by Brent Landau
8. ADAM’S IGNORANCE OF GOD’S MERCY
8:1“And I did not understand my priority when I did not (yet) exist, and when I did exist, in what sort of honor I was, nor my authority over the entire world, nor my love among the holy watchers,82 nor my entire life inside Paradise, nor, more than everything, the mercy and kindness of my holy master who loved me and was merciful to me like a kind father. 8:2And when I transgressed against his commandment in my boldness, he did not judge me as a Lord who holds a grudge, but as a kind father whose mercy is mixed with discipline. 8:3For if he had judged me according to my foolishness, he would have destroyed me as vanity and made me as if I never existed. And who would stand up against him and say: ‘What are you doing?’83 8:4But he disciplined me with mercy and did not judge me according to my foolishness, since, behold, my son, I saw the entire creation, which is under my authority as before. 8:5And my deceiver, the Evil One, wanted to humiliate me with his fraud and be liberated from under my authority. On the contrary, my kind master, in his mercy, put him under my feet that I would trample him,84 having put fear upon me so that I would not obey his advice again. 8:6And like a judge (in) his justice, he shut his lying mouth and filled it with dust, and he tore off his feet so that he could not walk upon them, (and) heseparated him from every animal created like him.85 8:7And all these things happened to me, my son, and I was brought low from my majesty. The cause of all these evil things, Eve your mother, was a stumbling block for me. 8:8But you, my son, guard yourself from her advice and do not obey her as I (did,) but love and honor the Lord of life, my kind master, and he will save you and have mercy upon you.
9. ‘ADAM’S PREDICTION OF THE END TIMES
9:1“For there will be from my family and my children glorious and honorable people, (the reciters) of the mysteries of the majesty. And they will find great mercy and will pray, ask, and be heard. 9:2And [text missing] of the majesty, but at the end times of that generation they will again be [rebelling,] and they will not be afraid of my foolishness and of the judgment that I have.86 Instead, they shall be headstrong and shall speak blasphemy unto the heavenly majesty. 9:3And they will say many things,87 and shall also make painted idols and graven images, and shall even serve the sun and the moon,88 and they shall speak words of blasphemy. 9:4And all these things that are among them from the deceits of my treacherous deceiver, because he will offer the love of his fraud and his deceit filled with poison to each of the generations that will be after me. 9:5And he will [show] andmake them desire the empty praise of great riches, pride, clothes, property, fornication, boastfulness, injustice, greed, and various possessions. 9:6And he will appear to them like a lover or a friend and entice them. And again, with reveling, drunkenness, impure and defiled feasts, which are an illusion [of his] empty [apparitions,] and again, with possessions of assorted excesses, he will take hold of them with fraudulent affection, which is not virtuous,89 just as also to me through Eve.
10. ADAM’S FINAL EXHORTATION TO SETH
10:1“He led me astray by his fraudulent word like an innocent person concerned for my welfare: ‘See, I promise you something right and suitable for you, (namely) that, when you have eaten from the tree, from which you were commanded not to eat, you will become like your God,’90 my merciful master. 10:2I, wretch (that I was), did not understand my honor, that his fraudulent promise could not come true, nor could the clay be like its potter,91 nor the servant like his master.92 But I know the great mercy of the majesty of my kind master, which is to be revealed for me at the end of days. 10:3And at the end he will save me from destruction and raise me from the dust as he raised me up when I did not exist.93 And my enemy rejoiced and exulted over me since I had fallen by his deceit. 10:4My kind savior and merciful master is going tosustain me and have pity upon me with his mercy, and [descending] to the darkness,94 he will strengthen me by his light and illuminate my eyes as he did before, (when) he breathed the spirit into my nostrils and I lived.95 10:5But you, my son, and your generations after you, it has pleased my maker and my savior that you should find mercy before him; for he does not reckon against you my own sins because of his kindness. 10:6For if he had requited me according to my foolishness, I would not have begotten forth fruits,96 nor would he have accepted the offering from your brother Abel,97 nor would he have exacted retribution for his blood from the hands of his brother who killed him.98 10:7For he does not neglect in his great mercy anyone who loves him and walks in justice before him. Even to those who offend him, he gives opportunity for repentance, and is gracious to them if they repent and seek (it) from him, because his mercy upon his world is great.” 10:8And Seth heard everything that his father Adam commanded him, commandments more numerous than these, and wrote them down with diligence, and we found them in the books that were placed in the Cave of Treasures of Hidden Mysteries. 10:9He also commanded and added to them. And Seth purified his heart so that he would not obey the deceitful Evil One, and he praised and called upon the name of the Father of heavenly majesty.99 10:10And Seth also commanded these mysteries to his sons. And we were reading (them) everymonth that we went up the mountain, and with love we entered the Cave of Treasures of Hidden Mysteries. And we also learned them and taught our sons and families.
11. THE APPEARANCE OF THE STAR TO THE MAGI
11:1Then, when the time and fulfillment of what was written in the books happened, concerning the revelation of the light of the hidden star, we were indeed thought worthy for it to come in our days and to receive it with joy, as we were commanded by our fathers and as we ourselves read in the books. 11:2And each of us saw wondrous and diverse visions that were never before seen by us, but their mysteries were in these books that we were reading.100 11: 3And each one came from his dwelling place according to our ancient custom to ascend the Mountain of Victories [text missing] to wash in the Spring of Purification, as we were accustomed. 11:4And we saw [text missing] in the form of an ineffable pillar of light descending, and it came to rest above the water. 11:5And we were afraid and shook when we saw it. And we cannot speak about the brilliance of the star of light, since its radiance was many times greater than the sun, and the sun could not stand out before the light of its rays.101 11:6And just like the moon looks in the daytime in the days of Nisan,102 when the sun rises and it is absorbed in its light,103 so also did the sun seem to us when the star rose over us. 11:7And the light of the star, which surpassed the sun, appeared to us ourselves and the sons of our mysteries,104 but it did not appear to anyone else,105 because they were removed from its mysteries and its coming. And we rejoiced, and glorified, and gave unmeasured thanks to the Father of heavenly majesty that it appeared in our days and we were thought worthy to see it.
Rogier van der Weyden, Follower of. Polyptych. Mid-15th century. Tempera and oil. Main Panel: 33 3/16 x 55 1/8 in. (84.3 x 140 cm); Upper Wings: 17 15/16 x 7 7/8 in. (45.6 x 20 cm); Lower Wings: 33 5/8 x 16 5/8 in. (85.4 x 42.2 cm). South Lowlands, Brabant, Brussels. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Cloisters Collection, 1949 (49.109). Photo credit: Image copyright © The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Art Resource, NY
Panel of polyptych from the workshop of Rogier van der Weyden, mid-fifteenth century, the Cloisters Collection, New York. A similar work to the frontispiece of this book, this painting depicts several details from the Revelation of the Magi. Note the infant Christ in the form of a star, the holy mountain of the Magi, and the Magi bathing in their sacred spring.
12. THE STAR DESCENDS TO THE
MOUNTAIN OF VICTORIES
12:1And when we bathed in the Spring of Purification with joy, and we ascended the Mountain of Victories as we were accustomed, and we went up and found that pillar of light in front of the cave, again a great fear came upon us [see detail of polyptych by Rogier van der Weyden on page 51]. 12:2And [we knelt] upon our knees, and we stretched out our hands according to our ancient custom, and we praised in silence the vision of its wonders. 12:3And again, we saw that heaven had been opened106 like a great gate and men of glory carrying the
star of light upon their hands. And they descended and stood upon the pillar of light,107 and the entire mountain was filled by its light, which cannot be uttered by the mouth of humanity. 12:4And (something) like the hand of a smallperson drew near in our eyes from the pillar and the star, at which we could not look, and it comforted us. And we saw the star enter the Cave of Treasures of Hidden Mysteries, and the cave shone beyond measure.108 12:5And a humble and kind voice made itself heard by us, which called out and said to us: “Enter inside without doubt, in love, and see a great and amazing vision.” And we were encouraged and comforted by the message of the voice. 12:6And we entered, being afraid, and we bowed our knees at the mouth of the cave because of the very abundance of the light. 12:7And when we rose at its command, we lifted our eyes and saw that light, which is unspeakable by the mouth of human beings.
13. EPIPHANY IN THE CAVE OF TREASURES
13:1And when it had concentrated itself, it appeared to us in the bodily form of a small and humble human,109 and he said to us: “Peace to you,110 sons of my hidden mysteries.”111 And again, we were astonished by the vision, and he said to us: “Do not doubt the vision that you have seen, that there has appeared to you that ineffable light of the voice of the hidden Father of heavenly majesty. 13:2And again, (do not doubt that) it appeared to you to concentrate its light in its rays, or that it appeared to you in the form of a small, humble, and unworthy human,because indeed, the inhabitants of the world cannot bear to see the glory of the only Son of the Father of majesty,112 unless it appeared for them in the form of their world. 13:3And again, other signs shall appear in it, which are hidden and (would be) shameful for the heavenly majesty, for the sake of the redemption of the lives of human beings, because my Father has loved them that they should not perish113 by the error in which they have persisted. 13:4And again, I will perfect114 the love of the Father, even unto the death of a cross.115 For the sake of their salvation I will descend to raise them up with me in love and indivisible peace if they shall believe in me without doubt, and give thanks, and glorify through me the Father of that glorious majesty who sent me for their salvation. 13:5And I have loved them that they may not perish by the error in which they have persisted. And therefore, since I have appeared to them in the fullness of all the times,116 they have no excuse117 for their offenses unless they repent and believe in me. 13:6And also you, everything that you were commanded by your fathers, and everything that you learned from the mysteries of the books that you have read, do, since behold, the hidden mysteries of the light of the star that you have been waiting to see, behold, he himself has (now) told you about himself as you are able to hear. 13:7And you will believe without doubt, seeing in me signs of many forms. 13:8Andagain, take with you the treasure that was deposited in this cave by your fathers and [continue in joy] and worship the [text missing] I will be born like a human being. 13:9And again, worship me there [text missing]: even now, as I am speaking with you I am also there. Because my Gospel has been proclaimed by angels, I am both there and with the majesty of my Father.118 13:10And I am everywhere,119 because I am a ray of light whose light has shone in this world from the majesty of my Father, who has sent me to fulfill everything that was spoken about me in the entire world and in every land by unspeakable mysteries,120 and to accomplish the commandment of my glorious Father, who by the prophets preached about me to the contentious house,121 in the same way as for you, as befits your faith, it was revealed to you about me.122 13:11And I am going up with you and am a guide for you on the entire journey that you are traveling, seeing signs, glorious wonders, and great victories upon the entire earth. And you will see the completion of all the mysteries in Jerusalem, and everything that was spoken with you will come true for you. 13:12And again, you will see signs of humility, even a lowly and weak form, such that people will act boldly against me, and they will desire to do that which they plotted in deceit against me, and they will not be able to have [their goal] take place. 13:13But all that they do will be for their killing and their destruction,123and the will of the Father shall be fulfilled for the sake of the salvation of the life of the whole world.”
14. THE MAGI REALIZE CHRIST’S POLYMORPHISM
14:1And when he spoke all these things with us, along with a great many that we cannot say because of the great riches of their majesty, all of us went out of the cave, exulting and rejoicing that we were thought worthy for all these mysteries of that unspeakable majesty to be revealed around us and spoken with us. 14:2And we took that entire treasure that was deposited in the cave, letters having been sealed in which it was placed.124 And we descended from the mountain, glorifying the mysteries of the revelations of the light of the star that appeared to us. 14:3And each of us was speaking about the revelations and visions that had appeared to him in the Cave of Treasures of Hidden Mysteries, but our visions did not resemble each other, and all the wonders of many forms that appeared to us.125 14:4There is one of us saying, “I saw a light in which there were many images that were amazing.” And there is one saying, “I saw an infant who had unspeakable forms.” 14:5And there is one saying, “I saw a youth who did not have a form in this world.” And there is one saying, “I saw a human being who was humble, unsightly in appearance,126 and poor.” 14:6And there is one saying, “I saw a cross and a person of light who hungupon it, taking away the sins of the entire world.”127 And there is one saying, “I saw that he went down to Sheol with force and all the dead rose and worshiped him.”128 14:7And there is one saying, “I saw that he ascended in glory, and he opened the graves, and he raised up the dead, while they are crying out and saying: ‘Holy is our king and holy is his descent to us! Because of our sins he humbled himself to save us.'” 14:8And there is one saying, “I saw him ascending to the heavenly height, and angels opening the gates129 of heaven before him. And clouds of seraphs and angels are taking him upon the palms of their hands,130 and the Paraclete Spirit131 taking a diadem and a crown and making victory shine before him, and all the hosts praising and singing the honor of his humility, which prevailed in the whole struggle of error and death.” 14:9And when all these things and others like them, of which there were many, (happened,) while descending the Mountain of Victories, we gave praise and repeated to each other everything that we saw and heard there. 14:10And we were in great rejoicing and great exultation that we were thought worthy to see this complete gift of salvation for which all the kings, and righteous ones, and prophets, and powerful ones prayed, and hoped, and waited, that they might see this sight. But they did not see it132 because it was not then the time of the coming of the star of light, giving perfect salvation to its believers.
15. THE FATHER SPEAKS To THE MAGI
15:1And while we were praising these things, suddenly a voice with much light133 and with unspeakable kindness came to our ears from the heavenly height of majesty, saying to us: “Everything that you have seen, and heard, and discussed, and had spoken to you, and (at which) behold, you are amazed, is (only) one drop of salvation from the house of [majesty.] 15:2For there is no one who can know all the mysteries of singleness except the one who is issued from the thought of the hiddenness of the Father. And no one knows the Father except134 the voice bringing forth the word of salvation, revealing the depth of hiddenness of the thought of the Father, in whom he is forever.135 15:3And by the (same) voice and word the heavenly worlds and the lower ones of the Father of majesty came into being and were ordered:136 the angels, and powers, and princes, and authorities, even this world in which you exist, and the height, and depth, and length, and width.137 15:4And there is otherwise nothing that exists outside the will of the Father of majesty138 or that has come to be without the voice of life. For this is my beloved Son,139 being sent of perfect love. This is the revealer of the secrets of the Father for his beloved ones, as it is fitting for them and as they can receive by his gift140 of the Son. 15:5This is he who has told of new and perfect worlds forthose who are persuaded and believe in him. This is the interpreter of wisdom and hidden m
ysteries. This is he who is the image and form of the Father of majesty,141 by whom he is always heard. 15:6This is the only begotten Son,142 perfecting all the will of his Father. This is the one who is not loved and honored as he deserves, because that world loves the darkness and its desires more than him.143 15:7This is the one who was humbled and became a human being for the salvation of human beings so that they would not perish. He put on, by his will, a body,144 a humble form, that with it he might slay death and take away the dominion of death, to give eternal life to those who love him and believe in him. 15:8This is the one in whose name signs and portents take place through his believers.145 This is the perfect Son, doing the will of he who sent him. This one is the way146 and the gate147 of light for those who enter by it. 15:9This is the one who is in everything and is named and spoken of above all.148 This is the bread of life that comes down from me149 for believers; he is the sower of the word of life,150 and he is the shepherd of truth who gives himself as ransom for his flock.151 He is the great priest152 who by his blood absolves the worlds; he is a drink153 of the vine154 of life. 15:10This is the one that you saw who is in many forms that appeared to you, but is not deprived of either my love or the person of his glory. And no one exists over him or over his majesty to speak of how he is, except me, and I and he, we are one in unspeakable glory.”
16. THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY
16:1And when all these things and many others were spoken about the revelation that appeared to us, the star was with us in all (its) excellent forms so we could see it. And we spoke about it like frail human beings, not being able to say anything that we saw. 16:2And we got ready with our whole encampment,155 and with our provisions, and with the pure and holy gifts, those that we brought out of the Cave of Treasures of Hidden Mysteries, in which they were [deposited] previously by our fathers, and we went forth in great joy, our hearts exulting to come to the place that was commanded to us, to worship the vision of the star of infinite light. 16:3And the star, our guide, our good messenger, our perfect light, our glorious leader, again appeared for us, going before us and upholding156 our whole caravan from all sides, and enlightening us by its hidden light. [see The Journey of the Magi on pages 62 and 63]. 16:4And we had no need of the light of the sun or of the moon,157 because their light became diminished in its sight, and by night and by day we walked in its light, exulting and rejoicing without distress or weariness.158 16:5And it prepared before us a blessed dwelling place in which to reside while we rested and exulted. Even our provisions were abundant in our eyes and did not decrease, but rather from one day to another they increasedwhen it159 came to rest over us with its light.160 16:6And it gave rest to us from all our fatigue as if we were not journeying on the road, and it made mountains, and hills, and rugged places level before us.161 Even the rivers before us we crossed by foot without fear, because of the light of our good guide that went along with us for our encampment. And again, when we crossed into the places [of beasts and vicious snakes,] we trampled them with our feet.162 16:7And our leader and our guide, in his glory, appeared to each one of us in all forms and appearances in every (stage). And he filled our hearts with great joy, and all the (stages) in which we journeyed were short and swift in our eyes, because our victorious sign and our powerful light, which is beyond every human mouth to speak, guided us with its victorious strength.