Page:Apocryphal Gospels and Other Documents Relating to the History of Christ.djvu/336

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APOCRYPHAL GOSPELS.

THE LETTER OF JESUS TO ABGAR.

Copy of the things which were written by Jesus, by the hand of Ananias the tabellarius to Abgar, chief of the land.

Blessed is he that believeth in me when he hath not seen me.[1] For it is written concerning me that they who see me would not believe in me, and they who see me not would believe and be saved.[2] Now as for this that thou hast written to me, that I would come to thee, it behoveth that I should accomplish here everything because whereof I have been sent.[3] And after I have accomplished it, then I shall be taken up to Him that sent me. And when I am taken up I will send thee one of my disciples to heal thy sickness; he shall also give salvation unto thee and to them that are with thee.[4]

  1. John xx. 29.
  2. Is. vi. 10; lii, 15; John ix. 39.
  3. Matt. iii. 15; John v. 36; ix. 4.
  4. Luke i. 77; xix. 9; Acts xi. 14; xvi. 31.