Acts of Paul and Thecla

Historical source scan page 152

THE HISTORY OF THECLA. 125 said: “I will relate to-day what I teach; listen, O hégemén.* I'teach a living God; a God who does not requite retributions® unto men; a God who does not require anything, but to whom the life of men is useful. And* he has sent me that I might rescue them from destruction, and from uncleanness,* and from all deadly lusts, that they might sin no more. On this account God has sent me, whom I preach, ̇) ܩܡܒ‎ ( and I proclaim‘ that in Him shall be the hope of all men; who has taken providential care and delivered the nations‘ from error, that they might sin no more, and might not walk in sedition, but that fear might be in them through belief in God, * and (that) they might know fear and love in truth." And if I teach whatever God hath revealed unto me, what wrong do I do, O hégemén?” And when the hégemén heard these words, he commanded that Paul should go to prison, being bound, until he could have an opportunity of hearing him well. ¦ And Thecla in that night’ took off her bracelets and gave (them) to the doorkeeper of their house, and he opened the door for her ; and she went out, and went to the jailor, who was guarding Paul, and gave him her mirror’ of gold* that he might bring her in to Paul. And he brought her in,' and she came and sat by the feet of 2 D. Iwill make known to you to-day what I teach, omitting listen, | © hégemén. 0 D. evil retributions. ° @. D. omit And. 4 ©. error. ©. 1). and in whom I trust. D. the world. £ D. but that the fear of God and belief in Him might be in them, h D. omits in truth. i D. adds when she heard what had happened. iC: a@ mirror. * D. a ring of gold from her finger. 1 D. omits this clause, :