The Epistle to the Laodiceans

The M. R. James translation, as credited in print (Clarendon Press, 1924)

Held in full: Sacred Name edited transcription from David’s photographs of the printed source (The Complete 70 Book Apocrypha, pp. 480–481) — introduction fragment, verses 1–20, and postscript, as printed. This is the weakest photograph of the recovery run: several verses stand partly at the enlargement limit, and their [?] marks and limit notes stand in place, unsupplied; two readings of “the Lord” at the limit (vv. 5 and 12) stand as read and are flagged in the records.

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The Epistle to the Laodiceans

From "The Apocryphal New Testament" M. R. James—Translation and Notes Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1924

Introduction [in part, at the limit]: It is our only [?] ... the Codex [?] manuscript [?] is the basis of the text [?] ...

1 Paul, an apostle not of men nor by men, but by Yeshua Messiah, unto the brethren that are at Laodicea.

2 Grace be unto you and peace from Yahweh the Father and Yeshua Messiah.

3 I give thanks unto Messiah in all my prayers, that ye continue in him and persevere in His works, looking for the promise at the day of judgement.

4 Neither let the vain talkings of some overturn you, which creep in, that they may turn you away from the truth of the Gospel which is preached by me.

5 And now shall Yahweh cause you, that are of me, to be perfect in every work [?] and to increase in righteousness, and in [?] ... that ye may [?] ... in the Lord [several words at the limit].

6 And rejoice in Messiah, and beware of them that are filthy in the flesh [?].

7 [?] that ye be not [?] ... [the verse is at the limit; its sense in this translation concerns being persuaded in the Lord and not departing from the faith once delivered].

8 And what [?] I suffer in bonds [?] ... rejoice and be glad [?].

9 For I know assuredly that this shall turn to my salvation [?] ... through your prayer, and the supply of the Holy Spirit [?].

10 Wherefore, dearly beloved, as ye have heard in my presence, so hold fast and work in the fear of Yahweh, and it shall be unto you life eternal.

11 For it is Yahweh that worketh in you [?].

12 And do ye without offence [?] ... whatsoever ye do, do in [?] the Lord [?].

13 And [?] ... be not [?] ... [at the limit].

14 And let all your petitions be made known before Yahweh: and be ye steadfast in the mind of Messiah.

15 And what things are sound and true and modest and just and lovely, do those [the order of verses 14-16 as printed is partly at the limit].

16 And what ye have heard and received, keep in heart: and peace shall be unto you.

17 The saints salute you [the numbering of vv. 17-19 as printed is partly at the limit].

18 [?] ...

19 [?] ...

20 The grace of Yeshua be with your spirit [?].

And cause this epistle to be read of them of Colossae, and the epistle of the Colossians to be read unto you. [Postscript as printed.]