These are all forms of Christian Apocrypha
Revelation of Paul - Revelation of John the Theologian - Gospel of Marcion - Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew - part 1 - Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew - part 2 - Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew - part 3 - Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew - part 4 - Gospel of Peter - Gospel of the Nativity of Mary - Gospel of Mary of Magdalene - Gospel of James - Gospel of Bartholomew - Gospel of Nicodemus - Consummation of Thomas the Apostle - Compilation of Thomas - part 1 - Compilation of Thomas - part 2 - Apocalypse of the Virgin - Apocalypse of Peter - Apocalypse of Thomas - Acts of Thomas - Acts of Thomas - Part 2 - Acts of Thomas - Part 3 - Acts of Thomas - Part 4 - Acts of Phillip - Acts of Peter - Acts of Peter and Paul - Acts of Peter and Andrew - Acts of Paul - Acts of John - Acts of John the Theologian - Acts of Barnabus - Acts of Andrew and Matthew - Acts and Martyrdom of Matthew - Acts and Martyrdom of Andrew
The Acts of Thomas - Part 4
The Tenth Act: Wherein Mygdonia receiveth baptism.
119 And while Mygdonia thought thus with herself, Judas
came and stood over her, and she saw him and was afraid, and
fell down and became lifeless with terror. But he stood by
her and took her by the hand and said unto her: Fear not,
Mygdonia: Jesus will not leave thee, neither will the Lord
unto whom thou hast committed thy soul overlook thee. His
compassionate rest will not forsake thee: he that is kind
will not forsake thee, for his kindness' sake, nor he that
is good for his goodness' sake. Rise up then from the earth,
thou that art become wholly above it: look on the light, for
the Lord leaveth not them that love him to walk in darkness:
behold him that travelleth with his servants, that he is
unto them a defender in perils. And Mygdonia arose and
looked on him and said: Whither wentest thou, my lord? and
who is he that brought thee out of prison to behold the sun?
Judas Thomas saith unto her: My Lord Jesus is mightier than
all powers and all kings and rulers.
120 And Mygdonia said: Give me the seal of Jesus Christ and
I shall ( Let me) receive the gift at thy hands before thou
departest out of life. And she took him with her and entered
into the court and awaked her nurse, saying unto her: Narcia
(Gr. Marcia), my mother and nurse, all thy service and
refreshment thou hast done for me from my childhood until my
present age are vain, and for them I owe thee thanks which
are temporal; do for me now also a favor, that thou mayest
for ever receive a recompense from him that giveth great
gifts. And Narcia in answer saith: What wilt thou, my
daughter Mygdonia, and what is to be done for thy pleasure?
for the honours which thou didst promise me before, the
stranger hath not suffered thee to accomplish, and thou hast
made me a reproach among all the nation. And now what is
this new thing that thou commandest me? And Mygdonia saith:
Become thou partaker with me in eternal life, that I may
receive of thee perfect nurture: take bread and bring it me,
and wine mingled with water, and spare my freedom (take pity
on me a free born woman, Syr.). And the nurse said: I will
bring thee many loaves, and for water flagons of wine, and
fulfil thy desire. But she saith to the nurse: Flagons I
desire not, nor the many loaves: but this only, bring wine
mingled with water and one loaf, and oil .
121 And when Narcia had brought these things, Mygdonia
stood before the apostle with her head bare; and he took the
oil and poured it on her head, saying: Thou holy oil given
unto us for sanctification, secret mystery whereby the cross
was shown unto us, thou art the straightener of the crooked
limbs, thou art the humbler (softener) of hard things
(works), thou art it that showeth the hidden treasures, thou
art the sprout of goodness; let thy power come, let it be
established upon thy servant Mygdonia, and heal thou her by
this freedom. And when the oil was poured upon her he bade
her nurse unclothe her and gird a linen cloth about her; and
there was there a fountain of water upon which the apostle
went up, and baptized Mygdonia in the name of the Father and
the Son and the Holy Ghost. And when she was baptized and
clad, he brake bread and took a cup of water and made her a
partaker in the body of Christ and the cup of the Son of
God, and said: Thou hast received thy seal, get for thyself
eternal life. And immediately there was heard from above a
voice saying: Yea, amen. And when Narcia heard that voice,
she was amazed, and besought the apostle that she also might
receive the seal; and the apostle gave it her and said: Let
the care of the Lord be about thee as about the rest.
122 And having done these things the apostle returned unto
the prison, and found the doors open and the guards still
sleeping. And Thomas said: Who is like thee, O God? who
withholdest not thy loving affection and care from any who
is like thee, the merciful, who hast delivered thy creatures
out of evil. Life that hath subdued death, rest that hath
ended toil. Glory be to the only begotten of the Father.
Glory to the compassionate that was sent forth of his heart.
And when he had said thus, the guards waked and beheld all
the doors open, and the prisoners <+ asleep, Syr.>, and said
in themselves: Did not we fasten the doors? and how are they
now open, and the prisoners within?
123 But at the dawn Charisius went unto Mygdonia , and
found them praying and saying: O new God that by the
stranger hast come hither unto us, hidden God of the
dwellers in India (Syr. who art hidden from); God that hast
shown thy glory by thine apostle Thomas, God whose report we
have heard and believed on thee; God, unto whom we are come
to be saved; God, who for love of man and for pity didst
come down unto our littleness; God who didst seek us out
when we knew him (thee) not; God that dwellest in the
heights and from whom the depths are not hid: turn thou away
from us the madness of Charisius. And Charisius hearing that
said to Mygdonia: Rightly callest thou me evil and mad and
foul I for if I had not borne with thy disobedience, and
given thee liberty, thou wouldest not have called on God
against me and made mention of my name before God. But
believe me, Mygdonia that in that sorcerer there is no
profit, and what he promiseth to perform he cannot: but I
will perform before thy sight all that I promise, that thou
mayest believe, and bear with my words and be to me as thou
wast beforetime.
124 And he came near and besought her again, saying: If
thou wilt be persuaded of me, I shall henceforth have no
grief; remember that day when thou didst meet me first; tell
the truth: was I more beautiful unto thee at that time, or
Jesus at this? And 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 passeth away, but
this of pleasure that abideth for ever; that, of day and
night, this of day without night. Thou sawest that marriage
that was passing, and here, and single but this marriage
continueth for ever; that was a partnership of corruption,
but this of eternal life; those groomsmen (and maids) were
men and women of time, but these abide unto the end. That
marriage upon earth setteth up dropping dew of the love of
men (Syr. That union was founded upon the earth where there
is an unceasing press: this is founded upon the bridge of
fire upon which is sprinkled grace: both corrupt); that
bride chamber is taken down again, but this remaineth
always; that bed was strown with coverlets (that grow old),
but this with love and faith. Thou art a bridegroom that
passest away and art dissolved (changed), but Jesus is a
true bridegroom, enduring for ever immortal, that dowry was
of money and robes that grow old, but this is of living
words which never pass away.
125 And when Charisius heard these things he went unto the
king and told him all: and the king commanded Judas to be
brought, that he might judge him and destroy him. But
Charisius said: Have patience a little, O king, and first
persuade the man making him afraid, that he may persuade
Mygdonia to be unto me as formerly. And Misdaeus sent and
fetched the apostle of Christ, and all the prisoners were
grieved because the apostle departed from them, for they
yearned after him, saying: Even the comfort which we had
have they taken away from us.
126 And Misdaeus said unto Judas: Wherefore teachest thou
this new doctrine, which both gods and men hate, and which
hath nought of profit? And Judas said: What evil do I teach?
And Misdaeus said: Thou teachest, saying that men with the
God whom thou preachest. Judas saith: Thou sayest true, O
king: thus do I teach. For tell me, art thou not wroth with
thy soldiers if they wait on thee in filthy garments? if
then thou, being a king of earth and returning unto earth,
request thy subjects to be reverend in their doings, are ye
wroth and said ye that I teach ill when I say that they who
serve my king must be reverend and pure and free from all
grief and care of children and unprofitable riches and vain
trouble? For indeed thou wouldest have thy subjects follow
thy conversation and thy manners, and thou punishest them if
they despise thy commandments: how much more must they that
believe on him serve my God with much reverence and
cleanness and security, and be quit of all pleasures of the
body, adultery and prodigality and theft and drunkenness and
belly service and foul deeds?
127 And Misdaeus hearing these things said: Lo, I let thee
go: go then and persuade Mygdonia, the wife of Charisius,
not to desire to depart from him. Judas saith unto him:
Delay not if thou hast aught to do: for her, if she hath
rightly received what she hath learned, neither iron nor
fire nor aught else stronger than these will avail to hurt
or to root out him that is held in her soul. Misdaeus saith
unto Judas: Some poisons do dissolve other poisons, and a
theriac cureth the bites of the viper; and thou if thou wilt
canst give a solvent of those diseases, and make peace and
concord betwixt this couple: for by so doing thou wilt spare
thyself, for not yet art thou sated with life; and know thou
that if thou do not persuade her, I will catch thee away out
of this life which is desirable unto all men. And Judas
said: This life hath been given as a loan, and this time is
one that changeth, but that life whereof I teach is
incorruptible; and beauty and youth that are seen shall in a
little cease to be. The king saith to him: I have counselled
thee for the best, but thou knowest thine own affairs.
128 And as the apostle went forth from before the king,
Charisius came to him and entreated him and said: I beseech
thee, O man: I have not sinned against thee or any other at
any time, nor against the gods; wherefore hast thou stirred
up this great calamity against me? and for what cause hast
thou brought such disturbance upon mine house? and what
profit hast thou of it? but if thou thinkest to gain
somewhat, tell me the gain, what it is, and I will procure
it for thee without labour. To what end dost thou make me
mad, and cast thyself into destruction? for if thou persuade
her not, I will both dispatch thee and finally take myself
out of life. But if, as thou sayest, after our departing
hence there is there life and death, and also condemnation
and victory and a place of judgement, then will I also go in
thither to be judged with thee: and if that God whom thou
preachest is just and awardeth punishment justly, I know
that I shall gain my cause against thee; for thou hast
injured me, having suffered no wrong at my hands: for indeed
even here I am able to avenge myself on thee and bring upon
thee all that thou hast done unto me. Therefore be thou
persuaded, and come home with me and persuade Mygdonia to be
with me as she was at first, before she beheld thee. And
Judas saith to him: Believe me, my child that if men loved
God as much as they love one another, they would ask of him
all things and receive them, and none would do them violence
(there would be nothing which would not obey them, Syr.).
129 And as Thomas said this, they came unto the house of
Charisius and found Mygdonia sitting and Narcia standing by
her, and her hand supporting her cheek; and she was saying:
Let the remainder of the days of my life, O mother, be cut
off from me, and all the hours become as one hour, and let
me depart out of life that I may go the sooner and behold
that beautiful one, whose report I have heard, even that
living one and giver of life unto them that 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 subjecteth the humble. And as she
spake the apostle stood by her, and forthwith she rose up
and did him reverence. Then Charisius said unto him: Seest
thou how she feareth and honoureth thee and all that thou
shalt bid her she will do willingly?
130 And as he so spake, Judas saith unto Mygdonia: My
daughter Mygdonia, obey that which thy brother Charisius
saith. And Mygdonia saith: If thou wast not able the deed in
word wilt thou compel me to endure the act? for I have heard
of thee that this life is of no profit, and this relief is
for a time, and these possessions are transitory. And again
thou saidst that whoso renounceth this life shall receive
the life eternal, and whoso hateth the light of day and
night shall behold a light that is not overtaken, that whoso
despiseth this money shall find other and eternal money. But
now because thou art in fear. Who that hath done somewhat
and is praised for the work changeth it? straightway
overthroweth it from the foundation? who diggeth a spring
water in a thirsty land and straightway filleth it in? who
findeth a treasure and useth it not? And Charisius heard lt.
and said: I will not imitate you, neither will I hasten to
destroy you; nor though I may so do, will I put bonds about
thee (but thee I will bind, Syr.); and I will not suffer
thee to speak with this sorcerer; and if thou obey me, well,
but if not, I know what I must do.
131 And Judas went out of Charisius' house and departed
unto the house of Siphor and lodged there with him. And
Siphor said: I will prepare for Judas a hall (triclinium)
wherein he may teach (Syr. Siphor said to Judas: Prepare
thyself an apartment, &c.). And he did so; and Siphor said :
I and my wife and daughter will dwell henceforth in
holiness, and in chastity, and in one affection. I beseech
thee that we may receive of thee the seal, and become
worshippers of the true God and numbered among his sheep and
lambs. And Judas 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 And he began to say concerning baptism: This baptism is
remission of sins (the Greek MSS. U and P have divergent
texts, both obscure): this bringeth forth again light that
is shed about us: this bringeth to new birth the new man
(this is the restorer of understandings Syr.): this mingleth
the spirit (with the body), raiseth up in threefoldwise a
new man and partaker of the remission of sins. Glory be to
thee, hidden one, that art communicated in baptism. Glory to
thee the unseen power that is in baptism. Glory to thee,
renewal, whereby are renewed they that are baptized and with
affection take hold upon thee.
And having thus said, he poured oil over their heads and
said: Glory be to thee the love of compassion (bowels).
Glory to thee name of Christ. Glory to thee, power
established in Christ. And he commanded a vessel to be
brought, and baptized them in the name of the Father and the
Son and the Holy Ghost.
133 And when they were baptized and clad, he set bread on
the table and blessed it, and said: Bread of life, the which
who eat abide incorruptible: Bread that filleth the hungry
souls with the blessing thereof: thou art he that
vouchsafest to receive a gift, that thou mayest become unto
us remission of sins, and that they who eat thee may become
immortal: we invoke upon thee the name of the mother, of the
unspeakable mystery of the hidden powers and authorities (?
we name the name of the unspeakable mystery, that is hidden
from all &c.): we invoke upon thee the name of [thy?] Jesus.
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. And he brake and gave
unto Siphor and his wife and daughter.
The Eleventh Act: Concerning the wife of Misdaeus.
134 Now Misdaeus the king, when he had let Judas go, dined
and went home, and told his wife what had befallen Charisius
their kinsman, saying: See what hath come to pass to that
unhappy man, and thou thyself knowest, my sister Tertia,
that a man hath nought better than his own wife on whom he
resteth; but it chanced that his wife went unto that
sorcerer of whom thou hast heard that he is come to the land
of the Indians, and fell into his charms and is parted from
her own husband; and he knoweth not what he should do. And
when I would have destroyed the malefactor, he would not
have it. But do thou go and counsel her to incline unto her
husband, and forsake the vain words of the sorcerer.
135 And as soon as she arose Tertia went to the house of
Charisius her husband's , and found Mygdonia Lying upon the
earth in humiliation, and ashes and sackcloth were spread
under her, and she was praying that the Lord would forgive
her her former sins and she might soon depart out of life.
And Tertia said unto her: Mygdonia, my dear sister and
companion what is this hand (Syr. this folly)? what is the
disease that hath overtaken thee? and why doest thou the
deeds of madmen? Know thyself and come back unto thine own
way, come near unto thy many kinsfolk, and spare thy true
husband Charisius, and do not things unbefitting a free
woman. Mygdonia saith unto her: O Tertia, thou hast not yet
heard the preacher of life: not yet hath he touched thine
ears, not yet hast thou tasted the medicine of life nor art
freed from corruptible mourning. Thou standest in the life
of time, and the everlasting life and salvation thou knowest
not, and perceivest not the incorruptible fellowship. Thou
standest clad in robes that grow old and desirest not those
that are eternal, and art proud of this beauty which
vanisheth and hast no thought of the holiness of thy soul;
and art rich in a multitude of servants, (and hast not freed
thine own soul from servitude, Syr.) and pridest thyself in
the glory that cometh of many, but redeemest not thyself
from the condemnation of death.
136 And when Tertia heard this of Mygdonia she said: I pray
thee, sister, bring me unto that stranger that teacheth
these great things, that I also may go and hear him, and be
taught to worship the God whom he preacheth, and become
partaker of his prayers, and a sharer in all that thou hast
told me of. And Mygdonia saith to her: He is in the house of
Siphor the captain; for he is become the occasion of life
unto all them that are being saved in India. And hearing
that, Tertia went quickly to Siphor's house, that she might
see the new apostle that was come thither. And when she
entered in, Judas said unto her: What art thou come to see?
a man that is a stranger and poor and contemptible and
needy, having neither riches nor substance; yet one thing I
possess which neither kings nor rulers can take away, that
neither perisheth nor ceaseth, which is Jesus the Saviour of
all mankind, the Son of the living God, who hath given life
unto all that believe on him and take refuge with him and
are known to be of the number of his servants (sheep, Syr.).
Unto whom saith Tertia: May I become a partaker of this life
which thou promisest that all they shall receive who come
together unto the assembly of God. And the apostle said: The
treasury of the holy king is opened wide, and they which
worthily partake of the good things that are therein do
rest, and resting do reign: but first, no man cometh unto
him that is unclean and vile: for he knoweth our inmost
hearts and the depths of our thought, and it is not possible
for any to escape him. Thou, then, if verily thou believest
in him, shalt be made worthy of his mysteries; and he will
magnify thee and enrich thee, and make thee to be an heir of
his hingdom.
137 And Tertia having heard this returned home rejoicing,
and found her husband awaiting her, not having dined, and
when Misdaeus saw her he said: Whence is it that thine
entering in to day is more beautiful? and wherefore art thou
come walking, which beseemeth not free born women like thee?
And Tertia saith unto him: I owe thee the greatest of thanks
for that thou didst send me unto Mygdonia, for I went and
heard of a new life, and I saw the new apostle of the God
that giveth life unto them that believe on him and fulfil
his commandments; I ought therefore myself to recompense
thee for this favour and admonition with good advice; for
thou shalt be a great king in heaven if thou obey me and
fear the God that is preached by the strangrer, and keep
thyself holy unto the living God. For this kingdom passeth
away, and thy comfort will be turned into affliction: but go
thou to that man, and believe him, and thou shalt live unto
the end. And when Misdaeus heard these things of his wife,
he smote his face with his hands and rent his clothes and
said: May the soul of Charisius find no rest, for he hath
hurt me to the soul; and may he have no hope, for he hath
taken away my hope. And he went out greatly vexed.
138 And he found Charisius his friend in the market place,
and said unto him: Why hast thou cast me into hell to be
another companion to thyself? why hast thou emptied and
defrauded me to gain nought? why hast thou hurt me and
profited thyself not at all? why hast thou slain me and
thyself not lived? Why hast thou wronged me and thyself not
got justice? why didst thou not suffer me to destroy that
sorcerer before he corrupted my house with his wickedness?
And he kept hold upon (was upbraiding, Syr.) Charisius. And
Charisius saith: Why, what hath befallen thee? Misdaeus
said: He hath bewitched Tertia. And they went both of them
unto the house of Siphor the captain, and found Judas
sitting and teaching. And all they that were there rose up
before the king, but he arose not. And Misdaeus perceived
that it was he, and took hold of the seat and overset it,
and took up the seat with both his hands and smote his head
so that he wounded it, and delivered him to his soldiers,
saying: Take him away, and hale him with violence and not
gently, that his shame may be manifest unto all men. And
they haled him and took him to the place where Misdaeus
judged, and he stood there, held of the soldiers of
Misdaeus.
The Twelfth Act: Concerning Ouazanes (Iuzanes) the son of
Misdaeus.
139 And Ouazanes (Iuzanes, P; Vizan, Syr.) the son of
Misdaeus came unto the soldiers and said: Give me him that I
may speak with him until the king cometh. And they gave him
up, and he brought him in where the king gave judgement. And
Iuzanes saith: Knowest thou not that I am the son of
Misdaeus the king, and I have power to say unto the king
what I will, and he will suffer thee to live? tell me then,
who is thy God, and what power dost thou claim and glory in
it? for if it be some power or art of magic, tell it me and
teach me, and I will let thee go. Judas saith unto him: Thou
art the son of Misdacus the king who is king for a time, but
I am the servant of Jesus Christ the eternal king, and thou
hast power to say to thy father to save whom thou wilt in
the temporal life wherein men continue not, which thou and
thy father grant, but I beseech my Lord and intercede for
men, and he giveth them a new life which is altogether
enduring. And thou boastest thyself of possessions and
servants and robes and luxury and unclean chamberings, but I
boast myself of poverty and philosophy and humility and
lasting and prayer and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost and
of my brethren that are worthy of God: and I boast myself of
eternal life. And thou reliest on (hast taken refuge with) a
man like unto thyself and not able to save his own soul from
judgement and death, but I rely upon the living God, upon
the saviour of kings and princes, who is the judge of all
men. And ye indeed to day perchance are, and to morrow are
no more, but I have taken refuge with him that abideth for
ever and knoweth all our seasons and times. And if thou wilt
become the servant of this God thou shalt soon do so; but
show that thou wilt be a servant worthy of him hereby: first
by holiness (purity), which is the head of all good things,
and then by fellowship with this God whom I preach, and
philosophy and simplicity and love and faith and in him, and
unity of pure food (simplicity of pure i e, Syr.).
140 And the young man was persuaded by the Lord and sought
occasion how he might let Judas escape: but while he thought
thereon, the king came, and the soldiers took Judas and led
him forth. And Iuzanes went forth with him and stood beside
him. And when the king was set he bade Judas be brought in,
with his hands bound behind him; and he was brought into the
midst and stood there. And the king saith: Tell me who thou
art and by what power thou doest these things. And Judas
saith to him: I am a man like thee, and by the power of
Jesus Christ I do these things. And Misdaeus saith: Tell me
the truth before I destroy thee. And Judas saith: Thou hast
no power against me, as thou supposest, and thou wilt not
hurt me at all. And the king was wroth at his words, and
commanded to heat iron plates and set him upon them
barefoot; and as the soldiers took off his shoes he said:
The wisdom of God is better than the wisdom of men. Thou
Lord and King (do thou take counsel against them, Syr.) and
let thy goodness resist his wrath. And they brought the
plates which were like fire, and set the apostle upon them,
and straightway water sprang up abundantly from the earth,
so that the plates were swallowed up in it, and they that
held him let him go and withdrew themselves.
141 And the king seeing the abundance of water said to
Judas: Ask thy God that he deliver me from this death, that
I perish not in the flood. And the apostle prayed and said:
Thou that didst bind this element (nature) and gather it
into one place and send it forth into divers lands; that
didst bring disorder into order, that grantest mighty works
and great wonders by the hands of Judas thy servant; that
hast mercy on my soul, that I may always receive thy
brightness; that givest wages unto them that have laboured;
thou saviour of my soul, restoring it unto its own nature
that it may have no fellowship with hurtful things; that
hast always been the occasion of life: do thou restrain this
element that it lift not up itself to destroy; for there are
some of them that stand here who shall believe on thee and
live. And when he had prayed, the water was swallowed up by
little and little, and the place became dry. And when
Misdaeus saw it he commanded him to be taken to the prison:
Until I shall consider how he must be used.
142 And as Judas was led away to the prison they all
followed him, and Iuzanes the king's son walked at his right
hand, and Siphor at the left. And 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. For they knew that Misdaeus
would slay him because of the excess of his anger. And Judas
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 . Lo, I am to be set free from the
cares that are on the earth; lo, I fulfil mine hope and
receive truth; lo, I am set free from sorrow and put on joy
alone; lo, I become careless and griefless and dwell in
rest; lo, I am set free from bondage and am called unto
liberty; lo, I have served times and seasons, and I am
lifted up above times and seasons; lo, I receive my wages
from my recompenser, who giveth without reckoning (number)
because his wealth sufficeth for the gift; and I shall not
put it on again; lo, I sleep and awake, and I shall no more
go to sleep; lo, I die and live again, and I shall no more
taste of death; lo, they rejoice and expect me, that I may
come and be with their kindred and be set as a flower in
their crown; lo, I reign in the kingdom whereon I set my
hope, even from hence; lo, the rebellious fall before me,
for I have escaped them; lo, (unto me) the peace hath come,
whereunto all are gathered.
143 And as the apostle spake thus, all that were there
hearkened, supposing that in that hour he would depart out
of life. And again he said: Believe on the physician of all
, both seen and unseen, and on the saviour of the souls that
need help from him. This is the free born of kings, this the
physician of his creatures; this is he that was reproached
of his own slaves; this is the Father of the height and the
Lord of nature and the Judge (? Father of nature and Lord of
the height and supreme Judge, Syr.): he came of the
greatest, the only begotten son of the deep; and he was
called the son of (became visible through, Syr.) Mary the
virgin, and was termed the son of Joseph the carpenter: he
whose littleness (we beheld) with the eyes of our body, but
his greatness we received by faith, and saw it in his works
whose human body we felt also with our hands, and his aspect
we saw transfigured (changed) with our eyes, but his
heavenly semblance on the mount we were not able to see: he
that made the rulers stumble and did violence unto death:
he, the truth that lieth not, that at the last paid the
tribute for himself and his disciples: whom the prince
beholding feared and the powers that were with him were
troubled; and the prince bare witness (asked him, Syr.) who
he was and from whence, and knew not the truth, because he
is alien from truth: he that having authority over the
world, and the pleasures therein, and the possessions and
the comfort, all these things and turneth away his subjects,
that they should not use them.
144 And having fulfilled these sayings, he arose and prayed
thus: our Father, which art in heaven: hallowed be thy name:
Thy kingdom come: Thy will be done, as in heaven so upon
earth: and forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our
debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us
from the evil one.
My Lord and God, hope and confidence and teacher, thou hast
taught me to pray thus, behold, I pray this prayer and
fulfil thy commandment: be thou with me unto the end; thou
art he that from childhood hast sown life in me and kept me
from corruption; thou art he that hast brought me unto the
poverty of this world, and exhorted me unto the true riches;
thou art he that hast made me known unto myself and showed
me that I am thine; and I have kept myself pure from woman,
that that which thou requirest be not found in defilement.
[At the words 'My Lord and God' begins the double text,
represented on the one hand by the MS. U and on the other by
the Paris MS. P, and three (partly four) others. These
insert the prayer after ch. 167. Their text, I believe, may
be the original Greek. I follow it here, repeating the first
paragraph.]
(144) My Lord and God, my hope and my confidence and my
teacher, that hast implanted courage in me, thou didst teach
me to pray thus; behold, I pray thy prayer and bring thy
will to fulfilment: be thou with me unto the end. Thou art
he that from my youth up didst give me patience in
temptation and me life and preserve me from corruption; thou
art he that didst bring me into the poverty of this world
and fill me with the true riches; thou art he that didst
show me that I was thine: wherefore I was never joined unto
a wife, that the temple worthy of thee might not be found in
pollution.
145 My mouth sufficeth not to praise thee, neither am I
able to conceive the care and providence (carefulness) which
hath been about me from thee which thou hast had for me).
For I desired to gain riches, but thou by a vision didst
show me that they are full of loss and injury to them that
gain them and I believed thy showing, and continued in the
poverty of the world until thou, the true riches wert
revealed unto me, who didst fill both me and the rest that
were worthy of thee with thine own riches and set free thine
own from care and anxiety. I have therefore fulfilled thy
commandments, O Lord, and accomplished thy will, and become
poor and needy and a stranger and a bondman and set at
nought and a prisoner and hungry and thirsty and naked and
unshod, and I have toiled for thy sake, that my confidence
might not perish and my hope that is in thee might not be
confounded and my much labour might not be in vain and my
weariness not be counted for nought: let not my prayers and
my continual fastings perish, and my great zeal toward thee;
let not my seed of wheat be changed for tares out of thy
land, Let not the enemy carry it away and mingle his own
tares therewith; for thy land verily receiveth not his
tares, neither indeed can they be laid up in thine houses.
146 I have planted thy vine in the earth, it hath sent down
its roots into the depth and its growth is spread out in the
height, and the fruits of it are stretched forth upon the
earth, and they that are worthy of thee are made glad by
them, whom also thou hast gained. The money which thou hast
from me I laid down upon the table (bank); this, when thou
requirest it, restore unto me with usury, as thou hast
promised. With thy one mind have I traded and have made ten,
thou hast added more to me beside that I had, as thou didst
covenant. I have forgiven my debtor the mine, require thou
it not at my hands. I was bidden to the supper and I came:
and I refused the land and the yoke of oxen and the wife,
that I might not for their sake be rejected; I was bidden to
the wedding, and I put on white raiment, 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 expecteth
the master coming from the marriage, that it may receive
him, and I may not (? he may not) see it dimmed because the
oil is spent. Mine eyes, O Christ, look upon thee, and mine
heart exulteth with joy because I have fulfilled thy will
and perfected thy commandments; that I may be likened unto
that watchful and careful servant who in his eagerness
neglecteth not to keep vigil (other MSS.: I have not
slumbered idly in keeping thy commandments: in the first
sleep and at midnight and at cockcrow, that mine eyes may
behold thee, &c.). All the night have I laboured to keep
mine house from robbers, lest it be broken through.
147 My loins have I girt close with truth and bound my
shoes on my feet, that I may never see them gaping: mine
hands have I put unto the yoked plough and have not turned
away backward, lest my furrows go crooked. The plough land
is become white and the harvest is come, that I may receive
my wages. My garment that groweth old I have worn out, and
the labour that hath brought me unto rest have I
accomplished. I have kept the first watch and the second and
the third, that I may behold thy face and adore thine holy
brightness. I have rooted out the worst (pulled down my
barns, Syr.) and left them desolate upon earth, that I may
be filled full from thy treasures (Gr. MSS. add: all my
substance have I sold, that I may gain thee the pearl). The
moist spring that was in me have I dried up, that I may live
and rest beside thine inexhaustible spring (al. and Syr.:
rest beside thy living spring). The captive whom thou didst
commit to me I have slain, that he which is set free in me
may not fall from his confidence. Him that was inward have I
made outward and the outward , and all thy fullness hath
been fulfilled in me. I have not returned unto the things
that are behind, but have gone forward unto the things that
are before, that I become not a reproach. The dead man have
I quickened, and the living one have I overcome, and that
which was lacking have I filled up (Syr. Wright, not the
older one, inserts negatives, ' not quickened ', &c.), that
I may receive the crown of victory, and the power of Christ
may be accomplished in me. I have received reproach upon
earth, but give thou me the return and the recompense in the
heavens. (U omits practically all this chapter.)
148 Let not the powers and the officers perceive me, and
let them not have any thought concerning me; let not the
publicans and exactors ply their calling upon me; let not
the weak and the evil cry out against me that am valiant and
humble, and when I am borne upward let them not rise up to
stand before me, by thy power, O Jesu, which surroundeth me
as a crown: for they do flee and hide themselves, they
cannot look on thee: but (for) suddenly do they fall upon
them that are subject to them, and the portion of tile sons
of the evil one doth itself cry out and convict them; and it
is not hid from them, nor their nature is made known: the
children of the evil one are separated off. Do thou then
grant me, Lord, that I may pass by in quietness and joy and
peace, and pass over and stand before the judge, and let not
the devil (or slanderer) look upon me; let his eyes be
blinded by thy light which thou hast made to dwell in me,
close thou up (muzzle) his mouth: for he hath found nought
against me.
[We revert to U.]
149 And he said again unto them that were about him:
believe in the Saviour of them that have laboured in his
service: for my soul already flourisheth because my time is
near to receive him; for he being beautiful draweth me on
always to speak concerning his beauty, what it is though I
be not able and suffice not to speak it worthily: thou that
art the light (feeder, Syr.) of my poverty and the supplier
of my defects and nurturer of my need: be thou with me until
I come and receive thee for evermore.
The Thirteenth Act: Wherein Iuzanes receiveth baptism with
the rest.
150 And Iuzanes the youth besought the apostle, saying: I
pray thee, O man, apostle of God, suffer me to go, and I
will persuade the gaoler to permit thee to come home with
me, that by thee I may receive the seal, and become thy
minister and a keeper of the commandments of the God whom
thou preachest. For indeed, formerly I walked in those
things which thou teachest, until my father compelled me and
joined me unto a wife by name Mnesara; for I am in my one
and twentieth year, and have now been seven years married,
and before I was joined in marriage I knew no other woman,
wherefore also I was accounted useless of my father, nor
have I ever had son or daughter of this wife and also my
wife herself hath lived with me in chastity all this time,
and to day, if she had been in health, and had listened to
thee, I know well that both I should have been at rest and
she would have received eternal life; but she is in peril
and afflicted with much illness; I will therefore persuade
the keeper that he promise to come with me, for I live by
myself: and thou shalt also heal that unhappy one. And Judas
the apostle of the Most High, hearing this, said to Iuzanes:
If thou believest, thou shalt see the marvels of God, and
how he sayeth his servants.
151 And as they spake thus together, Tertia and Mvgdonia
and Narcia stood at the door of the prison, and they gave
the gaoler 363 staters of silver and entered in to Judas;
and found Iuzanes and Siphor and his wife and daughter, and
all the prisoners sitting and hearing the word. And when
they stood by him he said to them: Who hath suffered you to
come unto us? and who opened unto you the sealed door that
ye came forth? Tertia saith unto him: Didst not thou open
the door for us and tell us to come into the prison that we
might take our brethren that were there, and then should the
Lord show forth his glory in us? And when we came near the
door, I know not how, thou wast parted from us and hid
thyself and camest hither before us where also we heard the
noise of the door, when thou didst shut us out. We gave
money therefore to the keepers and came in and lo, we are
here praying thee that we may persuade thee and let thee
escape until the king's wrath against thee shall cease. Unto
whom Judas said: Tell us first of all how ye were shut up.
152 And she saith to him: Thou wast with us, and didst
never leave us for one hour, and askest thou how we were
shut up? but if thou desirest to hear, hear. The king
Misdaeus sent for me and said unto me: Not yet hath that
sorcercr prevailed over thee, for, as I hear, he bewitcheth
men with oil and water and bread, and hath not yet bewitched
thee; but obey thou me, for if not, I will imprison thee and
wear thee out, and him I will destroy; for I know that if he
hath not yet given thee oil and water and bread, he hath not
prevailed to get power over thee. And I said unto him: Over
my body thou hast authority, and do thou all that thou wilt;
but my soul I will not let perish with thee. And hearing
that he shut me up in a chamber (beneath his dining hall,
Syr.): and Charisius brought Mygdonia and shut her up with
me: and thou broughtest us out and didst bring us even
hither; but give thou us the seal quickly, that the hope of
Misdacus who counselleth thus may be cut off.
153 And when the apostle heard this, he said: Glory be to
thee, O Jesu of many forms, glory to thee that appearest in
the guise of our poor manhood: glory to thee that
encouragest us and makest us strong and givest grace and
consolest and standest by us in all perils, and
strengthenest our weakness. And as he thus spake, the gaoler
came and said: Put out the lamps, lest any accuse you unto
the king. And then they extinguished the lamps, and turned
to sleep; but the apostle spake unto the Lord: It is the
time now, O Jesu, for thee to make haste; for, lo the
children of darkness sit (make us to sit, Syr.) in their own
darkness, do thou therefore enlighten us with the light of
thy nature. And on a sudden the whole prison was light as
the day: and while all they that were in the prison slept a
deep sleep, they only that had believed in the Lord
continued waking.
154 Judas therefore saith to Iuzanes: Go thou before and
make ready the things for our need. Iuzanes therefore saith:
And who will open me the doors of the prison? for the
gaolers shut them and are gone to sleep. And Judas saith:
Believe in Jesus, and thou shalt find the doors open. And
when he went forth and departed from them, all the rest
followed after him. And as Iuzanes was gone on before,
Mnesara his wife met him coming unto the prison. And she
knew him and said: My brother Iuzanes, is it thou? and he
saith, Yea, and art thou Mnesara? and she saith Yea. Iuzanes
said unto her; Whither walkest thou, especially at so
untimely an hour? and how wast thou able to rise up? And she
said: This youth laid his hand on me and raised me up, and
in a dream I say that I should go where the stranger
sitteth, and become perfectly whole. Iuzanes saith to her:
What youth is with thee? And she said: Seest thou not him
that is on my right hand, leading me by the hand?
155 And while they spake together thus, Judas, with Siphor
and his wife and daughter and Tertia and Mygdonia and Narcia
came unto Iuzanes' house. And Mnesara the wife of Iuzanes
seeing him did reverence and said: Art thou come that
sayedst us from the sore disease? thou art he whom I saw in
the night delivering unto me this youth to bring me to the
prison. But thy goodness suffered me not to grow weary, but
thou thyself art come unto me. And so saying she turned
about and saw the youth no more; and finding him not, she
saith to the apostle: I am not able to walk alone: for the
youth whom thou gavest me is not here. And Judas said: Jesus
will henceforth lead thee. And thereafter she came running
unto him. And when they entered into the house of Iuzanes
the son of Misdaeus the king though it was yet night, a
great light shined and was shed about them.
156 And then Judas began to pray and to speak thus: O
companion and defender (ally) and hope of the weak and
confidence of the poor: refuge and lodging of the weary:
voice that came forth of the height (sleep, Gr.): comforter
dwelling in the midst: port and harbour of them that pass
through the regions of the rulers: physician that healest
without payment: who among men wast crucified for many: who
didst go down into hell with great might: the sight of whom
the princes of death endured not; and thou camest up with
great glory, and gathering all them that fled unto thee
didst prepare a way, and in thy footsteps all they journeyed
whom thou didst redeem; and thou broughtest them into thine
own fold and didst join them with thy sheep: son of mercy,
the son that for love of man wast sent unto us from the
perfect country (fatherland) that is above, the Lord of all
possessions (undefiled possessions, Syr.): that servest thy
servants that they may live: that fillest creation with
thine own riches: the poor, that wast in need and didst
hunger forty days: that satisfiest thirsty souls with thine
own good things; be thou with Iuzanes the son of Misdaeus
and with Tertia and Mnesara, and gather them into thy fold
and mingle them with thy number; Be unto them a guide in the
land of error: be unto them a physician in the land of
sickness: be unto 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 thee, and let
thine holy spirit dwell in them.
157 Having thus prayed over them, the apostle said unto
Mygdonia: Unclothe thy sisters. And she took off their
clothes and girded them with girdles and brought them: but
Iuzanes had first gone before, and they came after him; and
the apostle took oil in a cup of silver and spake thus over
it: Fruit more beautiful than all other fruits, unto 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 (symbol) and joy of the sick: that
didst announce unto men their salvation that showest light
to them that are in darkness; whose leaf is bitter, but in
thy most sweet fruit thou art fair, that art rough to the
sight but soft to the taste; seeming to be weak, but in the
greatness of thy strength able to bear the power that
beholdeth all things. Having thus said [a corrupt word
follows]: Jesu: let his victorious might come and be
established in this oil, like as it was established in the
tree (wood) that was its kin, even his might at that time,
whereof they that crucified thee could not endure the word:
let the gift also come whereby breathing upon his (thine)
enemies thou didst cause them to go backward and fall
headlong and let it rest on this oil, whereupon we invoke
thine holy name. And having thus said, he poured it first
upon the head of Iuzanes and then upon the women's heads,
saying: In thy name, O Jesu Christ, let it be unto these
souls for remission of sins and for turning back of the
adversary and for salvation of their souls. And he commanded
Mygdonia to anoint them but he himself anointed Iuzanes. And
having anointed them he led them down into the water in the
name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost.
158 And when they were come up, he took bread and a cup,
and blessed it and said: Thine holy body w}lich was
crucified for us do we eat, and thy blood that was shed for
us unto salvation do we drink; let therefore thy body be
unto us salvation and thy blood for remission of sins. And
for the gall which thou didst drink for our sakes let the
gall of the devil be removed from us: and for the vinegar
which thou hast drunk for us, let our weakness be made
strong: and for the spitting which thou didst receive for
us, let us receive the dew of thy goodness: and by (or for)
the reed wherewith they smote thee for us, let us receive
the perfect house: and whereas thou receivedst a crown of
thorns for our sake, let us that have loved thee put on a
crown that fadeth not away; and for the linen cloth wherein
thou wast Wrapped, let us also be girt about with thy power
that is not vanquished and for the new tomb and the burial
let us receive renewing of soul and body: and for that thou
didst rise up and revive, let us revive and live and stand
before thee in righteous judgement. And he brake and gave
the eucharist unto Iuzanes and Tertia and Mnesara and the
wife and daughter of Siphor and said: Let this eucharist be
unto you for salvation and joy and health of your souls. And
they said: Amen. And a voice was heard, saying: Amen: fear
ye not, but only believe.
[THE MARTYRDOM Here we revert to the text of P and its
companions.]
159 And after these things Judas departed to be imprisoned.
And Tertia with Mygdonia and Narcia also went to be
imprisoned. And the apostle Thomas said unto them the
multitude of them that had believed being present: Daughters
and sisters and fellow servants which have believed in my
Lord and God, ministers of my Jesus, hearken to me this day:
for I do deliver my word unto you, and I shall no more speak
with you in this flesh nor in this world; for I go up unto
my Lord and God Jesus Christ, unto him that sold me, unto
that Lord that humbled himself even unto me the little, and
brought me up unto eternal greatness, that vouchsafed to me
to become his servant in truth and steadfastness: unto him
do I depart, knowing that the time is fulfilled, and the day
appointed hath drawn near for me to go and receive my
recompense from my Lord and God: for my recompenser is
righteous, who knoweth me, how I ought to receive my reward;
for he is not grudging nor envious, but is rich in his
gifts, he is not a lover of craft (OT sparing) in that he
giveth, for he hath confidence in his possessions which
cannot fail.
160 I am not Jesus, but I am his servant: I am not Christ,
but I am his minister; I am not the Son of God, but I pray
to become worthy of God. Continue ye in the faith of Christ:
continue in the hope of the Son of God: faint not at
affliction, neither be divided in mind if ye see me mocked
or that I am shut up in prison ; for I do accomplish his
will. For if I had willed not to die, I know in Christ that
I am able thereto: but this which is called death, is not
death, but a setting free from the body; wherefore I receive
gladly this setting free from the body, that I may depart
and see him that is beautiful and full of mercy, him that is
to be loved: for I have endured much toil in his service,
and have laboured for his grace that is come upon me, which
departeth not from me. Let not Satan, then, enter you by
stealth and catch away your thoughts: let there be in you no
place for him: for he is mighty whom ye have received. Look
for the coming of Christ, for he shall come and receive you,
and this is he whom ye shall see when he cometh.
161 When the apostle had ended these sayings, they went
into the house, and the apostle Thomas said: Saviour that
didst suffer many things for us, let these doors be as they
were and let seals be set on them. And he left them and went
to be imprisoned: and they wept and were in heaviness, for
they knew that Misdaeus would slay him (not knowing that, M.
would release him, P.).
162 And the apostle found the keepers wrangling and saying:
Wherein have we sinned against this wizard? for by his art
magic he hath opened the doors and would have had all the
prisoners escape: but let us go and report it unto the king,
and tell him concerning his wife and his son. And as they
disputed thus, Thomas held his peace. They rose up early,
therefore, and went unto the king and said unto him: Our
lord and king, do thou take away that sorcerer and cause him
to be shut up elsewhere, for we are not able to keep him;
for except thy good fortune had kept the prison, all the
condemned persons would have escaped for now this second
time have we found the doors open: and also thy wife, O
king, and thy son and the rest depart not from him. And the
king, hearing that, went, and found the seals that were set
on the doors whole; and he took note of the doors also, and
said to the keepers: Wherefore lie ye? for the seals are
whole. How said ye that Tertia and Mygdonia come unto him
into the prison? And the keepers said: We have told thee the
truth.
163 And Misdaeus went to the prison and took his seat, and
sent for the apostle Thomas and stripped him (and girded him
with a girdle) and set him before him and saith unto him:
Art thou bond or free? Thomas said: I am the bondsman of one
only, over whom thou hast no authority. And Misdaeus saith
to him: How didst thou run away and come into this country?
And Thomas said: I was sold hither by my master, that I
might save many, and by thy hands depart out of this world.
And Misdaeus said: Who is thy lord? and what is his name?
and of what country is he? And Thomas said: My Lord is thy
master and he is Lord of heaven and earth. And Misdaeus
saith: What is his name? Thomas saith: Thou canst not hear
his true name at this time: but the name that was given unto
him is Jesus Christ. And Misdaeus saith unto him: I have not
made haste to destroy thee, but have had long patience with
thee: but thou hast added unto thine evil deeds, and thy
sorceries are dispersed abroad and heard of throughout all
the country: but this I do that thy sorceries may depart
with thee, and our land be cleansed from them. Thomas saith
unto him; These sorceries depart with me when I set forth
hence, and know thou this that I shall never forsake them
that are here.
164 When the apostle had said these things, Misdaeus
considered how he should put him to death; for he was afraid
because of the much people that were subject unto him, for
many also of the nobles and of them that were in authority
believed on him. He took him therefore and went forth out of
the city; and armed soldiers also went with him. And the
people supposed that the king desired to learn somewhat of
him, and they stood still and gave heed. And when they had
walked one mile, he delivered him unto four soldiers and an
officer, and commanded them to take him into the mountain
and there pierce him with spears and put an end to him, and
return again to the city. And saying thus unto the soldiers,
he himself also returned unto the city.
165 But the men ran after Thomas, desiring to deliver him
from death. And two soldiers went at the right hand of the
apostle and two on his left, holding spears, and the officer
held his hand and supported him. And 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
suffer us to be swallowed up in this passion of the body!
Four are they that cast me down, for of four am I made; and
one is he that draweth me, for of one I am, and unto him I
go. And this I now understand, that my Lord and God Jesus
Christ being of one was pierced by one, but I, which am of
four, am pierced by four.
166 And being come up into the mountain unto the place
where he was to be slain, he said unto them that held him,
and to the rest: Brethren, hearken unto me now at the last;
for I am come to my departure out of the body. Let not then
the eyes of your heart be blinded, nor your ears be made
deaf. Believe on the God whom I preach, and be not guides
unto yourselves in the hardness of your heart, but walk in
all your liberty, and in the glory that is toward men, and
the life that is toward God.
167 And he said unto Iuzanes: Thou son (to the son, P) of
the (earthly) king Misdaeus and minister (to the minister)
of our Lord Jesus Christ: give unto the servants of Misdaeus
their price that they may suffer me to go and pray. And
Iuzanes persuaded the soldiers to let him pray. And the
blessed Thomas went to pray, and kneeled down, and rose up
and stretched forth his hands unto heaven, and spake thus:
[Here P and the rest give rightly the prayer of cc. 144 8.
U and its companions give the following: He turned to his
prayer; and it was this: My Lord and my God, and hope and
redeemer and leader and guide in all countries, be thou with
all them that serve thee, and guide me this day as I come
unto thee. Let not any take my soul which I have committed
unto thee: let not the publicans see me, and let not the
exactors accuse me falsely (play the sycophant with me). Let
not the serpent see me, and let not the children of the
dragon hiss at me. Behold, Lord, I have accomplished thy
work and perfected thy commandment. I have become a bondman;
therefore to day do I receive freedom. Do thou therefore
give me this and perfect me: and this I say, not for that I
doubt, but that they may hear for whom it is needful to
hear.]
168 And when he had thus prayed he said unto the soldiers:
Come hither and accomplish the commandments of him that sent
you. And the four came and pierced him with their spears,
and he fell down and died.
And all the brethren wept; and they brought beautiful robes
and much and fair linen, and buried him in a royal sepulchre
wherein the former (first) kings were laid.
169 But Siphor and Iuzanes would not go down to the city,
but continued sitting by him all the day. And the apostle
Thomas appeared unto them and said: Why sit ye here and keep
watch over me? I am not here, but I have gone up and
received all that I was promised. But rise up and go down
hence; for after a little time ye also shall be gathered
unto me.
But Misdaeus and Charisius took away Mygdonia and Tertia
and afflicted them sorely: howbeit they consented not unto
their will. And the apostle appeared unto them and said: Be
not deceived: Jesus the holy, the living one, shall quickly
send help unto you. And Misdaeus and Charisius, when they
perceived that Mygdonia and Tertia obeyed them not, suffered
them to live according to their own desire.
And the brethren gathered together and rejoiced in the
grace of the Holy Ghost: now the apostle Thomas when he
departed out of the world made Siphor a presbyter and
Iuzanes a deacon, when he went up into the mountain to die.
And the Lord wrought with them, and many were added unto the
faith.
170 Now it came to pass after a long time that one of the
children of Misdaeus the king was smitten by a devil, and no
man could cure him, for the devil was exceeding fierce. And
Misdaeus the king took thought and sad: I will go and open
the sepulchre, and take a bone of the apostle of God and
hang it upon my son and he shall be healed. But while
Misdaeus thought upon this, the apostle Thomas appeared to
him and said unto him: Thou believedst not on a living man,
and wilt thou believe on the dead? yet fear not, for my Lord
Jesus Christ hath compassion on thee and pitieth thee of his
goodness.
And he went and opened the sepulchre, but found not the
apostle there, for one of the brethren had stolen him away
and taken him unto Mesopotamia; but from that place where
the bones of the apostle had lain Misdaeus took dust and put
it about his son's neck, saying: I believe on thee, Jesu
Christ, now that he hath left me which troubleth men and
opposeth them lest they should see thee. And when he had
hung it upon his son, the lad became whole.
Misdaeus the king therefore was also gathered among the
brethren, and bowed his head under the hands of Siphor the
priest; and Siphor said unto the brethren: Pray ye for
Misdaeus the king, that he may obtain mercy of Jesus Christ,
and that he may no more remember evil against him. They all
therefore, with one accord rejoicing, made prayer for him;
and the Lord that loveth men, the King of Kings and Lord of
lords, granted Misdaeus also to have hope in him; and he was
gathered with the multitude of them that had believed in
Christ, glorifying the Father and the Son and the Holy
Ghost, whose is power and adoration, now and for ever and
world without end. Amen.
[U (and Syr.) ends: The acts of Judas Thomas the apostle
are completed, which he did in India, fulfilling the
commandment of him that sent him. Unto whom be glory, world
without end. Amen.]