The Epistle of Jesus

Jackson Snyder

The legend is first mentioned in Eusebius' church history, written around the first quarter of the 4th century. It concerns the founding of a Christian church in Edessa as a result of a letter from King Abgar the Black to Jesus, and the Savior's reply. Eusebius claims his source to be Edessa public records.

Here is a copy of the the letter from King Abgar of Edessa to Jesus, delivered by Ananias to Jerusalem:

From Abgar Uchama the King to Jesus the good Savior in Jerusalem, greetings! I have heard about you, and your ability to heal without the benefit of drugs or herbs. It is said hereabouts that you make the blind see and the lame walk; You cleanse lepers, cast out demons and spirits, cure long-term diseases, and raise the dead. When I heard about these wonders, I concluded that either you are God or the Son of God. So now I am writing to ask you to visit with me, and hear me describe my affliction.

Moreover, I have heard that the Jews are speaking against you and wish to harm you. I have a city here for your safety. It is small but noble, and sufficient for both of us.

Jesus' reply:

You are blessed, for you believe in me having not yet seen me. For it is written of me that those who see me won't believe in me, but those who haven't will, and those who believe will live!

But concerning your letter that I should come to you: It is necessary that I fulfill all the purposes for which I was sent here. Afterwards, I must be taken back to Him who sent me. When that time comes, and I am taken up, I will send one of my disciples to you, so that you may be healed of your affliction, and that you and yours might have life. 

After the fulfillment of this prophesy, he appeared to Thaddeus, his disciple, and sent him to Edessa, where King Abgar was healed of his affliction, and many came to know of the power of the risen Lord through the disciple.

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