Abibas (Literally, "Beloved," I.E.,"Ḥabib")

A mythical son of R. Gamaliel, the teacher of Paul, concerning whom a Christian legend existed that he and his father were baptized, by John and Peter. Lucianus, bishop of Jerusalem in the year 415, wrote that Gamaliel appeared to him in a vision and revealed the fact that the body of Abibas lay exposed to the sun and rain, awaiting decent burial; that the body was recovered and properly buried. Thereafter the ashes of Abibas were used as remedial agencies in disease, and they are said to have effected miraculous cures.

Bibliography:

  * Photius, Bibliotheca, p. 383, ed. 1612;
  * Lucian, De Stephano, in Augustine, Opera, vii. appendix.



K.