Logion 19
| 19. Jesus said, "Blessed is he who came into being before he came into being. If ye become my disciples and listen to my words, these stones will minister unto you. For there are five trees for you in Paradise which remain undisturbed in summer and in winter and whose leaves fall not. Whosoever cometh to know them will not taste death." | Cf. Mt 3:9 & Lk 3:8 for play on words between "stones" and "children;" also Lk 19:40 has stones crying out. |
There are two obvious interpretations for “come into being.” The two “becoming” verbs in this logion are 1) becoming a disciple, and 2) coming to know the truth. Like all of nature the very stones will proclaim his truth to the open minded. There are principles of truth which are like the fruit of five trees, and which, if comprehended here, will be available in the hereafter. Truth does not change, but is forever on display like trees in Paradise. “Paradise” literally refers to an all-inclusive botanical and zoological garden, but the term came to stand for the legendary abode of the blessed who die in the Lord.