The Glad Tidings of Nikodemos by Lizelle Staats

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬ From "The Apocryphal New Testament" M.R. James-Translation and Notes Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1924 Revised and restored 5977 (2004 RD)

Foreword An alternate verse numbering system used in other translations is in parentheses. Although admittedly this revision and restoration of the translation of this scripture has been done without manuscript evidence, no serious argument should be raised that the false names and titles that the establishment inserted 1

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

into their English translation should be respected or allowed to stand, on the basis that the true names and titles of the persons within it need to be restored to their original true form as found in `Ivríyth scripture. Unfortunately, original texts that may have contained better transliterations for these names have not yet been found to better do this task, but it still remains necessary to restore these, particularly for those who do revere our mighty Ones’ names and are being continually bothered by the Lie that has been inserted into the establishment’s translations by the unscrupulous scribes as it is foretold about them. This restoration is principally to make name-reverent believers more comfortable while studying these scriptures, and to see clearly without continually having to mentally correct scribal lies. Pagan titles and terms have been logically replaced with proper translations of the usual terms that these replaced. When no 2

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

plausible `Ivríyth name was found, these names were left as per the source text. Although this particular version of this scripture is much superior to others, there still are parts of this text that are altered by the scribes to conform to their traditional unscriptural doctrines, so when a simple correction is not possible, these parts are tinted gray in order to alert the reader to this. When a simple correction is possible, a correction is made in blue font, with the source text put in the comment. These are done only when the passage obviously contradicts other scriptures because all inspired scripture is concordant. The continued presence of true scriptural doctrine that goes against establishment human traditions supports the contention that, in its original form, this scripture was inspired. One major example of this is Pardë´ç being located underground and being part of Sh’ówl. 3

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

MEMORIALS OF OUR SOVEREIGN YÂHUWSHÚA` THE ANOINTED DONE IN THE TIME OF PONTIUS PILÁTUS Prologue (Absent from some manuscripts and versions).

(1) I, ChananYâ´huw, the Protector, of praetorian rank, learned in the Law, did from the pure scriptures recognize our Sovereign Yâhuwshúa` the Anointed and came near to Him by belief and was accounted worthy of pure immersion: and I sought out the memorials that were made at that season in the time of our Sovereign Yâhuwshúa` the Anointed, which the Yâhuwthím deposited with Pontius Pilátus, and found the memorials in `Ivríyth (letters), and by the 4

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

good pleasure of the mighty Ones I translated them into Greek (letters) for the informing of all them that call upon the name of our Sovereign Yâhuwshúa` the Anointed: (2) During the reign of our Sovereign Flavius Theodosius, in the seventeenth year, and of Flavius Valentinianus the sixth, in the ninth indiction [corrupt: Lat. has the eighteenth year of Theodosius, when Valentinian was proclaimed Augustus, i. e. A. D. 425]. (3) All ye therefore that read this and translate (or copy) it into other scrolls, remember me and pray for me that the mighty Ones will be favorable unto me and be merciful unto my sins which I have sinned against Him. Peace be to them that read and 5

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

that hear these things and to their servants. ’Âmë´n. (4) In the fifteenth (al. nineteenth) year of the governance of Tibérius Kæ´sar, emperor of the Romans, and of Heródes, king of Gâlíyl, in the nineteenth year of his rule, on the eighth of the Calends of April, which is the 25th of March, in the consulate of Rufus and Rubellio, in the fourth year of the two hundred and second Olympiad, Yâhuwçë´ph who is Qayë´phâ’ being high priest of the “Yehuwthím”: These are the things which Nikódemos recorded after the gallows-cross and suffering of the Sovereign Yâhuwshúa`, and delivered unto the high priest and the rest of the “Yehuwthím”: and the same Nikódemos set them forth in `Ivríyth (letters). 6

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

Chapter 1 1. (5) For the chief priests and scribes assembled in council, even ChananYâ´huw and Qayë´phâ’ and Somne (Senes) and Dothaim (Dothael, Dathaes, Datam) and Gamliy’Ë´l, Yâhuwthâ´h, Lëwíy and Naphttâlíy, Aléxandros and Yâhuw’ârâ´sh and the rest of the “Yehuwthím”1, and came unto Pilátus accusing Yâhuwshúa` for many deeds, saying: “We know this Man as the Son of Yâhuwçë´ph the smith2, and one born of Miryâ´m, yet He alleges that He is the 1

This is their self-applied name which is a corruption of the tribe’s true name, Yâhuwthâ´h. These are the original name-censors who take this to the extreme (see their number system). “Yehuwthím” or “Yehuwthíy” is used in these texts only when it is applied to this name-erasing religious group, not to the tribe itself. Some translations claim this to generally refer to people from the land of Yâhuwthâ´h, but many fitting this geographical definition believed and were not considered this stock in scripture. 2 Source text: “carpenter” (correction per Matt. 13: 55) 7

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

Son of the Power and a King; moreover He does profane the shabbâ´ths and He wants to destroy the Law of our fathers.” (6) Pilátus says: “And what things are those that He does, and would destroy the Law?” (7) The “Yehuwthím” say: “The Law, confirmed by our customs, commands to keep pure the shabbâ´th and prohibits curing on that day: but this Man, by means of His evil deeds has cured the lame and the bent, the withered and the blind and the paralytic, the dumb and them that were possessed, on the shabbâ´th day!” (8) Pilátus says unto them: “How can these deeds be evil?” (9) They say unto him: “He is a sorcerer, and by means of Bá`alZvúwv the chief of the gods He casts out

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

gods, and through him also all things are subject unto Him.” (10) Pilátus says unto them: “It is not an unclean spirit which can cast out gods but by the virtue of the mighty Ones.” 2. (11) The “Yehuwthím” say unto Pilátus: “We beseech that He appear before your judgment-seat and be heard.” And Pilátus called them unto him and said: “Tell me, how can I that am a governor examine a King?” They say unto him: “We do not say that He is a king, rather, He says it of Himself.” (12) And Pilátus called the messenger (cursor) and said unto him: “Let Yâhuwshúa` be brought hither, but with gentleness.” 9

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

(13) And the messenger went forth, and when he recognized Yâhuwshúa` he prostrated himself in reverence to Him and took the cape that was on his arm and spread it upon the earth at His feet and says unto Him: “My Sovereign, walk here on this cape of Your servant and enter in, for the governor calls You.” (14) And when the “Yehuwthím” saw what the messenger had done, they cried out against Pilátus saying: “Why didn’t you not summon Him by a herald to enter in, but by a messenger? For the messenger when he saw Him prostrated himself in reverence to Him and spread out his cape upon the ground and has made Him walk upon it like a King!”

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

3. (15) Then Pilátus called for the messenger and asked him: “Why have you done this, and have spread your cape upon the ground and made Yâhuwshúa` to walk upon it?” (16) The messenger says unto him: “My sovereign governor, when you sent me to Yruwshâláim unto Aléxandros, I saw Yâhuwshúa` riding upon a donkey, and the sons of the `Ivríym held branches in their hands and cried out: ‘Save now, son of Dâwíth!’ And others spread their garments beneath Him, saying: ‘Save now, You that are from the heights: blessed is he that comes by the name of Yâ-hwéh.’” 4. (17) The “Yehuwthím” cried out and said unto the messenger: 11

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

“Those sons of the Ìvríym were speaking in Ìvríyth: how then can you, who are Greek, understand words uttered in a language which is not your own?” (18) The messenger says to them: “I asked one of the Yâhuwthím and said: ‘What is it that they cry out in Ìvríyth?’ and he interpreted it for me.” (19) Then Pilátus intervened, asking them: “And what was the exclamation that they uttered in Ìvríyth?” The “Yehuwthím” say unto him: “Howshíy`â´h nnâ´ mimromíym, Bâ´ruwkh há-bâ b-shë´m <’Athonâý3>.” Pilátus says unto them: “And of whom does this saying mean, ‘Howshíy`â´h nnâ´’ and the rest?” The “Yehuwthím” say unto him:

The scripture quoted and what the people were crying out was “Yâ-hwéh” but these “Yehuwthím” had substituted his name for a title. 12

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

“Save now? Of the Sovereign.” Pilátus says unto them: “If you yourselves bear witness of those words that the sons spoke, wherein has the messenger sinned?” (20) and they kept quiet. The governor says unto the messenger: “Go forth and bring Him in after what manner you wish.” (21) And the messenger went forth and did after the former manner and said unto Yâhuwshúa`: “My Sovereign, enter in: the governor calls You.” 5. (22) Now when Yâhuwshúa` entered into the Praetorium, the images (busts) that the ensigns were carrying over their standards bowed by themselves and did reverence to Him. And when the “Yehuwthím” saw that the images bowed 13

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

themselves and did reverence unto Yâhuwshúa`, they cried out above measure against the ensigns. (23) Then Pilátus said unto the “Yehuwthím”: “I note that ye do not render reverence to Yâhuwshúa`, though the images have bowed themselves to salute Him, and instead, ye rant against the ensigns, as if they themselves had lowered their standards and done reverence unto Yâhuwshúa`.” The “Yehuwthím” say unto Pilátus: “We have seen how the ensigns made them to bow and did reverence to Him.” (24) And the governor called for the ensigns and says unto them: “Why did ye thus?” Then the ensigns responded unto Pilátus: “We are Greeks and servants of temples. How could you think we would have rendered reverence to that Yâhuwthíy?

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

For indeed, while we held the standards, the images bowed of themselves and did reverence unto Him.” 6. (25) Seeing this response, Pilátus said unto the rulers of the assembly and the elders of the people: “Choose out of you able and strong men and let them hold the standards, and let us see if they bow of themselves.” (26) So the elders of the “Yehuwthím” took twelve men strong and able and made them to hold the standards by sixes, and they were set before the judgment-seat of the governor; and Pilátus said to the messenger: “Lead Yâhuwshúa` out of the judgment hall (praetorium) and bring Him in again quickly.” And Yâhuwshúa` went out of the judgment hall, He and the messenger. (27) And 15

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

Pilátus summoned unto him them that before had held the images and threatened them: “I have sworn by the safety of Kæ´sar that if the standards do not bow when Yâhuwshúa` enters in, I will cut off your heads.” (28) And the governor commanded Yâhuwshúa` to enter in the second time. And the messenger did after the former manner and besought Yâhuwshúa` much that He would walk upon his cape; and He walked upon it and entered in. And when He had entered, the images of the standards bowed themselves again and did reverence unto Yâhuwshúa`. Testimonies against and for Yâhuwshúa`

Chapter 2 16

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

1. Now when Pilátus saw it he was overcome with fright, and began to agitate in his judgment-seat. And while he yet thought to rise up, his wife, who was called Claudia Prócula, sent a messenger unto him to tell him: “Don’t you also have anything against this just Man, for I have suffered many things because of Him by night.” (2) And Pilátus called unto him all the “Yehuwthím”, and said unto them: “Ye know that my wife fears the mighty Ones and favors rather the customs of the “Yehuwthím”, with you?” They say unto him: “Yea, we know it.” Pilátus says unto them: “Look, my wife has sent a message unto me, saying that ‘Yâhuwshúa` is a just Man and that she has suffered many 17

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

things in dreams last night because of Him.’” (3) But the “Yehuwthím” answered and said unto Pilátus: “Did we not say unto you that He is a sorcerer? Look! He has sent a vision of a dream unto your wife.” 2. (4) And Pilátus called Yâhuwshúa` unto him and said to Him: “Don’t You hear what these speak against You? Do You answer nothing?” (5) But Yâhuwshúa` said: “If they had not had power of speech they would have spoken nothing; but since every man has power over his own mouth, to speak good or evil, they shall answer to it.” 3. (6) The elders of the “Yehuwthím” replied and said unto Yâhuwshúa`:

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

“What is it we shall answer to? Firstly, that You were born of fornication; secondly, that Your birth in BëythLéchem was the cause of the slaying of all the sons Your age; and thirdly, that Your father Yâhuwçë´ph and Your mother Miryâ´m fled with You into Mitsráyim because they held no confidence before the people.” 4. (7) But some “Yehuwthím” who were found there, and who were less perverse than the others, were saying: “We do not say that He came of fornication, for we do know that Yâhuwçë´ph was betrothed unto Miryâ´m, so therefore Yâhuwshúa` was not an illegitimate son.” (8) Pilátus says unto those “Yehuwthím” which held that Yâhuwshúa` came of fornication: 19

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

“This your saying is false for there were espousals, as these which are of your people do testify.” (9) However, ChananYâ´huw and Qayë´phâ’ insisted before Pilátus, saying: “The whole multitude of us cries out that He was born of fornication and that He is a sorcerer, and we are not believed: but these who make depositions against it are His proselytes and His pupils!” (10) And Pilátus called ChananYâ´huw and Qayë´phâ’ unto him and said to them: “What are ‘proselytes’?” They say unto him: “They were born sons of the Greeks, and now are they become “Yehuwthím”.” (11) Then said they which said that He was not born of fornication, even ’El`âzâ´r, Asterius, Antonius, Ya`aqóv, Amnes, Zenas,

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

Shmuw’Ë´l, Yitschâ´q, Piynchâ´ç, Kríspus, ’Agríppa and Yâhuwthâ´h: “We were not born proselytes (are not Greeks, Copt.), but we are sons of the “Yehuwthím” and we speak the truth; for verily we were present at the espousals of Yâhuwçë´ph and Miryâ´m.” 5. (12) And Pilátus called unto him those twelve men which said that He was not born of fornication, and says unto them: “I adjure you by the safety of Kæ´sar, are these things true which ye have said, that He was not born of fornication?” (13) They say unto Pilátus: “Our law prohibits us to swear, because it is sin: But order them to swear by the safety of Kæ´sar that what we have said is false, and we shall be guilty of death.” Pilátus says to ChananYâ´huw and Qayë´phâ’: 21

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

“Don’t ye answer anything to these things?” (14) ChananYâ´huw and Qayë´phâ’ say unto Pilátus: “Will you believe these twelve men which allege that He was not born of fornication, but you won’t believe the whole multitude of us who cry out that He was born of fornication, and He is a sorcerer, and that He calls Himself the Son of the Power and a King?” 6. (15) And Pilátus commanded the whole multitude to go out, and he commanded Yâhuwshúa` to be set apart, and directing himself to the twelve men which said that He was not born of fornication, he asked them: “For what cause do the “Yehuwthím” desire to put Yâhuwshúa` to death?” They say unto Pilátus:

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

“They have envy against Him, because He cures on the shabbâ´th day.” [Márquwç 15: 10] Pilátus says: “For a good work do they desire to put Him to death?” And they confirmed: “It is thus, effectively.” Dialogue between Yâhuwshúa` and Pilátus

Chapter 3 1. And Pilátus was filled with indignation and went forth outside the judgment hall and says unto them: “I call the luminary orb to witness that I find no fault in this Man.” (2) The “Yehuwthím” answered and said to the governor: 23

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

“If this Man were not a malefactor we would not have delivered Him unto you.” And Pilátus said: “Take ye Him and judge Him according to your Law.” The “Yehuwthím” said unto Pilátus: “It is not legal for us to put any man to death.” Pilátus said: “Has the mighty Ones forbidden you to murder, but allowed me? 2. (3) And Pilátus went in again into the judgment hall and summoned Yâhuwshúa` apart and interrogated Him: “You are the King of the Yâhuwthím?” Yâhuwshúa` answered and said to Pilátus: “Do you say this thing from your self, or have others told it to you of Me?” (4) Pilátus answered Yâhuwshúa`:

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

“Am I also a “Yehuwthíy”? The sons of Your own people and the chief priests have delivered You unto me: what have You done?” (5) Yâhuwshúa` answered: “My kingdom is not of this world; for if My kingdom were of this world, My servants would have struggled that I should not be delivered to the “Yehuwthím”: but now is My kingdom not from hence.” (6) Pilátus exclaimed to Him: “Then You are a King?” Yâhuwshúa` answered him: “You say it because I am King; for this cause was I born and am come into the world, so that I may testify to the Truth. Every one who hears My Word heeds the Truth.” (7) Pilátus says unto Him:

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

“What is Truth?” Yâhuwshúa` says unto him: “Truth comes from the heavens.” Pilátus says: “Isn’t there Truth upon earth?” Yâhuwshúa` says unto Pilátus: “You see how that they which speak the Truth are judged of them that have authority upon earth.” New charges of the “Yehuwthím” against Yâhuwshúa`

Chapter 4 1. And Pilátus left Yâhuwshúa` in the judgment hall and went forth to the “Yehuwthím” and said unto them: “I find no fault in Him.” (2) Yet the “Yehuwthím” replied to him:

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

“This Man said: ‘I am able to destroy this temple and in three days to build it up.’”4 (3) Pilátus says: “Which temple?” The “Yehuwthím” say: “That which Shlómoh built in forty and six years but which this Man says He will destroy and build it in three days.” (4) But Pilátus affirmed again unto them: “I am guiltless of the blood of this just Man: ye shall answer to it.” (5) Yet the “Yehuwthím” shouted: “May His blood fall upon us and on our sons!” 2. (6) Then Pilátus called the elders and the priests and Lwiyyím unto him and said to them privately: 4

Compare “Destroy this temple building, and in three days, I will raise it up.” (Yâhuwchânâ´n’s Glad Tidings 2:19) 27

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

“Do not do this deed: for I do not find anything worthy of death in what ye have accused Him, for your accusation is concerning curing and profaning of the shabbâ´th.” Yet they opposed: “If a man scorns against the Kæ´sar, is he worthy of death or not?” Pilátus says: “He would be worthy of death.” The “Yehuwthím” say unto Pilátus: “If a man be worthy of death if he scorns against Kæ´sar, this Man has done more, since He has scorned against the mighty Ones!” 3. (7) At this obstinacy in the accusation, Pilátus commanded all the “Yehuwthím” to go out from the judgment hall, and he called Yâhuwshúa` to him and says unto Him:

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

“What shall I do with You?” Yâhuwshúa` says unto Pilátus: “Do as it has been granted to You.” Pilátus asked: “How has it been granted?” Yâhuwshúa` responded: “Moshéh and the predicators did foretell concerning this death and My rising again.” (8) Now the “Yehuwthím” inquired by stealth and heard, and they say unto Pilátus: “What more do you need to hear of His scorn? It is contained in our Law, that if a man sin against his fellow man, he is worthy to receive forty stripes save one [Deut. 25:3]: but he that scorns against the mighty Ones, that he should be killed by stoning.” 29

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

4. (9) Pilátus expounded unto the “Yehuwthím”: “If His speech is scornful, arrest ye Him for His scorn, and take Him into your assembly and judge Him according to your Law.” Yet “Yehuwthím” said unto Pilátus: “We wish that He be hanged.” Pilátus says: “That is unjust. He does not deserve to be hanged.” 5. Now as the governor looked round about upon the multitude of the “Yehuwthím” which stood by, he beheld many of the Yâhuwthím weeping, and exclaimed: “Not all the multitude desires that He should be put to death!” (10) The elders of the “Yehuwthím” said:

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

“To this end have the whole multitude of us come hither, that He should be put to death.” But Pilátus says to the “Yehuwthím”: “What has He done to deserve death?” The “Yehuwthím” responded: “Because He called Himself the Son of the Power (’Ël), and a King.” Nikódemos’s defense of Yâhuwshúa`

Chapter 5 1. Then a certain man, Nikódemos, a Yâhuwthíy, approached and stood before the governor and said to him: “I beseech you, by your mercy, to permit me to speak a few words.” Pilátus says: “Say on.” (2) So Nikódemos says: 31

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

“I have questioned the elders and the priests and Lwiyyím and all the multitude of the “Yehuwthím” in the assembly: ‘What complaint or grievance do ye have against this Man? He does many and wondrous signs, which no man has done, neither will do: leave Him alone and do not contrive any evil against Him: for if the signs which He does are of the mighty Ones, they will stand, but if they be of men, they will come to nothing. For verily Moshéh, whom Yâhwéh sent into Mitsráyim did many signs that Yâ-hwéh had commanded him to do before Par`óh, king of Mitsráyim; and there were there certain men servants of Par`óh, Yânnë´ç and Yâmbrë´yç, whom the Mitsráyim held them as ’elohíym and

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

they also did signs not a few, of those which Moshéh did: but they could not imitate them all. Yet, as the signs that they worked did not proceed from Yâhwéh, they perished as also those also that believed on them perished.’ So now let this Man go, for He is not worthy of death.” 2. (3) The “Yehuwthím” say unto Nikódemos: “You have become His pupil and this is why you are speaking on His behalf!” (4) Nikódemos replied unto them: “Has the governor also become His pupil, because he speaks on His behalf? Didn’t Kæ´sar appoint him unto this dignity of being his meter of justice?” (5) And the “Yehuwthím”, quivering with rage, gnashed their teeth against 33

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

Nikódemos, who had spoken for Pilátus, [who said:] “Why do ye gnash your teeth against him, when ye have heard the Truth?” The “Yehuwthím” say unto Nikódemos: “You believe in Him, so you shall share the same lot as Him!” (6) And Nikódemos replied: “’Âmë´n, ’Âmë´n: may I share the same lot as He as ye have said.” New testimonies favorable to Yâhuwshúa`

Chapter 6 1. Now one of the Yâhuwthím came forward and besought the governor that he might speak a word. And Pilátus replied: “If you want to say something, speak on.” (2) And the Yâhuwthíy said: 34

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

“Thirty and eight years did I lay on a bed and was continually captive in sufferings of great pains, and I was found in peril of losing my life. But Yâhuwshúa` came and many that were possessed and laid with divers diseases were cured by Him, so certain (loyal) young men took pity on me and carried me with my bed and brought me unto Him; and when Yâhuwshúa` saw me He had compassion for me, and spoke a word unto me: ‘Arise, pick up your bed, and walk [to your house].’ And immediately I was completely cured, I took up my bed and walked.” (3) Then the “Yehuwthím” say unto Pilátus: “Ask of him on what day he was cured.” He that was cured says: “On the shabbâ´th day.” And the “Yehuwthím” exclaimed: 35

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

“Didn’t we tell you that upon the shabbâ´th day He cures and casts out gods?” 2. (4) Yet another Yâhuwthíy came forward and said: “I was born blind: I heard speech but I saw no man’s face: and as Yâhuwshúa` passed by I addressed Him, crying with a loud voice: ‘Yâhuwshúa`, O Son of Dâwíth, Have mercy on me!” And He took pity on me and put His hands upon my eyes and I received sight immediately.” (5) And another Yâhuwthíy came forward and said: “I was bowed and He made me straight with a word.” And another said:

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

“I was a leper, and He cured me with a word.” Berníke’s Testimony

Chapter 7 (1) And a certain woman named Berníke (Beronice Copt., Veronica Lat.) crying out from afar off said: “Twelve years a flux of blood had afflicted me and with only touching the tassel of His garment, the flowing of my blood was stopped at that same moment.” (2) The “Yehuwthím” say: “According to our law, a woman cannot come to give testimony as a witness.”5 5

This “Yehuwthíy” doctrine is a mistaken extrapolation of Numbers 30:3-15, which states that a vow made by a woman under authority may be nullified by her authority, (e.g. father or husband), if he objects and tells her. Many such deviant interpretations are done by them, but other pagan cultures have had similar beliefs. 37

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

Collective testimony of the multitude

Chapter 8 (1) And certain others of the Yâhuwthím, of the multitude, both men and women, cried out saying: “That Man is a predicator and the gods are subject unto Him.” Pilátus asked them that accused Yâhuwshúa`: “They said ‘The gods are subject unto Him’: Why aren’t the gods also subject unto your doctors [scribes]?” They say answered Pilátus: “We do not know.” (2) And others said to Pilátus: “He raised up ’El`âzâ´r, who had been dead four days, and took him out of his tomb.” (3) And hearing this, the governor was terrified, and said unto all the multitude of the “Yehuwthím”: 38

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

“What do ye want to shed innocent blood for?” The mobs prefer the liberty of Bar-Rabbâ´h to that of Yâhuwshúa`. Pilátus washes his hands.

Chapter 9 1. So Pilátus called unto him Nikódemos and those twelve men, which said that Yâhuwshúa` was not born of fornication, and spoke thus unto them: “What shall I do concerning the sedition which has broken out among the people?” They say unto him: “We don’t know, they shall answer for it.” (2) Again Pilátus called for all the multitude and says to the “Yehuwthím”: “Ye know that ye have a custom that at the feast of unfermented bread I should 39

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

release unto you a prisoner. Now I have a prisoner under condemnation in the prison, a notorious murderer, BarRabbâ´h by name, and this Yâhuwshúa` also which stands before you, in Whom I find no fault: Whom do ye want that I release unto you?” But they cried out: “Bar-Rabbâ´h!” (3) Pilátus says: “What shall I do then with Yâhuwshúa` Who is called ‘Mâshíyach’?” And the “Yehuwthím” exclaimed: “Let Him be hanged!” (4) And some of the “Yehuwthím” responded: “You are not a friend of Kæ´sar if you set this Man free; for He called himself a King and Son of the Power: you might

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

even wish to have Him for King, and not the Kæ´sar!” 2. (5) And Pilátus became enraged and said unto the “Yehuwthím”: “Ye always have been a seditious race, and ye rebel against those who were for you!” (6) The “Yehuwthím” say: “Who are those who have been for us?” (7) And Pilátus says: “According as I have heard, your mighty Ones, Who brought you out of hard bondage of the Mitsráyim, and led you safe through the sea as by dry land, and in the desert He gave you mâ´n and the meat of quails for your food, and made water come out of a Rock to satisfy your thirst, and gave unto you a Law. Yet during all these things ye haven’t ceased to rebel against Him, and provoked your 41

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

mighty Ones to anger, and sought out a molten calf, and angered your mighty Ones so He sought to slay you: yet Moshéh made supplication for you and ye were not put to death. And now ye do accuse me that I hate the king (emperor)!” 3. (8) And he rose up from the judgmentseat and sought to leave. And the “Yehuwthím” cried out, saying: “We know that our king is the Kæ´sar and not Yâhuwshúa`. For indeed the Luminary orb-worshipping sorcererpriests6 brought gifts from the east unto Him as unto a King, but when Heródes heard from the Luminary orbworshipping sorcerer-priests that a King was born, he sought to slay Him, and when His father Yâhuwçë´ph knew that,

The true meaning of “magi”.

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

he took Him and His mother and the three fled into Mitsráyim. And when Heródes heard it he destroyed the sons of the `Ivríym that were born in BëythLéchem.” 4. (9) And when Pilátus heard these words he was terrified, and when the calm was reestablished among the people, because they shouted still, he said unto them: “So, then, the One Whom Heródes sought, is this One Who is here now?” And the “Yehuwthím” responded: “Yea, this is He.” (10) And Pilátus took water and washed his hands before the luminary orb, saying: “I am innocent of the blood of this just Man: ye shall answer for your actions.” Again the “Yehuwthím” cried out: 43

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

“May His blood fall upon us and upon our sons!” 5. (11) Then Pilátus commanded the veil to be drawn before the judgment-seat whereon he sat, and proceeded in these terms to dictate sentence against Yâhuwshúa`: “Your race has condemned You for being King:7 therefore have I decreed that You should first be scourged according to the law of the august emperors, (12) and I order immediately thereafter for You to be hanged upon the gallows-cross by the garden wherein you were taken8: and let Dysmas and Gestas the two malefactors be hanged with You.”

From all the signs, and the account of Him being the King persecuted by Heródes, Pilátus was convinced of this, which was the accusation He inscribed. This information is logical and not in disaccord with the scriptures which are accepted in the Establishment’s canon, supporting this scripture as being inspired. 8 The garden of Gë´y’-Shmâníym where He was arrested was near to the Temple, across the Qithrówn, on the east side of Yruwshâláim, but the skull place of the crucifixion was on the north side of Yruwshâláim, beside the garden of Yâhuwçë´ph (The Glad Tidings of Këph 6:24) where His tomb was. 44

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

Yâhuwshúa` on Gulgólth’a

Chapter 10 1. And Yâhuwshúa` went out of the judgment hall and the two malefactors with Him. And when they were come to the place, they stripped Him of His garments and girded Him with a linen cloth and put a crown of thorns about His head: likewise also they hanged up the two malefactors. (2) But Yâhuwshúa` said: “Father forgive them, and release them from punishment, for they know not what they do.” And the soldiers divided His garments among them. (3) And the people stood looking upon Him, and the chief priests and the elders with them derided Yâhuwshúa`, saying: 45

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

“He saved others, let Him save Himself, if He be the Son of the Power [let Him come down from the gallows-cross]!” (4) And the soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him vinegar with gall; and they said: “If You be the King of the “Yehuwthím”, save Yourself.” (5) [a crude scribal insert in the Latin version has Longinus piercing His side here, before Yâhuwshúa` is even dead!] (6) And Pilátus according to the sentence commanded His conviction to be written for a title in letters of `Ivríyth, Greek, and Latin, according to the saying of the “Yehuwthím”: that He was the King of the Yâhuwthím. 2. (7) And one of the malefactors that were hanged [by name Gestas] spoke unto Yâhuwshúa`, saying:

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

“If You be the Anointed One, save Yourself, and us.” But Dysmas answering rebuked him, saying: “Do you not fear Yâ-hwéh at all, seeing you are in the same condemnation? But we indeed justly receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing amiss.” And having censured his companion, he exclaimed, speaking to Yâhuwshúa`: “Remember me, Yâ-hwéh, when You might come into Your kingdom.” And Yâhuwshúa` said unto him: “’Âmë´n, ’Âmë´n, I say unto you, that today you shall be with Me in Pardë´ç.” Death of Yâhuwshúa`

Chapter 11 47

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

1. And it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the land until the ninth hour, for the luminary orb was darkened: and the veil of the temple was rent asunder in the middle. (2) And towards the ninth hour, Yâhuwshúa` called with a loud voice and said: “’Ëlíy, Ëlíy, lâmâ´h Azavttâ´niy!” [Which means: “My Power, My Power, why have You forsaken Me?”] (3) And immediately murmured: “Avíy, byâthchâ´ aphqíyth ruwchíy.” [Psalms 31: 5] [Which is interpreted: My Father, into Your hands I deposit My spirit.] And having thus said He gave up the spirit. (4) And when the centurion saw what was done, he praised Yâ-hwéh, saying: “This Man was righteous.”

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

And all the multitudes that had come to the sight, were disturbed when they beheld what was done and returned to their houses smiting their breasts. 2. (5) And the centurion reported unto the governor the things that had come to pass: and when the governor and his wife heard, they were sore vexed, and neither ate nor drank that day. (6) And Pilátus sent for the “Yehuwthím” and asked them: “Did ye see that which came to pass?” But they responded to the governor: “There was an eclipse of the luminary orb after the usual sort.” 3. (7) And those who loved Yâhuwshúa` had stood afar off, and the women who came with Him from Gâlíyl, looking at these things. (8) And a certain man named Yâhuwçë´ph, being a councilman, who had not taken part in the accusations and the evils 49

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

of the “Yehuwthím”, who was of Râmâtháyim a city of Yâhuwthâ´h, who also himself looked for the kingdom of Yâ-hwéh, this man had gone to Pilátus and begged the body of Yâhuwshúa`. (9) So he took it down from the gallows-cross, and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and laid it in a completely new hewn sepulcher that he did have made for himself, wherein a man was never yet laid. [Yshá`Yâhuw 53: 9] The “Yehuwthím” threaten Nikódemos and lock Yâhuwçë´ph of Râmâtháyim in a cell

Chapter 12 1. Now when the “Yehuwthím” heard that Yâhuwçë´ph had begged the body of Yâhuwshúa`, they sought for him and for the twelve men which said that Yâhuwshúa` was not born of fornication, 50

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

and for Nikódemos and many others which had come forth before Pilátus and declared His good works. (2) But all of them had hidden themselves, and of them only Nikódemos was seen, for he was a chief of the “Yehuwthím”. And Nikódemos said unto them: “How did ye come into the assembly?” (3) The “Yehuwthím” say unto him: “How did you come into the assembly, when you were a confederate with Him? For His portion shall be with you in the life to come.” Nikódemos says: “’Âmë´n, ’Âmë´n.” (4) Likewise Yâhuwçë´ph also came forth and said unto them: “Why is it that ye are vexed against me, because I begged the body of Yâhuwshúa`? Look, I have laid it in my 51

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

new tomb, having wrapped it in clean linen, and I rolled a stone over the door of the cave. But ye have not dealt well with the just One, for ye did not repent when ye had hanged Him, but ye also had Him pierced with a spear.” (5) But upon hearing this, the “Yehuwthím” arrested Yâhuwçë´ph and commanded him to be put in safeguard until the first day of the week: and they said unto him: “Know you that the time allows us not to do anything against you, because the shabbâ´th is starting: but know that you shall not obtain burial, but we will give your flesh unto the fowls of the heavens.” (6) Yâhuwçë´ph says unto them: “This is the word of Gâlyâ´th the boastful which reproached the living mighty Ones and the pure Dâwíth slew.

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

For the mighty Ones said by the predicator [Moshéh]: “Vengeance is for Me, and retribution,” says Yâ-hwéh. [Deuteronomy 32: 35] And now, look, one that was uncircumcised, but circumcised in heart [Romans 2: 26], took water and washed his hands before the luminary orb, exclaiming: ‘I am innocent of the blood of this just Person: ye shall answer to it.’ And ye answered Pilátus and said: ‘His blood be upon us and upon our sons!’ And now I fear lest the wrath of Yâhwéh come upon you and upon your sons, as ye have cried out.” (7) But when the “Yehuwthím” heard these words they were filled with rage, and seized Yâhuwçë´ph and took him and shut him up 53

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

in a cell wherein was no window with a grate that would allow the least ray of light to enter, and ChananYâ´huw and Qayë´phâ’ set guards at the door and sealed the keyhole of the lock of the door of the place where Yâhuwçë´ph was shut up. 2. (8) And upon the shabbâ´th day the rulers of the assembly and the priests and the Lwiyyím made an ordinance that all men should appear in the assembly on the first day of the week, and to discuss by what death they should kill Yâhuwçë´ph. (9) And when the council was gathered ChananYâ´huw and Qayë´phâ’ commanded Yâhuwçë´ph to be brought with great dishonor. But when they had removed the seal, they opened the door and they did not find Yâhuwçë´ph in the cell in which they had locked him. And all the people were beside themselves and

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

amazed, because they found the seals closed, and Qayë´phâ’ had the key. And they did not dare anymore to lay hands upon them that had spoken in the behalf of Yâhuwshúa` before Pilátus. The soldiers testify about the resurrection of Yâhuwshúa`. The fear of the “Yehuwthím” at hearing this

Chapter 13 1. And while they yet sat in the assembly and marveled because of Yâhuwçë´ph, there came certain of the guard which the “Yehuwthím” had asked of Pilátus to keep the sepulcher of Yâhuwshúa` lest peradventure His pupils should come and steal Him away. And they spoke and declared unto the rulers of the assembly and the priests and the Lwiyyím that which had come to pass: how, 55

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

“While we watched the tomb of Yâhuwshúa`, there was a great earthquake, and we saw an envoy descend from heaven, and he rolled away the stone from the mouth of the cave, and sat upon it. And he did shine like lightning and his garments were white like snow, and we were sore afraid and lay as dead men. And we heard the voice of the envoy speaking with the women which waited at the sepulcher, saying: ‘Fear ye not: for I know that ye seek Yâhuwshúa` Who was hanged. He is not here: He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Sovereign lay, and go quickly and say unto His pupils that He is risen from the dead, and goes before you in Gâlíyl, where ye shall see Him.’” 56

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

2. And the “Yehuwthím” calling together all the soldiers who they had stationed to guard Yâhuwshúa`, asked them: “With what women did he speak?” Those of the guard say: “We do not know who they were.” The “Yehuwthím” say: “At what hour was it?” Those of the guard say: “At midnight.” The “Yehuwthím” say: “And why did ye not arrest the women?” (3) Those of the guard say: “We were become as dead men through fear of the envoy, we did not even look to see the light of the day; how then could we arrest those women?” (4) The “Yehuwthím” say: “As Yâ-hwéh lives, we do not believe you!”

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

They of the guard say unto the “Yehuwthím”: “So many signs ye have seen in that Man, and ye did not believe, how then should ye believe in our words? Verily ye swore rightly ‘as Yâ-hwéh lives’, for He lives indeed, Whom ye did seal in the sepulcher.” Again they of the guard say: “We have heard that ye [also] shut up that Yâhuwçë´ph that begged the body of Yâhuwshúa`, and that ye sealed the door; and when ye had opened it ye did not find him. Give ye us therefore Yâhuwçë´ph whom ye imprisoned and we will give you Yâhuwshúa` whose sepulcher we guarded!9” (5) The “Yehuwthím” said:

This facetious statement by the guards is to ridicule the “Yehuwthím’s” own inability to keep a human prisoner when they had so severely criticized the soldiers’ inability to keep the resurrected Sovereign of heaven and earth. 58

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

“Yâhuwçë´ph arose and departed unto his own city of Râmâtháyim.” They of the guard say unto the “Yehuwthím”: “Yâhuwshúa` also is risen, as we have heard of the envoy, and He is in Gâlíyl.” 3. (6) And when the “Yehuwthím” heard these words they were gripped with fear, and they said among themselves: “When the people hear these statements, everyone will believe in Yâhuwshúa`.” (7) So the “Yehuwthím” took counsel and laid down much silver and gave it to the soldiers, saying: “Say ye: ‘While we slept His pupils came by night and stole Him away.’” And if this comes to the governor’s hearing we will persuade him and secure you.” 59

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

(8) And they took the silver and did as they were instructed. [And this their saying was published abroad among all men. lat.]

Chapter 14 1. Now a certain priest named Piynchâ´ç and Addas a teacher and Aggaeus (Ogias Copt., Egias lat.) a Lëwíy came down from the Gâlíyl [peak10] unto Yruwshâláim and told the rulers of the assembly and the priests and the Lwiyyím, saying: “We saw Yâhuwshúa` Whom ye hung, and His pupils sitting upon the mountain which is called of Olives, and He said unto His pupils: “Go into all the world and preach the glad tidings unto every creature (the whole creation): he that believes and is 10

The Mount from which Yâhuwshúa` ascended was the mount of Olives (Deeds 1:12) specifically the “Gâlíyl” peak of the four summits of that mountain. In scriptures to go from Gâlíyl to Yruwshâláim is called “to ascend” and not descend, therefore it is likely that this Gâlíyl refers to the peak of the Mount of Olives. 60

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

immersed shall be saved, but he that disbelieves shall be condemned…” And while Yâhuwshúa` yet spoke unto His pupils we saw Him taken up into the heavens.” 2. Upon hearing this, the elders and the priests and Lwiyyím said to those three men: “Give honor to the mighty Ones of Yisrâ’Ë´l and retain Him as witness that indeed ye did hear and see those things which ye have told us.” (3) They that told them say: “As Yâ-hwéh, the mighty Ones of our fathers ’Avrâhâ´m, Yitschâ´q, and Ya`aqóv lives, we declare we are telling the truth: we did hear Yâhuwshúa` say these things to His pupils and we saw Him taken up into heaven. If we kept either thing quiet we would be committing a sin.” 61

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

(4) The elders and the chief priests and the Lwiyyím, rising up immediately, exclaimed unto them: “Did ye come for this end, that ye might tell us, or did ye come to pay your vows unto the mighty Ones?” And they say: “To pay our vows unto the mighty Ones.” The elders and the chief priests and the Lwiyyím say unto them: “If ye came to pay your vows unto the mighty Ones, to what purpose is this idle tale which ye have babbled before all the people?” Piynchâ´ç the priest and Addas the teacher and Aggaeus the Lëwíy say unto the rulers of the assembly and priests and Lwiyyím:

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

“If these words which we have spoken and seen be sin, look, we are before you: do unto us as seems good in your eyes.” And they took the scroll of the Law and adjured them that they should no more tell any man these words about Yâhuwshúa`: and they gave them to eat and to drink, moreover they gave them a mighty sum of silver, and escorted them out of the city: (5) and they made three men to accompany them and they set them on their way as far as Gâlíyl for them to return to their country, and to make no stay in Yruwshâláim, and they departed in peace. 3. (6) Now when these men were departed into Gâlíyl, the chief priests and the rulers of the assembly and the elders gathered together all the “Yehuwthím” in the assembly, and shut the gate, and 63

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

lamented with a great lamentation, saying: “What is this sign which is come to pass in Yisrâ’Ë´l?” (7) But ChananYâ´huw and Qayë´phâ’, to console them, said: “Wherefore are ye troubled? Why do ye weep? Are we going to believe the soldiers that guarded Yâhuwshúa`’s sepulcher, and who asserted that an envoy opened its cover? Might it not have been that His pupils gave much gold unto them to speak that way, and to let them steal Yâhuwshúa`’s body?” But the priests and the elders said: “May it be so, that His pupils did steal away His body; but how is it His soul entered into His body, and how does He abide in Gâlíyl?”

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

But they could not answer these things, and hardly in the end said: “It is not lawful for us to believe the uncircumcised, because, having received from us a mighty sum, they have said everywhere what we charged them to say. They can be disloyal to the pupils of Yâhuwshúa` as well as to us.” Nikódemos’s intervention in the debates of the assembly. The “Yehuwthím” send for Yâhuwçë´ph of Râmâtháyim and debrief him

Chapter 15 1. And Nikódemos rose up and stood before the council, saying: “Ye speak correctly, sons of Yisrâ’Ë´l. Know ye not, O people of Yâ-hwéh, the men that came down out of Gâlíyl, that they do fear the mighty Ones and are men of substance, hating the Lie, (Lat.), 65

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

men of peace? And they have told you with a sworn oath upon the Law of Yâhwéh, saying: ‘We saw Yâhuwshúa` upon the Mount of Olives with His pupils’ and that He taught them all things that ye heard of them, and, say they, ‘we saw Him taken up into heaven.’ Yet no man asked them in what manner He was taken up. For even as the scroll of the pure scriptures has taught us that ’ËliyYâ´huw also was taken up into heaven, and ’Ëliyshúa` cried out with a loud voice, and ’ËliyYâ´huw cast his cloak of hair upon ’Ëliyshúa`, and ’Ëliyshúa` cast the cloak upon Yardë´n and passed over and went unto Yriychów. And the sons of the predicators met him and said:

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

‘’Ëliyshúa`, where is your sovereign ’ËliyYâ´huw?’ And he said that he was taken up into the heavens. And they said unto ’Ëliyshúa`: ‘Hasn’t a spirit caught him up and cast him upon one of the mountains of Yisrâ’Ë´l? Instead let us take our servants with us and seek after him.’ And they persuaded ’Ëliyshúa` and he went with them, and they sought him three days and found him not: and they knew that he had been taken up. [2 Kings 2: 11-17] And now hearken unto me, sons of Yisrâ’Ë´l, and let us send into all the coasts (al. mountains) of Yisrâ’Ë´l and see whether Yâhuwshúa` was not taken up by a spirit and cast upon one of the mountains, and perhaps we may find Him and ask forgiveness.” 67

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

(2) And this saying pleased them all: and they sent into all the coasts (mountains, Lat.) and sought Yâhuwshúa` and found Him not. But they found Yâhuwçë´ph in Râmâtháyim, and no man dared lay hands upon him. 2. And they told the elders and the priests and the Lwiyyím, saying: “We went about throughout all the coasts of Yisrâ’Ë´l, and we found not Yâhuwshúa`; but Yâhuwçë´ph we found in Râmâtháyim.” (3) And when they heard of Yâhuwçë´ph the chiefs and all the people rejoiced and gave praise to the mighty Ones of Yisrâ’Ë´l that they had found Yâhuwçë´ph, whom they had locked in a cell, and whom they had not been able to find. (4) And the rulers of the assembly and the priests and the Lwiyyím took counsel and asked each other:

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

“How then can we bring Yâhuwçë´ph among us and make him talk?” (5) So they took a volume of paper and wrote unto Yâhuwçë´ph these words: “Peace be unto you. We know that we have sinned against the mighty Ones and against you, and we have prayed unto the mighty Ones of Yisrâ’Ë´l that you should vouchsafe to come unto your fathers and unto your sons, for we are all troubled, because when we opened the door we did not find you: and we know that we had devised an evil plan against you, and that Yâ-hwéh protected you, freeing you from our evil intentions. Peace be with you, Yâhuwçë´ph, you that are honorable among all the people.” 3. (6) And they chose out of all Yisrâ’Ë´l seven men that were friends of 69

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

Yâhuwçë´ph, whom Yâhuwçë´ph also himself accounted his friends, and the rulers of the assembly and the priests and the Lwiyyím said unto them: “When ye arrive a Yâhuwçë´ph’s house, give him the letter, and see: if he receives our letter and reads it, know that he will come with you unto us: but if he does not read it, know that he is vexed with us, and bid ye him peace and return unto us.” (7) And they blessed the men and let them go. And the men came unto the house of Yâhuwçë´ph and did him reverence, and said unto him: “Peace be unto you.” And he said: “Peace be unto you and unto all the people of Yisrâ’Ë´l.”

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

And they gave him the scroll of the letter, and Yâhuwçë´ph received it and read it and kissed the letter and blessed the mighty Ones and exclaimed: “Blessed be the Sovereign Yâ-hwéh the mighty Ones, which has redeemed Yisrâ’Ë´l from shedding my innocent blood; and blessed be Yâ-hwéh, my mighty Ones, Who sent His Envoy and sheltered me under His wings!” (8) And Yâhuwçë´ph kissed the ambassadors and set a table before them, and they did eat and drink and lodged there at his residence. 4. (9) And they rose up early and prayed: and Yâhuwçë´ph saddled his she-ass and went on the way with the men, and they came unto Yruwshâláim. (10) And when all the “Yehuwthím” heard of it, they came 71

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

to meet Yâhuwçë´ph, shouting and crying out: “Peace be to your entrance, father Yâhuwçë´ph.” And he replied unto all the people: “May the Peace of Yâ-hwéh be unto all the people!” (11) And all the people kissed him. And the people prayed with Yâhuwçë´ph, and they were astonished at the sight of him. And Nikódemos received him into his house and made a great feast, and called ChananYâ´huw and Qayë´phâ’ and the elders and the priests and the Lwiyyím unto his house. And they made merry eating and drinking with Yâhuwçë´ph. And when they had sung an psalm (or blessed the mighty Ones) every man went unto his house. But Yâhuwçë´ph abode in the house of Nikódemos.

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

5. (12) And on the morrow, which was the preparation11, the rulers of the assembly and the priests and the Lwiyyím rose up early and came to the house of Nikódemos, and Nikódemos met them and said: “Peace be unto you.” And they said: “Peace be unto you and to Yâhuwçë´ph and unto all your house and to all the house of Yâhuwçë´ph.” And he brought them into his house. And the whole council was set, and Yâhuwçë´ph sat between ChananYâ´huw and Qayë´phâ’ and no man dared speak a word unto him. And Yâhuwçë´ph said: “Why is it that ye have called me?” And they beckoned unto Nikódemos that he should speak unto Yâhuwçë´ph. And 11

This would have been the preparation for the second Phâ´çech. 73

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

Nikódemos opened his mouth and said unto Yâhuwçë´ph: “Father, you know that the revered scribes and the priests and the Lwiyyím seek to learn a matter of you.” And Yâhuwçë´ph said: “Inquire ye.” And ChananYâ´huw and Qayë´phâ’ took the scroll of the Law and adjured Yâhuwçë´ph saying: “Give praise to the mighty Ones of Yisrâ’Ë´l and make confession unto him: for `Âkhâr, when he was adjured of the predicator Yâhuwshúa` [Bin-Núwn], did not foreswear himself but declared unto him all things and did not hide a word from him [Yâhuwshúa` 17: 19-20]: you therefore also respond to all we shall ask you and hide not from us so much as a word.”

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

And Yâhuwçë´ph said: “I will not hide one word from you.” And they said unto him: “We were greatly vexed because you did bury the body of Yâhuwshúa` in a tomb. And for this cause we put you in safeguard in an cell wherein was no window, and we put keys and seals upon the doors, and guards did keep the place wherein you were shut up. And on the first day of the week we opened it and did not find you, and we were sorely frightened, and amazement fell upon all until we saw you again yesterday. Now, therefore, declare unto us in the presence of Yâ-hwéh, what happened to you.” 6. (13) And Yâhuwçë´ph said: 75

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

“When ye did shut me up, on the day after12 Phâ´çech about the tenth hour, and I continued there until the shabbâ´th was completed. And at midnight as I stood and prayed, the cell wherein ye shut me up was taken up by the four corners into the air, and I saw as it were a Light as brilliant as lightning in mine eyes, and being filled with fear I fell to the earth. And One took me by the hand and removed me from the place whereon I had fallen; and moisture of water was poured on me from my head unto my feet, and an fragrance of ointment came about my nostrils. And He wiped my face and kissed me and said unto me:

The 14th day of the first month, in which Yâhuwshúa` was Phâ´çech. It was the next day when this one was imprisoned. 76

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

“Do not fear, Yâhuwçë´ph: open your eyes and see Who it is that speaks with you.” (14) And I looked up and saw Yâhuwshúa` and I trembled, and supposed that it was a spirit: and I said the commandments: and He said them with me. And [as] ye are not ignorant that a spirit, if it meet any man and hear the commandments, immediately flees. And when I perceived that He said them with me, I said unto Him: “Rabbíy ’ËliyYâ´huw?” And He said unto me: “I am not ’ËliyYâ´huw.” And I said unto Him: “Who are you, my Sovereign?” And He said unto me: “I am Yâhuwshúa`, Whose body you did beg of Pilátus, and did clothe Me in 77

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

clean linen and cover My face with a napkin, and lay Me in your new cave and roll a great stone upon the door of the cave.” (15) And I said to Him that spoke with me: “Show me the place where I laid You.” And Yâhuwshúa` took me by the hand again, and He brought me and showed me the place where I laid Him, and the linen cloth lay therein, and the napkin that was upon His face. (16) And I recognized that it was Yâhuwshúa`, and I adored Him, saying: “Blessed is He who comes by the name of Yâ-hwéh!” (17) And Yâhuwshúa` took me by the hand again and set me in the midst of my house in Râmâtháyim, the doors being

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

shut, and laid me upon my bed and said unto me: “Peace is for you.” And He kissed me and said unto me: “Until forty days be ended do not go out of your house: for look, I go unto My brethren into Gâlíyl.” The “Yehuwthím” amazement before the testimony of Yâhuwçë´ph of Râmâtháyim

Chapter 16 1. And when the rulers of the assembly and the priests and the Lwiyyím heard these words of Yâhuwçë´ph they became as dead men and fell to the ground, and they fasted until the ninth hour. And Nikódemos with Yâhuwçë´ph comforted ChananYâ´huw and Qayë´phâ’ and the priests and the Lwiyyím, saying: 79

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

“Rise up and stand on your feet and taste bread and strengthen your selves, for tomorrow is the shabbâ´th of Yâ-hwéh.” And they rose up and prayed unto the mighty Ones and did eat and drink, and departed every man to his house. 2. And on the shabbâ´th the teachers and the priests and Lwiyyím sat and questioned one another and said: “What is this sign that is come upon us in Yruwshâláim? For we know Yâhuwshúa`’s father and His mother.” (2) And Lëwíy, a teacher explained: “I know that His parents were ones who feared the Highest and did not keep back their vows and paid tithes three times a year. And when Yâhuwshúa` was born, His parents brought Him up unto this place and gave slaughter-offerings and burnt-offerings to the mighty Ones of

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

Yisrâ’Ë´l. And [when] the great teacher Shim`ówn took Him into his arms and said: ‘Now, my Sovereign, let Your servant depart according to Your saying, in peace, for my eyes have seen Your Mercy which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a Light for disclosure for the Gowyím, and the Honor of Your people, Yisrâ’Ë´l.’ And the same Shim`ówn blessed them and said unto Miryâ´m His mother: ‘I give you good tidings concerning this Child.’ And Miryâ´m said: ‘Good, my sovereign?’ And Shim`ówn said to her:

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

‘Good. Look, He is given13 for a downfall and the resurrection of the many in Yisrâ’Ë´l, and for a sign being contradicted14…” [Yshá`Yâhuw 7: 14] 3. They say unto Lëwíy the teacher: “How do you know these things?” Lëwíy says unto them: “Don’t ye know that from him I did learn the Law?” The council says unto him: “We would want to see your father.” And they sent after his father, and asked of him, and he said to them: “Why didn’t ye believe my son? The blessed and righteous Shim`ówn, he did teach him the Law.”

The verb in `Ivríyth here would be a form of “nâthâ´n”, given granted, laid out, set, appointed, because this is referring to Yshá`Yâhuw 7:14, which says “my Sovereign will give Himself to you (plural) a sign. Look! The virgin is with child and is bearing a Son, and she will call His name the Power with us.” 14 The virgin birth of the Sovereign (Yâhuwshúa`) which He foretold through Yshá`Yâhuw (7: 14) is contradicted by the nonbelievers like those in verse 2 who are inquiring about this sign. 82

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

The council says: “Rabbíy Lëwíy, is the word true which you have spoken?” And he said: “It is true.” (3) Then the “Yehuwthím” said among themselves: “Come; let us send into Gâlíyl for the three men which came and told us of His teaching to His pupils and His ascension from the Mount of Olives, and let them tell us how they saw Him taken up.” (4) And this word pleased them all, and they sent the three men who before had gone with them into Gâlíyl and said to them: “Say unto Rabbíy Addas and Rabbíy Piynchâ´ç and Rabbíy Aggaeus: ‘Peace be to you and to all that are with you. Inasmuch as great 83

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

questioning has arisen in the council, we have sent unto you to call you unto this pure place of Yruwshâláim.’” 4. And the men went into Gâlíyl and found them sitting and meditating upon the Law, and bade them peace. And the men that were in Gâlíyl said unto them that were come to them: “Peace be upon all Yisrâ’Ë´l.” And they said: “Peace be unto you.” Again they said unto them: “Why are ye come?” And they that were sent said: “The council calls you unto the pure city Yruwshâláim.” And when the men heard that they were bidden by the council, they prayed to the mighty Ones and sat down to meat with

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

the men and did eat and drink, and rose up and came in peace unto Yruwshâláim. 5. And on the morrow the council was set in the assembly, and they examined them, saying: “Did ye in very deed see Yâhuwshúa` sitting upon the Mount of Olives, as He taught His eleven pupils, and saw ye Him taken up?” And the men answered them and said: “Even as we saw Him taken up, even so did we tell it unto you.” 6. (5) ChananYâ´huw said: “Set them apart from one another, and let us see if their word agrees.” And they set them apart one from another, and they call Addas first and say unto him: “How did you see Yâhuwshúa` taken up?” Addas said: 85

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

“While He yet sat upon the Mount of Olives and taught His pupils, we saw a cloud that overshadowed Him and His pupils: and the cloud carried Him up into heaven, and His pupils remained on the face of the earth.” And they called Piynchâ´ç the priest, and questioned him also, saying: “How did you see Yâhuwshúa` taken up?” And he spoke in like manner. And again they asked Aggaeus, and he also spoke in like manner. (6) And ChananYâ´huw and Qayë´phâ’ said: “It is contained in the Law of Moshéh: At the mouth of two or three shall every word be established.” Abuthem (Bouthem Gr., Abudem lat., Abuden, Abuthen Arm., om. Copt.) the teacher says:

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

“Though we know because it is written in the Law that the blessed Chanówkh, favored by the mighty Ones, was transported to the heavens by His Word…” [Chanówkh 70] Yâhuw’ârâ´sh the teacher said: “And though we have known of the death of the pure Moshéh though we have not seen him; for it is written in the Law of Yâ-hwéh: ‘And Moshéh died at the mouth of Yâhwéh, and no man knew of his sepulcher unto this day.’” But Rabbíy Lëwíy did say why it was that Rabbíy Shim`ówn said when he saw Yâhuwshúa`: ‘Look, this child is set for the downfall and resurrection of the many in Yisrâ’Ë´l and for a sign being contradicted.’” 87

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

And Rabbíy Yitschâ´q said: “It is written in the Law: ‘Look, I send My Envoy before your face, which shall go before you to keep you in every good Way… for My name is named on Him.’” [Yâhuwshúa` - Exodus 23: 20-21] 7. Then said ChananYâ´huw and Qayë´phâ’: “Ye have well said those things which are written in the law of Moshéh, that no man saw Chanówkh to have died, and no man has identified the death of Moshéh. But Yâhuwshúa` spoke of it [His death and resurrection] before Pilátus, and we know that we saw Him receive buffets and spitting upon His face, and that the soldiers put on Him a crown of thorns and that He was scourged and received condemnation

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

from Pilátus, and that He was hanged at the place of a skull and two thieves with Him, and that they gave Him vinegar to drink with gall, that He died on the gallows, and that Longinus the soldier pierced His side with a spear, and that Yâhuwçë´ph our honorable father begged His body, and put it in his tomb, and that, as he testifies, he has seen Him alive, and, as the three teachers certify, they found Him with His pupils on the mount of the Olives, and that they were present at the spectacle of His ascension to the heavens.” [Here ends this chapter in the source translation for the Spanish translation. An apparently inserted “Yehuwthím”-influenced rebuttal to this sound conclusion of the council continues in this source 89

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

translation, which is not congruent to the context, to scriptures, nor logical.]

PART II.

The Descent of the Anointed into Sh’ówl New and sensational declarations of Yâhuwçë´ph of Râmâtháyim

Chapter 17 1. And Yâhuwçë´ph arose and said unto ChananYâ´huw and Qayë´phâ’: “Truly and of right do ye marvel because ye have heard that Yâhuwshúa` has been seen alive after death, and that He has ascended into heaven. Nevertheless it is more marvelous that He did not arise alone from the dead, but 90

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

that He did raise up alive many other dead out of their sepulchers, and those have been seen by a great number of people in Yruwshâláim. (2) And now hearken unto me, for we all know that blessed Shim`ówn, the high priest which received the child Yâhuwshúa` in his hands in the temple. And this Shim`ówn had two sons; brothers in blood and we all were present at their falling asleep and attended their burial. Go therefore and look upon their sepulchers: for they are open, because they have risen, and look, they are in the city of Râmâtháyim dwelling together in prayer. And indeed men hear them crying out, yet they speak with no man, but are silent as dead men. But come, let us go unto them and with all honor and the greatest gentleness bring them unto us, and if we adjure 91

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

them, perchance they will tell us concerning the mystery of the rising again of Yâhuwshúa`.” 2. (3) When they heard these things, they all rejoiced. And ChananYâ´huw and Qayë´phâ’, Nikódemos and Yâhuwçë´ph and Gamliy’Ë´l went and found them not in their sepulcher, but they went unto the city of Râmâtháyim, and found them there, kneeling on their knees and giving themselves unto prayer. (4) And they embraced them, with all reverence and in the fear of the mighty Ones and they brought them to Yruwshâláim into the assembly. (5) And as soon as they shut the doors, they took the Law of Yâ-hwéh and put it into their hands, and adjured them by Athonâ´y Yâ-hwéh, even the mighty Ones of Yisrâ’Ë´l which spoke unto our fathers by the predicators, saying:

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

“If ye know Who it is that raised you from the dead, tell us how ye have arisen from the dead.” 3. (6) And when Karinus and Lúkius heard this adjuration, they trembled in their body and groaned, being troubled in heart. (7) And looking up together unto heaven they made the seal of the gallowscross with their fingers upon their tongues, (8) and forthwith they spoke, both of them, saying: “Give us each a scroll of paper, and let us write that which we have seen and heard.” (9) And they gave them unto them, and each of them sat down and wrote, saying: Chapter 18 Scroll of the testimony of Karinus and Lúkius 93

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

1. “O my Sovereign Yâhuwshúa` the Anointed, the Life and Resurrection of the dead (al. resurrection of the dead and the life of the living), permit us to speak of the secrets of Your majesty which You did perform after Your death upon the gallows-cross, inasmuch as we have been adjured by Your name. (2) For You did command us Your servants to tell no man the secrets of Your pure Majesty, which You wrought in Sh’ówl. (3)Now when we were set together with all our fathers in the deep, in obscurity of darkness, on a sudden there came a golden heat of the luminary orb and a purple and royal light shining upon us. (4) And immediately ’Âthâ´m, the father of the whole race of men, together with all 94

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

the chief fathers and predicators, rejoiced, saying: “This Light is the Chief (author) of everlasting Light which did promise to send unto us His co-eternal Light.” (19:1) And Yshá`Yâhuw cried out and said: “This is the Light of the Father, even the Son of the Power, according as I predicted when I lived upon the earth: ‘The land of Zvuwlún and the land of Naphttâlíy beyond Yardë´n, of Gâlíyl of the Gowyím, the people that walked in darkness have seen a great light, and they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them did the Light shine.’ [Yshá`Yâhuw 9: 1-2, MattithYâ´huw 4: 13-16] And now It has come and shone upon us that sit in death.” 95

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

2. (19:2) And as we all rejoiced in the Light which shined upon us, there came unto us our father Shim`ówn, and he rejoicing said unto all of us: “Praise ye Yâ-hwéh Yâhuwshúa` the Anointed, the Son of the Power; for I received Him when He was born in my hands in the temple, and being moved of the spirit of the Pure One I made profession and said unto Him: ‘Now have my eyes seen Your Mercy which You have prepared before the face of all people, a Light for revelation to the Gowyím, and the Honor of Your people Yisrâ’Ë´l.’” (19:3) And when they heard these things, the whole multitude of the pure ones rejoiced yet more.

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

3. (19:4) And after that there came one as it were a dweller in the wilderness, and as all inquired of him: “Who are you?” And he answered them and said: “I am Yâhuwchânâ´n, the ‘voice’ [Yshá`Yâhuw 40: 3] and ‘the predicator of the most High, which came before the face of His advent to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of deliverance for His people, by the release of their sins.’ [Luwqá’ 1: 76-77] And when I saw Him coming unto me, being moved of the spirit of the Pure One, I said: ‘Look, the Lamb of the Power (“Kasviy’Ë´l”) [Chanówkh 68: 19], look, Him that takes away the sins of the world.’ And I immersed Him in the river of Yardë´n, and saw the spirit of the Pure 97

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

One descending upon Him in the likeness of a dove, and heard a voice out of the heavens saying: “This is My Son, the Beloved One, in Whom I have found delight.” And now, I have come before His face, and come down to declare unto you that He is at hand to visit us, even the Dawn, the Son of the Power, coming from on high unto us that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.”

The prediction made by the Chief Envoy Miykhâ’Ë´l to Shëth

Chapter 19 (20) 1. And when father ’Âthâ´m that was first created heard what Yâhuwchânâ´n said, even that Yâhuwshúa` was immersed in Yardë´n, he cried out to Shëth his son, saying: 98

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

“Declare unto your sons the chief fathers and the predicators all that you did hear from Miykhâ’Ë´l the chief Envoy, when I sent you unto the gates of Pardë´ç that you might entreat Yâ-hwéh the mighty Ones to send you His envoy to give you the oil of the tree of mercy to anoint my body when I was sick.” (2) Then Shëth drew near unto the pure chief fathers and predicators, and said: “When I, Shëth, was praying at the gates of Pardë´ç, look, Miykhâ’Ë´l the Personhood15 of Yâ-hwéh appeared unto me, saying: “I am sent unto you from Yâ-hwéh: it is I that am appointed over the body of ’Âthâ´m. And I declare unto you, Shëth, do not vex yourself with tears, 15

Other translation: “Envoy”, but seeing as He is the Chief Envoy, this rendering is likely to be accurate. 99

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

praying and entreating for the oil of the tree of mercy, that you might anoint your father ’Âthâ´m for the pain of his body: for you will not be able to receive it save in the last days and times, save when four thousand16 (al. 5,95217) years are accomplished: then shall the most beloved Son of the Power (’Ël) come upon the earth to raise up the body of ’Âthâ´m and the bodies of the dead, and He shall come and be immersed in Yardë´n. And when He is come forth of the water of Yardë´n, then shall He anoint with the oil of mercy all that believe on Him, and that oil of mercy shall be unto all generations of them that shall be born

A clear reference to the Scroll of ’Âthâ´m and Chauwâ´h 3:2, where the Word predicted when He would save ’Âthâ´m. Here as there, a scribe altered it to “five and a half days”, which would have happened in 1528 Roman Date. The reason we have corrected this to four thousand is because the events described occurred at the death and resurrection of Yâhuwshúa` in 4001. 17 This scribal correction would correspond to the year 1979 AD. 100

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

of water and of the spirit of the Pure One, unto life eternal. Then shall the most beloved Son of the Power, even the Anointed One Yâhuwshúa`, come down into the earth and shall bring in our father ’Âthâ´m into Pardë´ç unto the tree of mercy.” And when they heard all these things of Shëth, all the chief fathers and predicators rejoiced with a great rejoicing. Discussion between Sâţâ´n and Sh’ówl

Chapter 20 (21) 1. And while all the pure ones were rejoicing, look, Sâţâ´n the prince and chief of death said unto Sh’ówl: “Make yourself ready to receive Yâhuwshúa` Who boasts himself that He is the Anointed and the Son of the Power, whereas He is a Man that is very 101

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

scared of death, as I myself have heard Him say: “My soul is sorrowful even unto death.” Then I understood that He was afraid of the gallows-cross. Brother, let us make haste, both you and I, for the bad day. Let us fortify this place, to be able to retain here as prisoner the One called Yâhuwshúa` that, according to Yâhuwchânâ´n and the predicators must come to expel us from here. For He has been much mine enemy, doing me great hurt, opposing Himself to me in many things, and plundering me of a multitude of resources. Many that I had made blind, lame, dumb, leprous, and possessed He has cured with a word: and some whom I have brought unto you dead, them has He taken away from you and returned them to life. 102

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

2. (3) Sh’ówl answered and said unto Sâţâ´n: “Who is the Prince that is so mighty, if He be a man that fears death? For all the mighty ones of the earth are held in subjection by my power, even from the moment you have brought me them subdued by your power. If you are this mighty, what manner of Man is this Yâhuwshúa` Who, though He fear death, resists your power? If He is so mighty in His humanity, verily I say unto you He is almighty in his mighty Personhood, and none shall be able to withstand His Power. And when He says that he fears death, He wanted to entrap you, and it shall constitute your woe for the everlasting ages.” (4) But Sâţâ´n the prince of the deepest abyss said: 103

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

“Why do you vacillate and fear to receive this Yâhuwshúa` Who is your adversary and mine? For I put Him on trial, and have stirred up my ancient people of the “Yehuwthím” with envy and wrath against Him. I have sharpened a spear to thrust him through, and I have prepared a gallowscross to hang Him and nails to pierce Him, and gall and vinegar have I mingled to give Him to drink: and His death is nigh at hand, that I may bring Him unto you to be subject unto you and me.” 3. (5) Sh’ówl answered and said: “You have told me that it is He that has taken away dead men from me. For there are many which I retain, though while they lived on the earth they have taken dead men from me, yet not by

104

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

their own power but by prayer to the mighty Ones, and their omnipotent mighty Ones was Who has taken them from me. Who is, then, this Yâhuwshúa`, which by His own Word without prayer has drawn dead men from me? Perchance it is He Who by His commanding Word did restore to life ’El`âzâ´r who was four days dead and stank and was decayed, whom I held here dead?” (6) Sâţâ´n the prince of death answered and said: “It is that same Yâhuwshúa`.” (7) When Sh’ówl heard that, he said unto him: “I adjure you by your strength and mine own that you bring Him not unto me. For at that time I, when I heard the command of His Word, I did quake and 105

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

was overwhelmed with fear, and all my assistants with me were troubled. Neither could we keep ’El`âzâ´r, but he, himself shaking, leaped forth with all agility and swiftness like an eagle, and departed from us, and the very earth also which held the dead body of ’El`âzâ´r straightway gave him up alive. Which is why now I know that that Man Who was able to do these things is a mighty Ones strong in command and mighty in humanity, and that He is its Deliverer. And if you bring Him unto me He will set free all that are here shut up in the hard prison and bound in the chains of their sins that cannot be broken, and by the Virtue [the Father] of His mighty Personhood, He will bring them unto the life of His mighty Personhood for ever.”

106

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

Triumphal entry of Yâhuwshúa` into Sh’ówl

Chapter 21 (22) 1. And as Sâţâ´n and Sh’ówl spoke this together, suddenly there came a voice as of thunder and a spiritual cry: “Remove, O heads, your gates, and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of the Honor shall come in.” [Psalms 24: 7] (2) And Sh’ówl, hearing that voice, said unto Sâţâ´n: “Depart from me and go out of my abode: if you be a mighty man of war, fight you against the King of the Honor. But what do you have in common with Him?”

107

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

And Sh’ówl cast Sâţâ´n forth out of his dwelling. (3) Then said Sh’ówl unto his wicked assistants: “Shut ye the hard gates of brass and put on them the bars of iron and withstand stoutly, lest this Man enters and we that hold captivity be taken captive.” 2. (4) But when all the multitude of the ancient pure ones heard these great voices, they spoke with a voice of rebuking unto Sh’ówl: “Open your gates, that the King of the Honor may come in!” And Dâwíth cried out, saying: “Did I not when I was alive upon earth, foretell unto you: ‘Let them give thanks unto Yâ-hwéh, even His mercies and His wonders unto the sons of ’Âthâ´m; Who has broken the gates of brass and smitten 108

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

the bars of iron in sunder? He has taken them out of the way of their iniquity.’” [Psalms 107: 15-16] And thereafter in like manner Yshá`Yâhuw said: “Did not I when I was alive upon earth foretell unto you that the dead shall arise, and they that are in the tombs shall rise again, and that they that settled in the dust shall rejoice, for the night mist which comes of Yâ-hwéh is their curing? [Yshá`Yâhuw 26: 19] And again [Howshë´`á] said: “[The King said18: I shall ransom them from the hand of Sh’ówl, I shall redeem them from death,] O death, where are 18

Howshë´`á 13:10-11 makes clear that Yâ-hwéh Himself came as our King Who will save us, but in His wrath removed Himself, and He is Who says what is in 13:14. Judging from the context here, mentioning this King of Honor, it is logical this statement should have been here, but we include it in brackets. 109

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

your plagues? O Sh’ówl, where is your destruction?” [Howshë´`á 13: 14] 3. When they heard that of Yshá`Yâhuw, all the pure ones said unto Sh’ówl: “Devouring and insatiable Sh’ówl, Open your gates for the King of the Honor, the Son of Dâwíth, the One predicted by Moshéh and by Yshá`Yâhuw: now shall you be overcome and weak and impotent.” (5) And there came a great voice as of thunder, saying: “Remove, O heads, your gates, and be ye lift up ye doors of Sh’ówl, and the King of the Honor shall come in.” [Psalms 24: 9] (6) And when Sh’ówl saw that they so cried out twice, he yelled, in a rage, as if he knew it not: “Who is the King of the Honor?” [Psalms 24: 10]

110

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

And Dâwíth answered Sh’ówl and said: “The words of this cry do I know, for by His spirit I predicted the same; and now I say unto you that which I said before: “…Yâ-hwéh strong and valiant, Yâhwéh heroic in battle, He is the King of the Honor.” [Psalms 24: 8] And: “Yâ-hwéh looked down from heaven that He might hear the groanings of them that are in fetters and deliver the sons of them that have been slain.” [Psalms 102: 19-20] So now, O you most foul and stinking Sh’ówl, open your gates, so that the King of the Honor may come in.” And as Dâwíth spoke thus unto Sh’ówl, (7) in the act, the great gates of bronze blew up in a thousand pieces, and those who death had held in chains stood up. [Yshá`Yâhuw 111

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

45: 2] (8) And the ’Athoníy-haKâvówth (the Sovereign of majesty19) entered in the form of a Man [or “’Âthâ´m”] and illuminated all the caves of the eternal darkness of Sh’ówl (9) and broke the bonds that until then could not be loosed: and the aid of an invincible Virtue, His everlasting Might, visited us that sat in the deep darkness of our transgressions and in the shadow of death of our sins.

Fright of the powers of Sh’ówl before the presence of Yâhuwshúa`

Chapter 22 (23) 1. When the two heads over death and Sh’ówl saw that, they and their wicked officers and their cruel assistants were overcome with fright within their own 19

“The Sovereign of Honor” is found in 1 Qorinthíym 2: 8 and often in the Book of Chanówkh (Enoch), sometimes Who is also called “the everlasting King”, Who will come and descend to visit the earth with goodness. (24:8) 112

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

realms, at not being able to resist the clarity of the brightness of such a great Light, seeing the presence of the Anointed One of a sudden in their abode, (2) and they cried out with impotent rage, saying: “You have defeated us! Who are You, Who are sent by Yâ-hwéh for our confusion? Who are You, Who without any damage of corruption, and with the evidence of your Majesty unblemished, do in wrath condemn our power? Who are You, Who is so great yet so small, both humble yet so lofty, both Soldier yet Commander, a marvelous Warrior in the shape of a Bondman, and a King of the honor dead but living, Whom the gallows-cross bore slain upon it? You, Who did lie dead in the sepulcher, have come down unto us living and at Your death all creation quaked and all the 113

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

stars were shaken and Who now remains free among the dead and do rout our legions! Who are You, Who sets free the prisoners that are held bound by original sin and restores them into their former liberty? Who are You, Who sheds Your pure and bright Light upon them that were blinded with the darkness of their sins?” (3) After the same manner all the legions of gods were stricken with like fear and cried out all together in the terror of their confusion, saying: “Whence are You, Yâhuwshúa`, a Man so mighty and bright in majesty, so excellent without spot and clean from sin? For that world of earth which has been always subject unto us until now, and did pay tribute to our profit, has never sent unto us a dead man like You,

114

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

nor ever dispatched such a gift unto Sh’ówl. Who then are You that so fearlessly enters our borders, and not only does not fear our torments, but besides intends to bear away all men out of our bonds? Peradventure You are that Yâhuwshúa`; of Whom Sâţâ´n our head said that by Your death of the gallowscross he should receive the dominion of the whole world.” 2. (4) Then did the King of the Honor in His majesty trample upon death, and laid hold on Sâţâ´n and Sh’ówl and dispossessed them of the keys of Death and of Sh’ówl20, and drew ’Âthâ´m to Him unto His own Brightness. 20

According to scripture, the Adversary presently roams the earth seeking whom he may devour. During the millennial reign, he will be in the bottomless pit. The body of the Adversary is the part of him which will spend the Day of Wrath in Sh’ówl, being his members. These are the wicked who presently are in the lower parts of Sh’ówl. The source translation says that Yâhuwshúa` “laid hold on Sâţâ´n and delivered him unto the power of Sh’ówl”, another says that He “deprived Sh’ówl of all of its power”. Both of these are incompatible with scriptures. Judging from the context, as per Disclosure 1: 18, we 115

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

Chapter 23 (24) Accusing imprecations of Sh’ówl against Sâţâ´n

(1) Then Sh’ówl, shouting, howling, and overwhelming Sâţâ´n with sore reproaches, said unto him: “Bá`al-Zvúwv, prince of perdition and chief of destruction, the scorn of the envoys of Yâ-hwéh and spitting of the righteous, why would you do this? You would hang the King of the Honor and at His decease did promise us great spoils of His death: like a fool you did not know what you did. For look now, this Yâhuwshúa` puts to flight by the brightness of His Majesty all the darkness of death, and has broken the strong depths of the prisons, and freeing the captives and loosing them that were are making a bold restoration which is related to both of these, saying that here is when Yâhuwshúa` took away the keys of death and Sh’ówl from them. 116

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

bound. And all that were moaning in our torments do rejoice against us, and at their prayers our dominions are vanquished and our realms conquered, and now not only do we not inspire terror to the human race, instead on the contrary, the dead who were never disposed to be proud triumph over us, and the captives who never could be joyful do threaten us. O prince Sâţâ´n, father of all the wicked and irreverent and renegades, why would you do this? Those that from the beginning until now have despaired of life and salvation - now are none of their willful screams heard, neither does any groan from them sound in our ears, nor is there any sign of tears upon the face of any of them. O prince Sâţâ´n, who held the keys of Sh’ówl, those, your riches which you had 117

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

gained by the tree of transgression and the losing of Pardë´ç, you have lost it by the tree of the gallows-cross, and all your gladness has perished. When you did hang up the Anointed One Yâhuwshúa`, the King of the Honor, you worked against yourself and against me. Henceforth you shall know what eternal torments and infinite pains you are to suffer when you are in my keeping for the age21. Hëylë´l [Yshá`Yâhuw 14: 12], author of death and head of all pride, you ought first to have sought out a matter of evil within this Yâhuwshúa`: Why did you adventure without cause to hang Him unjustly against Whom you found no blame, and to bring into our realm

Sâţâ´n is not in Sh’ówl forever, he is at large on the earth but he shall be stripped of his power and cast into Sh’ówl before his getting cast out of there and being chained and thrown into the bottomless pit for 1,000 years. The body of the Adversary is the part of him which will spend the Day of Wrath in Sh’ówl, being his members. These are the wicked dead who presently are in the lower parts of Sh’ówl. 118

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

the innocent and righteous One, and to lose the guilty and the irreverent and unrighteous of the whole world?” (2) And when Sh’ówl had spoken thus unto Sâţâ´n, then said the King of the Honor unto Sh’ówl: “Sâţâ´n the prince shall be in your power for all the age22 in the stead of ’Âthâ´m and his sons, even those that are My righteous ones.” Chapter 24 (25) 1. And Yâ-hwéh stretching forth His hand, said: “Come unto me, all ye My pure ones which bear My image and My likeness. 22

This means the 1,000 year day of wrath while for the righteous, it is the 1,000 year rest, the Day of Yâ-hwéh. Although Sâţâ´n shall be divested of his authorities and his soul be sent down to Sh’ówl, as per this and Yshá`Yâhuw 14:4-12, he will be trampled and thrown out by the people he put in there, and he will need a special housing unit of Sh’ówl, the bottomless pit, to house him those 1,000 years. 119

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

Ye that by the `ëts23 (tree) and by the accuser and by death were condemned, look now at the accuser and the death condemned by the `ëts (gallows).” (2) And forthwith all the pure ones were gathered in one under the hand of Yâhwéh. And Yâ-hwéh holding the right hand of ’Âthâ´m, said unto him: “Peace is for you with all your sons that are My righteous ones.” (3) But ’Âthâ´m, spilling tears, cast himself at the feet of Yâ-hwéh, and said with a loud voice: “I will magnify you, O Yâ-hwéh, for You have set me up and not allowed my foes to triumph over me forever: ‘O Yâ-hwéh ’Elohâ´y (my mighty Ones)!’ I cried unto You and You have cured me; Yâ-hwéh, You have brought my soul out of Sh’ówl,

`Ëts is the word in `Ivríyth for “tree”, which also means “wood” or “gallows”. The cross was the type of gallows which was used to hang Yâhuwshúa`. 120

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

You have delivered me, not leaving me with them that descend to the pit. Sing praises unto Yâ-hwéh all ye pure ones of His, and profess Him for the record of His Pureness. For there is wrath in His indignation, but life is in His will.” [Yâhuwchânâ´n’s Glad Tidings 6: 40] (4) In like manner all the pure ones of the mighty Ones kneeled and cast themselves at the feet of Yâ-hwéh, saying with one voice: “You have arrived, O Redeemer of the world: You have accomplished in deed that which You did foretell by the Law and by Your predicators. You have redeemed the living by your gallowscross, and by the death of the gallowscross You have come down unto us, so that You might deliver us out of Sh’ówl and death through Your Majesty. So our 121

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

Sovereign, just as You have established the name of Your Honor in the heavens and established Your gallows-cross for a symbol of redemption upon the earth, so, Yâ-hwéh, establish in Sh’ówl the sign of the victory of Your gallows-cross, that death may have no more dominion!” 2. (5) And Yâ-hwéh stretched forth His hand and made the sign of the gallowscross on ’Âthâ´m and over all His pure ones24, and He took the right hand of ’Âthâ´m and went up out of Sh’ówl25, and all the pure ones followed Him. (6) Then did the predicator Dâwíth cry aloud and say:

Note that this sign is in Sh’ówl. On earth the symbol of our redemption is the gallowscross (notably without any effigy mentioned). Although this theoretically could be a gesture which is common to Roman Catholics, this is more likely to be something else, as it is also found on the shoulders of the thief later in this scripture, and there it does not appear to be a gesture. 25 Out of that part of Sh’ówl, and into Pardë´ç, which is also underground, and described as part of Sh’ówl in YchezqË´’l 31: 16-18. 122

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

“Sing unto Yâ-hwéh a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and His pure Arm have wrought salvation for Him. Yâ-hwéh has made known His deliverance, before the face of all the heathen masses He has revealed His righteousness!” [Psalms 98: 1-2] (7) And the whole multitude of the pure ones answered, saying: “’Âmë´n, This honor is for all His pure ones. Háleluw Yâ´huw!” [Psalms 149: 9] 3. (8) And thereafter Chavaqqúwq the predicator cried out and said: “You went forth for the deliverance of Your Anointed for the deliverance of Your people.” [Chavaqqúwq 3: 13] (9) And all the pure ones answered, saying: “Blessed is he that comes in the name of Yâ-hwéh… The mighty Ones is Yâ123

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

hwéh and He illuminates for us. [Psalms 118: 26-27] ’Âmë´n, Háleluw Yâ´huw!” (10) Likewise after that the predicator Miykhâ´h also cried, saying: “What mighty Ones is like you, O Yâhwéh, taking away iniquity and removing sins? And now You withhold Your wrath for a testimony that You are merciful of free will, and You do turn away and have mercy on us, You bear away all our iniquities and have sunk all our sins in the depths of the sea, as you swore unto our fathers in the days of old.” [Miykhâ´h 7: 18-20] (11) And all the pure ones answered, saying: “This is our mighty Ones forever and ever; He shall be our guide, eternity without end. ’Âmë´n, Háleluw Yâ´huw!” 124

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

(12) And thus spoke all the predicators, making mention of passages out of their songs dedicated to praising Yâ-hwéh, and all the pure ones followed Yâ-hwéh, crying “’Âmë´n, Háleluw Yâ´huw!” Arrival of the ancient pure ones to Pardë´ç and their encounter with Chanówkh and with ’ËliyYâ´huw

Chapter 25 (26) (1) Thus Yâ-hwéh, holding the hand of ’Âthâ´m, delivered him unto Miykhâ’Ë´l26 the chief Envoy, and all the pure ones followed Miykhâ’Ë´l the chief Envoy, (2) and He brought them all into the honor and beauty (favor) of Pardë´ç. And there met 26

Miykhâ’Ë´l is a title of Yâhuwshúa`, Who is Yâ-hwéh’s Personhood, the chief Envoy, the Envoy of Yâ-hwéh. Yâ-hwéh is a name for both the Father and Son. In 24:2 we see Yâ-hwéh is who took the right hand of ’Âthâ´m and led him into the Garden, followed by the pure ones. This is more proof that Miykhâ’Ë´l is a title of Yâhuwshúa`, Who is Yâhwéh in Person. 125

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

with them two men, ancients of days, (3) and when they were asked of the pure ones: “Who are ye that have not yet been dead in Sh’ówl with us and have been placed in Pardë´ç in the body?” (4) Then one of them answering, said: “I am Chanówkh who was transferred hither by the Word of Yâ-hwéh, and this one who is with me is ’ËliyYâ´huw the Tishvíy which was taken up in a chariot of fire: and up to this day we have not tasted death, but we are reserved unto the advent of the anointed falsifier armed with signs and wonders of the mighty Ones to fight against him, and to be slain of him in Yruwshâláim [Rome], and after three days and a half to be taken up alive again in the clouds.27

Pardë´ç is the Garden of ’Ë´then, not heaven, and this is where Chanówkh and ’ËliyYâ´huw presently are. Those two witnesses will be proclaiming the Kingdom to the heathens during the times of the heathens, from shortly before the 6th seal until 3 ½ days before the 7th trumpet, and will be killed in Rome, not in Yruwshâláim, because 126

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

Arrival of the good thief to Pardë´ç

Chapter 26 (27) (1) And as Chanówkh and ’ËliyYâ´huw spoke thus with the pure ones, look, there came another man of vile habit, bearing upon his shoulders the sign of the gallowscross; (2) whom when they beheld, all the pure ones said unto him: “Who are you? For your appearance is as of a robber; and why is it that you bear a sign upon your shoulders?” (3) And he answered them and said: “Ye have rightly spoken: for I was a robber, doing all manner of evil upon the earth. And the “Yehuwthím” hanged me with Yâhuwshúa`, and I beheld the Yruwshâláim will be inside the Kingdom, and the RCC crucified their sovereign, Këph. If the original said “Rome” it is obvious this would be quickly changed by the guilty. But the book of Chanówkh also describes him as being in Pardë´ç (58:9 English translation or 60:8 Spanish translation) and the Second Book of ’Âthâ´m and Chauwâ´h 22:8-9 does support this and declare that he is reserved alive there until Yâ-hwéh would have him die. 127

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

wonders in the creation which came to pass through the gallows-cross of my companion Yâhuwshúa` when He was hanged, and I believed that He was the Maker of all creatures and the almighty King, and I besought Him, exclaiming: ‘Remember me, Yâ-hwéh, when You come into Your kingdom.’ And forthwith He accepted my prayer, and said unto me: ‘Verily I say unto you, this day shall you be with Me in Pardë´ç’: and He gave me the sign of the gallowscross, saying: ‘Bear this and go unto Pardë´ç, and if the envoy that keeps Pardë´ç does not permit you to enter in, show him the sign of the gallows-cross; and you shall say unto him:

128

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

“It is Yâhuwshúa` the Anointed the Son of the Power Who now has been hanged, Who has sent me to you.”’ And when I had so done, I spoke all these things unto the envoy that keeps Pardë´ç; and when he heard this of me, forthwith he opened the door and brought me in and set me at the right hand of Pardë´ç, saying: “Look now, tarry a little, and ’Âthâ´m the father of all mankind will enter in with all his sons, that are the pure and the righteous, after the triumph and honor of the ascending up of the Anointed One, Yâ-hwéh that is hanged.” (4) When they heard all these words of the robber, all the pure chief fathers and predicators shouted with one voice: “Blessed be Yâ-hwéh of Hosts, the Father of eternal good things, the Father of 129

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

mercies, You that have given such favor unto Your sinners and have brought them again into the beauty of Pardë´ç and into Your good pastures: for this is the most true life of the spirit. ’Âmë´n.” Karinus and Lúkius conclude their account

Chapter 27 (28) (1) “These are the mighty and pure secrets which we saw and heard, even I, Karinus, and Lúkius: (2) but we were not permitted to relate further the rest of the secrets of the mighty Ones, according as Miykhâ’Ë´l the chief Envoy strictly charged us, saying: ‘Ye shall go with your brethren unto Yruwshâláim and remain in prayer, proclaiming and praising the resurrection of Yâ-hwéh, Yâhuwshúa` the Anointed, you who He has raised 130

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

from the dead together with Him: and ye shall not be speaking with any born man, but sit as mute men, until the hour come when Yâ-hwéh Himself permits you to declare the secrets of His mighty Personhood.’ (3) And unto us Miykhâ’Ë´l the chief Envoy gave commandment that we should go over Yardë´n unto a place rich and fertile, where are many who rose again together with us for a testimony of the resurrection of the Anointed Yâ-hwéh. For there were allowed unto us, who rose from the dead, only three days to keep the [second] Phâ´çech of Yâ-hwéh in Yruwshâláim with our kindred (parents) that are living for a testimony of the resurrection of the Anointed of Yâ-hwéh: and we were immersed in the pure river of Yardë´n and every one of us received 131

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

white robes. (4) And after the three days, when we had kept the Phâ´çech of Yâhwéh, all they were caught up in the clouds which had risen again with us28, and were taken over Yardë´n and were no more seen of any man. (5) But unto us it was said that we should remain in the city of Râmâtháyim and continue in prayer. These are all the things that Yâ-hwéh bade us declare unto you: give praise and profess Him, and repent that He may have mercy upon you. Peace be unto you from the same Yâ-hwéh ’Elohíym, Yâhuwshúa` the Anointed, which is the Savior of us all. ’Âmë´n.”

(6) And when they had finished writing all things in the several scrolls of paper they 28

Not going to heaven, but which had risen them from Sh’ówl, and which would return them there, to Pardë´ç. 132

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

stood up; and Karinus gave that which he had written into the hands of ChananYâ´huw and Qayë´phâ’ and Gamliy’Ë´l; likewise Lúkius gave that which he had written into the hands of Nikódemos and Yâhuwçë´ph. (7) And suddenly they were transfigured and appeared in exceedingly white garments and were seen no more. (8) But their writings were found to be exactly the same (lit. equal), without even one letter of difference. (9) And all the assembly of the “Yehuwthím” was left in great dismay when they had read all those marvelous dissertations of Karinus and Lúkius, and the Yâhuwthím said one to another: “Truly all these things were wrought by Yâ-hwéh, so blessed be Yâ-hwéh Yâhuwshúa`, ages without end, ’Âmë´n.” 133

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

(10) And all of the Assembly went out with great trouble of mind, smiting their breasts with fear and trembling, and every man withdrew unto his own home. (11) And all these things, which were spoken by the “Yehuwthím” in their assembly, did Yâhuwçë´ph and Nikódemos forthwith declare unto the governor. And Pilátus himself wrote all the things that were done and said concerning Yâhuwshúa` by the “Yehuwthím”, and laid up all the words in the public scrolls of his judgment hall (praetorium). Pilátus in the temple

Chapter 28 (29) This chapter is not found in the majority of copies.29 29

For an uncircumcised heathen (though circumcised of heart) like Pilátus to enter the temple, as described in this chapter, was the very same “crime” which the “Yehuwthím” accused Páulus of doing. Any translation having any of their influence would not include this chapter! 134

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

(1) After these things Pilátus entered into the temple of the “Yehuwthím” and gathered together all the chief of the priests, and the teachers and scribes and instructors of the Law, (2) and went in with them into the pure place30 of the temple and commanded all the doors to be shut, and said unto them: “We have heard that ye have in this temple a certain great Scroll collection; wherefore I ask31 you that it be presented before us.” (3) And when that great Scroll collection adorned with gold and precious jewels was brought by four assistants, Pilátus said to them all: 30

Not the separate one of the pure places, but because Pilátus was considered a heathen, it is momentous that he was allowed into the pure place because this would not have been allowed (See Deeds 21:28). 31 Another translation reads “command” here. 135

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

“I adjure you by the mighty Ones of your fathers which has made and commanded you to build this temple in the place of His pure place, that ye hide not the truth from me. Ye know all the things that are written in this Scroll collection; but show me now if ye have found in the scriptures that this Yâhuwshúa` Whom ye have hanged is the Son of the Power which should come for the salvation of mankind, and explain to me in what year of the times He must come. Declare unto me whether ye hanged Him in ignorance or knowingly.” (4) And when they were thus adjured by the governor, ChananYâ´huw and Qayë´phâ’ commanded all the rest that were with them to go out of from there; and they themselves shut all the doors of the temple and of the pure place, and said unto Pilátus:

136

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

“You have adjured us, O excellent judge, by the building of this temple to make manifest unto you the Truth and a true account of the secrets. Now, After that we had hanged Yâhuwshúa`, ignoring that he was the Son of the Power, but supposing that by divination He did His wondrous works, we made a great assembly in this same temple; and as we conferred one with another concerning the signs of the mighty works which Yâhuwshúa` had done, we found many witnesses of our own race who assured us that they had seen Yâhuwshúa` alive after the suffering of His death, and that He was passed into the height of the heavens. Moreover, we saw two witnesses whom Yâhuwshúa` raised from the dead, and we have held in our hands their account in writing of many marvelous things which Yâhuwshúa` did 137

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

among the dead! Now our custom is that every year before our assembly we open this pure Scroll and inquire the testimony of the mighty Ones. And we have found in the first scroll of the Seventy how that Miykhâ’Ë´l the Chief Envoy spoke unto the third son of ’Âthâ´m the first man concerning the four thousand years32 [2 ’Âthâ´m and Chauwâ´h 12: 6], wherein should descend [to Sh’ówl] the most beloved Son of the Power, even the Anointed One [1 ’Âthâ´m and Chauwâ´h 3: 1-6, 16, 7: 2, 10: 8]: and furthermore we have thought that peradventure this Same One was the mighty Ones of Yisrâ’Ë´l which said unto Moshéh: “And you shall make an atonement cover lid (mercy seat) of pure gold, two cubits

Source text: “five thousand and a half”

138

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

and a half in length, and one cubit and a half in width [Exodus 25:17]33.” For by those four cubits we have understood and known the design of the propitiation cover lid of the box of the covenant34, symbolism meaning that in four thousand years Yâhuwshúa` the Anointed [the Propitiation] should come onto the box of His body [the believers35]: so we have found that He is the mighty Ones of Yisrâ’Ë´l, even the Son of the Power. For after His suffering, we the chief of the priests, because we marveled at the signs which came to pass on his account did 33

“ And in height one cubit and a half” was added in by scribes who mistakenly quoted Exodus 25:10 as they believed that it would be five and a half days, which is the sum of the box’s dimensions, not the mercy seat. 34 Source text: “old covenant”. This is corrected to “covenant” although in Exodus it is not called this, and could very well be “testimony” which it contained. 35 The lid, representing the Anointed, was pure gold. The box, representing the convocation (His body), was wood covered with gold. The propitiation cover made the view from the throne above the two Kruwvíym be pure gold, and He would meet and commune with us from there upon the box containing the testimony He gave us, as He resides in us who maintain the testimony of His Word within us. 139

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

open the Scroll, and searched out all the generations unto the generation of Yâhuwçë´ph, and Miryâ´m the mother of Yâhuwshúa`, accepting her to be of the seed of Dâwíth: and we found that from the day when the mighty Ones made the heaven and the earth and the first man, from that time unto the Flood are 165636 years: and from the Flood unto the building of the tower 34037 years [1996]: and from the building of the tower unto ’Avrâhâ´m’s promise 5338 years [birth of Yitschâ´q 2049]: and from ’Avrâhâ´m’s promise unto the coming of the sons of Yisrâ’Ë´l out of Mitsráyim 40039 years [2449]: and from the going of the sons of Yisrâ’Ë´l out of Mitsráyim unto the

36 37 38 39

Source text: “2,212” Source text: “531” Source text: “606” Source text: “470”

140

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

building of the temple 48740 years [2936]: and from the building of the temple unto the destruction of the same temple 42241 years [3358]: so far found we in the Scroll of Esdras: and inquiring from the burning of the temple unto the coming of the Anointed One and His birth [3969] we found it to be 61142 years, which together with His lifetime [31½] were four43 thousand years44 [4001] like as we found it written in the Scroll that Miykhâ’Ë´l the chief Envoy declared before unto Shëth the third son of ’Âthâ´m, that after four45 thousand years the Anointed One, the Son of the Power would come onto the 40

Source text: “511” Source text: “464” 42 Source text: “636” 43 Source text: “five thousand and a half”. 44 The words in italics and blue font are corrected according to the scriptural study of the History of Man. The other translation varies considerably from this one, which shows that much scribal revisionism happened here, primarily to fit their 5,500 years error. 45 Source text: “five thousand and a half” 41

141

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

box of His body. So it turns out that Yâhuwshúa`, Whom we have hanged, is the true Anointed One, the Son of the Power. Hitherto have we told no man, lest there should be a schism in our assemblies; and now, O excellent judge, you have adjured us by this pure Scroll of the testimonies of the mighty Ones, and we do declare it unto you: and we also have adjured you by your life and soundness that you declare not these words unto any man in Yruwshâláim.”46 Chapter 29 (30) So Pilátus, when he heard these words of ChananYâ´huw and Qayë´phâ’, laid them all up amongst the acts of the Sovereign 46

Yâhuwshúa` did not preach to these people in vain. They did eventually believe, and His prayer that His Father forgive them for they do not know what they do did in fact get a response, these did convert. However, they did not tell anyone but Pilátus apparently, because they are on record in Deeds of the Delegates as being the worst enemies of those who did testify, and the rebellion of the “Yehuwthím” continued because they kept it a secret. 142

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

and Savior in the public scrolls of his judgment hall, and wrote a letter unto Claúdius the king of the city of Rome47, saying: [The following Letter or Report of Pilátus is inserted in Greek into the late Acts of Peter and Paul ( 40) and the Pseudo-Marcellus Suffering of Peter and Paul ( 19). We thus have it in Greek and Latin, and the Greek is used here as the basis of the version.]

(30:1) “Pontius Pilátus unto Claúdius Tibérius Kæ´sar, greeting. (2) There befell of late a matter which I myself brought to trial: for (3) the “Yehuwthím” through envy have punished themselves and their posterity with fearful judgments of their own fault; for 47

Since he was adjured to not declare the words to anyone in Yruwshâláim, he wrote to his contacts in Rome. 143

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

whereas their fathers had promises (al. had announced unto them) that their mighty Ones would send them out of heaven His Pure One Who should of right be called their King, and did promise that (4) He would send Him upon earth by a virgin; He, then (or this mighty Ones of the `Ivríym, then), came when I was governor of Yâhuwthâ´h, and they beheld Him (5) enlightening the blind, cleansing lepers, curing the palsied, driving gods out of men, raising the dead, rebuking the winds, walking upon the waves of the sea dry-shod, and doing many other wonders, and all the people of the Yâhuwthím calling Him ‘the Son of the Power’: the chief priests of the “Yehuwthím” therefore, were moved with envy against Him, took Him and delivered Him unto me and brought against Him one false accusation

144

‫ַבּשֵּׂר נִיק ֹדֶּ מוֹס׃ ַמ ֲעשֵׂה פִּילַטוּס‬

after another to make Him perish, lying to me, saying that He was a sorcerer and did things contrary to their Law. (6) But I, poorly informed and ill advised, believing that these things were so, having scourged Him, delivered Him unto their will: (7) and they hanged Him, and when He was buried they requested guards to watch over Him. (8) But while my soldiers watched Him He rose again on the third day: (9) yet so much was the malice of the “Yehuwthím” kindled that they gave silver to the soldiers, saying: ‘Say ye that His pupils stole away His body.’ (10) But they, though they took the money, were not able to keep silence concerning that, which had come to pass; for they also have testified that they saw Him arisen and that they received silver 145

The Glad Tidings of Nikódemos: The Deeds of Pilátus

from the “Yehuwthím”. (11) And these things have I reported for this cause, so you won’t ignore that the chiefs of the “Yehuwthím” have lied, lest some other one should lie unto you and you should deem right to believe the false tales of the “Yehuwthím”.”

146