Page:The Apocryphal Acts of Paul, Peter, John, Andrew and Thomas.djvu/376

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Misdai says to him, "Who is thy master? and what is his name? and over what country does he rule?" "My Lord," says Thomas, "is my Master and thine, being the Lord of heaven and earth." And Misdai said, "What is he called?" And Judas said, "Thou canst not know his true name at this time, but the name which has been given for a time is Jesus the Messiah." Misdai said, "I have been in no hurry to destroy thee, but have restrained myself; but thou hast added to thy deeds, so that thy sorceries have been heard of in all the country. But now I will so act that thy sorceries may also perish with thee, that our nation may be purified from them. And Judas said, "These sorceries, as thou callest them, shall never be removed from the people here."

164. And after this was said, Misdai reflected how to put him to death. For he was afraid of the people standing around, many, even some of the chief men, having believed in him. And he arose, and took Judas outside of the city; and a few soldiers accommpanied him with their arms. And the multitude thought that the king was wishing to learn something from him; and they stood and observed him closely. And when they had gone forth three stadia, he delivered him to four soldiers, and to one of the chief officeres, and ordered them to take him up into the mountain and spear him. And he returned to the city.

165. And those who were present ran to Judas, eager to rescue him; but lie was led away, accompanied