When Paul was teaching the word of God in Myra, there was there a man, Hermocrates by name, who had the dropsy, and he put himself forward in the sight of all, and said to Paul: Nothing is impossible with God, but especially with him whom thou preachest; for when he came he healed many, even that God whose servant thou art. Lo, I and my wife and my children, we cast ourselves at thy feet: have pity on me that I also may believe as thou hast believed on the living God.
2Paul said unto him: I will restore thee thine health not for reward, but through the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt become whole in the presence of all these. And he touched his body, drawing his hand downwards: and his belly opened and much water ran from him, and he fell down like a dead man, so that some said: It is better for him to die than to continue in pain. But when Paul had quieted the people, he took his hand and raised him up and asked him, saying: Hermocrates, ask for what thou desirest. And he said: I would eat. And he took a loaf and gave him to eat. And in that hour he was whole, and received the grace of the seal in the Lord, he and his wife.
3But Hermippus his son was angry with Paul, and sought for a set time wherein to rise up with them of his own age and destroy him. For he wished that his father should not be healed but should die, that he might soon be master of his goods. But Dion, his younger son, heard Paul gladly.
4Now all they that were with Hermippus took counsel to fight against Paul so that Hermippus might kill him. But Dion fell down and died: and Hermippus watered Dion with his tears.
5But Hermocrates mourned sore, for he loved Dion more than his other son. Yet he sat at Paul's feet, and forgat that Dion was dead. But when Dion was dead, his mother Nympha rent her clothes and went unto Paul and set herself before the face of Hermocrates her husband and of Paul.
6And an angel of the Lord had said unto him in the night: Paul, thou hast to-day a great conflict in the city: but be strong and fear not, for the Lord is with thee.
7When Paul had arisen, he went unto his brethren, and remained saying: What meaneth this vision? And while Paul was speaking, Hermippus came with many young men, having a sword drawn in his hand.
8And when Hermippus ran upon Paul with his sword drawn, straightway he ceased to see, so that he cried out aloud, saying: Woe is me, for I am blinded, and my sword hath fallen from my hand! Pray for me, Paul, that I may receive my sight and turn to the living God.
9And Paul prayed for him, and the eyes of Hermippus were opened, and he believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, and all the household was saved.
10And when Paul had confirmed the brethren that were in Myra, he departed unto Sidon.