Epistle to the Laodiceans

What follows is purportedly the “lost” epistle to the Laodiceans. The earliest manuscript dates to the 5th century.

1. Paul an Apostle, not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, to the brethren which are at Laodicea.

2. Grace be to you, and peace, from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.

3. I thank Christ in every prayer of mine, that you may continue and persevere in good works, looking for that which is promised in the day of judgment.

4. Do not be troubled by the vain speeches of anyone who perverts the truth, that they may draw you aside from the truth of the Gospel which I have preached.

5. And now may God grant that my converts may attain to a perfect knowledge of the truth of the Gospel, be beneficent, and doing good works which accompany salvation.

6. And now my bonds, which I suffer in Christ, are manifest, in which I rejoice and am glad.

7. For I know that this shall turn to my salvation forever, which shall be through your prayer and the supply of the Holy Spirit.

8. Whether I live or die, to me to live shall be a life to Christ, to die will be joy.

9. And our Lord will grant us his mercy, that you may have the same love, and be like-minded.

10. Wherefore, my beloved, as you have heard of the coming of the Lord, so think and act reverently, and it shall be to you life eternal;

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