Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. 

Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good to me also, having had a perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

Since it is well known and a fact of importance that many have undertaken to draw up in its historical sequence a narrative of events concerning which there has been a wide diffusion of knowledge among us, even as they delivered them to us for safekeeping, those who from the beginning were personal witnesses of and ministered the Word, it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things from the beginning in the minutest detail, to write to you in a consecutive order, Your Excellency, Theophilus, in order that you may come to have a full and accurate experiential knowledge concerning the undoubted truth of the matters in which you were instructed.

In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years.

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in many years.

There arose in the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the class of priests whose time of service was designated by the name Abia. And his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were righteous, both of them, in the sight of God, ordering their lives within the sphere of all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord, blameless. And they did not have a child because Elizabeth was sterile, and both were advanced in age.

Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as a priest before God, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.

And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.

And it came to pass that while he was discharging his duties as priest in the fixed succession of his appointed time of service before God according to the custom of the office of the priest, as a result of casting lots it fell to his lot to burn incense, having gone into the inner sanctuary of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of the burning of the incense.

Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous - to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing at the right side of the altar of incense. And having seen him, Zacharias became troubled, and fear fell upon him. And the angel said to him, Stop fearing, Zacharias, because your petition was heard, and your wife Elizabeth shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you shall have joy and gladness, and many shall rejoice because of his birth, for he shall be great in the Lord's sight, and wine and intoxicating beverage he will positively not drink. And he shall be controlled by the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother's womb. And may of the sons of Israel he shall turn back to the Lord their God. And he himself will go forward in His sight, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn back paternal hearts to offspring, and the uncompliant, in the sphere of the prudence of those who are righteous, to make ready for the Lord a people which has been placed in the right spiritual state.

Zechariah asked the angel, How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years. The angel answered, I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time.

And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.

And Zacharias said to the angel, In accordance with what fact will I know this? for, as for myself, I am an aged man, and my wife is advanced in her years. And the angel answering said to him, As for myself, I am Gabriel who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent on a mission to speak to you and bring you good news of these things. And behold, you shall be continually silent and not able to speak until the day when these things take place because you did not believe my words, words of such a nature that they will be fulfilled in their appointed and strategic time.

Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.

And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.

And the people were looking for Zacharias and were marvelling at his delay in the inner sanctuary. And having come out, he was not able to speak to them, and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the inner sanctuary. And he himself kept on making signs to them and was remaining speechless.

When his time of service was completed, he returned home. After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. The Lord has done this for me, she said. In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.

And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.

And it came to pass that when the days of his sacred service were fulfilled, he went off to his home. And after these days, Elizabeth his wife conceived, and she kept herself at home in seclusion for five months, saying, In this manner to me the Lord has done in the days when He looked upon me to take away my reproach among men.

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, Greetings you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

Now, in the sixth month there was sent on a mission from God the angel Gabriel to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin promised in marriage to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. And the name of the virgin was Mary. And having come to her, he said, Be rejoicing because you have been encompassed with favor. The Lord is with you. But she was greatly agitated by reason of the word, and began reasoning what sort of an exotic greeting this might be.

But the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

And the angel said to her, Stop fearing, Mary, for you found favor in the presence of God. And behold: you shall conceive in your womb and you shall give birth to a son, and you shall call His name Jesus. This One shall be great, and Son of the Most High shall He be called, and God, the Lord, shall give to Him the throne of David His father, and He shall reign as King over the house of Jacob forever and of His kingdom there shall not be an end.

How will this be, Mary asked the angel, since I am a virgin? The angel answered, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.

Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

But Mary said to the angel, How shall this be possible, since I do not have an experiential knowledge of a man? And the angel answering said to her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon you, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow you. Wherefore also the holy thing which is being begotten shall be called Son of God.

Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barred is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God. I am the Lord's servant, Mary answered. May it be to me as you have said. Then the angel left her.

And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

And behold, Elizabeth, your kinswoman, also herself conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month with her who is called sterile, for in the presence of God no word shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold, the Lord's bondslave. May it happen to me according to your word. And the angel departed from her.

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabbeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!

And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.

And having arisen, Mary in these days went on her way into the hill country with haste into a city of Judah. And she entered the home of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And it came to pass that when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the child leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was controlled by the Holy Spirit and lifted up her voice with a great outcry and said, As for you, you have been blessed among women, and the fruit of your womb has been blessed. And how can this be to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the child leaped in extreme joy in my womb. And spiritually prosperous is she who believed, because there shall be a fulfillment of the things which have been told her from the Lord.

And Mary said: My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me - holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.

And Mary said, My soul is extolling my Lord, and my spirit exultingly rejoiced in God my Saviour, because He had regard for the humble position of His bondslave. For behold, from this time forth as particularized by this great event in my life, all the generations shall speak of me as spiritually prosperous, enriched by the blessings of God, because He who is mighty did great things to me; and holy is His Name. And His mercy is to those who fear Him to generations and generations. He brought about strength with His arm. He dispersed those who with contempt and haughtiness hold themselves as above others in the intellectual insight and moral understanding of their heart. He deposed potentates from their thrones and exalted those who are in a humble position in life. He filled those who are hungry with good things, and those who are wealthy He sent away empty. He laid hold of Israel, His servant, with a view to helping him, calling to remembrance His mercy even as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever. And Mary remained with her as her guest for about three months, and returned to her home.

When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.

Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.

Now, to Elizabeth there was fulfilled the time of her delivery, and she gave birth to a son. And the neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had lavished His mercy upon her, and they rejoiced with her.

On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, but his mother spoke up and said, No! He is to be called John. They said to her, There is no one among your relatives who has that name. Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone's astonishment he wrote, His name is John. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God. The neighbors were all filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, What then is this child going to be? For the Lord's hand was with him.

And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God. And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the kill country of Judaea. And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.

And it came to pass that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the recently born infant. And they were intending to call him by the name of his father Zacharias. But his mother, answering said, By no means, but he shall be called John. And they said to her, There is no one of your relatives who is called by this name. And they were making signs to his father to the following effect - What would he wish him to be called? And having asked for a writing-tablet he wrote, saying, His name is John. And all wondered. And his mouth was opened instantly and his tongue loosed. And he began speaking, praising God. And there came upon all those who lived around them a fear. And in the entire hill country of Judaea all these matters were continuously being talked over. And all who heard these things laid them up in their heart, saying, What then shall this newly-born infant come to, for indeed the Lord's hand was with him?

His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us - to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear. In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

And Zacharias his father was controlled by the Holy Spirit and spoke by divine inspiration, saying, Eulogized be the Lord God of Israel, for He looked upon in order to help and effected a redemption for His people, and raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of David His servant, even as He spoke through the mouth of His holy prophets from of old, deliverance from our enemies and from the hand of all those who hate us, to show mercy to our fathers and to remember His holy covenant, an oath which He swore to Abraham our father, to the effect that He would grant us that without fear, having been delivered out of the hand of our enemies, we might render sacred service to Him in holiness and righteousness before Him during all our days.

And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace. And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel.

And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. And the child grew, and waxed in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

And as for you, moreover, child, a prophet of the Most High shall you be called, for you shall precede the Lord as His herald in His presence and sight to make ready His roads, to give a knowledge of salvation to His people in the putting away of their sins through the merciful compassions of our God, in the sphere of which compassions the Light rising in the east from on high shall come to look upon us and render us help, to bring light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct our feet into the road of peace. And the child kept on growing strong in spirit, and was in the uninhabited regions until the day of his official presentation to Israel.

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

Now, it came to pass in those days that there was promulgated a decree from Caesar Augustus that the entire Roman empire should have its census taken. This census was the first one taken while Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all were proceeding on their way to be enrolled in the census, each one into his own city.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there went up also Joseph from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth to Judaea, into the city of David which by reason of its character is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and ancestry of David, to enroll himself with Mary, she who had been promised as his wife, who was pregnant. And it came to pass that while they were there the days were completed that she should give birth to a child. And she gave birth to a son, her first-born. And she wrapped Him in cloth bands and laid Him down in a feeding-trough because there was not a place for them in the caravansary.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And there were shepherds in that very region bivouacking in the fields under the open sky, and guarding their flock during the appointed night watches. And an angel of the Lord took his stand at their side, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they feared a great fear. And the angel said to them, Stop being afraid. For behold, I am bringing you good tidings of great joy, which joy is of such a nature that it shall pertain to all the people, because there was born to you today a Saviour who is Christ, the Lord, in the city of David. And this shall be an unusual and distinguishing token of identification for you; you shall find a new-born infant which has been wrapped in cloth bands, and is lying in a feeding-trough. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the army of heaven, praising God and saying, Glory in the highest places to God, and upon earth peace among men of good will.

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about. So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

And it came to pass that when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds kept on saying to one another, Let us go at once, even to Bethlehem, and let us see this thing which has come to pass which the Lord made known to us. And they came, having hastened, and after searching, they located not only Mary and Joseph, but also the new-born infant lying in the feeding-trough. And having seen this, they made known concerning the word which was spoken to them about this little child. And all those who heard marvelled concerning the things which were spoken by the shepherds to them. But Mary kept on continually guarding all these words in her heart and bringing them together for the purpose of considering them in their total import. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things which they heard and saw just as it was told to them.

On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived. When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (As it is written in the Law of the Lord, Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: a pair of doves or two young pigeons.

And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons.

And when eight days were completed at the end of which period He was to be circumcised, His name also was called Jesus, which was so designated by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to dedicate Him to the Lord, even as it stands written in the law of the Lord, Every first-born male child shall be called separated to the Lord to be exclusively His, and to offer a sacrifice according to that which has been spoken in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel. The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him.

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ, And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and one who reverenced God and was pious, looking expectantly toward that which will afford comfort and refreshment for Israel. And the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit in answer to prayer, and to this revelation he was holding fast, that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he went in the control of the Spirit into the outer temple. And when the parents brought the child Jesus to do for Him according to the established custom of the law, he himself also gladly received Him into his arms, and he eulogized God and said, As things now are, you are releasing your bondslave, Master, according to your word, in peace, because my eyes saw your salvation which you prepared before the face of all the people, a light for a revelation to the Gentiles and for the glory of your people, Israel. And His father and mother were marvelling at the things which were spoken concerning Him.

Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.

And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, Behold, this One is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel and for a miraculous attestation, assent to which is being constantly refused. And moreover, through your soul there shall pass a sword in order that the deliberations of many hearts may be uncovered.

There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

And there was Anna, a prophetess, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser. This woman, well advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from the time of her state as a virgin and she herself a widow eighty-four years, did not leave the temple, rendering sacred service to God with fastings and petitions night and day. And at that very hour coming up and standing by, she kept on giving thanks to God with fastings and petitions night and day. And at that very hour coming up and standing by, she kept on giving thanks to God and kept on speaking concerning Him to all who were expectantly looking toward the redemption of Jerusalem.

When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.

And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

And when they completed all the things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own city of Nazareth. And the little child kept on growing and kept on increasing in strength, being constantly suffused with wisdom. And God's grace was upon Him.

Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him.

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

Now, His parents customarily went to Jerusalem each year for the feast of the passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up in accordance with the custom of the feast. And having completed their stay during the days of the feast, while they were returning, Jesus, the boy, lingered behind in Jerusalem. And His parents did not know of it, but supposing Him to be in the company of their road-companions, went a day's journey along the road. And they conducted an intensive search for Him among their relatives and acquaintances, and not having found Him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching diligently for Him.

After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you. Why were you searching for me? he asked. Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house? But they did not understand what he was saying to them. Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

And it came to pass after three days they found Him in the outbuildings of the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them and asking them questions. And all who were listening to Him were astounded to the point of a mental imbalance at His grasp and comprehension, and His ability to give them answers which exhibited a discriminating private judgment. And having seen Him, they were struck with astonishment to the point of a loss of self-control. And His mother said to Him, My child, why did you treat us in this manner? Behold. Your father and I are searching constantly for you, being in anguish. And He said to them, Why is it that you were searching for me? Had you not known that it is necessary in the nature of the case for me to be occupied in the things of my Father? However, they themselves did not understand that which He said to them. And He went down with them, and came to Nazareth and subjected himself in constant obedience to them. And His mother carefully guarded all these words in her heart, pondering over them and comparing them with one another. And Jesus kept on hewing a pioneer path ahead, making steady progress in wisdom and maturity and in facor in the presence of God and with men. 

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar - when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene - during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert. He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: A voice of one calling in the desert, Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, and every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God's salvation.

Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

Now, in the fifteenth year of the rule of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judaea, and Herod governor of the tetrarchy of Galilee, and Philip his brother governor of the tetrarchy of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanius governor of the tetrarchy of Abilene, at the time when Annas and Caiaphas were chief priests, there came a word from God to John the son of Zacharias in the uninhabited region. And he went into all the country around the Jordan making a public proclamation with such formality, gravity, and authority as must be listened to and obeyed, announcing a baptism that had to do with repentance, this baptism, a testimony because of the putting away of sins, as it stand written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, A voice of one shouting in the uninhabited region, Make ready the Lord's road. Be making His paths straight. Every ravine shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be brought low. And the crooked places shall be straight, and the rough roads shall be smooth. And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father’. For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the foot of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

Then he said to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, ‘We have Abraham to our father’: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruits is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Then he kept on saying to the crowds which were proceeding out to him in a steady stream in order to be baptized by him, Offspring of vipers, who gave you a private, confidential hint that you should flee from the divine and righteous wrath against sin and sinners which is about to break at any moment? Therefore, produce fruits which weigh as much as the repentance you profess. And do not begin to be saying to yourselves, ‘As father, we have Abraham’, for I am saying to you, God is able out of these stones as source material to raise up children to Abraham. And moreover, already the ax is lying at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree which is not producing good fruit is being cut out and is being thrown into the fire.

What should we do then? the crowd asked. John answered, The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same. Tax collectors also came to be baptized. Teacher, they asked, what should we do? Don't collect any more than you are required to, he told them. Then some soldiers asked him, And what should we do? He replied, Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely - be content with your pay.

And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.

And the crowds kept on inquiring of him, saying, What therefore shall we do? And answering he went to saying to them, He who has two undergarments, let him share one with him who does not have any, and he who has foods, let him be doing the same. Moreover there came also tax collectors to be baptized, and they said to him, Teacher, what shall we do? And he said to them, Be exacting no more than that which has been prescribed for you. Moreover, soldiers in service also kept on inquiring of him, saying, As for us, what shall we also be doing? And he said to them, Extort nothing from any man by violence; neither blackmail anyone, and be satisfied with your provision-money.

The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possible be the Christ. John answered them all, I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather up the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.

And since the people were in a state of expectancy, and all men were reasoning in their hearts concerning John whether perchance he could possibly be the Christ, John answered saying to all, As for myself, I baptize you by means of water. But there comes He who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He himself shall baptize you by means of the Holy Spirit and by means of fire, whose winnowing-shovel is in His hand for the purpose of thoroughly cleansing His threshing-floor and of gathering the wheat into His granary. But the chaff He will burn up completely in fire that is unquenchable.

And with many other words John exhorted the people and preached the good news to them. But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of Herodias, his brother's wife, and all the other evil things he had done, Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.

And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people. But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done, Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.

Now, many and various things, as he was exhorting, he brought as good news to the people. But Herod the tetrarch, being rebuked effectually by him concerning Herodias the wife of his brother, and concerning all the pernicious things Herod did, added also this to them all, that he confined John in prison.

When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.

Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

Now, it came to pass that at the time when all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized, and while He was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit if a form like that of a dove descended upon Him, and a voice came out of heaven, As for you, you are my Son, the beloved one, in whom I take pleasure.

Now Jesus was himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph, the son of Heli, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melki, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda, the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, the son of Melki, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er, the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim, the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon, the son of Amminadab, the son of Ram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel, the son of Kenan, the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli, Which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph, Which was the son of Mattathias, which as the son of Amos, which was the son of Naum, which was the son of Esli, which was the son of Nagge, Which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Juda, Which was the son of Joanna, which was the son of Rhesa, which was the son of Zorobabel, which was the son of Salathiel, which was the son of Neri, Which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Addi, which was the son of Cosam, which was the son of Elmodam, which was the son of Er, Which was the son of Jose, which was the son of Eliezer, which was the son of Jorim, which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, Which was the son of Simeon, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Jonan, which was the son of Eliakim, Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David, Which was the son of Jesse, which was the son of Obed, which was the son of Booz, which was the son of Salmon, which was the son of Naasson, Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda, Which was the son of Jacob, which was the son of Isaac, which was the son of Abraham, which was the son of Thara, which was the son of Nachor, Which was the son of Saruch, which was the son of Ragau, which was the son of Phalec, which was the son of Heber, which was the son of Sala, Which was the son of Cainan, which was the son of Arphaxad, which was the son of Sem, which was the son of Noe, which was the son of Lamech, Which was the son of Mathusala, which was the son of Enoch, which was the son of Jared, which was the son of Maleleel, which was the son of Cainan, Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.

And Jesus himself when beginning His ministry was about thirty years of age, being a son, as was supposed, of Joseph who was the son of Heli, who was the son of Matthat, who was the son of Levi, who was the son of Melchi, who was the son of Janna, who was the son of Joseph, who was the son of Mattathias, who was the son of Amos, who was the son of Naum, who was the son of Esli, who was the son of Nagge, who was the son of Maath, who was the son of Mattathias, who was the son of Semei, who was the son of Joseph, who was the son of Juda, who was the son of Joanna, who was the son of Rhesa, who was the son of Zorobabel, who was the son of Salathiel, who was the son of Neri, who was the son of Melchi, who was the son of Addi, who was the son of Cosam, who was the son of Elmodam, who was the son of Er, who was the son of Jose, who was the son of Eliezer, who was the son of Jorim, who was the son of Matthat, who was the son of Levi, who was the son of Simeon, who was the son of Juda, who was the son of Joseph, who was the son of Jonan, who was the son of Eliakim, who was the son of Melea, who was the son of Menan, who was the son of Mattatha, who was the son of Nathan, who was the son of David, who was the son of Jesse, who was the son of Obed, who was the son of Booz, who was the son of Salmon, who was the son of Naasson, who was the son of Aminidab, who was the son of Admin, who was the son of Arni, who was the son of Esrom, who was the son of Phares, who was the son of Juda, who was the son of Jacob, who was the son of Isaac, who was the son of Abraham, who was the son of Thara, who was the son of Nachor, who was the son of Saruch, who was the son of Ragau, who was the son of Phalec, who was the son of Heber, who was the son of Sala, who was the son of Cainan, who was the son of Arphaxad, who was the son of Sem, who was the son of Noe, who was the son of Lamech, who was the son of Mathusala, who was the son of Enoch, who was the son of Jared, who was the son of Maleleel, who was the son of Cainan, who was the son of Enos, who was the son of Seth, who was the son of Adam, who was the son of God.

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. The devil said to him, If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread. Jesus answered, It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone.’

And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, ‘That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’

And Jesus, in the control of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was continually being led by the Spirit in the uninhabited region, for forty days being constantly put to the test by the devil as he solicited Him to sin. And He ate not even one thing during those days, and they having been brought to an end, He became hungry. Then the devil said to Him, In view of the fact that you are Son of God by virtue of your possession of the divine essence, speak to this stone to the effect that it will become a loaf of bread. And Jesus answered him, It has been written and is now on record, ‘The individual person shall not live on bread alone.’

The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. So if you worship me, it will all be yours. Jesus answered, It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only’.

And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan, for it is written, ‘Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve’.

And taking Him up, he exposed to His eyes all the kingdoms of the Roman empire in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, To you I will give authority, all of it, and its glory, because to me it has been given and is now in my possession, and to whomever I desire, I give it. As for you therefore, if you will fall upon your knees before me and touch the ground with your forehead as an expression of profound and reverential worship, all shall be yours. And Jesus answering said to him, It has been written and is at present on record, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and to Him only you shall render sacred service’.

The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. If you are the Son of God, he said, throw yourself down from here. For it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ Jesus answered, It says: ’Do not put the Lord your God to the test’. When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.

And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: For it is written, ‘He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone’. And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, ‘Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God’. And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.

And he brought Him into Jerusalem, and stood Him upon the wing of the temple, and said to Him, In view of the fact that you are Son of God by virtue of your participation in the divine essence, hurl yourself down from this place, for it has been written and at present is on record, ‘To His angels He shall give a charge concerning you, to carefully guard you, and also, In their hands they shall lift you up and carry you lest at any time you strike your foot against a stone’. And Jesus answering said to him, It has been said and is at present on record, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to an all-out test’. And having completed every test and solicitation to sin, the devil stood off from Him until a more propitious time.

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.

And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.

And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee. And a report went out through the whole of the surrounding countryside concerning Him. And He himself was teaching in their synagogues, being extolled by all.

He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.’ Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.

And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.’ And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is the scripture fulfilled in your ears.

And He came to Nazareth where He had been brought up. And He went according to His custom on the day of the sabbath into the synagogue and arose to read. And there was given Him the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. And having unrolled the scroll, He found the place where it stood written, ‘The Lord's Spirit is upon me because He anointed me, to announce good news to the poor. He has sent me on a mission to proclaim release to those held captive and recovery of sight to those who are blind, to send away in release those who are broken by calamity, to herald forth that epochal period of time which the Lord has chosen and in which He takes pleasure.’ And having rolled up the scroll and having given it back to the attending officer, He sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were gazing with a fixed attention upon Him. And He began to be saying to them, Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing and stands fulfilled as an accomplished and finished fact.

All spoke well of him and were amazed at his gracious words that came from his lips. Isn't this Joseph's son? they asked. Jesus said to them, Surely you will quote this proverb to me: ‘Physician, heal yourself! Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.’ I tell you the truth, he continued, no prophet is accepted in his hometown. I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah's time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon. And there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleaned - only Naaman the Syrian. All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff. But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.

And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son? And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, ‘Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.’ And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country. But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land; But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian. And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath. And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way,...

And all were bearing witness to Him and marvelling at the words marked by a charming graciousness which were constantly proceeding out of His mouth; and they kept on saying, Is not this man Joseph's son? And He said to them, Doubtless, you will quote to me this proverb; ‘Physician, heal yourself. As many things, whatever we heard took place in Capernaum, begin to do at once here in your own native city.’ But He said, Assuredly I am saying to you, not one prophet is favorably received in his own native country. Moreover, I am saying to you in truth, Many widows there were in the days of Elijah in Israel, when the sky was shut up for three years and six months, when there came a great famine over all the land, and to not even one of them was Elijah sent except to Srepta, a city of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. And many lepers there were in Israel, in the time of Elisha the prophet, and not even one of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian. And all in the synagogue were filled with a rage which boiled over in a sudden and angry outburst upon hearing these things, and having arisen, they threw Him outside of the city and led Him to an out-jutting cliff of the mountain upon which their city stood built, so that they might hurl Him headlong down the precipice. But he himself, having passed through their midst, proceeded on His way.

Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath began to teach the people. They were amazed at his teaching, because his message had authority.

...and came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days. And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.

And He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And He was teaching them on the sabbath. And they were struck with astonishment to the point of a mental imbalance by reason of His teaching, because His discourse was characterized by authority.

In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an evil spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are - the Holy One of God! Be quiet! Jesus said sternly. Come out of him! Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him. All the people were amazed and said to each other, What is this teaching? With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits and they come out! And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area.

And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not. And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out. And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.

And in the synagogue there was a man having a spirit of an unclean demon. And he raised a cry from the depths of his throat in a great voice. Ha! What is there between us and you, Jesus, Nazarene? Did you come to destroy us? I know you, who you are, the Holy One of God. And Jesus rebuked him, which rebuke elicited no acknowledgment of guilt or repentance, saying, Your mouth be muzzled, and come out of him at once. And the demon, having violently hurled him to the ground into the midst, came out of him and did not injure him in any possible way. And an amazement mingled with terror came upon all. And they kept on speaking one with another, saying, What is this word, because by authority and power he marshalls the unclean spirits under his command and they come out? And there kept on proceeding forth a resounding report concerning Him to every place in the surrounding countryside.

Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon's mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them.

And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her. And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.

And having arisen from the teacher's chair in the synagogue, He went into the home of Simon. Now, the mother-in-law of Simon had been afflicted for some time with a chronic fever, a severe one. And they made request of Him in her behalf. And having taken His stand over her, He rebuked the fever, and it left her. And instantly, having stood up, she served food and drink to them.

When the sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, You are the Son of God! But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Christ.

Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them. And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.

Now, when the sun was setting, all, as many as had those who were sick with various kinds of diseases, chronic cases, brought them to Him. And having laid His hands upon one after another separately, He healed them. And there also came out demons from many, shouting out and saying, As for you, you are the Son of God. And rebuking them with a rebuke that did not elicit an acknowledgement of guilt or repentance, He was not permitting them to be speaking, because they knew Him to be the Christ.

At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. But he said, I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent. And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea.

And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them. And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent. And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee.

And day having come, having gone out, He proceeded into a deserted place. And the crowds kept on searching for Him diligently. And they came to Him, and kept on attempting to hinder Him from going away from them. But He said to them, Also to other cities it is necessary in the nature of the case for me to bring the good news of the kingdom of God, because to this end I was commissioned. And He kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judaea.

One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch. Simon answered, Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets. When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets befam to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, Go away from me, Lord, I am a sinful man! For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men. So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes, and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

And it came to pass that while the people crowded up against him and were listening to the word of God, that He himself took His stand beside the lake of Gennesaret. And He saw two boats which had been moored along the lake. But the fishermen, having disembarked, were cleaning their nets. And having gone on board one of the boats, which was Simon's, He requested him to put out a little from the shore. And having sat down He went to teaching the crowds out of the boat. Now, when He had ceased speaking, He said to Simon, Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch. And answering, Simon said, Master, through the entire night having worked to the point of exhaustion, we took not even one thing. Nevertheless, at your word I will let down the nets. And having done this, they enclosed a great number of fish, and their nets were torn apart. And they made signs to their partners in the other boat to come and lend them a hand. And they came, and they filled both of the boats so that they began to be sinking. Now Simon Peter, having seen this, fell down at Jesus's knees, saying, Depart from me at once because I am a man, a sinner, Master. For amazement took possession of him and of all who were with him because of the catch of fish which they took, and likewise also James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, Stop fearing. From this moment as characterized by what has just taken place, you shall be catching men alive. And having brought the boats to the shore, having abandoned all, they followed Him as His disciples.

While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean. Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man, I am willing, he said. Be clean! And immediately the leprosy left him. Then Jesus ordered him, Don't tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.

And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him. And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

And it came to pass that while He was in one of the cities, behold, a man full of leprosy. And having seen Jesus, having fallen upon his face, he begged Him, saying, Sir, if you have the desire in your heart, you are able to cleanse me. And having stretched forth His hand, He touched him, saying at the same time, My heart desires it. Be cleansed at once. And instantly the leprosy left him. And He himself ordered him to tell not even one person, but; Having gone off, exhibit yourself as evidence to the priest, and offer a sacrifice in recognition of your cleansing as Moses appointed before, for a testimony to them.

Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities. And he withdrew himself into the wilderness and prayed.

But there went abroad rather the word concerning Him, and many crowds kept on coming together to be hearing and to be healed of their infirmities. But He himself was withdrawing in the deserted regions and was praying.

One day as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there. And the power of the Lord was present for him to heal the sick. Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he said, Friend, your sins are forgiven.

And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them. And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him. And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.

And it came to pass that on one of the days He himself was teaching. And there were sitting there Pharisees and teachers and interpreters of the Mosaic law, those who had come out of every village of Galilee and Judaea and out of Jerusalem. And the Lord's power was with Him for the purpose of healing. And behold, there were some men carrying upon a couch a man who was afflicted with paralysis. And they went to seeking how they might bring him in and place him before Him. And not having discovered by what sort of a way they might bring him in because of the crowd, having gone up upon the housetop, through the clay tiles they let him down with his couch into the midst before Jesus. And having seen their faith He said, Man, your sins have been forgiven you.

The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone? Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven’, or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins… He said to the paralyzed man, I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home. Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, We have seen remarkable things today.

And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone? But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts? Whether is easier, to say, ‘Thy sins be forgiven thee’; or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon the earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house. And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day.

And the men learned in the scriptures and the Pharisees began to be deliberating, saying, Who is this fellow who is speaking impious and reproachful things injurious to the divine majesty of God? Who is able to forgive sins but God alone? Now, Jesus having come to understand their deliberations, answering, said to them, Why are you deliberating in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins have been forgiven you’, or to say, ‘Be arising and start walking and keep on walking’? But, in order that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on the earth to be forgiving sins, He said to the one afflicted with paralysis, To you I am saying, be arising, and having snatched up your couch, be proceeding on your way to your home. And instantly, having stood up before them, having snatched up that upon which he had been lying prostrate, he went off to his home, glorifying God. And amazement to the point of being beside themselves, seized upon all, and they kept on glorifying God. And they were filled with fear, saying, We saw things contrary to received opinion today, uncommon, unexpected, such as are ordinarily incredible.

After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. Follow me. Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything, and followed him. Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners? Jesus answered them, It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me. And he left all, rose up, and followed him. And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them. But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

And after these things He went forth, and He saw a collector of internal revenue named Levi seated at his desk in the collector's office, and he attentively contemplated him. And He said to him, Come and join me as one of my disciples, and consider it a permanent appointment. And having abandoned all and having arisen, he joined Him as His permanent disciple. And Levi gave a great reception for Him in his home. And there was a large crowd of tax collectors and others of a like nature who were reclining at table with them. And the Pharisees and their men learned in the scriptures went to grumbling in a low undertone, conferring secretly together and discontentedly complaining to His disciples, saying, For what reason with the tax collectors and sinners stained with vice and crime are you all eating and drinking? And Jesus answering said to them, Those who are sound in body do not have need of a doctor but those who are in a miserable condition so far as their health is concerned. I have not come to call righteous persons but sinners to repentance.

They said to him, John's disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking. Jesus answered, Can you make the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.

And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink? And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bride-chamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

And they said to Him, The disciples of John are in the habit of fasting often, and they are habitually offering up petitions for themselves, likewise also do those of the Pharisees the same, but yours are eating and drinking. And Jesus said to them, You are not able to make the friends of the bridegroom, whose duty it is to provide for the celebration of the nuptials, to fast while the bridegroom is with them, are you? But there shall come days of such a nature, even whenever the bridegroom is taken away from them. Then they shall fast in those days.

He told them this parable: No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews it on an old one. If he does, he will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for he says, The old is better.

And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old. And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish. But new wine must be put into new bottles: and both are preserved. No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.

And He was also giving them an illustration: No one having torn a patch from a garment new and fresh in quality and use, puts it upon an old worn-out garment. Otherwise, he will both tear the new garment, and the patch from the new garment will not match the old, worn-out one. And no one puts just-made wine into worn-out wineskins. Otherwise the just-made wine will burst the wineskins and it itself will be spilled out and the wineskins will be destroyed. But freshly-made wine must be put into wineskins new in point of use. And no one having partaken of fully-aged wine has a desire for wine which has just been made, for he says, The fully-aged is pleasant.

One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands and eat the kernels. Some of the Pharisees asked, Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath? Jesus answered them, Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and taking the consecrated bread, he ate what is lawful only for the priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions. Then Jesus said to them, The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.

And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days? And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him; How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone? And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

Now it came to pass that on a sabbath He was making His way through fields which had been sown to crops. And His disciples were picking and eating the ears of grain, rubbing them in their hands in order to break them up into smaller pieces. And certain of the Pharisees said, Why are you all doing that which is not lawful on the sabbath? And answering, Jesus said to them, Have you not read even this which David did when he himself was hungry and those with him, how he entered the house of God, and having taken the loaves of bread which were set forth, he ate and gave to those with him, which loaves of bread it is not lawful to eat except only for the priests? And He was saying to them, The Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath.

On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled. The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath. But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, Get up and stand in front of everyone. So he got up and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it? He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, Stretch out your hand. He did so, and his hand was completely restored. But they were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.

And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered. And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him. But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth. Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it? And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other. And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.

And it came to pass that on another sabbath He entered the synagogue and went to teaching. And there was a man there, and his hand, the right one, was shrunk and wasted. And the men learned in the sacred scriptures and the Pharisees were standing by on guard, carefully observing for themselves whether on the sabbath He is going to be healing, in order that they might find some accusation which they could prefer against Him in court. But he himself knew their reasonings and said to the man having the shrunken hand, Be arising, and stand in the midst. And having arisen, he stood. And Jesus said to them, I will put a question to you. Is it lawful on the sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save a life or to destroy it? And having looked round about on them all, He said to him, Stretch out your hand at once. And he did so, and his hand was restored to its former state. But they themselves were filled with a senseless rage akin to insanity, and kept on conferring with one another with regard to what they might do to Jesus.

One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles; Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholemew. Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes, And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.

And it came to pass in these days that He went forth into the mountain to be praying, and He was spending the entire night in this aforementioned prayer to God. And when it became day, He called those who were His pupils, and from them He selected twelve whom he also named ambassadors to be sent on a mission with credentials; Simon whom He also called Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John and Philip and Bartholomew, and Matthew and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the one called Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot who became a traitor.

He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coast of Tyre and Sidon, who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by evil spirits were cured, and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.

And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases; And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.

And having gone down with them, He stood on a level place. And a great crowd of His pupils, and a large multitude of the people from all Judaea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon who came to hear Him and to be healed of their diseases, and those who were troubled with unclean spirits, were being healed. And the entire crowd was constantly seeking to be touching Him, because power from His presence was constantly going forth and was healing all.

Looking at his disciples, he said: Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.

And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for your's is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

And He himself, having lifted up His eyes on His disciples, was saying, Spiritually prosperous are the poor, because yours is the kingdom of God. Spiritually prosperous are those who are hungering now, because your desire shall be satisfied. Spiritually prosperous are those who are now weeping audibly, because you shall laugh. Spiritually prosperous are you when men shall hate you and snub you as a disreputable character and revile you and contemptuously reject your name as pernicious on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven, for in the same manner their fathers were in the habit of doing to the prophets.

But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.

But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

But woe to you who are abounding in material resources, because you have that solace and cheer which comes from a prosperous state of things and have nothing left to desire. Woe to you who are satiated now, because you shall hunger. Woe to you who are laughing now, because you shall mourn and weep audibly. Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for in the same manner their fathers were accustomed to do to the false prophets.

But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

But I am saying to you that are hearing, Be loving your enemies with a divine and sacrificial love, be handsomely and fairly doing good to those who are hating you, be invoking blessings upon those who are calling down curses upon you, be praying for those who are treating you abusively. to the one who is striking you upon the jaw, be offering him also the other side of your jaw. And from the one who takes away your outer garment do not even withhold your under garment. Keep on giving to everyone who keeps on asking you, and from the one who takes away the things you possess, stop asking for their return. And even as you are desiring that men should be doing to you, be doing in the same way to them.

If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful as your Father also is merciful.

And assuming that you are loving those who are loving you, what sort of a recompense is yours? for even sinners considered as a class of individuals, also are in the habit of loving those who are loving them. In fact, if you are doing good to those who are doing good to you, what kind of graciousness is yours? Even sinners considered as a class of individuals are constantly doing the same. And if you lend money at interest to those from whom you hope to receive, what kind of graciousness is yours? Even sinners are in the habit of lending money at interest to sinners in order that they may get back the equivalents.

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

But be loving your enemies and be doing good and be lending money at interest, despairing of no one's ability to pay back the loan with interest, and your reward shall be great, and you shall be sons of the Most High, because He himself is benevolent to those who are ungrateful and those who are pernicious. Be becoming compassionate, even as your Father is compassionate. And stop judging in a censorious manner, and you shall positively not be the object of censorious judgment. And stop condemning, and you shall positively not be condemned. Be setting free, and you shall be set free. Be constantly giving, and it shall be given you, a generous measure that has been pressed down hard and which has been shaken thoroughly and which is running over shall they give into the pouch of your garment, for with the measure by which you are accustomed to measure, it shall be measured to you again.

He also told them this parable: Can a blind man lead a blind? Will they not both fall into a pit? A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.

And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.

Now, He also gave them an illustration. A blind person is not able to be leading a blind person, is he? Will not both surely fall into a ditch? A pupil is not above the teacher. But everyone who has been completely equipped shall be as his teacher.

Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye’, when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Either how canst thou say to thy brother, ‘Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye’, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.

And why are you looking at the tiny splinter of wood in the eye of your brother, but the log in your own eye you do not consider attentively? How can you be saying to your brother, ‘Brother, allow me to draw out the tiny splinter of wood, the one in your eye’, when you yourself do not see the log in your eye? Actor on the stage of life, playing a role of something that you are not, first draw the log out of your eye and then you shall see clearly in order to draw out the tiny splinter of wood that is in the eye of your brother.

No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear food fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.

For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

For there is not a good tree that brings forth rotten fruit, not on the other hand, does a rotten tree produce good fruit. In fact, each tree is known by its own unique fruit. Certainly, they do not from rough, prickly shrubs gather figs, nor from a thorny bush do they gather a ripe cluster of grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good, and the pernicious man out of the perniciousness of his heart brings forth that which is pernicious; for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth is accustomed to be speaking.

Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord’, and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.

And why call ye me, ‘Lord, Lord’, and do not do the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

But why are you calling me, ‘Lord, Lord’, and are not doing the things which I am saying? Everyone who comes to me and is hearing my words and is putting them into practice, I will show you to whom he is like. He is like a man who is building a house, who dug and went deep and laid a foundation upon the solid rock. And a flood having come, the river dashed against that house, and it was not strong enough to shake it because it was built securely. But he who heard and did not do is like a man who built a house upon the ground without a foundation, against which the river dashed, and immediately it collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great. After He ended all His words in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum.

When Jesus had finished saying all this in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. There a centurion's servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue. So Jesus went with them.

Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum. And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue. Then Jesus went with them.

Now, a slave of a certain captain of a hundred soldiers, being sick, was at the point of death, one who was highly prized by him. And having heard concerning Jesus, he sent on a mission to Him elders of the Jews, asking Him to come and bring his slave safely through his illness. And having come into the presence of Jesus, they began to beg Him earnestly, saying, He is worthy for whom you should do this, for he loves our nation, and he himself built our synagogue for us.

He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friend to say to him: Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be fully healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go’, and he goes; and that one, ‘Come’, and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this’, and he does it. When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel. Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.

And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself?: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say into one, ‘Go’, and he goeth; and to another, ‘Come’, and he cometh; and to my servant, ‘Do this’, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.

Now Jesus was going on His way with them, and already He being not far distant from the house, the captain of a hundred soldiers sent friends, saying to Him, Sir, do not continue to put yourself out for me, for I am not worthy that you should come under my roof, neither on this account did I judge myself worthy to come to you, but speak the word, even - Let my servant be healed at once, for I also am a man whose position in life places him under the constant authority of others, having at the same time soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go at once’, and he goes, and to another, ‘Be coming’, and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this and be quick about it’, and he does it. And Jesus, having heard these things, marvelled at him, and having turned completely around to the crowd itself which was following with Him, said, I am saying to you, not even in Israel did I find such great faith. And having returned to the house, those who had been sent found the slave to be in good health.

Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out - the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, Don't cry. Then he went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said, Young man, I say to you, get up! The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. They were all filled with awe and praised God. A great prophet has appeared among us, they said. God has come to help his people. This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.

And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people. And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea and throughout all the region about.

And it came to pass soon after, that He went on His way into a city called Nain, and His disciples were going along with Him, also a large crowd. Now, when He drew near the gate of the city, behold, there was being carried out one who had died, an only son of his mother. And this woman was a widow, and a sizeable crowd from the city was with her. And the Lord having seen her, was moved with compassion for her and said to her, Stop weeping. And having approached, He touched the coffin, and those who were carrying it came to a standstill, and He said, Young man, to you I am saying, arise at once. And the dead man sat up and began to be speaking. And He gave him to his mother. And fear took hold of all, and they glorified God, saying, A prophet, a great one, has arisen among us, and God has looked upon His people and has come to their aid. And this word went out in the whole of Judaea concerning Him and in every place in the surrounding territory.

John's disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, he sent them to the Lord to ask, Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else? When the men came to Jesus, they said, John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?’ At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. So he replied to the messengers, Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.

And the disciples of John shewed him all these things. And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, ‘Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?’ And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

And his pupils brought word to John concerning all these things. And having called to himself a certain two of his pupils, John sent them to the Lord, saying, As for you, are you the One who is coming, or are we to be looking for another? And having approached Him the men said to Him, John the Baptizer sent us off on a mission to you, saying, ‘As for you, are you the One who is coming, or are we to be looking for another?’ In that hour He healed many of chronic diseases and of acute, distressing illnesses and of pernicious spirits, and to many blind people He gave as a free, gracious, joy-giving gift the restoration of their eyesight. And answering He said to them, Having gone on your way, report to John the things which you saw and heard, blind people are recovering their sight, crippled ones are walking about, lepers are being cleansed, and those who are not able to hear are hearing, dead people are being raised up, poor people are being given the good news. And spiritually prosperous is he whoever does not find in me that of which he disapproves and which hinders him from acknowledging my authority.

After John’s messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. (All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus' words, acknowledged that God's way was right, because they had been baptized by John. But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.)

And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John. What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. This is he, of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.’ For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.

And John's messengers having gone off, He began to be saying to the crowds concerning John, What did you come out into the uninhabited region to be gazing at, a reed being agitated by wind? But what did you come out to see, a man clothed in garments soft to the touch? Behold. Those who are clothed in gorgeous apparel and live in luxury are in royal palaces. But what did you come out to see, a prophet? Yes, I am saying to you, and something more excellent than a prophet. This man is he concerning whom it has been written and the record is extant today, ‘Behold, I am sending off on a mission my messenger before your face who will make ready your road before you.’ I am saying to you, a greater among those born of women than John there is no one. But he who is comparatively little in the kingdom of God is greater than he. And both the entire people, having heard, and the tax collectors, having been baptized, declared God to have been right in the case of John's baptism. But the Pharisees and the interpreters and teachers of the Mosaic law by rejecting the counsel of God thwarted its purpose and rendered it inefficacious with reference to themselves, not having been baptized by him.

To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other: ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry.’ For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by all her children.

And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like? They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, ‘We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.’ For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, ‘He hath a devil.’ The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, ‘Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!’ But wisdom is proved right by her children.

Therefore, to what shall I compare the men of this breed, and they are those who resemble whom? They are those who resemble little children sitting in a market place and calling to one another, who say, ‘We played the flute for you and you did not dance. We lamented and you did not weep.’ For John the Baptizer has arrived on the scene neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you are saying, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man has come on the scene eating and drinking, and you are saying, Behold, a man who is a glutton and given to wine, a comrade of tax collectors and sinners stained with vice and crime. And wisdom is wont to be vindicated by all her children.

Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.

And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.

Now a certain one of the Pharisees was asking Him to dine with him. And having come into the home of the Pharisee, He reclined at the dinner table. And behold, there was a woman of the city who was in character a sinner stained with vice, and having come to know that He was taking dinner in the home of the Pharisee, having brought an alabaster cruse of a fragrant ointment, she stood behind Him beside His feet, weeping audibly. With her tears falling like rain she began to be wetting His feet, and she dried them with the hairs of her head. And she kissed His feet tenderly again and again, and began applying the fragrant ointment.

When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is - that she is a sinner.

Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake with himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

But the Pharisee, the one who had invited Him, said in himself, saying, This fellow, if he were a prophet, would in that case have known who and what sort of a woman is touching him, that she is a vile sinner.

Jesus answered him, Simon, I have something to tell you. Tell me, teacher, he said. Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more? Simon replied, I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled. You have judged correctly, Jesus said.

And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.

And answering, Jesus said to him, Simon, I have something to say to you. Indeed, Teacher, he said, Say it. There were two debtors who were obligated to a certain money-lender. The one was owing five hundred denarii, and the other, fifty. Since they did not have the funds with which to repay him, he graciously forgave both. Therefore, who of them will love him more? Answering, Simon said, I assume, the one whom he so graciously forgave the more. And He said to him, You judged correctly,

Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven - for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.

And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.

And having turned around to the woman, to Simon He said, Do you see this woman? I entered your home, and water to me to wash the dust from my feet you did not give, but this woman with her tears wet my feet and with her hair wiped them dry. A kiss you did not give me, but this woman from the time I entered has not ceased to kiss my feet tenderly and again and again. With common oil you did not anoint my head, but this woman with fragrant ointment massaged my feet. Wherefore I am saying to you, Forgiven are her sins which are many, because she loved much. Yes, to whom little is forgiven, little does he love.

Then Jesus said to her, Your sins are forgiven. The other guests began to say among themselves, Who is this who even forgives sins? Jesus said to the woman, Your faith has saved you; go in peace.

And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

And He said to her, Your sins are forgiven, And those at the table with Him began to be saying among themselves, Who is this fellow who even forgives sins? And He said to the woman, Your faith has saved you. Be going away into a state of peace.

After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.

And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

And it came to pass soon afterwards that He himself also continued to go up and down throughout the city and village making a proclamation as a herald does with that formality, gravity, and authority as must be listened to and obeyed and giving out the good news of the kingdom of God, and with Him, the Twelve, and certain women who had been healed from spirits that were pernicious and from infirmities, Mary, the one called Magdalene, from whom demons, seven of them, had gone out, and Joanna, wife of Chuza, Herod's overseer, and Susanna, and others, many of them, who were of such a nature that they kept on supplying them with food and the other necessities of life out of their possessions.

While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on a good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown. When he said this, he called out, he who has ears to hear, let him hear.

And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

And a vast crowd of people gathering together, even of those who kept on journeying to Him from city after city, He spoke in the form of an illustration, bringing spiritual truth by means of an analogy drawn from their every day life. There went out the sower for the purpose of sowing his seed. And as he was sowing, some fell alongside the road, and it was trampled under foot, and the birds of the heavens ate it up. And other seed fell upon the rock. And having commenced to grow, it dried up because it was not having moisture. And other seed fell in the midst of the seeds of thorns. And the thorns having grown up together with it, choked it. And other seed fell upon ground which was good, and having commenced growing, it produced fruit, one hundred per cent. Saying these things, He cried aloud, He who has ears to be hearing, let him be hearing.

His disciples asked him what this parable meant. He said, The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, ‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand’.

And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; ‘that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand’.

And His disciples went to asking Him what this illustration might be. And He said, To you it has been given to come to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest in the form of illustrations, in order ‘that seeing, they may not be seeing, and hearing, they may not be understanding’.

This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

Now, the illustration is this. The seed is the word of God. And those alongside the road are those who heard. Then comes the devil and snatches the word from their heart lest having believed they should be saved.

Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away.

They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

And those upon the rock are those who when they hear, with joy receive the word, and these do not have rootage, who for a season believe, yet during a season when they are being tested by trials, stand aloof.

The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.

And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

And that which fell into the thorns, these are those who heard, and under the pressure of anxieties and wealth and pleasure of a materialistic life as they go on their way, are being choked, and they are not bringing fruit to maturity.

But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

But that in the good ground, these are the ones who are of such a nature that in a noble and virtuous heart, having heard the word, are holding it fast and are bearing fruit it patience.

No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.

No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setting it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.

But no one, having lighted a lamp, covers it with a hollow household utensil or places it down under a couch, but puts it upon a lampstand, in order that those entering may be seeing the light. For there is not anything which is concealed that shall not become known, nor even that which is hidden which shall not positively be made known, and come out into clear view.

Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him.

Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.

Therefore, be ever exercising watchful care how you are hearing, for whoever may be having, it shall be given to him, and whoever is not having, even that which he appears to be having, shall be taken away from him.

Now Jesus' mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. Someone told him, Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you. He replied, My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice.

Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press. And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee. And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.

Then there came near to Him His mother and brothers and sisters. Yet they were unable to contact Him because of the crowd. And it was told Him, Your mother and your brothers and sisters have taken their stand outside, desiring to see you. But answering, He said to them, My mother and my brothers and sisters are these who the word of God are hearing and doing.

One day Jesus said to his disciples, Let's go over to the other side of the lake. So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, Master, Master, we're going to drown. He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. Where is your faith? he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.

Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

Now, it came to pass on one of the days that both He himself went on board a boat and His disciples, and He said to them, Let us cross over to the other side of the lake. And they put out to sea. And as they were sailing He fell to sleep. And there came down a whirlwind on the lake, breaking forth out of black thunderclouds in furious gusts, with floods of rain, throwing everything topsy-turvy, and they were filling, and were beginning to be in danger. And having come to Him they awakened him abruptly, saying, Master, Master, we are perishing. And having been thoroughly awakened, He rebuked the wind and the turbulence of the water, and they ceased, and there came a calm. And He said to them, Where is your faith? But they having become afraid, marvelled, saying to one another, Who then is this, because even the winds He marshalls under His orders, and the water, and they, recognizing His authority, are obeying Him.

They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don't torture me! For Jesus had commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places.

And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee. And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not. (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)

And they put in at the country of the Gerasenes which is opposite Galilee. And after He had disembarked, there met Him a certain man out of the city having demons who for a long time had not put on himself any clothing, and he was not living in a house but in the tombs. And having seen Jesus, and raising a cry from the depths of his throat, he prostrated himself before Him and with a great voice said, What is there in common between me and you, Jesus, Son of God, the Most High God? I beg of you, do not begin to torment me; for He was commanding the unclean spirit to go out of the man. For often he had seized him by force and carried him away. And he was put in chains, with his hands and feet shackled, being constantly guarded. And breaking the bands apart, he was being driven by the demon into the deserted regions.

Jesus asked him, What is your name? Legion, he replied, because many demons had gone into him. And they begged him repeatedly not to order them to go into the abyss. A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into them, and he gave them permission. When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.

And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him. And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep. And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them. Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.

And Jesus asked him, What is your name? And he said, Legion; because many demons had entered him. And they kept on begging Him not to order them to go off into the bottomless abyss. Now, there was there a large herd of hogs feeding on the mountain. And they begged Him to permit them to go into them. And He gave them permission. And the demons, having gone out of the man, went into the hogs. And the herd started forward impetuously down the precipice into the lake and was drowned.

When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus' feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured. Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left.

When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country. Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed. Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.

And those who were feeding them, when they saw that which had taken place, ran from the scene and brought back word into the city and into the country. Then they went out to see that which had taken place. And they came to Jesus and found the man out from whom the demons had gone seated and clothed and in his right mind beside the feet of Jesus. And they became afraid. And those who had seen what happened reported to them how the one who was demonized was healed. And the entire population of the surrounding territory of Gerasa begged Him to go away from them, because they were beginning to be seized by a great fear. And He himself having gone on board the boat, returned.

The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, Return home and tell how much God has done for you. So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.

But the man out from whom the demons had gone kept on begging Him for permission to be with Him. But He dismissed him, saying, Return to your home, and be relating as many things as God did for you. And he went off throughout the whole city, proclaiming openly as many things as Jesus did.

Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. Then a man named Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, came and fell at Jesus' feet, pleading with him to come to his house because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. Who touched me? Jesus asked.

And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him. And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus; feet, and besought him that he would come into his house: For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him. And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. And Jesus said, Who touched me?

Now, when Jesus returned, the people welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him. And behold, there came a man named Jairus. And this man was a leader of the synagogue. And having fallen at Jesus' feet, he went to begging Him to come to his home, because he had an only daughter about twelve years of age, and this daughter was dying. And as He was going, the crowds were suffocating Him. And a woman afflicted with a flow of blood twelve years which was of such a nature that it could not be healed by anyone, having come from behind Him, touched the tassel of His outer garment hanging over His shoulder. And immediately the flow of blood stopped. And Jesus said, Who is the one who touched me?

When they all denied it, Peter said, Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you. But Jesus said, Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me. Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.

When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched men? And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

And when all were denying, Peter said, Master, the crowds are pressing in on you and crushing you. But Jesus said, Someone touched me, for, as for myself, I have come to recognize experientially that power has gone out from me. And the woman, having seen that she was not hidden, trembling, came and having fallen down before Him, made known openly before all the people the reason why she touched Him, and how she was immediately healed. And He said to her, Daughter, your faith has restored you to health. Be going on your way into the realm of tranquillity.

While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. Your daughter is dead, he said. Don't bother the teacher any more. Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.

While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. But when Jesus heard it he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.

While He was yet speaking, a certain one comes from the home of the leader of the synagogue, saying, She has died, your daughter. No longer keep on disturbing the Teacher. But Jesus, having heard, said to him, Stop fearing. Only believe at once, and she shall be brought back to life.

When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child's father and mother. Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. Stop wailing, Jesus said. She is not dead but asleep. They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and said, My child, get up! Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what happened.

And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, sace Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden. And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not: she is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat. And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.

And having entered the house, He did not permit any to go in with Him except Peter and John and James and the father of the little girl and her mother. And all were weeping audibly and beating their breasts with grief and mourning and bewailing her. But He said, Stop weeping. She did not die but is sleeping. And they looked down their noses at Him and kept on laughing at Him, knowing that she had died. But He himself, having taken a firm grip of her hand, called out, saying, Little girl, be arising. And her spirit returned, and she stood up immediately. And He ordered that she be given something to eat at once. And the parents were beside themselves with astonishment. But He charged them to tell not even one person that which had taken place.

When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He told them: Take nothing for the journey- no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them. So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.

Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money: neither have two coats apiece. And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart. And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them. And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.

Then, having called together the Twelve, He gave them power and authority over all the demons, and over diseases, to be healing them. And He sent them off on a mission to be heralding forth the kingdom of God with that formality, gravity, and authority which must be listened to and obeyed, and to be healing. And He said to them, Take not even one thing for your journey along the road, neither a walking stick nor a begging-bag, nor bread, nor money, nor have two undergarments apiece. And into whatever home you enter, there be remaining as a house guest, and from there be going out. And as many as may not be welcoming you as a guest, when leaving that city, be shaking off the dust from your feet which you have raised and which has settled upon them, as a witness against them. And going forth, they kept on going through the villages, village by village, proclaiming the good news and healing everywhere.

Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed, because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead, others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life. But Herod said, I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about? And he tried to see him.

Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead; And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again. And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

Now Herod the tetrarch came to hear of all the things taking place. And he was in a state of utter perplexity because of the fact that it was being said by certain ones that John had arisen out from amongst those who were dead, but by certain others that Elijah had appeared, also by others that a certain one of the early prophets had arisen. Now Herod said, As for myself, John I beheaded. But who is this concerning whom I am hearing such things? And he kept on endeavoring to see Him.

When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.

And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.

And those sent on a mission as His ambassadors with credentials, having returned, related in detail to Him as many things as they did. And having taken them with himself He withdrew in private to a city called Bethsaida. And the crowds having come to know it, followed with Him. And having welcomed them, He went to speaking to them concerning the kingdom of God, and He continued healing those who had need of healing.

Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here.

And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.

But the day began to decline. Now the Twelve having come, said to Him, Dismiss the crowd in order that, having gone on their way into the encircling villages and farms, they may put up for the night and lay in a stock of provisions, because here we are in an uninhabited place.

He replied, You give them something to eat. They answered, We have only five loaves of bread and two fish - unless we go and buy food for all this crowd. (About five thousand men were there.)

But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people. For they were about five thousand men.

But He said to them, You at once give them something to eat. But they said, There are among us not more than five loaves of bread and two fish, unless we having proceeded should purchase eatables in the market place for all this people; for there were about five thousand men alone.

But he said to his disciples, Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each. The disciples did so, and everybody sat down. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to set before the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

And he said to his disciples , Make them sit down by fifties in a company. And they did so, and made them all sit down. Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude. And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.

And He said to His disciples, At once make them recline as they do at home at the dinner table, in dinner-parties, about fifty to a group. And they did so, and made them recline, all of them. And having taken the five loaves of bread and two fish, having looked up to heaven, He asked the blessing upon them and broke them in pieces and kept on giving them to the disciples to set beside the crowd. And they ate and all were filled to their complete satisfaction. And there was taken up that which remained over to them, of broken pieces, twelve baskets.

Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, Who do the crowds say I am? They replied, Some say ‘John the Baptist’; others say ‘Elijah’; and still others, that ‘one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life’.

And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am? They answering said, ‘John the Baptist’; but some say, ‘Elias; and others say, that ‘one of the old prophets is risen again’.

And it came to pass while He was praying apart, His disciples were with Him. And He asked them, saying Who are the crowds saying that I am? And answering they said, ‘John the Baptizer’, but others, ‘Elijah’, but still others, that ‘one of the early prophets arose’.

But what about you? he asked. Who do you say I am? Peter answered, The Christ of God. Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone. And he said, The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.

He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God. And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing: Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.

But He said to them, But as for you, who are you saying that I am? And Peter answering said, The Anointed One of God. And having solemnly charged them under penalty, He ordered them to be telling this to not even one person, saying, It is a necessity in the nature of the case for the Son of Man to suffer many things and be repudiated by the elders and the chief priests and those learned in the sacred scriptures after they had put Him to the test for the purpose of approving Him as Messiah and had found that He did not meet their specifications, and to be put to death and on the third day to be raised.

Then he said to them all: If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lost it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.

And He was saying to all, Assuming that anyone desires to come after me as a follower of mine, let him disregard his own interests, and let him at once and once for all pick up and carry his cross day after day, and let him take the same road with me that I take as a habit of life. For whoever desires to save his soul-life, shall ruin it. But whoever will declare a sentence of death upon his soul-life for my sake, this one shall save it. For how is a man profited, having acquired the whole world but having ruined or forfeited himself. For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of this one the Son of Man shall be ashamed whenever He comes in His glory and that of the Father and that of the holy angels.

I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.

But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

But I am saying to you, truly, there are certain ones of those standing here who will positively not experience death until they see the kingdom of God.

About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.

And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.

And it came to pass after these words, about eight days, having taken with himself Peter and John and James, He went up into the mountain to pray. And it came to pass that while He was praying, the appearance of His face took on a different expression, and His apparel was white, as with the brilliance of lightning flashing. And behold, men, two of them, were talking with Him, who were of such a character as to be Moses and Elijah, who, having been caused to appear, surrounded with a heavenly brightness, were speaking of His exodus which He was about to be carrying into effect in Jerusalem. But Peter and those with him having been overcome by sleep, were in a state of deep slumber. But having become fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who were standing with Him.

As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters - one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. (He did not know what he was saying.)

And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.

And it came to pass that while they were departing from him, Peter said to Jesus, Master, it is an excellent thing for us to be here. I propose that we make three booths constructed of the leafy branches of trees, one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah, not understanding that which he was saying.

While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud, saying, This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him. When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves, and told no one what that time what they had seen.

While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.

And while he was saying these things, there came a cloud, and it began to be surrounding and enveloping them with a brightness. But they feared while they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud saying, This is my Son, He who has been chosen out for myself and who is my Chosen One. Be hearing Him. And at the coming of the voice, Jesus was found alone. And they themselves maintained a silence, and to not even one person did they report in those days anything concerning the things they had seen.

The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him. A man in the crowd called out, Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. A spirit seizes him and he suddenly screams; it throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It scarcely ever leaves him and is destroying him. I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they could not.

And it came to pass that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him. And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child. And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him. And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not.

Now, it came to pass on the next day, they having come down from the mountain, that a large crowd met Him. And behold, a man from the crowd shouted out, saying, Teacher. I beg you to look with pitying regard upon my son with a view to giving him aid, because he is my only child. And behold, a spirit takes him, and he suddenly cries out aloud, and he throws him into convulsions accompanied by foaming at the mouth, and with difficulty leaves him, disrupting his body functions and shattering his strength. And I begged your disciples to eject him, and they were not able.

O unbelieving and perverse generation, Jesus replied, how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here. Even while the boy was coming, the demon threw him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the evil spirit, healed the boy and gave him back to his father. And they were all amazed at the greatness of God.

And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither. And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father. And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God.

And answering, Jesus said, O unbelieving breed of men, and perverted. Until when shall I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here to me at once. And while he was yet coming to Him, the demon threw him into convulsions and disrupted his body functions and shattered his strength. Then Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the little boy and gave him back to his father. And all were beside themselves with astonishment at the majesty of God.

While everyone was marveling at all that Jesus did, he said to his disciples, Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. But they did not understand what this meant. It was hidden from them, so that they did not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it.

But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples, Let these saying sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men. But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.

And while they were marvelling at all the things He was doing, He said to His disciples, As for you, put these words at once into your ears for your own good, for the Son of Man is about to be delivered into men's hands. But they were not understanding this word, and it had been concealed from them in order that they might not understand it. And they were fearing to ask Him concerning this word.

An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. Then he said to them, Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all - he is the greatest.

Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest. And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him, And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.

Now, there arose among them a discussion, the point of which was - who would be the one of their number who is greatest. Then Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their heart, laying hold of a little child, stood it beside himself and said to them, Whoever takes this little child into his family in order to bring it up and educate it in my Name, me he receives. And whoever welcomes me, welcomes the One who sent me on a mission. For he who is least among you, this one is great.

Master, said John, we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us. Do not stop him, Jesus said, for whoever is not against you is for you.

And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name: and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.

And answering, John said, Master, we saw a certain individual who in your Name is ejecting demons, and we were trying to hinder him, because he is not following along with us. But Jesus said to him, Stop hindering him, for he who is not against you is on your behalf.

As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them? But Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they went to another village.

And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

Now, it came to pass when the days were being fulfilled with reference to his being taken up, that He himself set His face steadfastly to be proceeding to Jerusalem. And He sent messengers on a mission before His face. And having gone on their way, they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for Him. And they did not afford Him a hospitable welcome because His face was toward Jerusalem as He journeyed along. And the disciples, James and John, having seen this, said, Lord, do you desire that we speak to the end that fire comes down from heaven and consumes them? But having turned around, He rebuked them, the rebuke however being ineffectual. And they went on their way to another village.

As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, I will follow you wherever you go. Jesus replied, Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.

And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithsoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

And as they were journeying along the road, a certain man said to Him, I will follow with you as your disciple wherever you may go. And Jesus said to him, The foxes always have dens and the birds of heaven always have roosting places, but the Son of Man does not have where to lay His head.

He said to another man, Follow me. But the man replied, Lord, first let me go and bury my father. Jesus said to him, Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.

And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

And He said to another, Start following with me as my disciple and keep on doing so as a habit of life. But he said, Permit me first, having gone, to bury my father. But He said to him, Leave those who are dead to bury their own dead, but as for you, having gone off, be announcing everywhere the kingdom of God.

Still another said, I will follow you, Lord, but first let me go back and say good-by to my family. Jesus replied, No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.

And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

And another also said, I will follow with you as your disciple, Lord, but first permit me to say farewell to those in my home. But Jesus said to him, No one having put his hand to a plough and looking to the things he left behind, is fit for the kingdom of God.

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road. When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house’. If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you.

After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house’. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.

Now, after these things, the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them on a mission two by two before His face into every city and place where He himself was about to come. And He was saying to them, The harvest indeed is great, but the workers are few. Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to thrust out workers into His harvest. Be going on your way. Behold, I am sending you on a mission as lambs in the midst of wolves. Do not keep on carrying a purse nor a begging-bag like the pagan priest, nor sandals. And do not accost anyone along the road, engaging in a long, protracted, oriental greeting. Moreover, into whatever home you enter, first be saying, ‘Peace to this home’. And if there is in that place a son of peace, your peace shall rest upon him. But if not, it shall return to you.

Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give to you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house. When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God is near you.’ But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near.’ I tell you it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.

And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, ‘The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.’ But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, ‘Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.’ But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.

Moreover, in that very house be abiding as a guest, eating and drinking the things they set before you, for the workman is worthy of pay. Do not have the habit of changing your place of abode from one home to another. And into whatever city you are entering, and they are welcoming you, be eating the things set before you, and be healing those in it who are ill, and be saying to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you and is at hand.’ And into whatever city you go and they are not welcoming you, having gone out into its broad, open streets, say, ‘Even the dust of your city which cleaves to us upon our feet we are wiping off against you, nevertheless, be knowing this, that there has come near the kingdom of God and it is now imminent.’ I am saying to you, For Sodom in that day it shall be more endurable than for that city.

Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgement than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths.

Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgement, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.

Woe to you, Chorazin, woe to you, Bethsaida, because had in Tyre and Sidon been done the miracles demonstrating God's power which were done in you, long ago in that case would they have repented, sitting in a garment made of dark, coarse cloth woven from goat's hair and worn by penitents, and covered by ashes, a sign of voluntary humiliation. But for Tyre and Sidon it shall be more endurable in the judgement than for you. And as for you, Capernaum, you shall not be exalted to heaven, shall you? Down to the depths of misery and disgrace in the unseen world you shall go.

He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects him who sent me.

He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.

He who hears you, hears me. And he who is rejecting you is rejecting me, and he who is rejecting me is rejecting the One who sent me on a mission.

The seventy-two returned with joy and said, Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name. He replied, I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.

And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject to you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

And the seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the demons are marshalling themselves under our orders in your Name. And He said to them, I was beholding with a calm, intent, continuous contemplation Satan having fallen in one fell swoop from heaven like lightning. Behold, I have given you the authority to advance by setting foot upon the snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing in any case harm you. Nevertheless, in this do not continue to rejoice, namely, because the spirits marshall themselves in subjection under your orders, but be rejoicing that your names have been written in heaven and are on permanent record up there.

At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure. All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.

At that very hour He rejoiced exceedingly, this rejoicing being energized by the Holy Spirit, and said, I give praise to you, openly and from the heart, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you hid these things from the wise and the learned, and uncovered them to the untaught. Yes, Father, because it was your good pleasure and you willed it so. All things to me were delivered by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and he to whom the Son desires to reveal Him.

Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

And having turned around to the disciples, in private He said, Spiritually prosperous are the eyes that are seeing the things which you are seeing, for I am saying to you, Many prophets and kings desired to see the things which you are seeing and did not see them, and to hear the things which you are hearing and did not hear them.

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. Teacher, he asked, what must I do to inherit eternal life? What is written in the Law? he replied, How do you read it? He answered: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and, Love your neighbor as yourself.’ You have answered correctly, Jesus replied, Do this and you will live.

And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, ‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.’ And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.

‘And behold. A certain interpreter and teacher of the Mosaic law stood to his feet, putting Him to the test, saying, Teacher, by having done what shall I inherit life eternal? And He said to him, In the law what has been written and is on record? In what way do you read it? And answering, he said, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole strength and with your whole mind, and your neighbor as yourself.’ And He said to him, You answered correctly. Be doing this and you shall live. 

But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, And who is my neighbor? In reply Jesus said: A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.

But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor? And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

But he, desiring to show himself to be righteous, such as he wished himself to be considered, said to Jesus, And who is my neighbor? Having picked up the substance of his interrogation, Jesus said in answer, A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the midst of bandits who surrounded him, and having stripped him of his clothing and having laid blows upon him, went off, having left him half-dead.

A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the inn-keeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence and gave them to the host, and said unto him, ‘Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.’

Now, by a coincidence of circumstances, a certain priest was going down along that road, and having seen him, came alongside and then went to the opposite side of the road. And likewise also a Levite, having come down to the place and having seen him, came alongside and then went to the opposite side of the road. But a certain Samaritan as he journeyed, came down upon him, and having seen him, was moved with compassion for him. And having come to him, he bound up his wounds, pouring upon them soothing oil and disinfecting wine, and having set him upon his own private beast of burden, he brought him to a caravansary and took care of him. And on the approach of the next day, having taken out two silver coins, he gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him, and as for myself, whatever you spend in addition, when I return, I will recompense you.’

Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers? The expert in the law replied, The one who had mercy on him. Jesus told him, Go and do likewise.

Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

Who of these three does it seem to you proved to be a neighbor to the one who fell into the midst of the bandits? And he said, The one who showed mercy upon him. Then Jesus said to him, Be going on your way, and as for you, you be doing likewise.

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me! Martha, Martha, the Lord answered, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.

Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Now, as they were going on their way, He himself entered a certain village. And a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him as a guest into her home. And she had a sister called Mary, who also having seated herself beside the Lord's feet, was listening to His word. But Martha was going around in circles, over-occupied with preparing the meal. And bursting in upon Jesus she assumed a stance over Him and said, Lord, is it not a concern to you that my sister has let me down to be preparing the meal alone? Speak therefore to her at once that she take hold and do her part with me. And answering, the Lord said to her, Martha, Martha, you are worried and excited about many things, but of few things there is need, or of one, for Mary chose out for herself the good portion, which is of such a nature it shall not hastily be snatched away from her.

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples. He said to them, When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.

And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

And it came to pass while He was praying in a certain place that when He ceased, a certain one of His pupils said to Him, Lord, teach us to be praying even as also John taught his pupils. And He said to them, When you pray, be saying, Father, cause your Name to be set apart as sacred and the object of veneration. Your kingdom, cause that it should come. Our bread for the coming day be giving us daily. And forgive us our sins even as we ourselves are also in the habit of forgiving everyone who is indebted to us. And do not bring us into the place of testing where the circumstances in which we ware tested may lead on to the place where we are solicited to do evil.

Then he said to them, Suppose one of you had a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.’ Then the one inside answers, ‘Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.

And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves; For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?’ And he from within shall answer and say, ‘Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.’ I say unto you, Though he will not rise and five him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and five him as many as he needeth.

And He said to them, Who is there of you who shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me at once and because of our friendship three loaves of bread, since now a friend of mine has come suddenly to my hearth from his journey and I do not have that which I shall place beside him.’ And that one from within, answering shall say, ‘Stop furnishing me with troubles. Already my door has been closed with the result that it is shut for the night, and my children are with me in our bed. I am not able to get up and give to you.’ I am saying to you, though he will not give to him, having arisen, because of being his friend, yet on account of his persistence, having arisen, he will give him as many as he is needing.

So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

And as for myself, I am saying to you. Keep on asking for something to be given, and it shall be given you. Keep on seeking and you shall find. Keep on reverently knocking, and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking for something to be given, keeps on receiving, and he that keeps on seeking, keeps on finding, and to the one who keeps on reverently knocking, it shall be opened. Moreover, who of you, the father, should the son ask him for a fish, he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? or should he also ask for an egg will give him a scorpion? Therefore, as for you, since you who are pernicious know how to be giving good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him for Him to be given.

Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. When the demon left, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowd was amazed. But some of them said, By Beelzebub, the prince of demons, he is driving out demons. Others tested him by asking for a sign from heaven.

And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils. And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven.

And He was in the process of ejecting a demon, and it was one that rendered the one demonized unable to speak. And it came to pass that the demon having been ejected, the one who could not speak broke his silence and uttered words. And the crowds marvelled. But certain ones from among them said, By means of Beezeboul, the ruler of the demons, he is ejecting the demons. And others putting Him to the test kept on demanding an attesting miracle out of heaven from Him.

Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall. If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? I say this because you claim that I drive out demons by Beelzebub. Now if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your followers drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you.

But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.

But He himself, knowing their thoughts and the intents and purposes back of them, said to them, Every kingdom having been divided against itself in opposing factions is reduced to a state of ruin, and a home divided against itself in opposing factions, falls. Moreover, assuming also that Satan was divided against himself, how is it possible that his kingdom shall be make to stand, because you are saying that by means of Beezeboul I am ejecting the demons? But, as for myself, assuming for the moment that by means of Beezeboul I am ejecting demons, your sons, by whom are they ejecting them? Upon this basis they themselves shall be your critics. But since by means of the finger of God, I, in contradistinction to them, am actually ejecting the demons, accordingly the kingdom of God came upon you sooner than you expected.

When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up the spoils.

When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.

When the strong man, having fully armed himself from head to foot, is guarding his own homestead, his possessions are safe. But when a stronger man than he having come upon him, overcomes him, he takes away his complete armor [shield, sword, lance, helmet, greaves, and breastplate] upon which he had fully placed his confidence, and distributes among others his booty.

He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me, scatters.

He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.

He who is not with me is against me. And he who is not gathering with me, is scattering.

When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first.

When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, ‘I will return unto my house whence I came out.’ And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.

When the unclean spirit makes his exit from the man, he goes through places devoid of water, seeking a temporary respite, and not finding any, he says, ‘I will return into the house from where I came out.’ And having come, he finds it broom-swept and in a present state of cleanliness, also having been put in order and decorated. Then proceeding, he also takes with himself other spirits more pernicious than himself, seven of them, and having entered, they take up their permanent residence there. And the last state of that man becomes worse than the first.

As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you. He replied, Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.

And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou has sucked. But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

Now it came to pass while He was saying these things, a certain woman in the crowd having lifted up her voice said to Him, Blessed is the womb which bore you and the breasts from which you drew milk. But He himself says, Rather, spiritually prosperous are those who are hearing the word of God and are exercising care to observe and not violate it.

As the crowds increased, Jesus said, This is a wicked generation. It asks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation. The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon's wisdom, and now one greater than Solomon is here. The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgement with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now one greater than Jonah is here.

And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet. For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation. The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgement with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.

And while the people were gathering together in throngs, He began to be saying, This breed of men is a pernicious breed. It is constantly demanding an attesting miracle, and an attesting miracle shall not be given to it except the attesting miracle of Jonah, for just as Jonah became a supernatural proof to the Ninevites of the fact that his message was from God, thus also shall the Son of Man be to this breed of men. A queen of the south shall arise in the judgment with the men of this breed and shall condemn them, because she came out of the remotest frontiers of the earth for the purpose of hearing Solomon's wisdom, and behold something more than Solomon is here. Men, Ninevites, shall arise in the judgment with this breed of men and shall condemn it, because they repented as a result of Jonah's proclamation, and behold, something more than Jonah is here.

No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead he puts it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. When our eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be completely lighted, as when the light of a lamp shines on you.

No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.

No one, having lit a lamp, puts it in a cellar or under the gain-measure but upon the lampstand, in order that those who are entering from time to time may see the light. The lamp of the body is the eye. When your eye is in single focus, sound, and fulfilling its function, also your whole body is well lighted. But when it is pernicious, also your body is full of darkness. Be constantly scrutinizing yourself therefore lest the light which is in you is darkness. Therefore, assuming that your whole body is well lighted, not having any part full of darkness, the whole shall be full of light as when the lamp by its bright shining illuminates you.

When Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went in and reclined at the table. But the Pharisee, noticing that Jesus did not first wash before the meal, was surprised. Then the Lord said to him, Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? But give what is inside the dish to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.

And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat. And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner. And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness. Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also? But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.

Now, as He spoke, a Pharisee asks Him to take breakfast with him. And having gone in, He reclined at the breakfast table. But the Pharisee, having taken notice, wondered that He had not first before the breakfast observed the ceremonial washing of the hands before meals which was traditional amongst the Jews. But the Lord said to him, Now, since you are intent upon observing the requirements of your tradition, as for you, the Pharisees, the outside of the cup and of the dish you are in the habit of cleansing, but your inner part is full of plunder and perniciousness. Stupid men. Did not He that made that which is outside also make that which is inside? Rather, the things which are inside five as alms, and behold, all things are clean to you.

Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.

But woe to you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

But woe to you, the Pharisees, because you pay a tenth of sweet-smelling garden-mint, and that strong smelling yellow plant with yellow flowers and bitter leaves, and every garden-herb, and you are neglecting the equitable administration of justice and the love of God. Now, these things it has constantly been a necessity in the nature of the case to do and those things not to leave off.

Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces.

Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.

Woe to you, the Pharisees, because you highly prize a place on the bench first in importance in the synagogues, one that faces the audience and which is only for the authoritative teachers of Moses' law and other eminent personages, and are unwilling to forego a place there, and you highly prize the deferential greetings in the market places in which the people pay their respects to you as to an exalted personage.

Woe to you, because you are like unmarked graves, which men walk over without knowing it.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.

Woe to you, because you are as the tombs which because not whitewashed are indistinct, which defile the passerby who is ignorant of their whereabouts, and men going about their daily business, walking above them, do not know it.

One of the experts in the law answered him, Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us also. Jesus replied, And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them.

Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also. And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.

And answering, a certain one of the interpreters and teachers of the Mosaic law says to Him, Teacher, saying these things, you are also according us outrageous treatment and positive insult. But He said, Also, as for you in distinction to the Pharisees, to you who are interpreters and teachers of the Mosaic law, woe to you, because you load men with burdens, precepts hard to obey and irksome, and you yourselves will not touch these burdens with one of your fingers.

Woe to you, because you build tombs for the prophets, and it was your forefathers who killed them. So you testify that you approve of what your forefathers did; they killed the prophets, and you build their tombs.

Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres.

Woe to you, for you build the sepulchral monuments of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. Consequently you are witnesses and give your full approval to the works of your fathers, because they themselves on the one hand killed them, and you on the other hand are building their memorials.

Because of this, God in his wisdom said, I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and others they will persecute. Therefore this generation will be held responsible for the blood of all the prophets that has been shed since the beginning of the world, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be held responsible for it all.

Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute. That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.

On this account also the wisdom of God said, I will send on a mission to them prophets and ambassadors, and some of them they will kill and persecute, in order that there may be required the blood of all the prophets which has been shed since the foundation of the universe by this breed of men, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zachariah, the one who perished between the altar of burnt-offering and the sanctuary. Yes, I am saying to you, it shall be required of this breed of men.

Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.

Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.

As for you, woe to you, the interpreters and teachers of the Mosaic law, because you took away the key to the knowledge. You yourselves did not go in, and those who are trying to enter, you prevented from doing so.

When Jesus left there, the Pharisees and the teachers of the law began to oppose him fiercely and to besiege him with questions, waiting to catch him in something he might say.

And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things: Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.

And after He had gone out from there, the men learned in the sacred scriptures and the Pharisees began to set themselves against Him with a vengeance, and to be plying Him with questions so as to entice Him to give answers to questions to which He would have no opportunity to give consideration beforehand, concerning many things, preparing a trap for Him in order to catch something out of His mouth.

Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.

In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in the darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

In these circumstances, many thousands of the people having gathered together in one place so that they trampled one another under foot, He began to be saying to His disciples first, Be constantly on your guard against the yeast which is of such a nature as to be in the character the acting of a player on the stage assuming a role of that which he is not, the yeast of the Pharisees. Moreover, there is not even one thing which has been completely covered up with the result that it is in a state of concealment which shall not be uncovered, and hidden which shall not be made known, because as many things as in the darkness you spoke, in the light shall be heard. And that which to the ear you spoke in the secret and well-guarded places, shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.

And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

But I am saying to you, you who are my friends, do not become afraid of those who are killing the body and after these things do not have anything more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear. Fear the one who, after he kills, has authority to throw into the hell. Verily, I am saying to you, this one fear.

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Are not five little sparrows sold for one cent? And one of them has not been forgotten in the watch-care of God. In fact, even the hairs of your head, all of them, have been counted, and their number is tabulated on a permanent record. Stop fearing. You surpass in importance many sparrows.

I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God. But he who disowns me before men will be disowned before the angels of God. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God. And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.

Moreover I am saying to you, everyone whoever shall declare openly and freely his oneness with me before men, also shall the Son of Man openly and freely declare His oneness with him before the angels of God. But the one who disowned me before men, shall be disowned before the angels of God. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him. But to the one who by contemptuous speech intentionally comes short of the reverence due the Holy Spirit, there shall not be extended forgiveness.

When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.

And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

And whenever they bring you to the synagogues and to magistrates and authorities, do not begin to be troubled how or what your verbal defense shall be, or what you shall say, for the Holy Spirit shall teach you in that very hour the things that are necessary in the nature of the case to speak.

Someone in the crowd said to him, Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me. Jesus replied, Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you? Then he said to them, Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.

And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

Now, a certain person in the crowd said to Him, Teacher, speak to my brother that he divide the inheritance with me. But He said to him, Man, who constituted me a judge or divider over you? And He said to them, Take heed and be guarding yourself from every kind of greedy desire for more, because not in the sphere of that which is in superabundance enjoyed by anyone is his life to be found, from the source of his possessions.

And he told them this parable: The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ Then he said, ‘This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I'll say to myself, You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.

And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?’ And he said, ‘This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.’ But God said unto him, ‘Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall these things be, which thou hast provided?’ So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

And He told them an illustrative story, saying, The land of a certain wealthy man was fertile and produced large crops. And he kept on revolving the matter within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, because I do not have a place where I shall gather together my crops?’ And he said, ‘This I shall do. I will pull down my storehouses and I will build greater ones, and I will gather together there all the grain and my good things. And I shall say to my soul, Soul, you have many good things laid up for many years. Be taking it easy. Eat. Drink. Keep on being merry.’ And God said to him, ‘Senseless, stupid, foolish man. On this night your soul they are demanding from you. Now, the things which you prepared, whose shall they be?’ Thus is it in the case of the one who hoards up treasure for himself and is not rich with a view to that which God considers true riches.

Then Jesus said to his disciples: Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?

And He said to His disciples, On this account I am saying to you, Stop worrying about your life, what you shall eat, and about your body, what you shall put on, for the soul is more than food and the body than clothing. Consider attentively the ravens, that they neither sow nor reap, for which there is neither a storehouse nor a granary. And God feeds them. As for you, of how much more importance are you than the birds. Moreover, who of you by worrying is able to add one foot and a half to his height? Since therefore you are not even able to do that which is least, why are you worrying about the rest?

Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!

Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you. O ye of little faith?

Consider attentively the lilies, how they neither are spinning nor weaving. Yet I am saying to you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself as one of these. Moreover, in view of the fact that God in this manner clothes the herbage in the field which exists today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more you, little-faith-ones.

And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

And as for you, stop striving after what you shall eat and what you shall drink, also stop wavering between hope and fear, living in suspense, since for these things, all of them, the nations of the world system are seeking. Moreover your Father knows that you have need of these things. But you will be continually seeking His kingdom, and these things will be added to you.

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Stop fearing, little flock; because your Father chose to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give alms. Provide for yourselves money-bags which do not deteriorate with use, a treasure which is unfailing, in the heavens, where a thief does not draw near nor even a clothes-moth destroys, for where your treasure is, there also your heart shall be. 

Be dressed and ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night.

Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.

See to it that your garments are fastened about you with a belt, and the lamps that they are burning constantly. And as for you, be like men looking for their own master when he should return from the marriage feast, in order that, having come and knocked, immediately they might open to him. In a prosperous and goodly state are those slaves, who, the master having come, he will find in an alert state of mind. Assuredly, I am saying to you, He will fasten his garments about himself with a belt and will cause them to recline at the table and having come, will serve them food and drink. And if during the second or the third period in which a guard was stationed to watch, he would come and find them thus, in a prosperous and goodly state are those slaves.

But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

Moreover, be knowing this, that, assuming that the house master would know at what sort of an hour the thief is coming, he would in that case not have permitted his house to be broken into. And as for you, be becoming those who are always ready, because the Son of Man comes in an hour at which you are not thinking.

Peter asked, Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone? The Lord answered, Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.

Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to five them their portion of meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.

Then Peter said, Lord, to us are you giving this illustration or also to all? And the Lord said, Who then is the steward who is trustworthy, the prudent one, whom the master will appoint over his corps of household servants to be giving them at the proper time their portion of food? That slave is in a prosperous and goodly state, whom, his master having come, will find so doing. Of a truth, I am saying to you, he will give him the responsibility over all his possessions.

But suppose the servant says to himself, ‘My master is taking a long time in coming’. and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.

But and if that servant say in his heart, ‘My lord delayeth his coming’; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sundre, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

But should that slave say in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming’, and shall begin to be beating the men and women slaves, moreover also to be eating and drinking and to be in a state of intoxication, the master of that slave will come on a day when he was not looking for him, and at an hour which he does not know, and will severely scourge him and will appoint him his part with those who are untrustworthy.

That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

Now, that slave who knew the will of his master and did not make the necessary preparations or do his will, will be beaten with many stripes. But he that did not know, and did things worthy of blows, will be beaten with few stripes, for to everyone to whom much was given, much shall be required from him, and to whom much was entrusted, more they will ask.

I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.

I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

Fire I came to throw upon the earth, and how much I wish that it were already set blazing. Moreover, I have an immersion by which I will be overwhelmed, and how am I being hard pressed from every side until it be consummated. Are you thinking that peace I have come forth to bestow upon the earth? Not at all, I am saying to you, but rather dissension, for from this particular time on there shall be five in one home at variance with one another, three against two and two against three. They shall be divided against one another, a father against a son and a son against a father, a mother against a daughter and a daughter against a mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.

He said to the crowd: When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘It's going to rain’, and it does. And when the south wind blows, you say, ‘It's going to be hot’, and it is. Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don't know how to interpret this present time? Why don't you judge for yourselves what is right? As you are going with your adversary to the magistrate, try hard to be reconciled to him on the way, or he may drag you off to the judge, and the judge turn you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

And he said also to the people, when ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, ‘There cometh a shower’; and so it is. And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, ‘There will be heat’; and it cometh to pass. Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time? Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right? When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison. I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.

And He was saying also to the crowds. Whenever you see a cloud arising out of the west, immediately you say, ‘A violent rain accompanied by high wind with thunder and lightning is coming’. And so it happens. And when a south wind is blowing, you say, ‘Heat there will be’. And it takes place. Actors on the stage of life, playing the role of that which you are not, the face of the earth and of the heaven you know how to evaluate and interpret. But this strategic, epochal period of time, how is it that you are not evaluating and interpreting it? And why, even by your own inherent ability, are you not deciding as to that which is right? For while you are going with your opponent in a suit at law to the magistrate, on the road endeavor to be released from him, lest at any time he drag you forcibly to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer of the law whose business it is to inflict punishment, and this officer throw you into prison. I am saying to you, you will positively not go out from that place until you have paid the very last penny.

Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower of Siloam fell on them - do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.

There were present at that season some that told him of the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galileans were sinners above all the Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower of Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Now, there were present at that very season, epochal in its significance, certain ones who brought word to Him concerning the Galilaeans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. And answering, He said to them. Are you thinking that these Galilaeans were greater sinners in comparison to all the Galilaeans, because they have suffered these things? Not at all, I am saying to you, but unless you are repenting, you all will likewise perish. Or, those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, are you thinking that they themselves were greater offenders in comparison to all the men who were residents of Jerusalem? Not at all, I am saying to you, but unless you repent, you all will likewise perish.

Then he told this parable: A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’

He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, ‘Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?’

Now, He was presenting this illustration. A certain man was in possession of a fig tree, one already planted in his vineyard. And he came seeking fruit on it, and did not find any. Then he said to the vine-dresser, ‘Look. It is three years from the time I came seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I am not finding any. Cut it out at once. Why also is it exhausting the ground?’

‘Sir, the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’

And he answering said unto him, ‘Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.’

But answering, he says to him, ‘Master, let it alone also for this year until I dig around it and throw in manure. And if it indeed produces fruit after that, but if not, you will cut it out.’

On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, Woman, you are set free from you infirmity. Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.

And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

And He was doing some teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath day. And behold. A woman had a spirit that caused an infirmity eighteen years and was completely bent together by a curvature of the spine, and was not able to raise herself up at all. And having seen her, Jesus called her and said to her, Woman, you have been released from your infirmity, and the cure is permanent. And He placed His hands on her. And immediately she was restored to an erect position. And she glorified God.

Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue ruler said to the people, There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath. The Lord answered him, You hypocrites! Doesn't each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her? When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.

And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day. The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering? And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day? And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.

But the ruler of the synagogue answering, being indignant that on the sabbath Jesus had healed, was saying to the crowd, Six days there are during which it is right and proper to accomplish things. In them therefore you should come and be healed, and not on the day of the sabbath. But the Lord answered him and said, Actors on the stage of life, playing the role of that which you are not, does not each one of you on the sabbath release his ox or his donkey from the feeding-trough and lead it off to give it a drink? And this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan bound, just think of it, eighteen years, was it not a necessity in the nature of the case that she be released from this binding restriction on the sabbath? And while He was saying these things, all those who had opposed Him blushed for shame. And the entire crowd went to rejoicing because of all the glorious things which were being done by Him.

Then Jesus asked, What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air perched in its branches.

Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.

Then He was saying, To what is the kingdom of God similar, and to what shall I liken it? It is like a grain of mustard seed which a man having taken, threw into his garden. And it grew and became as large as a tree. And the birds of the heaven roosted in its branches.

Again he asked, What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.

And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

And again He said, To what shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like yeast which a woman having taken, hid in three measures of wheat flour until the whole of it was permeated by the yeast.

Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?

And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved?

And He went on His journey through the cities and villages, teaching and making His way toward Jerusalem. And a certain one said to Him, Lord, are they few in number, those who are being saved?

He said to them, Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ But he will answer, ‘I don't know you or where you come from.’

And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open unto us’; and he shall answer and say unto you, ‘I know you not whence ye are:’

And He said to them, Be endeavoring with a strenuous zeal to enter through the narrow door, because many, I am saying to you, will seek to enter and will not be able from the time when the master of the house arises and slams the door fast, and you begin to have taken your stand outside and to be knocking on the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us at once.’ And answering he will say to you, ‘I do not know you nor from where you are.’

Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ But he will reply, I don't know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’

Then shall ye begin to say, ‘We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.’ But he shall say, ‘I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.’

Then you will begin to be saying, ‘We ate in your presence and drank, and in our streets you taught.’ And he shall speak, saying to you, ‘I do not know from where you are. Depart at once from me, all workers of unrighteousness.’

There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out. People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.

There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. And they shall come from the east and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.

There, in that place, there shall be the audible weeping and the gnashing of teeth, when you shall see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you being thrown outside. And they shall come from east and west and north and south, and shall feast in the kingdom of God. And behold.

Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.

And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last. 

There are last ones who shall be those who are first, and there are first ones who shall be those who are last.

At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you. He replied, Go tell that fox, ‘I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ In any case, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day - for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!

The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee. And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.’ Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.

In that very hour there came certain Pharisees saying to Him, Get out at once and be going away from here, because Herod is desiring to kill you. And He said to them, Having gone on your way, say to this fox, Behold, ‘I am ejecting demons and am perfecting cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I am being perfected.’ Nevertheless, it is a necessity in the nature of the case for me to be proceeding, today and tomorrow and the next day, because it is contrary to all practice that a prophet perish elsewhere than in Jerusalem.

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord’.

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, ‘Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord’.

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one that habitually kills the prophets and stones those sent on a mission to it, how often did I desire to gather together in one place your children, even as a hen gathers her own brood under her wings, and you did not desire it. Behold, your home is being left to itself, abandoned to its own resources. Moreover, I am saying to you, you will positively not see me until the time comes when you shall say, ‘Eulogized be the One who comes in the Name of the Lord’.

One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched. There in front of him was a man suffering from dropsy. Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in the law, Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not? But they remained silent. So taking hold of the man, he healed him and sent him away. Then he asked them, If one of you has a son or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull him out? And they had nothing to say.

And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him. And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy. And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day? And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go; And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day? And they could not answer him again to these things.

And it came to pass that as He went into a house of a certain one of the rulers, a Pharisee, to eat bread on a sabbath, they themselves also were watching Him assiduously from a position of vantage. And behold, there was a certain man before Him who had the dropsy. And Jesus answering spoke to the teachers and interpreters of the Mosaic law and to the Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful on the sabbath to heal or is it not? But they were silent. And having taken hold of him, He healed him and dismissed him, and to them he said, Who of you having a son or an ox, and it shall fall into a cistern, will not also immediately pull it up on the sabbath day? And they were not able to meet His argument with reference to these things.

When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this man your seat’. Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place.