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Chapter 33 - Jmmanuel In Damascus
1. Jmmanuel was set down by the great light in Syria, where he lived for two years in Damascus without being recognized.
2. After this time he sent a messenger to Galilee to seek out his brother, Thomas, and his disciple, Judas Iscariot.
3. Two months passed, however, before they joined Jmmanuel and brought bad news.
4. His brother Thomas spoke, saying, "Your disciples have greatly falsified your teachings; hey insult you by calling you the son of God and they also set you equal to Creation.
5. "The chief priests and elders persecute your followers and have them stoned when they are caught.
6. "But Thomas, one of your disciples, fled, and it is reported that he has departed with a caravan for the land of India.
7. "A great enemy of yours has arisen in a man named Saul.
8. "He is fuming with rage and utters death threats against your disciples and those who trust in your teachings.
9. "He is having letters written to the synagogues in all regions, whereby if any followers of your new teachings are found, they will be bound and taken to Jerusalem.
10. "No distinction is being made between women, men and children. They will all be found guilty and condemned to die."
11. But Jmmanuel said, "Don't be afraid, the time will soon come when Saul will receive a lesson regarding his evil thinking.
12. "He is already on the road to Damascus, following you and Judas Iscariot here now, in order to lead you back to Jerusalem in shackles.
13. "However, I will confront him before he reaches Damascus, and since he believes me dead, he will presume he is seeing a ghost."
14. Jmmanuel set out to see a friend who was helpful to him in secret things that involved powders, salves and liquids that smelled bad.
15. Well supplied with these things, he departed, leaving the city by way of the road to Galilee.