Straightway, [while I was contemplating these things,]
behold, the [heavens opened] and the whole creation [which is] below heaven shone,
and [the world] was shaken.
[I was afraid, and behold I] saw in
the light [a youth who stood] by me.
While I looked [at him, he became] like an
old man. And he [changed his] likeness (again), becoming
like a servant. There was [not a plurality] before me,
but there was a [likeness] with multiple forms
in the light, and the [likenesses] appeared
through each other, and the [likeness] had three
forms.
He said to me, "John, John,
why do you doubt, or why [are you]
afraid? You are not unfamiliar with this image, are you?
- that is, do not [be] timid! - I am the one who
is [with you (pl.)] always. I
[am the Father], I am the Mother, I am the Son.
I am the undefiled and incorruptible one.
Now [I have come to teach you] what is
[and what was] and what will come to
[pass], that [you may know the] things which are not revealed
[and those which are revealed, and to teach you] concerning the
[unwavering race of] the perfect [Man]. Now,
[therefore, lift up] your [face], that you
may [receive] the things that I [shall teach you] today, [and]
may [tell them to your] fellow spirits who [are
from] the [unwavering] race of the perfect
Man."
