The Letters of Christ and Abgar Overview

THE LETTERS OF CHRIST AND ABGAR

• Date: 150-200

• Claimed Author: Abgar and Jesus.

• Original Language: Greek (Eusibus claims his Greek is a word-for-word translation of what was originally Syriac)

• References: Eusebius, The Gelasian Decree

pgs. 541-542 & https://www.pseudepigrapha.com/LostBooks/lettersJesusAbgarus.htm

Abgar’s Letter to Christ

Abgar explains how he heard that Jesus heals without medicine - Even the blind and lame - and casts out demons. He says he believes he can only be a God come down from heaven or a son of God. He says he heard reports of evil lies Jews spread. He concludes by saying his city is “small and holy, and there is room for both of us”, asking if he would come to heal him.

Christ’s Letter to Abgar

Jesus responds to Abgar that it was written that people will not believe in him, citing the Prophet Isaiah and his own words in the Gospel of John. He then says that he has to complete everything he was sent to do, but that after he goes back to the one who sent him, he’ll send a disciple to heal him.