Page:Apocryphal Gospels and Other Documents Relating to the History of Christ.djvu/462

346 gave him gall and vinegar to drink, and two robbers were crucified with him, and Longinus, a soldier, pierced his side with a spear; and our dear father Joseph asked for his body; and he rose again; and as the three teachers say, they saw him taken up into heaven. And Rabbi Levi hath testified what was spoken by the old man Simeon, that he was set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted.

Then Didas, the teacher, said to all the congregation, If all things which these men have testified concerning Jesus have come to pass, they are from God, and let it not be marvellous in our eyes. The chiefs of the synagogue, and the priests, and Levites said among themselves, It is contained in our law, His name shall be blessed for ever; His place continueth before the sun, and his seat before the moon; and all the tribes of the earth shall be blessed in him; and all nations shall serve him, and kings shall come from afar adoring and magnifying him.