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truly know it, but they do not speak it. Those who do not have it do not know it. But the truth engendered names in the world for us, because it is impossible to know it (the truth) without names. The truth is a single thing and is many things. It is this way for our sake, in order to teach us this one thing in love through its many-ness. 13 The archons wanted to deceive the human because they saw that he was kin dred to the truly good ones. They took the name of the good ones and gave it to those that are not good, so that by names they could deceive him and bind them to the ones that are not good. If they do them a favor, they are taken away from those who are not good and given their place among those that are good. They knew these things. For they (the archons) wished to take the free person and en slave him forever. . . . 15 Before the Christ came there was no bread in the world. So also in paradise, the place where Adam was, there were many trees as food for the animals, but there was no wheat for human food. The human ate as the animals. But when the Christ, the perfect man came, he brought bread from heaven so that people could eat in a human way. 16 The archons believed that what they did was by their own power and will. However, the Holy Spirit secretly worked all through them as he willed. The truth is sown in every place; she (the truth) was from the beginning, and many see her as she is sown. But only a few see her being gathered in. 17 Some say Mary was impregnated by the Holy Spirit. They err. They do not know what they say. When did a woman become pregnant by a woman? Mary is the virgin whom no power corrupted. She is a great anathema to the Hebrews, who are the apostles and apostolic men. This
NON-CANONICAL GOSPELS
virgin whom no power defiled . . . the powers defiled them (or, themselves). The Lord (would) not have said, “My [Father who is in] Heaven,” if he had not had another Father. But he would have simply said: [“My Father.”] 18 The Lord said to the disciples . . . “Enter the Father’s house, but do not take anything in the Father’s house, nor re move anything.” 19 “Jesus” is a secret name; “Christ” is a revealed name. For this reason, “Je sus” does not exist in any (other) lan guage, but his name is always “Jesus,” as they say. “Christ” is also his name; in Syriac, it is “Messiah,” but, in Greek, it is “Christ.” Actually, everyone has it ac cording to his own language. “The Naz arene” is the one who reveals secret things. 20 The Christ has everything in him self: man, angel, mystery, and the Father. 21 They err who say, “The Lord first died and then he arose.” First he arose, and then he died. If someone does not first achieve the resurrection, will he not die? So truly as God lives, that one would . . . [text uncertain]. 22 No one will hide an extremely valu able thing in something of equal value. However, people often put things worth countless thousands into a thing worth a penny. It is this way with the soul. It is a precious thing which came into a worth less body. 23 Some fear that they will arise na ked. Therefore, they wish to arise in the flesh, and they do not know that those who carry the flesh are naked. They who . . . who disrobe themselves are not naked. Flesh [and blood can] not inherit the Kingdom [of God]. What is this which will not inherit? That which is on us. But what is this which will inherit? That which is of Jesus and of his blood. Therefore he said: “The one who does not eat my flesh and drink my blood does