"The Acts of Peter and the Twelve Apostles" is a fictional narrative about Jesus, who is portrayed in various roles. He appears as Lithargoel, a seller of pearls, and as a doctor. Finally, as the son of God, he campaigns for asceticism to heal the body and soul. The text has been transmitted only in Coptic. It is translated here into German with commentary, and offers an extraordinary look at 4^th century Christian life in Egypt.