apoc-james-2nag-hammadi
Second Apocalypse of James 1
James the Just, standing upon the wall of the temple in Jerusalem, delivers his final discourse before being cast down and stoned by the priests. He speaks as one who received sealed revelation from the pre-existent Christ — his Lord and brother — who appeared to him on a high mountain, embraced him, and disclosed things hidden from all others. James declares Christ to be the Word of the Father, firstborn before the worlds, who descended, took flesh, and gave himself for redemption. He calls Israel to receive the seal of the Light and turn from the cycle of the powers. Martyred, he prays to Jehovah as Father and Saviour, claiming lineage: "I am of Thee."
1
This is the discourse which James the Just delivered in Jerusalem, which Mareim, one of the priests, wrote down. He had told it unto Theuda, the father of the Just One — for he was a kinsman of his.
2
Now James was speaking these words concerning the consummation. And he sat upon the wall of the temple, and he was preaching the word of life unto the multitudes.
3
I, even I, am he that received the revelation from the Pleroma — even from the Pre-existent. I am he whom my Lord hath revealed unto from the place of fulness — even He that is the Lord, my brother.
4
And he, my brother — even Jesus — He was with us before the time was. He was the firstborn from before the worlds were. He was the Word of the Father, sent forth in the silence.
5
And He came down unto us. He took unto Himself flesh of a virgin. He walked among us; He taught us. He showed us the way of the Father. He gave Himself for us, that we might be redeemed.
6
And He revealed unto me, His brother, the things which are hidden. He took me upon a high mountain. He embraced me; He kissed me; He said: My beloved! Behold, I shall reveal unto thee the things that are hidden. None hath beheld them; none shall behold them save thee, and they unto whom thou shalt declare them.
7
And He said: Thou shalt be numbered with the saints. Thou shalt sit at the right hand of the Father with Me. They shall hate thee for My name's sake; but the Father shall vindicate thee. They shall cast thee down from the temple; but I shall lift thee up unto the place of My glory.
8
I, even I, shall be with thee. The Father shall be with thee. The Spirit shall be with thee. Be of good cheer. The labour is short; the rest is long.
9
And these are the things which I declare unto you, ye children of Israel: hearken; know the truth; turn from the cycle of the powers; receive the seal of the Light. The kingdom is at the door. The Son of Man is at hand.
10
But the priests, hearing these things, were filled with wrath. They said: This man blasphemeth. Let us cast him down.
11
And they laid hands upon him; and they cast him from the wall of the temple. And they took stones, and stoned him.
12
And as they were stoning him, James lifted up his voice, and prayed: Lord, be Thou my God and my Father; my Saviour; save me from this evil life. Receive me unto Thyself; for I am of Thee.
