Acta Thomae

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 ‹to name› 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 ‹thou sayest these things› because thou art in fear. Who that hath done somewhat and is praised for the work changeth it? ‹who buildeth a tower and› straightway overthroweth it from the foundation? who diggeth a spring of water in a thirsty land and straightway filleth it in? Who findeth a treasure and useth it not? And Charisius heard It 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.

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, etc.)). And he did so; and Siphor said: I and my wife and daughter wil 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.

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 ‹maketh him› 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.