Acts of Peter and the Twelve Apostles

Peter and the apostles set sail; they come to a city in the midst of the sea where they meet the pearl merchant Lithargoel, who calls them unto a hidden city.

1It came to pass that, after the Lord was taken up from us, we went forth from Jerusalem. We were eleven brethren; and we sailed in a ship upon the sea.

2And the wind drove us unto a city in the midst of the waters, even the city which is called Habitation. And we entered into the city, that we might rest there, and inquire of the inhabitants concerning the will of the Lord.

3And as we were going through the streets, we beheld a man come forth from the gate. He carried a satchel about his neck, and a staff in his hand. And he was crying out: Pearls! Pearls!

4And I, even I, Peter, said unto him: My brother and friend, what is thy name?

5And he answered, and said: My name is Lithargoel — that is to say, the light gazelle stone.

6And I said unto him: Whence comest thou?

7He said: From a city which is far off — even Nine Gates. The way thither is hard. Robbers lie in wait by the way. Wild beasts are in the desert. The road goeth through hunger and thirst. None can travel it that beareth bread, water, sandals, fine garments, or money. He that taketh upon himself nothing of these things shall arrive thither in safety. He shall enter the city, and shall be received.

8And I said unto him: This is a hard way; for who can go without bread, or water, or sandals, or garment, or coin?

9And Lithargoel said: Yet they that go thus shall arrive. They that take with them the things of the world shall fall by the way. Take heed, my brother. Cast off the cares of this city, even Habitation; gird thyself for the journey unto the city of Nine Gates. The pearls thereof are without price.

10And we marvelled at his words. And we asked the inhabitants of the city: Have ye heard of this city of Nine Gates? And they said: We have heard rumour; but none of us hath gone there.

11Then I, Peter, said unto my brethren: Let us follow Lithargoel. Let us cast off the cares of Habitation. Let us journey unto Nine Gates. For I believe that the Lord hath sent this man unto us.

12And we cast off our garments and our coin and our sandals and our bread. And we went forth in the way; and we travelled in poverty; and we were as men that are nothing.