Apocrypha
Acts of Andrew and Matthias
Apocryphal Acts
1 chapter · read and listen
Reading note
An apocryphal or pseudepigraphal text — outside the canon of the Western churches, yet widely circulated among ancient Jews and Christians. Published here from a public-domain translation, edited for continuous reading.
Chapters
Dossier
Andrew is sent to rescue Matthias from the city of the cannibals, where prisoners are fattened and eaten — and he arrives in a boat piloted by Jesus in disguise.
Where this text comes from
Greek, 4th or 5th century AD. The story was popular enough to become an Old English epic poem, Andreas, written centuries later in England.
Why it is not in the Bible
Outside every canon.
What you will find
- The crossing, in which Jesus talks with Andrew without identifying himself and tests him.
- The statue that pours out water and floods the city at Andrew's command.
- The boy who serves as pilot and is later revealed.
Frequently asked questions
- Did the city of the cannibals exist?
- There is no historical basis. It is missionary adventure narrative, a common genre in the apocryphal acts, with an edifying rather than documentary purpose.