12. And when all were glorifying God, and wondered at the faith of John, Domitian said to him: I issued a decree of the senate, that all such persons should be summarily dealt with, without trial; but since I find from thee that they are innocent, and that their religion is rather beneficial, I banish thee to an island, that I may not seem myself to do away with my own decrees. He asked then that the condemned criminal should be released; and when he was released, John said: Depart, give thanks to God, who has this day delivered thee from prison and from death.[1]
13. And while they were standing a certain home-born slave of Domitian's, of those in the bed-chamber, was suddenly seized by the unclean spirit, and lay dead, and it was announced to the King. And the King was moved, and entreated John to help her. And John said: It is not in man to do this; but since thou knowest how to reign, but dost not know from whom thou hast received it, learn who has the power over both thee and thy kingdom. And he prayed thus: O Lord, the God of every Kingdom, and Master of every creature, give
- ↑ The Vatican recension reads: When the King and those with him saw this they feared the God of heaven and many believed on God and on the apostle. When the King saw that he had a plausible reason against us, he said to the apostle: "Since we have accepted the accusation against thee and the royal edicts demand that the accused shall not go unpunished, we command that thou be taken for a time to an isle called Patmos. John said to him: "Do as you please."
