NICODEMUS
Preface on Nicodemus.
Here
is a detailed account of what took place before Pilate in the presence of
Nicodemus. The record by Nicodemus
and the events that followed the crucifixion with the Jews in which Nicodemus
was present or witness of. And
including the account of the men which had been risen from the dead so they
might testify to the descent of Christ into Hades.
Where then He broke the bars of steel and the gates of brass, taking the
treasures from the dark places just as Isaiah had foretold in the metaphor of
the Sun, or Cyrus.
Thus as Jonah prefigured the three day descent, giving an example of what would come to pass, so the Cyrus of God (Jesus) broke the gates and took the treasures from the vaults as a token to what Isaiah really prophesied of.
TO
INDEX
Jesus accused.
1. Anna’s,
Caiaphas, Summas, Dathan, Damaliel, Judas, and Levi.
Nepthalim, Alexander, Cyrus, and still others went to Pilate concerning
Jesus accusing Him of many bad crimes.
2.
And they
said; "We are assured that Jesus is the son of Joseph the carpenter and
born of Mary, and that He declares himself to be the Son of God and a king.
And not only this, but He attempts the dissolution of the Sabbath and of
the laws of our fathers."
3. And
Pilate replied; "What is it that He declares and attempts to
dissolve?" And they said;
"We have a law that forbids doing cures on the day of the sabbath, but he
cures both the lame and the deaf and those afflicted with palsy and blind men
and lepers and also demonic on that day by wicked methods.
4.
Pilate
then replied; "How can He do this by wicked methods?"
They answered; "He is a conjurer and cast out devils by the prince of
devils, and so all things become subject to Him".
5.
Then
Pilate said; "Casting out devils seems not to be the work of an unclean
spirit, but rather to proceed from the power of God."
6. The Jews
then replied; "We entreat your highness to summon Him to appear before your
tribunal and yourself hear Him."
7.
Then
Pilate called a messenger saying to him, "By whatever means have Christ
brought here." The messenger
then went forth, and knowing Him he worshipped Him, and having spread his cloak
out on the ground he said; "Lord, walk on this and go in for the governor
calls Thee."
8.
The Jews
then perceiving what the messenger had done spoke against him to Pilate saying;
"Why did not give Him his summons by a beetle instead of a messenger."
9. For the
messenger when he saw Him worshipped Him, and he spread his cloak, which he had
in his hand before Him, and said; "Lord, the governor calls Thee."
10.
Then
Pilate called the messenger and said; "Why did you do thus?"
And the messenger replied; "When you sent me from Jerusalem to
Alexandria I saw Jesus as a great figure sitting on a she-ass, and the people of
the Hebrews cried out; Hosanna, and holding boughs of trees in their hands.
11. And
others spread their garment in the way and said; save us Thou who art in heaven,
blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord."
12.
Then the
Jews cried out against the messenger saying; "The children of the Hebrews
cried out in Hebrew, how then can you being a Greek understand the Hebrew?"
13. And the
messenger answered; "I asked one of the Jews what it was that they cried
out in the Hebrew language and he explained it to me saying; They cry out;
Hosanna, which means; O Lord save me, O Lord save."
14. Then
Pilate said to them; "You yourselves by your silence testify to the words
spoken by the people, in what therefore has the messenger done amiss?"
And they were silent.
15.
Then the
governor said to the messenger, "Go, and by whatever means you will bring
Him in." And the messenger
went and did as before, and said; "Come Lord for the governor calls
Thee."
16.
And as
Jesus was going and was passing by the servants that were holding the standards
the tops of these bowed down and worshipped Jesus, and for that reason the Jews
spoke even more vehemently against these ensigns (standard-bearers).
17.
But
Pilate said to the Jews; "I know that it does not please you that the tops
of the standards bowed of themselves to worship Jesus, but why are you raging
against the ensigns as if they had bowed and worshipped?"
18.
Then they
replied to Pilate; "We saw the ensigns themselves bowing to worship
Jesus." And the governor
called the ensigns and said to them;
19. "Why
did you do thus?" But they
replied to Pilate; "We all are pagans and worship the gods in temples, how
then shall we think of worshipping Him? For
we held the standards in our hands, but they of themselves bowed and worshipped
Him."
20. Then
Pilate said to the rulers of the synagogue, "Choose yourself strong men and
let them hold the standards and we will see if they bend of themselves".
21. So the
elders of the Jews sought out twelve of the most strong and able old men and
caused them to hold up the standards, and thus they stood in the presence of the
governor.
22.
Then
Pilate said to the messenger, "Take Jesus out, and by whatever means bring
Him in again." And Jesus and
the messenger went out of the hall.
23.
And
Pilate called the ensigns who had previously bore the standards and swore to
them that if the standards did not as before, that they therefore had not held
them properly, and he would cut off their heads.
24.
Then the
governor commanded Jesus to come in again, and the messenger did as he had done
before, and much entreated Jesus that he would go up on his cloak to walk on it,
and He walked on it and went in.
25.
And when
Jesus went in the standards bowed of themselves just as before worshiping Him,
and when Pilate saw this, he was afraid, and was about to rise from his seat.
26. But while
he thought to rise, his wife, who had stood at a distance, came to him saying;
"Have nothing to do with this just man, for I have suffered much concerning
Him in a vision this night."
False accusations brought.
1. And when the Jews heard this they said to Pilate; "Did we not say to you that He is a sorcerer? Behold, He has caused your wife to dream."
2.
Pilate
then calling Jesus said; "Thou has heard what they testify against Thee,
has Thou no answer?"
3.
Jesus
then replied; "If they did not have the power to speak, they would not have
spoken, but because everyone has command of his own tongue to speak both good or
bad, let him look to it".
4. But the
elders of the Jews answered saying to Jesus; "What shall we look to?
For in the first place we know this concerning Thee that Thou was born
through fornication.
5. And
secondly that on account of Thy birth the infants in Bethlehem were slain, and
thirdly that Thy father and mother fled into Egypt since they could not trust
their own people."
6.
But some
of the Jews who stood by spoke more favorably saying; "We cannot say that
He was born of fornication for we know that His mother Mary was betrothed to
Joseph, and thus He was not born of fornication."
7. Then
Pilate said to the Jews who affirmed Him to be born of fornication; "Your
account is not true since there was an engagement as they of your own nation
testify."
8. Then
Anna’s and Caiaphas spoke to Pilate. "The
whole multitude of the people is to be regarded they who say that He was not
born of fornication and that He was a sorcerer, rather than these who deny Him
to be born of fornication since they are His converts and disciples."
9.
Pilate
then replied to Anna’s and Caiaphas, "Who are the converts?"
And they answered; "They are the children of pagans and are not
become Jews, but followers of Him".
10. Then
Eleazar, Asterius, Antonius, James, Caras, Samuel, Isaac, Phinees, Crispus,
Agrippa, Anna’s, and Judas replied; "We are not converts but children of
Jews, and we speak the truth having been present when Mary was betrothed".
11. Pilate
then addressing himself to these twelve men said; "I conjure you by the
life of Caesar that you faithfully declare whether He was born of fornication,
and that what you have related is true."
12.
They then
answered Pilate; "We have a law whereby we are forbidden to swear, it being
a sin, but rather let "them" swear by the life of Caesar that it is
not as we have said, and we will be contend to be put to death."
13.
Then
Anna’s and Caiaphas said to Pilate. These
twelve men will not believe that we know Him to be born falsely and to be a
sorcerer, although He pretends to be the Son of God and a king of which we are
so far from believing the same that we tremble even to hear it."
14. Then
Pilate commanded everyone to go out except the twelve men who had said that He
was not born of fornication, and having called Jesus to be withdrawn at a
distance, he said to them; "Why do the Jews have it in their mind to kill
Jesus?"
15. Then they
answered him; "They are angry because He performed cures on the Sabbath
day." And Pilate said;
"Will they kill Him for a good work?"
And they replied, "Yes sir".
1. Then
Pilate filled with anger went out of the hall and said to the Jews; "I call
the whole world to witness that I find no fault in this Man."
2. The Jews then replied, "If He were not a wicked person we would not have brought Him before you."
3. Pilate
then said, "Take Him yourself and try Him by your own laws".
But the Jews said; "It is not lawful for us to put anyone to
death."
4. To which
Pilate replied; "Is it then that the command: You shall not kill, belongs
to you, but not to me?"
5. And he
went again into the hall and having called Jesus to himself he said; "Art
Thou the King of the Jews?" And
Jesus said; "Do you speak this of yourself, or did the Jews tell you this
concerning me?"
6. Pilate
then said to Jesus; "Am I a Jew? The
whole nation and rulers of the Jews have delivered Thee to me, what then has
Thou done?"
7. And Jesus
answered; "My kingdom is not of this world, if my kingdom were of this
world then My servants would have fought, and I would not have been delivered to
the Jews, but now My kingdom is not from here."
8.
Pilate
then said; "Art Thou then a King?"
Jesus Answered; "You say that I am a King, to this end was I born
and came into the world, and for this purpose I came that I should bear witness
to the truth, and everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."
9. Pilate
then said; "What is truth?" And
Jesus said; "Truth is from heaven."
Pilate then said; "Is truth therefore not on earth?"
10.
Jesus
then replied to Pilate; "Believe that truth is on earth among those who
when they have the power of judgment are governed by truth and form right
judgment."
Pilate finds no fault.
1. Then
Pilate left Jesus in the hall and going out to the Jews he said, "I find no
fault in this Jesus."
2. The Jews
then said; "He said; I can destroy the temple of God and in three days
built it up again". To which
Pilate replied, "What sort of temple is it of which He spoke?"
3. And the
Jews said; "That which Solomon was in building for forty years He said He
would destroy and in three days built again."
4.
Pilate
then said to them; "I am innocent of the blood of this Man, look to it
yourself". The Jews then said;
"His blood be on us and our children".
5. Then
Pilate having called together the elders, the scribes, the priests, and the
Levites, he spoke to them in private saying; "Do not act like this, I have
found nothing in your charge concerning Him curing sick persons, or breaking the
sabbath worthy of death."
6. The
priests and Levites then replied to Pilate; "If anyone has blasphemed by
the life of Caesar he is worthy of death, but this man has blasphemed against
the Lord".
7.
Then the
governor again commanded the Jews to depart out of the hall, and calling Jesus
said to Him; "What shall I do with Thee?"
8. Jesus
answered him, "Do according as it is written".
And Pilate said; "How is it written?"
Jesus replied; "Moses and the prophets have prophesied concerning My
suffering and My resurrection."
9. The Jews
now hearing this were provoked, and spoke to Pilate; "Why do you any longer
listen to the blasphemies of this man?"
10.
Pilate
then said, "If these words seem to be blasphemous to you, then you take Him
and bring Him to your own court and try Him according to your own law".
11.
The Jews
then replied to Pilate; "Our laws say that He shall be obliged to receive
forty lashes less one stripe, and if after this he shall blaspheme against the
Lord he shall be stoned." Pilate
then said; "If that speech of Him was blasphemy then try him according to
your own law".
12.
The Jews
then said; "Our law commands us not to put anyone to death, but we desire
that He shall be crucified because He deserves the death of the cross".
Pilate then said; "It is not fit that He be crucified, let Him be
whipped only and sent away."
13. And when
the governor looked on the people and the Jews that were present he saw many of
the Jews in tears, and he said to the chief priests of the Jews; "Not all
the people desire His death."
14.
The
elders of the Jews then answered; "We and all the people came here for this
purpose that He should die, because He declares Himself to be the Son of God, a
King,"
Testimonies.
1. But a certain Jew Nicodemus stood before the governor and said; "I entreat you O righteous judge that you favor me with the liberty to speak a few words."
2. And
Pilate said, "Speak on". Nicodemus
then said; "I spoke to the elders of the Jews, the scribes, priests, and
Levites, and to the multitude in their assembly saying;
3. What is
it that you will do with this man? For
He is a man that has done many useful and glorious miracles such as no man on
earth has ever done before, nor ever will work.
Let Him go and do no harm to Him, for if He comes of God His miracles
will continue, and if it be of man they will come to nothing.
4. Moses
when he was sent by God to Egypt did the miracles, which God commanded him
before Pharaoh, and though the magicians of that country, Jannes, and Jambres
did miracles as Moses did yet they could not perform all that he did.
5. And the
miracles, which the magicians performed, were as you scribes and Pharisees know,
not of God, and they who wrought them perished and all who believed in them.
6.
And now
let this man go, for the very miracles for which you accuse Him are of God, and
He is not worthy of death."
7.
The Jews
then said to Nicodemus; "Are you become His disciples and make speeches in
His favor?" Nicodemus then
said to them; "Has the governor also become His disciple and make speeches
for Him, did not Caesar place him in that high post?"
8. When the
Jews heard this they trembled and gnashed their teeth at Nicodemus, and said to
him; "May you receive His doctrine for truth, and have your lot with
Christ".
9. Nicodemus
then replied; "Amen, I will receive His doctrine and my lot with Him as you
have said."
10. Then
another Jew rose up and desired leave of the governor to hear him for a few
words, and the governor said; "Speak what you have on your mind".
11. And he
said; "For 38 years I laid by the sheep-pool at Jerusalem laboring under
great infirmity waiting for a cure which comes at certain times when an angel
troubles the water, and whosoever steps in first at the troubling of the water
would be made whole of whatever disease he had.
12.
And when
Jesus saw me suffering there, He said to me; do you wish to be made whole?
And I answered; Sir, I have no man when the water is troubled to put me
into the pool.
13.
And He
said to me; Rise take up your bed and walk.
And immediately I was made whole, and taking up my bed I walked."
14.
The Jews
then said to Pilate; "O lord governor ask him what day it was on which he
was cured of his infirmity." And
the infirm person replied; "I was on the Sabbath."
15.
The Jews
then said to Pilate; "Did we not tell you that He performs His cures on the
Sabbath, and cast out devils by the prince of the devils?"
16.
Then
another certain Jew came forth and said; "I was blind but able to hear
sounds, and as Jesus was going along I heard the multitude passing by.
17.
And I
asked what it was, and they told me that Jesus was passing by, then I cried out
saying; Jesus Son of David have mercy on me, and He stood still and commanded
that I should be brought to Him, and He said to me; What will you?
18.
I said,
Lord that I may receive my sight. And
He said to me, receive your sight. And
immediately I saw and followed Him rejoicing and giving thanks."
19.
And
another Jew also came forth and said; "I was a leper and He cured me by
only a word saying; I will, be clean. And
immediately I was cleansed from my leprosy."
20.
And
another Jew came forth and said; "I was bend, and He made me straight by
His word".
21. And a
certain woman named Veronica said; "I was afflicted with an issue of blood
for 12 years, and I touched the hem of His garment and immediately the issue of
my blood stopped". The Jews
then said; "We have a law that a woman shall not be allowed as
evidence."
22. And after
other things another Jew said. "I
saw Jesus invited to a wedding with His disciples, and there was a lack of wine
in Cana of Galilee, and when the wine was all consumed He commanded the servants
that they should fill six of the pots that were there with water.
And they filled them up to the brim, and He blessed them and turned the
water into wine, and all the people drank and were surprised at His
miracle."
23. And
another Jew stood forth and said; "I saw Jesus teaching in the synagogue at
Capernaum and there was a certain man who had a devil, and He cried out saying;
Leave me alone what have I to do with Thee Jesus of Nazareth, art Thou come to
destroy us? I know that Thou art
the holy one of God.
24.
And Jesus
rebuked him saying; Hold your peace unclean spirit, and come out of this man,
and immediately he came out of the man and did not hurt him at all."
25. The
following things were also said by a Pharisee; "I saw that a great company
came to Jesus from Galilee and Judea and from the seacoast and from areas around
the Jordan, and many infirm persons came to Him, and He healed them all.
26.
And I
heard the unclean spirits crying out to him saying; Thou art the Son of God, and
Jesus strictly charged them that they should not make Him known."
27. After
this another person whose name was Centurion said; "I saw Jesus in Capernaum
and I entreated Him saying; Lord my servant lies at home sick with palsy.
28.
And Jesus
said; I will come and cure him. But
I said; Lord I am not worthy that Thou should come under my roof but speak only
the word and my servant shall be healed.
29.
And Jesus
said to him; Go your way, as you have believed so be it done to you, and my
servant was healed from that same hour."
30.
Then a
certain nobleman said. "I had
a son in Capernaum who was at the point of death, and when I heard that Jesus
had come into Galilee, I went and entreated Him that He would come down to my
house and heal my son for he was at the point of death.
31.
He then
said to me; Go your way, your son lives, and my son was cured from that same
hour."
32. Besides
these many others of the Jews both men and women cried out and said; "He
truly is the Son of God who cures all diseases by only His word, and to whom the
devils are altogether subject."
33. Still
some others said; "This power can proceed only from God."
And Pilate said to the Jews; "Why are the devils not subject to your
doctors?"
34.
Some of
them than said; "The power of subjecting devils can only proceed from
God." But others said to
Pilate that He had raised Lazarus from the dead after he had been dead four days
in his grave.
35.
The
governor then hearing this in trembling said to the multitude of the Jews;
"What will it profit you to shed innocent blood?"
The Jews call for Christ to be crucified.
1.
Then
Pilate having called together Nicodemus with the twelve men who said that Jesus
was not born of fornication said to them; "What shall I do seeing there is
likely to be a tumult among the people?"
2.
And they
said; "We know not, let them look to it who raise the tumult."
Pilate then called the multitude again and said; "You know that you
have a custom that I should release to you one prisoner at the feast of the
Passover.
3.
I now
have a noted prisoner, a murderer whose name is Barabbas, and Jesus who is
called Christ in whom I find nothing deserving of death, which of these
therefore in your mind should I release to you?"
4. And they
all cried out saying; "Release Barabbas " Pilate then said to them;
"What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?"
And they answered, "Let Him be crucified".
5. And again
they cried out to Pilate; "You are not the friend of Caesar if you release
this man, for He has declared that He is the Son of God and a King, but you are
inclined that He should be King and not Caesar."
6. Then
Pilate filled with anger said to them; "Your nation has always been
seditious and you are always against those who have been of service to
you". The Jews then replied;
"Who are those who have been of service to us?"
7. And
Pilate answered them. "Your
God who delivered you from the hard bondage of the Egyptians and brought you
through the Red Sea as though it were dry land. And He fed you in the wilderness with Manna and with the
flesh of quails, and He brought water out of the rock, and gave you a law from
heaven.
8. You have
always provoked Him, and desired yourselves a molten calf and worshipped it
sacrificing to it, and said; these are your god's O Israel, which brought you
out of the land of Egypt. On
account of this your God was inclined to destroy you, but Moses interceded for
you and your God heard him and forgave you your iniquity.
9. Afterwards
you were again enraged and you would have killed your prophets Moses and Aaron,
but they fled to the tabernacle, you have always murmured against God and His
prophets."
10.
And
Pilate arising from His judgment seat would have gone out, but the Jews all
cried out; "We acknowledge Caesar to be king and not Jesus.
11. And
because of this person, as soon as He was born, wise men came and offered Him
gifts, which when Herod heard of it he was greatly troubled and would have
killed Him, but when His Father knew this, he fled with Him and mother Mary into
Egypt
12. Herod
however would have killed Him when he heard He had been born, for accordingly he
sent and slew all the children which were in Bethlehem and in all the coastal
regions thereof and two years old and under."
13.
When
Pilate heard this he became afraid, and commanded silence among the people that
were noisy, and he said to Jesus, "Art Thou therefore a King?"
14. And the
Jews therefore replied to Pilate; "He is the very person whom Herod sought
to have slain.''
15. And
Pilate taking water washed his hands in sight before the people and said;
"I am innocent of the blood of this just person, look yourself to it".
16.
The Jews
then answered; "His blood be upon us and our children".
After which Pilate commanded Jesus to be brought before him, and he spoke
to Him the following words.
17. "Thy
own nation has charged Thee of making Thyself a king wherefore I Pilate sentence
Thee to he whipped according to the law of the former governors.
And that Thou first be bound and then hanged on the cross in the place
where Thou art a prisoner, and also two others with Thee whose names are Dimas
and Gestas."
Jesus Crucified.
1. Jesus
then was led out of the hall and the two thieves with Him, and they came to the
place, which is called Golgotha. There
they stripped Him of His raiment and gird Him with a linen cloth and put a crown
of thorns on His head, and a reed in His hand.
2. And
accordingly they did with the two thieves who were crucified with Him, with
Dimas on His right, and Gestas on His left.
3. But Jesus
said; "My Father forgive them for they know not what they do."
And they divided His garments, and on His mantle they cast lot.
4. The
people meanwhile stood by with the chief priests and the elders of the Jews
mocking Him saying; "He saved others, let Him now save himself if He can.
If He be the Son of God let Him now come down from the cross."
5. And the
soldiers also mocked Him, and taking vinegar and gall they offered it to Him to
drink, and said to Him, "If Thou art King of the Jews deliver
Thyself."
6. Then
Longinus, a certain soldier, taking a spear pierced His side, and there came
forth blood and water, and Pilate had the title written on the cross; This is
the King of the Jews, this was in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek.
7. And one
of the two thieves crucified with Jesus whose name was Gestus said to Jesus,
"If Thou art the Christ deliver Thyself and us".
But the one on the right answered rebuking him and said;
8. "Do
you not fear God, you who are condemned to this punishment?
For we indeed receive rightly and justly the demerit of our actions, but
this Jesus, what evil has He done?"
9. And after
this groaning he said to Jesus; "Lord remember me when Thou art come in Thy
Kingdom."
10. And Jesus
answered him saying, "Verily I say to you, this day you shall be with Me in
Paradise".
Chapter 8
Darkness on the earth.
1. It
now was about the sixth hour, and darkness came on the earth till the ninth
hour. And when the sun was
eclipsed, behold, the veil of the temple was rent from top to bottom, and the
rocks also were rent, and the graves opened, and many bodies of those which were
asleep arose.
2. And about
the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice saying, "Hely, Hely, Lama
sabacthani." which interpreted means, My God, My God, why has Thou forsaken
Me?
3. And after
these things Jesus said; "Father into Thy hands I command My Spirit."
And having said this He gave up the Ghost.
4. But when
the centurion saw that Jesus was thus crying out giving up the Ghost, he
glorified God saying; "Of a truth this was a just man."
5.
And all
the people who stood by were exceedingly troubled at the sight, and reflecting
on what had passed they smote on their breasts and returned to the city of
Jerusalem.
6. The
centurion then went to the governor and related to him all that had happen, and
hearing all these things he was exceedingly sorrowful.
7. And
calling the Jews together he said to them; "Have you seen the miracle of
the sun's eclipse and the other things which came to pass while Jesus was
dying?"
8. The Jews
then answered Pilate; "The eclipse of the sun happened according to its
usual custom."
9. But all
those that were acquainted with Christ stood at a distance, as did also the
women who had followed Jesus from Galilee beholding all these things.
10. And a
certain man from Arimathea named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus, but
not openly for fear of the Jews, he came to the governor that he might give him
leave to take the body of Jesus from the cross, and the governor gave him leave.
11. And
Nicodemus came bringing with him a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred
pound weight, and they took Jesus down from the cross with tears, and bound Him
with linen cloths with spices according to the custom of burying among the Jews.
12. And they
placed Him in a new tomb which Joseph had built and caused to be cut out in the
rocks, a tomb in which never any man had been placed, and they rolled a great
stone to the door of the sepulcher.
Joseph taken prisoner.
1.
When
the unjust Jews heard that Joseph had begged and buried the body of Jesus, they
sought after Nicodemus and the twelve men who had testified before the governor
that Jesus was not born of fornication, and other good persons who had shown
good action towards Him.
2.
But they
all had concealed themselves for fear of the Jews, except Nicodemus showed
himself to them and said; "How can persons such as you enter into the
synagogue?"
3. The Jews
then answered him, "But how do you dare enter into the synagogue being a
confederate with Christ? Let your
lot be along with Him in the other world."
4.
Nicodemus
answered them; "Amen, so may it be that I have my lot with Him in His
kingdom". And in like manner
Joseph, when he came to the Jews, said to them;
5. "Why
are you angry with me for desiring the body of Jesus from Pilate?
Behold, I have placed Him in my tomb and wrapped Him in clean linen, and
placed a stone at the door of the sepulcher.
6.
I have
acted rightly towards Him, but you have acted unjustly against this just person
in crucifying Him and giving Him vinegar to drink with thorns, and tearing His
body with whips bringing the guilt of His blood on you."
7. The Jews
at hearing this were disquieted and troubled, and they seized Joseph and
commanded him to be put in custody before the Sabbath and to be kept until the
Sabbath was over.
8. And they
said to him; "Make confession, for at this moment it is not lawful to do
harm to you until the first day of the week has come.
We however know that you will not be worthy of a burial, but we will give
your flesh to the birds of the air and the beast of the earth."
9. Joseph at
this answered; "That speech is like the speech of proud Goliath who
reproached the living God in speaking against David, but you scribes and doctors
you know that God said by the prophets; Vengeance is Mine, I will repay you
equal to that which you have threatened to me
10.
The God
whom you have hanged on the cross is able to deliver me out of your hands, all
your wickedness will return on you.
11.
For the
governor when he washed his hands said; I am innocent of the blood of this just
person, but you answered and cried out; His blood be on us and our children, and
just as you have spoken may you also perish forever."
12. The
orders of the Jews then hearing these words became greatly enraged, and taking
Joseph they put him in a chamber where there was no window, and they fastened
the door and placed a seal on the lock.
13. And
Anna’s and Caiaphas placed a guard on it, and took counsel with the priests
and Levites that they should all meet after the Sabbath to contrive to what
death they should put Joseph.
Reports of the Lord risen.
1. After
all this then the rulers having come together, Anna’s and Caiaphas ordered
Joseph to be brought forth, but when they went to fetch Joseph he was not in the
chamber.
2. And when
the assembly heard this, they wore astonished because they found the seal on the
lock, yet Joseph was not to be found.
3. Then as
they were all confused at Joseph being gone, there came one of the, soldiers who
had been guarding the sepulcher of Jesus and said to the assembly;
4. "While
we were guarding the tomb of Jesus there was an earthquake, and we saw an angel
of God roll away the stone of the sepulcher and He sat upon it, and his
appearance was like lightning, his garment like snow, and we through fear became
like dead persons.
5. And we
heard an angel saying to the women at the sepulcher of Jesus; do not fear I know
that you seek Jesus who was crucified, He is risen as He foretold.
6.
Come and
see the place where He was laid, and go and tell the disciples that He is risen
from the dead and He will go before you into Galilee, there you shall see Him as
He told you."
7.
Then the
Jews called together all the soldiers who had kept the sepulcher of Jesus and
said to them; "Who are these women to whom the angel spoke, and why did you
not seize them?"
8. The
soldiers answered; "We know not whom the women were, beside we became as
dead persons through fear how then could we seize the women?"
The Jews then said to them; "As the Lord lives we do not believe
you."
9. The
soldiers then answering said to the Jews; ''When you saw and heard Jesus working
so many miracles you did not believe Him, how then should you believe us?
You have well spoken "as the Lord lives", for the Lord truly
does live.
10. We have
heard that you shut up Joseph - who buried the body of Jesus in a chamber under
a sealed lock, and when you opened it you did not find him there.
11.
Do you
then produce Joseph whom you put under guard in the chamber, and we will produce
Jesus whom we guarded at the sepulcher."
12. The Jews
answered saying; "We will produce Joseph, and you produce Jesus".
The soldiers then replied; "If Joseph is in Arimathea - Jesus is in
Galilee for thus we heard the angel inform the women."
13. The Jews
then hearing this were afraid and said among themselves; if these things by any
means become public then everyone will believe in Jesus.
14. They then
gathered large sum of money and giving it to the soldiers they said.
"Tell the people that the disciples of Jesus came` in the night when
you were asleep and stole away the body of Jesus, and if Pilate the governor
hears of it - we will satisfy him and clear you."
15. The
soldiers then took the money, and they spoke as they were instructed by the
Jews, and their report was spread abroad among the people.
16. But a
certain priest Phinees, and Ada a schoolmaster, and a Levite named Ageus, these
three came from Galilee to Jerusalem and informed the chief priests and all who
were in the synagogue saying;
17.
"We
have seen Jesus whom you crucified talking with His disciples and sitting in the
midst of them in mount Olivet and spoke to them saying;
18. Go forth
into the whole world, preach the gospel to all nations baptizing them in the
name of the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit, and whosoever shall believe and
be baptized shall be saved.
19. And when
He had said these things to His disciples we saw Him ascending up to
heaven."
20. When
therefore the chief priest and the elders heard these things, they said to these
three men, "Give glory to the God of Israel and confess to Him whether
these things which you have seen and heard are true".
21. And they
answered; "As the Lord of our fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
lives, just as we have related it to you so we heard Jesus speak with His
disciples and saw Him ascending up to heaven".
22.
And they
further added these words, if we should not be true in the words, which we heard
Jesus speak and seeing Him ascending, we shall be guilty of sin.
23.
Then the
chief priests rose up immediately, and holding the hook of the law in their
hands they conjured these men saying; "You shall no more hereafter declare
these things which you have spoken concerning Jesus."
24. And they
gave them a large sum of money and sent other persons along with them to conduct
them to their own region so that they might not by any means make their stay at
Jerusalem.
25.
Then the
Jews assembled all together, and having expressed the most lamentable concern
they said; what is this extra ordinary thing which is come to pass in Jerusalem?
26.
But
Anna’s and Caiaphas, comforted them saying; "Why shall we believe the
soldiers who guarded the sepulcher in telling us that an angel rolled the stone
from the door thereof?
27. Perhaps
His own disciples told them this and gave them money that they should say so,
and themselves took away the body of Jesus.
28. Besides,
consider that there is no credit to be given to foreigners because they took a
large sum of us, and they have spoken according to the instructions which we
gave them, they must either be faithful to us, or to the disciples of
Jesus."
Search for Jesus.
1. Then
Nicodemus arose and said; "You speak correctly O sons of Israel, you have
heard what those three men have sworn by the law of God who said; we have seen
Jesus speaking with His disciples on mount Olivet and saw Him ascending up in
heaven.
2. And the
scripture teaches us that the blessed prophet Elijah was taken up: in heaven,
and when the sons of the prophets asked Elisha, Where is our father Elijah?
He said to them that he was taken up into heaven.
3. But the
sons of the prophets said; Perhaps the spirit has carried him into one of the
mountains of Israel and we shall find him there perhaps, and they entreated
Elisha and he walked with them for three days, but could not find him,
4.
And now
hear me O sons of Israel, let us then sent men into the mountains of Israel lest
perhaps the Spirit has carried Jesus away, perhaps we shall find Him and be
satisfied."
5. And the
counsel of Nicodemus pleased all the people, and they sent forth men who sought
for Jesus but could not find Him, and they returning said; "We went all
around but could not find Jesus, but we did find Joseph in his city in Arimathea."
6. The rulers and all the people hearing this then were glad, and praised
the God of Israel because Joseph was found whom they had shut in a chamber but
were unable to find him.
Joseph returns to testify.
7. And when
they had formed a large assembly the chief priest said; "By what means
shall we bring Joseph to us to speak with us?"
And taking a piece of paper they wrote to him saying;
8. We know
that we have offended against God and you, be now pleased to visit us your
fathers for we were very surprised at your escape from prison.
9. We know
that it was a malicious counsel which we took against you, but that the Lord
cared for you and delivered you from our designs, peace be to you Joseph who is
honorable among all the people."
10.
And they
chose seven friends of Joseph and said to them, "When you come to Joseph
salute him in peace and give him this letter."
11.
And the
men having come to Joseph did accordingly, and Joseph having read
12. The
letter said; "Blessed be the Lord God who delivered me from the Israelites
that they should not shed my blood".
13. And
Joseph kissed them and took them into his house, and in the morning he mounted
his ass and went along with them to Jerusalem.
14. And all
the Jews hearing these things, they went out to meet him and said; "Peace
attend your coming here father Joseph."
To which he answered; "Prosperity from the Lord attend to all the
people".
15.
On the
morning then the chief priest said to Joseph; "Confess to the God of Israel
and answer us all the questions we ask of you, for we have been sore troubled
that you buried the body of Jesus,
16.
And also
that when we had locked you in a chamber we were unable to find you, and we have
been afraid ever since till now that you have again appeared among us, tell us
therefore before God all that came to pass."
17. Then
Joseph said; "You indeed put me under confinement, but while I was praying
in the middle of the night four angels came and I saw Jesus as the brightness of
the sun, and I fell on my face for fear.
18. But
Jesus
took hold of my hand and lifted me up, and dew was sprinkled on me, and He
wiping my face kissed me and said; Fear not Joseph, look on Me, for it is I.
19.
Then I
looked on Him and said; Rabboni Elias, but He answered me, I am not Elijah, but
Jesus of Nazareth whose body you buried.
20. And I
said, "Show me the tomb in which I laid Thee".
And Jesus taking me by the hand led me to the place where I had laid Him,
and showed me the linen clothes and towel which I had put around His head.
21. Then I
knew it was Jesus and I worshipped Him and said, "Blessed be Thou who comes
in the name of the Lord".
22. And Jesus
again taking me by the hand led me to Arimathea, to my own house, and said to
me; "Peace be to you, but go not out of your house till the 40th day, but I
must go to My disciples."
The Jews seeking out the mysteries.
1. When the
chief priest and Levites heard these things they were astonished and fell down
on their faces and said to one another, "What is this extra-ordinary sign,
which is come to pass in Jerusalem?
2. We know
the father and mother of Jesus, and a certain Levite said; I know many of His
relations, religious persons who are wont to offer sacrifices and burnt
offerings to the God of Israel in the temple with prayers.
3. And when
the high priest Simeon took Him up in his arms he said to Him.
Now let Thy servant depart in peace O Lord, for according to Thy word my
eyes have seen Thy salvation which Thou has prepared before the face of all
people, a light to enlighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.
4. And
Simeon in like manner blessed Mary the mother of Jesus saying to her; I declare
to you concerning this child; He is appointed for the fall and rising again of
many, and for a sign which shall be spoken against.
5. Yes, and
a sword shall pierce your soul, and the thoughts of many hearts shall be
revealed."
6. Then the
Jews said; "Let us sent to those three men who said that they saw Him
talking with His disciples on mount Olives".
7. And
having sent for them, and asked them what they had seen, they answered with one
accord that they plainly saw Jesus talking with His disciples and ascending up
to heaven.
8. Then
Anna’s and Caiaphas took them separate examining them separately, but they
unanimously confessed the truth. Then
Anna’s and Caiaphas said; "Our law says that by the mouth of two or three
witnesses every word shall be established.
9. But what
have we said? The blessed Enoch
pleased God and was translated by the word of God, and the burial place, of the
blessed Moses is unknown.
10. But Jesus
was delivered to Pilate, whipped, crowned with thorns, spit on, pierced with a
spear, crucified, died on the cross, and was buried, and His body was buried by
Joseph in a new sepulcher, and yet he testified he saw Him alive.
11. And
besides that these men declared that they saw Him talking with His disciples on
mount Olivet and ascending up to heaven.''
12. Then
Joseph rose up and said to Anna’s and Caiaphas, "You may be justly under
a great surprise to hear that Jesus is alive and gone to heaven.
13.
It is
indeed a really surprising thing that He should not only himself arise from the
dead but also raised others from their graves that have been seen by many in
Jerusalem.
The sons of Simeon risen.
14.
Hear me
then, for we all knew Simeon the high priest who took Jesus as an infant in his
arms in the temple, and this Simeon had two sons of his own, and we all were
present at their death and funeral.
15. But now
go and see their tombs, for they are open and they are risen and are in the city
of Arimathea spending their time together in devotion.
16. Some then
have heard their voices in prayer, but they will not speak with one another, but
continue as mute persons.
17. Let us
then go to them with all due respect and caution, and perhaps they will tell us
the mysteries of their resurrection."
18. And the
Jews hearing this rejoiced at it, then Anna’s Caiaphas, Nicodemus, Joseph, and
Gamaliel went to Arimathea, and found them not in their graves, but found them
walking in the city.
19.
And
having saluted them they came to Jerusalem, and causing them to put their hands
on the book of the law of the Lord, they said.
"If you believe Him who raised you from the dead to be Jesus tell us
what you have seen, and how you were raised from the dead."
20. Charinus, and Lenthius then, the two sons of Simeon, said, "Give each of us some paper, and we will write down for you all that we have seen."
Chapter 13
The narrative in the darkness.
1. They
then prayed; "O Lord Jesus and Father who art God and the resurrection and
life of the dead, give us leave to declare Thy mysteries which we saw after
death belonging to Thy cross, for we are sworn by Thy name.
2.
For Thou
has forbidden Thy servants to declare the secret things which were done by Thy
divine power in hell.
3. When we
were placed with our fathers in the depth of hell, in the blackness of darkness,
on a sudden there appeared a golden light like that of the sun.
4. And Adam
with all the patriarchs and prophets immediately rejoiced and said.
This light is the Author of everlasting light who promised to
translate us to everlasting light.
5. And
Isaiah said; This is the light of the Father and of the Son of God according as
I prophesied when I was on the earth saying;
6. The land
of Zebulon and the land of Nepthalim beyond Jordan, a people who walked in
darkness - saw a great light, and to them who dwelled in the region of the
shadow of death - light is arisen, and now He has come and enlightened us who
sit in death.
7. And while
we were all rejoicing in the light which shone on us - our father Simeon came
and congratulated us and said; Glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
8. Whom I
took up in my arms when as an infant He was in the temple, and I being moved by
the Holy Spirit said; that now my eyes have seen Thy salvation.
9. After
this there came forth one like a hermit, and everyone asked him; who are you?
To which he replied; I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, John
the Baptist, and prophet of the Most High who went before His coming to prepare
His way, to give the knowledge of salvation to His people for the forgiveness of
sins.
10.
And I
John when I saw Jesus coming to me, being moved by the Holy Spirit, I said;
Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
11. And I
baptized Him in the river Jordan, and saw the Holy Spirit descending on Him in
the form of a dove, and heard a voice from heaven saying; this is My beloved Son
in whom I am well pleased.
12. And now
while I was going before Him, I came down here to acquaint you that the Son of
God will next visit us, and as daybreak from on high will He come to us who are
in darkness and the shadow of death.
Satan speaks with the head-warden.
1. When
the saints were thus rejoicing, Satan, the prince and captain of death said to
the prince of Hades;
2. Prepare
to receive Jesus of Nazareth who boasted that He was the Son of God, and yet was
a man afraid of death saying; My soul is sorrowful even to death.
3. Besides,
He did me many injuries, for those whom I made blind and lame, and those whom I
tormented with several devils, these He cured by His word, and even such as I
brought dead to you He took away by force."
4. And to
this the prince of Hades replied; "Who is this prince so powerful and yet a
man to be afraid of death? For all
the potentates of the earth are subject to my power whom you brought into my
subjection.
5. If then He is so powerful in His human nature, I tell you for a truth that He is almighty in His divine nature and no man can resist His power.
6. When
therefore He said that He was afraid of death - He only designed to ensnare you,
and how unhappy this will be for you into everlasting ages."
7. Then
Satan replied; "Why did you express a doubt and are afraid to receive that
Jesus of Nazareth both mine and your adversary? As for me, I tempted Him and stirred up my old people the
Jews with zeal and anger against Him.
8. I
sharpened the spear for His suffering, I mixed the gall and vinegar, and
commanded that He should drink it, I prepared the cross to crucify Him, and the
nails to pierce His hands and feet. And
now His death is near at hand, I will bring Him here subject to both you and
me."
9. Then the
prince of Hades answered; "You said just now to me that He took away the
dead from me by force, who then is He this Jesus that by His word He has taken
away the dead from me?
10. Perhaps
He is the same who took away Lazarus after he had been dead four days, of whom I
had possession as a dead person, yet He brought him to life again by His power.
11. Satan
then replied; "It is the very same person." which when the prince of
Hades heard it said to him; "I adjure you by the powers which belong to you
and me that you do not bring Him to me.
12. For when
I heard of the power of His word I trembled for fear, and all my impious company
were also disturbed. Nor were we
able to detain Lazarus, He gave himself a shake and with all the signs of malice
he immediately went from us, and the very earth in which his dead body was
lodged presently turned him out alive.
13. I then
know that He is Almighty God, who only can perform such things, who is mighty in
dominion, and mighty in human nature, who is the Savior of mankind.
14. Bring Him
therefore not here, for He will set all those whom I presently hold in prison
under unbelief and bound with the fetters of their sins at liberty, and will
conduct them to everlasting life."
The Lord Jesus arrives.
15. And while
Satan and the prince of Hades were thus speaking with each other, on a sudden
there was a voice like thunder and the rushing of winds saying.
"Lift up your gates O you princes, and be lifted up O you
everlasting gates, and the King of Glory shall come in."
16. And the
prince of Hades hearing this said to Satan; "Depart from me, be gone from
my habitations, and if you are a powerful warrior then fight with the King of
glory. But then again what have you
to do with Him?"
17. And the
prince said to his officers; "Shut the gates of cruelty, and make them fast
with iron bars, and fight courageously lest we be taken captive".
18. But when
the company of saints heard this they spoke with a loud voice of anger to him,
"Open your gates that the King of glory may come in".
19. And David
the prophet said; "Did I not prophecy on earth that men would praise the
Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works to the children of men?
20. For He
has broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder, He has taken
them because of their iniquity, and because of their unrighteousness they are
afflicted.''
21. After
this Isaiah said; "Did I not rightly prophecy when I was on earth saying;
The dead shall live, and them that are in their graves shall rise again.
22. And those
in earth shall rejoice, for the dew which is from the Lord shall bring them
deliverance." And again;
"O death where is your victory, O death where is your sting?"
23. And the
saints again said to the prince of Hades; "Open now your gates, and take
away your iron bars, for now you will be bound and have no power "
24. Then
there was a great voice saying; "Lift up your gates O princes, and be
lifted up you gates of Hades and the King of Glory will enter."
25. And the
prince of Hades perceiving that the same voice was repeated cried out as though
he had been ignorant saying, "Who is the King of glory?"
26. David
then replied to the prince of Hades; "I understand the words of that voice,
for I spoke them by His Spirit while I was on earth.
I say to you, it is the Lord strong and powerful, the Lord mighty in
battle, He is the King of glory, He is the Lord in heaven and in earth.
27. He has
looked down to hear the groans of the prisoners to set at liberty those that are
appointed to death, and thus you impious prince of Hades open your gates that
the King of glory may enter."
28. And while
David so spoke the Lord appeared in the form of a man and enlightened those
places, which had ever before, been in darkness.
29. And He
broke asunder the fetters, which before could not be broken, with His invincible
power He visited those who sat in the deep darkness through iniquity, and in the
shadow of death by reason of sin.
The Lord deprives death of power.
1. Death and her cruel officers then hearing these things were seized with fear in their several kingdoms, for also they saw the clearness of the light, and Christ appearing in their habitation.
2.
And they
cried out; "Thou seem intend to confuse us before our lord, who art Thou
that has no sign of corruption but rather a bright appearance which in itself is
full proof of Thy greatness of which Thou seem to take no notice?
3. Who art
Thou so powerful, and so weak, so great and so little, a man and yet a soldier
of the first rank who can command in the form of a servant as a common soldier?
4. Art Thou
the King of glory, alive, yet dead once slain on the cross?
Thou who lay dead in the grave and have come alive to us, and in Thy
death all the creatures trembled, and the stars were moved, and now Thou has
liberty among the dead, and are disturbing our legions.
5. Who art
Thou that releases the captives which were held in chains by sin to bring them
in their former liberty, Thou who spreads such a divine light over those that
were blinded by the darkness of sin?"
6. And so
also were all the legions of the devil seized with fear, and said; "From
where art Thou come O Jesus that Thou art a man so powerful and glorious in
majesty, so bright as to have no spot, and so pure as to have no crime?
7.
For that
lower world of the earth which was ever till now subject to us, and from where
we received tribute, never sent us such a dead man before.
8. Who
therefore art Thou who with such courage enters our abode, and are not only
afraid to threaten us with the greatest punishments, but also endeavors to
rescue all others from the chains in which we hold them?
9. Perhaps
Thou art that Jesus of whom Satan just now spoke to our prince that by the death
of the cross Thou were about to receive the power of death."
10. Then the
King of glory trampled on death, and seizing the prince of Hades deprived him of
his power, and He took our father Adam with Him to glory.
The prince of Hades upbraids Satan.
11. Then the
prince of Hades with great indignation said to Satan; "O you prince of
destruction, author of Beelzebub defeat and banishment, the scorn of God's angels
and loathe by all righteous persons, what inclined you to act thus?
12. You would
crucify the King of glory and promised us great advantage by His destruction,
but as a fool you were ignorant of what it was about.
13.
For
behold, now that that Jesus of Nazareth with the brightness of His glorious
divinity puts all our powers of darkness and death to flight.
14.
He has
broken down our prison from top to bottom and dismissed all the captives,
releasing all that were bound, and all that formerly groaned under the weight of
their torments now insult us.
15.
Our
dominions are subdued, and no part of mankind is now in our subjection, but
rather they all boldly defy us, though before the dead never dared to behave
themselves insolently towards us, nor being prisoners could ever on any occasion
be merry.
16. O Satan
you prince of all the wicked, father of the impious and abandoned, why did you
attempt this exploit seeing our prisoners were up till now always without the
least hope of salvation and life?
17.
But now
there is not one of them that groans, nor is there the least show of a tear in
any of their faces. O prince Satan
you great keeper of the infernal regions, all the advantages which you acquired
by the forbidden tree, and the loss of Paradise you have now lost by the wood of
the cross.
18.
All your
happiness did then expire when you crucified the King of glory.
You have acted against your own interest and against mine, as you will
soon perceive by the great torments and infinite punishments, which you are
about to suffer.
19. O Satan
prince of all evil, author of death, and source of all pride, you should first
have inquired into the evil crimes of the Jesus of Nazareth, then you would have
found that He was guilty of no fault worthy of death.
20. Why did
you venture without either reason or justice to crucify Him and has brought down
to our regions a righteous and innocent person thereby losing all the
unrighteous persons of the whole world?"
21. And while
the prince of Hades was thus speaking to Satan, the King of glory said to
Beelzebub, the prince of Hades: "Satan the prince shall be subject to your
dominion forever in the place of Adam and his righteous sons who are Mine."
1. Then
Jesus stretched forth His hand and said; "Come to Me all you My saints who
were created in My image, who were condemned by the tree of forbidden fruit and
by the devil and death.
2. Live now
by the wood of the cross, for the devil, the prince of this world is overcome,
and death is conquered, "
3. Then
all
the saints were, joined together under the hand of the Most High God, and the
Lord Jesus took hold of the hand of Adam and said to him; "Peace be to you
and all your righteous posterity which is Mine."
4. Then Adam
falling at the feet of Jesus said to Him in tears; "I will extol Thee O
Lord, for Thou has lifted me up and not made my foes to rejoice over me.
O Lord my God I cried to Thee and Thou has healed me.
5. Thou has
brought up my soul from the grave, and kept me alive that I should not go down
to the pit. Sing to the Lord all
you saints of Him, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness, for His
anger endures but for a moment, but in His favor is life."
Entering Paradise.
6. Then the
Lord holding Adam by the hand delivered him to Michael the archangel, and he led
him into Paradise filled with mercy and glory.
7. And two
very ancient men met them and were asked who they were that they had not been in
Hades, but were with their bodies placed in Paradise.
8. And one
of them answered; "I am Enoch who was translated by the word of God, and
this man with me is Elijah the Tishbite who was translated in a fiery chariot.
9. Here we
have been and have not tasted death, but we are to return at the coming of the
antichrist, and we will be armed with divine signs and miracles to engage with
him in battle. Then to be slain by
him at Jerusalem, and be taken up alive again into the clouds after three days
and a half".
10. And while
Enoch and Elijah were relating this there came a man of a miserable figure
carrying the sign of the cross on him. And
the saints seeing him said to him, "Who are you?
For your appearance is like that of a thief, why do you have these tokens
of the cross on you?"
11. He then
answered; "You speak correctly, for I was a thief who committed all sorts
of wickedness on earth, and the Jews crucified me.
12. And I
observing the things, which occurred in the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus, I
believed Him to be the Creator of all things and the Almighty King.
13. And I
prayed to Him saying; Lord remember me when Thou art come into Thy kingdom.
And He presently regarded my supplication and said to me, Verily I say to
you, this day you shall be with Me in Paradise.
14. And He
gave me this sign of the cross saying; Carry this, and go to Paradise, and if
the angel who guards Paradise will not admit you, show him the sign of the cross
and say to him; Jesus Christ who is now crucified has sent me to you.
15. And when
I did this, and the angel heard these words, he presently opened the gates and
introduced me, and placed me on the right hand of Paradise.
16. And said;
Stay here a little till Adam, the father of all mankind shall enter in with all
his sons who are the holy and righteous servants of Jesus Christ who was
crucified."
17. And when
they heard all this account they said with one voice; "Blessed be Thou O
God, Father of everlasting goodness, and of mercies who has shown such favor to
those who were sinners against Him and has brought them to the mercy of
Paradise.
18. And has
placed them amidst Thy large and spiritual provisions in a spiritual and holy
life, amen".
Chapter 17
1. These
are the divine and sacred mysteries which we saw and heard, I Charinus and
Lenthius are not allowed to declare the other mysteries of God as the archangel
Michael commanded us.
2. Saying; you shall go with my brothers to Jerusalem and shall continue in prayer declaring and glorifying the resurrection of Jesus Christ seeing He has risen you from the dead at the same time with Himself.
3. And you
shall not talk with any man, but sit as dumb persons till the times comes when
the Lord will allow you to relate the mysteries of His divinity
4. The archangel Michael further commanded us to go beyond Jordan to an excellent and fat country where there are many who rose from the dead along with us for the proof of the resurrection of Christ.
5. For we
have only some days allowed to us from the dead, arising to celebrate the
Passover of our Lord, and to bear our testimony for Christ the Lord, and have
been baptized in the river Jordan, and now they are not seen by
6. This is as much as God allowed us to relate to you, give therefore praise and honor to Him and repent, and He will have mercy on you. Peace be to you from the Lord God Jesus Christ and the Savior of us all. Amen.
