Fragment 17

1Luke from Galatia and Titus from Dalmatia were waiting for Paul at Rome. When Paul saw them, he was glad. He rented a farmstead outside Rome, where he taught the word of truth with the brothers. News about him spread, and many souls were added to the Lord. A report circulated throughout all Rome, and many people from Caesar’s household came to him and believed, and there was great joy.

2A certain Patroclus, one of Caesar’s cupbearers, came to the farmstead in the evening. Because the crowd prevented him from entering to see Paul, he sat in a high window and listened as Paul taught the word of God. But because the evil devil envied the love of the brothers, Patroclus fell from the window and died. Nero was immediately informed.

3But Paul, perceiving this through the Spirit, said, “Men and brothers, the evil one has found an opportunity to tempt you. Go out of the house, and you will find a young man who has fallen from a height and is now about to die. Pick him up and bring him here to me.” They went and brought him in, and when the people saw him, they were troubled. But Paul said, “Now, brothers, let your faith be revealed. Come, all of you, and let us weep before our Lord Jesus Christ, so that this young man may live and we may continue in peace.” When they had all lamented, the young man received his spirit again. They placed him on an animal and sent him back alive, together with the others from Caesar’s household.