed. He came near and received of the eucharist with his mouth, but his two hands withered up, so that he could not put them to his own mouth. Those who were there saw him, and told the apostle what happened. The apostle called him, and said to him: Tell me, my child, do not be ashamed, what was it that you did, and came here? The eucharist of Yahushua convicts you. This gift which passes among many does rather heal those who draw near with faith and love, but you it withered away. That which is come to pass has not happened without some effectual reason. The youth, being convicted by the eucharist of Yahushua, came, fell at the apostle's feet, and begged him, saying: I did an evil deed, but I thought to do good. I was enamoured of a woman who dwells at an inn outside the city, and she also loved me. When I heard of you, and believed that you proclaim a living Yahwah, I came and received of you the seal with the rest, for you said: Whosoever will partake in the polluted union, and especially in adultery, he will not have life with Yahushua whom I preach. I love her much, I asked her, and would have persuaded her to become my consort in chastity and pure conversation, which you also teach, but she would not. When she did not consent, I took a sword and killed her, for I could not endure to see her commit adultery with another man.
52 When the apostle heard this he said: O insane union, how you ruin to shamelessness! O unrestrained lust, you stirred up this man to do this! O work of the serpent, how you are enraged against your own! The apostle asked water to be brought to him in a basin. When the water was brought, he said: Come, you waters from the living waters, that were sent to us, the true from the true, the rest that was sent to us from the rest, the power of salvation that comes from that power which conquers all things, and subdues them to its own will. Come and dwell in these waters, that the gift of Yahwah's Spirit may be perfectly consummated in them. And he said to the youth: Go, wash your hands in these waters. When he washed they were restored. The apostle said to him: Do you believe in Yahushua Messiyah, that He is able to do all things? And he said: Though I be the least, yet I believe. I committed this deed thinking that I was doing somewhat good. I begged her as I told you, but she would not obey me, to keep herself chaste.
53 The apostle said to him: Come, let us go to the inn where you committed this deed. The youth went before the apostle in the way, and when they came to the inn they found her lying dead. When the apostle saw her he was sorry, for she was a comely girl. He commanded her to be brought into the middle of the inn. They laid her on a bed, brought her forth, and set her down in the middle of the court of the inn. The apostle laid his hand upon her, and began to say: Yahushua, who always shows yourself to us, this is your will, that we should at all times seek you. You gave us this power, to ask and to receive, and not only permit this, but you taught us to pray. You are not seen of our bodily eyes, but are never hidden from the eyes of our soul; in your aspect you are concealed, but are known to us in your works. In your many acts we know you so far as we are able, you give us your gifts without measure, saying: Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you. We beg you, having the fear of our sins. We do not ask of you riches, gold, silver, possessions, or anything else of the things which come of the earth and return again to the earth. We ask and want this of you: that in your Name you would raise up the woman that lies here, by your power, to the glory and faith of those who stand by.
54 Having sealed him, he said to the youth: Go, take hold on her hand, and say to her: With my hands I killed you with iron, now I raise you up with my hands in the faith of Yahushua. So the youth went to her, and stood by her, saying: I believe in you, Messiyah Yahushua. He looked to Yahudah Thomas the apostle and said to him: Pray for me that Yahushua may come to my help, whom I also call upon. He laid his hand upon her hand, and said: Come, Yahushua Messiyah. Grant to her your life, and to me the earnest of faith in you. As he drew her hand she sprang up, and sat up, looking upon the great company that stood by. She saw the apostle also, standing over against her. Leaving the bed she leapt forth, fell at his feet, and caught hold on his garment, saying: I beg you, my lord, where is that other who was with you, who did not leave me to remain in that fearful and cruel place, but delivered me to you, saying: Take this woman, that she may be made perfect, and then be gathered into her place?
55 The apostle said to her: Relate to us what you saw. She answered: You who were with me, and to whom I was delivered, desire to hear? And she began to say: A man took me who was hateful to look upon, altogether black, and his garment exceedingly foul. He took me away to a place where there were many pits, a great stench, a hateful odor issued there. He caused me to look into every pit. I saw flaming fire in the [first] pit. Wheels of fire ran round there, souls were hanged upon those wheels, and were dashed against each other. A very great crying and howling was there, and there was none to deliver. And that man said to me: These souls are of your tribe. When the number of their days is accomplished they are delivered to torment and affliction, then others are brought in in their stead, and likewise these into another place. These are those who reversed the intercourse of male and female. I looked and saw infants heaped one upon another, struggling with each other as they lay on them. And he answered and said to me: These are the children of those others, they are set here for a testimony against them.
56 He took me to another pit. I stooped, looked, saw mire and worms welling up, and souls wallowing there, a great gnashing of teeth was heard from them. That man said to me: These are the souls of women who left their husbands, committed adultery with others, and are brought into this torment. He showed me another pit which I stooped and looked into. I saw souls hanging, some by the tongue, some by the hair, some by the hands, some head downward by the feet, and tormented with smoke and brimstone. Concerning whom the man who was with me answered me: The souls which are hanged by the tongue are slanderers, that uttered lying and shameful words, and were not ashamed. Those who are hanged by the hair are unblushing ones who had no modesty, and went about in the world bareheaded. Those who are hanged by the hands, these are those who took away and stole other men's goods, never gave anything to the needy, nor helped the afflicted, but did so, desiring to take all, and had no thought at all of justice or of the law. Those who hang upside down by the feet, these are those who lightly and readily ran in evil ways and disorderly paths, not visiting the sick, nor escorting those who depart this life. Therefore each and every soul receives that which was done by it.
57 He took me and showed me a cave exceeding dark, breathing out a great stench, and many souls were looking out desiring to get somewhat of the air, but their keepers did not allow them to look forth. And he who was with me said: This is the prison of those souls which you saw. When they fulfill their torments for that which each did, thereafter do others succeed them. There are some who are wholly consumed, and some that are delivered over to other torments. Those who keep the souls who were in the dark cave said to the man who took me: Give her to us, that we may bring her in to the rest, until the time comes for her to be delivered to torment. But he answered them: I do not give her to you, for I fear him who delivered her to me. I was not charged to leave her here, I take her back with me until I receive order concerning her. He took me and brought me to another place where men were being sharply tormented. He who was like to you took me, and delivered me to you, saying this to you: Take her, for she is one of the sheep that went astray. I was taken by you, and now I am before you. I beg you, therefore, and supplicate that I may not depart to those places of punishment which I saw!
58 The apostle said: You heard what this woman related. There are not these torments only, but others also, worse than these. If you do not turn to this Yahuahua whom I preach, abstain from your former works, and the deeds you committed without knowledge, you will have your end in those torments. Believe on Messiyah Yahushua. He will forgive you the sins you committed previously, will cleanse you from all your bodily lusts that abide on the earth, and will heal you of all your trespasses which follow you, depart with you, and are found upon you. Put off the old man, and put on the new, forget your former walk and conversation. Let those who stole steal no more, but live by laboring and working. Let the adulterous fornicate no more, unless they deliver themselves to eternal torment, for before Yahwah adultery is exceeding evil beyond other sins. Put away from you covetousness, lying, drunkenness, slandering, and do not render evil for evil. All these things are strange and alien to Yahushua who is preached by me. Walk rather in faith, meekness, and hope, which Yahwah delights in, that you may become His own, expecting of Him the gifts which only some few receive.
59 All the people believed, and gave their souls obediently to the living Yahwah and Messiyah Yahushua, rejoicing in the blessed works of the Most High, and in His holy service. They brought much money for the service of the widows. The apostle gathered them together in the cities, and to all of them he sent provision by his own ministers, both clothes and nourishment. He himself did not cease preaching and speaking to them, showing that this is Yahushua Messiyah whom the scriptures proclaimed, who is come, was crucified, and raised from the dead [after] the third day. Next he showed them plainly, beginning from the prophets, the things concerning the Messiyah, that it was necessary that He should come, and that in Him should be accomplished all things that were foretold of Him. The fame of him went forth into all the cities and countries. All who had sick, or those who were oppressed by unclean spirits, brought them. They laid some in the way where he should pass by, and he healed them all by the power of Yahushua. All who were healed by him said with one accord: Glory be to you, Yahushua, who granted us all alike healing through your servant and apostle Thomas. Now being whole and rejoicing, we beg you that we may be of your flock, and be numbered among your sheep. Receive us, Yahushua, and do not impute to us our transgressions and our former faults which we committed while in ignorance.
60 The apostle said: Glory be to the only-begotten of the Father! Glory be to the first-born of many brothers! Glory be to you, the defender and helper of those who come to your refuge! Who does not sleep, who awakes those who are asleep while alive, and gives life to those who lie in death! O Yahushua Messiyah, Son of the living Yahwah, redeemer and helper, refuge and rest of all that are weary in your work, giver of healing to those who bear the burden and heat of the day for your Name's sake; we give thanks for the gifts you give us, granted us by your help, and your dispensation that comes to us from you.
61 Perfect these things in us to the end that we may have the boldness that is in you. Look upon us, for your sake we left our homes, and our parents, for your sake we gladly and willingly become strangers. Look upon us, Yahushua, we left our own possessions for your sake, that we might gain you the possession that cannot be taken away. Look upon us, Yahushua, we left those who belong to us by race, that we might be joined to your kinship. Look upon us, Yahushua, we left our fathers, mothers, and fosters, that we might see your Father, and be satisfied with His divine food. Look upon us, Yahushua, for your sake we left our bodily consorts, and our earthly fruits, that we might be partakers in that enduring and true fellowship, and bring forth true fruits, whose nature is from above, which no man can take from us, with whom we will abide, and who will abide with us.
The Seventh Act: Of the Captain.
62 While the apostle Thomas was proclaiming the Word of Yahwah throughout all India, a certain captain of the king, Mazdai, came to him, and said to him: I heard of you that you take no reward of any man, even what you have you give to those who need. If you did receive rewards, I would have sent you a great sum, and would not have come myself, for the king does nothing without me. I have much substance, and am rich, even one of the rich men of India. I never did wrong to any, but the contrary has happened to me. I have a wife, and of her I have a daughter. I am well affectioned toward her, as nature requires, and never made trial of another wife. Now it chanced that there was a wedding in our city, those who made the marriage feast are well beloved of me, they came in and invited me to it, inviting also my wife and her daughter. I could not refuse as they were my good friends. I sent her therefore, though she desired to not go, and with them I sent many servants also. They departed, both she and her daughter, decked with many ornaments.
63 When it was evening, and the time was come to depart from the wedding, I sent lamps and torches to meet them. I stood in the street to see when she should come, and I should see her with my daughter. As I stood I heard a sound of lamentation. Woe for her! was heard out of every mouth. My servants came to me with their clothes torn, and told me what was done. They said: We saw a man, and a boy with him. The man laid his hand upon your wife, and the boy upon your daughter, and they fled from them. We wounded them with our swords, but our swords fell to the ground. The women fell down the same hour, gnashing their teeth, and beating their heads upon the earth. Seeing this we came to tell you. When I heard this of my servants I tore my clothes, and slapped my face with my hands. I ran along the street like one mad, came, and found them cast in the market-place. I took them, and brought them to my house. After a long space they awoke, stood up, and sat down.
64 I began to inquire of my wife: What happened to you? And she said to me: Do you not know what you did to me? I asked you that I might not go to the wedding, because I was not of even health in my body. As I went on the way, and came near to the aqueduct where the water flows, I saw a black man standing over against me, nodding at me with his head, and a boy like to him standing by him. I said to my daughter: Look at those two hideous men, whose teeth are like milk and their lips like soot. We left them, and went towards the aqueduct. When it was sunset, we departed from the wedding. We passed by with the young men, and drew near the aqueduct. My daughter saw them first, was frightened, and fled towards me. I also saw them coming to us. The servants that were with us fled from them. They struck us, and cast down both me and my daughter. When she told me these things, the devils came upon them again, and threw them down. From that hour they are not able to come forth, but are shut up in a room within another. I suffer much on their account, and am distressed. The devils throw them down wheresoever they find them, and strip them naked. I beg and supplicate you before Yahwah, help me, and have pity on me. It is now three years that a table has not been set in my house, my wife and my daughter have not sat at a table. Especially for my unhappy daughter, who has not seen any good at all in this world.
65 Hearing these things from the captain, the apostle was greatly grieved for him, and said to him: Do you believe that Yahushua will heal them? And the captain said: Yes. The apostle said: Commit yourself to Yahushua, He will heal them, and procure them succour. And the captain said: Show me Him, that I may ask Him, and believe in Him. The apostle said: He does not appear to these bodily eyes, but is found by the eyes of the mind. The captain therefore lifted up his voice and said: I believe you, Yahushua, beg and supplicate you, help my little faith which I have in you. The apostle commanded Xenophon the deacon to assemble all the brothers. When the whole multitude was gathered, the apostle stood in the midst, and said:
66 Children and brothers who believe in Yahushua, abide in this faith, preach Yahushua who was proclaimed to you by me, to bring you hope in Him. Do not forget Him, and He will not forget you. While you sleep in this slumber that weighs down the sleepers, He, not sleeping, keeps watch over you. When you sail, are in peril, and none can help, He supports and aids, walking upon the waters. I am now departing from you, it does not appear I will see you again according to the flesh. Do not be like the people of Yisrayah, who lost sight of their pastors for a hour, and stumbled. I leave Xenophon the deacon to you in my stead, like myself he also proclaims Yahushua. I am not anything, nor he, but Yahushua only. I am also a man clothed with a body, a son of man like one of you. I have no riches as it is found with some, which also convict those who possess them, being wholly useless, and left behind upon the earth, where also they came, and they bear away with them the transgressions and blemishes of sins which happened to men by their means. Scantly are rich men found in almsgiving, but the merciful and lowly in heart, these will inherit the kingdom of Yahwah. It is not beauty that endures with men, for when age comes upon those who trust in it, they will suddenly be put to shame. All things have their time, in their season they are loved, and hated. Let your hope then be in Yahushua Messiyah the Son of Yahwah, who is always loved, and always desired. Be mindful of us, as we of you. If we do not fulfil the burden of the commandments, are not worthy to be preachers of this Name, then we will pay the price of our own head.
67 He prayed with them, and continued with them a long time in prayer and supplication. Committing them to Yahushua, he said: O Yahushua, who rules over every soul that is in the body; Yahushua, Father of the souls that have their hope in you, and expect your mercies; that redeems from error the men that are your own, who sets your subjects free from bondage and corruption, that come to your refuge; be you in the flock of Xenophon. Anoint it with holy oil, heal it of sores, and preserve it from the ravening wolves. He laid his hand on them and said: The peace of Yahushua will be upon you, and will journey with us.
The Eighth Act: Of the wild asses.
68 The apostle went forth to depart on the way. They all escorted him, weeping and adjuring him to make remembrance of them in his prayers, to not forget them. He went up then and sat upon the chariot, leaving all the brothers. The captain came and awaked the driver, saying: I ask and pray that I may become worthy to sit beneath his feet. I will be his driver upon this way, that he also may become my guide in that way where few go.
69 When they journeyed about two miles, the apostle begged of the captain, made him arise, and caused him to sit by him, allowing the driver to sit in his own place. As they went along the road, it came to pass that the beasts were wearied with the great heat, could not be stirred at all. The captain was greatly vexed, wholly cast down, and thought to run on his own feet to bring other beasts for the use of the chariot. The apostle said: Let your heart not be troubled nor frightened, believe on Yahushua Messiyah whom I proclaimed to you, and you will see great wonders. He looked, saw a herd of wild asses feeding by the wayside, and said to the captain: If you believe in Messiyah Yahushua, go to that herd of wild asses and say: Yahudah Thomas the apostle of the Messiyah of Yahwah said to you; Let four of you come, of whom we have need.
70 The captain went in fear, for they were many. As he went, they came to meet him. When they were near, he said to them: Yahudah Thomas the apostle of Yahwah commands you; Let four of you come, of whom I have need. When the wild asses heard it, they ran with one accord and came to him, and when they came they did him reverence. Yahudah Thomas the apostle of Yahushua lifted up his voice in praise, and said: Glorious are you, Yahwah of truth and Yahushua of all natures, for you did will with your will, make all your works, finish all your creatures, bring them to the rule of their nature, and lay all your fear upon them that they might be subject to your command. Your will walked the path from your secrecy to manifestation, cared for every soul you made, and was spoken of by the mouth of all the prophets, in all visions, sounds, and voices. Yisrayah did not obey because of their evil inclination. Because you are Father of all, you have a care for the creatures. You spread your mercy over us in Him who came by your will, and put on the body, your creature, which you did will and form according to your glorious wisdom. He whom you did appoint in your secrecy, and establish in your manifestation, to Him you gave the name of Son. He is your will, the power of your thought. You are by various names, the Father, the Son, and the Spirit. You are one in glory, power, and will for the sake of the government of your creatures, for the nourishing of all natures. You are divided without being separated, are one though divided. All subsists in you, and is subject to you, because all is yours. I rely upon you, Yahushua. By your command I subjected these dumb beasts, that you might show your ministering power upon us (and upon them) because it is needful, and that your Name might be glorified in us, and in the beasts that cannot speak. The apostle said to them: Peace be to you. Yoke you four of you instead of these beasts that have come to a stand. Every one of them came and pressed to be yoked. There were four stronger than the rest, which were yoked. And the rest, some went before and some followed. When they had journeyed a little way he dismissed the colts, saying: I say to you the inhabiters of the desert, depart to your pastures, for if I had need of all, you would all go with me, but now go to your place where you dwell. They departed quietly until they were not seen.
71 As the apostle, the captain, and the driver went on, the wild asses drew the chariot quietly and evenly, unless they should disturb the apostle of Yahwah. When they came near to the city gate they turned aside and stood still before the doors of the captain's house. The captain said: It is not possible for me to relate what happened, but when I see the end I will tell it. The whole city came to see the wild asses under the yoke, and they also heard the report of the apostle that he was to come and visit them. The apostle asked the captain: Where is your dwelling, and where did you bring us? And he said to him: You yourself know that we stand before the doors, and these which are come with you by your commandment know it better than I.
72 Having said so, he came down from the chariot. The apostle began to say: Yahushua Messiyah, that are blasphemed by the ignorance of you in this country; Yahushua, the report of whom is strange in this city; Yahushua, that receives all before the apostles in every country and in every city, and all yours that are worthy are glorified in you; Yahushua, that did take a form and become as a man, and were seen of all us that you might not separate us from your own love: you, Yahushua, are He that gave yourself for us, and with your blood purchased us and gained us as a possession of great price: and what have we to give you, Yahushua, in exchange for your life which you gave for us? For that which we would give, you gave us; and this is, that we should ask of you and live.
73 When he had so said, many assembled from every quarter to see the apostle of Yahwah. Again the apostle said: Why do we stand idle? Yahushua, Yahushua, the hour is come, what will you have done? Command that be fulfilled which needs to be done. The captain's wife and her daughter were severely borne down by the devils, so that those of the house thought they would rise up no more. The devils did not allow them to partake of anything, but cast them down upon their beds, recognizing no man until that day when the apostle came there. The apostle said to one of the wild asses that were yoked on the right hand: Enter within the gate, stand there, call the devils, and say to them: Yahudah Thomas the apostle and disciple of Yahushua Messiyah said to you: Come forth here. I am sent on your account, and to those who pertain to you by race, to destroy you, and chase you to your place, until the time of the end come, and you go down into your own deep of darkness.
74 That wild ass went in, a great multitude being with him, and said: I speak to you, the enemies of Yahushua that is called Messiyah. I speak to you who shut your eyes, unless you see the Light. I speak to you, children of the lake of fire and of destruction, of him that does not cease from evil until now, that always renews his workings and the things that befit his being. I speak to you, most shameless, that will perish by your own hands. What I will say of your destruction and end, what I will tell, I do not know. For there are many things, innumerable to the hearing, and your doings are greater than the torment that is reserved for you. But to you I speak, devil, and to your son that follows with you, for now I am sent against you. Why should I make many words concerning your nature and root, which yourselves know, and are not ashamed? Yahudah Thomas the apostle of Messiyah Yahushua, he that by much love and affection is sent here, says to you: Before all this multitude that stands here, come forth, tell me of what race you are.
75 Straightaway the woman came forth with her daughter, both like dead persons, dishonored in aspect. The apostle was grieved seeing them, especially for the girl. He said to the devils: Yahwah forbid that for you there should be sparing or propitiation, for you do not know to spare nor to have pity. In the Name of Yahushua, depart from them, and stand by their side. When the apostle had said so, the women fell down, and became as dead. They had no breath nor uttered speech. The devil answered with a loud voice, and said: Are you come here again, you who derides our nature and race? Are you come again, that blots out our devices? As I take it, you would not allow us to be upon the earth at all, but you can not accomplish it at this time. The apostle guessed that this devil was he who was driven out from the other woman.
76 The devil said: I beg you, give me leave to depart even where you will, dwell there, and take commandment from you, and I will not fear the ruler that has authority over me. For like as you are come to preach good tidings, so I also am come to destroy. If you do not fulfil the will of Him that sent you, He will bring punishment upon your head. So I also, if I do not do the will of him that sent me, before the season and time appointed, I will be sent to my own nature. Like as your Messiyah helps you in what you do, so also my father helps me in what I do. Like as for you He prepares vessels worthy of your inhabiting, so also for me he seeks out vessels where I may accomplish his deeds. Like as He nourishes and provides for His subjects, so also with me he prepares chastisements and torments, for those who become my dwelling-places. Like as He gives you eternal life for a recompense of your working, so also to me he gives eternal destruction for a reward of my works. Like as you are refreshed by your prayer, your good works, and spiritual thanksgivings, so also I am refreshed by murders, adulteries, and sacrifices made with wine upon altars. Like as you convert men to eternal life, so also I pervert those who obey me to eternal destruction and torment. You receive your own, and I mine.
77 The devil said these things and yet more. The apostle said: By me Yahushua commands you and your son to enter into the habitation of man no more. Go forth, depart, dwell wholly apart from the habitation of men. The devils said to him: You laid a harsh commandment on us, what will you do to those who are concealed from you now? Those who wrought all the images rejoice in them more than you. Most people worship them, perform their will, sacrifice to them, bring them food, libations, wine, water, and offering with oblations. The apostle said: They will be abolished also, with their works. Suddenly the devils vanished away, the women lay cast upon the earth as if dead, without speech.
78 The wild asses stood together, and parted not one from another. He to whom speech was given by the power of Yahushua looked to see what they would do. While all men kept silence, the wild ass said to the apostle: Why do you stand idle, O apostle of Messiyah the Most High, who looks that you should ask of Him the best of learning? Why do you tarry? Lo, your teacher desires to show His mighty works by your hands. Why do you stand still, O herald of the hidden one? Yahushua wills to show His unspeakable things through you, which He reserves for those who are worthy of Him, to hear them. Why do you rest, O doer of mighty works in the Name of Yahushua? Yahushua encourages you, and engenders boldness in you. Do not fear, He will not abandon the soul that belongs to you by birth. Call upon Him, He will readily hearken to you. Why do you stand marvelling at all His acts, and His workings? These are small things He shows by your means. What will you tell concerning His great gifts? You will not be sufficient to declare them. Why do you marvel at His cures of the body which He works? Especially when you know that healing of His which is secure and lasting, which He brings forth by His own nature? Why do you look to this temporal life, and have no thought of that which is eternal?
79 Unto you the multitudes who stand by, and look to see these that are cast down raised up, I say, believe in the apostle of Yahushua Messiyah. Believe the teacher of truth, believe Him that shows you the truth, believe Yahushua, believe on the Messiyah that was born, that the born may live by His life, who was raised up through infancy, that perfection might appear by His manhood. He taught His own disciples, He is the teacher of the truth, and makes wise men wise. He also offered the gift in the temple that He might show that all the offering was sanctified. This is His apostle, the shower-forth of truth. This is he who performs the will of Him who sent him. There will come false apostles and prophets of lawlessness, whose end will be according to their deeds. Indeed they preach and ordain to flee from unrighteousness, but they are in sin at all times; clad indeed with sheep's clothing, but ravening wolves within. They do not suffice themselves with one wife, but corrupt many women. They say they despise children, and destroy many children, for whom they will pay the penalty. They do not content themselves with their own possessions, but desire that all useless things should minister to them only. They profess to be His disciples, with their mouth they utter one thing, but in their heart they think another. They charge other men to beware of evil, but they themselves perform nothing that is good. They are accounted temperate, and charge other men to abstain from fornication, theft, and covetousness, but in all these things do they themselves walk secretly, teaching other men to not do them.
80 When the wild ass declared all these things, all men gazed upon him. When he ceased, the apostle said: What will I think concerning your beauty, O Yahushua, and what will I tell of you? I do not know, or rather I am not able, for I have no power to declare it, O Messiyah that are in rest, and only wise, that only know the inward of the heart, and understands the thought. Glory be to you, merciful and tranquil. Glory to you, wise Word. Glory to your compassion that was born to us. Glory to your mercy that was spread out over us. Glory to your greatness that was made small for us. Glory to your most high kingship that was humbled for us. Glory to your might which was enfeebled for us. Glory to your godliness that for us was seen in likeness of men. Glory to your manhood that died for us, that it might make us live. Glory to your resurrection from the dead, so that rising and rest comes to our souls. Glory and praise to your ascending into the heavens, by which you show us the path of the height, and promise that we will sit with you on your right hand, and judge the twelve tribes of Yisrayah with you. You are the heavenly Word of the Father, you are the hidden Light of the understanding, shower of the way of truth, driver-away of darkness, and blotter-out of error.
81 Having thus spoken, the apostle stood over the women, saying: My Yahushua and my Yahwah, I am not divided from you, nor do I call upon you as one unbelieving, who are always our helper, succourer, and raiser-up. You breathe power into us, encourage us, and give confidence in love to your own servants. I beg you, let these souls be healed, rise up, and become such as they were before they were possessed by the devils. When he spoke thus the women turned, and sat up. The apostle asked the captain that his servants should take them, and bring them inside. When they were gone in, the apostle said to the wild asses: Follow me. They went after him until he brought them outside the gate. When they went out, he said to them: Depart to your pastures in peace. The wild asses went away willingly. The apostle stood and took heed to them unless they should be hurt of any, until they were afar off, and were not seen anymore. The apostle returned into the house of the captain with the multitude.
The Ninth Act: Of the Wife of Charisius.
82 Now it chanced that a certain woman, the wife of Charisius, that was next to the king, whose name was Mygdonia, came to see and behold the new Name, the new Yahwah who was being proclaimed, and the new apostle who came to visit their country. She was carried by her servants, but because of the great crowd and the narrow way they were not able to bring her near to him. She sent to her husband to send her more to minister to her. They came and approached her, pressing upon the people, beating them. The apostle saw it, and said to them: Why do you overthrow those who come to hear the Word, and are eager for it? You desire to be near me, but are far off, as it was said of the multitude that came to Yahushua: Having eyes you see not, and having ears you hear not. And he said to the multitudes: He that has ears to hear, let him hear. And: Come to me, all you that labor, and are heavy laden, I will give you rest.
83 Looking upon those who carried her, he said to them: This blessing and this admonition which was promised to them is for you that are heavily burdened now. You are they that carry burdens grievous to be borne, and are borne about by her command. Though you are men, they lay loads on you, as on brute beasts. Those who have authority over you think that you are not men such as themselves, whether bond or free. Possessions will not profit the rich, nor will poverty save the poor from judgment. We did not receive a commandment which we are not able to perform, nor did He lay on us burdens grievous to be borne which we are not able to carry; nor building which men build; nor to hew stones and prepare houses, as your craftsmen do by their own knowledge. We received this commandment of Yahushua: We should not do to any other man that which does not please us when it is done by another.
84 Abstain first from adultery, for this is the beginning of all evils. Next from theft, which enticed Judas Iscariot, and brought him to hanging. [From covetousness,] for as many as yield to covetousness do not see that which they do. And from vain-glory, and from all foul deeds, especially those of the body, from which comes eternal condemnation. This is the chief city of all evils, it brings those who hold their heads high to tyranny, draws them down to the deep, and subdues them under its hands that they not see what they do, therefore the things done of them are hidden from them.
85 Become well-pleasing to Yahwah in all good things, in meekness and quietness. Yahwah spares these, grants eternal life, and sets death aside. Gentleness follows all good things, overcomes all enemies, and alone receives the crown of victory. With gentleness, stretch out the hand to the poor, supply the want of the needy, and distribute to those who are in necessity, especially those who walk in sacredness. This is chosen before Yahwah, and leads to eternal life. Before Yahwah this is the chief city of all good. Those who do not strive in the course of Messiyah, will not obtain sacredness. Sacredness did appear from Yahwah, doing away fornication, overthrowing the enemy, well-pleasing to Yahwah. She is an invincible champion, having honor from Yahwah, glorified of many. She is an ambassador of peace, announcing peace. If any gain her he abides without care, pleasing Yahushua, expecting the time of redemption. She does nothing amiss, but gives life, rest, and joy to all that gain her.
86 Meekness overcomes death, and brought him under authority, meekness enslaved the enemy, meekness is the good yoke. Meekness does not fear, and does not oppose the many. Meekness is peace, joy, and exaltation of rest. Abide in sacredness, receive freedom from me, and be near to meekness, for in these three heads is portrayed the Messiyah whom I proclaim to you. Sacredness is the temple of Messiyah, and he that dwells in her gets her for a habitation, because for forty days and forty nights He fasted, tasting nothing. He that keeps her will dwell in her as on a mountain. Meekness is His boast, for He said to Kepha our fellow apostle: Turn back your sword, put it again into its sheath. If I will to do so, could I not bring more than twelve legions of gods from my Father?
87 When the apostle said these things in the hearing of all the multitude, they trampled and pressed upon one another. The wife of Charisius the king's kinsman leapt out of her chair, cast herself on the earth before the apostle, caught his feet, begged, and said: O disciple of the living Yahwah, you are come into a desert country. We live in the desert, being like to brute beasts in our conversation, but now we will be saved by your hands. I beg you, take thought of me, pray for me, that the compassion of Yahushua whom you preach may come upon me, that I may become His dwelling place, be joined in prayer, hope, and faith in Him, that I may receive the seal, become a holy temple, and He may dwell in me.
88 And the apostle said: brothers, I do pray and ask for you all who believe on Yahushua; and for you, sisters, that hope in Messiyah; that in all of you the Word of Yahwah may tabernacle, and have His tabernacle within. We have no power because you are given power over your own souls. He began to say to the woman Mygdonia: Rise up from the earth, and compose yourself. This attire that is put on will not profit you, nor the beauty of your body, nor your apparel, nor yet the fame of your rank, nor the authority of this world, nor the polluted intercourse with your husband will avail you if you are bereaved of the true fellowship. The appearance of ornamenting comes to nothing, the body gets old and changes, garments wear out, authority and lordship pass away, and the fellowship of procreation also passes away, and is as it were condemnation. Only Yahushua abides ever, and those who hope in Him. Thus he spoke, and said to the woman: Depart in peace, and Yahushua will make you worthy of His own mysteries. But she said: I fear to go away, unless you forget me, and depart to another nation. The apostle said to her: Even if I go, I will not leave you alone, but Yahushua of His compassion will be with you. She fell down, did him reverence, and departed to her house.
89 Charisius, the kinsman of Mazdai the king, bathed himself, returned, and laid him down to dine. He inquired concerning his wife, where she was, for she did not come out of her own chamber to meet him as she usually did. Her handmaids said to him: She is not well. He entered quickly into the chamber, and found her lying on the bed, veiled. He unveiled her and kissed her, saying: Why are you sorrowful today? And she said: I am not well. He said to her: Why then did you not pay proper respect to your position as a free woman and remain in your house, but did go and listen to vain speeches, and look upon works of sorcery? Rise up and dine with me, for I cannot dine without you. But she said to him: Today I decline it, for I am greatly afraid.
90 When Charisius heard this of Mygdonia, he would not go forth to dinner, but told his servants bring food to him that he might sup in her presence. When then they brought it in, he desired her to dine with him, but she excused herself. Since she would not, he dined alone, saying to her: On your account I refused to dine with Mazdai the king, and you, you were not willing to dine with me? But she said: It is because I am not well. Charisius rose up as he was accustomed, and would have sex with her, but she said: Did I not tell you that for today I refuse it?
91 When he heard that he went to another bed and slept. Awaking out of sleep he said: My lady Mygdonia, hearken to the dream which I saw. I saw myself lie at meat near to Mazdai the king, and a dish of all sorts was set before us. I saw an eagle come down from heaven, and carry off two partridges from before me and the king, which he set against his heart. He came over us again, flew about above us, and the king made a bow to be brought to him. The eagle again caught away from before us a pigeon and a dove. The king shot an arrow at him, it passed through him from one side to the other, and did not hurt him, being unscathed he rose up into his own nest. I awoke, I am full of fear, and severely vexed, because I had tasted of the partridge, and he did not allow me to put it to my mouth again. Mygdonia said to him: Your dream is good, you eat partridges every day, but this eagle did not taste of a partridge until now.
92 When it was morning Charisius went, dressed himself, and clad his right foot with his left shoe. He stopped, and said to Mygdonia: What then is this matter? For look, the dream, and this action of mine! But Mygdonia said to him: This also is not evil, but seems to me very good, from an unlucky act there will be a change to the better. He washed his hands, and went to salute Mazdai the king.
93 Mygdonia rose up early, and went to salute Yahudah Thomas the apostle. She found him discoursing with the captain and all the multitude. He was advising them, and speaking of the woman who received Yahushua in her soul, whose wife she was. The captain said: She is the wife of Charisius the kinsman of Mazdai the king. Her husband is a hard man, in everything he says to the king he obeys him, he will not allow her to continue in this mind which she promised. Often-times he has praised her before the king, saying that there is none other like her in love. All things that you speak to her are strange to her. And the apostle said: If verily and surely Yahushua rose upon her soul, and she received the seed that was cast on her, she will have no care of this temporal life, nor fear death, nor will Charisius be able to harm her at all. Greater is He whom she received into her soul, if she received Him indeed.
94 Hearing this Mygdonia said to the apostle: In truth, my lord, I received the seed of your words, and I will bear fruit like to such seed. The apostle said: Our souls give praise and thanks to you, O Yahushua, for they are yours. Our bodies give thanks to you, which you accounted worthy to become the dwelling-place of your heavenly gift. And he said also to those who stood by: Blessed are the holy, whose souls never condemned them, for they gained them, and are not divided against themselves. Blessed are the spirits of the pure, those who received the heavenly crown whole from the world which was appointed them. Blessed are the bodies of the holy, for they were made worthy to become temples of Yahwah, that Messiyah may dwell in them. Blessed are you, for you have power to forgive sins. Blessed are you if you do not lose that which is committed to you, but rejoicing and departing bear it away with you. Blessed are you the holy, for to you it is given to ask and receive. Blessed are you meek for Yahwah has counted you worthy to become heirs of the heavenly kingdom. Blessed are you meek, for you are those who have overcome the enemy. Blessed are you meek, for you will see the face of Yahushua. Blessed are you that hunger for Yahushua's sake, rest is laid up for you, and your souls will rejoice. Blessed are you that are quiet, [for you are counted worthy] to be set free from sin [and from the exchange of clean and unclean beasts]. When the apostle said these things in the hearing of all the multitude, Mygdonia was the more confirmed in the faith, glory, and greatness of Messiyah.
95 Charisius the kinsman and friend of Mazdai the king came to his breakfast and did not find his wife in the house. He inquired of all that were in his house: Where is your mistress gone? One of them answered and said: She is gone to that stranger. And when he heard this of his servant, he was angry with the other servants because they did not tell him what was done. He sat down and waited for her. When it was evening she came into the house, and he said to her: Where were you? She answered and said: With the physician. And he said: Is that stranger a physician? And she said: Yes, he is a physician of souls. Most physicians heal bodies that are dissolved, but he souls that are not destroyed. Charisius, hearing this, was very angry in his mind with Mygdonia because of the apostle. But he answered her nothing, for he was afraid, for she was above him both in wealth and birth. He departed to dinner, and she went into her chamber. He said to the servants: Call her to dinner. But she would not come.
96 When he heard that she would not come out of her chamber, he went in, and said to her: Why will you not dine with me and maybe not sleep with me as usual? Yea, concerning this I have the greater suspicion, for I heard that sorcerer and deceiver teaches that a man should not live with his wife. He overthrows that which nature requires, and the godhead ordained. When Charisius said these things, Mygdonia kept silence. He said to her again: My lady and consort Mygdonia, do not be led astray by deceitful and vain words, nor by the works of sorcery which I heard this man performs in the Name of Father and Son. It was never yet heard in the world that any raised the dead, yet, as I hear, it is reported of this man that he raises dead men. And for that he neither eats nor drinks. Do not think that for righteousness sake he neither eats nor drinks. He does this because he possesses nothing, for what should he do which has not even his daily bread? He has one garment because he is poor, and as for his not receiving anything of any, he does so, to be sure, because he knows in himself that he does not verily heal any man.
97 When Charisius so said, Mygdonia was silent as any stone, but she prayed, asking when it should be day, that she might go to the apostle of Messiyah. He withdrew from her and went to dinner heavy in mind, for he thought to sleep with her as usual. When he was gone out, she bowed her knees and prayed, saying: Yahushua Master, merciful Father, Savior Messiyah, give me strength to overcome the shamelessness of Charisius, and grant me to keep the sacredness you delight in, that I may find eternal life by it. When she had so prayed, she laid herself on her bed, and veiled herself.
98 After dining, Charisius came upon her, and she cried out, saying: You do not have any room by me. Yahushua is greater than you, who is with me, and rests in me. He laughed and said: Well do you mock, saying this of that sorcerer, and well do you deride him, who said: You have no life with Yahwah unless you purify yourselves. When he had so said he tried to have sex with her, but she did not endure it, cried out bitterly, and said: I call upon you, Yahushua, Yahushua, do not forget me! I made my refuge with you. I learned you are He that seeks out those who are veiled in ignorance, and saves those who are held in error. I ask you whose report I heard and believed, come to my help, and save me from the shamelessness of Charisius, that his foulness may not get the upper hand of me. She clapped her hands together, and fled from him naked. As she went forth she pulled down the curtain of the bed-chamber, wrapped it about her, went to her nurse, and slept there with her.
99 Charisius was in heaviness all night, and slapped his face with his hands. He was minded to go that very hour and tell the king concerning the violence that was done him, but he considered with himself, saying: If the great heaviness which is upon me compels me to go now to the king, who will bring me in to him? I know my abuse has overthrown me from my high looks, my vain-glory, and majesty, cast me down into this vileness, and separated my sister Mygonia from me. Yea, if the king himself stood before the doors at this hour, I could not go out and answer him. I will wait until dawn, and I know that whatsoever I ask of the king, he grants it to me. I will tell him of the madness of this stranger, how it tyrannously casts down the great and illustrious into the depth. It is not that I am deprived of her companying that grieves me, but I am grieved for her, because her greatness of soul is humbled. Being a honorable lady, in whom none of her house ever found fault, she fled away naked, running out of her own bedchamber, and I do not know where she is gone. It may be she is gone mad by the means of that sorcerer, and in her madness went forth into the market-place to seek him. There is nothing that appeals lovable to her except him, and the things that are spoken by him.
100 So saying, he began to lament, and say: Woe to me, O my consort, and to you besides! I am too quickly bereaved of you. Woe is me, my most dear one, for you excel all my race. I had no son or daughter of you that I might find rest in them. You have not yet dwelt with me a full year, and an evil eye has caught you from me. Would that the violence of death had taken you, I should yet have reckoned myself among kings and nobles. But that I should suffer this at the hands of a stranger, and belike he is a slave that has run away, to my ill fortune, and the sorrow of my unhappy soul! Let there be no impediment for me until I destroy him, and avenge this night. May I not be well-pleasing before Mazdai the king if he not avenge me with the head of this stranger, and of Siphor the captain who was the occasion of this. The stranger appeared here by his means, and lodges at his house. Many there are that go in and come out whom he teaches a new doctrine, saying that none can live if he not quit all his substance, and become a renouncer like himself, and he strives to make many partakers with him.
101 The day dawned as Charisius thought on these things. After the night he put on a mean habit, clothed himself, went, downcast and in heaviness, to salute the king. When the king saw him he said: Why are you sorrowful, and come in such garb? And I see that your countenance is changed. Charisius said to the king: I have a new thing to tell you, a new desolation which Siphor brought into India, even a certain Hebrew, a sorcerer, whom he has sitting in his house, and who does not depart from him. There are many who go in to him, whom he teaches of a new Yahwah, and lays on them new laws, such as were never yet heard, saying: It is impossible for you to enter into that eternal life which I proclaim to you, unless you rid you of your wives, and likewise the wives of their husbands. It chanced that my unlucky wife also went to him, and became a hearer of his words. She believed them, in the night she left me, and ran to the stranger. Send for Siphor and that sorcerer that is hid with him, and visit it on their head, unless all that are of our nation perish.
102 When Mazdai his friend heard this he said to him: Do not be grieved nor heavy. I will send for him, avenge you, you will have your wife again, and the others that cannot I will avenge. The king went forth, sat on the judgment seat, and when he was set he commanded Siphor the captain to be called. They went therefore to his house, and found him sitting on the right hand of the apostle, Mygdonia at his feet, hearkening to him with all the multitude. Those who were sent from the king said to Siphor: You sit here listening to vain words, while in his wrath Mazdai the king thinks to destroy you because of this sorcerer and deceiver whom you brought into your house? Hearing it, Siphor was cast down, not because of the king's threat against him, but for the apostle, because the king was disposed contrary to him. He said to the apostle: I am grieved concerning you. I told you at the first that woman is the wife of Charisius the king's friend and kinsman, and he will not allow her to perform that she promised, and all that he asks of the king he grants him. The apostle said to Siphor: Fear nothing, but believe in Yahushua that pleads for us all, for to His refuge we are gathered together. Hearing that, Siphor put his garment about him, and went to Mazdai the king.
103 The apostle inquired of Mygdonia: What was the reason that your husband was angry with you, and devised this against us? And she said: Because I did not give myself up to his corruption. Last night he desired to subdue me and subject me to that passion which he serves. He to whom I committed my soul delivered me out of his hands. I fled away from him naked, and slept with my nurse. I do not know what happened to him, why he has contrived this. The apostle said: These things will not hurt us. Believe on Yahushua, and He will overthrow the wrath of Charisius, his madness, and his impulse. He will be a companion to you in the fearful way, He will guide you into His kingdom, and will bring you to eternal life giving you that confidence which does not pass away nor change.
104 Siphor stood before the king, and he inquired of him: Who is that sorcerer, and what does he teach, whom you have lurking in your house? Siphor answered the king: You are not ignorant, O king, what trouble and grief I had concerning my wife (whom you know, and many others remember), and concerning my daughter (whom I value more than all my possessions), what a time and trial I suffered. I became a laughing-stock and a curse in all our country. I heard the report of this man, went to him, asked him, took him, and brought him here. As I came by the way I saw wonderful and amazing things. Even here many heard the wild ass, and concerning that devil whom he drove out. He healed my wife and daughter, and now they are whole. He asked no reward, but requires faith and sacredness, that men should become partakers with him in that which he does. He teaches to worship and fear one Yahwah, the ruler of all things, and Yahushua Messiyah His Son, that they may have eternal life. That which he eats is bread and salt, his drink is water from evening to evening, and he makes many prayers. Whatsoever he asks of Yahwah, He gives him. He teaches that this Yahwah is mighty, that Messiyah is living, and makes alive. He charges those who are present to come to Him in sacredness, purity, love, and faith.
105 When Mazdai the king heard these things of Siphor he sent many soldiers to the house of Siphor the captain, to bring Thomas the apostle, and all that were found there. Those who were sent entered in and found him teaching many people, and Mygdonia sat at his feet. They feared when they saw the great multitude that were about him, departed to their king, and said: We dared not say anything to him, for there was a great multitude about him, and Mygdonia sitting at his feet was listening to the things that were spoken by him. When Mazdai the king and Charisius heard these things, Charisius leaped out from before the king, drew much people with him, and said: I will bring him, O king, and Mygdonia whose understanding he took away. He came to the house of Siphor the captain, greatly disturbed, and found him [Thomas] teaching. He did not find Mygdonia, for she withdrew herself to her house, having learned that it was told to her husband that she was there.
106 Charisius said to the apostle: Up, you wicked one, destroyer and enemy of my house. Your sorcery does not harm me, I will visit your sorcery on your head. When he so said, the apostle looked upon him, and said to him: Your threatenings will return upon you, for you will not harm me any bit. Yahushua Messiyah in whom I have my trust is greater than you, your king, and all your army. Charisius took a kerchief of one of his slaves, and cast it about the neck of the apostle, saying: Hale him, and bring him away. Let me see if his Yahwah is able to deliver him out of my hands. They haled him, and led him away to Mazdai the king. The apostle stood before the king, and the king said to him: Tell me who you are, and by what power you do these things. But the apostle kept silence. The king commanded his officers that he should be scourged with a hundred and twenty-eight blows, bound, and cast into the prison. They bound him and led him away. The king and Charisius considered how they should put him to death, for the multitude worshipped him as a god. They had it in mind to say: The stranger reviled the king, and is a deceiver.
107 The apostle went to the prison rejoicing and exulting, and said: I praise you, Yahushua, for you not only made me worthy of faith in you, but also to endure much for your sake. I give you thanks, Yahushua, that you took thought for me, and gave me patience. I thank you Yahushua, that for your sake I am called a sorcerer and a wizard. Receive me with the blessing of the poor, of the rest of the weary, and of the blessings of those whom men hate, persecute, revile, and speak evil words of them. Lo, for your sake I am hated. Lo, for your sake I am cut off from the many, and for your sake they call me such a one as I am not.
108 As he prayed, all the prisoners looked on him, and asked him to pray for them. When he prayed, and was set down, he began to utter a psalm in this way:
I was an infant child in the palace of my father, resting in the wealth and luxury of my nurturers. My parents provisioned me, and sent me out of the East, our native country.
Of the wealth of their treasures they put together a load both great and light, that I might carry it alone.
Gold is the load, of those who are above, silver of the great treasures, stones, chalcedonies from the Indians, and pearls from [the land of] the Kosani [Kushan].
They armed me with adamant [which breaks iron]. They took off from me the garment set with gems, spangled with gold (which they made for me because they loved me), and the robe that was yellow in hue, made for my stature.
They made a covenant with me, inscribed it on my understanding, that I should [not] forget it, and said:
If you go down into Egypt, and bring back there the one pearl which is there [in the midst of sea] wrapped about by the devouring serpent, you will put on [again] the garment set with gems, and that robe it rests upon, and become with your brother that is next to us a heir in our kingdom.
109 I came out of the East by a road difficult and fearful, with two guides. I was untried in travelling by it.
I passed by the borders of the Mosani where is the resort of the merchants of the East, and reached the land of the Babylonians.
When I entered into Egypt, the guides which journeyed with me left me.
I set forth by the quickest way to the serpent. I abode by his hole watching for him to slumber and sleep, that I might take my pearl from him.
Since I was alone I made my aspect strange, and appeared as an alien to my people.
There I saw my kinsman from the East, a free-born lad of grace and beauty, a son of princes.
He came to me, and dwelt with me. I had him for a companion, and made him my friend and partaker in my journey.
I charged him to beware of the Egyptians, and of partaking of those unclean things.
I put on their garments, unless I should seem strange, as one that came from outside to recover the pearl, and unless the Egyptians should awake the serpent against me.
I do not know by what occasion, but they learned I was not of their country.
They mingled a deceit for me, with guile, and I tasted of their food.
I did not know I was a king's son, and I became a servant to their king.
I also forgot the pearl for which my fathers sent me, and by means of the heaviness of their food, I fell into a deep sleep.
110 When this happened to me, my fathers were aware of it, and grieved for me. A proclamation was published in our kingdom, that all should meet at our doors.
The kings of Parthia, those who bore office, and the great ones of the East, made a resolve concerning me, that I should not be left in Egypt. The princes wrote to me signifying thus:
From the Father the King of kings, your mother that rules the East, and your brother that is second to us, to our son that is in Egypt, peace.
Rise up, awake out of sleep, hearken to the words of the letter, and remember that you are a son of kings. Lo, you have come under the yoke of bondage.
Remember the pearl for which you were sent into Egypt.
Remember your garment spangled with gold, your name is named in the book of life, and with your brother whom you received [you will be] in our kingdom.
111 The King [as ambassador] sealed it because of the evil ones, even the children of the Babylonians, and the tyrannous demons of Labyrinthus.
It flew and lighted down by me, and became all speech.
At the voice of it, and the feeling of it, I started up out of sleep. I took it up, kissed it [broke the seal], and read it.
It was written concerning that which was recorded in my heart.
I remembered then that I was a son of kings, and my freedom yearned after its kind.
I also remembered the pearl for which I was sent down into Egypt. I came with charms against the terrible serpent, and I overcame him by naming the Name of my Father upon him. I caught away the pearl, and turned back to bear it to my fathers.
I stripped off the filthy garment, left it in their land, and directed my way into the light of my fatherland in the East.
On the way I found my letter that awakened me. It guided me with the light that came from it, like as it was a voice, and raised me when I slept.
At times the royal garment of silk [shone] before my eyes. With love leading me and drawing me onward, I passed by Labyrinthus. I left Babylon upon my left hand, I came to Meson the great, that lies on the shore of the sea. From the heights of Warkan my parents sent there by the hand of their treasurers, to whom they committed it because of their faithfulness.
112 I did not remember the brightness of it. I was yet a child, very young, when I left it in the palace of my Father. Suddenly I saw the garment made like to me, as it was in a mirror.
I saw myself upon it. I knew and saw myself through it, that we were divided apart, being of one, and again were one in one shape.
Yea, I also saw the treasurers who brought me the garment, that they were two, yet one shape was upon both, one royal sign was set upon both of them.
The money and the wealth they had in their hands, and paid me the due price, and the lovely garment, variegated with bright colors, with gold, precious stones, and pearls of comely hue fastened above.
The likeness of the King of kings was all in all of it. Sapphire stones were fitly set in it above.
113 I saw that throughout it motions of knowledge were being sent forth, and it was ready to utter speech.
I heard it speak:
I am of him who is more valiant than all men, for whose sake I was reared up with the Father himself.
I also perceived his stature.
All its royal motions rested upon me as it grew toward the impulse of it.
It hastened, reaching out from the hand of [Him who brought it] to him that would receive it. Yearning arose in me, to start forth, meet it, and receive it.
I stretched forth and received it, and adorned myself with the beauty of its colors. Excelling in beauty I arrayed myself wholly in my royal robe.
When I put it on, I was lifted up to the place of peace and homage. I bowed my head and worshipped the brightness of the Father who sent it to me. I had performed His commandments, and He likewise that which He promised. He rejoiced over me at the doors of His palace which was from the beginning, received me with Him into His palace, and all His servants do praise Him with sweet voices.
He promised me that I will be sent to the gates of the king with Him, that with my gifts and my pearl we may appear together before the king.
114 Charisius went home glad, thinking that his wife would be with him, that she became such as she was before, even before she heard the divine word and believed on Yahushua. He went, found her with her hair dishevelled, and her clothes torn. When he saw it he said to her: My lady Mygdonia, why does this cruel disease keep hold on you? Why did you do this? I am your husband from your virginity, both the gods and the law grant me to have rule over you. What is this great madness of yours, that you are become a derision in all our nation? Put away the care that comes of that sorcerer. I will remove his face from among us, that you may see him no more.
115 When Mygdonia heard that she gave herself up to grief, groaning and lamenting. Charisius said again: Have I wronged the gods so much that they afflicted me with such a disease? What is my great offence, that they cast me into such humiliation? I beg you, Mygdonia. Do not strangle my soul with the pitiful sight of you, and your mean appearance. Do not afflict my heart with care for you. I am Charisius your husband, whom all the nation honors and fears. What must I do? I do not know where to turn. What am I to think? Shall I keep silence and endure? Who can be patient when men take his treasure? Who can endure to lose your sweet ways? What is there for me? The fragrance of you is in my nostrils, and your bright face is fixed in my eyes. They are taking away my soul, and they are destroying the fair body which I rejoiced to see, and they are blinding that sharpest of eyes, and cutting off my right hand. My joy is turning to grief, and my life to death, the light of it is being dyed with darkness. Let no man of you my kindred look on me again, no help has come to me from you. I will not worship the gods of the east who enwrapped me in such calamities, nor pray to them any more, nor sacrifice to them, for I am bereaved of my spouse. What else should I ask of them? All my glory is taken away. I am a prince, next to the king in power. But Mygdonia set me aside, and took away all these things. Would that someone would blind one of my eyes, and that your eyes would look upon me as they were accustomed.
116 While Charisius spoke thus, with tears, Mygdonia sat silent, looking upon the ground. He came to her again and said: My lady Mygdonia, most desired of me, remember that out of all the women that are in India I chose and took you as the most beautiful, though I might have joined to myself in marriage many more beautiful. But yet I lie, Mygdonia, for by the gods it would not have been possible to find another like you in the land of India. Woe is me always, for you will not even answer me a word. Revile me, if you will, so that I may only be promised a word from you. Look at me, for I am more comely than that sorcerer. You are my wealth and honor, and all men know that there is none like me. You are my race and kindred, and lo, he takes you away from me.
117 When Charisius had so said, Mygdonia said to him: He whom I love is better than you and your substance. Your substance is of earth, and returns to the earth. He whom I love is of heaven, and will take me with Him to heaven. Your wealth will pass away, your beauty will vanish, your robes, and your many works. You will be alone, naked, with your transgressions. Do not call your deeds [to me] to my remembrance. I pray Yahushua that I may forget you, so as to remember no more those former pleasures, and the custom of the body, which will pass away as a shadow. Only Yahushua endures forever, and the souls which hope in Him. Yahushua Himself will quit me of the shameful deeds which I did with you. When Charisius heard this, he turned him to sleep, vexed in soul, saying to her: Consider it by yourself all this night. If you will be with me such as you were before, and not see that sorcerer, I will do all according to your mind. If you will remove your affection from him I will take him out of the prison, let him go and remove into another country, and I will not vex you, for I know that you make much of the stranger. This matter did not come about with you first, for many other women he also deceived with you. They awaked sober, and returned to themselves. Do not slight of my words, and cause me to be a reproach among the Indians.
118 Having thus spoken Charisius went to sleep. She took ten denarii, and went secretly to give them to the jailors, that she might enter in to the apostle. But on the way Yahudah Thomas came and met her. She saw him, and was afraid. She thought that he was one of the rulers, for a great light went before him. She said to herself as she fled: I lost you, O my unhappy soul! You will not see Yahudah the apostle of [Yahushua] the living [Yahwah] again, and you have not yet received the holy seal. She fled, ran into a narrow place, and hid herself there, saying: I would rather choose to be killed by the poorer, whom it is possible to persuade, than to fall into the hand of this mighty ruler, who will despise gifts.
The Tenth Act: Mygdonia receives baptism.
119 While Mygdonia thought thus with herself, Yahudah came and stood over her. She saw him, was afraid, fell down, and became lifeless with terror. But he stood by her, took her by the hand, and said to her: Do not fear, Mygdonia. Yahushua will not leave you, nor will Yahushua to whom you committed your soul overlook you. His compassionate rest will not forget you. He that is kind will not forget you, for His kindness sake, nor He that is good for His goodness sake. Rise up from the earth, you who are become wholly above it. Look on the light. Yahushua does not leave those who love Him to walk in darkness. Behold Him that travels with his servants, that He is to them a defender in perils. Mygdonia arose, looked on him, and said: Where went you, my lord? And who is he that brought you out of prison to see the sun? Yahudah Thomas said to her: Yahushua is mightier than all powers, all kings, and rulers.
120 Mygdonia said: Give me the seal of Yahushua Messiyah, and I will ... [Let me] receive the gift at your hands before you depart out of life. She took him with her, entered into the court, and awaked her nurse, saying to her: Narcia, my mother and nurse, all your service and refreshment you did for me from my childhood until my present age are vain, and for them I owe you thanks which are temporal. Do a favor for me now, that you may forever receive a recompense from Him that gives great gifts. In answer Narcia said: What will you, my daughter Mygdonia, what is to be done for your pleasure? The stranger did not allow you to accomplish the honors you promised me before, you made me a reproach among all the nation. Now what is this new thing you command me? Mygdonia said: Become a partaker with me in eternal life, that I may receive of you perfect nurture. Take bread, bring it me, and wine mingled with water, and spare my freedom. The nurse said: I will bring you many loaves, flagons of wine for water, and fulfil your desire. But she said to the nurse: Flagons I do not desire, nor the many loaves, but this only: bring wine mingled with water, one loaf, and oil.
121 When Narcia brought these things, Mygdonia stood before the apostle with her head bare. He took the oil and poured it on her head, saying: You holy oil given to us for sanctification, secret mystery by which the stake was shown to us, you are the straightener of the crooked limbs, you are the humbler of hard things, you are it that shows the hidden treasures, you are the sprout of goodness. Let your power come, let it be established upon your servant Mygdonia, and heal her by this freedom. When the oil was poured upon her, he told her nurse unclothe her, and wrap a linen cloth about her. There was a fountain of water there, upon which the apostle went up, and baptized Mygdonia in the Name of the Father and the Son. When she was baptized, and clad, he broke bread, took a cup of water, made her a partaker in the body of Messiyah, and the cup of the Son of Yahwah. He said: You received your seal, get eternal life for yourself. Immediately there was heard from above a voice saying: Yea, amein. When Narcia heard that voice, she was amazed, and asked the apostle that she also might receive the seal. The apostle gave it her, and said: Let the care of Yahushua be about you as about the rest.
122 Having done these things the apostle returned to the prison, found the doors open, and the guards still sleeping. Thomas said: Who is like you, O Yahwah? Who does not withhold your loving affection and care from any who is like you, the merciful, who delivered your creatures out of evil. Life has subdued death, rest has ended toil. Glory be to the only-begotten of the Father. Glory to the compassionate that was sent forth of his heart. When he said this, the guards waked, saw all the doors open, the prisoners asleep, and said to themselves: Did we not fasten the doors? How are they open now, and the prisoners inside?
123 At dawn Charisius went to Mygdonia, found them praying, and saying: O Yahushua, that has come here to us by the stranger, Yahushua, hidden of the dwellers in India. Yahushua who showed your glory by your apostle Thomas, Yahushua whose report we heard and believed on, Yahushua, to whom we are come to be saved, Yahushua, who for love of man and for pity did come down to our littleness, Yahushua who did seek us out when we did not know you, Yahushua who dwells in the heights, and from whom the depths are not hid; turn away from us the madness of Charisius. Hearing that Charisius said to Mygdonia: Rightly you called me evil, mad, and foul. If I had not borne with your disobedience, and given you liberty, you would not have called on Yahushua against me, and made mention of my name before Yahushua. Believe me, Mygdonia, there is no profit in that sorcerer, and what he promises to perform he cannot. I will perform before your sight all that I promise, that you may believe, bear with my words, and be to me as you were before.
124 He came near and asked her again, saying: If you will be persuaded of me, I will have no grief. Remember that day when you first met me? Tell the truth, was I more beautiful to you at that time, or Yahushua at this? Mygdonia said: That time required its own, and this time also. That was the time of the beginning, but this of the end. That was the time of temporal life, this of eternal. That of pleasure that passes away, but this of pleasure that abides forever. That of day and night, this of day without night. You saw that marriage that was passing, and here, and single, but this marriage continues forever. That was a partnership of corruption, but this of eternal life. Those groomsmen [and maids] were men and women of time, but these abide to the end. That marriage upon earth sets up dropping dew of the love of men, that bride-chamber is taken down again, but this remains always. That bed was strewn with coverlets [that grow old], but this with love and faith. You are a bridegroom that passes away, and are dissolved. Yahushua is a true bridegroom, enduring forever, immortal. That dowry was of money and robes that grow old, but this is of living words which never pass away.
125 When Charisius heard these things he went to the king, and told him all. The king commanded Yahudah to be brought, that he might judge him, and destroy him. But Charisius said: Have a little patience, O king. First persuade the man, make him afraid, that he may persuade Mygdonia to be to me as formerly. Mazdai sent and fetched the apostle of Messiyah. All the prisoners were grieved because the apostle departed from them, for they yearned after him, saying: Even the comfort which we had, they took away from us.
126 Mazdai said to Yahudah: Why do you teach this new doctrine, which both gods and men hate, and which has nothing of profit? Yahudah said: What evil do I teach? Mazdai said: You teach, saying that men [must live chastely to live] with Yahushua whom you preach. Yahudah said: You say true, O king, thus I do teach. For tell me, are you not angry with your soldiers if they wait on you in filthy garments? You are a king of earth, returning to earth, yet request your subjects to be reverend in their doings. Are you angry, and say I teach ill when I say that those who serve my king must be reverend, pure, free from all grief, care of children, unprofitable riches, and vain trouble? For indeed you would have your subjects follow your conversation and your manners, and you punish them if they despise your commandments. How much more must those who believe on Him serve Yahushua with much reverence, cleanness, and security, and be quit of all pleasures of the body, adultery, prodigality, theft, drunkenness, belly-service, and foul deeds?
127 Hearing these things Mazdai said: Lo, I let you go. Go and persuade Mygdonia, the wife of Charisius, to not desire to depart from him. Yahudah said to him: Do not delay if you have something to do. If she rightly received what she learned, no iron, fire, nor anything else stronger than these will avail to hurt or to root out Him that is held in her soul. Mazdai said to Yahudah: Some poisons do dissolve other poisons, and a theriac cures the bites of the viper. If you will you can give a solvent of those diseases, and make peace and concord between this couple. By so doing you will spare yourself, for not yet are you sated with life. Know you that if you do not persuade her, I will catch you away out of this life which is desirable to all men. Yahudah said: This life was given as a loan, and this time is one that changes, but that life I teach of is incorruptible. Beauty and youth that are seen will cease to be in a little. The king said to him: I counselled you for the best, but you know your own affairs.
128 As the apostle went forth from before the king, Charisius came to him, asked him, and said: I beg you, O man. I did not sin against you or any other at any time, nor against the gods. Why did you stir up this great calamity against me? For what reason did you bring such disturbance upon my house? What profit do you have of it? If you think to gain somewhat, tell me the gain, what it is, and I will procure it for you without labor. To what end do you make me mad, and cast yourself into destruction? If you do not persuade her, I will dispatch you, and finally take myself out of life. If there is life and death after our departing here, as you say, also condemnation, victory, and a place of judgment, then I will also go in there to be judged with you. If Yahushua whom you preach is just and awards punishment justly, I know that I will gain my cause against you, for you injured me, having suffered no wrong at my hands. Indeed, even here I am able to avenge myself on you, and bring upon you all that you did to me. Therefore be persuaded, come home with me, and persuade Mygdonia to be with me as she was at first, before she saw you. Yahudah said to him: Believe me, my child, if men loved Yahwah as much as they love one another, they would ask of Him all things and receive them, and none would do them violence.
129 As Thomas said this, they came to the house of Charisius. They found Mygdonia sitting, Narcia standing by her, and her hand supporting her cheek. She was saying: Let the remainder of the days of my life be cut off from me, O mother, and all the hours become as one hour. Let me depart out of life that I may go the sooner and see that beautiful one, whose report I heard, even that living one, giver of life to those who believe on Him, where is not day and night, nor light and darkness, nor good and evil, nor poor and rich, nor male and female, nor free and bond, nor proud that subjects the humble. As she spoke the apostle stood by her, and forthwith she rose up, and did him reverence. Then Charisius said to him: See how she fears and honors you, and all that you will ask her she will do willingly?
130 As he so spoke, Yahudah said to Mygdonia: My daughter Mygdonia, obey that which your brother Charisius said. Mygdonia said: If you were not able [to name] the deed in word, will you compel me to endure the act? I heard of you that this life is of no profit, and this relief is for a time, and these possessions are transitory. Again you said that whoever renounces this life will receive the life eternal, and whoever hates the light of day and night will see a light that is not overtaken, that whoever despises this money will find other and eternal money. But now [you say these things] because you are in fear. Who that has done somewhat, and is praised for the work, changes it? [Who builds a tower and] straightway overthrows it from the foundation? Who digs a spring water in a thirsty land, and straightaway fills it in? Who finds a treasure, and uses it not? Charisius heard it, and said: I will not imitate you, nor will I hurry to destroy you, nor will I put bonds about you. I will not allow you to speak with this sorcerer. If you obey me, well, but if not, I know what I must do.
131 Yahudah went out of Charisius' house, departed to the house of Siphor, and lodged there with him. Siphor said: I will prepare for Yahudah a hall where he may teach. And he did so. Siphor said: I, my wife, and daughter will dwell here in sacredness, in chastity, and in one affection. I beg you that we may receive of you the seal, become worshippers of the true Yahwah, and numbered among His sheep and lambs. Yahudah said: I am afraid to speak that which I think, yet I know somewhat, and what I know it is not possible for me to utter.
132 He began to say concerning baptism: This baptism is remission of sins, this brings forth again light that is shed about us. This brings the new man to new birth. This mingles the spirit [with the body], raises up in threefoldwise a new man, and [makes him] partaker of the remission of sins. Glory be to you, hidden one, who is communicated in baptism. Glory to you the unseen power that is in baptism. Glory to you, renewal, by which those who are baptized are renewed, and take hold upon you with affection.
Having thus said, he poured oil over their heads, and said: Glory be to you the love of compassion. Glory to you, Name of Messiyah. Glory to you, power established in Messiyah. He commanded a vessel to be brought, and baptized them in the Name of the Father and the Son.
133 When they were baptized and clad, he set bread on the table, blessed it, and said: Bread of life, the which who eat abide incorruptible. Bread fills the hungry souls with its blessing. You are He that promises to receive a gift, that you may become to us remission of sins, and that they who eat you may become immortal. We invoke upon you the Name of the mother, of the unspeakable mystery of the hidden powers and authorities. We invoke upon you the Name of Yahushua. And he said: Let the powers of blessing come, and be established in this bread, that all the souls which partake of it may be washed from their sins. He broke, gave to Siphor, his wife, and daughter.
The Eleventh Act: Concerning the wife of Mazdai.
134 When he let Yahudah go, Mazdai the king dined, went home, and told his wife what happened Charisius their kinsman, saying: See what has come to pass to that unhappy man. You yourself know, my sister Tertia, that a man has nothing better than his own wife on whom he rests. But it chanced that his wife went to that sorcerer of whom you heard that he is come to the land of the Indians, fell into his charms, and is parted from her own husband. He does not know what he should do. When I would have destroyed the malefactor, he would not have it. You go and counsel her to incline to her husband, and forget the vain words of the sorcerer.
135 As soon as she arose Tertia went to the house of Charisius her husband's [kinsman], and found Mygdonia lying upon the earth in humiliation, ashes and sackcloth spread under her. She was praying that Yahushua would forgive her former sins, and she might soon depart out of life. Tertia said to her: Mygdonia, my dear sister and companion, what is this folly? What is the disease that overtook you? Why do you do the deeds of madmen? Know yourself, come back to your own way, come near to your many kinsfolk, spare your true husband Charisius, and do not do things unbefitting a free-woman. Mygdonia said to her: O Tertia, you did not yet hear the preacher of life, not yet did he touch your ears, not yet did you taste the medicine of life, nor are free from corruptible mourning. You stand in the life of time, you do not know the everlasting life and salvation, and do not perceive the incorruptible fellowship. You stand clad in robes that grow old, and not desire those that are eternal, are proud of this beauty which vanishes, and have no thought of the sacredness of your soul. You are rich in a multitude of servants, yet have not freed your own soul from servitude. You pride yourself in the glory that comes of many, but do not redeem yourself from the condemnation of death.
136 When Tertia heard this of Mygdonia she said: I pray you, sister, bring me to that stranger that teaches these great things, that I also may go and hear him, be taught to worship Yahushua whom he preaches, become partaker of his prayers, and a sharer in all that you have told me of. Mygdonia said to her: He is in the house of Siphor the captain. He is become the occasion of life to all those who are being saved in India. Hearing that, Tertia went quickly to Siphor's house, that she might see the new apostle that was come there. When she entered in, Yahudah said to her: What are you come to see? A man that is a stranger, poor, contemptible, and needy, having no riches nor substance. Yet one thing I possess which kings nor rulers can not take away, that neither perishes nor ceases, which is Yahushua the Savior of all mankind, the Son of the living Yahwah, who gives life to all who believe on Him, take refuge with Him, and are known to be of the number of His servants. Unto whom said Tertia: May I become a partaker of this life which you promise, that all those who come together to the assembly of Yahwah will receive? The apostle said: The treasury of the King is opened wide, and those which worthily partake of the good things that are there do rest, and resting do reign. But first, no man comes to Him that is unclean and vile. He knows our inmost hearts, the depths of our thought, and it is not possible for any to escape Him. If you believe in Him truly, you will be made worthy of His mysteries. He will magnify you, enrich you, and make you to be a heir of His kingdom.
137 Having heard this Tertia returned home rejoicing, and found her husband awaiting her, having not dined. When Mazdai saw her he said: Why is it that your entering in today is more beautiful? Why are you come walking, which does not become free-born women like you? Tertia said to him: I owe you the greatest of thanks, for you sent me to Mygdonia. I went and heard of a new life. I saw the new apostle of Yahushua that gives life to those who believe on Him, and fulfil His commandments. I ought to recompense you myself for this favor and admonition with good advice. You will be a great king in heaven if you obey me, fear Yahushua that is preached by the stranger, and keep yourself clean to the living Yahwah. This kingdom passes away, and your comfort will be turned into affliction. Go to that man, believe him, and you will live to the end. When Mazdai heard these things of his wife, he slapped his face with his hands, tore his clothes, and said: May the soul of Charisius find no rest, for he hurt me to the soul. May he have no hope, for he took away my hope. And he went out greatly vexed.
138 He found Charisius his friend in the market-place, and said to him: Why did you cast me into hell to be another companion to yourself? Why did you empty and defraud me to gain nothing? Why did you hurt me, and profit yourself not at all? Why did you kill me, and yourself not lived? Why did you wrong me, and yourself got no justice? Why did you not allow me to destroy that sorcerer before he corrupted my house with his wickedness? And he kept hold upon Charisius. So Charisius said: Why, what happened you? Mazdai said: He bewitched Tertia. Both of them went to the house of Siphor the captain, and found Yahudah sitting and teaching. All those who were there rose up before the king, but he [Thomas] did not arise. Mazdai perceived that it was he, took hold of the seat, and overturned it. He took up the seat with both his hands, hit his head so that he wounded it, and delivered him to his soldiers, saying: Take him away, hale him with violence, and not gently, that his shame may be made known to all men. They haled him, and took him to the place where Mazdai judged. He stood there, held by the soldiers of Mazdai.
The Twelfth Act: Concerning Ouazanes the son of Mazdai.
139 Ouazanes the son of Mazdai came to the soldiers and said: Give me him that I may speak with him until the king comes. They gave him up, and he brought him in where the king gave judgment. Iuzanes said: Do you know I am the son of Mazdai the king? I have power to say to the king what I will, and he will allow you to live? Tell me then, who is Yahushua, what power do you claim, and glory in it? If it is some power or art of magic, tell it me, teach me, and I will let you go. Yahudah said to him: You are the son of Mazdai the king who is king for a time, but I am the servant of Yahushua Messiyah the eternal king. You have power to say to your father to save whom you will in the temporal life men do not continue in, which you and your father grant, but I beg my Yahushua and intercede for men, and He gives them a new life which is altogether enduring. You boast yourself of possessions, servants, robes, luxury, and unclean chamberings, but I boast myself of poverty, philosophy, humility, fasting, prayer, the fellowship of Yahwah's Spirit, and of my brothers that are worthy of Yahwah. I boast myself of eternal life. You rely on a man like to yourself, not able to save his own soul from judgment and death. I rely upon the living Yahwah, upon the Savior of kings and princes, who is the judge of all men. Maybe you indeed are today, and tomorrow are no more, but I took refuge with Him that abides forever, and knows all our seasons and times. If you will become the servant of this Yahwah you will do so soon. But show that you will be a servant worthy of Him. First by sacredness, which is the head of all good things, and then by fellowship with this Yahushua whom I preach, and philosophy, simplicity, love, faith, and hope in Him, and unity of pure food.
140 The young man was persuaded by Yahushua and wondered how he might let Yahudah escape. But while he thought about it, the king came, the soldiers took Yahudah, and led him forth. Iuzanes went forth with him, and stood beside him. When the king was set he commanded Yahudah be brought in, with his hands bound behind him. He was brought into the midst and stood there. And the king said: Tell me who you are and by what power you do these things. Yahudah said to him: I am a man like you, and by the power of Yahushua Messiyah I do these things. Mazdai said: Tell me the truth before I destroy you. Yahudah said: You have no power against me, as you suppose, and you will not hurt me at all. The king was wroth at his words, commanded to heat iron plates, and set him upon them barefoot. As the soldiers took off his shoes he said: The wisdom of Yahwah is better than the wisdom of men. You Yahushua, and King, let your goodness resist his wrath. They brought the plates which were like fire, and set the apostle upon them. Straightaway water sprang up abundantly from the earth, so that the plates were swallowed up in it. Those who held him let him go, and withdrew themselves.
141 Seeing the abundance of water the king said to Yahudah: Ask Yahushua that He deliver me from this death, that I not perish in the flood. The apostle prayed and said: You who did bind this element, gather it into one place, and send it forth into different lands, that brought disorder into order, that grants mighty works and great wonders by the hands of Yahudah your servant, that has mercy on my soul, that I may always receive your brightness, that gives wages to those who labor, Savior of my soul, restoring it to its own nature that it may have no fellowship with hurtful things, that has always been the occasion of life, restrain this element that it not lift up itself to destroy, for there are some of those who stand here who will believe on you, and live. When he prayed, the water was swallowed up by little and little, and the place became dry. When Mazdai saw it he commanded him to be taken to the prison: Until I will consider how he must be used.
142 As Yahudah was led away to the prison they all followed him, Iuzanes the king's son walked at his right hand, and Siphor at the left. He entered into the prison and sat down, and Iuzanes and Siphor, and he persuaded his wife and his daughter to sit down, for they also were come in to hear the word of life. They knew Mazdai would kill him because of the excess of his anger. Yahudah began to say: O liberator of my soul from the bondage of the many, because I gave myself to be sold. Behold, I rejoice and exult, knowing that the times are fulfilled for me to enter in and receive [of you my rest]. Lo, I am to be set free from the cares that are on the earth. Lo, I fullfil my hope and receive truth. Lo, I am set free from sorrow, and put on joy alone. Lo, I become careless, griefless, and dwell in rest. Lo, I am set free from bondage and am called to liberty. Lo, I served times and seasons, and I am lifted up above times and seasons. Lo, I receive my wages from my recompenser, who gives without reckoning because His wealth suffices for the gift. [Lo, I put off my garment,] and I will not put it on again. Lo, I sleep and awake, and I will go to sleep no more. Lo, I die, live again, and I will not taste of death. Lo, they rejoice and expect me, that I may come, be with their kindred, and be set as a flower in their crown. Lo, I reign in the kingdom where I set my hope, even from here. Lo, the rebellious fall before me, for I escaped them. Lo, [to me] the peace has come, to which all are gathered.
143 As the apostle spoke thus, all that were there hearkened, supposing that in that hour he would depart out of life. Again he said: Believe on the physician of all [diseases], both seen and unseen, and on the Savior of the souls that need help from Him. This is the free-born [Son] of kings, this the physician of his creatures. This is He who was reproached of His own slaves. This is the Father of the height, Yahushua of nature, and the Judge. He came of the greatest, the only-begotten son of the deep. He was called the son of Miryam the virgin, and was termed the son of Yahusef the carpenter. He whose littleness [we saw] with the eyes of our body, but His greatness we received by faith, and saw it in His works. We felt his human body with our hands, and His aspect we saw transfigured with our eyes, but His heavenly semblance on the mount we were not able to see. He made the rulers stumble, and did violence to death. The truth does not lie, at the last He paid the tribute for Himself and His disciples. The prince saw and feared, the powers that were with Him were troubled. The prince bore witness who He was, and from where, and did not know the truth, because he is alien from truth. He that has authority over the world, the pleasures in it, the possessions, and the comfort, [rejected] all these things and turns away His subjects, that they should not use them.
144 Having fulfilled these sayings, he arose, and prayed thus: Our Father, who is in heaven, hallowed be your Name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, as in heaven so upon earth. [Give us our constant bread], forgive us our debts as we also forgive our debtors. Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Yahushua, my hope, confidence, and teacher, you taught me to pray thus. Behold, I pray this prayer and fulfil your commandment. Be with me to the end. You are He that sowed life in me from childhood, and kept me from corruption. You are He who brought me to the poverty of this world, and exhorted to me the true riches. You are He who made me known to myself, and showed me that I am yours. I have kept myself pure from women, so that which you require is not found in defilement.
145 My mouth does not suffice to praise you, nor am I able to conceive the care and providence which is about me from you, which you have for me. I desired to gain riches, but by a vision you showed me that they are full of loss and injury to those who gain them. I believed your showing, and continued in the poverty of the world until you, the true riches, were revealed to me, who did fill both me and the rest that were worthy of you with your own riches, and set your own free from care and anxiety. I fulfilled your commandments, O Yahushua. I accomplished your will, become poor and needy, a stranger and a bondman, set at nothing, a prisoner, hungry, thirsty, naked, and unshod. I toiled for your sake, that my confidence might not perish, my hope that is in you might not be confounded, my much labor might not be in vain, and my weariness not be counted for nothing. Do not let my prayers, my continual fastings, and my great zeal toward you perish. Do not let my seed of wheat be changed for weeds out of your land, do not let the enemy carry it away and mingle his own weeds in, for your land does not receive his weeds, nor indeed can they be laid up in your houses.
146 I planted your vine in the earth, it sent down its roots into the depth, its growth is spread out in the height, the fruits of it are stretched forth upon the earth, and those who are worthy of you are made glad by them, whom also you gain. The money you have from me I laid down upon the table, when you require it, restore it to me with usury, as you promised. With your one mind I traded and made ten, you added more to me beside what I had, as you did covenant. I forgive my debtor the mine, do not require it at my hands. I was invited to the supper, and I came. I refused the land, the yoke of oxen, and the wife, that I might not be rejected for their sake. I was invited to the wedding, I put on white garments, that I might be worthy of it, and not be bound hand and foot and cast into the outer darkness. My lamp with its bright light expects the master coming from the marriage, that it may receive him, and I will not see it dimmed because the oil is spent. My eyes, O Messiyah, look upon you, and my heart exults with joy because I fulfilled your will and perfected your commandments. I may be likened to that watchful and careful servant who in his eagerness does not neglect to keep vigil. All the night I labored to keep my house from robbers, unless it is broken through.
147 My loins I wrapped close with truth, and bound my shoes on my feet, that I may never see them gaping. My hands I put to the yoked plow, and did not turned away backward, unless my furrows go crooked. The plow-land is become white, and the harvest is come, that I may receive my wages. I have worn out my garment that grows old, and I accomplished the labor that brings me to rest. I kept the first watch, the second, and the third, that I may see your face and adore your holy brightness. I rooted out the worst, and left them desolate upon earth, that I may be filled full from your treasures. I dried up the moist spring that was in me, that I may live and rest beside your inexhaustible spring. I killed the captive you committed to me, that he who is set free in me may not fall from his confidence. Him that was inward I made outward, and the outward [inward], all your fullness is fulfilled in me. I did not return to the things that are behind, but went forward to the things that are before, that I not become a reproach. I quickened a dead man, and I overcame the living one. I filled up that which was lacking, that I may receive the crown of victory, and the power of Messiyah may be accomplished in me. I received reproach upon earth, give me the return and the recompense in the heavens.
148 Do not let the powers and the officers perceive me, do not let them have any thought concerning me, do not let the publicans and exactors ply their calling upon me, do not let the weak and the evil cry out against me who is valiant and humble, do not let them rise up to stand before me when I am borne upward, by your power, O Yahushua, which surrounds me as a crown. They do flee and hide themselves, they cannot look on you. Suddenly they fall upon those who are subject to them, and the portion of the sons of the evil one does itself cry out and convict them. It is not hid from them, their nature is made known, the children of the evil one are separated off. Yahushua, grant that I may pass by in quietness, joy, and peace, and pass over to stand before the judge. Do not let the devil look upon me, let his eyes be blinded by your light which you made to dwell in me. Close up his mouth, for he has found nothing against me.
149 He said again to those who were about him: Believe in the Savior of those who labor in His service. My soul already flourishes because my time to receive him is near. Being beautiful He always draws me on to speak concerning His beauty, what it is though I am not able, and do not suffice to speak it worthily. You are the light of my poverty, the supplier of my defects, and nurturer of my need, be with me until I come and receive you for evermore.
The Thirteenth Act: Wherein Iuzanes receives baptism with the rest.
150 Iuzanes the youth asked the apostle, saying: I pray you, O man, apostle of Yahushua, allow me to go, and I will persuade the jailor to permit you to come home with me, that by you I may receive the seal, become your minister, and a keeper of the commandments of Yahushua whom you preach. Indeed, formerly I walked in those things which you teach, until my father compelled me, and joined me to a wife by name Mnesara. I am in my one-and-twentieth year, and have now been married seven years. Before I was joined in marriage I knew no other woman, so I was accounted useless of my father. I have never had son or daughter of this wife, My wife herself lives with me in chastity all this time, and today, if she was in health, and listened to you, I know well that both I should have been at rest, and she would receive eternal life. But she is in peril, afflicted with much illness. I will persuade the keeper that he promise to come with me, for I live by myself. You will also heal that unhappy one. And hearing this, Yahudah the apostle of the Most High, said to Iuzanes: If you believe, you will see the marvels of Yahushua, and how He saves His servants.
151 As they spoke together, Tertia, Mygdonia, and Narcia stood at the door of the prison. They gave the jailor 363 staters of silver, and entered in to Yahudah. They found Iuzanes, Siphor, his wife, daughter, and all the prisoners, sitting and hearing the word. When they stood by him he said to them: Who allowed you to come to us? Who opened the sealed door to you, that you came forth? Tertia said to him: Did you not open the door for us, tell us to come into the prison that we might take our brothers that were there, and then should Yahushua show forth His glory in us? When we came near the door, I do not know how, you were parted from us, hid yourself, and came here before us, where we heard the noise of the door, when you shut us out. We gave money therefore to the keepers, came in, and lo, we are here praying that we may persuade you, and let you escape, until the king's wrath against you will cease. Unto whom Yahudah said: Tell us first of all how you were shut up.
152 She said to him: You were with us, and never left us for one hour, and you ask how we were shut up? But if you desire to hear, hear. The king Mazdai sent for me, and said to me: Not yet has that sorcerer prevailed over you. As I hear, he bewitches men with oil, water, bread, and has not yet bewitched you. Obey me, for if not, I will imprison you and wear you out, and I will destroy him. I know that if he has not yet given you oil, water, and bread, he has not prevailed to get power over you. And I said to him: You have authority over my body, and you do all that you will. But I will not let my soul perish with you. Hearing that he shut me up in a chamber. Charisius brought Mygdonia, and shut her up with me. You brought us out and brought us here. Give us the seal quickly, that the hope of Mazdai who counsels thus may be cut off.
153 When the apostle heard this, he said: Glory be to you, O Yahushua of many forms, glory to you that appears in the guise of our poor manhood. Glory to you that encourages us, makes us strong, gives grace, consoles, stands by us in all perils, and strengthens our weakness. As he spoke thus, the jailor came and said: Put out the lamps, unless any accuse you to the king. They extinguished the lamps, and turned to sleep. But the apostle spoke to Yahushua: It is the time now, O Yahushua, for you to make haste. Lo, the children of darkness sit in their own darkness, you therefore enlighten us with the light of your nature. On a sudden the whole prison was light as the day, and while all those who were in the prison slept a deep sleep, only those who believed in Yahushua continued waking.
154 Yahudah therefore said to Iuzanes: Go before, make ready the things for our need. Iuzanes said: Who will open the doors of the prison? The jailors shut them, and are gone to sleep. Yahudah said: Believe in Yahushua, and you will find the doors open. When he went forth, and departed from them, all the rest followed after him. As Iuzanes was gone on before, Mnesara his wife met him coming to the prison. She knew him, and said: My brother Iuzanes, is it you? And he said: Yea, and are you Mnesara? And she said: Yea. Iuzanes said to her: Where do you walk, especially at so untimely a hour? How were you able to rise up? And she said: This youth laid his hand on me, raised me up, and in a dream I say that I should go where the stranger sits, and become perfectly whole. Iuzanes said to her: What youth is with you? And she said: Do you not see him that is on my right hand, leading me by the hand?
155 While they spoke together thus, Yahudah, with Siphor, his wife, daughter, Tertia, Mygdonia, and Narcia came to Iuzanes' house. Seeing him, Mnesara the wife of Iuzanes did reverence, and said: Are you come that saved us from the severe disease? You are he whom I saw in the night, delivering me to this youth, to bring me to the prison. But your goodness did not allow me to grow weary, but you yourself are come to me. And so saying she turned about, and saw the youth no more. Not finding him, she said to the apostle: I am not able to walk alone, the youth whom you gave me is not here. Yahudah said: Yahushua will lead you now. So she came running to him. When they entered into the house of Iuzanes, the son of Mazdai the king, a great light shined and was shed about them, though it was yet night.
156 Yahudah began to pray, and to speak thus: O companion, defender, and hope of the weak, confidence of the poor, refuge and lodging of the weary, voice that came forth of the height, comforter dwelling in the midst, port and harbor of those who pass through the regions of the rulers, physician that heals without payment, who among men was crucified for many, who did go down into hell with great might, the sight of whom the princes of death did not endure, you came up with great glory, gathered all those who fled to you, and prepared a way, in your footsteps all they journeyed whom you did redeem. You brought them into your own fold and joined them with your sheep. Son of mercy, the son that for love of man was sent to us from the perfect country that is above. Yahushua of all possessions, who serves your servants that they may live, who fills creation with your own riches, the poor who were in need and did hunger forty days, that satisfies thirsty souls with your own good things, be you with Iuzanes the son of Mazdai, with Tertia, and Mnesara. Gather them into your fold, mingle them with your number. Be to them a guide in the land of error, be to them a physician in the land of sickness, be to them a rest in the land of the weary, sanctify them in a polluted land, be their physician both of bodies and souls, make them holy temples of you, and let your Spirit dwell in them.
157 Having thus prayed over them, the apostle said to Mygdonia: Unclothe your sisters. She took off their clothes, wrapped them with girdles, and brought them. Iuzanes went first, and they came after him. The apostle took oil in a cup of silver, and spoke thus over it: Fruit more beautiful than all other fruits, to which none other whatsoever may be compared, altogether merciful, fervent with the force of the Word, power of the tree which men putting upon them overcome their adversaries, crowner of the conquerors, help and joy of the sick, that did announce to men their salvation, that shows light to those who are in darkness, whose leaf is bitter, but in your most sweet fruit you are fair, that are rough to the sight but soft to the taste; seeming to be weak, but in the greatness of your strength able to bear the power that sees all things. Having thus said: Yahushua, His victorious might come and be established in this oil, like as it was established in the tree that was its kin, even His might at that time, of which those who crucified you could not endure the Word. Let the gift come which by breathing upon your enemies you did cause them to go backward, and fall headlong. Let it rest on this oil, upon which we invoke your holy Name. Having thus said, he poured it first upon the head of Iuzanes, and then upon the women's heads, saying: In your Name, O Yahushua Messiyah, let it be to these souls for remission of sins, for turning back of the adversary, and for salvation of their souls. He commanded Mygdonia to anoint them, but he himself anointed Iuzanes. After anointing them, he led them down into the water, in the Name of the Father and the Son.
158 When they were come up, he took bread and a cup, blessed it, and said: We eat your holy body which was crucified for us, and we drink your blood that was shed for us to salvation. Let your body be salvation to us, and your blood for remission of sins. And for the gall which you drank for our sakes, let the gall of the devil be removed from us. For the vinegar you drank for us, let our weakness be made strong. For the spitting you received for us, let us receive the dew of your goodness. By the reed which they hit you for us, let us receive the perfect house. While you received a crown of thorns for our sake, let us who love you put on a crown that does not fade away. For the linen cloth you were wrapped in, let us also be wrapped about with your power that is not vanquished. For the new tomb and the burial let us receive renewing of soul and body. Because you rose up and revived, let us revive, live, and stand before you in righteous judgment. He broke and gave the eucharist to Iuzanes, Tertia, Mnesara, and the wife and daughter of Siphor, and said: Let this eucharist be to you for salvation, joy, and health of your souls. They said: Amein. A voice was heard, saying: Amein. Do not fear, only believe.
159 After these things Yahudah departed to be imprisoned.
Tertia, with Mygdonia and Narcia, also went to be imprisoned. The multitude of those who believed being present, the apostle Thomas said to them: Daughters, sisters, and fellow-servants who believe in Yahushua and Yahwah, ministers of Yahushua, hearken to me today. I deliver my word to you, I will not speak with you in this flesh, nor in this world. I go up to Yahwah and Yahushua Messiyah, to Him who sold me, to that Yahushua who humbled Himself even to me the little, and brought me up to eternal greatness, that promised to me to become His servant in truth and steadfastness. I depart to Him, knowing the time is fulfilled. The day appointed has drawn near for me to go and receive my recompense from Yahushua and Yahwah. My recompenser is righteous, who knows me, how I ought to receive my reward. He is not grudging nor envious, but is rich in his gifts. He is not a lover of craft in that He gives, for He has confidence in His possessions which cannot fail.
160 I am not Yahushua, I am His servant. I am not Messiyah, I am His minister. I am not the Son of Yahwah, I pray to become worthy of Yahwah. Continue in the faith of Messiyah, continue in the hope of the Son of Yahwah, do not faint at affliction. Do not be divided in mind if you see me mocked, that I am shut up in prison, or die, for I do accomplish His will. If I willed to not die, I know that I am able in Messiyah. This which is called death is not death, but a setting free from the body. I gladly receive this setting free from the body, that I may depart, and see Him that is beautiful, full of mercy, Him that is to be loved. I endure much toil in His service, and labor for His grace that is come upon me, which does not depart from me. Do not let Satan enter you by stealth, and catch away your thoughts. Let there be no place for him in you, for He whom you received is mighty. Look for the coming of Messiyah, He will come, and receive you, and this is He whom you will see when He comes.
161 When the apostle ended these sayings, they went into the house, and the apostle Thomas said: Savior that did suffer many things for us, let these doors be as they were, let seals be set on them. He left them, and went to be imprisoned. They wept and were in heaviness, for they knew that Mazdai would kill him.
162 The apostle found the keepers wrangling and saying: When did we sin against this wizard? By his magic art he opened the doors, and would have all the prisoners escape. Let us go and report it to the king, and tell him concerning his wife, and his son. As they disputed thus, Thomas held his peace. They rose up early, went to the king, and said to him: Our lord and king, take away that sorcerer, and cause him to be shut up elsewhere, for we are not able to keep him. Except your good fortune had kept the prison, all the condemned persons would have escaped. We found the doors open this second time now. Your wife, O king, your son, and the rest do depart from him. Hearing that the king went, and found the seals whole that were set on the doors. He took note of the doors also, and said to the keepers: Why do you lie? For the seals are whole. Why did you say Tertia and Mygdonia come to him into the prison? And the keepers said: We told you the truth.
163 Mazdai went to the prison, took his seat, sent for the apostle Thomas, stripped him, set him before him, and said to him: Are you bond or free? Thomas said: I am the bondsman of one only, over whom you have no authority. Mazdai said to him: How did you run away, and come into this country? Thomas said: I was sold here by my master, that I might save many, and depart out of this world by your hands. Mazdai said: Who is your lord? What is his name? And of what country is he? Thomas said: Yahushua is your master, He is Yahushua of heaven and earth. Mazdai said: What is his name? Thomas said: You can not hear his true Name at this time, the Name that was given to Him is Yahushua Messiyah. Mazdai said to him: I did not hurry to destroy you, I had long patience with you. But you added to your evil deeds. Your sorceries are dispersed abroad, and heard of throughout all the country. I do this that your sorceries may depart with you, and our land be cleansed from them. Thomas said to him: These sorceries do not depart with me when I set forth here. And know this, I will never forget those who are here.
164 When the apostle said these things, Mazdai considered how he should put him to death. He was afraid because of the many people that were subject to him, for many also of the nobles, and of those who were in authority, believed on him. He took him and went forth out of the city, armed soldiers also went with him. The people supposed that the king desired to learn somewhat of him, so they stood still, and gave heed. When they had walked one mile, he delivered him to four soldiers and an officer, commanded them to take him into the mountain, pierce him with spears, put an end to him, and return again to the city. Saying thus to the soldiers, he himself also returned to the city.
165 But the men ran after Thomas, desiring to deliver him from death. Two soldiers went at the right hand of the apostle, and two on his left, holding spears. The officer held his hand and supported him. The apostle Thomas said: O the hidden mysteries which even until our departure are accomplished in us! O riches of His glory, who will not allow us to be swallowed up in this passion of the body! Four are those who cast me down, and of four I am made. One is he that draws me, for of one I am, and to him I go. I understand this now, that being of one Yahushua Messiyah was pierced by one, but I, which am of four, am pierced by four.
166 Being come up into the mountain to the place where he was to be killed, he said to those who held him, and to the rest: brothers, hearken to me now at the last, for I am come to my departure out of the body. Do not let the eyes of your heart be blinded, nor your ears be made deaf. Believe on Yahushua whom I preach. Do not be guides to yourselves in the hardness of your heart, but walk in all your liberty, in the glory that is toward men, and the life that is toward Yahwah.
167 He said to Iuzanes: You son of the [earthly] king Mazdai, and minister [to the minister] of our Yahushua Messiyah. Give to the servants of Mazdai their price, that they may allow me to go, and pray. Iuzanes bribed the soldiers to let him pray. The blessed Thomas went to pray, kneeled down, rose up, and stretched forth his hands to heaven, and spoke.
He turned to his prayer, and it was this: Yahushua and Yahwah, hope, redeemer, leader, and guide in all countries, be with all those who serve you, and guide me today as I come to you. Do not let any take my soul which I commit to you. Do not let the publicans see me, and do not let the exactors accuse me falsely. Do not let the serpent see me, and do not let the children of the dragon hiss at me. Behold, Yahushua, I have accomplished your work and perfected your commandment. I became a bondman, today I receive freedom. Do give me this, and perfect me. I say this, not that I doubt, but that those may hear for whom it is needful to hear.
168 When he prayed thus he said to the soldiers: Come here, accomplish the commandments of him who sent you. The four came and pierced him with their spears. He fell down, and died.
All the brothers wept. They brought beautiful robes, and fair linen, and buried him in a royal sepulchre where the former kings were laid.
169 Siphor and Iuzanes would not go down to the city, but continued sitting by him all the day. The apostle Thomas appeared to them, and said: Why do you sit here and keep watch over me? I am not here. I went up, and received all I was promised. Rise up, and go down, for after a little time you will be gathered to me.
Mazdai and Charisius took away Mygdonia and Tertia and afflicted them sorely, however they did not consent to their will. The apostle appeared to them and said: Do not be deceived. Yahushua the living One will quickly send help to you. Mazdai and Charisius, when they perceived that Mygdonia and Tertia did not obey them, allowed them to live according to their own desire.
The brothers gathered together, and rejoiced in the grace of Yahwah's Spirit. When the apostle Thomas departed out of the world, he made Siphor a presbyter, and Iuzanes a deacon, when he went up into the mountain to die. Yahushua wrought with them, and many were added to the faith.
170 Now it came to pass after a long time that one of the children of Mazdai the king was possessed by a devil, and no man could cure him, for the devil was exceeding fierce. Mazdai the king took thought and said: I will go and open the sepulchre, take a bone of the apostle of Yahwah, hang it upon my son, and he will be healed. While Mazdai thought upon this, the apostle Thomas appeared to him, and said to him: You did not believe on a living man, will you believe on the dead? Do not fear, Yahushua Messiyah has compassion on you, and of His goodness pities you.
He went and opened the sepulchre, but did not find the apostle there, for one of the brothers had stolen him away, and taken him to Mesopotamia. But Mazdai took dust from that place where the bones of the apostle had lain, and put it about his son's neck, saying: I believe on you, Yahushua Messiyah, now that he who troubles men, and opposes them unless they should see you, has left me. When he hung it upon his son, the lad became whole.
Mazdai the king was also gathered among the brothers, and bowed his head under the hands of Siphor the priest. Siphor said to the brothers: Pray for Mazdai the king, that he may obtain mercy of Yahushua Messiyah, and that He may not remember evil against him. They all made prayer for him, rejoicing with one accord. And Yahushua, who loves men, the King of Kings, granted Mazdai also to have hope in Him. He was gathered with the multitude of those who believe in Messiyah, glorifying the Father and the Son, whose is power and adoration, now and forever, world without end. Amein.
The acts of Yahudah Thomas the apostle are completed, which he did in India, fulfilling the commandment of Him who sent him. Unto whom be glory, world without end. Amein.
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