Acts of Paul and Thecla 4

1Then Thamyris stood before the governor’s judgment seat and spoke loudly as follows:

2“Governor, I do not know where this man comes from, but he teaches that marriage is unlawful. Therefore, command him to explain before you why he proclaims such doctrines.”

3While he was speaking, Demas and Hermogenes (whispered to Thamyris, and) said, “Say that he is a Christian, and he will immediately be put to death.”

4But the governor was more deliberate. He called Paul and said, “Who are you? What do you teach? They seem to accuse you of serious crimes.”

5Then Paul spoke loudly, saying, “Since I am now called to give an account of my teachings, Governor, I ask you to hear me.

6“God, who is a God of vengeance and needs nothing except the salvation of his creatures, has sent me to turn them away from their wickedness and corruption, from all (sinful) pleasures, and from death, and to persuade them to sin no more.

7“For this reason, God sent his Son Jesus Christ, whom I proclaim and in whom I teach people to place their hope. He alone had such compassion on the deluded world that it might not be condemned, Governor, but might have faith, the fear of God, the knowledge of religion, and the love of truth.

8“So if I teach only those things that I received by revelation from God, what is my crime?”

9When the governor heard this, he ordered Paul to be bound and put in prison until he had more time to hear him fully.

10But during the night, Thecla took off her earrings and gave them to the prison guard, who opened the doors for her and let her in.

11After she gave a silver mirror to the jailer, she was allowed to enter the room where Paul was. Then she sat at his feet and heard from him the great things of God.

12When she saw that Paul was not afraid to suffer but, with divine assistance, conducted himself courageously, her faith increased so greatly that she kissed his chains.