Acts of Paul and Thecla

Historical source scan page 157

] Cn Ce 130 THE HISTORY OF THECLA. answered and said: ‘God, ܩܡܚ)‎ ( the Searcher of hearts, the Father of our Lord* Jesus the Messiah, I praise Thee because what I‘asked of Thee Thou hast rescued from the fire, and hast granted me to see Thecla,” me and these persons who are with me; and in Thy hands‘ it is an easy thing to deliver from all distress one who praises Thy name for ever.” And Paul was glad and rejoicing with those persons who were with him. And the boy had brought them five loaves of bread, and herbs and water and salt ;* and they were rejoicing in the pure works of the Messiah. And° Thecla saith to Paul: “TI will cut off my hair, and go after thee, whither thou goest.’”’? He‘ answered and said to her: “It is a hard struggle, and thou art beautiful. (Take care) lest yet another trial come upon thee, which is worse than the first, and thou bear it not.” And Thecla said to Paul: ‘‘Give me only the sign of God,® and temptation shall not come nigh unto me.” Paul saith unto Thecla: ‘Be patient, and thou shalt receive thy water (of baptism).” And Paul sent away Onesiphorus with his family, and he went to his home. And Paul took hold (\=as) of Thecla’s hand, and those persons who were with him, and they entered into Antioch. And as they were enter- ing and going along, one of the chief men of Antioch,— Alexander was his name, and he had great influence * @ C. omits our Lord. b A. merely fo see her (or it). ° C. adds alone. d ©. and salt and water. ܘ‎ C. Then. fC. Paul. BC. of the Messiah. h Literally, and many works were done by him. |