Acts of Paul and Thecla 6

1Meanwhile, Paul, together with Onesiphorus, his wife, and children, was keeping a fast in a certain cave on the road from Iconium to Daphne.

2And when they had fasted for several days, the children said to Paul, “Father, we are hungry, and have not wherewithal to buy bread”; for Onesiphorus had left all his substance to follow Paul with his family.

3Then Paul, taking off his coat, said to the boy, “Go, child, buy bread, and bring it here.”

4But while the boy was buying the bread, he saw his neighbor Thecla and was surprised, and said to her, “Thecla, where are you going?”

5She replied, “I am in pursuit of Paul, having been delivered from the flames.”

6The boy then said, “I will bring you to him, for he is under great concern on your account and has been in prayer and fasting these six days.”

7When Thecla came to the cave, she found Paul on his knees praying and saying, “O holy Father, O Lord Jesus Christ, grant that the fire may not touch Thecla; but be her helper, for she is your servant.”

8Thecla then, standing behind him, cried out in these words: “O sovereign Lord, Creator of heaven and earth, the Father of your beloved and holy Son, I praise you that you have preserved me from the fire, to see Paul again.”

9Paul then arose, and when he saw her, said, “O God, who searches the heart, Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, I praise you that you have answered my prayer.”

10And there prevailed among them in the cave an entire affection for each other, Paul, Onesiphorus, and all who were with them being filled with joy.

11They had five loaves, some herbs, and water, and they solaced each other in reflections upon the holy works of Christ.

12Then Thecla said to Paul, “If you are pleased with it, I will follow you wherever you go.”

13He replied to her, “Persons are now much given to fornication, and you being handsome, I am afraid lest you should meet with greater temptation than the former, and should not withstand, but be overcome by it.”

14Thecla replied, “Grant me only the seal of Christ, and no temptation shall affect me.”

15Paul answered, “Thecla, wait with patience, and you shall receive the gift of Christ.”