The First Apocalypse of James

The First Apocalypse of James

[A revelation of the Lord to James, before and after the passion; preserved with damage.]

The Lord said to James, Behold, I shall reveal to you your redemption. When you are seized and suffer these afflictions, many will be armed against you that they may take you; and in particular three of them will take you — those who sit as toll-collectors on the way. They demand not only toll but the souls they seize. When you fall into their hands, one of them, the guard, will say to you, Who are you, and where are you from? You shall say to him, I am a son, and I am from the Father. He will say, What kind of son, and from what Father? You shall say, I am from the Pre-existent Father, and a son in the Pre-existent One. [Line damaged]

James said, Rabbi, how shall I reach the Pre-existent One, since the powers and the hosts are armed against me? He said, These powers are not armed against you alone, but against all. Yet when you speak these words, you will escape them, and they will be put to shame and not pursue you; for you will rise up to the One who is, and you will no longer be James, but the One who is. And many will reach knowledge through you. Be strong, for you are the brother whom I have loved.

James said, Lord, after these afflictions, what shall I do? He said, Do not be afraid, James; you too will be seized. But leave Jerusalem, for she gives the cup of bitterness to the sons of light; she is a dwelling of many rulers. Yet your redemption will be saved from them. Understand who I am, and the manner of my coming, and tell these things to Addai, and let him write them and keep them; for they are not for this generation alone, but for those who will come after. [Text missing]

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