Acts of Paul and Thecla 6

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

2And when they had fasted for several days, the children said to Paul, Father, we are hungry, and have not wherewithal to buy bread; for Onesiphorus had left all his substance to follow Paul with his family. p. 105a

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

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

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

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

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

8Thecla then standing behind him, cried out in the following words: O sovereign Lord, Creator of heaven and earth, the Father of thy beloved and holy Son, I praise thee that thou hast preserved me from the fire, to see Paul again.

9Paul then arose, and when he saw her, said, O God, who searchest the heart, Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, I praise thee that thou hast answered my prayer.

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

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

12Then said Thecla to Paul, If you be pleased with it, I will follow you whithersoever you go.

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

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

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