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alms
Guest
I’m currently reading “History of the Church” by Eusebius. In it Eusebius give an account of an exchange of letters between Abgar and Jesus. Why was/is Jesus’ response letter considered apocryphal? 
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Todd_Easton
Guest
One would assume that, if the letter is considered apocryphal, then it is not considered authentic, that is, it was not really Jesus’ response but the writing of someone else.
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LilyM
Guest
Well, firstly there are no other recorded, mentioned or extant writings from Jesus’ own hand. Not so much as a syllable.
And this letter is not mentioned, quoted, or hinted at in the New Testament (and I’m hazarding a guess it’s not even mentioned in any of the other apocryphal gospels or accounts of his life).
Altogether there is absolutely no evidence that this letter is genuine.
And this letter is not mentioned, quoted, or hinted at in the New Testament (and I’m hazarding a guess it’s not even mentioned in any of the other apocryphal gospels or accounts of his life).
Altogether there is absolutely no evidence that this letter is genuine.
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alms
Guest
I found a “good” explanation on newadvent.com. I should have looked there first. Thanks for your responses. But if you’re curious here it is…newadvent.org/cathen/01042c.htm .
It just peaked my curiosity because according to Eusebius Christ sent the Apostle Thaddeus after his ascension to heal Abgar. It’s actually a pretty cool story and remarkable if true. However, I think the story (now considered legend) falls apart here:
“The crucial passage in Our Lord’s letter, however, is that which promises the city of Edessa victory over all enemies. It gave the little town a popularity which vanished on the day that it fell into the hands of conquerors.”
I suppose if Edessa had never fallen we would still be talking about this letter today.
It just peaked my curiosity because according to Eusebius Christ sent the Apostle Thaddeus after his ascension to heal Abgar. It’s actually a pretty cool story and remarkable if true. However, I think the story (now considered legend) falls apart here:
“The crucial passage in Our Lord’s letter, however, is that which promises the city of Edessa victory over all enemies. It gave the little town a popularity which vanished on the day that it fell into the hands of conquerors.”
I suppose if Edessa had never fallen we would still be talking about this letter today.
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JimG
Guest
This letter is also mentioned in a book by A.N. Wilson on the Shroud of Turn, as he tries to trace the history of the shroud. He proposed that following Jesus’ resurrection, the apostle Thomas took the shroud with him to Edessa, where it remained hidden for several centuries. He mentions this letter in passing.
I suppose that it is not absolutely impossible that there could be some truth to the story, but as pointed out by others, there is no other corroboration of it, except, of course, by Eusebius.
And even if the letter were authentic, that would not make it part of divine revelation or binding upon Catholics. It would be like a private revelation.
I suppose that it is not absolutely impossible that there could be some truth to the story, but as pointed out by others, there is no other corroboration of it, except, of course, by Eusebius.
And even if the letter were authentic, that would not make it part of divine revelation or binding upon Catholics. It would be like a private revelation.
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Goblin_Taters
Guest
Jesus supposedly also wrote a large tome called Jesus through the Ages. In the first section, He, Jesus, supposedly prophesies all the Christian heresies that would arise in the next 2000-some years before his second coming; and in the second section gives a detailed answer as to which side He is in agreement and why. Unfortunately, the last known manuscript was irreparably lost in 324 when a Gallic donkey ate it for breakfast.
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JimG
Guest
I’ve never heard that one before. The donkey was probably excommunicated.
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