Apocalypse of Paul

[ReginaNightstalker]

Has anyone read it? The descriptions of the torments of hell terrify me and make me think that everything is a sin down to basic desire. It makes me feel like everybody goes to hell. The description of the angel recording sins from the age of 15 scares me. It makes me think that we have to give account for every single thought we think as well as actions. I know that scriptures says words and deeds anyway.

 

[OddBird]

The Apocalypse of Paul is certainly responsible for much of our popular imagery about hell.

That said, it’s not part of the canon of the New Testament. One may find it interesting or helpful for one’s spiritual life, but one is not obliged to believe it.

 

[Lunam_Meam]

Has anyone read it? The descriptions of the torments of hell terrify me and make me think that everything is a sin down to basic desire. It makes me feel like everybody goes to hell. The description of the angel recording sins from the age of 15 scares me. It makes me think that we have to give account for every single thought we think as well as actions. I know that scriptures says words and deeds anyway.

We must be mindful of our thoughts as well, because they can lead to action. Do not be discouraged because with the Lord’s help, His Grace can strenghthen us, and we can overcome tempations of evil in thoughts, word, and action.

Jesus serves as the example that is possible. He was human, but had a stronger will power because He fully possessed God, which is why He was always able to resist temptations of evil in thought and action.

So, live every moment at a time, and with every thought or action not of God, if you have sincere repentance, make that known to Him, and start anew. We must strive to be humble and simple in our good will, obedient to God’s commandments, and sincerely repentant when we fail to do so. However, as I said, the more God is in us, the more we succeed by His Grace.

 

[TMC]

I find all these early writings interesting, but in this case its interesting mostly as a glimpse into what (at least some) 4th and 5th century Christians believed about Hell. Interesting, but not more than that.

 

[ReginaNightstalker]

Thanks. That was scary. The Apocalypse of Peter is the same way.

 

[NoelFitz]

The descriptions of the torments of hell terrify me

The idea of hell also upsets me.

In school I learned of hell with all its torments for eternity, but recent popes stress God’s mercy and play down the pains of hell.

My gran-daughter only learns in school about a loving God.

I would appreciate having a more positive idea of God’s compassion and mercy, but the Bible mentions

And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. Better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna, where ‘their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’ NABRE Mk 9:47–48.

 

[Dan_Defender]

Many saints have said that few are saved. St Augustine and St Thomas Aquinas come to mind.

 

[mythbuster1]

The descriptions of the Scriptures and the obvious facts of the moral law give little basis to doubt that the reprobate greatly outnumber the saved. That said, the Book of Revelation says the blessed are a vast multitude that no one could count. It is well that we do not know, in this present age, the relative numbers of the blessed and the reprobate, lest we should presume upon God’s Mercy or despair of it. Likewise, it is well that we do not know the identities of specific damned individuals, for we could not handle this knowledge in the present age, either. Nevertheless, we have cause to hope that the number of humans in Heaven will outnumber the angels, and we know for a fact that everyone receives sufficient grace to be saved.

 

[Montrose]

It was not written by Paul. It is a third century document. It is not an inspired writing.

 

[Roguish]

Whatever goads you into relying on Christ more and on the world less, is helpful. If fear does that, then blessed be fear. That may sound harsh, but Christ’s own words were harsh. Narrow gate, gnashing of teeth, etc. etc. Don’t look for comfort, just put all your eggs in one basket: Him.

Having said that, fear shouldn’t lead to an obsessive mental preoccupation with the avoidance of sin. Pray much — preferably non-stop — so that Christ may gradually transform you into someone who naturally and spontaneously avoids sin without having to mentally compel herself. And never despair of the possibility of Salvation.