Acta Philippi

61 But he saw it, and returned to his former likeness: and Nerkela asked pardon of him and made him welcome.

62, 63 And they professed belief and were instructed and baptized.

VI. In Nicatera, a city of Greece.

64 The Jews and heathens were displeased at Ireus’ conversion,

65 and sent seven men to his house. A handmaid told him of them; he came out smiling and asked their errand. The whole city wishes to see you. He followed them.

66 And the assembly were surprised at his modest garb. One Onesimus asked him to explain about the sorcerer Philip.

67Ireus: Why am I examined thus? do not trouble Philip.

68 But they said: Away with him. And Ireus went home and met Philip, who said: Are you afraid? No, he said.

69 The people now came with staves, crying out: Give us the deceiver.

70 Philip came forth and they took him to the assembly to scourge him, and said: Bind him hand and foot.

71 Ireus ran up the steps and cried: You shall not. But they would not hear, and Ireus pulled Philip away from them.

72 Philip said: If I choose, I can blind you. Aristarchus, son of Plegenes, a chief of the Jews, said: Do not be in a hurry to blind us: I know you can; but let us discuss, I am powerful, and if I let the people, they will stone you.

73 And he caught Philip by the beard; he was rather angry, because of the people, and said: Your hand and your ears and your right eye shall suffer for threatening me and insulting God.

74 His eye became hollow as if absent, his ears pained him, his right hand dangled useless. He cried out for mercy.

75 They all said: Heal our chief.

76 Philip told Ireus to go sign him with the cross and heal him in Jesus’ name, which was done, and he asked pardon and indulgence and leave to discuss the matter. And the people said: We will judge of it.

77 Philip smiled and bade him speak first. He said: Do you receive the prophets or no? Philip: Because of your unbelief there is need of the prophets. Aristarchus: It is written: Who shall declare thy might, O God? and, No man can know thy glory; and, Thy glory hath filled the earth; and, The Lord is judge of quick and dead; and, God is a consuming fire and shall burn up his enemies on every side; and, One God hath made all these things. How then say you that Mary bore Jesus? .--- But you will say that he is the power and wisdom of God who was with him when he made the world. I do not deny that the first Scripture says: Let us make man.

78 Philip smiled and said: Hearken all: Isaiah said, Behold my servant (child) whom I have chosen. --- And of the cross: He was led as a sheep to the slaughter. --- And again: I gave my back to the scourger. --- And another: I spread out my hands to a disobedient people. And: I was found of them that sought me not . --- And David saith: Thou art my son. --- And of his resurrection and Judas: Lord, why are they increased that trouble me. --- And again David: I foresaw the Lord alway before me. --- But David is dead. Take also of the twelve prophets: Say unto the daughter of Sion. --- And: Out of Egypt have I called my son.

79 Aristarchus said: This Jesus is called Christ. Isaiah: Thus saith the Lord unto Christ my lord. --- The Jews said: You are arguing for Christ. The people and rulers acclaimed Philip and said he should be received.

80 A bier was brought with a dead man, only son of a rich man: and with it ten slaves who were to be burnt with the corpse. The people said: Here is a great contest for the Christians. If theirs be God he will raise him and we will believe, and burn our idols.

81 Philip said to the parents: What will you do if I raise him? What you will. The slaves made signs to him to remember them. There was this evil law of burning slaves, and sometimes even men’s wives.