Letter of Peter to Philip

Peter writes to Philip summoning him to the apostles' council, and the Saviour appears upon the Mount of Olives to answer the disciples' four questions concerning the deficiency of the aeons, the fulness, the captivity, and the warfare.

1Peter, the apostle of Jesus the Christ, unto Philip, our beloved brother and our fellow apostle, and the brethren that are with thee — peace be unto you alway.

2I would have thee know, my brother, that we have received commandments from our Lord and Saviour of the All, that we should come together and teach, and that we should preach the salvation that hath been promised us by our Lord Jesus the Christ. But thou wast separate from us; and thou hast not desired that we should come together. So learn how it is fitting for us to do; and that we should set in order what we have.

3Therefore it would be a good thing, my brother, that thou shouldest come — that thou shouldest come unto us, in keeping with the commandments of our God Jesus.

4And when Philip received this letter, and read it, he went unto Peter rejoicing exceedingly. Then Peter gathered the others; and they went up unto the Mount which is called the Mount of Olives — even the place where they came together with the Blessed Christ when He was in the body.

5Then, when the apostles had come together, and had cast themselves upon their knees, they prayed thus, saying: Father, Father, Father of the Light, who possessest the incorruptions, hear us, even as Thou hast taken pleasure in Thy holy Child Jesus the Christ. For He hath become for us a luminary in the darkness; yea, hear us.

6And again they prayed, saying: Son of Life, Son of Immortality, who is in the Light, Son, Christ of Immortality, our Redeemer — give us power; for they seek to kill us.

7Then a great Light appeared, so that the mountain shone from the sight of Him who had appeared. And a voice called out unto them, saying: Hearken to my words, that I may speak unto you. Why do ye seek after me? I am Jesus the Christ, who am with you alway.

8Then said the apostles: Lord, we would learn the deficiency of the aeons, and their fulness; and how we are detained in this dwelling-place; and how we have come unto this place; and in what manner we may depart; and how we have the boldness; and why the powers fight against us.

9Then a voice came from out of the Light unto them, saying: It is ye yourselves which are the witnesses that I tell unto you all things. But on account of your unbelief, I shall speak again.

10First, concerning the deficiency of the aeons. The deficiency is the disobedience of the Mother — that is, of Sophia. She, in self-confidence, attempted to fashion a creature without the consent of her consort. And the Father of the All willed it not. Therefore, when she had wrought, the Mother brought forth a creature lacking. The arrogance of the chief shape was hers.

11Then she repented; she returned unto the Father. The Father had compassion upon her; He set her in a hidden place; He appointed her a season for repair. The deficiency took root in matter; and the matter became the dwelling-place of the powers; and the powers detain the souls of men.

12Second, concerning the fulness. The fulness is I. I am the firstborn of the Father. I am the seed of the Father. From the seed I came forth, and I have gathered them all together. And I shall send them down unto the deficiency, that they may receive likeness — that the form may be filled, and that the deficiency may be remedied. Then shall the fulness be perfected.

13Third, concerning the captivity. Ye were detained because ye are mine. When ye strip yourselves of what is corrupted, then ye shall become luminaries in the midst of mortal men.

14Fourth, concerning the warfare. Ye must wrestle in this manner: the powers wrestle against the inner man. Ye must wrestle against them, by means of unity. Be ye come together; teach in the world the salvation, which is by promise; gird yourselves with the power of My Father; release your prayers; and the One that heareth shall hear you.

The Saviour's farewell, the descent of the Spirit upon the apostles, and the dispersion of the twelve to preach the gospel.

1Then said the Saviour: Be of good cheer. I am with you alway, even unto the consummation of the age. The powers shall not prevail against you. The Spirit shall be your strength; the Father shall be your provision; I shall be your peace.

2And the apostles bowed before Him; and they worshipped Him. And He blessed them. And He went up out of their sight.

3Then a great cloud filled the place; and a sound came down from heaven, as of a mighty rushing wind. And there appeared unto them tongues as of fire; and they sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost; and they began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

4Then said Peter: My brethren, the Lord hath suffered for our sake. He hath risen for our sake. He hath ascended for our sake. He hath sent the Comforter for our sake. Be we therefore courageous; let us go forth into the world.

5And the apostles agreed together. And they went down from the mountain. And they entered the temple, blessing God; and they spake with great boldness.

6Then they parted from one another, that they might preach the gospel. Some went unto the east; some unto the west; some unto the south; some unto the north. And the Spirit of Jesus was with each of them.

7And the Lord Jesus was with them — He worked with them, He confirmed the word with signs following. Many were healed; many were converted; many were baptized; many entered the kingdom of God.

8Glory be unto the Father, and unto the Son, and unto the Holy Spirit. Glory be unto the apostles, who went forth in the power of the Spirit. Glory be unto the Church, which they gathered. Forever and ever. Amen.