The Christian Apocalypse of Abraham

The Christian Apocalypse of Abraham: A Story of Death, Judgment, and Divine Mercy

In this article, we explore an apocryphal tale known as the Apocalypse of Abraham—also referred to by some scholars as the Testament of Abraham. Unlike the well-known Jewish Apocalypse of Abraham, this version belongs to the Christian apocryphal tradition, preserved and adapted primarily within Eastern Christian circles, likely through Slavonic or Romanian transmission.

This compelling narrative recounts the final days and death of the patriarch Abraham, conveyed through a dialogue with the archangel Michael, commander of the heavenly hosts.

Abraham is depicted as a righteous, compassionate, and hospitable man who lived more than 175 years. He resided near a place called Dria the Black and was renowned for welcoming everyone—kings and beggars alike—with generosity and justice. As the end of his earthly life approached, God sent Michael to inform him of his impending death.

Michael arrived disguised as a traveler, and Abraham—unaware of his guest’s divine identity—received him warmly. Even after Michael revealed his true purpose, Abraham resisted the idea of dying. In response, God sent a dream to Abraham’s son, Isaac, symbolizing the coming loss: in the vision, the sun and moon were taken from Isaac’s head, signifying the death of his parents.

Still unwilling to accept death, Abraham asked to witness the deeds of humankind. God granted his request and sent him forth in a chariot of clouds, accompanied by angels. As Abraham observed the earth, he was horrified by the extent of human wickedness and called for immediate divine judgment. But God intervened, reminding him that He desires repentance, not destruction.

Abraham was then shown the heavenly court: two paths—one narrow, for the righteous, and one wide, for the wicked. He saw Adam weeping at the gates of judgment and Abel serving as a judge, while angels recorded every soul’s deeds. Abraham interceded for one soul whose virtues and sins were evenly balanced, and it was saved by his prayer. Overcome by mercy, he also pleaded for those he had earlier condemned, and God promised to spare them until the final judgment.

Content with what he had seen, Abraham returned home. Yet he still resisted death. So God commanded Death to approach Abraham—not in terrifying form, but disguised as a handsome man. When Abraham eventually recognized Death’s true nature, he asked to see his real appearance. Death obliged, revealing a monstrous, fiery visage so terrifying that even nearby children died from fright. Abraham pleaded for their lives, and through prayer, God restored them.

At last, accepting that he could not escape his fate, Abraham prepared for death. He blessed his household, freed his servants, and bid farewell to his wife Sarah and his son Isaac. Finally, Death tricked him into kissing his hand—delivering the symbolic "poisoned cup" of death. Abraham’s soul was then received by Michael and a host of angels and carried into heaven.

His body was honored, anointed, and buried in Dria the Black, accompanied by hymns and tears. From heaven, God declared:

“Take My friend Abraham and lead him into the paradise of joy... into eternal life without end.”