Man of Petra
Merchant from Petra (Sela), Nabatean capital (Arabic) then at the height of its power. He met Jesus, whom he was seeking, at the foot of Mount Nebo. Alexander Misace had convinced him of the healing power of Jesus.
"I come from Petra, Lord. I carry goods coming from the Red Sea as far as Damascus, on behalf of other people. I am not poor. But I am just as unhappy. I have two children, Lord, and a disease has affected their eyes and they are blind; one [Phara, his son], who was taken ill first, is completely blind, the other [Tamar, his daughter] is almost blind and will soon lose his sight completely. Doctors do not work miracles, but You do."[1]
He is given ten days for a round trip to Petra to fetch them, leaving his caravan in the care of Arisa his steward. Upon his return, Jesus says to him:
"«You have had much faith, man. Supposing I had disappointed you? Or you had not found Me? Or I said to you that I cannot cure them?» «I would not believe You. Neither would I believe the evidence of not seeing You. I would say that You had hidden Yourself to test my faith and I would look for You until I found You.»"[2]
The healings of the two children occur,[3] but are mocked by Pharisees on pilgrimage.
Apostolic Journey
"Keep faith in Me, for the time being as best you can. Before long… Yes, My disciples will come as far as Petra and farther. Then follow their doctrine because I shall speak through them. And for the time being speak to those of Petra of what I did for you, so that when those surrounding Me and others will come in My Name, this Name of Mine is not unknown to them."[4]