1
If you desire this faithfulness, first receive knowledge of the Father.
2
Elohim loved Adam, for whose sake He made the world and to whom He entrusted the things of the earth.
3
He gave reason and understanding and made Adam according to His image.
4
He sent His only Son and promised the Kingdom in the heavens to those who love Him.
5
When you truly know the One who loved you first, joy will fill you and you will learn to love Him.
6
By loving Him you become an imitator of His goodness.
7
Do not be astonished that an ish can imitate Elohim; this becomes possible when Elohim wills.
8
Imitation of Elohim does not mean ruling over neighbors, possessing more than those weaker than you, becoming wealthy, or using force against those beneath you.
9
None of these things resembles divine greatness.
10
The one who takes up the burden of a neighbor imitates Elohim.
11
The one who uses what is stronger in himself to help the weaker imitates Elohim.
12
The one who distributes to those in need what he received from Elohim becomes, in the writer's bold language, like Elohim to those receiving the gift.
13
Then, while still upon earth, you begin to understand heavenly citizenship.
14
Then you can speak of the mysteries of Elohim.
15
Then you will love and honor those punished because they refuse to deny Elohim.
16
Then the deception of the world will become visible.
17
You will recognize heavenly life as true life and stop treating bodily death as the ultimate terror.
18
Instead you will fear the judgment the writer associates with unending fire.
19
You will regard those who endure temporary fire for righteousness as blessed when you understand the difference between present suffering and final judgment.
20
[SECOND LACUNA - the ancient manuscript broke off here in the middle of the thought.] Layer note. The manuscript broke off again at 10.8. The break is preserved.