The Acts of Xanthippe and Polyxena 9

The great Paul said to her, Arise, daughter, and look not upon me as having been sought out of your ignorance by my foresight.

2For Christ, the provider of the world, the searcher out of sinners and the lost, who has not only called to mind those upon earth, but also by his own presence has redeemed those in Hades, he himself has pitied you, and sent me hither that he might visit and pity many others together with you.

3For this mercy and visitation are not of us, but are his injunction and command, even as we also have received mercy and been saved by him.

4Probus hearing this was astonished at their words, for he was altogether ignorant of these things.

5But Paul by force raised up Xanthippe from his feet, and she running set a new gilded chair for Paul to sit down upon.

6The great Paul said to her, My daughter Xanthippe, do not thus, for you have not yet accorded to the faith of Christ, but wait a little, till the Lord shall set in order what is necessary!

7Xanthippe said to Paul, Do you say this to try me, O preacher of God, or have you any foreknowledge?

8Paul said, No, daughter, but the devil, who hates the servants of God, sows wickedness in the hearts of his own servants, to oppose those that labour for Christ in preaching, for his wickedness has extended to the apostles and even to the Lord himself.

9Therefore it is fitting to approach the unbelievers gently and kindly!

10Xanthippe said to Paul, I beseech you, if you love your servants, make prayer for Probus, and let me see if he that is hated by you can work in him; let me see if he can even stand against your prayer.

11And Paul rejoiced exceedingly at the words of her faith, and said to her, Believe me, daughter, that by his suggestion and working I have not passed a single hour without chains and blows.

12Xanthippe said to him, But you suffer these things by your own free will, since you have not neglected your preaching even to scourging, but this again I tell you, that your bonds shall be the defeat of the prompter, and your humiliation their overthrow.