← Back to Browse

Paraphrase of Shem

Rebouel Is Beheaded
Gnostic trans. Willis Barnstone • c. 2nd-3rd century CE
1
"And at that time the light was about to separate from the darkness, and a voice was heard in the world, saying, 'Blessings on the eye that has seen you and the mind that has supported your majesty at my desire.' It will be said by the exalted one, 'Blessings on Rebouel among every race of people, for it is you alone who have seen.' And she will listen. And they will behead the woman who has the perception, whom you will reveal upon the earth. And according to my will, she will bear witness, and she will cease from every vain effort of nature and chaos. For the woman whom they will behead at that time is the support of the power of the demon who will baptize the seed of darkness in severity, that the seed may mix with unchastity. He begot a woman. She was called Rebouel.
2
"See, O Shem, how all the things I have said to you have been fulfilled. . . . And the things that you lack, according to my will, will appear to you at that place upon the earth, that you may reveal them as they are. Do not let your thought have dealings with the body. For I have said these things to you, through the voice of the fire, for I entered through the midst of the clouds. And I spoke according to the language of each one. This is my language that I spoke to you. And it will be taken from you. And you will speak with the voice of the world upon the earth. And it will appear to you with that appearance and voice, and all that I have said to you. Henceforth proceed with faith to shine in the depths of the world."