The Letter of Abgar to Jesus

The story of the Letter of Abgar to Jesus is one of the earliest known Christian legends connecting the ministry of Christ to lands beyond the borders of Judea. According to tradition, Abgar V, the king of Edessa, a small kingdom in what is now southeastern Turkey, fell gravely ill and had heard of Jesus' miraculous healings. Around the time of Jesus’ ministry, Abgar reportedly sent a letter to Him, acknowledging His power to heal and inviting Him to come to Edessa for refuge from those seeking His death. In the account, Abgar professes faith in Jesus, saying, “I have heard of you and of the cures you perform without medicine or herbs.” The story claims that Jesus responded in writing, declining the invitation but promising that after His ascension, one of His disciples would be sent to heal Abgar and bring salvation to his people.