Thou Shalt Not Err: Part I - The Meeting And The Dream

The following excerpt is taken from scroll fragment 14g. It has been enumerated for quick reference.





53 After the storm had passed, we gathered our belongings and journeyed together toward the caves of Pelekita, near Ampelos.
54 [As we came upon] Vrokastro, the clouds parted and sun once again [shone down on] us.
55 We were [exceedingly] joyful at this, and began dancing on the path.
56 At that moment a [peculiar looking] man with two hooded companions approached us.
57 We were startled and amazed for none of us [had seen them] from afar.
58 He greeted us in the common tongue and bid our names and destination.
59 We were without [a leader] and Pielos [stepped forward] to speak saying, "We are of the [commune] of the Xrystos at Chersonissos."
60 "We are [en route] to the caves of Pelekita near Ampelos that we may study and learn of the masters there.
61 And he spoke to us saying, "I am Obvios the Inerrant of Pelekita near Ampelos."
62 And we fell backwards at his words, for we were surprised.
63 And he extended his arms [motioning] that we remain comfortable and began telling us of a dream.
64 This is the account of his dream.
65 "As is my custom, I was asleep at the 12th hour when I heard a voice call to me.
66 And the voice was saying, 'Arise Obvios, for you [are to receive] great favor and jubilant tidings from the Lord, your God.
67 At this very hour you have been visited by the Word of Truth, and from this day forward [you will surely] cease to err.'
68 I replied saying, 'But I am only a man. How then, shall I not err?'
69 And the voice spoke unto me again saying, 'Fear not that you shalt not err, for many will seize upon you to cast doubt on your words.
70 But you will rise up against them with a tongue of fire, smiting your adversaries [from your] lips.'
71 And the voice departed.
72 And I arose and walked out [into the courtyard] and fell to my knees, thanking the Lord, my God.
73 And it seemed as I prayed, that the voice could again be heard, only more faint.
74 And it was saying, '[There are] such beautiful accoustics here. It is [certainly] a wonder, lest he should have perceived us...'
75 And I continued on my knees in thanks to the Lord, my God, until morning."
76 And when he had finished speaking, we were amazed.
77 And we bid him stay with us, that we might hear more concerning the Word of Truth.

Our team of scholars has made every attempt to render the most direct translation of this passage. Several portions were repleat with erroneous spellings and poor grammar, which we have attempted to adjust with utmost care for the integrity of the text. These portions are indicated within the text by parenthesis.