Apocrypha
Ascension of Isaiah
Visio Isaiae
8 chapters · read and listen
Reading note
The martyrdom of the prophet sawn in two and his ascent through the seven heavens, with a vision of the hidden descent of the Beloved.
Chapters
Dossier
Two works in one book: the martyrdom of the prophet Isaiah, sawn in half on the orders of King Manasseh, and his ascent through the seven heavens until he sees the Beloved descend, disguised at every level.
Where this text comes from
Composed in layers between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD. The first part is Jewish, the second Christian. It survives complete only in Ge'ez, with fragments in Greek, Latin, Coptic and Slavonic.
Why it is not in the Bible
Outside every canon. But the martyrdom scene left a mark: the reference in Hebrews 11:37 to servants of God who "were sawn in two" is read by most commentators as pointing to the tradition about Isaiah that this book preserves.
What you will find
- The martyrdom: Isaiah sawn with a wooden saw, not crying out, speaking with the Spirit to the end.
- Belkira, the false prophet who accuses him, is the ancient portrait of the religious informer.
- The descent of the Beloved through each heaven, changing form so the powers at each level will not recognise him.
- The birth of Jesus narrated as a sudden appearance, with no visible delivery.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the Bible say Isaiah was sawn in half?
- Not directly. Hebrews 11:37 speaks of the faithful being sawn in two, and ancient tradition — preserved here and in the Talmud — identifies that case with Isaiah, killed by Manasseh.