Acts of Paul and Thecla 1

1When Paul went up to Iconium after fleeing from Antioch, Demas and Hermogenes became his companions, though at that time they were full of hypocrisy.

2But Paul, looking only to the goodness of God, did them no harm and loved them greatly.

3So he tried to make all the oracles and teachings of Christ, and the purpose of the gospel of God’s dearly loved Son, pleasing to them, instructing them in the knowledge of Christ as it had been revealed to him.

4A certain man named Onesiphorus heard that Paul had come to Iconium and quickly went out to meet him, together with his wife Lectra and his sons Simmia and Xeno, to invite him into their house.

5For Titus had given them a description of Paul’s appearance. They did not yet know him in person, but knew only his character.

6They went along the king’s highway toward Lystra and stood there waiting for him, comparing everyone who passed by with the description Titus had given them.

7At last they saw a man coming—namely, Paul—who was short, bald (or shaved) on the head, with crooked thighs, handsome legs, hollow eyes, and a crooked nose. He was full of grace, for sometimes he appeared as a man, and sometimes he had the face of an angel. Paul saw Onesiphorus and was glad.

8Onesiphorus said, “Greetings, servant of the blessed God.” Paul replied, “May the grace of God be with you and your family.”

9But Demas and Hermogenes were moved with envy, and, making a show of great religion, Demas said, “Are we not also servants of the blessed God? Why did you not greet us?”

10Onesiphorus replied, “Because I have not seen the fruits of righteousness in you. Nevertheless, if you are of that kind, you will also be welcome in my house.”

11Then Paul entered the house of Onesiphorus, and there was great joy among the family because of this. They devoted themselves to prayer, the breaking of bread, and listening to Paul preach the word of God concerning self-control and the resurrection, as follows:

12“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

13“Blessed are those who keep their flesh undefiled (or pure), for they shall be the temple of God.

14“Blessed are the self-controlled (or chaste), for God will reveal himself to them.

15“Blessed are those who abandon their worldly pleasures, for they shall be accepted by God.

16“Blessed are those who have wives as though they did not have them, for they shall be made angels of God.

17“Blessed are those who tremble at the word of God, for they shall be comforted.

18“Blessed are those who keep their baptism pure, for they shall find peace with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

19“Blessed are those who pursue the wisdom (or teaching) of Jesus Christ, for they shall be called sons of the Most High.

20“Blessed are those who observe the instructions of Jesus Christ, for they shall dwell in eternal light.

21“Blessed are those who, for the love of Christ, abandon the glories of the world, for they shall judge angels, be placed at the right hand of Christ, and not suffer the bitterness of the last judgment.

22“Blessed are the bodies and souls of virgins, for they are acceptable to God and shall not lose the reward of their virginity. For the word of their (heavenly) Father shall prove effective for their salvation on the day of his Son, and they shall enjoy rest forevermore.”