THE GOSPEL OF NICODEMUS, FORMERLY CALLED THE ACTS OF PONTIUS PILATE. Although this Gospel is, by some among the learned, supposed to have been really writ - ten by Nicodemus, who became a disciple of Jesus Christ, and conversed with him; others conjecture that it was a forgery towards the close of the third century by some zealous believer, who, observing that there had been appeals made by the Christians of the former age, to the acts of Pilate, but that such acts could not be produced, imagined it would be of service to Christianity to fabricate and publish this Gospel; as it would both confirm the Christians under persecution, and convince the Heathens of the truth of the Christian religion. The Rev. Jeremiah Jones says, that such pious frauds were very com - mon among Christians even in the first three centuries; and that a forgery of this nature, with the view above-mentioned, seems natural and probable. The same author, in noticing that Eusebius in his Ecclesiastical History, charges the Pagans with having forged and published a book, called "The Acts of Pilate," takes occasion to observe that the internal evidence of this Gospel shows it was not the work of any Heathen, but that if in the latter end of the third century we find it in use among Christians (as it was then certainly in some churches), and about the same time find a forgery of the Heathens under the same title, it seems exceedingly probable that some Christians, at that time, should publish such a piece as this, in order partly to confront the spurious one of the Pagans, and partly to support those appeals which had been made by former Christians to the Acts of Pilate; and Mr. Jones says, he thinks so more particularly as we have in - numerable instances of forgeries by the faithful in the primitive ages, grounded on less plausible reasons. Whether it be canonical or not, it is of very great antiquity, and is appealed to by several of the ancient Christians. The present translation is made from the Gospel, published by Grynaeus in the Orthodoxographa, vol, i, tom, ii, p. 613. Notwithstanding the diversity of opinions here alluded to, the majority of the learned believe that the internal evidence of the authenticity of this Gospel is manifested in the correct details of that period of Christ's life on which it treats, while it far excels the canonical Evangelists narrative of the trial of our Saviour before Pilate, with more minute particulars of persons, evidence, circumstance, &c.
1 The Gospel of NICODEMUS, the dis- to appear before your tribunal, and ciple, concerning the Sufferings and Re - hear him yourself. surrection of our Master and Saviour, 8 Then Pilate called a messenger, JESUS CHRIST. and said to him, By what means will Christ be brought hither? CHAPTER I. 9 Then went the messenger forth, 1 Christ accused to Pilate by the Jews of and knowing Christ, worshipped healing on the Sabbath. 9 Summoned be- him; and having spread the cloak fore Pilate by a messenger who does him which he had in his hand upon the honour. 20 Worshipped by the standards ground, he said, Lord, walk upon bowing down to him. this, and go in, for the governor ANNAS and Caiphas, and Summas, calls thee. and Datam, Gamaliel, Judas, Levi, 10 When the Jews perceived what Nepthalim, Alexander, Cyrus, and the messenger had done, they ex- other Jews, went to Pilate about Je- claimed (against him) to Pilate, and sus, accusing him with many bad said, Why did you not give him his crimes. summons by a beadle, and not by a 2 And said, We are assured that Je - messenger?—For the messenger, sus is the son of Joseph, the car - when he saw him, worshipped him, penter, and born of Mary, and that and spread the cloak which he had in he declares himself the Son of God, his hand upon the ground before and a king; and not only so, but at- him, and said to him, Lord, the gov- tempts the dissolution of the Sab- ernor calls thee. bath, and the laws of our fathers. 11 Then Pilate called the messenger, 3 Pilate replied, What is it which he and said, Why hast thou done thus? declares? and what is it which he at - 12 The messenger replied, When tempts dissolving? thou sentest me from Jerusalem to 4 The Jews told him, We have a law Alexander, I saw Jesus sitting in a which forbids doing cures on the mean figure upon a she-ass, and the Sabbath day; but he cures both the children of the Hebrews cried out, lame and the deaf, those afflicted Hosannah, holding boughs of trees with the palsy, the blind, the lepers, in their hands. and demoniacs, on that day, by 13 Others spread their garments in wicked methods. the way, and said, Save us, thou who 5 Pilate replied, How can he do this art in heaven; blessed is he who by wicked methods? They answered cometh in the name of the Lord. He is a conjurer, and casts out devils 14 Then the Jews cried out, against by the prince of the devils; and so the messenger, and said, The chil- all things, become subject to him. dren of the Hebrews made their ac- 6 Then said Pilate, Casting out dev - clamations in the Hebrew language; ils seems not to be the work of an and how couldst thou, who art a unclean spirit, but to proceed from Greek, understand the Hebrew? the power of God. 15 The messenger answered them 7 The Jews replied to Pilate, We en- and said, I asked one of the Jews treat your highness to summon him and said, What is this which the chil-
2 GOSPEL OF NICODEMUS dren do cry out in the Hebrew lan- them hold the standards, and we guage? shall see whether they will then bend 16 And he explained it to me, say- of themselves. ing, they cry out, Hosannah, which 27 So the elders of the Jews sought being interpreted, is, O Lord, save out twelve of the most strong and me; or, O Lord, save. able old men, and made them hold 17 Pilate then said to them, Why do the standards, and they stood in the you yourselves testify to the words presence of the governor. spoken by the children, namely, by 28 Then Pilate said to the messen- your silence? In what has the mes - ger, Take Jesus out, and by some senger done amiss? And they were means bring him in again. And Jesus silent. and the messenger went out of the 18 Then the governor said unto the hall. messenger, Go forth and endeavour 29 And Pilate called the ensigns by any means to bring him in. who before had borne the standards, 19 But the messenger went forth and swore to them, that if they had and did as before; and said, Lord not borne the standards in that man- come in, for the governor calleth ner when Jesus before entered in, he thee. would cut off their heads. 20 And as Jesus was going in by the 30 Then the governor commanded ensigns, who carried the standards, Jesus to come in again. the tops of them bowed down and 31 And the messenger did as he had worshipped Jesus. done before, and very much en- 21 Whereupon the Jews exclaimed treated Jesus that he would go upon more vehemently against the ensigns. his cloak, and walk on it; and he did 22 But Pilate said to the Jews, I walk upon it, and went in. know it is not pleasing to you that 32 And when Jesus went in, the the tops of the standards did of standards bowed themselves as be- themselves bow and worship Jesus; fore, and worshipped him. but why do ye exclaim against the ensigns, as if they had bowed and CHAPTER II. worshipped? 2 Is comppassionated by Pilate's wife, 7 23 They replied to Pilate, We saw charged with being born in fornication. 12 the ensigns themselves bowing and Testimony to the betrothing of his par - worshipping Jesus. ents. 15 Hatred of the Jews to him. 24 Then the governor called the en - NOW when Pilate saw this, he was signs, and said unto them, Why did afraid, and was about to rise from you do thus? his seat. 25 The ensigns said to Pilate, We 2 But while he thought to rise, his are all Pagans and worship the gods own wife who stood at a distance, in temples; and how should we think sent to him, saying, Have thou noth- anything about worshipping him? We ing to do with that just man; for I only held the standards in our hands, have suffered much concerning him and they bowed themselves and wor- in a vision this night. shipped him. 3 When the Jews heard this they 26 Then said Pilate to the rulers of said to Pilate, Did we not say unto the synagogue, Do ye yourselves thee, He is a conjuror? Behold, he choose some strong men, and let hath caused thy wife to dream.
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4 Pilate then calling Jesus, said, and Samuel, Isaac and Phinees, Cris- thou hast heard what they testify pus and Agrippa, Annas and Judas, against thee, and makest no answer? We are not proselytes, but children 5 Jesus replied, If they had not a of Jews, and speak the truth, and power of speaking, they could not were present when Mary was be- have spoke; but because every one trothed. has the command of his own tongue, 13 Then Pilate addressing himself to speak both good and bad, let him to the twelve men who spake this, look to it. said to them, I conjure you by the 6 But the elders of the Jews life of Caesar, that ye faithfully de - answered, and said to Jesus, What clare whether he was born through shall we look to? fornication, and those things be true 7 In the first place, we know this which ye have related. concerning thee, that thou wast born 14 They answered Pilate, We have a through fornication; secondly, that law whereby we are forbid to swear, upon the account of thy birth the in - it being a sin: Let them swear by the fants were slain in Bethlehem; life of Caesar that it is not as we thirdly, that thy father and mother have said, and we will be contented Mary fled into Egypt, because they to be put to death. could not trust their own people. 15 Then said Annas and Caiphas to 8 Some of the Jews who stood by Pilate, Those twelve men will not be - spake more favourably, We cannot lieve that we know him to be basely say that he was born through fornic- born, and to be a conjurer, although ation; but we know that his mother he pretends that he is the Son of Mary was betrothed to Joseph, and God, and a king: which we are so far so he was not born through fornica - from believing, that we tremble to tion. hear. 9 Then said Pilate to the Jews who 16 Then Pilate commanded every affirmed him to be born through one to go out except the twelve men fornication, This your account is not who said he was not born through true, seeing there was a betrothment, fornication, and Jesus to withdraw to as they testify who are of your own a distance, and said to them, Why nation. have the Jews a mind to kill Jesus? 10 Annas and Caiphas spake to Pil- 17 They answered him, They are ate, All this multitude of people is angry because he wrought cures on to be regarded, who cry out, that he the sabbath day. Pilate said, Will they was born through fornication, and is kill him for a good work? They say a conjurer; but they who deny him to unto him, Yes, Sir. be born through fornication, are his proselytes and disciples. CHAPTER III. 11 Pilate answered Annas and 1 Is exonerated by Pilate. 11 Disputes Caiphas, Who are the proselytes? with Pilate concerning truth. They answered, They are those who THEN Pilate, filled with anger, are the children of Pagans, and are went out of the hall, and said to the not become Jews, but followers of Jews, I call the whole world to wit - him. ness that I find no fault in that man. 12 Then replied Eleazer, and Asteri- us, and Antonius, and James, Caras
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2 The Jews replied to Pilate, If he 1 Pilate finds no fault in Jesus. 16 The had not been a wicked person, we Jews demand his crucifixion. had not brought him before thee. THEN Pilate left Jesus in the hall, 3 Pilate said to them, Do ye take and went out to the Jews, and said, I him and try him by your law. find not any one fault in Jesus. 4 Then the Jews said, It is not law - 2 The Jews say unto him, But he ful for us to put any one to death. said, I can destroy the temple of 5 Pilate said to the Jews, The com - God, and in three days build it up mand, therefore, thou shalt not kill, again. belongs to you, but not to me. 3 Pilate saith to them, What sort of 6 And he went again into the hall, temple is that of which he speaketh? and called Jesus by himself, and said 4 The Jews say unto him, That to him, Art thou the king of the which Solomon was forty-six years in Jews? building, he said he would destroy, 7 And Jesus answering, said to Pil- and in three days build up. ate, Dost thou speak this of thyself, 5 Pilate said to them again, I am in - or did the Jews tell it thee concern - nocent from the blood of that man! ing me? do ye look to it. 8 Pilate answering, said to Jesus, 6 The Jews say to him, His blood be Am I a Jew? The whole nation and upon us and our children. Then Pil- rulers of the Jews have delivered ate calling together the elders and thee up to me. What hast thou done? scribes, priests and Levites, saith to 9 Jesus answering, said, My kingdom them privately, Do not act thus; I is not of this world: if my kingdom have found nothing in your charge were of this world, then would my (against him) concerning his curing servants fight, and I should not have sick persons, and breaking the sab- been delivered to the Jews: but now bath, worthy of death. my kingdom is not from hence. 7 The priests and Levites replied to 10 Pilate said, Art thou a king then? Pilate, By the life of Caesar, if any Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I one be a blasphemer, he is worthy of am a king: to this end was I born, death; but this man hath blasphemed and for this end came I into the against the Lord. world; and for this purpose I came, 8 Then the governor again com - that I should bear witness to the manded the Jews to depart out of truth; and every one who is of the the hall; and calling Jesus, said to truth, heareth my voice. him, What shall I do with thee? 11 Pilate saith to him, What is 9 Jesus answered him, Do according truth? as it is written. 12 Jesus said, Truth is from heaven. 10 Pilate said to him, How is it writ- 13 Pilate said, Therefore truth is not ten? on earth. 11 Jesus saith to him, Moses and the 14 Jesus saith to Pilate, Believe that prophets have prophesied concern- truth is on earth among those, who ing my suffering and resurrection. when they have the power of judg- 12 The Jews hearing this, were pro- ment, are governed by truth, and voked, and said to Pilate, Why wilt form right judgment. thou any longer hear the blasphemy of that man? CHAPTER IV.
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13 Pilate saith to them, If these 3 Nicodemus said, I spake to the words seem to you blasphemy, do ye elders of the Jews, and the scribes, take him, bring him to your court, and priests and Levites, and all the and try him according to your law. multitude of the Jews, in their as- 14 The Jews reply to Pilate, Our law sembly; What is it ye would do with saith, he shall be obliged to receive this man? nine and thirty stripes, but if after 4 He is a man who hath wrought this manner he shall blaspheme many useful and glorious miracles, against the Lord, he shall be stoned. such as no man on earth ever 15 Pilate saith unto them, If that wrought before, nor will ever work. speech of his was blasphemy, do ye Let him go, and do him no harm; if try him according to your law. he cometh from God, his miracles, 16 The Jews say to Pilate, Our law (his miraculous cures) will continue; command us not to put any one to but if from men, they will come to death. We desire that he may be cru - nought. cified, because he deserves the death 5 Thus Moses, when he was sent by of the cross. God into Egypt, wrought the mir- 17 Pilate saith to them, It is not fit acles which God commanded him, he should be crucified: let him be before Pharaoh king of Egypt; and only whipped and sent away. though the magicians of that coun- 18 But when the governor looked try, Jannes and Jambres, wrought by upon the people that were present their magic the same miracles which and the Jews, he saw many of the Moses did, yet they could not work Jews in tears, and said to the chief all which he did; priests of the Jews, All the people 6 And the miracles which the magi- do not desire his death. cians wrought, were not of God, as 19 The elders of the Jews answered ye know, O Scribes and Pharisees; to Pilate, We and all the people came but they who wrought them per- hither for this very purpose, that he ished, and all who believed them. should die. 7 And now let this man go; because 20 Pilate saith to them, Why should the very miracles for which ye accuse he die? him, are from God; and he is not 21 They said to him, Because he de- worthy of death. clares himself to be the Son of God 8 The Jews then said to Nicodemus, and a King. Art thou become his disciple, and making speeches in his favour? CHAPTER V. 9 Nicodemus said to them, Is the 1 Nicodemus speaks in defence of Christ, governor become his disciple also, and relates his miracles. 12 Another Jew, and does he make speeches for him? 26 with Veronica, 34 Centurio, and oth- Did not Caesar place him in that ers, testify of other miracles. high post? BUT Nicodemus, a certain Jew, 10 When the Jews heard this they stood before the governor, and said, trembled, and gnashed their teeth at I entreat thee, O righteous judge, Nicodemus, and said to him, Mayest that thou wouldst favour me with the thou receive his doctrine for truth, liberty of speaking a few words. and have thy lot with Christ! 2 Pilate said to him, Speak on.
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11 Nicodemus replied, Amen; I will manded that I should be brought to receive his doctrine, and my lot with him, and said to me, What wilt thou? him, as ye have said. 22 I said, Lord, that I may receive 12 Then another certain Jew rose my sight. up, and desired leave of the gov- 23 He said to me, Receive thy sight: ernor to hear him a few words. and presently I saw, and followed 13 And the governor said, Speak, him, rejoicing and giving thanks, what thou hast a mind. 24 Another Jew also came forth, and 14 And he said, I lay for thirty- said, I was a leper, and he cured me eight years by the sheep-pool at Jer - by his word only, saying, I will, be usalem, labouring under a great in- thou clean; and presently I was firmity, and waiting for a cure which cleansed from my leprosy. should be wrought by the coming of 25 And another Jew came forth, and an angel, who at a certain time said I was crooked, and he made me troubled the water: and whosoever straight by his word. first after the troubling of the water 26 And a certain woman named stepped in, was made whole of what- Veronica, said, I was afflicted with soever disease he had. an issue of blood twelve years, and I 15 And when Jesus saw me languish - touched the hem of his garment, and ing there, he said to me, Wilt thou presently the issue of blood stopped. be made whole? And I answered, Sir, 27 The Jews then said, We have a I have no man, when the water is law, that a woman shall not be al - troubled, to put me into the pool. lowed as an evidence. 16 And he said unto me, Rise, take 28 And, after other things, another up thy bed and walk. And I was im - Jew said, I saw Jesus invited to a mediately made whole, and took up wedding with his disciples, and there my bed and walked. was a want of wine in Cana of Ga- 17 The Jews then said to Pilate, Our lilee; Lord Governor, pray ask him what 29 And when the wine was all day it was on which he was cured of drank, he commanded the servants his infirmity. that they should fill six pots which 18 The infirm person replied, It was were there with water, and they filled on the sabbath. them up to the brim, and he blessed 19 The Jews said to Pilate, Did we them and turned the water into wine, not say that he wrought his cures on and all the people drank, being sur - the sabbath, and cast out devils by prised at this miracle, the prince of devils? 30 And another Jew stood forth, 20 Then another certain Jew came and said, I saw Jesus teaching in the forth, and said, I was blind, could synagogue at Capernaum; and there hear sounds, but could not see any was in the synagogue a certain man one; and as Jesus was going along, I who had a devil; and he cried out, heard the multitude passing by, and I saying, let me alone; what have we to asked what was there? do with thee, Jesus of Nazareth? Art 21 They told me that Jesus was thou come to destroy us? I know passing by: then I cried out, saying, that thou art the Holy One of God. Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on 31 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, me. And he stood still, and com- Hold thy peace, unclean spirit, and come out of the man; and presently
7 GOSPEL OF NICODEMUS he came out of him, and did not at 42 Some of them farther said, This all hurt him. power can proceed from none but 32 The following things were also God. said by a Pharisee: I saw that a great 43 Pilate said to the Jews, Why are company came to Jesus from Galilee not the devils subject to your doc- and Judea, and the sea-cost, and tors? many countries about Jordan; and 44 Some of them said, The power many infirm persons came to him, of subjecting devils cannot proceed and he healed them all. but from God. 33 And I heard the unclean spirits 45 But others said to Pilate, That he crying out, and saying, Thou art the had raised Lazarus from the dead, Son of God. And Jesus strictly after he had been four days in his charged them, that they should not grave. make him known. 46 The governor hearing this, trem- 34 After this another person, whose bling, said to the multitude of the name was Centurio, said, I saw Jesus Jews, What will it profit you to shed in Capernaum, and I entreated him, innocent blood? saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy. CHAPTER VI. 35 And Jesus said to me, I will come 1 Pilate dismayed by the turbulence of the and cure him. Jews, 5 who demand Barabbas to be re- 36 But I said, Lord, I am not worthy leased, and Christ to be crucified. 9 Pil- that thou shouldst come under my ate warmly expostulates with them, 20 roof; but only speak the word, and washes his hands of Christ's blood, 23 my servant shall be healed. and sentences him to be whipped and cru - 37 And Jesus said unto me, Go thy cified. way; and as thou hast believed so be THEN Pilate having called together it done unto thee. And my servant Nicodemus, and the fifteen men who was healed from that same hour. said that Jesus was not born through 38 Then a certain nobleman said, I fornication, said to them, What shall had a son in Capernaum, who lay at I do, seeing there is like to be a tu- the point of death; and when I heard mult among the people. that Jesus was come into Galilee, I 2 They say unto him, We know not; went and besought him that he let them look to it who raise the tu - would come down to my house, and mult. heal my son, for he was at the point 3 Pilate then called the multitude of death. again, and said to them, Ye know 39 He said to me, Go thy way, thy that ye have a custom, that I should son liveth. release to you one prisoner at the 40 And my son was cured from that feast of the passover: hour. 4 I have a noted prisoner, a murder- 41 Besides these, also many others er, who is called Barabbas, and Jesus of the Jews, both men and Women, who is called Christ, in whom I find cried out and said, He is truly the nothing that deserves death; which Son of God, who cures all diseases of them, therefore, have you a mind only by his word, and to whom the that I should release to you? devils are altogether subject. 5 They all cry out, and say, Release to us Barabbas.
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6 Pilate saith to them, What then ledge Caesar to be king, and not Je - shall I do with Jesus who is called sus; Christ? 16 Whereas this person, as soon as 7 They all answer, Let him be cruci- he was born, the wise men came and fied. offered gifts unto him; which when 8 Again they cry out and say to Pil- Herod heard, he was exceedingly ate, You are not the friend of troubled, and would have killed him: Caesar, if you release this man; for 17 When his father knew this, he he hath declared that he is the Son fled with him and his mother Mary of God, and a king. But are you in- into Egypt. Herod, when he heard he clined that he should be king, and was born, would have slain him; and not Caesar? accordingly sent and slew all the 9 Then Pilate filled with anger said children which were in Bethlehem, to them, Your nation hath always and in all the coasts thereof, from been seditious, and you are always two years old and under. against those who have been service - 18 When Pilate heard this account, able to you. he was afraid; and commanding si- 10 The Jews replied, Who are those lence among the people, who made a who have been serviceable to us? noise, he said to Jesus, Art thou 11 Pilate answered them, Your God therefore a king? who delivered you from the hard 19 All the Jews replied to Pilate, he bondage of the Egyptians, and is the very person whom Herod brought you over the Red Sea as sought to have slain. though it had been dry land, and fed 20 Then Pilate taking water, washed you in the wilderness with manna his hands before the people and said, and the flesh of quails, and brought I am innocent of the blood of this water out of the rock, and gave you just person; look ye to it. a law from heaven. 21 The Jews answered and said, His 12 Ye provoked him all ways, and blood be upon us and our children. desired for yourselves a molten calf, 22 Then Pilate commanded Jesus to and worshipped it, and sacrificed to be brought before him, and spake to it, and said, These are thy Gods, O him in the following words; Israel, which brought thee out of the 23 Thy own nation hath charged land of Egypt: thee as making thyself a king; where - 13 On account of which your God fore I, Pilate, sentence thee to be was inclined to destroy you; but whipped according to the laws of Moses interceded for you, and your former governors; and that thou be God heard him, and forgave your first bound, then hanged upon a iniquity. cross in that place where thou art 14 Afterwards ye were enraged now a prisoner; and also two crimin- against, and would have killed your als with thee, whose names are Di- prophets, Moses and Aaron, when mas and Gestas. they fled to the tabernacle, and ye were always murmuring against God CHAPTER VII. and his prophets. 1 Manner of Christ's crucifixion with the 15 And arising from his judgment two thieves. seat, he would have gone out; but THEN Jesus went out of the hall, the Jews all cried out, We acknow- and the two thieves with him.
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2 And when they came to the place 12 After this, groaning, he said to which is called Golgotha, they stript Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou him of his raiment, and girt him comest into thy kingdom. about with a linen cloth, and put a 13 Jesus answering, said to him, crown of thorns upon his head, and Verily I say unto thee, that this day put a reed in his hand. thou shalt be with me in Paradise. 3 And in like manner did they to the two thieves who were crucified with CHAPTER VIII. him, Dimas on his right hand and 1 Miraculous appearance at his death. 10 Gestas on his left. The Jews say the eclipse was natural. 12 4 But Jesus said, My Father, forgive Joseph of Arimathcea embalms Christ's them, For they know not what they body and buries it. do. AND it was about the sixth hour, 5 And they divided his garments, and darkness was upon the face of and upon his vesture they cast lots. the whole earth until the ninth hour. 6 The people in the mean time 2 And while the sun was eclipsed, stood by, and the chief priests and behold the veil of the temple was elders of the Jews mocked him, say- rent from the top, to the bottom; ing, He saved others, let him now and the rocks also were rent, and the save himself if he can; if he be the graves opened, and many bodies of son of God, let him now come down saints, which slept, arose. from the cross. 3 And about the ninth hour Jesus 7 The soldiers also mocked him, and cried out with a loud voice, Eli, Eli, taking vinegar and gall, offered it to lama sabacthani? which being inter- him to drink, and said to him, If preted is, My God, My God, why thou art king of the Jews, deliver hast thou forsaken me? thyself. 4 And after these things, Jesus said, 8 Then Longinus, a certain soldier, Father, into thy hands I commend taking a spear,' pierced his side, and my spirit; and having said this, he presently there came forth blood and gave up the ghost. water. 5 But when the centurion saw that 9 And Pilate wrote the title upon Jesus thus crying out gave up the the cross in Hebrew, Latin, and ghost, he glorified God, and said, Of Greek letters, viz., THIS IS THE a truth this was a just man. KING OF THE JEWS. 6 And all the people who stood by, 10 But one of the two thieves who were exceedingly troubled at the were crucified with Jesus, whose sight; and reflecting upon what had name was Gestas, said to Jesus, If passed, smote upon their breasts, thou art the Christ, deliver thyself and then returned to the city of Jer - and us. usalem. 11 But the thief who was crucified 7 The centurion went to the gov- on his right hand, whose name was ernor, and related to him all that had Dimas, answering, rebuked him, and passed: said, Dost not thou fear God, who 8 And when he had heard all these art condemned to this punishment? things, he was exceedingly sorrowful; We indeed receive rightly and justly 9 And calling the Jews together, said the demerit of our actions; but this to them, Have ye seen the miracle of Jesus, what evil hath he done. the sun's eclipse, and the other
10 GOSPEL OF NICODEMUS things which came to pass, while Je- 2 But when they all concealed them - sus was dying? selves through fear of the Jews, 10 Which when the Jews heard, they Nicodemus alone showed himself to answered to the governor, The ec- them, and said, How can such per- lipse of the sun happened according sons as these enter into the syn- to its usual custom. agogue? 11 But all those who were the ac- 3 The Jews answered him, But how quaintance of Christ, stood at a dis- durst thou enter into the synagogue, tance, as did the women who had who wast a confederate with Christ? followed Jesus from Galilee, ob- Let thy lot be along with him in the serving all these things. other world. 12 And behold a certain man of Ar- 4 Nicodemus answered, Amen; so imathaea, named Joseph, who was may it be, that I may have my lot also a disciple of Jesus, but not with him in his kingdom. openly so, for fear of the Jews, came 5 In like manner Joseph, when he to the governor, and entreated the came to the Jews, said to them, Why governor that he would give him are ye angry with me for desiring the leave to take away the body of Jesus body of Jesus of Pilate? Behold, I from the cross. have put him in my tomb, and 13 And the governor gave him leave. wrapped him up in clean linen, and 14 And Nicodemus came, bringing put a stone at the door of the sep- with him a mixture of myrrh and ulchre: aloes about a hundred pounds 6 I have acted rightly towards him; weight; and they took down Jesus but ye have acted unjustly against from the cross with tears, and bound that just person, in crucifying him, him in linen cloths with spices, ac - giving him vinegar to drink, crown- cording to the custom of burying ing him with thorns, tearing his body among the Jews; with whips, and praying down the 15 And placed him in a new tomb, guilt of his blood upon you. which Joseph had built, and caused 7 The Jews at the hearing of this to be cut out of a rock, in which were disquieted and troubled; and never any man had been put; and they seized Joseph, and commanded they rolled a great stone to the door him to be put in custody before the of the sepulchre. Sabbath, and kept there till the Sab - bath was over. CHAPTER IX. 8 And they said to him, Make con- 1 The Jews angry with Nicodemus: 5 and fession; for at this time it is not law - with, Joseph of Arimathaea, 7 whom they ful to do thee any harm, till the first imprison. day of the week come. But we know WHEN the unjust Jews heard that that thou wilt not be thought worthy Joseph had begged and buried the of a burial; but we will give thy flesh body of Jesus, they sought after to the birds of the air, and the Nicodemus, and those fifteen men beasts of the earth. who had testified before the gov- 9 Joseph answered, That speech is ernor, that Jesus was not born like the speech of proud Goliath, through fornication, and other good who reproached the living God in persons who had shown any good ac- speaking against David. But ye tions towards him. scribes and doctors know that God
11 GOSPEL OF NICODEMUS saith by the prophet, Vengeance is mired and were astonished, because mine, and I will repay to you evil they found the same seal upon the equal to that which ye have lock of the chamber, and could not threatened to me. find Joseph. 10 The God whom you have hanged 2 Then Annas and Caiaphas went upon the cross, is able to deliver me forth, and while they were all admir- out of your hands. All your wicked- ing at Joseph's being gone, behold ness will return upon you. one of the soldiers, who kept the 11 For the governor, when he sepulchre of Jesus, spake in the as - washed his hands, said, I am clear sembly, from the blood of this just person. 3 That while they were guarding the But ye answered and cried out, His sepulchre of Jesus, there was an blood be upon us and our children. earthquake; and we saw an angel of According as ye have said, may ye God roll away the stone of the sep - perish for ever. ulchre and sit upon it; 12 The elders of the Jews hearing 4 And his countenance was like these words, were exceedingly en- lightning and his garment like snow; raged; and seizing Joseph, they put and we became through fear like per- him into a chamber where there was sons dead. no window; they fastened the door, 5 And we heard an angel saying to and put a seal upon the lock; the women at the sepulchre of Jesus, 13 And Annas and Caiaphas placed a Do not fear; I know that you seek Je - guard upon it, and took counsel with sus who was crucified; he is risen as the priests and Levites, that they he foretold; should all meet after the Sabbath, 6 Come and see the place where he and they contrived to what death was laid; and go presently, and tell they should put Joseph. his disciples that he is risen from the 14 When they had done this, the dead; and he will go before you into rulers, Annas and Caiaphas, ordered Galilee; there ye shall see him as he Joseph to be brought forth. (In this told you. place there is a portion of the Gos- 7 Then the Jews called together all pel lost or omitted. which cannot be the soldiers who kept the sepulchre supplied. It may, nevertheless, be of Jesus, and said to them, Who are surmised from the occurrence re- those women, to whom the angel lated in the next chapter, that the or- spoke? Why did ye not seize them. der of Annas and Caiaphas were 8 The soldiers answered and said, rendered unnecessary by Joseph's We know not who the women were; miraculous escape, and which was besides we became as dead persons announced to an assembly of through fear, and how could we seize people.) those women? 9 The Jews said to them, As the CHAPTER X. Lord liveth, we do not believe you; 1 Joseph's escape. 2 The soldiers relate 10 The soldiers answering said to Christ's resurrection. 18 Christ is seen the Jews, when ye saw and heard Je - preaching in Galilee. 21 The Jews repent sus working so many miracles, and of their cruelty to him. did not believe him, how should ye WHEN all the assembly heard this believe us? Ye well said, As the Lord (about Joseph's escape), they ad- liveth, for the Lord truly does live.
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11 We have heard that ye shut up Father, and the Son, and the Holy Joseph, who buried the body of Je- Ghost; and whosoever shall believe sus, in a chamber, under a lock and be baptized, shall be saved. which was sealed; and when ye 21 And when he had said these opened it, found him not there. things to his disciples, we saw him 12 Do ye then produce Joseph ascending up to heaven. whom ye put under guard in the 22 When the chief priests and eld- chamber, and we will produce Jesus ers, and Levites heard these things, whom we guarded in the sepulchre. they said to these three men, Give 13 The Jews answered and said, We glory to the God of Israel, and make will produce Joseph, do ye produce confession to him, whether those Jesus. But Joseph is in his own city things are true, which ye say ye have of Arimathaea. seen and heard. 14 The soldiers replied, If Joseph 23 They answering said, As the Lord be in Arimathaea, and Jesus in Ga- of our fathers liveth, the God of lilee, we heard the angel inform the Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and women. the God of Jacob, according as we 15 The Jews hearing this, were heard Jesus talking with his disciples, afraid, and said among themselves, and according as we saw him ascend- If by any means these things should ing up to heaven, so we have related become public, then everybody will the truth to you. believe in Jesus. 24 And the three men farther 16 Then they gathered a large sum answered, and said, adding these of money, and gave it to the soldiers, words, If we should not own the saying, Do ye tell the people that the words which we heard Jesus speak, disciples of Jesus came in the night and that we saw him ascending into when ye were asleep, and stole away heaven, we should be guilty of sin. the body of Jesus; and if Pilate the 25 Then the chief priests immedi- governor should hear of this, we will ately rose up, and holding the book satisfy him and secure you. of the law in their hands, conjured 17 The soldiers accordingly took the these men, saying, Ye shall no more money, and said as they were instruc - hereafter declare those things which ted by the Jews; and their report was ye have spoken concerning Jesus. spread abroad among all the people. 26 And they gave them a large sum 18 But a certain priest Phinees, Ada of money, and sent other persons a schoolmaster, and a Levite, named along with them, who should con- Ageus, they three came from Galilee duct them to their own country, that to Jerusalem, and told the chief they might not by any means make priests and all who were in the syn- any stay at Jerusalem. agogues, saying, 27 Then the Jews did assemble all 19 We have seen Jesus, whom ye together, and having expressed the crucified, talking with his eleven dis - most lamentable concern said, What ciples, and sitting in the midst of is this extraordinary thing which is them in Mount Olivet, and saying to come to pass in Jerusalem? them, 28 But Annas and Caiaphas comfor - 20 Go forth into the whole world, ted them, saying, Why should we be- preach the Gospel to all nations, lieve the soldiers who guarded the baptizing them in the name of the sepulchre of Jesus, in telling us, that
13 GOSPEL OF NICODEMUS an angel rolled away the stone from 5 And the counsel of Nicodemus the door of the sepulchre? pleased all the people; and they sent 29 Perhaps his own disciples told forth men who sought for Jesus, but them this, and gave them money that could not find him; and they return- they should say so, and they them- ing, said, We went all about, but selves took away the body of Jesus. could not find Jesus, but we have 30 Besides, consider this, that there found Joseph in his city of Arimath- is no credit to be given to foreigners, aea. because they also took a large sum 6 The rulers hearing this, and all the of us, and they have declared to us people, were glad, and praised the according to the instructions which God of Israel, because Joseph was we gave them. They must either be found, whom they had shut up in a faithful to us or to the disciples of chamber, and could not find. Jesus. 7 And when they had formed a large assembly, the chief priests said, By CHAPTER XI. what means shall we bring Joseph to 1 Nicodemus counsels the Jews. 6 Joseph us to speak with him? found. 11 Invited by the Jews to return. 19 8 And taking a piece of paper, they Relates the manner of his miraculous es - wrote to him, and said, Peace be cape. with thee, and all thy family, We THEN Nicodemus arose, and said, know that we have offended against Ye say right, O sons of Israel; ye God and thee. Be pleased to give a have heard what those three men visit to us, your fathers, for we were have sworn by the Law of God, who perfectly surprised at your escape said, We have seen Jesus speaking from prison. with his disciples upon mount Oliv- 9 We know that it was malicious et, and we saw him ascending up to counsel which we took against thee, heaven. and that the Lord took care of thee, 2 And the scripture teacheth us that and the Lord himself delivered thee the blessed prophet Elijah was taken from our designs. Peace be unto up to heaven, and Elisha being asked thee, Joseph, who art honourable by the sons of the prophets, Where among all the people. is our father Elijah? He said to them, 10 And they chose seven of Joseph's that he is taken up to heaven. friends, and said to them, When ye 3 And the sons of the prophets said come to Joseph, salute him in peace, to him, Perhaps the spirit hath car - and give him this letter. ried him into one of the mountains 11 Accordingly, when the men came of Israel, there perhaps we shall find to Joseph, they did salute him in him. And they besought Elisha, and peace, and gave him the letter. he walked about with them three 12 And when Joseph had read it, he days, and they could not find him. said, Blessed be the Lord God, who 4 And now hear me, O sons of Is- didst deliver me from the Israelites, rael, and let us send men into the that they could not shed my blood. mountains of Israel, lest perhaps the Blessed be God, who hast protected spirit hath carried away Jesus, and me under thy wings. there perhaps we shall find him, and 13 And Joseph kissed them, and be satisfied. took them into his house. And on the morrow, Joseph mounted his ass,
14 GOSPEL OF NICODEMUS and went along with them to Jerus - Nazareth, whose body thou didst alem. bury. 14 And when all the Jews heard 23 I said to him, show me the tomb these things, they went out to meet in which I laid thee. him, and cried out, saying, Peace at - 24 Then Jesus, taking me by the tend thy coming hither, father hand, led me unto the place where I Joseph. laid him, and showed me the linen 15 To which he answered, Prosperity clothes, and napkin which I put from the Lord attend all the people. round his head. Then I knew that it 13 And they all kissed him; and was Jesus, and worshipped him, and Nicodemus took him to his house, said; Blessed be he who cometh in having prepared a large entertain- the name of the Lord. ment. 25 Jesus again taking me by the 17 But on the morrow, being a pre - hand, led me to Arimathaea, to my paration-day, Annas, and Caiaphas, own house, and said to me, Peace be and Nicodemus, said to Joseph, to thee; but go not out of thy house Make confession to the God of Is - till the fortieth day; but I must go to rael, and answer to us all those ques- my disciples. tions which we shall ask thee; 18 For we have been very much CHAPTER XII. troubled, that thou didst bury the 1 The Jews astonished and confounded. 16 body of Jesus; and that when we had Simeon's two sons, Charinus and Lenthi- locked thee in a chamber, we could us, rise from the dead at Christ's cruci - not find thee; and we have been fixion. 19 Joseph proposes to get them to afraid ever since, till this time of thy relate the mysteries of their resurrection. appearing among us. Tell us there- 21 They are sought and found, 22 brought fore before God, all that came to to the synagogue, 23 privately sworn to pass. secrecy, 25 and undertake to write what 19 Then Joseph answering, said Ye they had seen. did indeed put me under confine- WHEN the chief priests and Levites ment, on the day of preparation, till heard all these things, they were as - the morning. tonished, and fell down with their 20 But while I was standing at pray - faces on the ground as dead men, er in the middle of the night, the and crying out to one another, said, house was surrounded with four an- What is this extraordinary sign which gels; and I saw Jesus as the bright- is come to pass in Jerusalem? We ness of the sun, and fell down upon know the father and mother of Jesus. the earth for fear. 2 And a certain Levite said, I know 21 But Jesus laying hold on my many of his relations, religions per- hand, lifted me from the ground, and sons, who are wont to offer sacri - the dew was then sprinkled upon me; fices and burnt-offerings to the God but he, wiping my face, kissed me, of Israel, in the temple, with prayers. and said unto me, Fear not, Joseph; 3 And when the high-priest Simeon look upon me for it is I. took him up in his arms, he said to 22 Then I looked upon him, and him, Lord, now lettest thou thy ser - said, Rabboni Elias! He answered vant depart in peace, according to me, I am not Elias, but Jesus of thy word; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which then halt pre -
15 GOSPEL OF NICODEMUS pared before the face of all people; a with his disciples in Mount Olivet, light to enlighten the Gentiles, and and ascending up to heaven. the glory of thy people Israel. 13 Then Joseph rising up, said to 4 Simeon in like manner blessed Annas and Caiaphas, Ye may be Mary the Mother of Jesus, and said justly under a great surprise, that to her, I declare to thee concerning you have been told, that Jesus is that child; He is appointed for the alive, and gone up to heaven. fall and rising again of many, and for 14 It is indeed a thing really surpris - a sign which shall be spoken against; ing, that he should not only himself 5 Yea, a sword shall pierce through arise from the dead, but also raise thine own soul also, and the others from their graves, who have thoughts of many hearts shall he re- been seen by many in Jerusalem. vealed. 15 And now hear me a little We all 6 Then said all the Jews, Let us send knew the blessed Simeon, the high- to those three men, who said they priest, who took Jesus when an in- saw him talking with his disciples in fant into his arms in the temple. mount Olivet. 16 This same Simeon had two sons 7 After this, they asked them what of his own, and we were all present they had seen; who answered with at their death and funeral. one accord, In the presence of the 17 Go therefore and see their God of Israel we affirm, that we tombs, for these are open, and they plainly saw Jesus talking with his dis- are risen: and behold, they are in the ciples in Mount Olivet, and ascend- city of Arimathaea, spending their ing up to heaven. time together in offices of devotion. 8 Then Annas and Caiaphas took 18 Some, indeed, have heard the them into separate places, and ex- sound of their voices in prayer, but amined them separately; who unan- they will not discourse with anyone, imously confessed the truth, and but they continue as mute as dead said, they had seen Jesus. men. 9 Then Annas and Caiaphas said 19 But come, let us go to them, and "Our law saith, By the mouth of two behave ourselves towards them with or three witnesses every word shall all due respect and caution. And if be established." we can bring them to swear, perhaps 10 But what have we said? The they will tell us some of the myster- blessed Enoch pleased God, and was ies of their resurrection. translated by the word of God; and 20 When the Jews heard this they the burying-place of the blessed were exceedingly rejoiced. Moses is known. 21 Then Annas and Caiaphas, 11 But Jesus was delivered to Pilate, Nicodemus, Joseph, and Gamaliel, whipped, crowned with thorns, spit went to Arimathaea, but did not find upon, pierced with a spear, crucified, them in their graves; but walking died upon the cross, and was buried, about the city, they found them on and his body the honourable Joseph their bended knees at their devo- buried in a new sepulchre, and he tions: testifies that he saw him alive. 22 Then saluting them with all re- 12 And besides, these men have de - spect and deference to God, they clared, that they saw him talking brought them to the synagogue at Jerusalem; and having shut the gates,
16 GOSPEL OF NICODEMUS they took the book of the law of the said, That light is the author of Lord, everlasting light, who hath promised 23 And putting it in their hands, to translate us to everlasting light. swore them by God Adonai, and the 5 Then Isaiah the prophet cried out God of Israel, who spake to our and said, This is the light of the fathers by the law and the prophets, Father, and the Son of God, accord- saying, If ye believe him who raised ing to my prophecy, when I was alive you from the dead, to be Jesus, tell upon earth. us what ye have seen, and how ye 6 The land of Zabulon, and the land were raised from the dead. of Nephthalim, beyond Jordan, a 24 Charinus and Lenthius, the two people who walked in darkness, saw sons of Simeon, trembled when they a great light; and to them who dwell- heard these things, and were dis- ed in the region of the shadow of turbed, and groaned; and at the same death, light is arisen. And now he is time looking up to heaven, they come, and hath enlightened us who made the sign of the cross with their sat in death. fingers on their tongues, 7 And while we were all rejoicing in 25 And immediately they spake, and the light which shone upon us, our said, Give each of us some paper, father Simeon came among us, and and we will write down for you all congratulating all the company, said, those things which we have seen. Glorify the Lord Jesus Christ the And they each sat down and wrote, Son of God. saying:— 8 Whom I took up in my arms when an infant in the temple, and being CHAPTER XIII. moved by the Holy Ghost, said to 1 The narrative of Charinus and Lenthi- him, and acknowledged, That now us commences. 3 A great light in hell. 7 mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Simeon arrives, and announces the coming which thou hast prepared before the of Christ. face of all people; a light to enlight - O LORD Jesus and Father, who art en the Gentiles, and the glory of thy God, also the resurrection and life people Israel. of the dead, give us leave to declare 9 All the saints who were in the thy mysteries, which we saw after depth of hell, hearing this, rejoiced death, belonging to thy cross; for we the more. are sworn by thy name. 10 Afterwards there came forth one 2 For thou hast forbidden thy ser - like a little hermit, and was asked by vants to declare the secret things, every one, Who art thou? which were wrought by thy divine 11 To which he replied, I am the power in hell. voice of one crying in the wilder - 3 When we were Placed with our ness, John the Baptist, and the fathers in the dept of hell, in the prophet of the Most High, who went blackness of darkness, on a sudden before his coming to prepare his there appeared the colour of the sun way, to give the knowledge of salva- like gold, and a substantial purple- tion to his people for the forgiveness coloured light enlightening the place. of sins. 4 Presently upon this, Adam, the 12 And I, John, when I saw Jesus father of all mankind, with all the coming to me, being moved by the patriarchs and prophets, rejoiced and Holy Ghost, I said, Behold the Lamb
17 GOSPEL OF NICODEMUS of God, behold him who takes away times, namely, till five thousand and the sins of the world. five hundred years be past. 13 And I baptized him in the river 6 Then will Christ, the most merci- Jordan, and saw the Holy Ghost des - ful Son of God, come on earth to cending upon him in the form of a raise again the human body of dove, and heard a voice from heaven Adam, and at the same time to raise saying, This is my beloved Son, in the bodies of the dead, and when he whom I am well pleased. cometh he will be baptized in 14 And now while I was going be- Jordan; fore him, I came down hither to ac- 7 Then with the oil of his mercyhe quaint you, that the Son of God will will anoint all those who believe in next visit us, and, as the day-spring him; and the oil of his mercy will from on high, will come to us, who continue to future generations, for are in darkness and the shadow of those who shall be born of the water death. and the Holy Ghost unto eternal life. 8 And when at that time the most CHAPTER XIV. merciful Son of God, Christ Jesus, 1 Adam causes Seth to relate what he shall come down on earth, he will in - heard from Michael the archangel, when troduce our father Adam into Para- he sent him to Paradise to entreat God to dise, to the tree of mercy. anoint his head in his sickness. 9 When all the patriarchs and BUT when the first man our father prophets heard all these things from Adam heard these things, that Jesus Seth, they rejoiced more. was baptized in Jordan, he called out to his son Seth, and said, CHAPTER XV. 2 Declare to your sons, the patri- 1 Quarrel between Satan and the prince archs and prophets, all those things, of hell, concerning the expected arrival of which thou didst hear from Michael, Christ in hell. the archangel, when I sent thee to WHILE all the saints were rejoicing, the gates of Paradise, to entreat God behold Satan, the prince and captain that he would annoint my head when of death, said to the prince of hell, I was sick. 2 Prepare to receive Jesus of Naz- 3 Then Seth, coming near to the areth himself, who boasted that he patriarchs and prophets, said, I, was the Son of God, and yet was a Seth, when I was praying to God at man afraid of death, and said, My the gates of Paradise, beheld the an- soul is sorrowful even to death. gel of the Lord, Michael, appear 3 Besides he did many injuries to unto me, saying, I am sent unto thee me and to many others; for those from the Lord; I am appointed to whom I made blind and lame and preside over human bodies. those also whom I tormented with 4 I tell thee, Seth, do not pray to several devils, he cured by his word; God in tears, and entreat him for the yea, and those whom I brought dead oil of the tree of mercy wherewith to thee, he by force takes away from to anoint thy father Adam for his thee. head-ache; 4 To this the prince of hell replied 5 Because thou canst not by any to Satan, Who is that so powerful means obtain it till the last day and prince, and yet a man who is afraid of death?
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5 For all the potentates of the earth had possession as a dead person, yet are subject to my power, whom thou he brought him to life again by his broughtest to subjection by thy power. power. 15 Satan answering, replied to the 6 But if he be so powerful in his prince of hell, It is the very same human nature, I affirm to thee for person, Jesus of Nazareth. truth, that he is almighty in his di- 16 Which when the prince of hell vine nature, and no man can resist heard, he said to him, I adjure thee his power: by the powers which belong to thee 7 When therefore he said he was and me, that thou bring him not to afraid of death, he designed to en- me. snare thee, and unhappy it will be to 17 For when I heard of the power thee for everlasting ages, of his word, I trembled for fear, and 8 Then Satan replying, said to the all my impious company were at the prince of hell, Why didst thou ex - same disturbed; press a doubt, and wast afraid to re - 18 And we were not able to detain ceive that Jesus of Nazareth, both Lazarus, but he gave himself a thy adversary and mine? shake, and with all the signs of 9 As for me, I tempted him and malice he immediately went away stirred up my old people the Jews from us; and the very earth, in which with zeal and anger against him; the dead body of Lazarus was 10 I sharpened the spear for his suf- lodged, presently turned him out fering; I mixed the gall and vinegar, alive. and commanded that he should drink 19 And I know now that he is it; I prepared the cross to crucify Almighty God who could perform him, and the nails to pierce through such things, who is mighty in his his hands and feet; and now his dominion, and mighty in his human death is near at hand, I will bring nature, who is the Saviour of man- him hither, subject both to thee and kind. me. 20 Bring not therefore this person 11 Then the prince of hell answer- hither, for he will set at liberty all ing, said, Thou saidst to me just those whom I hold in prison under now, that he took away the dead unbelief, and bound with the fetters from me by force. of their sins, and will conduct them 12 They who have been kept here to everlasting life. till they should live again upon earth, were taken away hence, not by CHAPTER XVI. their own power, but by prayers 1 Christ's arrival at hell-gates; the confu - made to God, and their almighty sion thereupon. 19 He descends into hell. God took them from me. AND while Satan and the Prince of 13 Who then is that Jesus of Naz - hell were discoursing thus to each areth that by his word hath taken other, on a sudden there was a voice away the dead from me without pray- as of thunder, and the rushing of er to God? winds, saying, Lift up your gates, O 14 Perhaps it is the same who took ye princes; and be ye lift up, O ever - away from me Lazarus, after he had lasting gates, and the King of Glory been four days dead, and did both shall come in. stink and was rotten, and of whom I
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2 When the prince of hell heard gates, and take away thine iron bars; this, he said to Satan, Depart from for thou wilt now be bound, and me, and begone out of my habita- have no power. tions; if thou art a powerful warrior, 13 Then was there a great voice, as fight with the King of Glory. But of the sound of thunder, saying, Lift what hast thou to do with him? up your gates, O princes; and be ye 3 And he cast him forth from his lifted up, ye gates of hell, and the habitations. King of Glory will enter in. 4 And the prince said to his impious 14 The prince of hell perceiving the officers, Shut the brass gates of same voice repeated, cried out, as cruelty, and make them fast with iron though he had been ignorant, Who is bars, and fight courageously, lest we that King of Glory? be taken captives. 15 David replied to the prince of 5 But when all the company of the hell, and said, I understand the saints heard this they spake with a words of that voice, because I spake loud voice of anger to the prince of them in his spirit. And now, as I hell, have before said, I say unto thee, the 6 Open thy gates, that the King of Lord strong and powerful, the Lord Glory may come in. mighty in battle: he is the King of 7 And the divine prophet David Glory, and he is the Lord in heaven cried out, saying, Did not I, when on and in earth. earth, truly prophesy and say, O that 16 He hath looked down to hear the men would praise the Lord for his groans of the prisoners, and to set goodness, and for his wonderful loose those that are appointed to works to the children of men! death. 8 For he hath broken the gates of 17 And now, thou filthy and stinking brass, and cut the bars of iron in prince of hell, open thy gates, that sunder. He hath taken them because the King of Glory may enter in; for of their iniquity, and because of he is the Lord of heaven and earth. their unrighteousness they are afflic- 18 While David was saying this, the ted. mighty Lord appeared in the form of 9 After this, another prophet, a man, and enlightened those places namely, holy Isaiah, spake in like which had ever before been in dark - manner to all the saints, Did not I ness. rightly prophesy to you when I was 19 And broke asunder the fetters alive on earth? which before could not be broken; 10 The dead men shall live, and they and with his invincible power visited shall rise again who are in their those who sate in the deep darkness graves, and they shall rejoice who are by iniquity, and the shadow of death in the earth; for the dew which is by sin. from the Lord, shall bring deliver- ance to them. CHAPTER XVII. 11 And I said in another place, O 1 Death and the devils in great horror at grave, where is thy victory? O death, Christ's coming. 13 He tramples on death, where is thy sting? seizes the prince of hell, and takes Adam 12 When all the saints heard these with him to Heaven. things spoken by Isaiah, they said to IMPIOUS death and her cruel of- the prince of hell, Open now thy ficers hearing these things, were
20 GOSPEL OF NICODEMUS seized with fear in their several king- presents as these to the princes of doms, when they saw the clearness hell. of the light, 11 Who therefore art thou, who with 2 And Christ himself on a sudden such courage enterest among our appearing in their habitations, they abodes, and art not only not afraid cried out therefore, and said, We are to threaten us with the greatest pun- bound by thee; thou seemest to in- ishments, but also endeavourest to tend our confusion before the Lord. rescue all others from the chains in 3 Who art thou, who has no signs which we hold them? of corruption, but that bright ap- 12 Perhaps thou art that Jesus, of pearance which is a full proof of thy whom Satan just now spoke to our greatness, of which yet thou seemest prince, that by the death of the cross to take no notice? thou wert about to receive the power 4 Who art thou, so powerful, and so of death. weak, so great and so little; mean, 13 Then the King of Glory tramp- and yet a soldier of the first rank, ling upon death, seized the prince of who can command in the form of a hell, deprived him of all his power, servant and a common soldier? and took our earthly father Adam 5 The king of Glory, dead and alive, with him to his glory. though once slain upon the cross? 6 Who layest dead in the grave, and CHAPTER XVIII. art come down alive to us, and in thy 1 Beelzebub, prince of hell, vehemently death all the creatures trembled, and upbraids Satan for persecuting Christ and all the stars were moved; and now bringing him to hell. 14 Christ gives hast thy liberty among the dead, and Beelzebub dominion over Satan forever, as givest disturbance to our legions? a recompence for taking away Adam and 7 Who art thou, who dost release his sons. the captives that were held in chains THEN the prince of hell took by original sin, and bringest them Satan, and with great indignation into their former liberty? said to him, O thou prince of de- 8 Who art thou, who dost spread so struction, author of Beelzebub's de- glorious and divine a light over those feat and banishment, the scorn of who were made blind by the dark- God's angels and loathed by all ness of sin? righteous persons! What inclined 9 In like manner all the legions of thee to act thus? devils were seized with the like hor - 2 Thou wouldst crucify the King of ror, and with the most submissive Glory, and by his destruction, hast fear cried out, and said, made us promises of very large ad- 10 Whence comes it, O thou Jesus vantages, but as a fool wert ignorant Christ, that thou art a man so power - of what thou wast about. ful and glorious in majesty so bright 3 For behold now that Jesus of as to have no spot, and so pure as to Nazareth, with the brightness of his have no crime? For that lower world glorious divinity, puts to flight all of earth, which was ever till now the horrid powers of darkness and subject to us, and from whence we death; received tribute, never sent us such a 4 He has broke down our prisons dead man before, never sent such from top to bottom, dismissed all the captives, released all who were
21 GOSPEL OF NICODEMUS bound, and all who were wont eous, and thereby hast lost all the formerly to groan under the weight sinners, impious and unrighteous of their torments, have now insulted persons in the whole world? us, and we are like to be defeated by 14 While the prince of hell was thus their prayers. speaking to Satan, the King of Glory 5 Our impious dominions are sub- said to Beelzebub the prince of hell, dued, and no part of mankind is now Satan the prince shall he subject to left in our subjection, but on the thy dominions for ever, in the room other hand, they all boldly defy us; of Adam and his righteous sons, who 6 Though, before, the dead never are mine, durst behave themselves insolently towards us, nor being prisoners, CHAPTER XIX. could ever on any occasion be merry. 1 Christ takes Adam by the hand, the 7 O Satan, thou prince of all the rest of the saints join hands, and they all wicked, father of the impious and ascend with him to Paradise. abandoned, why wouldest thou at- THEN Jesus stretched forth his tempt this exploit, seeing our prison - hand, and said, Come to me, all ye ers were hitherto always without the my saints, who were created in my least hope of salvation and life? image, who were condemned by the 8 But now there is not one of them tree of the forbidden fruit, and by does ever groan, nor is there the the devil and death; least appearance of a tear in any of 2 Live now by the wood of my their faces. cross; the devil, the prince of this 9 O prince Satan, thou great keeper world, is overcome, and death is of the infernal regions, all thy ad - conquered, vantages which thou didst acquire by 3 Then presently all the saints were the forbidden tree, and the loss of joined together under the hand of Paradise, thou hast now lost by the the most high God; and the Lord Je- wood of the cross; sus laid hold on Adam's hand, and 10 And thy happiness all then ex- said to him, Peace be to thee, and all pired, when thou didst crucify Jesus thy righteous posterity, which is Christ the King of Glory. mine. 11 Thou hast acted against thine 4 Then Adam, casting himself at the own interest and mine, as thou wilt feet of Jesus, addressed himself to presently perceive by those large tor - him with tears, in humble language, ments and infinite punishments and a loud voice, saying, which thou art about to suffer. 5 "I will extol thee, O Lord, for 12 O Satan, prince of all evil, au- thou halt lifted me up, and hast not thor of death, and source of all made my foes to rejoice over me. O pride, thou shouldest first have in - Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and quired into the evil crimes of Jesus thou hast healed me." of Nazareth, and then thou wouldest 6 "O Lord thou hast brought up my have found that he was guilty of no soul from the grave; thou hast kept fault worthy of death. me alive, that I should not go down 13 Why didst thou venture, without to the pit." either reason or justice, to crucify 7 "Sing unto the Lord, all ye saints him, and hast brought down to our of his, and give thanks at the re- regions a person innocent and right - membrance of his holiness, for his
22 GOSPEL OF NICODEMUS anger endureth but for a moment; in 17 And all the saints said, Blessed is his favour is life." he who cometh in the name of the 8 In like manner all the saints, pros - Lord; for the Lord hath enlightened trate at the feet of Jesus, said with us. This is our God for ever and one voice, Thou art come, O Re - ever; he shall reign over us to ever- deemer of the world, and hast actu - lasting ages. Amen. ally accomplished all things, which 18 In like manner all the prophets thou didst foretell by the law and thy spake the sacred things of his praise, holy prophets. and followed the Lord. 9 Thou hast redeemed the living by thy cross, and art come down to us, CHAPTER XX. that by the death of the cross thou 1 Christ delivers Adam to Michael the mightest deliver us from hell, and by archangel. 3 They meet Enoch and Elijah thy power from death. in heaven, 5 and also the blessed thief, 10 O Lord, as thou hast put the en - who relates how he came to Paradise. signs of thy glory in heaven, and THEN the Lord, holding Adam by hast set up the sign of thy redemp - the hand, delivered him to Michael tion, even thy cross on earth; so, the archangel; and he led them into Lord, set the sign of the victory of Paradise, filled with mercy and glory; thy cross in hell, that death may have 2 And two very ancient men met dominion no longer. them, and were asked by the saints, 11 Then the Lord stretching forth Who are ye, who have not yet been his hand, made the sign of the cross with us in hell, and have had your upon Adam, and upon all his saints. bodies placed in Paradise? 12 And taking hold of Adam by his 3 One of them answering, said, I am right hand, he ascended from hell, Enoch, who was translated by the and all the saints of God followed word of God: and this man who is him. with me, is Elijah the Tishbite, who 13 Then the royal prophet, David, was translated in a fiery chariot. boldly cried, and said, O sing unto 4 Here we have hitherto been, and the Lord a new song, for he hath have not tasted death, but are now done marvellous things; his right about to return at the coming of An- hand and his holy arm have gotten tichrist, being armed with divine him the victory. signs and miracles, to engage with 14 The Lord hath made known his him in battle, and to be slain by him salvation, his righteousness hath he at Jerusalem, and to be taken up openly shewn in the sight of the alive again into the clouds, after heathen. three days and a half. 15 And the whole multitude of 5 And while the holy Enoch and saints answered, saying, This honour Elias were relating this, behold there have all his saints, Amen, Praise ye came another man in a miserable fig- the Lord. ure, carrying the sign of the cross 16 Afterwards, the prophet Habbak- upon his shoulders. uk cried out, and said, Thou wentest 6 And when all the saints saw him, forth for the salvation of thy people, they said to him, Who art thou? For even for salvation with thine anoin - thy countenance is like a thief's; and ted. why dost thou carry a cross upon thy shoulders?
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7 To which he answering, said, Ye provisions, in a spiritual and holy say right, for I was a thief, who com - life. Amen. mitted all sorts of wicked. ness upon earth. CHAPTER XXI. 8 And the Jews crucified me with 1 Charinus and Lenthius being only al- Jesus; and I observed the surprising lowed three days to remain on earth, 7 de- things which happened in the cre- liver in their narratives, which miracu - ation at the crucifixion of the Lord lously correspond; they vanish, 13 and Pi- Jesus. late records these transactions. 9 And I believed him to be the Cre - THESE are the divine and sacred ator of all things, and the Almighty mysteries which we saw and heard. King; and I prayed to him, saying, We, Charinus and Lenthius are not Lord remember me, when thou allowed to declare the other myster- comest into thy kingdom. ies of God, as the archangel Michael 10 He presently regarded my sup- ordered us, plication, and said to me, Verily I say 2 Saying, ye shall go with my unto thee, this day thou shalt be brethren to Jerusalem, and shall con - with me in Paradise. tinue in prayers, declaring and glori- 11 And he gave me this sign of the fying the resurrection of Jesus cross, saying, Carry this, and go to Christ, seeing he hath raised you Paradise; and if the angel who is the from the dead at the same time with guard of Paradise will not admit himself. thee, show him the sign of the cross, 3 And ye shall not talk with any and say unto him Jesus Christ who is man, but sit as dumb persons till the now crucified, hath sent me hither to time come when the Lord will allow thee. you to relate the mysteries of his di- 12 When I did this and told the an - vinity. gel who is the guard of Paradise all 4 The archangel Michael farther these things, and he heard them, he commanded us to go beyond Jordan, presently opened the gates, intro- to an excellent and fat country, duced me, and placed me on the where there are many who rose from right hand in Paradise, the dead along with us for the proof 13 Saying, Stay here a little time, till of the resurrection of Christ. Adam, the father of all mankind, 5 For we have only three days al- shall enter in, with all his sons, who lowed us from the dead, who arose are the holy and righteous servants to celebrate the passover of our of Jesus Christ, who was crucified. Lord with our parents, and to bear 14 When they heard all this account our testimony for Christ the Lord, from the thief, all the patriarchs said and we have been baptized in the with one voice, Blessed be thou, O holy river of Jordan. And now they Almighty God, the Father of ever - are not seen by any one. lasting goodness, and the Father of 6 This is as much as God allowed us mercies, who hast shown such favour to relate to you; give ye therefore to those who were sinners against praise and honour to him, and re - him, and hast brought them to the pent, and he will have mercy upon mercy of Paradise, and hast placed you. Peace be to you from the Lord them amidst thy large and spiritual God Jesus Christ, and the Saviour of us all. Amen, Amen, Amen.
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7 And after they had made an end AFTER these things Pilate went to of writing, and had written on two the temple of the Jews, and called distinct pieces of paper, Charinus together all the rulers and scribes, gave what he wrote into the hands and doctors of the law, and went of Annas, and Caiaphas, and with them into a chapel of the Gamaliel. temple. 8 Lenthius likewise gave what be 2 And commanding that all the wrote into the hands of Nicodemus gates should be shut, said to them, I and Joseph; and immediately they have heard that ye have a certain were changed into exceeding white large book in this temple; I desire forms and were seen no more. you, therefore, that it may be 9 But what they had written was brought before me. found perfectly to agree, the one not 3 And when the great book, carried containing one letter more or less by four ministers of the temple, and than the other. adorned with gold and precious 10 When all the assembly of the stones, was brought, Pilate said to Jews heard all these surprising rela - them all, I adjure you by the God of tions of Charinus and Lenthius, they your Fathers, who made and com- said to each other, Truly all these manded this temple to be built, that things were wrought by God, and ye conceal not the truth from me. blessed be the Lord Jesus for ever 4 Ye know all the things which are and ever, Amen. written in that book; tell me there- 11 And they went all out with great fore now, if ye in the Scriptures have concern, and fear, and trembling, found any thing of that Jesus whom and smote upon their breasts and ye crucified, and at what time of the went away every one to his home. world he, ought to have come: show 12 But immediately all these things it me. which were related by the Jews in 5 Then having sworn Annas and their synagogues concerning Jesus, Caiaphas, they commanded all the were presently told by Joseph and rest who were with them to go out Nicodemus to the governor. of the chapel. 13 And Pilate wrote down all these 6 And they shut the gates of the transactions, and placed all these ac - temple and of the chapel, and said to counts in the public records of his Pilate, Thou hast made us to swear, hall. O judge, by the building of this temple, to declare to thee that which CHAPTER XXII. is true and right. 1 Pilate goes to the temple; calls together 7 After we had crucified Jesus, not the rulers, and scribes, and doctors. 2 knowing that he was the Son of Commands the gates to be shut; orders the God, but supposing he wrought his book of the Scriptures; and causes the miracles by some magical arts, we Jews to relate what they really knew con - summoned a large assembly in this cerning Christ. 14 They declare that they temple. crucified Christ in ignorance, and that 8 And when we were deliberating they now know him to be the Son of God, among one another about the mir- according to the testimony of the Scrip - acles which Jesus had wrought, we tures; which, after they put him to death, found many witnesses of our own were examined. country, who declared that they had
25 GOSPEL OF NICODEMUS seen him alive after his death, and Christ was to come in the ark or tab- that they heard him discoursing with ernacle of a body; his disciples, and saw him ascending 14 And so our Scriptures testify that into the height of the heavens, and he is the Son of God, and the Lord entering into them; and King of Israel. 9 And we saw two witnesses, whose 15 And because after his suffering, bodies Jesus raised from the dead, our chief priests were surprised at who told us of many strange things the signs which were wrought by his which Jesus did among the dead, of means, we opened that book to which we have a written account in search all the generations down to our hands. the generation of Joseph and Mary 10 And it is our custom annually to the mother of Jesus, supposing him open this holy book before an as - to be of the seed of David; sembly, and to search there for the 16 And we found the account of the counsel of God. creation, and at what time he made 11 And we found in the first of the the heaven and the earth, and the seventy books, where Michael the first man Adam, and that from archangel is speaking to the third thence to the flood, were two thou- son of Adam the first man, an ac- sand seven hundred and forty- eight count that after five thousand five years. hundred years, Christ the most be- 17 And from the flood to Abraham, loved son of God was to come on nine hundred and twelve. And from earth, Abraham to Moses, four hundred 12 And we further considered, that and thirty. And from Moses to David perhaps he was the very God of Is - the King, five hundred and ten. rael who spoke to Moses, Thou shalt 18 And from David to the Babylon- make the ark of the testimony; two ish captivity five hundred years. And cubits and a half shall be the length from the Babylonish captivity to the thereof, and a cubit and a half the incarnation of Christ, four hundred breadth thereof, and a cubit and a years. half the height thereof. 19 The sum of all which amounts to 13 By these five cubits and a half five thousand and half (a thousand.) for the building of the ark of the 20 And so it appears, that Jesus Old Testament, we perceived and whom we crucified, is Jesus Christ knew that in five thousand years and the Son of God, and true Almighty half (one thousand) years, Jesus God. Amen.
In the name of the Holy Trinity, thus end the acts of our Saviour Jesus Christ, which the Emperor Theodosius the Great found at Jerusalem, in the hall of Pontius Pilate, among the public records; the things were acted in the nineteenth year of Tiberius Caesar, Emperor of the Romans, and in the seventeenth year of the government of Herod, the son of Herod and of Galilee, on the eighth of the calends of April, which is the twenty-third day of the month of March, in the CCIId Olympiad, when Joseph and Caiaphas were rulers of the Jews; being a History written in Hebrew by Nicodemus, of what happened after our Saviour's crucifixion.
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