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What does it mean to "Walk with Jesus?"
Throughout the Old and New Testaments we see those with a hunger to know God and to follow Him. In the New Testament we
see that in the life of Paul, and the disciples throughout the book of Acts. Why are we so distracted today?
Many Christians today are not joyful because they are living sub-Christian lives. They are not joyful because they are
not Holy persons, and they are not Holy persons because they are not filled with the Holy Spirit. They are not filled with
the Holy Spirit because they still want to live with one foot, or both feet, planted in the World. What is even worse is that
many Christians living in this condition will defend their choices, their flaws, their weaknesses, and their defeats. They
will defend with great emotion their "right" to cling to the world.
Many people followed Jesus. At times the crowds numbered in the thousands. At times, the crowds even wanted to make Him
their King. However, when Jesus declared that it was necessary to turn away from sin, to make Him the Lord in their lives,
and to give their very life for Him, the crowds left Jesus as fast as they could, leaving only a few remaining. Not many are
actually willing to follow Jesus.
The truth is that among those who are saved, not just pretending to be saved, or wishing they were saved, but among those
who are actually followers of Christ, not many are willing to "sell their soul to Jesus," to give themselves 100%
to Him
Can two walk together unless they have agreed to do so? - Amos 3:3
What does it mean to "Walk with Jesus?"
In order to walk with Jesus, you must agree with Him. You must agree with Him about where you are going, and about how
to get there. You must agree with Him about where to walk, and about how fast to walk. You must walk with Him. He will not
compromise with you.
Walking In Jesus
NOT YOUR ACHIEVEMENT
1. When you became a Christian, apart from calling on God in your weakness, you did nothing to get your sins forgiven.
In your weakness, God did it all and gave you a new life in Jesus. Your onward walk in the Spirit with Jesus needs to follow
the same pattern: your weakness = you calling on the Holy Spirit, God’s power for your life. The Bible teaches that
when Jesus died on the cross your old life died with him. Read Romans Chapter 6. You are now "in Jesus" and your
new life flows from him alone.
WRONG FUEL = NO PROGRESS
2. Trying to walk in your own strength will eventually lead to a sense of frustration and failure, because you can’t
do what you want to do. Imagine a friend has generously given you a new car to replace your old one. Your old car was petrol-driven,
the new one runs on diesel fuel. What happens when you try to run your new car on petrol? The car might go for some distance
with the wrong fuel inside, but will gradually come to a stop. Applying more petrol will not solve the problem! Only when
the correct fuel - diesel - is put in, will the car move forward. In your new life in Jesus, the Holy Spirit’s power
is the only fuel that can move you forward. You will certainly fail if you insist on using your old fuel, "self-reliance".
In the New Testament, Galatians 5:16, the apostle Paul says "So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the
desires of the sinful nature".
WHEN YOU ARE OBEDIENT GOD PROVIDES THE RESOURCES
3. Living in the Spirit means actively trusting God’s Holy Spirit, asking him to do in you what you cannot do
for yourself. It doesn’t mean being passive! God’s call on your life is to obedience, which is an active
choice of your will. The balance between exercising your will to be obedient and God’s supply of His resources is
what you should aim for. If, for example, you have a quick temper or a critical tongue, you need to remember that your old
life is now dead and buried. Your old life died on the cross with Jesus. All your own efforts to deal with your temper, your
tongue or whatever will sooner or later fail, because your new life can only be lived through Jesus. However, it’s
only by an act of your will that you choose, or not, to deal with the problem. So your will to deal with the issue on the
one hand, together with God’s supply of the enabling power on the other hand, combine to deal with the problem.
IF IT WAS GOOD ENOUGH FOR MOSES……..
4. One of the greatest miracles in the Bible was the parting of the Red Sea. Read it in the Book of Exodus, Chapter 14.
The Israelites were trapped, with no way forward, but God did an amazing thing and rescued them from the Egyptian army. Moses
told the people: "Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring today". The people chose to be
obedient to God (they stood firm and trusted Him) and God supplied the miracle.
DON’T ASK FOR "PATIENCE", "HUMILITY" OR "LOVE"!
5. God is not a shopkeeper dispensing parcels of patience, humility, love or whatever as separate "things" to
help us. He has given just one source to meet all our needs - Jesus. What we need is more of Jesus. Because Jesus is patient,
humble, and loving he will meet your needs in all these areas of your life. So ask Jesus to be the answer to whatever your
need is. His Holy Spirit will be your enabler.
I. Beginnings
In the beginning God, the uncaused Cause Who caused the first effect, created the heavens and the earth; and the earth
was unformed and unfilled and without light on its surface. And the Spirit of God then incubated over the surface of the waters.
God then created light, time, atmosphere, and then separated dry land out from the sea. He created the heavenly bodies for
light and time measurement. He also created plant life, marine life, fowl, animals, amphibians and insects, each after their
own genus and species; and each was able to proliferate after its own kind.
And then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness, and let them have dominion over all that we
have made in the earth." So God created man in his own image, after his own likeness, out of the dust of the ground,
and breathed into his being the spirit of life, and the man became a living soul life of lives. Male and female created he
them.
The name of the man which God created out of the dust of the earth was Adam; but he was alone. So out of one of his ribs
God created for him a suitable mate and assistant, subordinate, but equal in worth. Adam called her woman; for out of the
man’s side was she taken. Adam had no nipples, and they both had no navel for they were created, not born, and they
were made with free will. God told them to multiply and fill the earth. The woman thus became the mother of all mankind, so
her name was then called Eve.
II. The Great Test
Now God had placed them in a garden to tend and care for it, and to obtain nourishment from its produce. And in the midst
of the garden was placed a tree of knowledge that was to be God's test case for fidelity. It represented Satan's plan of rebellion
for the ages. This test was necessary due to God's preference for freedom of choice in all of his creatures, and because of
the occurrence in eternity past of the free-will prideful rebellion of Satan and one third of the angels against God. Of this
tree the man and woman were forbidden to eat; for it was the tree giving knowledge of the similar concepts of humanly motivated
good and evil, both of which are unacceptable to God. They could freely eat of every other tree, but were forbidden to eat
of the fruit of this one tree; for it would mean matriculation with Satan's program of rebellion against God.
And Satan, coming in the form of a serpent, was permitted to seduce and beguile the woman when she was vulnerable; for
after a time she had gone negative to the plans and purposes of God. He said, "Hath God said?" bringing the command
of God into question. She succumbed to the temptation and did eat of the forbidden fruit. In turn she seduced the man into
sharing in her disobedience, and in so allowing, he reneged on his responsibility of leadership in this very important matter.
Thus both the man and the woman had fallen into disobedience having sinned, with Adam bearing the responsibility. Man's conscience
was thus violated, demonstrating guilt as a sign. And as a result, sin's consequences for man were death, evil and hardship.
For God had told them that they would die spiritually, and as a result, die physically, if they ate of that tree. They were
condemned not because of what they did, but for what they had become. Thus we have them to thank for the world's hardness,
evils, and our appointment with death after our allotted time here on earth is over. Now, therefore, the seed of man transmits
original sin and its consequences, and all fathered by man are inherently born spiritually dead, headed for physical death
as a result, needing to be made spiritually alive, and needing an immortal body.
III.The Resultant Curse
And God's commandment being violated, he also placed a curse upon all of creation to harden man's existence on the earth,
in that death, sorrow, pain, evil, ruin, injustice, futility, frustration, hardship, disorder, destruction and deterioration
have all become an integral part of this world in which we presently live. God allows these evils in the world, whether brought
about by the free will of man or by nature, only as far as he can see greater opportunities for our good ultimately coming
of them. They also exist so that we would look forward in hope to an ultimate deliverance, and not be satisfied with this
present, fleeting, paltry existence alone. The existence of suffering is to bring about our salvation. Man will not be able
to overcome the curse until God reorders all things anew on the last day.
Man's point of contact with an infinitely offended God had changed from divine personal love and fellowship, to divine
justice and impersonal love, the demands of which require the shedding of a sinless, innocent substitute's blood for satisfaction,
atonement, and restoration of fellowship. Somebody had to pay the price; for God cannot compromise his essence in dealing
with fallen man in any other way; for God is pure, holy, just, and righteous; and without the substitutionary shedding of
innocent, sinless blood for man, there is no justification nor remission of man's sin. Reconciliation was initially implemented
when God prepared skins for Adam and Eve to wear in covering their nakedness, and even as their skins covered the nakedness
of their bodies, the shed blood of those animals became a temporary covering for their sin. But this only temporarily satisfied
the requirements of God's essence, so that he could continue to fellowship with them. They had to continually offer sacrifice
to maintain their fellowship with God because of their new and natural propensity towards sin. Sin is falling short - missing
the mark - and God cannot compromise his holiness and righteousness in fellowshipping with those who inherently persist therein
apart from fulfillment of the demands of this provisional system for continual restoration.
IV. The Great Sacrifice
So the Lord God required and thus instituted a system of blood sacrifice for to cover the sins of man. And this requirement
was to bring a lamb: a firstling of the flock to be one's substitute for forgiveness of sins. Abel, Adam's second-born, brought
to the Lord a firstling of the flock, but Cain, Adam's first son, rebelled and brought the fruit of the ground - the work
of his own hands. He was supposed to purchase with his fruits from Abel a firstling of the flock to bring before the Lord
God, but in arrogance, he did not. And God spurned Cain's offering, for it represented the program of mans works for gaining
God's approbation and favor, which is totally unacceptable. And God said to Cain, "If you approach me in the prescribed
manner, will you not be accepted? But if you do not, sin will devour you. The choice is yours. You are able to comply and
overcome it." [See Appendix "D"] But Cain hardened his heart against God and slew his brother in a jealous
rage. This is the brotherhood of man. The sinful nature had been passed on to Adam's progeny, and evil was chosen over good.
All of us, as a result of Adam's disobedience, are born spiritually dead because of the genetically inherited sinful nature
we all receive. We eventually die physically as well, since we also inherit the curse of original sin and its consequences
from our forefathers. This inherent sinful nature causes us to naturally matriculate with Satan, the Devil, and rebel against
the plans and purposes of God, thus necessitating our salvation, which is redemption from sin and its consequences.
God promised of old the coming of a Redeemer and King who would first infinitely satisfy the just requirements of the
Law of God on our behalf in his death, and thenin the future restore and rule the world in righteousness. He would put an
end to the innumerable substitutionary animal sacrifices the Law of God required for sin once and for all, since he himself
is the ultimate, faultless, infinite Sacrifice who saves; then after resurrecting and presenting his shed blood as a cover
in heaven, waiting until God puts all things under his feet, he will come again to restore all things upon the earth. God
first slew an animal and required the same, thus setting forth the principle that without the substitutionary shedding of
innocent blood, there can be neither justification, atonement, nor remission of sin. This was the first of many sacrifices
for sin. Jesus is the last sacrifice for sin ultimately guaranteeing eternal life to all those who in faith trust in him,
believing that God sent him, and who believe in his resurrection. He will then crush the head of Satan and lift the curse
from all creation when he comes again as King on the last day. In the beginning after the fall, God said to the Adversary,
"I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; It shall crush your head and you shall
bruise His heel." This Seed would come to be known as Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah. All the faithers in history prior
to Messiah, sacrificed and looked forward by faith and in type to this promised Redeemer who would be the flawless, infinite,
ultimate Sacrifice, one for all, once for all time. We of the Church Age presently look back in faith to this same living
Redeemer's labor for our fulfillment of the Law of God, our sacrifice for sin, and our salvation and justification - and forward
to his second coming for our resurrection and deliverance. This Gospel is the revelation of that Redeemer.
Thirty Years of Private Life
V. The Genealogy of Jesus the Messiah (Mt 1:2-17; Lk 3:23b-38)
Now Adam, created by God, fathered Seth who replaced his former son, Abel, who was slain by his own brother, Cain; And
Seth fathered Enos, and Enos fathered Cainan, and Cainan fathered Mahalaleel, and Mahalaleel fathered Jared, and Jared fathered
Enoch whom God took, because he walked in step with Him; And Enoch fathered Mathuselah, and Mathuselah fathered Lamech, and
Lamech fathered Noah who weathered the flood with his family; And Noah fathered Shem, and Shem fathered Arphaxad, and Arphaxad
fathered Cainan, and Cainan fathered Salah, and Salah fathered Eber, and Eber fathered Peleg in whose days the nations were
divided; And Peleg fathered Reu, and Reu fathered Sarug, and Sarug fathered Nahor, and Nahor fathered Terah, and Terah fathered
the patriarch Abraham, from whom were fathered both the Jewish through Isaac, and the Arabic through Ishmael, peoples, who
fight to this day over the right to the land promised to Abraham's seed. To Abraham was given the sign of circumcision due
to his obedience and great faith in God. Today he is called the spiritual father of all those who are people of faith in YHWH
- not Allah - through the merits of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, the Seed of the woman , and Son of YHWH [Genesis 3:15].
And Abraham fathered Isaac, whom God chose to be the son of promise, and from whom Ishmael, the father of the arabic peoples,
had been banished with his mother because they continually tormented this son of promise. Ishmael was a son in Abraham's haste
by Sarah's Egyptian slave, Hagar, and not by Sarah his wife, who until Isaac, was barren; For God tested the faith of Abraham,
and told him after he obediently offered up his only legitimately begotten son in faith, "By myself I have sworn, because
you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son from me, your only legitimate son Isaac: that in blessing I will
bless you, and in multiplying I will multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens, and as the sand which is on the seashore;
and your Seed, Messiah, shall possess the gate of his enemies; and in your Seed, Messiah, shall all the nations of the earth
be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice. Grieve not because of Ishmael and his mother, for in Isaac shall your seed be
called; and also of the son of the slave will I make a great nation because he is also of your seed." God then gave him
a ram from the thicket to offer in the stead of his son, Isaac. Then Isaac thereafter fathered Jacob, who inherited the land
which is designated Israel after his divinely given new name, for he wrestled with the Angel of the Lord and prevailed with
Him.
And Jacob fathered Judah and his brethren, of whom it was said, "The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver
from his loins, until Messiah come; and unto Him shall be the gathering of the people." And Judah fathered Pharez and
Zarah through Tamar, his daughter in law who played the harlot; And Pharez fathered Hezron, and Hezron fathered Aram, and
Aram fathered Amminadab, and Amminadab fathered Nahshon, and Nahshon fathered Salmon, and Salmon fathered Boaz of Rahab, the
gentile harlot, and Boaz took the gentile widow Ruth to wife, and fathered Obed; And Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered
David, the King of Israel;
And King David fathered Nathan, and Nathan fathered Mattatha, and Mattatha fathered Menam, and Menam fathered Melea, and
Melea fathered Eliakim, and Eliakim fathered Jonan, and Jonan fathered Joseph, and Joseph fathered Judah, and Judah fathered
Simeon, and Simeon fathered Levi, and Levi fathered Matthat, and Matthat fathered Joreim, and Joreim fathered Eliezer, and
Eliezer fathered Jose, and Jose fathered Er, and Er fathered Elmodam, and Elmodam fathered Cosam, and Cosam fathered Addi,
and Addi fathered Melchi, and Melchi fathered Neri, and Neri fathered Salathiel, and Salathiel fathered Zorobabel, and Zorobabel
fathered Rhesa, and Rhesa fathered Joanna, and Joanna fathered Juda, and Juda fathered Joseph, and Joseph fathered Semei,
and Semei fathered Mattathias, and Mattathias fathered Maath, and Maath fathered Naggai, and Naggai fathered Esli, and Esli
fathered Naum, and Naum fathered Amos, and Amos fathered Mattathias, and Mattathias fathered Joseph, and Joseph fathered Janna,
and Janna fathered Melchi, and Melchi fathered Levi, and Levi fathered Matthat, and Matthat fathered Heli who later died,
and Heli's widow, according to the Law of the Jews, was married to his stepbrother Jacob for to raise up seed unto Heli, Jacob
then fathered Joseph, who was supposed or presumed by some to be father to Jesus, and who was the husband to be of the virgin,
Mary, of whom was born the Seed of the woman from the Holy Spirit of God before their union where they were to come together:
Jesus, who is called Christ - the Messiah - the Son of God.
Now the lineage of Jacob, who fathered Joseph, the husband to be of Mary, also comes another way from the lineage of King
David. Beside Nathan, David also fathered King Solomon by the wife of Uriah, the Hittite - Bathsheba - after David sinned
against the Lord, having taken her, and having had her husband murdered in battle. Solomon then fathered Rehoboam, and Rehoboam
fathered Abijah, and Abijah fathered Asa, and Asa fathered Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat fathered Joram, and Joram fathered
Uzziah, and Uzziah fathered Jotham, and Jotham fathered Ahaz, and Ahaz fathered Hezekiah, and Hezekiah fathered Manasseh,
and Manasseh fathered Amon, and Amon fathered Josiah, and Josiah fathered Jechoniah and his brethren at the time of the exile
to Babylon, and after the exile Jechoniah fathered Salathiel, and Salathiel fathered Zorobabel, and Zorobabel fathered Abiud,
and Abiud fathered Eliakim, and Eliakim fathered Azor, and Azor fathered Sadoc, and Sadoc fathered Achim, and Achim fathered
Eliud, and Eliud fathered Eleazar, and Eleazar fathered Matthan, and Matthan fathered Jacob, and Jacob, who was stepbrother
to Heli, and who married Heli's widow for to raise seed unto his brother, fathered Joseph, the husband to be of the virgin
Mary, in whom was conceived, and out of whom was born, Jesus the Messiah from the Holy Spirit of God as a Source, before she
knew any man intimately; for the sin nature is transmitted by the man; thus Jesus is the sinless, visible Manifestation of
the sinless, invisible Father, YHWH God; and by virtue of this fact, he is the Son of God - given in order that we may comprehend,
be saved, and then attain, unto God.
There are therefore, ten generations from Adam unto Noah, and ten generations from Noah unto Abraham, and fourteen generations
from Abraham unto David, and fourteen generations from David unto the captivity in Babylon, and fourteen generations from
the captivity in Babylon unto the Christ.
VI. The Promise of the Baptist to Come (Lk 1:5-25)
There was in the days of Herod the Great, king of Judaea, circa B.C. 5, a certain priest named Zachariah, of the daily
course of Abia - a weekly allotted rotational service for the Jewish temple. And his wife was of the daughters of Aaron; and
her name was Elizabeth. They were both just and righteous in the sight of God, walking or living blamelessly in all of the
commandments and ordinances of the Lord. They were childless, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced
with respect to age.
And it happened that during his course, officiating as priest in the presence of God according to priestly custom, entering
into the temple of the Lord, it was his turn to burn incense. And the whole multitude of people were praying outside during
the time of the incense. Now an angel of the Lord appeared unto him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. And seeing
this, Zachariah was shaken, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, "Be not frightened, Zachariah, but relax,
in as much as God has received and heard your prayer, supplication, petition and entreaty. And your wife, Elizabeth, will
bear unto you a son; and you shall call his name "John." He shall be your exultation and gladness, and many will
be full of joy over his birth, because he will be great, important, of moment in the presence and estimation of the Lord.
And he can not at all drink wine or strong drink, but he will be filled with,and under the full influence of the Holy Spirit
- even from his mother's womb. And he will turn many of the sons of Israel toward the Lord their God. And he will immediately
precede him as a forerunner and precursor in the spirit and power of the prophet Elijah, to turn around and bring back father's
hearts toward their children, and to turn disobedient, noncompliant and resistant persons into righteous, correct, proper
persons with common sense, a thoughtful frame and right mindedness - to make ready a multitude of people prepared for the
Lord."
And Zachariah said to the angel, "By what shall I be assured and settled concerning this thing? For I am a person
advanced in years, and my wife is advanced in her days also." And responding the angel said unto him, " I am Gabriel
- the one who has stood in attendance before God; and I was enlisted and sent forth to speak, unto you, and to proclaim unto
you these glad tidings. But lo and behold: you remain silent and unable to speak until which day these things can occur, because
you did not believe my words which will be realized, accomplished and fulfilled in their own time."
Now the people were expecting Zachariah, and they marveled at his delay in the temple; but coming out he was unable to
speak to them, and they knew that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he was gesturing to them and remained dumb. And
it happened that when his term of service was completed, he left unto his house. And after these days, Elizabeth, his wife
conceived, and concealed herself for five months saying, "The Lord has thus put into execution, effected, or brought
to pass and caused to be unto me my present estate where at this time he favorably looked upon me for to take away or remove
my reproach or disgrace among men." For it was a shame not to be able to bear children in her day.
VII. The Announcement of the Coming of Messiah (Lk 1:26-38)
Now in the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin who had been betrothed or affianced for wife to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house or family of David.
The name of the virgin was Mary, being about fourteen years old. And entering unto her the angel said, "Be rejoicing!
You have been freely favored with gracious visitation! The Lord is with you! You have been the object of favor and blessing
among women!" And seeing the angel, she became greatly troubled at his word, and was pondering or considering what kind
of greeting this might be.
And the angel said unto her, "Be not frightened, Mary, but relax; for you have won favor and acceptance with God.
Now pay attention! You will conceive in your womb and be pregnant, and you shall bear and bring forth a son, and you shall
call his name Jesus. This One will be great, weighty, important, extraordinary, distinguished, of moment, and will be regarded
or named Son of the Most High: and the Lord God will commit to his charge, or assign to him, the throne of David, his remote
progenitor; and He shall possess regal authority, and reign over the house of Jacob forever; and there will be no attained
finish, end or completion of his kingdom."
And Mary said unto the angel, "How will this be, since I have not intimately or carnally known a male?"
And responding, the angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will immediately come upon you with respect and purpose,
and the miraculous power of the Most High will shed influence upon you, on which account that holy, pure, consecrated child
being born, generated or produced out of you will even be called the Son of God. And Lo! Elizabeth, your relative and kinswoman:
she has also conceived and become pregnant with a son in her old age; and for the one being regarded or designated as barren
- unable to bear children - this is her sixth month; for regarding each declaration of God, none will be rendered impotent,
disabled or impossible."
And Mary said, "Behold the Lord's slave: may it be to me according to your promise." And the angel departed
from her.
VIII. Mary Visits Elizabeth (Lk 1:39-56)
And in these days, rising up, Mary quickly journeyed into the hill country to a city of Judah, and entered into the house
of Zachariah and greeted Elizabeth. And it occurred that as Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb,
and Elizabeth was filled and under the full influence of the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud voice, "Favored
are you among women; and blessed is the Fruit of your womb! And whence is this circumstance to me, that the mother of my Lord
should come unto me? For, behold, as the sound of your salutation came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped in extreme joy.
And the one believing, is fortunate; for there shall be a fulfillment to the declarations from the Lord to her."
And Mary said, "My soul is extolling the Lord; and my spirit has celebrated in the presence of God my Savior; for
he has compassionately regarded with favor and kindness the mean, low, abject condition of his handmaiden. For behold, from
this present time, all generations will felicitate me, pronounce me happy, and deem me fortunate! For God Almighty has done
great and wonderful things unto me; and holy is his Name; and his pity, mercy and compassion is extended to generations of
progeny, unto those reverencing and reverentially fearing him. He displayed might with his arm. He confused the presumptuous,
haughty and arrogant in the thought function of their minds. He degraded the power of princes, and deposed or threw down sovereigns
and potentates from dominion, and elevated, uplifted and exalted the lowly and humble. He filled and satisfied the hungering
and desirous with good, beneficent things, and he sent away empty-handed those that are satiated and rich. He aided and assisted
Israel his servant to be mindful of the benefit resulting from mercy and kindness - even as he announced or declared to our
fathers - to Abraham and to his offspring or progeny forever." And Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months, and
then returned to her house.
IX. The Preparation of Joseph (Mt 1:18-25)
Now, the nativity of Jesus Christ began in this way: for Mary, his mother, being betrothed or affianced to Joseph, she
was discovered to be pregnant with child by and through the efficient, causative means of the Holy Spirit before their conjunction
or union. And Joseph, her man, being just, and unwilling to make an example of her, or to expose her to ignominy and shame,
intended to mercifully release and dismiss her in secret. But while he meditated and pondered these things in his mind, lo!
An angel of the Lord appeared at the same time, like as a dream, saying, "Joseph Ben David, you should not be reluctant,
waver or scruple to take Mary to your side, receiving her as your wife; for that in her, begotten of the Spirit, is consecrated,
holy - set apart from that which is common or profane. And she will surely bring forth a son, and you shall call his name
Jesus; for he will certainly deliver and set free his people from their errors, offenses, and sins."
Now all this happened so that that spoken by the Lord through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled, saying: "The
Lord himself will give you a sign: Behold! The virgin will with certainty be with child external and foreign to her environment,
and will bring forth a Son; And they will call his name "Immanuel" which is translated: "God with us.""
And Joseph, being thoroughly aroused and awakened from his sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and accepted
her as his wife, and did not know her carnally until after she brought forth her firstborn son, and he called his name Jesus,
which means "YHWH Saves." This was in accomplishment of the prophecy of Isaiah, hundreds of years before, saying:
"Unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be
called, Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government
and peace there will be no end: upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgement
and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this."
X. The Birth of John the Baptist (Lk 1:57-80)
Now before this, it was early spring of B.C. 4, and Elizabeth's time to bear was brought to a close, and she gave birth
to a son. And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy with her, and they rejoiced with her.
And it was on the eighth day that they came to circumcise the child, and they kept calling him by the name of his father,
Zachariah. But his mother insisted, "No way! However, he shall be called John." And they said to her, "There
is not one of your kindred or relatives who is called by this name." And they gestured to his father what he might want
him to be called. And asking for a tablet he wrote saying: "His name is John." And all wondered. And instantly his
mouth was opened, and his tounge released, and he spoke eulogizing God. And fear came upon all those dwelling around them,
and all these facts were rumored in all the hill country of Judea. All those hearing, retained it in mind, saying, "What
will this child be then?" And the Lord's hand was with him.
And his father, Zachariah, was under the full influence of, and controlled by, the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying,
"Worthy of praise and blessing be the Lord, the God of Israel; because he graciously visited and intervened, and caused
to take place liberation and deliverance for his people, and caused a Horn [symbolic of power] of salvation and deliverance
to arise for us in the house or family of his servant, David, according as he spoke through the faculty of speech of his holy
prophets of old: deliverance from our enemies and adversaries, and out of the hand of those detesting, abhorring, hating and
regarding us with ill will: to perfect and fulfill kindness, blessing and mercy with our fathers, and to remember his holy
covenant - the solemn oath which he swore to our father Abraham: to fearlessly deliver and supply to us out of the hand of
our enemies and adversaries, while receiving rescue and deliverance for to render homage, service and worship unto him in
piety, consecration, holiness, rectitude and virtue, in his presence, all of the days of our life. And you, child, will be
called a prophet of the Most High. For you will precede in advance, ahead of the personal presence and appearance of the Lord,
to prepare and make ready his way: to bring, supply, reveal and teach salvational knowledge to his people through the dismission,
remission, pardon and forgiveness of their sins and offenses, because of the tender affections of mercy, pity and compassion
in the heart of our God, whereby the Dawn from the height above has visited us with gracious interposition, to illuminate
those dwelling in the realm of thickest darkness and the imminent deathly shadow: to direct and guide our feet aright into
a way, system or course pursuing felicity and every type of good and blessing." And the child grew, and became strong
in spirit, and remained in the rural areas until the day of his revelation unto the people of Israel in the summer of A.D.
26.
XI. The Birth of Jesus - The First Christmas (Lk 2:1-20)
Now it was in those days, while Herod the Great was still King, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that
all of the inhabited earth was to be registered. This was the first registration, made when Quirinius was governing Syria,
and all went to be registered, each one into their own city. And in the fall of B.C. 4, near the time of Succoth, the feast
of tabernacles or booths which signifies the clothing of God with flesh, Joseph also went up out of the city of Nazareth in
Galilee into Judea, and into the city of David which is called Bethlehem - him being of the house and family of David - for
to be registered with Mary, who was affianced to him for wife, being pregnant. And it occurred while they were there that
her days for bearing were completed, and she brought forth her firstborn son, and she wrapped him in swaddling-cloths and
laid him in the manger because there was no place for them in the inn.
And there were shepherds in the same country, remaining out in the open, and keeping guard over their flock that night;
and behold! An angel of the Lord suddenly came upon them, and the dazzling luster and radiance of the Lord shone all around
them, and they became terrified with great fear. And the angel said to them, "Be not afraid, but relax! For behold! I
am announcing and proclaiming good news - addressing you with glad tidings which will be a great joy to all the people; for
a Savior is presently born to you in the city of David, who is Messiah, Christ, the Lord! And this is your sign: you will
find a babe that has been wrapped in swaddling-cloths, lying in the manger." And suddenly there appeared with the angel
a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God above; and on earth peace towards recognized,
approved, sanctioned individuals [thus human beings favoured by grace through their faith]."
And as the angels departed from them into heaven, it occurred that those men, even the shepherds, said to one another,
"Let us in earnest proceed unto Bethlehem, that we might now see this thing that has come to pass which the Lord has
declared and revealed to us." And hurrying they came, and by diligently searching they found both Mary and Joseph, and
the babe lying in the manger. And upon witnessing this, they told abroad all about the declaration spoken to them concerning
this child; and all those hearing them marvelled about the things that were told to them by these shepherds; but Mary retained
all these sayings, turning them over in her mind; and the shepherds went back to their flock, worshipping and praising God
over all the things they had seen and heard, even as was spoken for their benefit.
XII. The Magi Come to Him (Mt 2:1-12)
Now behold, during the days of King Herod the Great, Jesus having been born in Bethlehem of Judea, sages from the east,
of the Magian religion, arrived and came into Jerusalem, maintaining, "Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For
we saw his star in the east, and have come to fall down and reverence him in worship." And hearing this, King Herod became
consternated, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all of the chief priests and scribes of the people, he persistently
inquired from them where Messiah, the Christ, was being born. And they said unto him, "In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus
it has been written and currently says through the prophet Micah, "And you, Bethlehem of the land of Judah, you are by
no means least in the estimation of the guides or leaders of Judah; for out of you shall proceed to govern he who will rule
my people Israel - whose goings forth are from of old, from eternity [Messiah was eternally pre-existent with God prior to
his incarnation - John 1:1]."" Then Herod, secretly calling the Magians, carefully and assiduously inquired from
them the time of the star's appearing. And sending them to Bethlehem, he said, "In your going, I command you to diligently
and accurately inquire, search out, and interrogate concerning the babe; and when you find him, I command you to report back
your findings to me so that I can go; and I will fall down and reverence him in worship also." And having heard the king,
they passed on their way.
And behold, the star which they saw in the east went ahead of them until it came and settled above where the infant was.
And beholding the star they vehemently rejoiced with intense gladness; and entering into the abode they saw the infant with
his mother, Mary, and falling down in homage they reverenced him by prostration. Then opening their treasure chests they presented
to him gifts: gold, and frankincense [a clear gum distilled from incisions in the arbor thurifera tree in Arabia and Mt. Lebanon
which is used to make perfume and incense], and myrrh [a bitter aromatic resin obtained from incisions in the small prickly
commiphora myrrh tree in Arabia and Abyssinia which is also used to make incense and perfume]. Then they departed, having
been divinely instructed by receiving a warning from God through a dream not to return unto Herod, and they went back a different
way into their province.
XIII. The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple (Lk 2:21-38)
Now when the end of eight days had arrived for to circumcise the babe, his name was called Jesus, as designated by the
angel prior to his conception. And after the days of Mary's ceremonial purification were completed according to the Law of
Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to dedicate, consecrate, and present him to the Lord - as it has been written in the
Law of the Lord: "Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever opens the womb among the offspring of Israel, of man
and of beast: it is mine;" and to present a sacrifice according to that directed in the Law of the Lord, "If she
not be able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring a pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons."
And behold! there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, who was an absolutely just and reverentially devout man,
anticipating the solace or consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him; and it occurred to him, having been divinely
educated, receiving revelation by means of the Holy Spirit, that he is not to experience death before or sooner than he can
see Messiah, the Christ of the Lord. And he came by the Spirit into the temple, and he accepted him into his arms as the parents
came to bring in the infant Jesus to do according to their customary law concerning him. He praised God and said: "Sovereign
Lord, now be permitting or allowing your slave to die in peace according to your promise; for my eyes have beheld your Salvation
which you have prepared and made ready in the presence of - in the face of - all peoples: a Light for spiritual enlightenment
of the heathen nations or Gentile peoples, and a crowning Glory of your people Israel." And Joseph and his mother were
marvelling at the things being said concerning him, and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother, "Behold, this
child is being solemnly appointed and specially placed for the rise and fall, or exaltation and ruin, of many in Israel, and
destined as a sign or signal character to be decried, denigrated or spoken against. Yea regarding you, woman: a thrill of
anguish will pierce or impale her human soul, in order that the thoughts and intentions of many hearts might be disclosed."
And there was Anna, a prophetess and daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher: she was very old, being a widow of eighty-four
years, having lived seven years with a husband from her virginity, who departed not from the temple, serving night and day
with fasting and prayers. And coming upon them at that same time, she gave thanks to the Lord and spoke about him to all those
eagerly expecting redemption in Jerusalem.
XIV. The Flight to Egypt (Mt 2:13-23; Lk 2:39-40)
Now having accomplished all things that were according to the Law of the Lord, they departed. Then behold, an angel of
the Lord appearing to Joseph through a dream said, "Rise up! Take with you the child and his mother and flee into Egypt;
and stay there until I can tell you more; for Herod is about to seek the babe, intending to destroy him." So rising up,
he took the babe and his mother and departed into Egypt by night, and stayed there until Herod's demise, in order that the
thing spoken by the Lord through the prophet Hosea might be fulfilled: "Out of Egypt I have called my son." Then
Herod, seeing that he was trifled with by the Magians, became greatly angered and passionately enraged, and through the means
of sending forth soldiers, he truly up and murdered all the male children from two years old and under in Bethlehem and all
of its districts, according to the ascertained time which he assiduously inquired of the Magians. Then that spoken through
the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled, saying, "A cry was heard in Ramah: shrieking, weeping, bitter lamentation and wailing;
Rachel, weeping for her children, refused to be comforted, because they were not."
And behold, Herod having died, an angel of the Lord appearing to Joseph in Egypt through a dream said, "Rise up!
Take along the child and his mother and go into the land of Israel; for those seeking the life of the child have died."
So, rising up, he took along the child and his mother and came into the land of Israel. But hearing that Archelaus was reigning
as ethnarch over Judea in place of his father Herod, he became apprehensive, fearfully anxious and reluctant to go there;
so receiving concessive revelation from God through a dream, he withdrew into the area of Galilee, and arriving, he stayed
and settled in their city called Nazareth, that it might receive fulfilment which was spoken by the prophets: "He shall
be called a Nazarene." And the babe grew, and aquired spiritual strength, becoming consummate in wisdom; and the influence
and graciously bestowed endowment of God was upon him.
XV. Jesus at Twelve (Lk 2:41-52)
Now Jesus' parents journeyed into Jerusalem annually for the feast of Passover; and when he was twelve years old, going
up themselves to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast, and reaching the end of its days, in their returning the
boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem. Now Joseph and Mary did not know, but supposing him to be in their company, they went
a day's journey, and then looked for him among their relatives and friends. And not finding him, they returned into Jerusalem
looking for him. And it happened that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the middle of the teachers,
both hearing them and questioning them. And all those hearing him were beside themselves with interest, amazed and astonished
at his comprehension, discernment, intelligence, understanding, sagaciousness and his responses. But seeing him, his parents
were struck; and his mother said to him, "Child, why did you do thus to us? See, your father and I have been searching
for you in agony." And he said to them, "Why have you been searching for me? Shouldn't you have known that I must
be in the place of my Father?" But they did not thoroughly comprehend or understand the saying which he spoke to them;
so he went with them and came unto Nazareth where he remained subject to them; and his mother carefully treasured all his
sayings in her mind; and Jesus advanced in his knowledge and wisdom, and his suitably mature stature, and his favour and acceptance
with or before God and men.
The Opening Events of Christ's Ministry
XVI. The Appearance of John the Baptist (Mt 3:1-6, 13-17; Mk 1:1-6, 9-11; Lk 3:1-6, 21-22; Jn 1:6-8, 15, 19-27)
Now there came a man sent from God whose name was John. The same came as a witness so that he might bear witness to the
light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came so that he might bear witness to the light. Therefore,
in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate presiding as prefect over Judaea, and Herod Antipas
ruling as tetrarch over Galilee, and his brother Philip ruling as tetrarch over the regions of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and
Lysanias ruling as tetrarch over Abilene, at the time of high-priests Annas and Caiaphas, God's word came upon John, who was
the son of Zacharias, in the desert. And in those days - the summer of A.D. 26 - John came openly and publicly preaching and
baptizing in the wilderness of Judaea, unto the inhabitants in all the region round about the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism
of repentance because of the remission or forgiveness of sins, saying, "Repent, turn and reform - make a change in principle
and practice - for the kingdom of heaven has come near!" [For where the King is, there is the kingdom.] For this is he
that is spoken of, even as it has been written of him in the book of the words of the prophets, saying, "Behold, I send
my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you; a voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare the
way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled up, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low;
and the crooked ways shall turn into straight, and the rough ways into smooth; and all flesh shall see the Salvation of God."
And John bore witness concerning him and cried out, saying, "This is the One of whom I say the One coming behind or after
me has previously existed with the present result that he predates me, for he was prior to me." [The Son of God was pre-existent
from eternity past as a part of the godhead. He predated his incarnation, therefore he himself was not created, though his
flesh was. Jesus, as was his teaching, is to us paradoxical - an existential perplexity - a concomitant contradiction - as
he is both God and man at the same time - fully God and fully man at all times.]
And John himself was clothed with a garment made from camel's hair, and his loins were girt about with a leather belt;
and he did eat, and his food was locusts and wild honey. And then there went out unto him all those of the Judean country-side,
and all they of Jerusalem, and the inhabitants in all the region round about the Jordan River, and they were all being baptised
by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins, and participating in the result thereof.
Now Moses did write, "The Lord your God will raise up unto you a Prophet from out of the midst of you, of your brethren,
like unto me; unto him shall you attentively hear and obey." And this was the testimony of John when the Jews sent priests
and Levites unto him from Jerusalem in order that they might ask him, "Who are you?" He frankly avowed, and did
not deny or refuse them answer; he confessed, "I am not Christ, the Messiah." And they asked him, "What then?
Are you Elijah?" And he said in humility, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet Moses spoke of?" And he
answered, "No." Therefore they said unto him, "Who are you, so that we may provide an answer to those interested
in sending us forth? What do you have to say for yourself?" He said, "I am a voice crying in the wilderness, "Make
straight the way of the Lord," as Isaiah the prophet has said."
And some having been sent from among the Pharisees, they asked him saying unto him, "Why then do you baptize, if
you are not the Messiah, neither Elijah, neither the Prophet?" John answered them, saying, "I baptize in water.
But amidst you stands One whom you do not know. It is this One that is coming and following up after me who has been or existed
previous to me - of whom I am not worthy that I should loose the latchet of his sandal. He will baptize with fire and the
Holy Spirit!"
Now it came to pass in those days, when all the people were being baptized, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee down
to the Jordan unto John to be baptized by him also. But John desired to hinder him, saying, "I have need to be baptized
by you, and you come unto me?!" But Jesus answering said unto him, "Allow me now: for thus it is proper for us to
fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed him also. And Jesus, when he was being baptized, immediately came up out
of the water praying, and John saw the heavens torn open unto him, and the Spirit of God descending, coming upon him in a
bodily form, like as a dove: and a voice occurred out of the heavens, saying, "You are my Son, the Beloved; in you I
am delighted."
XVII. The Temptation of Jesus (Mt 4:1-11; Mk 1:12-13; Lk 3:23a, 4:1-13)
And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, and was driven forth by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness
with the wild beasts to be tempted by Satan. And he ate nothing in those days, for he had fasted forty days and forty nights.
And when they were completed he afterward hungered. And the Tempter came: the Devil said unto him, "Since you are the
Son of God, command this stone that it become a loaf." But Jesus answered him and said, "It is written, "Man
shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.""
Then the Devil took and led him into the holy city, Jerusalem, and he set him upon the wing of the temple, and said unto
him, "Since you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here: for it is written, "He shall give his angels
charge concerning you, to guard you; and, on their hands shall they bear you up, lest perchance you dash your foot against
a stone."" And Jesus answering him said, "Again, it is written, "You shall not put the Lord your God to
the test.""
Again, the Devil took and led him up onto an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all of the kingdoms of the world
and their glory in a moment of time. And the Devil said unto him, "I will give you authority over all of these things
and their glory: for it has been delivered unto me, and to whomsoever I will to give it. Therefore, if you will fall down
and worship before me, it shall all be yours." And Jesus answered and said unto him, "Get out of here, Satan; for
it is written, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve."" And when the Devil had
completed every temptation, he departed from him for a while. And Jesus himself, when he began ministering, was about thirty
years of age. [See Appendix "G." As the first Adam was tempted and succumbed, Messiah, the second Adam, was also
tempted and resisted it successfully.]
XVIII. Baptism of the Multitudes (Mt 3:7-12; Mk 1:7-8; Lk 3:7-18; Jn 1:28)
Now when John the Baptist saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming out with the multitudes that went down to be
baptized by him, he therefore said unto them, "Offspring of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce
fruits worthy of repentance therefore - turning changes of mode, of thought and of feeling - and do not even think to begin
to say within or among yourselves, "We have Abraham as our father." For I say unto you, that God is able to raise
up offspring unto Abraham out of these stones. And even now the axe is already laid at the root of the trees. Therefore every
tree not producing good fruit will be hewn down, and cast into fire." And the multitudes asked him, saying, "What
then shall we do?" And he answered and said unto them, "He having two garments, let him impart to the one having
none; and the one having foods, let him do likewise." And there came also tax collectors to be baptized, and they said
unto him, "Teacher, what shall we do?" And he said unto them, "Be exacting no more than that which has been
appointed you." And soldiers in service also asked him, saying, "And we, what shall we do?" And he said unto
them, "You should extort nothing by harassment, intimidation, oppression or violence, neither should you falsely, wrongfully
or insidiously accuse or inform against anyone; and be content or satisfied with your stipend and provisions." And as
the people were in expectation, and all men reasoned in their minds concerning John, whether perchance he were Christ, the
Messiah, John answered, saying unto them all, "I indeed baptize you in water unto repentance; but after me is coming
he that is mightier than I, the latchet of whose sandals I am not worthy nor fit to stoop down and unloose, let alone bear.
He whose fan is in his hand shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire; and he will thoroughly purge his threshing-floor;
and he will gather his wheat into his garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." With many other
exhortations therefore proclaimed John the Good News unto the people. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan where
John was baptizing.
XIX. The Lamb of God (Jn 1:29-51)
The next day John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God - the One taking up,
carrying away, removing and obliterating the error, offense and sin of the world - the aggregate of mankind! This is he about
whom I said, "After me comes a man who has been initially appointed and established ahead of me, and remains so; for
he eternally existed prior to me." And I did not previously know him from before; but I came baptizing in water for this
cause: that he might be personally manifested to Israel" And John bore confirming testimony, saying, "I have seen
the Spirit descending out of heaven, like a dove, and it rested upon him. And I did not previously know him from before: but
the One that sent me to baptize in water, that One said unto me, "Upon whomsoever you shall see the Spirit descending
and resting, the same is he that baptizes in the Holy Spirit." I have seen, and have borne witness, that this is the
Son of God."
Again on the next day, John was standing with two of his disciples; and while watching Jesus walking he said, "Behold,
the Lamb of God!" And the two disciples with him, hearing him speak, went and followed Jesus. And Jesus, noticing them
following, turned himself about and said unto them, "You are following after me. Why?" And they said unto him, "Teacher,
you are lodging somewhere. In what place?" He then said unto them, "You come, and see." They went with him
therefore, and saw where he was lodging, and they stayed with him the remainder of that day: it was the tenth hour, about
four o'clock in the afternoon. One of the two that heard John and followed Jesus, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first
found his own brother, Simon, and told him, "We have found Christ, the Messiah, for sure!" He then ushered him in
unto Jesus. Then Jesus, looking earnestly and searchingly at him with significance, said, "You are Simon, the son of
Joanes: you shall be called Kephas." [This is Aramaic for "Petros," which means Rock, and thus he was then
called Peter.]
On the following day Jesus decided to go forth into Galilee, and he found Philip: and Jesus said unto him, "Follow
me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathaniel and said unto him, "We
have found the One of whom Moses in the Law, and the prophets, did write: Jesus, the son of Joseph, from Nazareth!" And
Nathaniel said unto Philip, "Is anyone good, upright and virtuous intrinsically able to be from Nazareth?" And Philip
said unto him, "Come and see!" And Jesus saw Nathaniel coming to him, and said concerning him, "Behold, an
Israelite in whom in fact is no deceit, fraud, contrivance for entrapment, insidious design or guile!" Then Nathaniel
said unto him, "From where do you inceptively or initially know me?" Jesus answered and said unto him, "Before
Philip went to call or summon you, I saw you situated under your fig tree." Nathaniel answered and said unto him, "Rabbi,
you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" Then Jesus answered and said unto him, "Because I said unto
you, "I saw you underneath the fig tree," you are believing? You shall be admitted to witness, observe or see things
of greater gravity than this." And he said unto him, "Most certainly I say unto you, henceforth you will behold
and see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending - going up and coming down - in the presence of the
Son of Man."
XX. Water Made Into Wine (Jn 2:1-12)
On the third day that disciples were with him, there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there,
and Jesus also was invited with his disciples to the wedding. And when the wine ran short, his mother said unto him, "They
have no wine!" And Jesus said unto her, "Why involve you and I, woman? My destined period of time is not yet arriving."
Then his pushy mother said unto the servants, "What if ever he be mentioning unto you all, do it with diligence."
Now there were six water-pots made of stone set there according to the manner of ceremonial purification of the Jews, containing
two or three kegs apiece. Jesus therefore said unto the servants, "Fill the water-pots with water." And they carefully
filled them up to the brim. Then he said unto them, "Now draw some out and bring it to the concerned director of the
feast." And they delivered it. And when the director of the feast tasted the water that had become wine, not knowing
from where it came - but the servants having drawn the water knew - the director of the feast called to the bridegroom and
said unto him, "Every man first produces or sets out the good wine, and when all have become inebriated, drunk or intoxicated,
then the inferior thereafter. You have kept back or reserved the good wine until now!" Jesus did this beginning of his
signs in Cana of Galilee, and thus manifested his splendour; and his disciples placed their confidence in, and committed themselves
unto, him. After this he went down to Capernaum, he, his mother, his brothers, and his disciples, and they stayed there awhile.
The Early Judaean Ministry
XXI. The First Cleansing of the Temple (Jn 2:13-22)
It was April eleventh, A.D. 27, and the passover of the Jews was imminent; and Jesus therefore went up to the temple in
Jerusalem. And he found in the temple price gougers that sold oxen, sheep and doves, who falsely claimed that the sacrifices
the people brought in were defective in order to sell them theirs, and also there were currency exchange dealers sitting there
making money off of the foreigners who came in to buy sacrifices: so having made a whip out of cords, Jesus drove all out
of the temple, both the sheep and the oxen; and he poured out the currency dealer's money, and threw over their tables; and
to them that sold the doves he said, "Remove these things from this place! Do not make my Father's house a house of business,
merchandise, commerce, trade or profit through deceptive advantage." His disciples then remembered that it was written,
"Zeal for your house has consumed me!" The Jews therefore responded and said unto him, "Since you are doing
these things, what convincing evidence or proof are you going to be exhibiting unto us to demonstrate your authority?"
Jesus answered and said unto them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it." Then the Jews said,
"This temple was built in forty six years, and you will raise it in three days?!" But that spoken was about his
body as the temple. When therefore, he was later raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this to the
Jews, and they believed the scripture, and this statement which Jesus had made.
XXII. Speaking with Nicodemus (Jn 2:23-3:21)
Now while Jesus was in Jerusalem, during the feast of the Passover, many had confidence, believing and trusting into his
Name as they beheld the signs, miracles and wonders which he began to do. But Jesus did not reciprocally commit or intrust
himself unto them; for he intuitively knew to discern everything. He had no need that anyone should expound concerning man;
for he himself understood what was in man - a sin nature. But there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus: he was a ruler
of the Jews. This man came unto Jesus by night and said unto him, "Rabbi, we know for sure that you have come from God
as a teacher, for no one is intrinsically able to be doing these extraordinary signs, amazing miracles and remarkable wonders
that you are doing except or unless perhaps God be sided with him." Jesus answered and said unto him, "Most certainly
I say unto you, unless one receives birth anew from above - the second birth - regeneration [e.g. constitution as a child
of God through faithing into Jesus unto resultant spiritual birth by means of his Holy Spirit], he is not able to be admitted
into the kingdom of God." [For legitimate and genuine membership in his Church, the kingdom of God, one must be born
again. Where the King is, even if only by means of his Holy Spirit, there is the kingdom.] Confused, Nicodemus said unto him,
"How is a man able to be born being old? He is not able to enter into the womb of his mother and be born a second time."
Jesus answered, "Most certainly I say unto you, unless one receives birth through the means or instrumentality of Water
(the Gospel, Glad Tidings or Good News) and Spirit (the Holy Spirit), he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God. That
having obtained birth from the flesh is flesh; and that having obtained birth from the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel because
I told you, "You must be born again from above [e.g. regenerated through or by means of the Gospel and the Spirit]."
The wind blows where it wants and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know from where it comes, or where it goes. So
is everyone having obtained birth from the Spirit." Nicodemus answered and said unto him, "How are these things
able to happen?" Jesus answered and said unto him, "You are the teacher of Israel, and you do not comprehend these
things?! Most certainly I say unto you, we speak what we know to be absolute, and testify concerning what we have seen, and
you all are not receiving our testimony. Since I explained earthly things for you all, and you all are not believing, how
will you all believe if I perchance tell you all of heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven but he having descended
out of heaven - the Son of Man who existsed in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness [Numbers 21:4-9],
even so must the Son of Man be lifted up on the cross: in order that everyone trusting into him may not be lost, but may now
have life everlasting." [The subjunctives, "may," indicate that it is to be viewed as a privilege.]
Now our faithful God of provision so generously cared for, valued and esteemed the world - the aggregate of mankind -
that he consequently gave his only-begotten (in respect of special generation by the Holy Spirit) Son, in order that everyone
trusting into him may not be lost, but may now have life everlasting [the above has been restated for emphasis]. For God did
not send forth his Son into the world in order to sentence the world, but in order that the world might be rescued via, or
by way and means of, him. The one faithing or trusting into him ["faithing" or "trusting" as a nominative
singular present participle - specifically designating the one producing continuous action] is not under sentence; but the
one not trusting (according to the foreknowledge of God) has already been sentenced in advance, for he has not trusted [perfect
indicative - completed action in past time having present results] into the Name of the only-begotten Son of God with the
present result that he is lost. And this is the separation or crisis of distinction: that the Light (Jesus Christ) has come
into the world, but man loved, valued, esteemed, delighted and invested in the darkness more than the Light, for man's works
were pernicious. For everyone habitually committing wickedness detests and abhors the Light, and avoids coming to the Light,
so that their works might not be detected and exposed. But the one practicing in accordance with (Gospel) truth comes to the
Light (Jesus), in order that it might be evident that his deeds and works remain, having been wrought before or in the sight
of God.
XXIII. John's Testimony Concerning Christ at AEnon (Jn 3:22-36)
After these things, Jesus and his disciples came into the land of Judaea, and he stayed there with them and baptized.
And John also was baptizing in AEnon near Salim because there was much water there: and people came and were baptized by him;
for John was there, not yet having been cast into prison. There was therefore a questioning on the part of John's disciples
with Jews about purification. And they came to John and said unto him, "Rabbi, he that was with you beyond the Jordan,
to whom you have borne witness, behold, this One baptizes, and all are coming to him!" John answered and said, "A
man is not able to receive anything unless it is, having been given to him from Heaven. You yourselves witnessed that I said,
"I am not Christ, the Messiah," But that having been sent, I am preceding Him. He having the bride (Church) is the
bridegroom (Jesus); but the friend of the bridegroom (John), standing and hearing him, rejoices with joy for the voice of
the bridegroom. This then, my joy, has been fulfilled. That One must increase, but me, to decrease."
The One coming from above (Jesus) is above all; the other, being of the earth (John), of the earth is, and of the earth
speaks. The One coming from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one is receiving his testimony.
The one receiving his testimony has made a solemn declaration that God is true; for he whom God has sent speaks the words
of God; for God does not ration the Spirit. The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into his hand. The one trusting
into the Son has life everlasting; but the one refusing to believe the Son will not be admitted to experience life, for the
wrath of God abides over that one.
XXIV. The Woman at the Well (Jn.4:1-42)
Now when the Lord therefore knew that the Parisees had heard that he was making and baptizing more disciples than John,
although Jesus himself did not baptize, but his disciples were doing it, he left Judaea and departed again unto Galilee. And
Jesus needed to pass through Samaria. So he came to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob
gave to his son Joseph: and Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being tired from his journey, sat as he was by the well.
It was about noon, the sixth hour. There came a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus said unto her, "Give me a drink."
For his disciples were gone away into the city to buy food. The Samaritan woman therefore said unto him, "How is it that
you, being a Jew, asks a drink from me? I am a Samaritan woman!" [For Jews did not associate with Samaritans.] Jesus
answered and said unto her, "If you knew the Gift of God, and Who it is that says to you, "Give me a drink,"
you would have asked of Him, and He would give you Living Water (the Gospel)." The woman said unto him, "Lord, you
have no vessel, and the well is deep: where then have you living water? You are not greater than our father, Jacob, who gave
us this well and drank out of it: he, and his sons, and his livestock." Jesus answered and said unto her, "All who
drink of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the Water which I will give (the Gospel), will in no way "thirst"
ever again; for the Water (Gospel) which I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up or gushing into life
everlasting." The woman said unto him, "Lord, give me this water in order that I thirst not, nor come here to draw."
Jesus said unto her, "Go. Call your husband and come back here." The woman answered and said, "I have not a
husband." Jesus said unto her, "You say correctly, "A husband I have not," for you've had five husbands,
and the one who you have now is not your husband. This you have spoken truly." The woman said to him, "Lord, I perceive
that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where it is
right to worship." Jesus said unto her, "Woman, believe me, there comes a time when you will worship the Father
neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem. You know not what you worship. We worship what we know since salvation is out
of the Jews as a source and means. In fact a time comes, and presently exists, when genuine worshipers will worship the Father
in Spirit (in the realm of the Spirit as distinguished from outward show and form) and truth (in sincerity and rightness as
distinguished from hypocrosy and error); for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is a spiritual being, and
those worshiping him need to worship in Spirit and truth." The woman said unto him, "I know that Messiah is coming,
the One called Christ, and when that One comes, he will declare unto us all things." Jesus then said unto her, "I
am he that is speaking to you."
And upon this came his disciples; and they marvelled that he was speaking with a Samaritan woman; yet no one said, "What
do you seek?" or, "Why do you speak with her?" The woman then left her water-pot, and went away into the city
and said to the people, "Come! See a man who told me all things whatsoever I did: is not this One Christ, the Messiah?"
Then they went out of the city and were coming toward him. In the meanwhile the disciples petitioned him saying, "Rabbi,
eat." But he said unto them, "I have food to eat of which you know not." Then the disciples said to one another,
"No one brought him anything to eat!" Jesus said unto them, "My food is that I may do the will of Him that
has sent me, and that I may finish His work. Do you not say, "It is yet four months and then the harvest comes?"
I say unto you, behold! Lift up your eyes and behold the fields (the approaching Samaritans), because they are white to harvest
already! And the one reaping receives reward and gathers fruit to life eternal in order that the one sowing and the one reaping
may also rejoice together. For in this the saying is true that: "One is the one sowing, and another the one reaping."
I send you to reap that over which you have not laboured. Others have laboured, and you have entered into their labour."
And from the city of Sychar many of the Samaritans believed in him because of the word of the woman who testified, "He
told me all things whatsoever I did." So when the Samaritans came unto him, they asked him to stay with them, and he
stayed there two days. And many more believed through his word, and they said to the woman, "We no longer believe because
of what you said, for we have heard him ourselves, and we know absolutely that this one truly is the Saviour of the world
- Christ, the Messiah!" (His disciples had gone to Capernaum, for they were fishermen), and after the two days Jesus
himself went forth from here to go into Galilee.
The First Period of the Galilean Ministry
XXV. The First Tour (Mt 4:12,17; Mk 1:14-15; Lk 3:19-20, 4:14-15; Jn 4:43-45)
Now in December of A.D. 27, Herod Antipas, the tetrarch over Galilee and Perea, being reproved by John for having Herodias,
his brother's wife, and for all of the other evil things which he had done, yet added this upon all: that he shut up John
in prison. And when Jesus heard that John was delivered up, he came in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, proclaiming the
Good News of the kingdom of God, saying, "The time has been fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come. Reform - make
a turning change in principle and practice - and be giving credence to - believing and trusting in - the Good News!"
And the Galileans received him, having seen all the things that he did in Jerusalem at the feast; for they also had gone to
the feast. And fame concerning him went out through all the region round about, and he taught in their synagogues, being recognized
by all. But Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honour in his own country.
XXVI. The Nobleman's Son (Jn 4:46-54)
He came therefore again unto Cana of Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman whose
son lay sick in Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went out unto him and asked him
that he would come down and heal his son; for his son was at the point of death. Jesus therefore said unto him, "You
all can in no way believe unless you see signs and wonders." The nobleman persisted, saying unto him, "Lord, come
down lest my child dies." Jesus said unto him in compassion, "Go your way. Your son lives." The man believed
the word that Jesus spoke unto him, and he went on his way. And as he was yet going down, his bondslaves met him saying, "Your
child is alive." So he inquired of them the time when he began to get well. They said therefore unto him, "Yesterday,
at one, the fever left him." So the father knew that it was at that time in which Jesus said unto him, "Your son
lives." And he himself believed, and his whole household. This is the second sign that Jesus did in Cana, having come
out of Judaea into Galilee.
XXVII. The First Nazarene Rejection (Lk 4:16-30)
And Jesus came to Nazareth where he had been brought up as a child: and he entered into the synagogue, as was his custom
on the sabbath day, and he stood up to read. And there was given unto him the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. And he opened
the scroll and found the place where it was written, and he read aloud: "The Lord's Spirit is upon me: for this reason
he anointed me to evangelize and announce the Good News to persons of low estate. He has sent me to spiritually heal the contrite
and broken in heart; to openly and publicly announce release, dismissal and deliverance to the captives, and recovery of sight
to the blind; to liberate with deliverance those who have been cruelly and oppressively shattered and crushed; and to participate
in the results of all these foregoing actions: to openly and publicly announce an era of propitious acceptance by the Lord..."
And he closed the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down: and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened
on him. And then he began to speak unto them, saying, "Today, for your advantage, this scripture has been fulfilled in
your ears." And all bore witness to him by saying "Amen;" and they marvelled at the words of grace proceeding
from his mouth: and they said, "Is this not the son of Joseph?" And he said unto them, "Surely you will all
quote this parable unto me: "Physician, heal or cure yourself. Do also here in your native land those things that we
heard were happening in Capernaum."" And he said, "Truly, I say unto you, that no prophet is approved and accepted
in his native country. But on oath I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when a great famine
came on all the land, when the heavens were shut up over three years and six months; and Elijah was sent to not even one of
them, but to a widow woman in Zerephath of Sidon. And there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet;
and not one of them were cleansed except Naaman the Syrian." And all those in the synagogue became passionately enraged
and under the full influence of wrath and anger upon hearing these things, and rising up they forcibly ejected him out of
the city, and drove him up even to the edge of the precipice upon which their city had been built in order to cast him down
headlong, but passing through their midst, he departed, going on his way.
XXVIII. Four are Called to Service (Mt 4:13-16,18-22; Mk 1:16-20; Lk 5:1-11)
And leaving Nazareth, Jesus came and stayed in Capernaum, which is by the Sea of Galilee (where his disciples were fishing),
within the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, who said,
"The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way by the sea beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people
which sat in darkness saw a great Light; And to them which sat in the region and shadow of death, to them did Light spring
up." And Jesus continued to preach saying, "Repent! For the kingdom of Heaven has come." And walking, passing
along by the Sea of Galilee, he encountered Simon Peter and his brother, Andrew, casting nets into the sea. And Jesus said
unto them, "Come with me. I will make you to become fishers of men." And immediately they left their nets and went
with him. And it came to pass that a multitude of people pressed in upon him, hearing the Word of God, and Jesus saw some
boats by the shore, that the fishermen had gone out of them, tending to their nets. And he entered into one of them which
was Simon Peter's, and asked him to put out a little from the shore. And Jesus sat down and taught the multitudes from out
of the boat. And when he had left off speaking, he said unto Simon, "Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for
a haul." And Simon answered and said, "Master, we toiled all night and caught nothing - but because you said to,
we will let down the nets." And when they had done this, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes such that their nets
were breaking; and they beckoned unto their partners, James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, who had been in their
father's boat mending nets, that they should come and help them. And they came and filled both boats so much so that they
began to sink. And Simon Peter, having seen this, fell at the knees of Jesus saying, "Depart from me, Lord; for I am
a sinful man!" For he and all those with him were seized with astonishment at the haul of fish they all caught; and so
were also James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were Simon's partners. And Jesus said unto them, "Fear not. From this
moment you will be catching men alive." And when they had brought their boats in, they abandoned everything and went
with Jesus.
XXIX. Jesus Teaches in a Synagogue (Mk 1:21,22; Lk 4:31,32; 6:20b-49)
Now being in Capernaum of Galilee, immediately on the sabbath Jesus entered into the synagogue and was teaching them,
saying,
"Fortunate are the lowly and needy, for the kingdom of God is for you; But woe unto you that are selfishly opulent,
for you already have your comfortable cheer and enjoyment in full.
"Fortunate are those now hungering, longing and earnestly desiring, for you will be filled, satiated and satisfied;
But woe unto those of you having been filled, satiated and satisfied, for you shall be hungry, longing and earnestly desirous.
"Fortunate are those presently weeping, for you will be happy and rejoice; But woe unto those of you now happily
rejoicing, for you shall mourn, wail and weep.
"Fortunate are you when men might dislike you, and when they might segregate you, and might insult you with opprobrious
language, and when they begin to reject your name with contempt as malevolent on account of the Son of Man. Be glad in that
day and jump for joy, because look! Great is your reward in heaven! For according to these things did their fathers unto the
prophets. But woe unto you when all men without exception or distinction speak well of you, because according to this did
their fathers unto the false prophets.
"And I say unto you who may be listening: Faithfully value, esteem, materially care for, and selflessly manifest
generous concern for - without any expectation of return or reciprocal response - your opposing, antagonizing, adversarial
enemies. Practice what is good and right unto those disliking you. Speak well towards those imprecating evil upon you; And
try praying for those who harass and insult you. To those slapping you on the cheek, offer the other also. And from those
taking away your shirt, try not to withhold the underwear also. And unto everyone asking of you, be giving. And from those
taking away your things, do not demand them back. And as you are willing that men might be doing unto you, do also unto them
likewise.
"And if you perchance lovingly care for those who are lovingly caring for you, what thanks is there due unto you?
For even the sinners are lovingly caring for those who are lovingly caring for them. And if you perchance do good unto those
doing good unto you, what thanks is there due unto you? For even the sinners do the same. And if you perchance lend money
unto him from whom you confidently expect to recover, what thanks is there due unto you? For even the sinners are lending
money unto other sinners in order that they might receive back the same. But be continually seeking the highest good of, and
selflessly caring for, your enemies, valuing, esteeming, manifesting genuine concern for, and being faithful towards them;
And be doing good; And be lending money, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be mature
sons of the Most High, because he is kind and gracious unto the ungrateful and the wicked. Become merciful then, even as your
Father also is merciful.
"Do not be continually judging - needlessly assuming censorial power over or calling others to account [not to be
confused with the exercise of discernment or authority], and you shall in no way be judged. Do not be continually condemning
- unduly giving judgement against or unduly sentencing - and you shall in no way be condemned. Keep on forgiving, and you
will most certainly be forgiven.
"Keep on giving, and there will most certainly be given unto you good measure, pressed down, shaken together and
running over shall men give into the bosom of your garment; but the same measure which you are delivering will be measured
to you in return."
And he spoke a parable to them: "A blind person is not able to be guiding a blind person. Will they not both fall
down into a pit? A disciple does not supersede the teacher; but being thoroughly adjusted, all disciples will certainly be
like the teacher.
"And why are you observing the sliver in the eye of your brother, while you are not discerning the board in your
own eye? Or how are you able to be saying unto your brother, "Brother, may I be allowed to take out the sliver that is
in your eye?" while you yourself are not noticing the board in your own eye? You hypocrite! First extract the board that
is in your own eye, and then you will certainly be able to see clearly to remove the sliver that is in the eye of your brother.
"Now there is not, a good tree (person) producing rotten fruit, nor a bad tree (person) producing good fruit; but
each tree (person) is known by its own fruit: For men are not gathering figs out of thornbushes, nor harvesting grapes out
of a bramble. The upright man out of the virtuous, precious deposit in the core of his being brings forth the good; And the
wicked man out of the malignant, worthless deposit in the core of his being brings forth the evil; And out of the abundance
of the core of a man's being his mouth contsistently speaks.
"And why are you calling me "Lord, Lord," yet you are not doing that which I might be saying? Anyone who
is coming unto me, and is hearing my words, and is doing them, I will suggest unto you whom he is like. He is like a man building
a house, who excavated and made it deep, and set its foundation upon the bedrock. And it happened that the torrent of a flood
came up against that house, but could not disturb it, for it had been established upon the bedrock. But he hearing but not
doing is like unto a man having built a house on the soil without a foundation, upon which burst the torrent, and it fell
at once, and great became the ruin of that house." And when he finished all of his words in the ears of the people, they
were astonished at his teaching: for he taught them with authority, and not as the scribes.
XXX. Miracles in Capernaum (Mt 8:14-17; Mk 1:23-34; Lk 4:33-41)
Now in the synagogue there was a man which had a spirit, an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice saying,
"Ah! What have we to do with you, Jesus, you Nazarene? Are you here to destroy us? I know you, who you are, the Holy
One of God!" And Jesus rebuked it saying, "Shut up and come out of him!" And when the unclean demon had thrown
him down in their midst, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, it came out of him having done the man no harm. And
amazement came upon them all, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this? A new teaching!
With authority and power he commands even the unclean spirits! They obey him and come out!" And his fame and rumors at
once spread out everywhere through the whole area of Galilee. And then when Jesus was come out of the synagogue with his disciples,
they came and entered into the house of Andrew and Simon Peter, with James and John. And Simon's mother-in-law lay sick, and
was in the grip of a great fever, and immediately they told him of her and asked him to help her. And he came and stood over
her and took her by the hand and raised her up. He rebuked the fever and the fever left her and she immediately ministered
unto their needs. And when evening had come, when the sun was setting, all they that had any that were sick with various diseases,
and any that were demon possessed, they brought them unto him. And all the city was gathered together at the door. And he
healed the many that were sick with various diseases, and he cast the demons out of those that were possessed, which cried
out saying, "You are the Son of God!" And rebuking them he did not allow them to speak, because they knew him, that
he was Christ, the Messiah. Thus it was fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet saying, "Himself took our
infirmities, and bare our diseases."
XXXI. The First Tour through Galilee Continues (Mk 1:35-39; Lk 4:42-44)
Now in the morning, long before it was day, Jesus rose up, went out, and departed into a deserted place, and there he
prayed. And Simon and they that were with him followed after him. And when they found him they said unto him, "All are
seeking you." And just then the multitudes that sought after him, caught up and came unto him also, and desired to detain
him in order that he should not leave them. But he said unto them, "I must proclaim the Good Tidings of the kingdom of
God to the other cities also; for it is for this reason that I was sent." He then said to his disciples, "Let us
move on to the next place that I may preach there also. This is my objective." And Jesus went into their synagogues throughout
all Galilee, preaching and casting out demons.
XXXII. Healing of a Leper (Mt 8:2-4; Mk 1:40-45; Lk 5:12-16)
And it came to pass while he was in one of those cities that there came unto him a man full of leprosy; and when he saw
Jesus, he knelt down, fell on his face and besought him, saying, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean." And
being moved with compassion, Jesus stretched forth his hand and touched him, saying, "I will. Be made clean." And
immediately the leprosy departed from him and he was made clean. And Jesus sternly charging him and immediately sent him out,
saying, " See to it that you say nothing to anyone: but go and show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing
those things commanded by Moses as a testimony unto them." But the man went out and began to greatly publish it, spreading
the matter abroad insomuch that great multitudes came together to him from every quarter to hear and be healed of their infirmities.
Therefore, Jesus could not any more enter openly into a city, so he withdrew into deserted places and prayed.
XXXIII. Healing of a Paralytic (Mt 9:2-8; Mk 2:1-12; Lk 5:17-26)
After some days, Jesus entered again into Capernaum, and it came to pass as he was teaching, that it was noised abroad
that he was in a certain house. And many were gathered together who had come out of every place, from Galilee, Judea and Jerusalem,
so that there was no longer any room, no, not even about the door. And there were Pharisees and doctors of the Law which also
did sit; and Jesus spoke the Word unto them, and the power of the Lord was with him so that he could heal. And behold, four
men came and brought to him a man that was paralyzed, laid out upon a cot; and they sought to bring him in and lay him before
Jesus. And when they found that they could not bring him in near unto him because of the press of the crowd, they went up
to the housetop and uncovered the roof, removing the tiles over where Jesus was. And when they had finished breaking it up,
they let down the cot upon which the paralytic lay, through the tiles, into the midst of the crowd before Jesus. And Jesus,
seeing their faith, said unto the paralytic, "Son, rejoice. Your sins are forgiven." But, behold, there were certain
of the scribes and Pharisees sitting there who began to reason within their minds, saying, "Why does this man speak this
way? He blasphemes! Only God can forgive sins!" And Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves,
answered and said unto them, "Why do you reason these things and thus think evil in your minds? Which is easier: to say
to the paralytic, "Your sins are forgiven you;" or to say, "Arise. Take up your cot and walk?" But so
that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins, (he then said unto the paralytic) I say unto
you, Arise, take up your cot, and go unto your house." And the man immediately rose up, took up that upon which he lay,
went forth in the presence of all, and departed unto his house glorifying God. And when the multitudes saw this, fear and
amazement gripped them all; and they glorified God, saying, "We have never seen this before! We have seen a paradox today!"
XXXIV. Matthew is Called (Mt 9:9-13; Mk 2:13-17; Lk 5:27-32)
And after these things Jesus went forth again by the side of the sea; and all the multitudes came unto him and he taught
them. Then as he passed by from there, he saw and beheld a man who was called Matthew - a tax collector sir-named Levi, the
son of Alphaeus - sitting at the tolling place. And he said unto him, "Follow me." And immediately he arose, forsook
all, and followed him. And Levi made Jesus a great feast in his house. And it came to pass that as Jesus reclined to eat in
the house, behold, there was a great multitude of tax collectors, sinners and others that also came and reclined to eat with
Jesus and his disciples; for there were many, and they all followed him. And when the Pharisees and scribes among them saw
that he was eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they murmered amongst themselves and against him and his disciples
and said unto them, "He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners! Why do you and your Master eat and drink with
tax collectors and sinners?" And when Jesus heard it, looking, he said unto them, "Those that are sound, strong
and healthy have no need of a healer or physician, only those that are sick with illness. But go and learn what this means:
"I desire mercy, and not sacrifice." For I have not come to call the "righteous," but sinners unto repentance."
XXXV. Question on Fasting (Mt 9:14-17; Mk 2:18-22; Lk 5:33-39)
And at that time the disciples of John the Baptist and the Pharisees happened to be fasting: so some came and said unto
him, "The disciples of John fast often, and make supplications; likewise also those of the Pharisees; but your disciples
fast not. They eat and drink!" And Jesus said unto them, "Can you make the sons of the bridechamber fast and mourn
while the bridegroom (Christ) is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. But the days
will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then will they fast in those days." And he also spoke
some parables unto them: "No one sews an unshrunk patch of cloth on an old garment, lest the patch shrink and pull away,
and a worse tear occurs. No man tears a piece from a new garment and sews it upon an old garment; otherwise, he ruins the
new one, and the piece from the new one will not match with the old one. And no man puts fresh wine into old wine-skins; because
the fresh wine will ferment and burst the skins and spill out - both the wine and the skins will be wasted. Fresh wine must
be put into fresh wine-skins. [You must be born again.] But no man, having drunk aged wine desires fresh wine: for he says,"The
aged is better.'" [The Jews prefer Old Testament Law.]
XXXVI. Incident at the Pool Called Bethesda (Jn 5:1-47)
After these things was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And in Jerusalem by the sheep-gate is a pool
having five colonnades, which in Hebrew is called Bethesda. In the colonnades were lying a great multitude of the infirm -
those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered - awaiting a moving of the water; for an angel of the Lord descended at certain
times into the pool and agitated the water: whosoever first stepped in after the agitation of the water was made whole of
whatsoever disease he was gripped with. Now there was a certain man there having been in the grip of an infirmity thirty-eight
years. Seeing this one lying there, and knowing that he had already spent much time there, Jesus said unto him, "Do you
desire to become whole?" And the infirm one answered him, "Lord, I do not have a man to throw me into the pool when
the water is disturbed; for while I am yet coming, another goes down ahead of me." Jesus then said unto him, "Rise.
Take up your mat and walk!" And immediately the man became whole, took up his mat and walked.
And on that day it was a sabbath, so the Jews said to the one who had been healed, "It is a sabbath. It is not lawful
for you to lift or carry the mat." He answered them, "He that made me whole - that One said unto me, "Lift
up your mat and walk." Therefore they asked him, "Who is the man who told you, "Lift up your mat and walk.?"
But he did not know who it was that made him well; for Jesus, a crowd being in that place, had withdrawn. After these things
Jesus found him again in the temple, looked him in the eyes, and said unto him, "Note that you have become whole. Sin
no more lest something more severe happens to you." The man then went away and told the Jews that Jesus is the One who
made him whole. Therefore the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill him because he did these things on a sabbath. But
Jesus answered them, "My Father is currently working, so I am working." Because of this, then, the Jews sought all
the more to kill him, because he not only broke the sabbath; but also because he called God his own Father, making himself
equal to God.
Therefore Jesus answered and said unto them, "Most certainly I say unto you, the Son is not able to do anything from
or out of himself as a source, but only what he can see the Father doing. For whatsoever things the Father can do, these same
things the Son is doing also. For the Father regards the Son with affection, and is demonstrating unto him all the things
that he is doing; And he will be teaching him greater works than these in order that you might be astonished. For even as
the Father raises up and makes alive the dead, so also the Son makes alive whom he wills. For the Father will not be judging
anyone, but he has given all administration of justice to the Son, that all may honour the Son, even as they are honouring
the Father. The one not honouring the Son, is not honouring the Father - the One who sent him. Most certainly I say unto you,
the one heeding my word, and believing that the Father has sent me, has life everlasting, and comes not into the administration
of justice, but has already passed out of spiritual death into spiritual life. Most certainly I say unto you, the time has
come and currently or presently exists, when the spiritually dead will hear from the voice of the Son of God, and those heeding
will live. For even as the Father has life in himself, so gave he to the Son to have life in himself also. And he also gave
authority to him to act as judge because he is the Son of Man.
"Marvel not at this; for a point in time is coming in which all those in the tombs will hear his voice and will come
out; those having always done good (as the indicator of their salvation through faithing) into a resurrection of life, and
those having always practiced evil (as the indicator of their faithless rebellion and separation from God) into a resurrection
of judgement.
"I am not able to do anything from or out of myself as a source; as I hear, I judge: and my judgement is just; because
I seek not my own will, but the will of the One sending me - the Father. If I am testifying concerning myself, my witness
is not worthy of credit. There is another (John) that is bearing testimony concerning me, and I know absolutely that the witness
he is deposing concerning me is credible. You have sent unto John, and he has borne testimony to the Truth. And I need not
appropriate that testimony from the man, but I say these things in order that you may be rescued or saved. He was the burning
and shining lamp, and you were willing to celebrate for a time in his light. But I have the greater testimony than that of
John; for or because the Father has given me these works (Christ's miracles) in order that I might bring them to completion.
These works that I am doing testify themselves concerning me, that the Father has sent me forth. And with the Father having
sent me, he himself has testified concerning me. You have neither heard his voice at any time, nor have you ever seen his
form, and you do not have his Word abiding in you; for you do not believe the One whom this One sent. You have been searching
the scriptures, because you are presuming that in them you have everlasting life, but they are those which bear testimony
concerning me! And you are not desiring to come unto me in order that you may have life!
"I do not take approbation to myself from man; but I know you already: that you do not have the esteem of God within
yourselves. I have come in the Name of my Father and you are not accepting me. If some other one comes in his own name, you
will accept that one! By what means can you believe, when you are receiving approbation from one another, while not even seeking
approbation from the only God? Do not be presuming that I will be accusing you to the Father. There is one already accusing
you - Moses - in whom you have trusted; for if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me, for that one wrote about
me. And if you do not believe the writings of that one, how will you ever believe my words?" And having said these words,
he left them, and went on his way.
XXXVII. Eating Corn on the Sabbath (Mt 12:1-8; Mk 2:23-28; Lk 6:1-5)
Now it came to pass that Jesus was going through the cornfields on the sabbath day, and his disciples were hungry and
began to make their way through a field, plucking the ears of corn, rubbing them in their hands as they went, and they did
eat. But certain of the Pharisees, when they saw it, said unto him, "Behold! Why do your disciples do that which is not
lawful to do on the sabbath day?" And answering, Jesus said unto them, "Have you not read even this: what David
did when he had need and was hungry, he and they that were with him: how that he entered into the house of God in the days
of Abiathar the high priest, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him, which it was not
lawful for him to eat, neither for them that were with him, but only for the priests alone? Or have you not read in the Law,
how that on the sabbath day the priests in the temple profane the sabbath and are guiltless? But I say unto you that One greater
than the temple is here. If you had known what this means: "I desire mercy, and not sacrifice," you would not have
condemned the guiltless." And then he said unto them, "The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:
so the Son of Man is Lord even of the sabbath." And he departed from there.
XXXVIII. Man with a Withered Hand (Mt 12:9-14; Mk 3:1-6; Lk 6:6-11)
And it came to pass on another sabbath, that Jesus entered again into the synagogue and taught. And behold, there was
a man there who had his right hand withered. And the scribes and the Pharisees watched Jesus, to see whether he would heal
him on the sabbath. And they baited him, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath?" hoping they might find a
way to accuse him. But he knew their thoughts and said unto them, "What man shall there be of you, that shall have one
sheep, and if this sheep fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it and lift it out? How much greater
then in value is a man than a sheep?" And he said unto the man that had his hand withered, "Rise up and stand forth
in the midst of us." And he arose and stood forth. Then Jesus said unto them, "I ask you, is it lawful on the sabbath
day to do good, or to do harm? to save a life, or to destroy it?" But they held their peace. Then he stated, "It
is lawful to do good on the sabbath day!" And when he had looked round about, glowering on them all with anger, while
at the same time being grieved at the hardening of their heart, he said unto the man, "Stretch forth your hand!"
And he stretched it forth, and his hand was restored, whole, as the other one. And the Pharisees were filled with madness,
and immediately went out and took counsel with the Herodians, communing with one another against him, how they might destroy
him; but knowing this, Jesus withdrew from there.
Second Period of Galilean Ministry
XXXIX. The Second Tour (Mt 4:23-25, 12:15-21; Mk 3:7-12)
It was early summer, A.D. 28, and Jesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the Good
Tidings of the kingdom, and healing all manner of diseases and all manner of sicknesses among the people. And the report of
him went forth into all Syria: and they brought unto him all that were sick, gripped with various torments and diseases, the
epileptic, the palsied, and demoniacs possessed with demons. He healed them all, and charged them that they should not make
him known. And then Jesus with his disciples withdrew to the sea, and there followed him great multitudes from Galilee and
Decapolis and Jerusalem and Idumea and Judaea and from beyond the Jordan, and all about Tyre and Sidon, that it might be fulfilled
which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying: "Behold my Child whom I have chosen, my Beloved in whom my soul
has delighted: I will put my Spirit upon him, and he shall declare judgement unto the Gentile nations. He will not quarrel,
wrangle or strive, nor holler or vociferate; nor will anyone hear his cry in the streets. He will certainly not break a reed
that has been bent down, crushed or bruised, and he shall not quench or extinguish a smoking, smouldering, flaxen wick, until
he can spread abroad justice and equity unto, resulting in, or amounting to victory. And in his Name will the Gentile nations
repose trust and confidence." And the great multitude, hearing what marvelous things he did, approached him. And he spoke
unto his disciples that a little boat should wait on him because of the crowd lest they should throng him: for he had healed
many insomuch that as many as had scourges fell upon him in order that they might touch him. And the unclean spirits, whensoever
they beheld him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, "You are the Son of God!" And he charged them much that
they should not reveal his identity.
XL. The Choosing of the Twelve (Mt 10:2-4; Mk 3:13-19; Lk 6:12-19)
Now it came to pass in those days that Jesus went up into a mountain to pray; and he continued all night in prayer unto
God. And when it was day, he called unto himself those whom he desired of his disciples, and they went unto him. And he chose
and appointed from them twelve, whom also he named apostles, that they might be with him as apprentices, and that he might
send them forth to preach in the future, and to have authority to cast out demons. Now the names of the twelve apostles are
these: the first, Simon, whom he also surnamed Peter (Kephas), and Andrew his brother; and James the son of Zebedee, and John
the brother of James: and them he surnamed Boanerges, which means "Sons of Thunder;" and Philip and Bartholomew;
and Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; and James the son of Alphaeus, and Judas Thaddaeus the son of James; and Simon who
is called the Zealot, and who became a Cananaean; and Judas Iscariot who became the betrayer or traitor who handed Jesus over.
And Jesus came down with them, and stood on a level place, and a great multitude of his disciples, and a great number of the
people from all Judaea and Jerusalem, and the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;
and they that were troubled with unclean spirits were delivered. And all the multitude sought to touch him: for power came
forth from him and healed them all. [Miracles were the credentials validating him as the Messiah.]
XLI. The Sermon on the Mount - Part I (Mt 5:1-48; Lk 6:20a)
And seeing the multitudes, Jesus went up into the mountain: and when he had sitten down, his disciples all came unto him.
He lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and he opened up his mouth and taught them, saying,
"Fortunate are the lowly in spirit or the humble; because the kingdom of heaven consists of them.
"Fortunate are those mourning (because of sin); because they shall be comforted.
"Fortunate are the meek, gentle, kind, forgiving [like as with Christ and Moses - quiet strength of spirit]; because
they shall inherit the earth.
"Fortunate are those hungering and thirsting after integrity and righteousness; because their desire shall be satisfied.
"Fortunate are the merciful and compassionate; because they shall receive mercy, pity and compassion.
"Fortunate are the pure, sincere, unfeigned, upright, and virtuous in heart; because they shall be admitted into
the more immediate presence of God.
"Fortunate are those cultivating peace and concord; because they shall be called mature offspring of God.
"Fortunate are those being pursued and persecuted for the sake of fairness, justice and integrity; because the kingdom
of heaven consists of them.
"Fortunate are you when men shall reproach you, and persecute you, and may be saying every malignant accusation against
you, speaking falsely or deceitfully and lying on account of me; be rejoicing and celebrate, because your reward in the heavens
is great; for thus men persecuted the prophets who preceded you.
"You are the salt of the earth [a preservative that seasons, and makes men thirsty, and which also burns in the open
wounds of sin]. But if the salt is rendered insipid, by what will the earth be seasoned for preservation? Insipid salt is
good for nothing but to be tossed out into the street and to be trampled under foot by men.
"You are the light of the world; a city situated on a mountain is not able to be hidden; nor do men light up a lamp
and place it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light unto all those in the house. Thus let your light shine
in the presence of men, so that they may see your good works and recognize your Father in the heavens.
"Do not think that I came to abrogate the Law (Torah) or the (Old Testament) Prophets. I came not to abrogate, but
to consummate; For truly I say unto you, if until even the heavens and the earth pass away, in no way shall one point or one
iota disappear from the Law until all things can be satisfied. [Jesus fulfilled and satisfied all of the requirements of the
Law and Prophets for us. Thus we faith into him.] Whoever then may infringe the smallest one of these following injunctions,
precepts or commandments [Christ has consummated, and thus presently supersedes the Old Testament Law and Prophets as a higher
standard for the believer as indicated by the following words introducing his commandments, "You have heard it said,
but I say unto you..."], and may teach men so, he shall be regarded as least in the kingdom of the heavens [There is
no loss of salvation here, only status, yet the least is greater than John the Baptist - Matthew 11:11]; but whoever executes
and may teach them (these following precepts - not the Law or Torah), this one be shall be designated great in the kingdom
of the heavens.
"Also I say unto you, that if your virtuous rectitude is not more excellent than that of the meticulous scribes and
Pharisees, you can in no way enter into the kingdom of the heavens. [This means you won't be able to be saved by your own
efforts or works as they try to do; but when you first faith or trust into Jesus unto justification, then Christ's virtuous
rectitude, which is already more excellent than that of the scribes and Pharisees, is divinely imputed to the believer. Upon
examination, though, in practising the following commandments, the faither will indeed exceed the scribes and Pharisees in
practical righteousness.]
"You heard that it was commanded to the ancients: "Do not commit murder," and, "Whoever may commit
murder, shall be liable to the court of justice." But I say unto you, that each of you who is rashly angry, indignant
or enraged with his (or her) brother (or sister) shall be liable to the heavenly court of justice [divine discipline may be
administered upon the believer].
"(You heard that it was commanded to the ancients): "Whoever says to his brother, "Raca" (you worthless
person), shall be liable to the Sanhedrin." (But I say unto you), whoever says to his brother "You fool!" [representative
of disparaging remarks made in senseless, loveless wickedness], shall be liable to the fiery valley of Hinnom [figuratively
indicating that we become disapproved, useless, good for nothing, and discarded into the burning refuse dump, thus ultimately
meaning "to be put out of service" for God. The apostle Paul said that he keeps his body subject - under control
- lest after having preached to others, he himself becomes a cast-off - unapproved and thus disqualified from service. Repent,
attempt to make amends, and then confess your sin to God in order to be restored to service.]
"If, then, you may be offering your gift on the altar, and there perchance remember that your brother has something
against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother [make an attempt to be forgiven
in order to be forgiven and restored to service - the 70 x 7 rule of forgiveness - Matthew 18:21-29, and the reciprocal forgiveness
rule of Matthew 6:14-15 apply - but implacability of the brother or sister then reverses the responsibility], and then, returning,
be offering your gift [indicating you are forgiven by God and again acceptable for his work].
"Be cordial with your lawsuit opponent, immediately, even while you accompany him to the entrance, lest perchance
the lawsuit opponent deliver you up to the judge, and the judge deliver you up to the officer, and you be thrown into prison.
[Debtor prisons were common.] Truly I say unto you, you may in no way come out from there until you pay the last coin.
"You heard that it was commanded to the ancients: "Commit not adultery." But I say unto you, that each
one casting a longing gaze upon a woman so as to lust after her, has already committed adultery with her in his heart [this
today conversely applies in principle to women lusting after men also.] So if your dominant right eye is continually causing
you to falter or err, excise the same and throw it from you; [This merely indicates the extent of seriousness with which sin
is viewed and is not actually carried out in practice as a work having redeeming value. Remove or avoid that which causes
the temptation, then repent and confess your sin to God for restoration.] for it is more expedient for you that you might
be deprived of one part of your body, and that your entire body not be cast into the valley of Hinnom [again, figuratively,
the refuse dump - fellowship broken and being out of service.] And if your dominant right hand is continually causing you
to falter or err, amputate the same and throw it from you; [Again, this merely indicates the extent of seriousness with which
sin is viewed and is not actually carried out in practice as a work having redeeming value. Remove or avoid that which causes
the temptation, then repent and confess your sin to God for restoration.] for it is more expedient for you that you might
be deprived of one part of your body, and that your entire body not be cast into the valley of Hinnom [again, figuratively,
the refuse dump - fellowship broken and being out of service.]
"And (you heard) that it was commanded (to the ancients): "Whoever may divorce his wife, he is to give her a
deed of divorce." But I say unto you, that whoever divorces his wife (or a woman her husband), except for or apart from
a plea or matter of adulterous fornication, causes her (or him) to commit [present infinitive] or be guilty of adultery and/or
fornication (due to the human propensity to mate); and whoever the divorced one may marry is committing [present indicative]
and therefore guilty of adultery (because that mate is illicitly acquired in the eyes of God).
"Again, you heard that it was commanded to the ancients: "You shall not fail to observe your vows, but you will
discharge your vows to the Lord." But I say unto you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, because it is the throne
of God; neither by the earth, because it is footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the Great King.
Neither should you swear by your head, because you are not intrinsically able to make one hair black or white. But let your
word be "Yes, yes;" or "No, no;" For the over and above of these is out of the evil tendency of man.
"You heard that it was commanded (to the ancients): "An eye in retribution or return for an eye," and,
"A tooth in retribution or return for a tooth." But I say unto you, do not set yourself in opposition to the evil
of man, but to whosoever will be slapping you upon your right cheek, turn unto him also the other; and to the one intending
to sue you for to seize your vest, surrender unto him also the jacket. And whosoever shall compel you to go one mile [as Romans
and Persians were wont to do at that time], go with him (beyond the call of duty) two. Give to the one asking of you, and
do not turn away empty the one wanting to borrow money from you.
"You heard that it was commanded (to the ancients): "You shall value, esteem, be faithful towards, and manifest
genuine concern for your friendly neighbor," and, "You shall regard your enemy with hatred and ill-will." But
I say unto you, be continually seeking the highest good of, and selflessly caring for, your enemies, valuing, esteeming and
manifesting genuine concern for, and being faithful towards them. Always be invoking a blessing upon, and be speaking well
of, those wishing and imprecating evil upon you. Practice conferring benefits upon, and doing good to, those hating you with
ill-will. And be praying and offering prayer in behalf of those harassing and insulting you, and in behalf of those persecuting
you, in order that you may become mature offspring of your Father in the heavens: Because he causes his sun to rise upon the
evil and the good, and sends rain upon the just and the unjust. For if you perchance lovingly care for those who are lovingly
caring for you, what reward do you now have? Do not even the publicans or tax collectors practice the same? And if you perchance
treat with affection your brothers only, what do you do that is extraordinary? Do not even the publicans do so? You be mature
and without shortfall, then, even as your Father in the heavens is himself mature and without shortfall."
XLII. The Sermon on the Mount - Part II (Mt 6:1-34; Acts 20:35c)
"Take care, guard against, and be aware not to perform your merciful, compassionate almsgiving or charity before
or in front of men in order to be seen, gazed upon and observed by them. [The motivation of approbation lust is the issue.]
Otherwise, you have not reward from your Father in the heavens. Therefore, whenever you might be executing and thus manifesting
merciful, compassionate almsgiving, you may not sound a trumpet before you (to announce it in advance to be noticed), just
like as the hypocritical religious counterfeits are constantly doing in their assemblies and congregations (synagogues and
churches) and in their streets (in public), in order that they might be magnified (their ego fed) in receiving recognition
from men. In truth I say unto you, they are currently enjoying the reward they seek in full. But you, in practicing merciful,
compassionate almsgiving or charity, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, in order that your compassionate
kindnesses and mercies may remain in the realm of secrecy, being hidden or concealed, and your Father, seeing in the realm
of secrecy, will himself recompense or repay you in the realm of openness (publicly).
"And whenever you may be offering prayer, you shall not be just like as the hypocritical religious counterfeits,
because they are wont, accustomed, prone or inclined to offer prayer, standing in their assemblies and congregations (synagogues
and churches), and on the projecting corners of their broad streets (in public), hoping that they might show or be visible
to the people. [Approbation lust.] In truth, I say unto you that they are currently enjoying the reward they seek in full.
But you, whenever you may be offering prayer, enter into your private bedroom, car, closet, chamber, place, and shutting your
door, pray to your Father in the realm of secrecy; and your Father, seeing in the realm of secrecy, will himself recompense
or repay you in the realm of openness (publicly).
"Also, when praying, you may not babble, using vain repetition [e.g. the Rosary, our Father, and hail Mary], just
like as the heathen; for they think, imagine, suppose, presume that in their loquaciousness or volume of words their petition
will be accepted. Therefore, do not be like them; for your Father knows absolutely what things you need, require, or want,
before you have to ask him.
"So then, you be praying: "Our Father in the heavens: Your Name be consecrated, sanctified and reverenced as
holy. Your kingdom come. Your will, purpose, design and sovereign pleasure be done, fulfilled and satisfied, like as in heaven,
so also over the inhabitants of the earth. Give to us this day sufficient daily bread, necessaries of life, and maintenance
for the coming day. And pardon, pass over and forgive us our delinquencies, offenses, faults and sins, as we are also pardoning,
overlooking and forgiving delinquents, offenders, and those who fail us in duty. And please lead us not into trial, testing,
calamity and affliction, but save, deliver, rescue, and drag us out of bad, wrong, and evil; Because the kingdom, and the
power, and the glory is yours unto the ages. Amen (so be it)." Therefore, if you pass over, pardon and forgive people
their trespasses, faults, offences, transgressions and ineptitudes, your heavenly Father will pass over, pardon and forgive
you also. But if you do not pass over, pardon and forgive men their trespasses, faults, offences, transgressions and ineptitudes,
neither will your Father pass over, pardon and forgive your tresspasses, faults, offences, transgressions and ineptitudes.
[Your repentance, confession to God, forgiving, and pardoning is necessary for restoration. 1st John 1:9]
"And whenever you may be fasting, do not assume that character and appearance - a stern, morose, sour, gloomy, and
dejected countenance - like as the hypocritical religious counterfeits; for they are deforming and disfiguring their faces
so as that they might show or be visible to the people to be fasting. [Approbation lust.] In truth, I say unto you that they
are currently enjoying the reward they seek in full. But when you are fasting, groom your head, and wash your face, so as
not to appear to people to be fasting, but to your Father in the realm of secrecy; and your Father seeing in the realm of
secrecy, will recompense or repay you in the realm of openness (publicly).
"Do not be amassing, collecting or gathering up treasures for yourself upon the earth, where moth and corrosion are
consuming, and where thieves are breaking in and stealing. But be laying up or storing precious deposits for yourself in heaven
[by maturing in The Faith, being obedient, doing righteousness, doing good deeds, and investing in souls], where neither moth
nor corrosion are consuming, and where thieves are not breaking in nor stealing; for where your treasury is, there will your
heart be also. Also it is better, more enjoyable, and profitable to give, bestow or supply as a resource than to continually
receive.
"The intellectually perceptive eye is the light or enlightenment of the body or person. If then your intellectually
perceptive eye is dedicated and functional (single as in uncompounded by duplicity, and sound as in being used for the virtuous
purpose of beholding and pursuing good), your entire body or person will become light (a witness or testimony), and illumuinated
(knowledgeable), and enlightened (spiritually mature). But if your intellectually perceptive eye is evil and dysfunctional
(bad as in malignant, and unsound as in being used for the wrongful, impious purpose of beholding and pursuing evil), your
entire body or person will become dark (spiritually destitute and ignorant, dismal, obscure, menacing, wicked, evil and thus
futile, useless and worthless). If then the light, illumination or enlightenment in you is becoming moral and spiritual darkness,
how great that darkness is! [You become what you look to and inculcate yourself with; and the nature that you feed becomes
the strongest. Sow to those things pertaining to the Spirit and reap capacity for life and fellowship with God; sow to the
carnal nature and reap miserable corruption and temporal separation from God: Romans chapter 8.]
"No one is able to be occupied in the service of two lords; for either he will care less for the first one, and be
devoted to the other; or he will exercise a zealous care for the first one, and the other he will slight or neglect. You are
not able to be occupied in the service of both God, and money for self.
"With a view to this I say unto you, do not be concerned for your life, what you might eat, and what you might drink,
nor for your body, what you might put on. Is not living more than its maintenance, and the body more than a garment? Look
attentively to the birds of the air, for they are not sowing, nor are they reaping, and they are not collecting substance
into a storehouse, yet your heavenly Father is providing for them all. Are you not highly superior to them? But who among
you expending careful thought by worrying and obsessing is presently able to adjoin or add onto the duration of his life one
span of time? And concerning clothing: why are you anxious and worrying? Contemplate, thoroughly observe, diligently learn,
and consider accurately the lilies of the cultivated field, how they are growing: they are not spent, fainting or wearied
with toil or labor, nor are they spinning cloth (for garments). But I say unto you that not even Solomon, in all his glory
and majesty, was clothed as one of these. But if the verdure or lush herbage of the cultivated field God is so clothing, exists
today, and is being put into an oven tomorrow, are you not much greater in degree, you whose faith is scant and weak? Therefore
try not to be anxious or solicitous or obsessing, saying, "What can we eat?" or, "What are we going to drink?"
or, "What may we be clothed with?" Because the multitudes are continually seeking all these with anxiety and concern,
and your heavenly Father knows absolutely everything that you are continually needing and wanting. But first, before all other
things, be seeking and striving for the Kingdom of God [Jesus: the kingdom is where the King is.], and his Righteousness [Jesus
is our righteousness - investiture with the attribute of imputed virtue, integrity and rectitude that is set to the account
of those trusting into Jesus], and all those things (food, drink, clothes) shall be adjoined, added or supplied unto you.
Therefore try not to be anxious or solicitous or obsessing, anticipating the next day; for the next day will have its own
anxieties and concerns. Sufficient from dawn to dawn is it's own trouble, calamity and evil."
XLIII. The Sermon on the Mount - Part III (Mt 7:1-29)
"Do not assume censorial power over, call to account, or judge others, so that you may not be yourselves criticized,
called to account, or judged; for with whatever judgment, award or sentence you presume to judge, criticise or call to account,
you will be judged, criticized and accounted; and with whatever standard or measure you mete out, deal out, or utilize, it
will be measured, dealt out to, or used on you in return. All, then, whatsoever you may be desiring that people might always
be doing to you, so also you be constantly doing to them. For this is the meaning and thrust of the Law (Torah) and the (Old
Testament) Prophets. [Jesus' audience, as well as himself, was still under the dispensation of Jewish Law at that time.] Also,
why are you always observing the sliver, as it were, in the eye of your brother, but are not discerning and discovering the
plank, as it were, in your own eye? Or how shall you say to your brother, "Permit, let or allow me to extract the sliver
from your eye?" And behold! The plank is in your own eye! You moral religious hypocrite! First remove the plank out of
your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the sliver out of the eye of your brother.
"You may not give that which is hallowed, sacred, sanctified, consecrated and ceremonially pure to dogs (those who
are miscreants), nor may you throw your pearls (that which you highly value such as truth or wisdom) before boars (those who
are as wild unclean animals), lest perchance they trample them down under with their feet (spurn them without appreciation),
and turning back around they might bite, tear or lacerate you (make you pay for your indiscretion).
"Be continually asking, and what you ask will certainly be supplied, delivered, granted or given unto you; be continually
seeking, and you will certainly discover, meet and find (even mentally and experientially); be continually knocking, and the
door will be opened unto you. [Persistence is key.] For each one continually asking, keeps on receiving; and he continually
seeking, keeps on finding; and to the one continually knocking, the door will be opened. Or who out of you being a man, which
if his son should ask of him a loaf of bread: will he give into his hands a stone? Certainly not! And if he should ask for
a fish: will he give into his hands a serpent? Certainly not ! If you, then, being evil, absolutely know now how to give good,
proper, beneficient gifts to your children, how much more certainly will your Father in the heavens give good, proper, beneficient
things to those who are asking him!
"Enter or come in through the place or medium of the straight and narrow gate (faithing or trusting into Jesus),
seeing that wide is the gate and broad is the way or road conducting into ruin or perdition (trusting in yourself and in your
works), and many are those going and entering in through it. For straight and narrow is the gate (Jesus), and compressed,
narrow and bigoted is the way or road (the true Gospel) conducting into spiritual life (deliverance from the penalty of sin),
and few are those finding and landing upon it.
"Now beware of and take heed, guarding against the false prophets [those who falsely claim to speak by divine inspiration,
foretelling the future, or teaching strange doctrine], who are coming to you, particularly in sheep's clothing (in order to
deceive for self interests); but within themselves they are wildly ravenous persons, like wolves in character. You will certainly
discern and detect them by deriving knowledge from the observation of their fruits [habitual conduct and actions]. Clusters
of grapes are not being gathered forth, derived or originating from thorn bushes, neither are figs derived or originating
from thistles. So every good, beneficient tree (or person) continually bears, yields and produces select, choice, excellent
and goodly fruits [habitual and observably good conduct and actions as in Galatians 5:22-23; all nine fruits are concurrently
evident when one is controlled by the Holy Spirit], but the bad, corrupt tree (or person) continually bears, yields and produces
evil, bad and unsound fruits [habitual and observably bad conduct and actions]. A good, beneficient tree (or person) is not
intrinsically and absolutely able to be characteristically producing, bearing, yielding evil, bad and unsound fruits [evil
conduct and actions]; nor a corrupt tree (or person) to be characteristically producing, bearing, yielding select, choice,
excellent and goodly fruits [consistently good conduct and actions]. Every tree (or person) not characteristically producing,
bearing, yielding select, choice, excellent and goodly fruits is being cut off, removed, and thrown into fire [John the Baptist
said "And even now the axe is already laid at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree not producing good fruit will
be hewn down, and cast into fire"]. Surely, then, you will certainly discern and detect them (false prophets) by deriving
knowledge from the observation of their fruits [habitual conduct and actions].
"Not all of those saying unto me, "Lord, Lord," will enter into the kingdom of the heavens [e.g. will be
saved], only those continually doing and persevering in the will, purpose, design of my father in the heavens [e.g. faithing
or trusting into his Son]. Masses will say unto me in that my day, "Lord, Lord, did we not exercise the functions of
spokesman, interpreter and prophet in your Name, and cast out evil spirits or demons in your Name?" and, "We made,
did, effected, caused to take place and brought to pass many mighty accomplishments and results in your Name!" And then
at that time I will openly and solemnly declare and avouch unto them, "Depart and go away from me, you who are actively
trafficking in sin and iniquity; for I do not acknowledge you. [They are sinners who faith or trust in their works rather
than in Christ for righteousness and salvation. Their language betrays their affiliation. Having believed the lies of Satan
concerning or regarding salvation, they in essence matriculated with the Devil]"
"Now then, everyone, whosoever is listening, hearing and heeding these my words, and is doing, executing, keeping,
observing, fulfilling and obeying them [alluding back to the statement of Matthew 5: 19], I will compare, likening him to
a prudent man who built his house upon the bedrock. And the rain fell down, and the floods came, and the winds blew and rushed
violently upon and beat against that house; yet it fell not; for its foundation had been laid upon bedrock. And everyone listening
and hearing these my words, and not heeding, doing, executing, keeping, observing, fulfilling and obeying them, will be likened
and compared to a foolish man or moron who built his house upon the sand; And the rain fell down, and the floods came, and
the winds blew and dashed against and beat upon that house; and it fell in ruins, and great was its collapse."
And it happened that, when Jesus had finished these words, the multitudes were astonished at his teaching: For he taught
them as having authority, and not as their scribes.
XLIV. Healing the Centurian's Servant (Mt 8:1, 5-13; Lk 7:1-10)
After he had ended all his sayings in the ears of the people, he came down from the mountain, and great multitudes followed
after him as he entered into Capernaum. And when he was entered into Capernaum, there was a certain centurian's servant, who
was precious, honourable and dear unto him, sick, and at the point of death. And when the centurion heard concerning Jesus,
he sent unto him elders of the Jews, asking him that he would save his bondservant. And they, when they came to Jesus, besought
him earnestly saying, "He is worthy that you should do this for him: for he loves our nation, and he himself built us
our synagogue." And so Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurian came out unto
him with some friends, beseeching and saying unto him, "Lord, my servant lies in the house sick with convulsions, and
is grievously tormented." And Jesus said unto him, "I will come and heal him." Then the centurian answered
and said, "Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy that you should come under my roof, neither thought I myself
worthy to come out unto you; but only say a word, and my servant shall be healed; for I also am a man set under authority,
having under myself soldiers: and I say unto this one, "Go," and he goes; and to another, "Come," and
he comes; and to my servant, "Do this," and he does it." And when Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at
him, and turned and said to the multitude that followed him, "Truly I say unto you, I have not encountered such great
faith in Israel. And I say unto you, that many will come from east and west (and north and south - e.g. foreigners), and will
recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of the heavens: but the sons of the kingdom (unbelieving, religious,
Israelitish persons) will be dismissed, expelled and cast out into the realm of outer or external gloomy darkness: there shall
be weeping and the gnashing of teeth." And Jesus said unto the centurian, his friends, and those he had sent, "Go
your way! According as you have believed, so be it unto you." And the bondservant was healed in that hour, and they that
came to Jesus, returning to the house, found the bondservant whole.
XLV. Raising the Widow's Son (Lk 7:11-17)
Now it came to pass on the next day that Jesus went to a city called Nain. His disiples went with him, and also a great
multitude. And when he drew near to the gate of the city, behold, there was carried out one that was dead, the only son of
his mother. She was a widow: and many people of the city were with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her,
and said unto her, "Stop crying." Then he came near and touched the beir: and the bearers stood still. And he then
said, "Young man, I say unto you, Arise." And he that was dead sat up and began to speak. And he then gave him to
his mother. Fear took hold on all: and they recognized God saying, "A great prophet is arisen among us," and, "God
has visited his people," and this report went forth concerning him in the whole of Judaea, and all the region round about,
and the disciples of John the Baptist told him of all these things.
XLVI. Incarcerated, John the Baptist Begins to Have Doubts (Mt 11:2-30; Lk 7:18-35)
Now when John heard in prison of the works of Christ, he called unto himself two of his disciples, and sent by them to
the Lord to ask of him, "Are you the One that is to come, or may we expect another?" And when the men were come
unto Jesus, they said, "John the Baptist has sent us unto you, asking, "Are you the One that is to come, or may
we expect another?"" During that time Jesus cured many of the people's diseases, scourges and plagues, and he expelled
evil spirits; and upon many who were blind he bestowed sight. And Jesus answered the disciples and said unto them, "Go
your way, and relate to John the things which you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk about,
the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor are evangelized. Fortunate he is whoever may
not be affected with scruples or repugnance towards me with regard to my claims and pretensions."
And when these messengers of John departed and went their way, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John,
"What did you go out into the wilderness to see, a reed being shaken by the wind? But what did you go out for to see,
a man dressed in soft garments? Behold, those that wear soft splendid apparel, and live in luxury, are in the courts and houses
of kings! But what did you go out to see, a prophet? Yes, I say unto you: even one more excellent than a prophet! For this
is he about whom it has been written, "Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who shall prepare your way before
you." For truly I say unto you, among those born of women there has not arisen any greater than John the Baptist: yet
the one that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he [cf. Matthew 5:19]. All of the people and publicans who heard
John, avouched God to be both good and true by being baptised with John's baptism; but the Pharisees and lawyers set aside
and rejected the counsel of God regarding themselves by refusing his baptism. And from the days of John the Baptist until
now the kingdom of the heavens remains the object of an impetuous movement, and all of those who are forceful in eager pursuit,
avidly and eagerly seize upon and appropriate it. For all the (Old Testament) Prophets and the (Jewish) Law prophesied up
until John; and if you are willing to receive it, he (John the Baptist) is Elijah, the one who according to scripture was
about to come. [See Malachai 4: 5-6 where Elijah is the last sign mentioned in the Old Testament; and that prophecy was followed
by 400 years of silence from heaven.] He that has ears to hear, let him hear [e.g. note that this is important].
"But to what shall I compare the men of this generation? To what are they like? They are like unto children sitting
in the marketplaces, calling unto one another, even their playmates, saying, "We piped unto you, and you did not dance;
we mourned unto you, and you wept and wailed not." For John the Baptist has come, neither eating bread nor drinking wine,
and they say, "He has a demon." The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and they say, "Behold, a gluttonous
man and a wine drinker - a friend of tax collectors and sinners!" But wisdom has received vindication derived from her
children." [Expended efforts and attempted communications are broken down exercises in futility to this settled, inactive,
unwise, self-righteous, critical and cynical generation; for unjaded, perceptive children normally and naturally get up and
affirmatively respond in kind to one another's call. The faith of a child is trusting and simple - thus we have Jesus' call
that we must become like little children if we want to enter the kingdom of heaven. Those who wisely and properly respond
to God's call avouch wisdom to be a true and good thing by their simple, child-like responses of acceptance and obedience.]
Then Jesus began to upbraid and reproach the cities wherein his most powerful deeds had occurred because they repented
not: "Woe unto you Chorazin! Woe unto you Bethsaida! For if the powerful deeds happening in you had occurred in Tyre
and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. Nevertheless I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable
for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgement, than for you. And, Capernaum, who has been exalted even to heaven: you shall be
brought down to the pits! For if the powerful deeds happening in you, occurred in Sodom, it would have remained until this
day. Nevertheless I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgement, than for
you."
At that same time Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and avowed saying, "I celebrate you, O Father, Lord of the heaven
and the earth, that you concealed these things from the educated and sagacious, and revealed them to the simple and babes.
Yes, Father, for in your sight and estimation this way is your good pleasure, purpose and intention." Then he said to
them, "All has been committed and entrusted to me by my Father. And no one is arriving or attaining to a knowledge of
who the Son is through the observation of preliminaries except the Father; nor is anyone arriving or attaining to a knowledge
of who the Father is through the observation of preliminaries except the Son, and unto whomsoever the Son may be desiring
and intending to reveal him.
"Come unto me all those of you being spent, fainting and wearied with labor and that have been heavily burdened,
and I will soothingly and refreshingly cause you to rest. Take up and bear my yoke of service and obligation upon you (e.g.
willingly submit to pulling together in the same harness, working for a common purpose) and be taught and learn from me (deriving
applicable experiential knowledge); for I am meek, gentle, kind, forgiving and modest, humble in heart (e.g. in the core of
my being): and you shall find, land upon, discover, acquire, gain and realize rest or pause unto your souls (as the seat of
moral and religious sentiments). For my yoke of service and obligation is easy, pleasant, benign and agreeable, and my burden
(of imposed precepts) is light with regard to its weight."
XLVII. The Anointing of Jesus (Lk 7:36-50)
Later, a certain one of the Pharisees asked that Jesus would eat with him. And entering into the Pharisee's house he reclined
to dine. And behold, a woman who was in the city - a sinner - upon understanding that Jesus had reclined in the Pharisee's
house, came there also. And taking an alabaster cruse, vial or flask of unguent, weeping and standing behind at his feet,
she began to wet his feet with her tears, and she was wiping them with the hair of her head, and she was earnestly and affectionately
kissing his feet, and anointed them with the unguent [in essence she was receiving Christ]. Now when the Pharisee that had
invited him observed it, he spoke within himself, saying, "If this one were a prophet, he would have been perceiving
who and what this woman is who touches him - because she is a sinner." And speaking, Jesus said unto him, "Simon,
I have something to say to you." And Simon said, "Teacher, say on." Then Jesus said, "There were two that
were debtors to a certain creditor. The one owed five hundred dollars, and the other fifty. And having nothing to render or
repay, he had remitted and forgiven them both. Tell, then, which of them will appreciate him more?" And answering, Simon
said, "I suppose the one to whom he had remitted and forgiven the most." And Jesus said unto him, "You have
discerned correctly." And turning to the woman, he further said unto Simon, "You are beholding and observing this
woman. I came into your house: you put no water upon my feet; but she wet my feet with her tears, and wiped them off with
the hairs of her head. You gave me no kiss: but from the time I came in she has not stopped affectionately and earnestly kissing
my feet. You have not anointed my head with oil: but she has anointed my feet with unguent. For this reason I say unto you,
be glad that she has been most grateful and appreciative: for her multitudinous sins have been, and therefore presently are,
remitted and forgiven: for whoever receives remission and forgiveness for less, appreciates less." And Jesus said to
her, "Your sins are forgiven." And those reclining with him began to say within themselves, "Who is this who
is now forgiving sins?" But he said to the woman, "Your firm conviction and confident trust has presently saved
you. Journey in peace."
XLVIII. Warning Against an Unforgivable Sin (Lk 8:1-3; Mt 12:22-45; Mk 3:20-30)
And later, he traveled, even through every city and village, announcing and proclaiming the glad tidings of the kingdom
of God. And with him were the twelve, and also certain women who were healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary called
Magdalene from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna the wife of Herod's steward named Chuza, Susanna, and many others that
ministered unto him from their substance. And he came into a house, and a multitude crowded together again so as they were
not even able to eat bread. And his relatives, having heard he was there, set forth in order to seize him, for they said,
"He is insane!"
Then was brought to him one who was demon-possessed - both blind and dumb: and he healed him insomuch that the one blind
and dumb could both speak and see. And the whole multitude was amazed and said, "Isn't this the son of David?" But
the Pharisees and the scribes coming down from Jerusalem, hearing this said, "He is possessed by Beelzebub," and,
"This man does not cast out the devils but by Beelzebub, the ruler of the devils." But Jesus, knowing their thoughts,
and calling them near, he said unto them in illustrations, "How is Satan able to cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided
against itself, that kingdom is not able to stand, but is brought to ruin. Every city divided against itself will not stand.
And if a house is divided against itself, that house is not able to stand. So if Satan rises up against himself and casts
out Satan, he has been divided against himself and he is not able to stand, but has a demise. How then can his kingdom stand?
And if I cast out devils through Beelzebub, by whom are your sons casting them out? By this they shall be your judges. But
if I cast out devils through the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has overtaken and come upon you. How can anyone enter
into the house of the Strong to plunder his goods and vessels except, upon entering into that house, he first binds the Strong?
No one is able to plunder unless he first binds the Strong, then he will plunder his house. The one not existing on the same
side with my party is against me; and the one not gathering with me is scattering, dissipating and wasting. On account of,
and with a view to this, I truly say unto you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and their blasphemies wherewith
soever they may have blasphemed - every sin and blasphemy. And whosoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be
forgiven him also: but whosoever may blaspheme, calumniate, revile and contumaciously speak with impious irreverence against
the Holy Spirit has not forgiveness. It shall not be forgiven him - neither in this age (the dispensation of Law), nor in
the one that is coming (the Church age). He is legally responsible, exposed and liable to an eternal judgment." Jesus
said these things because they said, "He has a foul spirit (e.g. one from Beelzebub or Satan)."
Then Jesus said, "Offspring of vipers! How can you being evil speak good things? For out of the abundance of the
heart the mouth speaks. Either make the tree good and the fruit of it good, or make the tree corrupt and the fruit of it corrupt;
for the tree is known or identified by the fruit of it. The good man out of the good treasure of the heart puts forth good
things, and the evil man out of the evil treasure puts forth evil things. And therefore I say unto you, that every idle word,
whatever men may speak, they will give account concerning it in the day of judgment: for by your words you will be justified,
and by your words you will be condemned."
Then answered some of the scribes and Pharisees, saying, "Teacher, we want to see proof, evidence or a convincing
sign from you." But answering he said unto them, "An evil, malignant, wicked, malevolent, faithless, ungodly and
spiritually adulterous generation requires or demands proof by a sign or compelling token, and no sign or indication shall
be exhibited, provided or given unto it but the unobserved sign of the prophet Jonah; for just like as Jonah was in the stomach
of the whale three days and three nights, so, in this way will the Son of Man be in the inner part or center of the earth
three days and three nights. Ninevites - men of full stature - will resurrect in the judgment with this generation and will
certainly condemn it by contrast as guilty, because they repented in accordance with the public proclamation of Jonah, and
behold, One more important than Jonah is here in this place. The Queen of the South will certainly be raised in the judgment
with this generation and will certainly condemn it by contrast as guilty; because she came from the extremity of the earth
to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, One more important than Solomon is here in this place."
And Jesus further said, "Now whenever a lewd, foul, impure or unclean spirit happens to depart away from a man due
to riddance, it travels over land, wandering about through dry, barren, desert areas seeking after a place to inhabit, stay
or live; and continually finding and acquiring nothing, it then says, "I will turn back and return unto the use of my
dwelling from whence I came out." And coming it discovers the man again, finding him unoccupied and empty - the man having
been swept clean and adorned and set in order [meaning that the subsequent void created was not filled with a salvific replacement].
Then it proceeds and takes along together with itself seven other spirits more evil than itself, and forcefully breaking in
and entering the man they dwell there in that abode; and the results for that man become progressively worse or more severe
than his original state. So thus it will be also for this evil, malignant, wicked, malevolent, impious generation."
XLIX. True Kindred of Jesus (Mt 12:46-50; Mk 3:31-35; Lk 8:19-21)
While he was yet speaking to the multitude, behold, there arrived his mother and his brothers. And standing outside they
called to him; for they could not reach him due to the press of the crowd, and because a multitude was sitting all around
him. Therefore some spoke and said unto him, "Behold, your mother and your brothers are standing outside wanting to see
you, and to speak with you." But he answered and said unto those that told him, "Who is my mother, and who are my
brothers?" And surveying those which sat and stood all around him, he stretched forth his hand towards all his disciples
and said, "Behold, my mother and my brothers are these which hear the word of God and do it: for whosoever shall do the
will, purpose, intent or sovereign pleasure of God my Father who is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
L. Parables by the Sea (Mt 13:1-53; Mk 4:1-34; Lk 8:4-18; 13:18-21)
On that same day Jesus went out of that house, and he began to teach again as he sat by the sea side. And when a very
great multitude came and was gathered together unto him out of every city, he entered into a boat floating nearby in the water,
and sat down and commenced teaching them while they all stood on the beach. And he taught them many things, speaking to them
in parables, and said unto them in his teaching, "Listen! Behold, the sower went forth to sow his seed: and it came to
pass that as he sowed, some actually fell by the way side or path; and it was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air
came and devoured it. And other seed fell upon the rocky places where it had not much earth; and when the sun was risen, immediately
it sprang up, but it was scorched and withered away as soon as it grew, because it had no root, depth of soil, nor moisture.
And other seed fell amongst thorns; and the thorns grew up with it and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. And other seed
fell upon good soil, growing up and increasing, and it brought forth, yielding fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixtyfold, and
some a hundredfold." And as he said these things, he said, "He that has ears to ear, let him hear [e.g. listen,
for this is noteworthy and important]!"
He set another parable before them, saying, "The kingdom of the heavens is likened unto a man that sowed good seed
in his fields. But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed darnel or tares amidst the wheat, and went away. And when the
blade sprang up and produced fruit, then appeared the tares also. And the slaves of the householder came near and said unto
him, "Lord, did you not sow good seed in your field? Whence then has it tares?" And he said unto them, "An
enemy of man has done this." And the slaves said unto him, "Do you want us to go out and collect them up?"
But he said, "No, lest perchance while you are collecting up the tares, you root up the wheat with them. Allow both to
grow together until the harvest, and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, "Collect first the tares and
bind them up in bundles for to burn them: and then gather the wheat into my granary."" [II Thessalonians 1:5-10
- See Appendix "B"]
He set another parable before them, saying, "How may we analogize or compare the kingdom of God? To what is the kingdom
of God like? By what parable may we compare it? The kingdom of the heavens is like unto a kernel of mustard, which a man took
and sowed upon the soil in his field. Though it is indeed the smallest of all the seeds that are upon earth, yet when it is
fully grown, it becomes greater than all other plants, putting out large branches and becoming a great tree, so that the birds
of the air can come and lodge, perch, or roost under its shade and in its branches."
He spoke again another parable unto them saying: "How shall we analogize or compare the kingdom of God? The kingdom
of the heavens is like unto leaven, which a woman took and buried into three measures of meal until it was all leavened."
All these things spoke Jesus unto the multitude in parables, and with many such parables spoke he the Word unto them,
even as they were able to hear it. He spoke nothing to them that was not in a parable, that it might be fulfilled which was
spoken by one prophet, saying, "I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the foundation of the
world." But he expounded all things privately to his disciples.
Then Jesus dismissed the multitude and went back into the house, and his twelve disciples came unto him when he was alone,
and they asked him saying, "Why did you speak unto them in parables?" And he answered, saying unto them, "Because
unto you it has been granted to know and understand the mysteries of the kingdom of the heavens - the kingdom of God; but
unto the rest - those who are outsiders - all things are done in parables: for unto them it has not been granted; for whosoever
has perspicacity and understanding, unto him more will be given, and he will have an abundance; but whosoever has not perspicacity
and understanding, from him will be taken away even that which he has. For this reason I speak unto them in parables: because
seeing they may see not and not perceive, and hearing they may hear not and not understand, lest perchance they should turn
again or repent, and their sinful stubborn obstinance should be forgiven them. And so upon them is fulfilled the prophecy
of Isaiah which says, "In hearing you will hear, and in no way understand; and seeing you will see, and in no way perceive:
for this people's heart has been rendered insensitive; and with plugged ears they have heard; and their eyes they have closed;
lest they should perceive with their eyes, and should hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should
be converted, and I should heal them." But fortunate are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear:
for truly I say unto you, that many prophets and righteous men desired to see the things which you see, and saw them not;
and to hear the things which you hear, and heard them not."
Then they said, "Explain the parable of the sower." And answering he said unto them, "If you do not understand
this parable, how will you understand all of the other parables? Hear then this parable of the sower.
"The sower sows the word (indiscriminately to all in all places). And those by the way side where the word was sown
are they that have heard the word of the kingdom and understand it not. Then immediately comes the evil devil, Satan, and
snatches, catches or takes away the word from them, which has been sown in their hearts, in order that they might not believe
and be saved.
"And in like manner, the rocky places are those upon which the word was sown, who, when they have heard the word
of the kingdom, immediately receive it with joy; but these which believe for awhile endure temporarily, because they have
no root in themselves, and when a time of trial, trouble, tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, they immediately
become offended, falter, draw back and fall away. [Spiritual miscarriages - See appendix "C"]
"And the thorns among which was sown the word, these are they that have heard the word of the kingdom; and as they
go on their way, they are choked under the burden or pressure of cares, anxieties and concerns of this age, and the deceitfulness
of riches, the pleasures of life, and lusts for other things that enter in, and they become unfruitful, bringing no fruit
to maturity.
"And the good soil upon which the word was sown are those who hear the word of the kingdom, understand it, accept
it, and hold it fast with an honest and good heart, indeed bearing forth fruit with endurance, some thirtyfold, some sixtyfold,
and some a hundredfold."
And then he said unto them, "Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! No man
having lit a lamp covers it with a basket or puts it underneath the bed: he puts it on a lamp-stand so that all those coming
in may see the light. There is nothing hidden which will not be made manifest, nor anything secret that will not be made known,
come to light or be revealed. If any man has ears to hear, let him hear! [In other words, the word of the kingdom has purpose.
Do not hide or obscure the word of the kingdom.] In what measure you distribute, it shall be measured unto you again. Therefore,
take heed, see to it, and be careful of how and what you hear: for more will be added unto those of you attentively and receptively
hearing: for he that has, to him more will be given: and he that has not, even that which he seems to have will be taken away
from him." [The reciprocation of perseverance - See Appendix "C"] Then he said, "Thus is the kingdom of
God: as if a man should cast the seed upon the earth, and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should spring
up and grow, as he knows not how; for the earth bears fruit by itself: first shoots, then an ear, then full corn in the ear.
But when the fruit is yielded, immediately he puts forth the sickle, because the harvest has come and is ready. He that has
ears, let him hear." [Preach the word of the kingdom to all: leave the mechanics and results up to God, and glean those
that have become ready.]
Then his disciples asked him, saying, "Explain unto us the parable of the tares or darnel of the field." And
answering he said unto them, "The one sowing the good seed is the Son of Man; and the field is the world; and the good
seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the tares are the sons of the evil One; and the enemy that sowed them is the
Devil; and the harvest is the consummation of the age; and the reapers are angels. Therefore, as tares are collected up and
consumed with fire, so shall it be in the consummation of this age. The Son of Man shall send forth his angels, and they shall
collect out of his kingdom all impediments that cause stumbling, scandal, ruin, destruction and misery, and them that are
continually or habitually practicing lawlessness as a way of life, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall
be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.
"Again, the kingdom of the heavens is like unto a treasure hidden in a field; which a man having found, he hid; and
for the joy thereof, he goes and he sells all whatsoever that he has, and buys that field. [Jesus paid for the whole world
in order to obtain the Church.]
"Again, the kingdom of the heavens is like unto a man that is a merchant seeking goodly pearls, and having found
one extremely precious pearl, leaving, he sold all things that he had, and bought it. [Jesus sacrificed his all for us.]
"Again, the kingdom of the heavens is like unto a drag-net that was cast into the sea, gathering together fish of
every kind. When it was filled and drawn up on the beach, sitting down the fishermen salvaged the good into containers, but
the bad they threw away. So shall it be in the consummation of the age: the angels shall go out and separate the evil from
the midst of the just, and will throw them into the furnace of fire: there there will be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.
Have you understood all these things?" They said unto him, "Yeah, Lord." And he said unto them, "Because
of all these things, every scribe who has been discipled into the kingdom of the heavens is like unto a man that is a householder,
who sets forth out of his treasure new and old." And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, they
departed from that house.
LI. Stilling of a Tempest (Mt 8:23-27; Mk 4:35-41; Lk 8:22-25)
Now on that day, when evening had come, he said unto them, "Let us go over unto the other side of the sea."
And when he himself was entered into a boat, even as he was, then his disciples followed and took him with them and they launched
forth; and other boats were with them also; and as they sailed Jesus fell asleep in the stern on a cushion. And behold, there
arose a great tempest or wind storm in the sea, and the waves beat into the boat insomuch that the boat was being covered
with the waves and was now filling and they were in jeopardy. And they came unto him and awoke him, saying unto him, "Master!
Master! Save us Lord! Care you not that we perish? Then he awoke and said unto them, "Where is your faith?" He then
arose, and rebuked the winds, and said unto the raging sea of water, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind and water ceased,
and there was a great calm. And being afraid, they marveled, saying one to another, "Who then is this? What manner of
man is he? He commands even the winds and the water, and the winds and sea obey him!"
LII. The Gadarene Demoniac (Mt 8:28-34; Mk 5:1-20; Lk 8:26-39)
And when they came unto the other side of the sea, arriving at the land of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee, Jesus
had come out of the boat and had set forth on land. Then there met him a city-man possessed by unclean demons, coming forth
from out of the tombs where he stayed. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and abode not in a house, but in those tombs;
and he was always crying out, both night and day, in the tombs and in the mountains, and cutting himself with stones. He was
so fierce, that no man could pass by that way, and no one could tame or bind him any more, no, not even with a chain: because
he had frequently been kept under guard, being bound with chains and fetters; and oftentimes the demons would sieze him, tearing
the chains apart, and breaking the fetters in pieces, and he would be driven by the them into the deserts. And when he saw
Jesus from afar, he ran up, cried out with a loud voice and fell down before him in worship. And behold, a demon crying out
with a loud voice said, "What is the extent of our business, Jesus, you Son of the Most High God? Have you come here
unto this place to afflict and torment us before the destined time? I beseech and adjure you by God, please do not afflict
or torment me." For Jesus had commanded and said unto the unclean spirit, "Depart and come out of the man you unclean,
lewd, foul spirit!" And Jesus asked the demon, "What is your proper name?" And it responded unto him, "Legion
is my proper name; for we are many;" for many demons had entered into him. Then they begged, besought and entreated him
much that he would not send them away out of the country, nor command them to depart into the abyss.
Now there was there afar off from them a great herd of contraband - many swine feeding on the mountain. And the demons
besought and entreated him that he would give them leave to enter into them, saying, "Since you are casting us out, our
destiny is in your hands. Allow or permit us to go away, or depart, or go forth unto the herd of swine. Send us in order that
we may enter into them." And he immediately gave them leave, saying, "Begone!" And the unclean spirits came
out from the man, and went and entered into the swine: and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep mountain into the
sea, and were drowned in the sea - about two thousand of them perished in the waters. And when they that fed them saw what
had come to pass, they fled away and went into both the city and the country, and told everything, and also what had befallen
him that was possessed by demons. And behold, all came out to see what it was that had come to pass, and to meet Jesus. They
came unto Jesus, and found and beheld the man that was possessed, from whom the demons were gone out, sitting at the feet
of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind - even him that had the legion of demons, and they were afraid. And they that saw
it declared and told it unto them how he that was possessed with demons was made whole, and also concerning the swine. And
then all the people from round about the country of the Gadarenes besought Jesus that he would depart from their borders,
for they were gripped with great fear. And as Jesus was entering into the boat for to return, the man that had been possessed
by demons petitioned him that he might go with him. But he did not allow him, but said unto him, "Go your way and return
unto your house and unto your friends: declare, telling them what great things the Lord God has done for you." And the
man went his way and began publishing throughout the whole city and the Decapolis what great things Jesus had done for him,
and all men did marvel.
LIII. Raising the Daughter of Jarius and a Bleeding Woman (Mt 9:18-26; Mk 5:21-43; Lk 8:40-56)
Now when Jesus had crossed back over again unto the other side of the sea in the boat unto Galilee, as he returned, a
great multitude was gathered unto him and welcomed him; for as he was near the shore, they were all waiting for him. And behold,
there came one man named Jarius, one of the rulers of the synagogue; and seeing Jesus, he fell down at his feet and worshipped
him, and besought him much to come unto his house; for he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, and she was dying.
He beseeched him saying, "My little daughter is barely hanging on, but if you come and lay hands on her, she may be preserved
or saved and cured, healed or restored to health, and she will surely live." And Jesus arose and went with him, and so
followed his disciples; but as he went, the great multitude followed him also, and thronged him.
And behold, there was a woman who had an issue of blood for nearly twelve years, who had suffered many things, and had
spent all of her livelihood upon physicians. She could not be healed of anything, and she was not improving but rather growing
worse. She, having heard things concerning Jesus, came up in the crowd from behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment,
and immediately her bleeding stopped, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. For she said within herself,
"If I only but touch his garment, I will be healed, cured, and restored to health." And immediately Jesus, perceiving
in himself that power had gone forth from him, turned about in the crowd and said, "Who is it that touched my garments?"
And when all denied it, Peter and the disciples that were with him said, "Master. You see that the multitudes are thronging,
pressing and crushing upon you, and you ask, "Who touched me?"" But Jesus said, "Someone touched me: for
I perceived power emanating from me." And he looked round about to see the one that had done this thing. And when the
woman, understanding what had been done unto her, saw that she could not hide, she came fearing and trembling and fell down
before him and declared in the presence of all the people for what cause she touched him, and told him all the truth, how
she was healed immediately. And Jesus, looking upon her, said unto her, "Be of good cheer, daughter, your faith, firm
persuasion, assurance and firm conviction has presently made you well with certainty; be going in peace, and exist hale or
be sound from your scourge of disease." And the woman remained whole from that time on.
While he was yet speaking, there came someone from the ruler of the synagogue's home, saying, "Your daughter has
died. Trouble not the Teacher any further." But Jesus, overhearing it, heeded not the words which were spoken, but said
unto the ruler of the synagogue, "Fear not: be only mentally persuaded - believing - and she will be preserved and restored
to health." And he allowed none to follow and enter in with him, save Peter, and James, and John, the brother of James,
the father of the maiden, and her mother. And when they came unto the house of the ruler of the synagogue, Jesus beheld the
flute-players and the crowd causing a commotion and all were weeping and bewailing her much. And when Jesus was entered in
he said, "Why be lamenting and weeping? Cease weeping for the child. She has not died; but she is presently sleeping."
And they derided him and jeered at him, knowing that the girl was dead. But he said, "Get out!" And having put all
the crowd forth, he took the father of the child, and her mother, and they that were with him, and went in where the child
was. And Jesus, taking the child by the hand, said unto her, "Talitha koumi;" which is translated: "Child,
I say unto you, awaken and arise." And her spirit returned, and immediately the girl rose up and walked; for she was
twelve years old. And her parents and they that were with him were instantly amazed with great amazement. And he ordered that
food be given her to eat; and he greatly charged them that no man should know or tell of what had been done there; but word
of this incident went forth into all that land.
LIV. Second Rejection at Nazareth (Mt 13:54-58; Mk 6:1-6a)
And Jesus then went out from there and came into his native territory, and his disciples followed with him. And when the
sabbath occurred, he began to teach those in the synagogue insomuch that many of those hearing him were astonished and astounded,
even saying, "What are these things? From where has this man gotten his wisdom; and what gives him the ability to do
works of power such as these wrought by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, son of Joseph? Is he not son of his mother called
Mary? Is he not the brother of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon? Are not all his sisters here with us also?" [There
is no such thing as perpetual virginity regarding Mary.] And in them were excited feelings of repugnance and they became offended
by him; but Jesus said unto them anyway, "A prophet is not without honor save or except in his own native land, and among
his own relatives or kin, and in his own home." And he could not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief,
save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk and healed them; but he marvelled at their unbelief.
LV. Two Blind and One Dumb (Mt 9:27-35; Mk 6:6b)
Now as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed after him, crying out and saying, "Son of David, have mercy,
pity and compassion on us." And when he had gone into a house, the blind men came near unto him: and Jesus said unto
them, "Are you mentally persuaded, believing that I am intrinsically and absolutely able to do this?" And they said
unto him, "Yes, truly, Lord." Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According and in proportion to the extent
of your faith, belief or firm persuasion, let it be done unto you." And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged
them, saying, "See to it that no one discovers or finds this out." But going out they broadcast abroad concerning
him throughout the whole land.
As Jesus went forth from there with his disciples, a crowd gathered, and behold, there was brought unto him a demon possessed
man who could not speak. And when the demon was cast out, the man who was dumb spoke, and the crowd marvelled, saying, "Such
a thing has never been seen in Israel!" But the Pharisees said, "By the Prince of the devils he casts out the devils."
But despite this, Jesus went round about all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the Good
News of the kingdom unto all the crowds that followed him, while healing all manner of disease, and all manner of sickness
among the people.
LVI. The Sending of the Twelve (Mt 9:36-10:16; 10:23-11:1; Mk 6:7-13; Lk 9:1-6)
Now when Jesus observed the crowds around him, he was moved with compassion towards them, because they were weary, distressed
and scattered, like sheep not having a shepherd. Then he said unto all his disciples, "The harvest from the Gospel is
great indeed, but the harvesting laborers scant or few. Consequently or therefore, you all being in need, petition or request
the Lord of the harvest so that he might compellingly send forth such laborers into his harvest." Then he called together
unto himself his twelve previously chosen disciples, and began to send them out two by two as apostles; and he gave them authority
over all devils, demons and unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure all manner of disease, and to heal all manner of
sickness. And the names of these twelve apostles were Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of
Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;
Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who also handed Jesus over. These twelve Jesus sent forth as apostles, to proclaim the
kingdom of God, and to heal the sick: and he charged them all saying, "You may not go forth into the region or territory
of the heathen or Gentiles, or other nations, and you may not enter a city of Samaritans; but go rather unto the lost, stray
sheep of the house of Israel. And traveling on your way, you all proclaim openly and publicly, saying that the kingdom of
the heavens has approached and is here [for where the King is, there is the kingdom]. Heal the infirm; cleanse the leprous;
raise the dead; cast out demons. Freely and gratuitously you all have received, so freely and gratuitously give."
And he further charged them, saying, "Take nothing for your journey, neither sticks, nor bag, nor money, nor food:
for a laborer is worthy or deserving of his sustenance. You may not get, procure or provide gold, nor silver, nor copper in
your pouches, nor a stipend-sack for the roadway; neither is each of you to wear extra tunics, nor shoes; but being shod with
sandals carry a staff. And whatever city or village you may enter into, search out or inquire who is equally worthy or deserving
in it; and whatsoever house you may enter into, remain or stay there until you should leave or depart from there. Whereever
you might enter into a house, entering in, pay respect and express good wishes. And if in fact the house is worthy, let your
peace come upon it: but if it is not worthy, let your peace return unto you. And whoever in whatever place may not receive
or accept you, or when they may not want to hear from you or listen to your words, going forth from out of the house or that
city, shake off even the dust that is from under your feet as a testimony against them. Truly I say unto you, it will be more
tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgement, than for that city.
"Behold, I dispatch or send you all out into action like as sheep in the midst of wolves: consequently or therefore,
you must assume these characteristics: becoming prudent, discrete, wise and deliberate as serpents; and pure, blameless, guileless
and sincere as doves. Whenever they may malignantly persue or persecute you in this city, flee into another: for truly I say
unto you, you shall in no way finish, complete or conclude circulating the cities of Israel while soever or as long as the
Son of Man may come after you. A student or disciple is not above or over the teacher or master, nor is a slave above his
lord. It is sufficient or enough that the student or disciple might become similar to or assume the same character or appearance
as his teacher or master, and that the slave might become similar to or assume the same character or appearance as his lord.
Since they called, named or styled the Head of the household or family of God "Beelzebub" or "Satan,"
how much more will they denigrate those of his household or family? [The Alexandrian Text has: "they called" 3rd
person plural 1st aorist active indicative; the Received Text has: "I called" 1st person singular 1st aorist active
indicative. The first choice is more correct in this context. See appendix "A."]
"Consequently, you yourselves should not fear or dread them: for nothing is being hidden, covered or concealed that
will not be disclosed, uncovered or revealed; and secret or clandestine which will not be made known or discovered. What I
may tell you in dark privacy, you all declare in broad daylight; and what you are hearing in the ear, publicly proclaim upon
the rooftops. And you yourselves should not derive fear or dread from those destroying or annihilating the body, but not being
able to annihilate or destroy the immaterial soul: but rather, you yourselves fear the One being able to negate and utterly
destroy both soul and body in to Gehenna. Are they not selling two sparrows for a penny? And not one among them will fall
down dead upon the ground alone without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered; therefore, you yourselves
should not fear or dread. You are all superior, excelling many sparrows in value. All, then, whosoever will accord belief
in me before or in the presence of others, upon him also I will accord recognition, approbation or acknowledgment before or
in the presence of my Father in the heavens. But if anyone should deny, disclaim or disown me before or in the presence of
others, him will I also deny, disclaim or disown before or in the presence of my Father in the heavens.
"You all should not hold as settled and established the idea that I came to send forth peace upon, over or towards
the inhabitants of the earth: I came not to send forth peace, but war! For I came to set at variance, dissever and divide
a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a bride against her mother-in-law. The enemies or adversaries
of man will be the members of his household, family and kin. One loving, regarding with care, or having affection for, father
or mother above or more than me is not worthy or deserving of me; and one loving, regarding with care, or having affection
for, son or daughter above or more than me is not worthy or deserving of me. And one who is not continually taking up and
bearing his or her cross of obedient self-sacrificial living that also crucifies the carnal nature, being ready to encounter
any extremity their cross may bring, and not continually following after me in imitation, is not worthy or deserving of me.
He appropriating his life by exploiting it for selfish gain, will waste, ruin, and utterly destroy it thus in essence rendering
it dead, void, or lost; and he negating, neutralizing and utterly putting to death his self-life thus in essence rendering
it ineffective, inactive and inoperative for my sake, by reason of me, or on my account, will encounter, realize and discover
life through experience.
"He kindly receiving, admitting and welcoming you, is kindly receiving, admitting and welcoming me; and he kindly
receiving, admitting and welcoming me is kindly receiving, admitting and welcoming the One sending me forth. He kindly receiving,
admitting and welcoming a divinely commissioned, inspired spokesman or prophet in the Name of a divinely commissioned, inspired
Spokesman or Prophet will receive the reward of a divinely commissioned, inspired spokesman or prophet; and he kindly receiving,
admitting and welcoming a fair, just, righteous man of integrity in the Name of a fair, just, righteous Man of integrity will
receive a fair, just and equitable reward. And whoever might give to drink even the cool contents of a cup only to one of
these lowly, humble ones in the name of a disciple, truly I say unto you, he shall in no way possible lose or be deprived
of his reward." And when Jesus had finished commanding his twelve disciples, they all departed from there and went throughout
all the cities and villages teaching and preaching, proclaiming the Good News, and that men should repent; and they cast out
many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed all everywhere.
LVII. The Death of John the Baptist (Mt 14:1-12; Mk 6:14-29; Lk 9:7-9)
Now, at that time, king Herod the tetrarch heard the fame of all those things that were happening by means of Jesus, and
he sought to see him, for his name and reputation had become well known. But Herod was also very perplexed because he had
heard that it was said by some that it is John that has been raised from the dead; and by some others that it is Elijah that
had appeared; and by even more that he is a prophet that was risen again from among one of the ancients - or even that he
is like unto one of those prophets. And Herod fearfully said unto his servants, "John I beheaded: so who is this about
whom I hear such things? This one must be John the Baptist whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead, and because
of this, these powerful deeds are functioning in him."
Now Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias,
his brother Philip's wife, because he had married her, because John had said unto Herod, "It is not lawful for you to
have the wife of your brother." And Herodias set herself against John also, and desired to kill him, but she could not,
so she waited for a convemient day to come; for Herod feared John and kept him safe, knowing that he was a righteous and holy
man. And when he gave John audience, he was much perplexed, yet he heard him gladly. And even when Herod would have put him
to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted John a prophet.
So when Herod's birthday came, he on that day made a feast unto his lords, the high captains, and the chief men of Galilee;
and when the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced in their midst, she pleased Herod, and them that sat to feast
with him. So he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she should ask. The king said to the girl, "Ask of me whatsoever
you desire, and I will give it unto you." And he swore unto her, "Whatsoever you shall ask of me, I will give it
unto you, unto the half of my kingdom." And she went out and said unto her mother, "What shall I ask?" And
her mother said, "The head of John the Baptizer." And she, being urged on and put forward by her mother, immediately
came in with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, "I desire that you give me at once on a platter the head of John
the Baptizer." And the king became exceedingly grieved and sorry that he did this; but for the sake of his oaths, and
of them that sat to eat with him, he would not turn down her request. And immediately the king commanded it be given her,
and that his head be brought immediately; and he sent forth a soldier of his guard, who went and beheaded John in the prison,
and his head was brought in on a platter, and he gave it to the girl, and the girl brought it unto her mother. And when John's
disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and buried him by laying it in a tomb; and they went and told Jesus.
LVIII. Feeding Five Thousand (Mt 14:13-23; Mk 6:30-46; Lk 9:10-17; Jn 6:1-16)
Now when Jesus heard about John's fate, he withdrew from there; and the apostles he had sent out came back and gathered
themselves together unto him, and they told all, declaring unto him all things whatsoever they had done, and whatsoever things
they had taught. And he took them and withdrew apart unto a city called Bethsaida for to be refreshed. But the multitudes
perceiving it followed him, and he welcomed them, and spoke unto them of the kingdom of God, and them that had need of healing
he cured. And after these things he said unto his disciples, "You all come privately apart by yourselves into a deserted
place and take a little rest." For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure nor opportunity to so much
as even eat. But a great multitude followed Jesus unto the shore, because they beheld the signs which he did on them that
were sick; and Jesus and the twelve went away in a boat apart unto a deserted place of Tiberius on the other side of the sea
of Galilee. But when the multitudes heard of it and saw them going, they knew, and they followed them, running there on foot
from all the surrounding cities, and the multitudes did out-run them. And when Jesus came forth on the other side and saw,
behold, a great multitude awaited him; and he had compassion on them and healed their sick, because they were like as unto
sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach the multitudes many things.
Now it was April, A.D. 29, and the feast of the Jews called passover was at hand, coming up on the 18th, and Jesus then
went up into the nearby mountain where he was, and there he sat with his disciples. And the day was far spent and began to
fade away, for evening was come. Jesus therefore, lifting up his eyes, and seeing that this great multitude had come unto
him, said unto Philip, "From whence will we buy food so that these may eat?" And this he said to test him: for he
within himself knew what he was about to do. Philip answered him, "Two hundred dollars worth of food is not sufficient
enough for them, so that each of them may receive even a little!" Then the rest of the twelve disciples, overhearing,
came unto him and they also said unto him, "Shall we be going and buy two hundred dollars worth of food and give them
to eat? We are in this deserted place, and the time is past. It is already too late. Dismiss and send the crowd away, so that
in going away into the surrounding farms and villages, they may lodge, and may find or obtain for themselves a supply of food
or provisions to buy and eat; for they have nothing that they can eat." But Jesus said unto them, "They have no
need to go away. You supply and give them to eat! (He said this because the disciples had returned from their mission bragging
on all that they had been able to do.) How many loaves do you have? Go and see." And when they found out, one of his
disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother said unto him, "We have no more than that of this one little boy here who has
five barley loaves and two small fish - unless going we might buy food for all these people - but what are these to so many?"
And Jesus said, "Bring them here unto me."
Then Jesus commanded, saying unto his disciples, "Make all the people sit down upon the green grass in companies
of about fifty each." And they did so making them all sit down, because there was much grass in that place; so the people
sat down in ranks, by hundreds and fifties - about five thousand men in number, along with women and children. And Jesus therefore
took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up into heaven, he blessed them; and having given thanks, he broke and
gave the loaves unto the disciples to set before the multitude, and the two fishes he divided among them all, and the disciples
in turn gave unto the multitude, and they did all eat and were filled. When the people had eaten and were all filled, he said
unto his disciples, "Gather up together and collect the excess broken pieces or fragments which are left over so that
nothing may be wasted." So they gathered them up; and they filled twelve baskets with broken pieces from the five barley
loaves which remained left over from them that had eaten, and also of the fishes. And they that ate the loaves were five thousand
men, besides women and children. When therefore, the people saw the sign which he did, they said, "This truly is the
Prophet that is to be coming into the world." And Jesus had perceived in himself that the crowds were about to come and
take him by force, for to make him king. So he immediately constrained his disciples to enter into the boat, and to go ahead
of him unto the other side into Bethsaida, while he himself should send the multitudes away; and his disciples went down unto
the sea and entered into the boat. After Jesus had left them, and sent the crowds away, since evening was at hand, he withdrew
apart, departing up into the mountain there alone by himself to pray.
LIX. Jesus Walking on Water (Mt 14:24-36; Mk 6:47-56; John 6:17-21)
Now when evening was come, it was now dark, and the disciples had been blown over the sea towards Capernaum. And Jesus
had not yet come unto them, for he was alone on land, while the boat was now in the middle of the sea. And the sea began rising
by reason of the great wind that blew, and the boat had become distressed by waves driven by the contrary wind. When therefore
they had rowed about three and a half miles, Jesus seeing them distressed in their rowing, came unto them, walking upon the
sea, about the fourth watch of the night, and made like he would by-pass them. But when the disciples beheld and saw Jesus
walking on the sea, and drawing near unto the boat, they were troubled and afraid, supposing that it was an apparition. And
they cried out, saying, "It is a phantom, spectre or ghost!" And they wailed in fear; for they all saw him, and
were greatly troubled by it. But he immediately spake unto them, saying, "Be all of good courage and cheer. It is I.
Do not fear." And they were then willing, therefore, to receive him into the boat. But Peter answered him and said, "Lord,
if it is you, command me to come out unto you upon the waters." And Jesus said "Come." And then Peter went
down from the boat, and walked upon the waters, and came unto Jesus; but it was dark, and when he felt the strong wind blowing
upon him, and experienced the waves thrashing about him, he became afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, "Lord!
Save me!" And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and took hold of him, saying unto him, "O one of scant,
small, weak faith. Why did you doubt, waver or vascillate?" And when they both went up out of the water into the boat,
the wind ceased: and the disciples were exceedingly amazed beyond measure in themselves: for they understood not concerning
the loaves, for their hearts were hardened; yet they that were in the boat worshipped him, saying, "You are truly Son
of God." Then immediately they crossed over and came unto the land of Gennesaret, and the boat was moored to the shore.
And when they disembarked, the men of that place immediately knew him, and they ran round about that whole region, sending
into it the news of his arrival, and they began to bring out unto Jesus all that were sick, carrying them about on their cots
unto where they heard he was. And wheresoever he entered, whether into villages or into cities, or into the countryside, they
laid the sick in the market places, and they besought him that they might only touch if it were the fringe of his garment:
and as many as touched it were made whole.
LX. The Bread of Life (Jn 6:22-71)
On the next day, some of the dismissed multitude was milling about on the other side of the sea, and they perceived that
there had been no other boat there but one - that into which his disciples had entered - and that Jesus did not enter into
it with his disciples, but that his disciples went away alone. However, there came other boats from Tiberias near unto the
place where they ate bread after the Lord had given thanks. When therefore the multitude gathered or surmised that Jesus was
not there, neither his disciples, they themselves also got into those boats and came unto Capernaum seeking Jesus. And when
they found him on the other side of the sea in a synagogue, they said unto him, "Rabbi, when did you come hither so that
you are presently in this place?" Jesus answered them and said, "Most certainly I say unto you, that you are all
seeking me, not because you attained unto a true knowledge and assurance of God, but because you all ate of the loaves of
bread and were all gorged, satiated and satisfied. Don't be performing, laboring or working for the food that is perishing,
but for the food lasting and enduring unto the extent of life everlasting or eternal existence which the Son of Man or Messiah
will give unto you; for God the Father has distinctively marked this One, distinguishing him with his seal, thus certifying
or putting his stamp of approval on him as invested with his character." Then they said unto him, "What should we
be doing in order that we might be accomplishing, performing or committing the deeds, works or business of God?" Jesus
answered and said unto them, "This is the performance, process, course of action, work or business of God: that you all
should give credence, believe and trust or faith into He whom that One sent forth and put into action." Then they said
unto him, "Then what sign are you doing, causing, effecting, manifesting or putting into execution as indicating proof
so that we may see and perhaps believe you? What are you engaging in? Our forefathers ate the manna in the wilderness as a
sign, according as it currently says, having been written: "He gave to them bread to eat out of heaven."" Jesus
therefore said unto them, "Most certainly I say unto you, Moses did not supply you that bread out of heaven for to yield
presently or currently needed results; however my Father is now presently and continually supplying, giving or providing unto
all of you the real and true Bread out of heaven; for the Bread of God is the One coming down or descending out of heaven
and giving, providing or presenting spiritual life unto the world - the aggregate of mankind." Then they said unto him,
"Lord, constantly or continually give us this bread always and forever." And Jesus said unto them, "I am the
Bread of life. The one coming unto me shall not hunger in spirit at all, and the one believing, faithing and trusting into
me shall in no way thirst in spirit - ever [e.g. shall not spiritually long for or ardently desire due to a lack of spiritual
resources at any time]. But I tell you that you all have also seen and observed me and yet you all are not believing. All
that the Father is appointing, entrusting and giving unto me will come unto me, and the one coming unto me I shall in no way
refuse as not belonging to my community. For I have come down or descended from heaven, and as a result am here, not so that
I might be doing my pleasure or will, but the sovereign pleasure or will of the One sending me. And this is the sovereign
pleasure or will of my Father sending me: that of all which I have of that he has appointed, entrusted and given me, I shall
lose nothing, but will raise it up from the dead on the last day. And this is the sovereign pleasure or will of the One sending
me: that everyone coming into the experiential knowledge of the Son and giving credence, believing and faithing or trusting
into him can presently have, possess and retain life everlasting or eternal existence, and I will raise him up the last day."
Then the Jews were grumbling, murmering and indignantly complaining about him in sullen discontent because he said, "I
am the Bread coming down or descending out of heaven." And they said, "Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, of
whom we presently know with certainty both father and mother? How then does it happen that this one is now saying, "Out
of heaven I have come down or descended?"" Then Jesus answered and said unto them, "Do not murmer and grumble
with one another. No one is now absolutely and intrinsically able to come unto me unless the Father sending me can draw him,
and I will raise him up the last day. It is current, having been written in the prophets, "And they will all be taught
by God." Everyone, then, hearing from the Father, being taught and learning, comes unto me - not that a mere mortal person
has ever seen, looked upon or beheld the Father except the One being from God - this Person (Jesus) has seen the Father. Most
certainly I say unto you, the one believing and trusting into me is in fact currently possessing and now enjoying everlasting
life or eternal existence [of the soul, and eventually union with the resurrection body on the last day]. [See: I Corinthians
chapter 15.] I am the Bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness and yet experienced death (the end of life
and separation from God). This (Jesus) is the Bread coming down or descending out of heaven, for the purpose - in order that
a person might eat of it and might not die the death [e.g. experiencing final condemnation to hell, eternal misery, and eternal
separation from God]. I am the specifically designated living Bread coming down or descending from heaven. If a person should
eat of this Bread, he will live unto the extent or duration of eternity. And, in fact, the Bread which I will give is my flesh,
which I will vicariously give over and above in behalf of the needed spiritual life of the world - the aggregate of mankind."
[Spiritual life ("dzoe") is deliverance from the proper penalty of being a sinner, which is eternal spiritual death
("thanatos") - the forfeiture of salvation and retention of eternal separation from God in hell.]
Therefore the Jews were arguing, contending and disputing with one another, saying, "How is this one absolutely and
intrinsically able to give us his flesh to eat?" Then Jesus said unto them, "Most certainly I say unto you, Unless
you should eat the flesh of the Son of Man or Messiah, and you should drink his blood, you are not having or possessing eternal
life in yourselves. The one eating or consuming my flesh and drinking my blood is in fact currently possessing and now enjoying
everlasting life or eternal existence, and I will raise him up the last day; for my flesh is true food, and my blood is true
drink. The one eating or consuming my flesh and drinking my blood is in close and settled union with me - abiding in me, and
I in him.[Ingestion and swallowing exhibits or demonstrates appropriation and commitment, thus today we partake of the Lord's
supper or table.] In the same manner that the living Father sent me forth into action, and I am living by way and means of
the Father, so also the one eating or consuming me, that one also will live by way and means of me and participate in the
results thereof. This is the Bread coming down or descending out of heaven - not in the manner that your fathers ate of the
manna and yet experienced temporal death with separation from God - the one eating or consuming this Bread will live unto
the extent or duration of eternity." These things he said while teaching in a synagogue in Capernaum.
Consequently, after hearing this, many of his disciples said, "This talk, doctrine or subject matter is repulsive,
offensive, and grating to the mind. Who is currently able to mentally admit or take it in, listen, hear, heed, obey or understand
it?" But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling, murmering and indignantly complaining about this
in sullen discontent, he said unto them, "Is this offending your sensibilities with feelings of repugnance?" What
if you then witness the Son of Man or Messiah ascending or going up unto where he formerly was before? It is the Spirit that
makes alive or quickens with salvific life. The flesh is not profiting, benefiting or helping anyone. The doctrines, words,
declarations and things which I am speaking, announcing and disclosing unto you are spirit and are life, but there are some
out of you who are not believing." For Jesus knew absolutely from the start those who were not mentally persuaded or
believing, and also who would be handing him over. Therefore he said, "With a view to this, I told you that no one is
able to come unto me unless it has been permitted, allowed, granted or given unto him from my Father."
After this many of his disciples abandoned him and went away, returning unto their former occupations, no longer following,
accompanying, walking or associating with him. Therefore Jesus said unto the twelve, "Are you not also inclined, disposed
or intending to depart, leave or go away?" Then Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, unto whom will we go? You are holding
and furnishing the doctrines of eternal existence or everlasting life; and we have believed with the present result that we
still faith and trust, and we have known with the present result that we are assured that you are the Christ - Messiah - the
Son of the living God." Then Jesus answered them, "Have I not chosen or selected the twelve of you as recipients
of special favour and privelege, myself participating in the results of this action, and one of you is a traitor and treacherous
informer?" And he spoke of Judas Iscariot son of Simon; for being one of the twelve, this one was about to hand him over.
LXI. Eating with Unwashed Hands (Mt 15:1-20; Mk 7:1-23)
And then there approached and were assembled together unto Jesus some Pharisees and certain of the scribes which had come
from Jerusalem. And they had seen that some of his disciples had eaten their bread with defiled - that is unwashed - hands;
and they discontentedly censured and blamed, finding fault. For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they first
diligently wash their hands with the fist up to the elbows, holding to the tradition of the elders. And coming straight from
the marketplace even, they do not eat unless they wash themselves. And there are many other things which they have accepted
to observe: the washing of cups, pots, utensils, brazen vessels, and even couches.
So the Pharisees and the scribes questioned him, "Why are your disciples not living according to the ancestral tradition,
but transgressing or violating the traditionary law handed down over our generations by eating their bread with unwashed hands?
For they are not washing their hands for personal cleanliness whenever they might eat bread"
And Jesus answered and said unto them, "Why are you also transgressing the precept or commandment of God by reason
of your tradition? For God through Moses commanded saying, "Honour, reverence, respect and hold in estimation your father
and your mother: and the one contemning father or mother, treating them with disrespect or addressing them with offensive
language, let his end be death - the violent extinction of life." But you all say, "If a man, or whosoever else,
shall say to their father or their mother, "Whatever help, profit or benefit you might have received or gained from me
is Corban - a gift, offering and sacrifice made unto God in fulfillment of a vow - that is to say, it is already spoken for,"
he does not have to in any way honour, reverence, respect or esteem his father or his mother." You no longer allow him
to do anything for his father or his mother. You are setting aside, displacing, and have made void, annulled, and deprived
of authority the precept, commandment or Word of God because of your tradition which you have promoted; and you do many other
such like things."
You religious hypocrites! Isaiah appositely, suitably or rightly prophesied concerning you, saying as it is written, "This
people offers me reverence and worship with their mouth, and are respecting, esteeming or honouring me with lip service; but
their heart as the seat of feeling, desire and affection, and the inner mental frame is distantly estranged from me. But they
are venerating, worshipping, reverencing or adoring me in vainity and futility, teaching as subjects, precepts or doctrines
the ordinances and commandments of men." You abandon or let go the commandments of God, and hold fast to or retain the
traditions of men - acts of dipping or immersing utensils, and cups, and many such similar things you do. Full well do you
reject the commandment of God so that you may observe your tradition."
Then he called near to himself the multitude again, and said unto them, "Hear me all of you, and thoroughly understand:
There is nothing from without the man that being put into the mouth is defiling, polluting or rendering the man ceremonially
unclean. Nothing external entering the man is able to profane or desecrate him. That which enters the mouth does not defile,
but that which is proceeding from out of the speaking mouth. The things which proceed out of the man are those that are profaning,
defiling, polluting or rendering the man ceremonially unclean. He that has ears to hear, let him hear!" Then came the
disciples and said unto him, "Do you know that the Pharisees became shocked, pained and offended upon hearing this saying?"
But he answered and said, "Every plant which my heavenly Father has not planted or situated shall be rooted up and eradicated.
Do not care for them. Let them alone. They are mentally blind guides, leaders and instructors or teachers of the mentally
blind; and if the blind lead or guide the blind, both will fall into a pit."
And when he had entered into a house to get away from the multitude, Peter and the rest of his disciples asked and said
unto him, "Explain, expound or interpret for us this illustration." And he said unto them, "Are you even now
unintelligent and dull in understanding? Are you not yet comprehending that everything external, being put into a man by way
of his mouth, cannot ceremonially defile him; because it does not enter into his heart, but is moving or passing into his
belly, and is eventually excreted, thus purging or eliminating all foods out into the privy, receptacle or toilet? But the
things proceeding from out of the speaking mouth of the man, are emanating or rising forth from out of the heart, and this
is what is profaning, defiling, polluting or rendering the man ceremonially unclean. For out of or from within the hearts
of men are coming forth, emanating or proceeding wrongful, wicked, evil thoughts, reasonings, purposes, cogitations and ratiocinations
such as: murders, killings, adulteries, fornications, whoredoms, lustful passions, thefts, lies, false witnesses and testimonies,
calumnies, blasphemies, railings and reproaches, covetings and greedy desires, iniquities, wickedness, lasciviousness, deceit,
fault-finding, pride, foolishness: all these evil things are the things which proceed from within and are profaning, desecrating,
defiling, polluting or rendering the man ceremonially unclean; but to eat with unwashed hands is not profaning, desecrating,
defiling, polluting or rendering the man ceremonially unclean." [See Appendix "D"]
The Third Period of Galilean Ministry
LXII. The Syrophoenician Woman (Mt 15:21-31; Mk 7:24-37)
And rising up Jesus went away, going out from there and withdrawing into the borders of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered
into a house, desiring that no man would know it, but he could not be hidden. And behold, immediately a Canaanitish woman
came out from those borders, whose little daughter had an unclean spirit, and having heard of him, she came and fell down
at his feet. Now the woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by race, and she cried, saying, "Have pity and compassion on
me, O lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is being grievously and vehemently possessed, afflicted and vexed with a devil
or demon." But he answered her not a word. And then his disciples came and besought him, saying, "Dismiss or send
her away; for she is vociferating or crying out after us." But he answered and said, "I have not been sent but unto
the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But she came and worshipped him, saying, "Lord, help me!" And she besought
him much that he would cast forth or expel the devil out of her daughter. Then he answered and said unto her, "First
let, permit or allow the children to be fed, filled and satisfied: for it is not proper to take the children's bread and toss
it to the dogs or curs." [Jews considered Gentiles dogs.] But she answered and said unto him, "Yea, Lord: but even
the little dogs underneath the table are always eating of the children's bits, crumbs and morsels falling from their lord's
eating-table." [The Alexandrian Text has: "they are always eating" 3rd person plural present indicative; the
Received Text has: "you are always eating" 2nd person singular present indicative. The first choice is more correct
in this context. See appendix "A."] And then Jesus answered and said unto her, "O woman, great is your faith;
because of this your saying, let it be done unto you even as you are desiring. Be going your way; the demon has gone out of
your daughter and she is free." And her daughter was healed from that very hour. And the woman went away unto her house,
and found the child lying upon the bed, and the demon was gone.
And Jesus departed again from there, leaving the borders of Tyre, and came through Sidon, nigh unto the sea of Galilee,
through the midst of the borders of Decapolis. And going up into the mountain, he sat there. And there came unto him great
multitudes, having with themselves the lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and they cast them down at the feet of
Jesus and he healed them insomuch that the multitudes wondered when they saw the dumb speaking, the maimed whole, and the
lame walking, and the blind seeing: and they glorified, magnified or extolled the virtues of the God of Israel.
And they brought unto him one that was deaf, and who had a speech impediment; and they begged him that he would lay his
hand upon him. And he privately took him aside from the crowd, and thrust his fingers into his ears, and spitting he touched
his tongue; and looking up into heaven, he inwardly sighed, and said unto him in Aramaean, "Ephphatha," which means,
"be thou opened." And instantly his ears were opened, and the bond of his tongue was loosened, and he spoke rightly
and plainly. And Jesus charged them that they should tell no one: but the more he charged them, so much the more they abundantly
published it. And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, "He has done all things well: he makes even the deaf to
hear, and the dumb to speak."
LXIII. Feeding Four Thousand and A Sign from Heaven (Mt 15:32-16:12; Mk 8:1-21)
In those days, when there was again a great multitude, and they had had nothing to eat, Jesus called near unto himself
his disciples and said unto them, "I am moved with pity and compassion over the multitude, because they are continuing
and remaining with me now three days, and they do not have or possess anything at all that they may eat. I do not want to
send them away fasting. If I dismiss or send them away unto their home fasting, they may become weary and will faint on the
way; for some of them have come from afar." And his disciples answered and said unto him, "From where can we get
for us so many loaves for these here, and how will anyone be able to fill and satisfy so great a multitude with bread here
in a desert?" And Jesus asked them, "How many loaves do you have?" And they said, "Seven - and a few small
fish." And he ordered the multitude to recline on the ground: and taking the seven loaves, and having given thanks, he
broke them, and gave unto his disciples to set before them; and the disciples set them before the multitude. And since they
had a few small fish: having blessed them, he commanded to set these also before them. And they did all eat and were filled:
and they took up of broken pieces which remained over, seven hand-baskets full. And they that did eat were about four thousand
men, beside women and children: and then he sent the multitude away.
And immediately he entered into a boat with his disciples, and came into the parts of Dalmanutha near the borders of Magadan.
And both the Pharisees and Saducees came forth, mischievously proving him and putting him to the test; and they began to argue
with him, seeking after and asking for him to show them evidential proof, or a convincing token from heaven. And sighing deeply
in his spirit he answered, saying unto them, "When sunset occurs, you are saying, "Fair weather and clear skies:
for the sky is red." And in early morning, you are saying, "Stormy weather today: for the sky is red and lowering."
Hypocrites! You are indeed skilled and masterful to discriminately discern the appearance of the sky; but you are not able
to discern the signs of the seasons marked by characteristic circumstances as this signal juncture is. Why does this generation
seek a sign? An evil, malignant, impious, wicked and spiritually adulterous, faithless, ungodly generation is requiring or
demanding a sign. Truly I say unto you, there will be no received sign given or presented unto this generation but the unobserved
sign of Jonah the prophet." And he forsook them, departing with his disciples.
And entering again into the boat they came to the other side; but for one loaf they forgot to take enough bread; and they
had not more than that one loaf with them in the boat. And Jesus charged, saying unto them, "Observe and mark this: watch
out, shun and beware: avoid the leaven of the Pharisees and Saducees, and the leaven of Herod [re: Herodians]." And they
deliberated with one another and reasoned among themselves, saying, "It is because we took no bread and therefore we
have none." And Jesus perceiving it said unto them, "You all of scant, weak, little faith! Why do you reason and
deliberate among yourselves "because you have taken no bread?" You are not yet observing and clearly perceiving,
neither thoroughly comprehending and understanding. You are still becoming dense, callous and unimpressible in your mind.
Having intellectual eyes, you are not seeing; and having ears, you are not hearing, and not remembering. When I broke the
five loaves among the five thousand - are you now perceiving and recalling how many baskets full of broken pieces you did
take up?" They said unto him, "Twelve." And when I broke the seven loaves among the four thousand, how many
hand-baskets filled with broken pieces did you take up?" And they said unto him, "Seven." And he said unto
them, "How is it that you are not thoroughly comprehending and understanding? How does it come to pass that you do not
clearly perceive that I spoke not to you concerning bread? But beware of the leaven (the system of thinking, doctrine, morals
and conduct) of the Pharisees and Sadducees." Then they understood that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread,
but of the instruction, doctrine or teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
LXIV. Peter's Confession and Christ's Death and Resurrection Foretold (Mt 16:13-28; Mk 8:22-9:1; Lk 9:18-27)
And they came again unto Bethsaida. And there was brought unto Jesus a blind man, and they begged him to touch him. And
he took hold of the blind man by the hand, and brought him outside of the village; and when he had spit on his eyes, and laid
his hands upon him, he asked him, "Do you see anything?" And the man looked up and said, "I see men; for I
behold them as trees walking about." Then again he laid his hands upon his eyes; and the man looked steadfastly, and
was restored, seeing all things clearly. And Jesus sent him away unto his home, saying, "You may not enter into the village,
nor may you tell anyone in the village."
Now Jesus and his disciples went forth and came into the parts and villages of Caesarea Philippi. And it came to pass,
as he was praying within himself on the way, that he interrogated, inquired, questioned or asked of his disciples, saying
unto them, "What are the multitudes of men saying of me, the Son of Man, to be?" And they answered and told him,
saying, "Some: John the Baptist; and some others: Elijah; and others besides these: Jeremiah - or a certain one of the
old prophets risen again." And he asked, saying unto them, "And all of you, who are you saying me to be?" And
Simon Peter answered and said unto him, "You are the Christ - the Messiah - the Son of the living God." And Jesus
answered and said unto him, "You are happy, blessed and fortunate, Simon Bar-Jonah: for flesh and blood has not revealed
this unto you, but my Father in the heavens. And I also now say unto you, that you are a rock (kephas), and upon this rock
(kephas) I will establish and construct my Church; and the gates of hades - the nether world and its powers of destruction
and dissolution - shall not overpower her. [Petros is the Greek rendering of the Aramaic surname Kephas given to Simon in
John 1:42, and therefore it has the same sense as the Greek word petra. The sayings of Jesus in Matthew were originally in
Aramaic - not Greek. The following context also supports this interpretation. Therefore Simon is also the second rock referred
to above - not Christ.] And I will give, bestow, present, entrust and commit to your charge the keys to the kingdom of the
heavens (as the symbol of power and authority): and whatsoever you may pronounce or declare to be binding and obligatory,
or prohibited and unlawful upon the earth, will be, having been already pronounced or declared to be binding and obligatory,
or prohibited and unlawful in the heavens; and whatsoever you may declare free regarding privileges or with respect to lawfulness
upon earth, will be, having been already declared free in the heavens [e.g. Peter will act according to the leading of the
Holy Spirit]." And then he charged his disciples, commanding, interdicting and prohibiting that they should tell no one
that he is Jesus the Christ or the Messiah.
And from that time on Jesus began to teach them, showing unto his disciples how that he must go away into Jerusalem, saying,
"It behoves the Son of Man to be affected [Isaiah chapters 52:13-53:12], and to suffer and endure many cruel, evil things,
and to be disallowed his claim of derivation and origination from heaven - all at the hands of the elders and the chief priests
and the scribes - and to be disfigured [Isaiah 52:14], rendered unrecognizeable and killed, and the third day to rise - be
raised up from the dead." And he said this thing openly: so that (moments after his brilliant declaration) Simon Peter,
taking him aside unto himself for to address him, began to remonstrate with him, saying, "God forbid! Far be it from
you, Lord: This will never be unto you." But Jesus, turning his back to him while beholding his disciples, rebuked Peter,
saying, "Get behind me, opponent, enemy or adversary! You are a spring-trap, stumblingblock and impediment unto me: for
you are not inclined toward, set upon, or minding the things of God, but the things of men." And he called unto himself
the crowd that was gathering with his disciples and he said unto them all, "If anyone, whosoever of you, is desiring
to come after me, let him disregard or renounce himself, participating in the results of this action, and take up and bear
his cross daily - being ready to encounter any extremity - and let him imitate and follow me as a disciple. For whosoever
would desire to save or preserve his life from being lost, will lose or be deprived of it; and whosoever should lose or be
deprived of his life on my account, for my sake, or by reason of me and the Gospel, this one and the same person shall find,
realize or gain it, and save or preserve it from being lost. For, what help, profit or benefit will it be to a man, if he
should gain or acquire possession of the whole entire world, while nullifying or ruining himself in the process, and potentially
receiving loss and forfeiture of his life? Or what will a man give in exchange as compensation or equivalent ransom for his
life? For whosoever might be, or is, ashamed of me and my words in this spiritually adulterous, faithless, ungodly and depraved
generation, this one the Son of Man also will be ashamed of when he comes in his glory; for the Son of Man is about to come
with the glory of his Father and with the glory of his holy angels; and then he will address all claim and expectation, and
render what is due unto every man, separately, according to his actions, deeds, ways, practices and behavior." [II Thessalonians
1:5-10] And he said unto them, "Truly I say unto you, there are those - some of you - standing here who will in no way
experience the taste of death, or die, until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom [Palm Sunday], and until they shall
see, observe or witness the kingdom of God having come with power [Pentecost]."
LXV. The Transfiguration (Mt 17:1-13; Mk 9:2-13; Lk 9:28-36)
And it came to pass about six to eight days after these sayings that Jesus went and took with him Peter, and James, and
John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain apart by themselves to pray. And as he was praying, the fashion
of his countenance became altered, and his form did change as he was transfigured in their presence; and his face did shine
as the sun; and his glistering garments became whiter than snow and dazzling as light, so as no fuller on earth can whiten
them. And behold, there appeared unto them two men talking together with Jesus: Moses and Elijah - who appeared in glory,
and spoke about his departure and decease which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and they that were with
him were drowsy with sleep: but when they were fully awake, they saw his glory, and that of the two men that stood with him.
And it came to pass as they were parting from him, that Peter said unto Jesus, "Lord and Master, it is delightful and
pleasant for us to remain here in this place: if you are willing, maybe we can construct here in this place three temporary
tabernacles - one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah," not knowing what he was saying; for they did not know
how to respond; for they became very fearful. While he was yet speaking these things, behold, there came a bright, radiant,
lustrous cloud overshadowing them, and they feared as they entered into the cloud: and behold, there came a voice out of the
cloud, saying, "This is my dear, beloved Son, my Approved and Chosen in whom I take delight or pleasure: heedfully hear
and obey him." And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face and became greatly afraid and alarmed. And after
the voice came, Jesus was found alone. And lifting up their eyes and suddenly looking round about they saw no one any more
save Jesus only with themselves. And Jesus came near and touched them and said, "Rise up, and be not alarmed or afraid
while receiving and participating in the results of this action." And they relaxed and held their peace, and told no
man in those days any of the things which they had seen.
And as they were preparing to come down from the mountain, Jesus charged them that they should tell no one the things
that they had seen. He commanded, saying, "Tell the vision unto no one until the Son of Man should rise from the dead."
And they kept the saying, debating among themselves what the rising from the dead should mean. And his disciples questioned
him, saying, "Why do the scribes say that it is necessary for Elijah to come first?" And answering Jesus said unto
them, "Elijah is indeed prior to and coming first, and will restore or prepare all. It has been written with respect
of, in the case of, or against the Son of Man, that he should suffer many things, and should be denigrated, despised, contemned,
and treated with contempt and scorn. But I say unto you that Elijah has before now come and already passed, and they discerned,
recognized and acknowledged him not, but did unto him whatsoever they wanted, even as it has been written of him. In this
way also the Son of Man is on the verge of suffering and enduring harm by their instrumentality [Psalm 22:1-21]." Then
the disciples understood that he spoke unto them concerning John the Baptist.
LXVI. The Demoniac Boy, and Christ's Coming Passion Reinforced (Mt 17:14-27; Mk 9:14-32; Lk 9:37-45)
And it came to pass on the next day as they were coming down from the mountain, that when they had come unto the rest
of the disciples, they saw a great multitude milling round about them, and some scribes were disputing and caviling with those
disciples. And immediately when they had come unto the multitude, all the multitude saw Jesus, and they were greatly amazed,
and running up to him they met and greeted him. And he asked the scribes, "What are you disputing and caviling with them
over?" And behold, there came and cried out aloud unto him one man out of the multitude there, who answered while kneeling
unto him, saying, "Lord and Teacher, I beseech you to have pity and compassion on my son and look him over; for he is
my only child. And look, I brought him unto you, because having a dumb spirit, wheresoever it decides to seize or take possession
of him, he suddenly cries out as it is throwing him down on the ground! He is a lunatic and is suffering grievously: for he
is frequently falling into the fire, and often into the water, and it scarcely lets go of him without debilitating him and
depriving him of strength; and it convulses him so that he is frothing and foaming at the mouth, and he is gnashing and grinding
his teeth and is pining away. And I told your disciples and brought him unto them, and begged them that they might cast it
out; but they were unable to cure him and they prevailed not - they could not minister unto him at all."
And Jesus addressed them, saying, "O unbelieving, faithless, perverted and corrupted generation with no confidence
in any one! How long will I be with you? How long will I bear with you? Bring your son: conduct him here unto me." And
they brought or conducted the boy near unto him: and as he was yet a coming, the demon saw Jesus and it immediately threw
the boy down and violently convulsed him, distorting him grievously; and falling down upon the ground he wallowed and rolled
in pain while frothing and foaming at the mouth. And Jesus interrogated his father, "How long has it been since this
started happening to him?" And he said, "From childhood. And many times it has thrown him both into the fire and
into the waters in order that it might kill him: but if you are intrinsically and absolutely able to do anything, being moved
with pity and compassion for us, hurry to our aid. Succor and help us." And Jesus said unto him, "Whether you are
intrinsically and absolutely able to believe or not: all things are possible and capable of being done unto the one faithing
and believing!" Immediately the father of the child cried out with tears, saying, "I believe, Lord! You assist,
aid or help me with my lack of trust and confidence or state of unbelief!" And when Jesus saw that the multitude was
pressing in, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying unto it, "Dumb and deaf spirit, I charge you: come out from him, and
you may no more enter into or take possession of him." And crying out with great agitation and convulsion, the demon
went, coming out from him: and the boy passed out and became as if dead, insomuch that the greater part of the people said,
"He is dead." But Jesus, taking him by the hand, raised him up: he healed the boy as he stood up; and he was cured
from that very hour. Jesus gave him back unto his father while all were marvelling at all the things which he did, and they
were all astonished at the majesty of God.
And when Jesus entered into a house, then came his disciples apart, and said unto him privately, "We were not able
to cast it out." And then they questioned him, saying, "Why were we not able to cast him out?" And he said
unto them, "Because of your lack of trust and confidence, and unbelieving faithlessness. For truly I say unto you, if
you have or possess faith like as a grain of mustard, you will say unto this mountain, "Be removed from here to there;
and it will go: and nothing will be impossible for you. But this kind, type or species is not cast out, or is able to vacate
in the presence of no one, unless accompanied by the instrumentality or efficient means of prayer and fasting."
And they went forth from there and passed through Galilee; and Jesus desired not that any man should know it. And while
they were gathering themselves together to stay in Galilee, he taught his disciples, saying unto them, "Retentively and
attentively listen, giving audience to these words, and let them sink into your ears [e.g. this is important]: for the Son
of Man is about to be handed over - delivered into the hands of men; and they will kill him; and on the third day he will
be raised." And they became exceedingly grieved, distressed and sorrowful. And so he reinforced it, by saying, "The
Son of Man is being delivered up and handed over into the hands of men; and they will kill him, and having been killed, on
the third day he will rise up and participate in its results." But they understood not this saying; for having been concealed
from them, they could not perceive it: and they were afraid to ask him about it.
Now when they arrived in Capernaum, they that received the half-shekel came to Simon Peter and said, "Does not your
teacher pay the half-shekel?" And Simon Peter said, "Yeah!" And when he entered into the house where Jesus
was, Jesus, anticipating, spoke unto him first, saying, "What do you think, Simon? The kings of the earth: from whom
are they collecting impost or tax - from their sons or from foreigners?" And when Peter said, "From foreigners."
Jesus said unto him, "Then it is a fact that the sons are exempt. But lest we happen to offend them, it is expedient
that you, having gone unto the sea, cast a hook. Take the fish coming up first, and opening its mouth, you shall find a shekel:
taking that, give it unto them both for me and for you."
LXVII. Forgiveness of Others and Humility as Children (Mt 18:1-35; Mk 9:33-50; Lk 9:46-50)
In that hour came the rest of the disciples into the house unto Jesus; but there had arisen a reasoning among them while
they were on the way of which of them should be the greatest. So he questioned them, "What were you all reasoning, disputing
and contending amongst yourselves on the way?" For he had seen the reasoning of their hearts, that they had contended
and disputed one with another on the way over who the greatest would be. But they held their peace with one another and did
not answer. And John answered, saying unto him, "Teacher, Master, we saw someone casting out devils in your Name who
is not following us; and we hindered, prevented, restrained and forbade him because he is not following with us." So
Jesus said unto him, "Do not hinder, prevent, restrain or forbid him: for there is no one who will do, accomplish or
perform a work of power in my Name, and be easily or readily able to revile, verbally abuse, assail with reproaches, or speak
evil of me. For he who is not against us, is for us: and whosoever may give you even so much as a cup of water to drink in
my Name, because you are of Christ, truly I say unto you, in no way will he lose or be deprived of his reward."
Finally, one of the disciples asked, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Then Jesus sat down and
called the twelve unto himself, and said unto them, "If anyone is desiring to be chief, he will be lowest of all, and
servant of all." And he summoned a little child, and taking him he set him by his side in their midst, and embracing
him he said unto them, "Truly I say unto you, unless you should all change your course of principle and conduct, and
should be converted and become like as the little children, you can not in any way enter into the kingdom of the heavens.
[Simple child-like trust in Christ is required to be able to enter.] And the one being lowly, humble and least among you all,
this same one will be great. Therefore, whosoever shall depress or suppress their pride and humble themselves in order to
be like as this child, this one is the greater in the kingdom of the heavens.
"And on the one hand, whoever shall kindly receive, welcome, grant access to, or admit out of such little children
one such like child of this kind or sort in respect for my Name as the Author of The Faith, is receiving me: and whosoever
shall kindly admit, welcome and receive me, is not merely receiving me, but is receiving also the One sending me. On the other
hand, whoever may cause one of these little ones believing into me to morally stumble, falter or err, it is more conducive
to advantage, profitable and expedient for him that he should receive a colossal ass-turned millstone for to be hung upon
or suspended from around his neck for execution, and he were to be cast or plunged into and submerged in the depth of the
open sea. Woe and alas, unto the world, derived or originating from the causes and occasions of sinning! For it is a necessity
for the causes and occasions of sinning to come; but nevertheless, woe and alas unto that individual through whom the cause
or occasion of sinning is coming! See to it that you do not disparagingly contemn, scorn or despise one of these little ones;
for I say unto you that in heaven, all their angels, while subject, are always beholding the countenance of my Father who
is in the heavens; But the Son of Man came to save that which is stray and lost. What do you think? If there should be to
a certain man an hundred sheep, and one of them should wander about and become stray, does he not leave the ninety and nine,
going upon the hills, seeking and looking for the one straying? And if he should happen to find it, truly I say unto you that
he is rejoicing over it more greatly than over the ninety and nine that were not wandering about or straying. [See the Prodigal
Son parable and how the father relates to the two sons in the end.] Even so it is not the will in the sight or estimation
of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish and participate in the results of such a fate.
"Now if your hand is continually causing you to morally stumble, cut it off and throw it away from you: it is better
or more profitable for you to enter into life maimed or crippled, rather than having your two hands and to be cast away into
the continuing unquenchable fire of Gehenna, where their gnawing anguish has no end, and the fire is never extinguished. And
if your foot is continually causing you to morally stumble, cut it off and throw it away from you: it is better or more profitable
for you to enter into life deprived of a foot, rather than having your two feet and to be cast into the continuing unquenchable
fire of Gehenna, where their gnawing anguish has no end, and the fire is never extinguished. And if your eye is continually
causing you to morally stumble, pluck or tear it out and throw it away from you: it is better or more profitable for you to
enter into life in the kingdom of God deprived of an eye, rather than having two eyes and to be cast into the fire of Gehenna,
where their gnawing anguish has no end, and the fire is never extinguished. [A man's body parts are precious to him. So is
sin to the sinner. Sin prevents salvation. Gehenna, properly, the Valley of Hinnom, is here a picture of the fires of a very
real hell, waiting for the unbeliever who refuses to repent, cut off, and let go of his sin in order to get saved. Amputation
here indicates the extent of seriousness with which that sin is to be viewed, and how painful it is to let go, but amputation
is not actually carried out in practice as a work having redeeming or salvific value. It means you must earnestly separate
yourself from your love affair with the impediment of sin in repentance so you can be saved. It is not salvation by works,
but a qualifying adjustment; but it still must be done to demonstrate genuine repentance (Luke 19:8-9). One cannot become
saved while at the same time clutching or clinging to pet sins he values as much as salvation. True repentance means that
all known sin must be repudiated if and when coming to Christ. After salvation, avoidance and prevention are certainly virtues,
so diligence in recognizing triggers to formerly prized sins is key to success as a new believer (Matthew 5:29-30). Daily
maintenance is also necessary (1st John 1:7,9). Frequent uncontrolled, unpunished, habitual sin may indicate a lack of salvation
in some, or if divine discipline for that sin is present, that a believer is walking in carnality. Part of bearing one's cross
is putting to death the self-life, and this also involves forsaking sin. Then applies what follows below - you are preserved
by the subsequently indwelling Holy Spirit.]
"But all will be salted, seasoned and preserved by salting with fire, and every sacrifice will be salted, seasoned
and preserved by salting with salt: Salt is useful; but if that salt becomes insipid, with what will you season or make savory
in or during preparation? You all are possessing and holding or retaining salt in yourselves. [All believers will be taught,
kept, influenced and empowered by means of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Inculcation with Truth preserves and aids the functionality
of the believer. Gospel truth over time along with the aforementioned indwelling Holy Spirit qualifies all recipients who
reach maturity for undeserved suffering which will purify believers, while building endurance, perseverance and character.
All works are acceptable when done with proper motives in accordance with Gospel truth. Salt preserves, makes men thirsty,
and burns in the open wounds of sin. The compromise of Gospel truth neutralizes or negates your effectiveness in, and influence
over the world as a believer. Gospel truth in conjunction with the indwelling Holy Spirit that follows, both in the believer,
are each the source of power for our effectiveness in, and influence over the world. Both must be inside the believer to be
effective. Thus we continually inculcate ourselves with the Truth of the Gospel over time, and continually maintain our fellowship
with God through the Holy Spirit by doing right obeying Christ, and keeping our sins confessed. Simply put: Every believer
is preserved by the Spirit; every work is preserved by the Truth. Truth is useful and the Spirit is powerful, but both become
ineffective when compromised, and thus the believer then becomes effectively neutralized. Both must be in you, and it is up
to you to maintain their functionality by making yourself consistently available to their influence by the regular act of
will.]
"Also, cultivate peace concord and harmony with one another. Now if your brother should be guilty of wrong against
you, you go and reprove or rebuke him between you and he alone: if he should heed and obey you, you have won over your brother
from estrangement. But if he should not heed and obey you, then take with you in addition one or two more, so that by the
word or speech of two or three judicial deponents or witnesses every matter, affair or verbal exchange might be confirmed
or proven. And if he should fail to give ear, neglect obedience and callously disregard them, then you explain or tell it
to the congregation: and if he should even refuse to listen, neglect to obey, and callously disregard the congregation also,
then let him be unto you just like as the unsaved heathen and the despised revenuer. Truly I say unto you, whatsoever you
may pronounce to be binding or obligatory, and declare to be prohibited and unlawful, upon the earth, will be, having been
already pronounced to be binding or obligatory, and declared to be prohibited and unlawful in heaven; and whatsoever you may
declare free regarding privileges or with respect to lawfulness upon the earth, will be, having been already declared free
in heaven [meaning we will be acting in accord with the will of God by virtue of the indwelling Holy Spirit's control]. Again
I say unto you, that if two of you should make an agreement or be in accord upon the earth about, concerning or respecting
any matter or affair whatever they may request or desire while participating in the results of this action, it will come to
pass, be produced, occur, take place, happen, or be done for them from my Father who is in heaven. For where two or three
are, having been already assembled, convened, or gathered together in my Name as the Author of the Faith, I am there in their
midst or among them.
Then Simon Peter came up to him and said, "Lord, how often or how many times will my brother be guilty of wrong or
sin against me and I will pass over, remit or forgive him - up until seven times?" Then Jesus said unto him, "I
say not unto you, "Up until seven times," but, "Up until seventy times seven." For this reason the kingdom
of the heavens can be compared or likened unto a man - a king - who decided to reckon for payment or take account with his
slaves. And he commencing to adjust accounts, one debtor who owed him a myriad - thirty million shekels - was brought near
unto him. And he not having the ability to repay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and the children, and all
as much as he had, and the debt to be repaid. Then falling down prostrate, the slave was reverencing and paying homage unto
him, saying, "Lord, forbear and exercise patience upon me in clemency and I will repay all unto you." And the lord
of that slave, compassionating, loosed or released him from his burden and remitted or forgave him the debt or loan. But that
slave happened upon one of his fellow-slaves who was owing and indebted unto him of one hundred agorot: and apprehending him,
he seized him by the throat and throttled him, saying, "Give back unto me that which you are owing." Then falling
down prostrate before his feet his fellow slave was imploring and begging him, saying, "Forbear and exercise patience
upon me in clemency and I will repay unto you all." But he was unwilling: but put him away into prison until he should
give back that having been already owed. And his fellow slaves seeing that happening - they became exceedingly grieved, distressed
and sorrowful; and coming they made all known unto their lord, telling plainly all that was happening. Then his lord summoned
him near unto himself, saying unto him, "You evil, wicked slave! I forgave you all that indebtedness you owed because
you implored, besought and begged me! Is it not obligatory, binding, necessary and proper for you also to commiserate with,
show gracious favor towards, and have pity, mercy and compassion on your fellow slave, even as I had mercy, pity and compassion,
and showed gracious favor and saving mercy towards you?" And his lord becoming angry, indignant and enraged, handed him
over unto the warden until he should repay all that having been formerly due him. Thus, in this way also my heavenly Father
will deal with each of you all, unless each one of you can forgive his brother their trespasses, faults, transgressions and
offenses against you from your hearts."
LXVIII. Jesus at the Festival of Tabernacles (Jn 7:1-53)
And after these things, Jesus was frequenting Galilee: for he did not want to circulate in Judaea because the Jews there
were seeking to kill him; for his time had not yet come. Now a public festival of the Jews - that of Tabernacles - was near
at hand. His brothers therefore said unto him, "Depart from this place and go into Judaea so that your disciples can
also see your works which you are doing. For no one is doing anything clandestinely or in secret, but is himself seeking and
striving to be publicly seen before all. Since you are doing these things, clearly and openly show or display yourself unto
the world." For his brothers were not even believing into him. Jesus therefore said unto them, "The circumstances
suitable to my destined time are not yet handily or readily present, but the fitting circumstances for your time are always
and at all times readily at hand or available. The world is not able to hate, detest, abhor, or regard you with ill will;
but it hates, detests, abhors, and regards me with ill will because I testify concerning it that its works are evil, impious,
malignant, wicked, afflictive and wrongful. You go up unto this public festival: I am not yet going up unto this festival;
because the circumstances suitable to my destined time have not yet fully arrived nor been fulfilled." And having said
these things unto them, he remained in Galilee.
Now when his brothers went up unto the festival, then at that time he also went up - not openly or publicly - but in secret
as it were. The Jews therefore sought him at the festival, and said, "Where is he?" And there was a lot of low and
suppressed discourse among the multitudes concerning him: some said, "He is good, generous, virtuous and beneficient;"
but others said, "No, but he is seducing and deluding the multitudes." However, no one spoke openly about him because
of their fear of the Jews.
Now, the festival being midway advanced already, Jesus went up into the temple and was teaching, because a multitude had
gathered about him. And the Jews were marvelling, saying, "How is it that this uneducated man knows letters, writings
and learning?" Jesus answered them and said, "My teaching is not mine, but is that of the One sending me. If anyone
should want or desire to do, accomplish or bring to pass His will, he will know experientially concerning the instruction
and doctrine that is taught, whether it is from God, or that what I am speaking is derived or originating from myself. The
one speaking from himself as a source is seeking and pursuing after his own glory, credit, honor or recognition: but the one
seeking the glory, credit, honor and recognition of the One sending him, this one is truthful, and injustice, injury or wrong
is not in him. Has not Moses given you the Law? Yet not one of you is doing, performing, accomplishing or fulfilling the Law!
Why are you lying in wait looking and seeking for opportunity to kill me?" The multitude answered, "You are demon
possessed: who is seeking to kill you?" Jesus answered and said unto them, "I performed one deed and you are all
astonished because of this. Moses has given you the ritual of circumcision - not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers
- and you are circumcising a man on a sabbath. If a man is receiving the ritual of circumcision on a sabbath, in order that
the Law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry and incensed with me because I made an entire man hale and sound on the
sabbath? Do not be discriminating, awarding, deciding, judging or making distinctions and determinations according to external
appearance: but discriminate, award, decide, and judge by making just, proper, equitable and fair distinctions and determinations."
Therefore, some of the natives of Jerusalem said, "Is this not he whom they are seeking to kill? And look! He is
speaking publicly and they are saying nothing to him. Can it be that the chief priests have truly resolved and concluded that
this is in fact the Christ or Messiah? Howbeit, we know this man absolutely, where he is from: but when the Christ or Messiah
does come, no one can know where he is from." [The crowd is being ignorant because their prophecy says he is from Bethlehem
and Nazareth.] Then Jesus exclaimed in the temple, teaching and saying, "You all both know me, and know from where I
am; but I have not come forth originating from myself, but the One sending me is true and worthy of recognition or credit,
whom you do not know. But I know him absolutely, because I am from him, and he has sent me" Then they endeavoured to
take and sieze him: but no one laid a hand upon him because his destined hour had not yet come. But many of the multitude
faithed into him, and they said, "Although when the Messiah or Christ shall come, he will not do more signs and miracles
than those which this man has done." The Pharisees overheard the multitude speaking covertly and whispering these things
amongst themselves concerning him; and the chief priests and the Pharisees sent forth into action officers in order that they
might apprehend and arrest him. Jesus therefore said unto them, "I will be with you a little while longer, then I will
depart and go away unto the One sending me. You will seek and search after me and will not find or acquire me: and where I
will be you are not absolutely nor intrinsically able to come." Then the Jews said among themselves, "Whither is
this one intending to go that we will not find or get him? He is not intending to go into the Dispersion of the Greeks and
to teach the Greeks! What is this expression which he did speak, "You will seek and search after me and will not find
or acquire me: and where I will be you are not absolutely nor intrinsically able to come?""
Now on the last and greatest day of the festival - Jesus stood and exclaimed, saying, "If any one should longingly
and ardently thirst, let him come unto me and let him drink. He believing into me, as the Old Testament scripture has said,
"Out of his inner self will flow rivers or streams of fresh, flowing, living water for spiritual refreshment." But
he spoke this concerning the Spirit whom those believing into him were about to receive: for the Holy Spirit was not yet given;
because Jesus was not yet glorified. Therefore, many of the multitude after hearing this saying said, "This is surely
the Prophet;" others said, "This is Christ the Messiah." And some others besides these said, "But the
Christ or Messiah does not come out of Galilee. Has the scripture not said that the Christ or Messiah comes out of the progeny
of David, and from Bethlehem, the village where David was?" Then there arose a schism or division between parties in
the multitude on account of him; and some of them wanted to take and sieze him; but no one laid hands upon him.
Then the officers came unto the chief priests and Pharisees; and these said unto the officers, "Why have you not
brought him in?" The officers answered, "A man has never spoken in the way this man has." Therefore the Pharisees
answered them, "Have you not also been deceived and seduced? None of the rulers have believed on him, nor any of the
Pharisees. But not completely and conclusively knowing the Law, this confused multitude of common people are vile outcasts."
Then Nicodemus said unto them - the one that had previously come by night unto Jesus, being one of their number - "Our
Law refrains from sentencing the man, until it can first hear from him, and ascertain by examination what he is doing."
They answered and said unto him, "You are not also from Galilee, are you? Investigate and see that a prophet has not
been raised up out of Galilee!" Then each one departed and went into his house.
LXIX. A Woman Taken in Adultery (Jn 8:1-11)
Now Jesus had gone to the Mount of Olives for the night. And early in the morning he again publicly came forth into the
temple, and all the people came unto him; and sitting down he taught them. Then the scribes and the Pharisees forcefully conducted
and produced unto him a woman who had just been caught in the act of adultery. And making her stand in their midst, they said
unto him, "Teacher, this woman has been caught in the very act of committing adultery. This makes her an adulteress.
Now in the Law, Moses commanded us that all such the like are to be pelted with stones unto death: so what is your opinion?"
But they mischievously said this for proving and testing him so that they might have the wherewithal to accuse him. But Jesus,
bending down and stooping, wrote with his finger in the dust, (listing their sins), while assuming the appearance of ostensible
indifference. And as they insistently persisted in questioning him, straightening himself up, he said unto them, "Let
the guiltless one among you that is without sin throw the first stone at her." And bending down and stooping again, he
resumed writing in the dust, listing their sins. And having heard this, and being experientially under conviction by their
concience, they were leaving one by one, dropping their stones upon the ground as they went, commencing with the highest until
the lowest among them. And thus Jesus and the woman were left there alone where they were situated in the midst of the crowd.
And Jesus, straightening himself up and seeing not a one of them, but only the woman, said unto her, "Woman, where are
they - your accusers? Not one passed judgment and condemned you!" And she said, "Not one, Lord!" And then Jesus
said unto her, "Neither do I pass judgment and condemn you. Now go your way and sin no more."
LXX. The Light of the World (Jn 8:12-30)
Then Jesus spoke unto them again, saying, "I am the source and dispenser of spiritual light for the world: the one
imitating and following me as a disciple will never walk or live life in the darkness - blindness, ignorance or evil, but
will be furnished with the Source and Dispenser of spiritual light - Jesus via the Holy Spirit, who is the Source of spiritual
life." Then the Pharisees said unto him, "You are testifying and witnessing on your own behalf: your witness or
testimony is not valid." And Jesus responded, saying unto them, "Even if I am witnessing or testifying concerning
myself, my witness or testimony is valid, because I know absolutely from whence I came, and whither I go. But you have no
idea from whence I come, or whither I go. You are all forming and passing judgment according to human viewpoint or standards;
I judge not - no one. But even if I do judge, my judgement and determination is valid, because I am not alone. At all events
it is I and the Father sending me forth; for even in your Law it has been written and currently stands that the witness or
testimony of two men is valid. I am one witnessing person myself, and the Father sending me forth is also witnessing concerning
me." Then they said unto him, "Where is your father?" Jesus responded, "You all know neither me nor my
Father: if you all had ever known my Father, you would have known me also." Jesus spoke these words while teaching in
the temple treasury: yet no man took him, because his hour had not yet come.
Then Jesus spoke again unto them, saying, "I will go away, and you will seek after me, and you will all die the final
death of condemnation and misery in your own guilt and sinfulness as a result. Whither I go you are not able to come because
of it." The Jews therefore said, "Is he not killing himself since he is saying, "Whither I go you are not able
to come?"" And he said unto them, "You are from what is below as a source; I am from that which is above as
a source: you are of this world as a source; I am not of this world as a source. For this reason I declared unto you that
you will all die the final death of condemnation and misery in your own sins as a result: for unless you believe that I AM
[Exodus 3:14], you will all die the final death of condemnation and misery in your own sins as a result." They therefore
said unto him, "Who are you?" Jesus then said unto them, "Even that altogether of consequence which I am telling
you. I have much to say and to judge - bring under question, determine, call to account and decree concerning you all: howbeit
the One sending me is credible and truthful; and all that which I have heard from him, these very things I communicate unto
the world." They did not perceive nor comprehend that he spoke unto them of the Father, therefore Jesus said unto them,
"When you shall have lifted up aloft the Son of Man on the cross, then at that time you will ascertain, understand and
conclude as a result that I AM [Exodus 3:14], and that I am doing nothing originating from or derived from myself as a source,
but according as my Father taught me, these things I am speaking. And the One dispatching me is with me: the Father has not
forsaken or abandoned me; for I am always doing things pleasing and acceptable to him." And as he was saying these things,
many believed into him.
LXXI. Discourse on Spiritual Freedom (Jn 8:31-47)
Jesus therefore said to those Jews that were persuaded and had believed him, "You are truly my disciples if you can
steadfastly stay, remain, abide, reside, dwell, endure, continue and persevere in (the structure or house - edification complex
- of) my word or doctrine, and then you will experientially know the Truth (Jesus), and as a result, the Truth (Jesus) will
liberate you or set you free." Then they answered him, "We are offspring, progeny or posterity of Abraham, and we
have never at any time been in bondage, enslaved, enthralled or subject to anyone [except the Assyrians, Babylonians, Greeks
and Romans], and we are yet still free: how is it that you are saying to us, "you will become liberated or be made free?""
Jesus responded to them, "Most certainly I say unto you, that everyone habitually following after, causing, executing,
commiting or practicing sin or trespass is a slave of sin or trespass; and the slave does not always or permanently stay or
reside in the structure or house: the Son stays and resides there always or permanently. Therefore if the Son should liberate
you or set you free, you would be really liberated and truly free from the dominion of sin. I know absolutely that you are
offspring, progeny or posterity of Abraham; but you are seeking to kill me because my word or doctrine is not making way or
progressing in you. I am declaring and conveying what I have been admitted to witness or have observed nigh to or along side
of my Father: and therefore you are doing what you have seen and witnessed nigh to or along side of your father." They
answered and said unto him, "Our father is Abraham!" Jesus said unto them, "If there was even the slightest
chance that you were children of Abraham, you would have been doing the works of Abraham right along. But you are presently
desiring, seeking or endeavouring to kill me - a man who is communicating truth unto you which I heard from God - this Abraham
did not do. You are doing the works of your father." [Jesus is here implying that their father is Satan.] They therefore
said unto him, "We have not been born of concubinage as you have been. We have only one father - God." [They are
here implying that Jesus was an illegitimate bastard and his mother a whore.] Jesus said unto them, "If God were even
remotely your Father, you would have been loving, valuing, esteeming, delighting and caring for me because I have arrived
and come forth, proceeded and emanated from God: and I have not come by myself, or on my own, but He sent me. Why are you
not understanding or comprehending my matter of discourse? Because you are not able to take in my word, or even admit it to
mental acceptance. You are of your father - the Devil - and the cupidity and violent desires of your father you are wanting
or intending to do. He was a murderer from the start, and has not ever stood, not even now, in the truth, because no truth
is in him. Whenever he might speak a falsehood, he is speaking for his own kind: for he is a liar and the father thereof.
But because I speak the truth, you believe me not [e.g. if he spoke lies they would believe him]. Who among you is convicting
me concerning sin? And since I speak truth, why do you not believe me? The one being of God is taking in and admitting to
mental acceptance the words and doctrines of God. For this reason you are not listening or hearing: because you are not of
God."
LXXII. Jesus Preceded Abraham (Jn 8:48-59)
The Jews answered and said unto him, "Are we not appositely and correctly saying that you are a Samaritan [a term
of denigration], and are demon possessed?" Jesus responded, "I cannot possibly have a demon; but I am honoring my
Father, and you are slighting and dishonoring me; for I am not pursuing, seeking after or endeavouring to obtain my glory,
honor or recognition: the One seeking it and vindicating me exists. Most certainly I can say unto you, "If any one should
strictly keep, accurately heed and practically observe my word, he shall never experience or undergo spritual death ["thanaton"
- as the opposite of spiritual life - "dzoe," e.g. forfeiture of salvation] for or into the illimitable duration
of eternity." Then the Jews said unto him, "We knew it, and are now assured, that you are demon possessed! Abraham
died ["apethane" - "died" as commonly understood] - and the prophets - and you are saying, "If any
one should strictly keep, accurately heed and practically observe my word, he will never experience or taste of death ["thanatou"]
for or into the illimitable duration of eternity! You are not greater than our father Abraham, who died ["apethane"],
and the prophets that died ["apethanon"]? Who are you making yourself out to be?" Jesus responded, "If
I magnify or glorify myself, my magnification or glory is of no account. The One magnifying or glorifiying me is my Father
- that God whom you are claiming is yours - and you knew him not and thus are presently ignorant of him; but I absolutely
know him. And if I were to say, "I know him not absolutely," I would resemble or be like unto all of you - a liar
- one who utters a falsehood: but I absolutely know him and I am strictly keeping, accurately heeding and practically observing
his Word. Your father Abraham ardently desired that he might witness and see my day and time, and as a result rejoiced exceedingly:
and he witnessed and saw it and became joyful and glad." The Jews therefore said unto him, "You have not yet aquired
and lived fifty years, and you have seen Abraham?!" Jesus said unto them, "Most certainly I say unto you, before
Abraham was born, I AM [Jesus is God manifested in flesh: Exodus 3:14; Colossians 1:15; Philippians 2:6; I Timothy 3:16; Titus
2:13]!" Then they consequently took up stones they could throw at him: but Jesus, passing through the midst of them,
became concealed, and escaped out of the temple, and was passing along in an ordinary manner.
The Perean Ministry
LXXIII. Mission of the Seventy (Mt 8:19-22; Lk 9:51-10:24)
It was November, A.D. 29, and it came to pass that the point in time where he should be taken and received up was to soon
be completed [the passion of the Christ]; and he steadfastly set his face in anticipation of this to go into Jerusalem; and
he sent forth messengers in advance of his personal presence: and going on their way they came and entered into a village
of Samaritans in order to make ready and prepare for him. But they hospitably entertained and received him not, because his
sights were set on going into Jerusalem. So seeing this, his disciples James and John said, "Lord, are you willing that
we might bid or call fire to come down or fall from heaven for to consume them, even as Elijah effected?" But wheeling
about he reproved, rebuked or censured them, saying, "You know not of what kind, sort or manner of spirit or nature you
are of; for the Son of Man came not to utterly destroy the souls of men, but to save or preserve them safe and unharmed."
And they passed on their way into another village.
And it came to pass - he traveling with them on the way - that one scribe drawing near unto him said, "Teacher, I
will follow you as a disciple wheresoever you may go, Lord." And Jesus said unto him, "The foxes are keeping dens,
and the birds of the air, roosts; but the Son of Man has no place where he can lay down his head and rest." [In volunteering
for discipleship, count or consider the cost of following Jesus - self-sacrificial itinerancy with resultant discomfort can
be involved.]
And he said unto another of the disciples, "You! Imitate and follow me as a disciple." But the disciple said
unto him, "Lord, permit or allow me to be going away first for to inter my father." But Jesus said unto him, "You
follow me, and leave those who are themselves dead and without life to bury the dead, and going forth, publish abroad the
kingdom of God." [When God calls you into service after your spiritual birth, immediate obedience to that call takes
precedence over all else. Even as Matthew abandoned his tax booth, and Andrew, Peter, James and John abandoned their fathers,
boats and nets, do not concern yourself with unfinished temporal business; for the world and its concerns will go on without
you, as it has always done prior to your entrance into it. The ever present ostensibly urgent, and perceived temporal duties
and obligations, must never be allowed to come before or supplant the real and truly important things of eternal consequence.]
And another said also, "I will imitate and follow you, Lord: but first permit or allow me to take leave and bid farewell
to those in my house." But Jesus said unto him, "No one laying his hand upon, or applying his hand to, a plow, while
aiming for reference at those furrows which are behind him, is rightly disposed with a view to, or properly fit for the use
and service of the kingdom of God." [The good farmer when plowing always sets his sights on a mark ahead of him on the
opposite end of the field - the goal being to properly plow parallel and straight furrows in cultivating his field. Putting
one's family first ahead of Christ indicates where the heart is. Looking back to where the heart is for reference, will not
properly get the job done, nor be conducive to attaining to the objective. Having a new heart means one must be looking ahead
to a new goal - that of the kingdom of God.]
And after these things the Lord openly showed or demonstrated as an example the appointment of seventy other men also,
and he sent them forth in parties of two, ahead of or in advance of his appearance or personal presence, into every city and
place whither he was intending to go. Then he said for their benefit, "The harvest of the Gospel is truly plenteous,
but the spiritual workmen or labourers are few: therefore, you all being in want or need, be petitioning the Lord of the harvest
that he might send forth artisans, practitioners, labourers and workmen out into his harvest of the Gospel.
"You all go now. Behold, I send you all forth as lambs in the midst of or among wolves. Carry no bag or purse, no
sack for provisions, scrip or wallet, neither anything bound under foot. Also, initiate confidence in no one on the roadway
during your systematic course of pursuit. And into whichever dwelling you all may enter and present yourself, first say, "Peace
to this house." And if in fact the Son of Peace exists there in that place [meaning Jesus is accepted and welcome], your
peace will rest upon and abide with it resulting in its participation: but if not at all, it will deflect or return back again
upon you all. But (if it rests or abides) you stay or lodge in that same house, eating and drinking their provisions: for
the workman or labourer is worthy and deserving of his due.
"Move not from house to house. And into whichever city you all may enter, and they should accept and receive you,
eat those things being placed before you; and heal or cure the helpless and sick - ministering to the afflicted and distressed
- rendering service and attending to those men that are weak and infirm therein - even mentally and spiritually - and say
unto them, "The kingdom of God has come upon, and is drawing near unto, you [e.g. Messiah has arrived and is approaching]."
But into whichever city you all may enter, and they should accept and receive you not, going out into its main streets, you
say, "Even the dust rising from your city that is adhering or clinging to us, we are wiping off of ourselves for your
sake, but nevertheless understand this: that the kingdom of God has come upon, and is drawing near unto you [e.g. Messiah
has arrived and is approaching anyway, and you cannot stop him]." And I say unto you all, that it will be more tolerable
for Sodom in that the day of judgment than for that city."
Then he said, "Woe unto you Chorazin! Woe unto you Bethsaida! For if those efficacious instances of manifested miraculous
power happening in you for your benefit, happened in Tyre and Sidon, they would have already repented and reformed long ago,
sitting in a mourning garment of sackcloth and in ash for their own sake. But nevertheless it will be more tolerable in Tyre
and Sidon in the judgment, than for you. And you, Capernaum, being elevated and exalted, rising and lifting up aloft unto
the extent of heaven - you will be caused to descend, being brought or thrust down until you reach the lowest place in the
pit of hell. The one hearing, heeding and obeying you is hearing, heeding and obeying me; and the one rejecting, contemning
and setting you aside, is rejecting, contemning and setting me aside; and the one rejecting, contemning and setting me aside
is rejecting, contemning and setting aside the One sending me forth into action."
Some time later, the seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the devils, demons or evil spirits are subjecting
themselves unto us by rendering obedience in your Name." [Both the Received text and the Alexandrian text have "subject
one's self," present middle indicative third person singular: it should be plural according to the context.] And Jesus
said unto them, "I was viewing, observing or watching Satan falling out of the air or sky like lightning as it were.
Behold, I have given you the authority, power and prerogative to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all that the
enemy or adversary is capable of: and nothing will in any way hurt, harm or injure you. [This is directed at apostles, and
is in no way to be misconstrued to mean that we are not vulnerable today.] Nevertheless rejoice not in this: that the spirits
are subjecting themselves and rendering obedience unto you all; but rather rejoice that your names are written in the heavens."
In that same hour Jesus celebrated in the Spirit and said, "I praise you and celebrate, O Father, Lord of heaven
and earth, and therefore confess agreement; for you withheld and concealed these things from the intellectual and the sagacious,
and disclosed or revealed them unto quiet, unlearned, simple babes: yes, Father; for in your estimation such a condition or
circumstance was your appointed good pleasure, purpose and intention." Then he said, "All has been committed, intrusted,
delivered, given and handed over unto me by my Father. And no one is understanding perfectly who the Son is, save the Father;
and who the Father is, save the Son, and whomsoever the Son may choose, intend, desire to - be pleased, willing or disposed
to - reveal him." And turning aside toward the (twelve) disciples, he privately said, "Fortunate are the eyes beholding
and observing those things which you are seeing: For I say unto you, that many prophets and kings wished to be admitted to
witness those things which you are seeing, and saw them not; and to hear those things which you are hearing, and heard them
not."
LXXIV. The Good Samaritan and the Best Dish (Lk 10:25-42)
And behold, after this, a certain teacher and interpreter of the Mosaic Law stood up, sounding, prooving and trying him,
thereby putting Jesus to the test, saying, "Teacher, what am I to be doing so that I might acquire, obtain or inherit
eternal life?" And Jesus said unto him, "What is there, that has been written in the Law? What exact knowledge are
you gathering, recognizing or discerning there as you are reading?" And answering he said, "You will with faithful
fidelity love, value, esteem, delight in, seek the good of, set store upon, and care for, the Lord your God, with all your
heart as the seat of desire, feeling, impulse and affection, and with all your soul as the seat of religious and moral sentiment,
with all your energy, faculty and ability, and with all your thought, intellect and understanding; and your neighbor as you
would yourself." And Jesus said unto him, "You have answered rightly and correctly. Do this and you yourself will
live." But the man, desiring or intending to justify or vindicate himself, said unto Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
And Jesus, catching on to his underhandedness, took the thing up and continued answering him and said, "A certain man
was going down from Jerusalem unto Jericho; and he fell among highway robbers, both stripping him and inflicting him with
blows, who disappeared, leaving him alone, being half dead. And accidentally, by chance, a certain priest was going down upon
that road: and beholding him, he passed along by without consideration. And likewise, in a similar manner, a Levite also,
approaching near the spot or place, coming and beholding, passed along by without consideration. [Both text-types have "I
might come" - 1 person singular 2nd aorist subjunctive. By context it should be "(he) coming" - nominative
masculine singular 2nd aorist participle, as is also "(he) beholding".] But one traveling Samaritan came upon him,
and beholding him, became moved with pity and compassion, and approaching or coming unto him, pouring olive oil and wine on
them, he bandaged his wounds; and mounting him upon his own beast of burden, he brought him into a public inn where travelers
lodged, and took care of him. And departing on the next day, taking out two hundreds, he gave them unto the innkeeper, and
said unto him, "Care for him; and whatever expense you may incur over and above this, upon my return I will repay you
even more." Therefore, which of these three appears to you to have become neighbor unto the one encountering the robbers?"
And he said, "The one blessing and treating him with the compassionate benefits of kindness and mercy." Then Jesus
said unto him, "You go and do likewise."
And it came to pass that as they proceeded on their way [Both text-types have "to proceed" - a present infinitive.
It should be by context an aorist indicative - "proceeded".], Jesus also entered into a certain village: and one
woman, Martha by name, received him into her house and entertained him as a guest. And to her was a sister being named Mary,
who was sitting down by, even at the feet of Jesus, and was listening to his word. But Martha was being distracted - encumbered
and busied about - concerning much hospitality. And coming near, and jumping all over him, she scolded, "Lord, aren't
you concerned? Don't you care that my sister abandoned me to serve alone without assistance? Now then, tell her that she should
help me." But answering quietly, Jesus said unto her, "Martha, Martha. You are too anxious, solicitous, concerned
and preoccupied, and you are stirred up, disquieted and perturbed - troubling yourself respecting many things: but there exists
only one real and true need or neccessity, and Mary has chosen or selected it for herself - the generous, profitable and beneficient
portion, serving or dish which will not be removed or taken away from her (the word)." [Churches are full of busy Christians
who ought to give priority to learning the Word of God so that they can mature in the Faith. Doing does not equate with being;
but if what you are is right, then what you do will be right. As Gideon's soldiers were whittled down to a few quality men,
so, more can be done with less.]
LXXV. Healing a Man Born Blind (Jn 9:1-41)
And later, moving along from there, Jesus noticed a man blind since birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, "Rabbi,
who missed the mark, erred or sinned, this one, or his parents, that he should have been born blind?" Jesus answered,
"Neither this one sinned, nor his parents; but he is blind so that the works or deeds of God can be made evident, manifested
or displayed through him. It is necessary for me to do or perform the works or deeds of the One sending or dispatching me
while it is yet day: night is coming when no one is able to work because it is dark [e.g. day = Christ is here: night = Christ
- the light of the world - will be gone]. While I can be here for the world ["kosmoi" - dative case], I am a source
and dispenser of the light of the world ["kosmou" - genitive case - e.g. no spiritualizing here. He makes men physically
able to see. He intends to use this blind man as a lesson against the Pharisees as follows]." Upon saying these things,
he spat on the ground, and made clay out of the saliva, and smeared the clay upon the eyes of the blind one, and said unto
him, "Go! Wash yourself in the pool of Siloam -which is being translated, "being sent." He departed, therefore,
and washed himself, and came back seeing. Then the neighbors, and those formerly contemplating him - that he was blind - said,
"Is not this one the one that was sitting and begging alms?" Others said that this is he. And others that he is
like him. He said that "I am." Then they said unto him, "How did it come to pass that your eyes were opened?"
And he said, "An individual, being called Jesus, prepared clay and anointed my eyes, and told me, "Go to the pool
of Siloam and wash yourself." And going forth and washing myself, I received my sight." Therefore they said unto
him, "Where is he?" He said, "I don't know for sure."
They scuttled him off - the one that was formerly or previously blind - unto the Pharisees; for it was a sabbath on the
day when Jesus prepared the clay, and opened his eyes. Then, the Pharisees also asked him again how he received his sight.
And he said unto them, "He put clay upon my eyes, and I washed myself, and I have the faculty of sight and do see."
Therefore some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, because he is not strictly keeping or observing the
sabbath." Others said, "How is a depraved, sinful, detestable man who deviates from the true path of virtue able
to do convincing, miraculous signs and wonders of this type, kind or sort?" And a schism arose among them. They said
unto the one that was blind again for their own purposes, "Seeing that he opened up your eyes, what are you now saying
about him?" And he said that he is a prophet. Therefore the Jews believed nothing about this man - that he was blind
and received his sight - until after they summoned the parents of him having received sight; and they interrogated them, saying,
"Is this your son, whom that you say was born blind? How then, is he presently seeing?" His parents answered them
and said, "We know for certain that this is our son, and that he was born blind: but how he is now seeing, we have no
idea; or who opened up his eyes, we have no idea. He is a mature adult; interrogate him: he will speak for himself."
His parents said these things because they themselves were apprehensively fearing and dreading censure from the Jews: for
the Jews had already agreed together, coming to a mutual understanding that if anyone should confess and profess Jesus as
Christ, or Messiah, he could be excommunicated, expelled and excluded out of the synagogue, forfeiting all societal rights
and privileges as a Jew. Because of this his parents said, "He is a man: interrogate him!"
Therefore they called the man who was blind again the second time, and said unto him, "Give glory to God [a form
of swearing]; we know for sure that this man is a depraved, sinful, detestable sinner who deviates from the true path of virtue."
Then he answered and said, "Whether he is a depraved, sinful, detestable sinner who deviates from the true path of virtue,
I know not for sure: one thing I do know for sure, that being once blind, I now have the faculty of sight." And they
said unto him, "What did he do unto you? By what means opened he your eyes?" He answered them, "I told you
all already and you listened not! Why are you wanting to hear further or again? You all are not wanting to become his disciples
also, are you?" Then they reviled and railed at him, and said, "You are his disciple, but we are the disciples of
Moses. We know for certain that God has spoken what we presently have through Moses: but this fellow, we have no idea where
he is from." The man answered and said unto them, "Now in this is amazement - seeing that you have no idea where
he is from - and yet he opened up my eyes; for we absolutely know that God is not heeding or obeying depraved, detestable,
sinful persons: but if any person is pious, godly, and devout, and a sincere worshipper reverencing God, who also would do,
execute, perform, practice, effect or accomplish his will and behest, this one he is heeding and obeying. Since the beginning
of time it has never been heard that anybody opened eyes of a man that has been born blind. If this One were not from God
- no - he would have had ability to do nothing." They answered and said unto him, "You have been totally birthed
in sins, and you are teaching us?" And they forcefully cast him outside.
Jesus heard that they forcefully cast him outside; and apprehending him, he said unto him, "Are you mentally persuaded,
believing into the Son of God?" He responded and said, "Who is he, Lord, so that I may believe into him?" Jesus
said unto him, "You too have seen him, and it is he that is speaking with you." And he said, "Lord, I believe."
And he worshipped him. And Jesus said, "For judgement and the administration of justice I came into this world, in order
that those not having the faculty of sight may see; and those having the faculty of sight may become blind." And those
of the Pharisees being with him heard these things, and said unto him, "We are not also blind." Then Jesus said
unto them, "If you were all blind, you would have no guilt or imputation of sin: but now that you are saying, "We
are seeing," consequently your sin remains."
LXXVI. The Right Good Shepherd (Jn 10:1-21)
Then Jesus said, "Most certainly I say unto you, the one not entering through the gate into the sheep-pen, but climbing
in elsewhere through another way, he is a predacious thief and a rapacious robber. But the one entering through the gate is
shepherd to the sheep. The gatekeeper opens for this shepherd; and the sheep are hearing, heeding and obeying his voice -
admitting it to mental acceptance: and he is calling to his own sheep according to name, and is bringing or leading them forth.
And whenever he may bring out his own sheep, he is proceeding, going or moving in front of them, and the sheep are following
him: because they surely know his voice. And they can not in any way follow a stranger, but will stand fearfully aloof and
flee from him: for they do not recognize the voice of strangers." Jesus spoke this figurative discourse, similitude or
parable unto them: but they did not perceive, understand or discern the things of consequence which were spoken unto them.
[God is the gatekeeper and Jesus is the gate. The shepherd is any pastor who is in Christ. The thieves and robbers are Pharisees,
Sadducees, and Herodians.] [Both text-types have the nominative plural neuter interrogative "what", but the context
demands the accusative plural neuter indefinite "things of consequence." There were no accents or aspirations when
the Greek was originally in uncial form. These were applied later.]
Jesus therefore said unto them again, "Most certainly I say unto you that I am the Gate - the Medium or Means of
entrance - for the sheep. All as much as have come ahead of or prior to me, or above or before me in preference, are thieves
by imposture and robbers by imposture (e.g. I am the true Messiah in contradistinction to all others): but the sheep listened
not to them nor payed them any heed. I am the Gate - the Medium or Means of entrance. If any one should enter in through me,
they will be saved and preserved, and will go in, and will come out, and will light upon, obtain, find or discover pasturage.
The thief is not coming except that he might steal or pillage, and might kill or slay, and might utterly destroy or neutralize.
I came so that they might have, retain or be furnished with spiritual life - deliverance from the proper penalty of sin -
and that they may have it in full abundance."
"I am the true, right and proper Shepherd. The true, right and proper Shepherd is laying down his soul life over,
for, in behalf of, or in place of the sheep. For the hireling, not even being a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, is
beholding the wolf coming, and is giving up, leaving, forsaking and abandoning the sheep, and is shrinking back, taking flight
and escaping, and the wolf is seizing them, and scattering and dispersing the sheep: For the hireling is shrinking back, taking
flight and escaping because he is merely an employee with no vested interest in the flock, and the welfare of the sheep is
of no concern to him. I am the true, right and proper Shepherd, and I intimately know the sheep that are mine, and I am known
intuitively by the sheep that are mine, even as the Father is intimately knowing me, and I also intuitively know the Father;
and I lay down my soul life over, for, in behalf of, or in place of the sheep. And I have other sheep, which are not of this
pen (the Gentiles). It is my right and prerogative to lead them also; and they will hear and heed my voice; and they will
all become one flock of disciples under one Shepherd. The Father loves me for this reason: because I lay down my soul life,
in order that I might take the same, or that very thing, up again. No one is taking my soul life away from me, but I lay my
soul life down by myself. I have the ability, power, authority and prerogative to lay my soul life down, and I have the ability,
power, authority and prerogative to take my soul life up again. This directive I received from my Father."
Therefore a schism occurred among the Jews again because of these words. And many of them said, "He has a demon or
evil spirit, and is mentally ill, mad or crazy! Why are you listening to him?" Others said, "These are not the words
of one being possessed, afflicted or vexed by a demon or evil spirit. A demon is not able to open up blind eyes."
LXXVII. Christ at the Feast of Dedication (Jn 10:22-42)
Now at that time the annual eight day feast of dedication took place in Jerusalem, and it was winter; and Jesus was walking
in the temple - in the porch of Solomon. Therefore the Jews surrounded him, and put forth unto him, "How long are you
going to be keeping us in suspense? If you are the Christ or Messiah, tell us plainly." Jesus answered them, "I
have told you already, and you are not believing. The works which I am doing in the Name of my Father, these are evidentially
testifying or bearing testimony concerning me. But you are not believing, for you all are not of my sheep. As I have already
told you, my sheep are hearing, heeding and obeying my voice - admitting it to mental acceptance - and I know them intimately,
and they are following me: and I give eternal life unto them; and living on into the extent of eternity they shall never perish;
and no one will snatch them away by force out of my hand. My Father, who has given them unto me in eternity past with the
present result that they are now mine, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them away by force out of my Father's
hand. I and the Father are, existing as One." [This does not apply to those who choose to jump out of his hand - known
to be doing so from eternity past by divine omniscience. God honors free volition, and brings them through the same processes
as all believers in fairness to all, until they choose to fall away in unbelief. See the Parable of the Sower, and John 15:6.
See also: "The Doctrine of Falling Away:" Appendix "C"] Therefore the Jews again picked up stones in order
that they might pelt and kill him with them. And Jesus responded to them, "I have shown you many good works from my Father.
For which work of these are you all going to stone me?" The Jews answered him, saying, "We are not stoning you over
any good work, but over blasphemy; and because that you, being a mere man, are making God of yourself." Jesus responded
to them, "Is it not so, having been written in your Law (the Torah), "I said you are all being gods or deities [from
the Hebrew idiom applied to potentates]?" Since he (God) called them gods or dieties with whom the Word of God originated
- and the scripture is not to be broken - are you saying of him, whom the Father has consecrated, sanctified, regarded as
holy, and sent forth into the world, "You are blaspheming," because I said, "I am Son of God?" If I am
not doing the works of my Father, be not believing me. But since I am doing them, although you may not believe me, believe
because of, or for the sake of, the works, so that you may know, understand and believe that the Father is in me, and I in
him." Then they were desiring to seize him again: but he escaped out of their hand.
And he passed on again on the other side of the Jordan into the place where John was at first baptizing, and he stayed
there. And many came unto him; and they said that John indeed did or performed not one sign, but that all things whatsoever
John said about this One were true; and many believed into him there.
LXXVIII. A Discourse on Prayer, and More against the Pharisees (Lk 11:1-54)
And it came to pass, Jesus being in a certain place offering prayer, as he caused himself to pause or cease, one of his
disciples said unto him, "Lord, you teach us to pray, even as John also taught his disciples." And he said unto
them, "Whenever you all may pray, you all say: "Our Father, who occupies unto the heavens [omnipresence]: Let your
Name be regarded and reverenced as holy (consecrated - set apart from that which is common or profane). Let your kingdom come
[the Holy Spirit]. Let your will, purpose and design be kept or done, as for in heaven, even so upon the earth. Supply to
us every day sufficient daily bread, maintenance and necessities of life. And relent, pass over and forgive us our sin and
offense; for we ourselves are also relenting, passing over and forgiving all owing or indebted to us. And please lead us not
into testing, trial, calamity or affliction, but rescue us from evil, bad, wrong and wickedness.""
And he said unto them, "Which of you will have at hand a friend, and will go unto him at midnight, and say unto him,
"Friend, lend me three loaves, because a friend of mine has arrived from a journey unto me, and I have nothing I can
set before him." And answering, he within might say, "Do not be a cause of bother to me: the door is closed, having
been already shut, and my children are with me in bed. I am not able to be getting up to give unto you." I say unto you,
even though he will not be getting up to give unto him because of being his friend, at the very least because of his inordinately
urgent and persistent petitioning (importunate solicitation), or resolute, tenacious, stubborn adherence to persistence (pertinacious
importunity), being aroused and awakened, he will give him as much as he is needing. And I say unto all of you, ask repeatedly,
and it (what you ask) will be given you; seek continually, and you will find; knock persistently, and it (the door) will be
opened unto you. For each one repeatedly asking is receiving; and the one continually seeking is finding; and for the one
persistently knocking, it (the door) will be opened. And of which father of you all will his son ask for a loaf? He will not
give to him a stone. And if a fish? He will not give to him a snake in place of a fish. Or if he should ask for an egg also?
He will not give to him a scorpion. If all of you then, being evil, know for sure how to give proper gifts to your children,
how much more will the Father of heaven give the Holy Spirit unto those asking him?"
One day Jesus was casting out a demon which was causing dumbness. And it came to pass that when the demon was exiting,
the dumb-mute conversed, and the multitudes marvelled. But some of them said, "He is casting out the demons by Beelzebub,
the ruler of the demons." And others, mischievously putting him to the test, were seeking, requiring and demanding from
him a sign from heaven. But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, "Every kingdom being in a state of dissension
against itself is being brought to ruin; and a family or household (dissenting) against the same family or household is falling
in ruins. And also, since you are saying that I am to cast out the demons by Beelzebub, if Satan has been divided against
himself, how will his kingdom be set or firm? And if I cast out the demons by Beelzebub, by whom are your sons casting them
out? On account of this they shall be judges of you. But if the demons are cast out by the finger of God, then the kingdom
of God has overtaken and come upon you. Whenever the strong, being fully armed, may guard or defend his home, his possessions
are in tranquillity, safe or at rest: but as soon as one stronger than himself, attacking, shall overcome and subdue him,
he (the attacker) takes away his armor upon which he had relied and trusted, and is dividing or distributing his booty, plunder
or spoil. The one being not with me is against me; and the one not collecting or gathering together with me is dissipating
or scattering.
"Whenever the lewd, foul, impure or unclean spirit happens to depart away from a man due to riddance, it travels
over land, wandering about through dry, barren, desert areas seeking after a place to inhabit, stay or live; and locating
and acquiring none, it then says, "I will turn back and return unto the use of my dwelling from whence I came out."
And coming it discovers the man again, having been swept clean and adorned and set in order. Then it proceeds and takes along
together with itself seven other spirits more evil than itself, and forcefully breaking in and entering the man they dwell
there in that abode; and the results for that man become progressively worse or more severe than his original state."
And it occurred, while he went to speak on these same things, a certain woman out of the multitude, raising her voice
said unto him, "Blessed is the womb bearing you, and the breasts which nursed you!" But he said, "Yea rather,
blessed are they hearing the Word of God, and observing it."
And when the multitudes were gathering together, collecting and pressing close in upon him, he began to say regarding
himself, "This generation is an evil, wicked, malignant, afflictive, impious generation, anxiously searching for, carefully
seeking after, endeavouring to obtain an assuring token, evidential sign or convincing proof. None will be given unto it but
for the assuring, convincing, evidential sign, token, or proof of Jonah the prophet; for inasmuch as Jonah became an assuring,
convincing, evidential token, proof or sign unto the Ninevites, so thus, in this way, will also the Son of Man be unto this
generation. The southern queen will be raised up from the dead with the men of this generation during the judgement, and will
show them guilty by her presence: for she came from the farthest end or extremity of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon;
and behold, a more greater than Solomon is here in this place. Men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgement with this generation,
and will show them guilty by their presence: for they repented, making changes in principle and practice in accordance with
the public inculcation, proclamation and preaching of Jonah; and behold, a more greater than Jonah is here in this place.
"Now no one lighting a lamp is placing it with a view towards concealment, not even under the corn measure, but upon
the lampstand, so that those entering in may see the light. The lamp of your body is the eye. Therefore, when your eye may
be functional, operating and dedicated, your whole body is illuminated and enlightened also; but whenever it may be fouled,
inoperative and evil, your body is darkling and dark also. Use diligence, watch, and take care, then, that the light in you
is not darkness. Therefore, if your whole body is illuminated and enlightened, not having any part or portion darkling and
dark, it will be completely illuminated and enlightened, like as when the brightness of the lamp may give off light to shine
upon you." [What you look to always has an internal influence on your soul, and you become what you look after. Be diligent
in guarding what you take in via the eyegate.]
Now as he went to speak on, a certain Pharisee began asking that Jesus might take lunch with him; and entering in he reclined
back to eat. And the Pharisee, observing, was astonished that he had not first been washed before the meal. But the Lord said
unto him, "Now all you Pharisees are cleansing to purify the exterior of the cup and the plate; but your interior is
full of rapacity and corruption. You idiots! Does not the One making the exterior make the interior also? Nevertheless, you
are to distribute alms of those things which are within, and behold, all is cermonially clean unto you.
"However, woe unto you Pharisees; for you are giving tithes of the garden mint and the rue and every garden herb
and vegetable, and are passing over, disregarding and neglecting the equitable justice and devoted loving care of God: these
you ought to have been doing, not forsaking and dismissing those also. Woe unto you Pharisees; for you are loving, esteeming,
valuing and delighting in the chief, highest and most honorable seats in the synagogues, and the salutations and greetings
in the public concourses, forums and marketplaces. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees: hypocrites! For you are as the indistinct,
inapparent, concealed, hidden, unmarked graves; and the people above walking over them know it not."
"And one of the interpreters and teachers of the law, responding, said unto him, "Teacher, in saying these things
you are outraging us also." And he said, "Woe unto you lawyers also; for you are loading men down with burdens of
imposed precepts oppressively difficult and grievous to be borne, and you yourselves are not touching those burdens with even
one of your fingers. Woe unto you; for you are constructing and expanding the memorial monuments of the prophets, and it was
your fathers that killed them. So, therefore, you are all declaring and consenting with a stamp of approval to the deeds and
actions of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and you are the ones constructing and expanding their memorial monuments.
And on account of this the wisdom of God has said: "I will send forth unto them prophets and apostles; and these they
will vex, harass, persecute and kill, in order that the blood being shed from all of the prophets, beginning from the foundation
of the world, may be required, demanded or exacted from this generation; from the bloodshed of Abel even unto the bloodshed
of Zachariah, himself perishing between the altar of burnt offering and the seat. Yes, I say unto you, it will be required,
exacted and demanded from this generation. Woe unto you lawyers; for you all took away the key for entrance into knowledge,
you yourselves entered not in, and those (who would be) entering in you hindered or prevented." And while he was speaking
these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to be vehemently exasperated, and commenced to lead him on to
speak without premeditation concerning more things, lying in ambush, endeavouring to catch unguarded words, and seeking to
seize upon something from out of his mouth so that they might accuse him.
LXXIX. Trust in God and Coming Judgment (Lk 12:1-59)
In the mean time, when the myriads of the vast multitude were gathered together so as that they trampled one upon another,
Jesus first began to say unto his disciples, "Guard yourselves against the leaven or yeast [the influence, system of
teaching the mind, and the morals of conduct] of the Pharisees, which is histrionic hypocritical simulation: but nothing is
being wholly, fully or altogether concealed which will not be revealed or disclosed, and secret or clandestine which will
not be made known. Wherefore, on which account, as much as you have said in the dark of privacy will be heard in broad daylight;
and what you have spoken next to the ear in places of private retirement will be publicly proclaimed upon the rooftops. Now
I say unto you, my friends, you should stop yourselves from being afraid of those annihilating and destroying the body, and
after these acts, not having any more to do: but I will intimate to you whom you yourselves should fear and dread: you yourselves
fear and dread the One possessing the prerogative, power and authority to annihilate, destroy and cast into Gehenna. Yes,
I say unto you, you yourselves fear and dread this One! Are not five sparrows being sold for two cents? And not one of them
is forgotten in the sight of God. But the very hairs of your head have all been numbered. Therefore, regarding those annihilators
and destroyers, fear and dread them not! You are superior to, and of greater value than, many sparrows. And I say unto you
all, of all who may accord belief in me before, in the presence of, in front of, or in the face of others, the Son of Man
will also accord him approbation before, in the presence of, or in front of the angels of God: but the one denying, disclaiming
or disowning me in the presence and impression of others, will be renounced, disregarded, denied and disowned in the presence
of the angels of God. Also, of all who will speak a word against the Son of Man, it will be overlooked, passed over, pardoned,
remitted and forgiven him: but for the one blaspheming, calumniating, reviling and contumeliously speaking with impious irreverence
against the Holy Spirit, it will not be overlooked, passed over, pardoned, remitted or forgiven. And in case they should bring
you all in unto the synagogues, convocations, congregations or convened assemblies, and before the leaders or magistrates,
and the potentates or authorities, be not solicitous or anxious with concern, preoccupied with thoughts of how you might respond
against their charges, or what you might say in defense; for the Holy Spirit will direct and teach you all what it is necessary
and fitting for you to say during that very hour."
Then one out of the multitude shouted out unto him, "Teacher, tell my brother to share a portion of the inheritance
with me." But Jesus said unto him, "Man, who placed, appointed or constituted me a judge or an arbitrator and apportioner
over you?" And he said unto them, "You all take care and guard yourselves from all covetousness and the inordinate
desire for riches: for any person - his life or existence is not in the full sufficiency, growing augmentation, superfluity
or abundance realized out of the things he is possessing." And he spoke a parable unto them, saying, "The farm-fields
of a certain rich, opulent, wealthy individual abundantly yielded and brought forth plentifully: and he was deliberating,
reasoning within himself, saying, "What can I do, for I possess no certain place where [pou - "where" - enclitic
indefinite particle, not an interrogative] I shall gather my fruits?" And he said, "I will do this: I will demolish
my repositories or storehouses, and construct or build greater, larger ones; and I shall gather all my produce there in that
place, plus my goods; and I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods lying in store against many years; relax
and enjoy yourself - eat [phage - "it eat" - 3rd person singular; it should be - "you eat," 2nd person
singular], drink, and be glad, merry and rejoice."" But God said unto him, "You unwise, inconsiderate, (religiously)
unenlightened man! This very night your soul I am requiring and demanding [apaitousin - "they are requiring" - 3rd
person plural; should be 1st person singular - "I am requiring"] of you; and those things which you have expedited
and prepared: whose will they be now?" Thus, in this way, so is the one collecting, gathering or accumulating treasure,
stores or wealth for himself, but who is not being rich to the extent of, or with reference to, God."
And he said unto his disciples, "Because of, on account of, or with a view to this I say unto you, don't be anxious,
solicitous, or concern yourself with careful preoccupation for your life, what you all shall eat; nor yet for the body, what
you all shall put on yourself. The life is more than nourishment or sustenance, and the body more than clothing. Consider,
contemplate, mark and observe the ravens: for they are not sowing, nor are they reaping or gathering harvest - for which is
no granary, storehouse or barn; yet God is supporting, feeding, nourishing and providing for them. Rather, preferably, how
much better, of greater value, superiority and excellence you all are than the birds! And who out of you all is able to add
a span to his life's duration by being anxious? If, therefore, you all are not able to be doing the least, why are you all
anxiously worrying about the rest? Consider, contemplate, mark and observe the lillies, how they are growing: they are not
fainting, wearied and spent with labor [Both text-types have koria - "it is fainting with labor" - 3rd person singular
present indicative. It should be the plural koriosi - "they are fainting with labor"], neither are they spinning
[Both text-types have nethei - "it is spinning" - 3rd person singular present indicative. It should be the plural
nethousi - "they are spinning"]; yet I say unto you all, not even Solomon, for all his glory, was himself clothed
or arrayed like one of these. Now if God is in this way clothing the plants in the cultivated field, presently or currently
existing this day, and which are being put [It should be the nominative plural ballomena - "are being put" - not
the accusative singular ballomenon - "is being put"] into an oven the next day, how much more will he clothe you,
you of scant faith. But deliberate not over what you all shall eat, or what you shall drink, and be not anxious. For the people
of the world are seeking after [It should be the plural epidzeteite - "they are seeking after" - not the singular
epidzetei - "he is seeking after"] all these things: and your Father knows absolutely that you are needing and wanting
these things. But you all seek after the kingdom of God, and all these same things will be added unto you. Do not make yourselves
apprehensive, little flock; for your Father wants, and is delighted, to give you the kingdom. You all sell your goods, possessions
and property, and give charitable alms. Procure for yourselves wallets and purses which are not becoming old and worn - a
receptacle with an inexhaustable precious deposit in the heavens, where a taking thief is not approaching, neither a ruining
moth. For where your treasure is, there in that place will your heart (the mind as the seat of intellect, impulse, affection
and desire) also be.
"All of you, let your loins be (prepared), having been girded about (for unimpeded travel), with lights burning (for
all to see); and all of you be like unto or resembling men of similar force and drift, ready to recieve or accept - expecting,
looking and waiting for their own Lord - so that when he shall depart from the feasts or banquets, coming and knocking, they
may immediately open up unto him. Fortunate are those servants, whom the Lord will find watching (when) he does come [It should
be the third person: elthe - "he does come" - not the first person elthon - "I do come"]: truly I say
unto you that he will gird himself (for service), and will cause them to recline (for eating), and coming to their side, will
serve them. And if he should come in the second (three hour) watch (of the night) - even should he come in the third (three
hour) watch (of the night), and he should find, meet and discover them in this way, fortunate are those servants. But all
of you understand this: that if the head of the household had known which hour the thief was coming, he could have watched,
and not have allowed his house to be digged and broken through. All of you, then, be ready or prepared also, for (in) the
hour you are not supposing, imagining or thinking, the Son of Man is coming."
Then Simon Peter said unto him, "Lord, are you narrating this parable concerning or with reference to us (only),
or is it also concerning or with reference to all?" And the Lord said, "Who, then, is the true, faithful, trust-worthy
and wise, thoughtful, prudent steward, whom his Lord will appoint or set [katastesei - "will appoint" - should be
from the root kathistemi - "to appoint" or "to set," not the root katastema - "determinate state,"
"condition" or "mien."] over his domestic servants and family, to give (them) their ration with respect
to proper time? That servant is fortunate whom his lord, when he does come [Again, it should be the third person elthe - "he
does come" - not the first person elthon - "I do come"], will find performing in this way. Truly I say unto
you, that he will appoint or set [Again, katastesei - "will appoint" - should be from the root kathistemi - "to
appoint" or "to set," not the root katastema - "determinate state," "condition" or "mien."]
him over all his goods, possessions and property. But if that servant should say in his heart, "My Lord is to come late,"
and should himself begin to beat the boys and the girls, and to both eat and drink and to become drunk; then the lord of that
servant will come or arrive in a day which he is not anticipating, and in an hour which he is not knowing, and will inflict
(on him) a punishment of extreme severity, and he will appoint, allocate or assign his lot, portion or destiny with the unfaithful,
treacherous violators of the Faith. Yea, that servant knowing his Lord's sovereign pleasure, will and behest, and not preparing,
nor doing according to, or in conformity with, his (Lord's) sovereign pleasure, will and behest, he will be beaten, scourged,
skinned and flayed with many stripes; but the one knowing not, yet doing equal things worthy of stripes, will be beaten, scourged,
skinned and flayed briefly with few. So for each to whom much has been given, from them will much be required, demanded and
expected: and to whom much was committed and entrusted resulting in stewardship, of him will they expect and demand the most.
"I have come to send forth fire into or against the earth; and how so I wish that it (the fire) were kindled already,
or it (the earth) were set on fire, already: but I have to be immersed or baptized (with) an immersion or baptism [of vicarious
undeserved suffering on the cross], and how I am hard pressed - seized with and affected by mental constriction, anxiety and
distress - until it can be fulfilled or realized! Are you thinking that I happened to publicly come forth to be the author
or source of concord upon the earth? No way, I tell you, but rather dissension: for henceforth - from the present - five in
one house shall be dividing: three against two, and two against three. They will be in a state of dissension: father against
son, and son against father; mother against daughter, and daughter against mother; mother in law against her daughter in law,
and daughter in law against her mother in law."
And he said unto the multitudes also, "When you all can see a cloud rising from out of the west, you at once say,
"A rainstorm is coming;" and so it occurs (as predicted). And when a south wind (is) blowing, you are saying, "There
will be a time of hot weather;" and it occurs (as predicted). You hypocrites, counterfeits and pretenders! You all certainly
know how to discern and distinguish the appearance of the sky and the land; but how is it that you all cannot distinguish,
judge or discern this signal juncture, marked epoch, or special season indicated by special characterizing occurances [e.g.
the coming of Christ the Messiah with miracles]? And also, why are you not distinguishing, discerning or judging the (one
who is) just or right between or amongst yourselves? But as you are going before a magistrate or judge with your lawsuit opponent,
put forth diligence to endeavor and strive to settle, be excused, rid or freed away from him while on the way [settle out
of court]; lest he should drag you down to the judge, and the judge should hand you over to the officer or warden, and the
officer or warden should throw you into prison. I say unto you, you shall by no means come out from there until you shall
render the very last cent."
LXXX. Galileans Slain by Pilate and a Fallen Tower (Lk 13:1-9)
Now during that same time several were present there carrying back word to him concerning the Galileans whose shed blood
Pilate had mingled with their sacrificial offerings. And answering Jesus said unto them, "Are you all thinking that those
Galileans were themselves depraved, detestable sinners above or more than all (other) Galileans because they have suffered
such things of this kind or sort and are dead? No way, I tell you, but unless you can repent, you yourselves will all likewise
perish and die. How about those eighteen upon whom the tower of Siloam fell and killed them [i.q. 9/11/2001]? Are you all
thinking that they were sinners above or more than all those people dwelling in Jerusalem [i.q. New York]? No way, I tell
you, but unless you can repent, you yourselves will all likewise perish and die."
And he was propounding or putting forth this parable: "A certain man was keeping a fig tree that had been growing
in his own vineyard; and he came seeking fruit upon it, and he found none. And he said unto the vine-dresser, "Look!
I come three years seeking fruit upon this fig tree, and I find none! Cut it down! Why is it even unprofitably occupying the
ground?" And answering he said unto him, "Lord, let it remain yet this year until I can dig around it: and I will
lay manure, and (see) if it can actually produce fruit for the future: and if indeed not, you will cut and remove it.""
[The Byzantine text-type "ei de mege eis to mellon ekkopseis auten" is pretty much unintelligible for the last part
of verse nine. Therefore I have utilized the Alexandrian text-type rendering "eis to mellon - ei de me ge ekkopseis auten"
instead, because it makes the most sense.]
LXXXI. A Woman Healed on the Sabbath (Lk 13:10-21)
One day Jesus began teaching in one [mia - "one" - nominative case - not dative case] of the synagogues during
one of the Sabbaths. And behold, there was a woman affected by a spirit of infirmity eighteen years; and she was doubled over,
and was unable to raise herself or to look up. And seeing her, Jesus called her near to himself, and said unto her, "Woman,
you have been loosed, liberated and freed from your infirmity and are healed." And he laid or placed hands upon her,
and immediately she was restored and made straight and erect, and was adoring, glorifying and worshiping God. But the leading
elder of the synagogue, manifesting indignation because Jesus healed on the Sabbath, was declaring unto the gathering, "There
are six days during which men ought to work or labor: therefore you all be coming and render and receive services during these
days, and not on the day of the Sabbath." Then the Lord answered him and said, "You hypocrite! Are not all of you
severally unbinding or loosing his ox or ass from the stall on the Sabbath, leading him away and giving him drink? And this
woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan bound, lo, eighteen years, (ought we) not to impel or compel her to be loosed,
unbound and liberated from this infirmity or impediment (on) the day of the Sabbath?" And in saying these things, all
those opposing him were being put to shame: and all the gathering were rejoicing with a view to all the notable, memorable
and momentous things that were happening by means of him.
Then he was saying, "What is the kingdom of God like, and (to) what will I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard,
which a man taking up in hand, placed into his own garden (that was) planted in trees and herbs; and it grew and developed
into a great tree; and the birds of the air roosted in its branches" And again he said, "(To) what will I compare
the kingdom of God? It is like leaven or yeast which a woman taking up in hand, hid, concealed or mixed [enekruyen - "you
concealed" - this second person singular first aorist active indicative verb should be third person singular - "she
concealed"] into twenty pounds of meal or flour until it was all caused to ferment."
LXXXII. How Many Will Be Saved (Lk 13:22-30)
And Jesus was passing throughout cities and villages, teaching, and making himself progress as far as Jerusalem. And a
certain Jew said unto him, "Lord, are those persons being saved or rescued from unbelief, and brought within the bounds
of salvific privilege, few?" And he said unto them, "Strive to enter (the kingdom) through the narrow, straight
Gate (Jesus): I tell you that masses will desire, seek and strive to enter (through some other way), and they will not avail
or be validated. Since the Master or Head of the house or family could soon be caused to rise up and close or shut up the
door [as the medium or means of entrance, thus ending the occasion for opportunity to believe], you yourselves could also
begin to stand outside [not belonging to His community of believers], and to knock at the door, saying, "Lord, Lord!
Open to us!" And answering he will say unto you, "I know not where you are from." Then at that time you yourselves
will all begin to say, "We ate and we drank in your presence; and you taught in our streets." And he will say, "I
can tell you all, I know not where you are from! Depart and get away from me, all you workers and practitioners of iniquity,
sin, unrighteousness, falsehood, deceit, injustice, evil and wrong." There in that place will be weeping, and the grating
and gnashing of teeth, when you all can see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and
all of you having been cast forth outside, and expelled or forced away - rejected out of hand with contempt. And people will
arrive from east and west, and from north and south; and all will be caused to recline at table in the kingdom of God. And
behold! (Those) who are lowest or least important (now) will be chief, principal or most important (then); and (those) who
are (now) chief, principal or most important will be lowest or least in importance then."
LXXXIII. The Response Against Herod (Lk 13:31-35)
On that self-same day, several Pharisees approached, saying unto him, "Get out of here and escape from this place:
for Herod is wanting and intending to kill you." And he said unto them, "Going, you all say to this crafty, fox-like
man, "Behold, I cast out demons, and I am accomplishing healings and performing cures this day and the next day; and
for the third day, I am being brought to the object, goal or objective of my course. Nevertheless, it is obligatory for me
to go or travel on my way, this day, and the next day, and for the one following: because it is not possible for a prophet
or man of God himself to be put to death or perish outside of Jerusalem. Jerusalem! Jerusalem! The one killing the prophets,
and pelting with stones those having been sent unto her alone! How often I longed to gather your children together - even
as a hen her own brood under the wings - and you all wanted nothing (to do with it)! Behold! Your locale is (now) being ignored,
neglected, deserted and forsaken unto you all (e.g. given over to your own management) as a lonely, abandoned ruin. And I
truly say unto you that you all shall not ever see me again until such a time should arrive when you all shall say, "Blessing
be (conferred on) the One coming for and in (behalf of) the Name of the Lord (God)."
LXXXIV. Discourse at a Chief Pharisee's Table (Lk 14:1-24)
And it came to pass, when he went to go into a house of one of the leaders of the Pharisees for a Sabbath to eat bread,
that they were themselves insidiously observing him. And behold, a certain edematous man was before him. And discerning, Jesus
spoke unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to attend and render service on the Sabbath?" And they
acquiesced. And he himself taking hold, notably healed and dismissed him. And speaking unto them, he said, "Whose ass
or ox of you shall fall into a well or cistern, and will he not properly draw it out on the Sabbath day?" And they were
not able to respond to him regarding these things. Also, he was telling a parable to those having been invited, when observing
how they were picking out and choosing for themselves the best and most honorable seats at the table; saying unto them, "Whenever
you may be invited by someone to nuptial festivities, you should not recline with a view to the most honorable seat, lest
perchance one more honored or estimable than you was being invited by the one inviting you, and he may come [The 1st person
singular 2nd aorist subjunctive "elthon:" "I may come," should be the 3rd person singular "elthe:"
"he may come."] and will say unto you, "Yield this spot to this man." And then you yourself may begin
with disgrace and shame to occupy the farthest, lowest place. But whenever you may be invited, passing from one place to another,
proceed to recline in the farthest, lowest place, so that when the one inviting you may come, he may say to you, "Friend,
go up further and higher." Then honorable consideration will be unto you in the presence of those reclining at table
with you. For everyone elevating and exalting himself will be abased and humbled; and the one abasing and humbling himself
will be elevated and exalted."
And he said also to the one inviting him, "Whenever you may prepare a luncheon or a supper, invite not your friends,
nor your brethren, nor your relatives, nor rich neighbors; lest perchance they also should invite you in return, and it should
become a recompense unto you. But whenever you may prepare a banquet or feast, invite the indigent, the crippled, the lame,
the blind, and you will be approved; for they are not able to repay you: but it will be repayed to you in the resurrection
of the just.
And one of those reclining with him hearing these things said unto him, "Fortunate is he who will eat bread in the
kingdom of God." But he said unto him, "A certain man prepared a great supper; and he invited many: and he sent
forth his bondservant at the time of the supper to say unto those having been invited, "You all come, for it is now all
ready." And they all alike began to ask to be excused. The first said unto him, "I bought a field and I have an
obligation to go out and to see it.; I am begging and beseeching you, esteem or regard me as having been excused." And
another said, "I bought five pair of oxen, and I will be going to examine them: I am begging and beseeching you, esteem
or regard me as having been excused." And another said, "I married a wife, and because of this I will not be able
to come." And approaching, this bondservant enounced these things to his lord. Then the master of the house, becoming
angry, indignant and enraged, said to his bondslave, "Go out hastily into the streets and alleys of the city, and bring
the indigent, and crippled, and lame and blind in here." And the bondservant said, "Lord, as you charged, it has
been done, and there is still room." And the lord said unto the bondservant, "Go out into the ways and hedgeside
paths, and urge them to come in, in order that my house may be filled: For I say unto you that not one of those individuals,
having been invited, will taste my supper."
LXXXV. Discourse on Counting the Cost of Discipleship ( Lk 14:25-35)
Now great multitudes were attending exclusively to him: and being turned about he said unto them, "If anyone is coming
unto me, and is not regarding his own father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brothers, and sisters with less affection,
love or esteem (than for me), and moreover, even his own life, he is absolutely and intrinsically not able to be my disciple.
And whosoever is coming after me without taking up his cross (of self-sacrificial death to the self-life living), he is absolutely
and intrinsically not able to be my disciple. For who out of you all, intending to build a palace, sitting, is not first reckoning,
computing or calculating the cost, whether he is holding or possessing the (wherewithall) unto its completion? Lest, laying
a foundation with no resourcing to finish, all beholding should begin to make fun, saying, "This man began to build with
no ability to finish." Or, what king, proceeding to engage with some other king with a view toward battle, sitting, is
not first deliberating whether he is able, arrayed with ten thousand, to encounter the one coming against him with twenty
thousand? And if (he is) not (able to), himself being yet distant, sending forth a body of ambassadors, he is asking the (conditions)
for peace. So, then, every (one) out of you all who is not renouncing and forsaking personal interest or claim in all he himself
is possessing, he is absolutely and intrinsically not able to be my disciple. Salt is useful: but if the salt should be rendered
insipid, with what will it be made savory? It is neither proper, adaptable, suitable or fit for use with soil nor for use
with manure - they are throwing it away. The (one) having ears to hear, let him hear." [Owning possessions, loving relatives,
and even life itself is not spoken against here as wrong, but inordinate affections and covetousness which are sins of idolatry
- not putting God first. Indeed, Jesus and the apostles relied upon relatives, friends, and those of means to carry on their
ministries. What he is saying here is to have an open-handed view towards possessions, whether material things, relatives,
or even your own life. If the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof, then treat everything as if it were his, and
yourself merely a steward of trust, where God can place things into your hands, and take them out as needed for furtherance
of the ministry. Your ability to be an element of preservation in this life depends upon liberation from all inordinate affections
that bind or entangle, and if you find in counting the cost of discipleship that in trying you are unable to do these things,
then make conditions of peace with the King while he is still afar off.]
LXXXVI. Three Parables on Grace (Lk 15:1-32)
Now, all the tax collecting publicans and the sinners who deviate from the path of virtue were drawing near unto Jesus
to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were murmuring saying that this one receives, admits or grants access to depraved
sinners who deviate from the path of virtue, and he is associating with them. And he spoke unto them this parable, saying,
"What man out of you all, having a hundred sheep, and losing one of them, is not leaving or departing from the ninety-nine
in the wilderness, and is going in that vicinity after the one (which) was lost until he can find it? And finding it, he is
laying it upon his shoulders rejoicing. And should he come into the house ["elthon:" 1st person singular "I
should come," should be "elthe:" 3rd person singular "he should come"], he is calling together friends
and neighbors, saying unto them, "You all rejoice for me, because I have found my sheep (which) was lost." I say
unto you all that in this way (there) will be joy in heaven in the case of one repenting sinner, (rather) than in the case
of ninety-nine righteous (persons) who are having no necessity of repentance. Or what woman possessing ten silver dollars,
if she should lose one silver dollar, is not lighting a lamp, and is sweeping the house, and is seeking carefully and diligently
until she can find (it)? And (upon) finding (it), she is calling around herself friends and neighbors saying, "You all
rejoice for me, for I have found the silver dollar which I had lost." Thus, I say unto you all, there arises or occurs
joy in the presence of the angels of God in the case of one repenting sinner."
And he said, "A certain man was tending to two mature sons. And the younger of them said to the father, "Father,
distribute the pertinent share, part or portion of the fortune falling unto me." And he distributed the substance unto
them (both). And not many days after, gathering up all, the younger son journeyed into a distant country: and in that place
he dissipated and wasted his substance, dissolutely living in profligate debauchery. And spending, wasting and using it all
on himself, a severe famine arose throughout that country, and he himself began to need and to be in want. And passing along
he became associated with and attached himself to one of the citizens of that country; and he sent him into his farms to feed
pigs. And he was earnestly desiring, longing to fill his stomach, deriving (nourishment) from the carob tree [ceratonia siliqua]
pods which the hogs were eating, and no one was supplying (anything) unto him. But coming to himself ["elthon:"
1st person singular 2nd aorist subjunctive "I should come," should be "elthonta:" accusative singular
masculine 2nd aorist participle "coming"], he said, "How many of my father's hired servants are richly abounding
in sustenance, and I am dying for famishment! Rising I will go unto my father, and I will say unto him, "Father, I sinned
against heaven and in your sight, and I am no longer worthy and deserving to be called or regarded your son. Treat me as one
of your hired servants."" And rising he went to his own father. But (while) alone, yet at a distance, feeling alienated,
his father saw him, and being moved with pity and compassion, and running, he fell upon his neck, and earnestly and affectionately
kissed him. And the son said to him, "Father, I sinned against heaven and in your sight: I am no longer worthy and deserving
to be called or regarded your son." But the father said unto his slaves, "Bring forth the best robe and clothe him;
and present a finger ring for his hand, and sandals for the feet: and all bringing the fatted young bullock - you all slaughter
it - and feasting, I can observe a day of rejoicing: for this my (alienated) son was (morally and spiritually) dead, and he
revived and recovered, and lives a renewed and reformed life; even was lost, and he has been found." And they all began
to feast indicating joy.
Now his older son was in a cultivated field: and coming, as he drew near to the house, he heard dances - even music. And
summoning or calling to himself one of the children, he was asking and inquiring what these things might be. And the (child)
said unto him, "Because your brother is come! And your father killed the fatted young bullock, because he recovered or
received him back being safe and sound!" But the older son became angry and indignant, and was refusing to come in. Then
coming out his father was inviting, entreating and persuading him to come. But answering he said unto the father, "Behold,
I devoted so many years, subservient, occupied in your service! And I never disregarded or neglected your direction, and you
never gave to me so much as a goat, in order that feasting, I might observe a day of rejoicing with my friends! But when this
son of yours - the (one) squandering your fortune and substance with prostitutes - you killed for him the fatted young bullock!"
And the (father) said unto him, "Son, you are always with me, and (as the firstborn) all that (is) mine is yours. But
(it) was necessary to be feasting, and observing a day of rejoicing, and to be glad and joyful: for this, your brother, was
dead (in moral and spiritual alienation), and he revived and recovered, and lives a renewed and reformed life; even was lost,
and he has been found!" [This is quite possibly a picture of Romans chapter eight as it is usually translated.]
LXXXVII. Two Parables of Warning (Lk 16:1-31)
And Jesus was also saying unto his disciples, "(There) was a certain rich, opulent, wealthy man, who was retaining
a steward; and moreover to him this fellow was informed against, as dissipating or wasting his resources. And summoning him,
he said unto him, "What (is) this that I hear concerning you? Render the reckoning or account of your stewardship; for
(because of this) you will no longer be able to manage my affairs." And the steward said within himself, "What shall
I do, seeing that my lord himself takes away the stewardship from me? (I have) no strength to dig. (I am) ashamed to beg.
I (have now) resolved or concluded what I will put into execution, so that when I shall be removed and dismissed (from) the
stewardship, people might welcome me into their houses!" And summoning unto himself every one of his own lord's debtors
separately, he was saying to the first, "How much are you owing to my lord?" And the (man) said, "One hundred
kegs of olive oil." And he said unto him, "Take (in hand) your note, and sitting down hastily, you write fifty."
After that, he said to another, "Now you: how much are you owing?" And the (man) said, "Fifteen hundred bushels
of grain." And he said unto him, "Take (in hand) your note and you write eighty." And the lord praised, commended
and applauded the steward of unjust action and deceitfulness, because he had acted providently: for the sons of this life,
world or age are themselves, in the course of life, more prudent than the sons of light. And I say unto you all, you all acquire
and make for yourselves friends - congenial associates - out of, by, through or with the wealth and riches of injury, injustice
and iniquity, so that, when it shall be defunct, they may admit, grant access, welcome and kindly receive you all into the
eternal, everlasting mansions. The one faithful and true with least, is also faithful and true with much: and the one deceitful
and unjust with least, is also deceitful and unjust with much. If, therefore, you yourselves have become unfaithful with the
fallacious wealth, who will intrust or commit to your charge the sterling? And if you yourselves have become unfaithful with
that belonging to another, who will give you all yours? Not one household slave is able to be occupied in the service of two
lords: for either he will esteem the one less, and delight in the other; or he will be devoted to one - while participating
in the results - and the other he will slight. You all are not able to be devoted and occupied in the service or slavery of
(both) God and Mammon [riches or material wealth]."
And the Pharisees, being covetous and money-lovers, were listening to all of these things also; and they were mocking,
deriding and scoffing at him [exemukteridzon: 2nd person plural imperfect active - "you were all scoffing" should
be 3rd person plural - "they were all scoffing."]. And he said unto them, "You all are those setting yourselves
forth as good and just in the sight, estimation or judgment of men; but God is perceiving, discerning, ascertaining by examination
and marking your hearts (as the seat of feeling, affection, impulse and desire): for that highly esteemed by estimation to
humans is an abominable thing or abomination in the sight, estimation or judgment of God. The Law [of Moses] and the prophets
(reigned) until John [the Baptist]: from that time the kingdom of God is being proclaimed as Good News, and everyone is earnestly
rushing and pressing forward into it. But it is easier or more feasible for the heaven and the earth to pass away, vanish
or perish, than for one minute, fine point of the Law to fail, fall to the ground, and become null and void. Every man divorcing,
dismissing or putting away his wife, and marrying another, is committing adultery and debauchery: and every man marrying one
that has been divorced, dismissed or put away from a husband is committing adultery and debauchery [indicating that this is
a primary violation of the Pharisees against the Law].
"Now, a certain man was rich; and he was habitually clothing or dressing himself in a crimson-purple garment or robe,
and byssus or highly prized fine cotton, sumptuously feasting in joyful observation daily: and a certain mendicant indigent
was named Lazarus, who had been laid in the vicinity of his [the rich man's] vestibule or gateway, being afflicted with ulcers,
and ernestly desiring, longing to be fed, filled and satisfied from the fragments, morsels, crumbs and bits falling down from
the rich man's eating-table; yet still more: even the dogs, coming, were licking off clean his sores and ulcers. And it came
to pass, the mendicant indigent died, and he was carried or conducted away by the agency of sent angels into the bosom of
Abraham: and the rich one died also, and was interred or buried. And in unto the lowest place of punishment in hell, subsisting
in torments, lifting up his eyes he is seeing Abraham from a distance, and Lazarus in unto his bosom [should be singular].
[Souls are recognized in the afterlife.] And crying out he said, "Father Abraham, pity me and send Lazarus so that he
can dip the tip of his finger (in) water, and can cool my tongue; for I am being tormented in agony in this flame!" But
Abraham said, "Son, recall and remember that in your life you received in full your good things, and Lazarus likewise,
in a similar manner, evil, misery, suffering and affliction [should be singular]: now he is at the present time being comforted,
and you are being tormented in agony. And besides, for all these things, a great gulf or chasm stands fixed and immovable
between all of us and all of you, in order that those wishing to pass over from this place for your benefit may not be able
to, neither may those pass over from there unto us." And he [the rich man] said, "I beseech you then, father, so
that you would send him to the house of my father - for I have five brothers - in order that he may make a solemn and earnest
charge unto them, lest they should also come into this place of torture, torment and severe pain." Abraham said unto
him, "They are in possession of Moses and the prophetic scriptures: let them all heed them!" But the (man) said,
"Not, father Abraham: but if some one should go unto them from among the dead, they will undergo change and repent."
And he [Abraham] said unto him, "If they are not heeding Moses and the prophetic scriptures, neither will they be persuaded,
convinced and yield belief if someone should rise up out from among the dead.""
CXVI. The Agony in Gethsemane (Mt 26:36-46; Mk 14:32-42; Lk 22:40-46)
And Jesus, coming with them upon the place named or called Gethsemane, said unto his disciples, “Pray that you
be not placed into trial or temptation. You all sit here while I, going thither, pray.” And taking along with him
Peter, and the two sons of Zebedee, James and John, he began to be sorrowful - greatly amazed - and to grieve and be dejected.
Then he said unto them, “My soul is greatly grieved and exceedingly sorrowful, even unto death: you all stay here
and watch with me.” And proceeding forward a little, being parted from them about a stone’s throw, he
knelt, and fell down on the ground upon his face, and was praying and saying that if it were possible, the hour might pass
away and be removed from him. And he said, “Abba, my Father, to you all things are possible or capable of being
done. If you are willing, if it is possible, remove or cause this cup to be carried past - let this cup be removed and pass
away from me: but nevertheless, not what I will or desire, but what you (will or desire to be done) let be. And an angel appeared
to him from heaven strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more intensely: and his sweat became as drops of blood
falling down upon the ground. And rising up from the prayer, coming toward his disciples, he discovered them sleeping from
sorrow; and he said unto Peter, “What’s with you, Simon? Why are you sleeping? Were you all not able to
watch with me one hour? Rise up! Watch and pray lest you should fall into trial or temptation: indeed, the spirit (is) ready
in mind, prepared or willing, but the flesh (is) infirm, weak or without strength.” And again going thither for
a second time, he prayed saying the same thing, adding, “O my Father, if this cup is not able to pass away from
me except or unless I drink it, let thy will be done.” And having returned he came and discovered them sleeping
again, for their eyes were becoming grievously heavy, and they didn’t know what to answer him. And leaving them
in resignation, going again, he prayed a third time, saying again the same expression, form of words, or formula. Then he
came toward his disciples again the third time, and said unto them, “Sleep on, and you all rest yourselves.”
(Then later, he said,) “Behold, it is enough; the hour has come and is now at hand, and behold, the Son of Man is
being yielded up and handed over into the hands of the sinners. Arouse yourselves, we should go: behold, the one betraying
me has come and is now at hand.”
CXVII. The Betrayal and Arrest (Mt 26:47-56; Mk 14:43-52; Lk 22:47-53; Jn 18:2-11)
And straightway, while he was yet speaking, lo and behold, a multitude came as a large crowd with swords and clubs from
the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders (of the people), and the one called Judas, being one of the twelve, was
coming ahead of them. Now Judas, the one betraying him, also knew the place (where they were): for Jesus had resorted there
many times with his disciples. Judas then, having received the (temple) guard, and officers from the chief priests and the
Pharisees, came there with lamps and torches and weapons, and he drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. For the one betraying him
was (to be) giving them a sign, and had given it to them saying, “Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he; you all seize
him and lead him securely away.” And immediately approaching, drawing near to Jesus he said, “Hail! Rabbi,
Rabbi,” and kissed him greatly with a semblance of affection. But Jesus said unto him, “Judas, friend
and comrade, for whom are you coming? Are you handing over the Son of Man with a kiss?” Jesus therefore, knowing
all the things coming upon him, standing forth, said unto (the rest of) them, “Who are you all seeking?”
They answered him, “Jesus the Nazarene.” Jesus said unto them, “I AM.” And Judas also,
the one handing him over, stood with them. When therefore he said unto them, “I AM,” they followed and
fell prostrate to the ground. Therefore, he asked them again, “Who are you all seeking?” And they said,
“Jesus the Nazarene.” Jesus responded, “I told you that I am: therefore, if you are seeking
me, allow these (others) to go,” so that the word might be fulfilled which he spoke: “Of those whom you
have given me which I now possess, I lost none of them - not one.” And then approaching, they violently they laid
their hands upon Jesus and subdued him. And the disciples, those that were around him, seeing what would follow, said, “Lord,
shall we smite with a sword?” And behold, a certain one of those having a sword standing by with Jesus, Simon Peter,
stretching out his hand and drawing out his sword, he struck the slave of the high priest, wounding him, and he cut off his
right ear. And the slave’s name was Malchus. Then Jesus therefore responded and said unto Peter, “Put
up, restore or replace your sword back in its place into the sheath: for all those taking up a sword, will themselves perish
by a sword. Or are you thinking that I am not able at this present moment to send for, or call upon and entreat my Father,
and he will even now place at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? How then can the scriptures receive fulfillment,
seeing that it is thus necessary to so occur now? Should I not ever taste it, the cup now at hand which the Father has given
me? Desist from even this.” And touching the man’s ear he healed him. In that hour Jesus responding, said
unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and elders, and the crowds coming out against him, “Have you
come out with the present result that you are now here as against a robber with swords and clubs to apprehend me? I was sitting
down, being with all of you daily, teaching in the temple, but you all did not lay hands upon me, and you all seized me not:
but this is your hour, and the power, ability, jurisdiction, right and prerogative of the realm of darkness. And all this
has come to pass so that the scriptures and the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” And then all the disciples,
forsaking and abandoning him, fled away. And one certain young man was following with him, a linen cloth having been cast
about him upon his nakedness: and the young men are laying hold on him (also); but relinquishing the linen cloth he fled from
them naked.
CXVIII. Friday: The Trial before Jewish Authorities (Mt 26:57-27:10; Mk 14:53-72; Lk 22:54-71; Jn 18:12-27)
So the cohort, and the chiliarch, and the officers of the Jews apprehended Jesus and bound him, and led him away to Annas
first; for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was high priest (during) that term. And Caiaphas was the one advising the
Jews, that it is beneficial, conducive to profit, advantageous and expedient for one man himself to die in behalf of, or instead
of, in maintenance of, or for the furtherance of, the people.
And Simon Peter and another disciple were trailing Jesus. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and entered
in with Jesus into the court of the high priest; but Peter stood at the door with the result that he was standing without.
So that other disciple who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke unto the door-keeper, and brought Peter in. Then
the girl door-keeper said unto Peter, “Are you not also of this man’s disciples?” He said, “I
am not.” Now the slaves and the officers stood with the result that they remained there, having made a heap of hot
coals; for it was cold and they were warming themselves: and Peter was standing and warming himself with them.
Then the high priest questioned Jesus concerning his disciples, and about his teaching. Jesus answered him, “I
spoke openly to the world; I always taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, where the Jews are always gathering together;
and I spoke nothing in secret. Why are you interrogating me? Ask those having heard what I spoke to them: behold, they know
for sure what I said.” And upon saying these things, one of the officers standing by gave Jesus a blow with the
palm of his hand, saying, “Are you answering the high priest in this manner?” Jesus answered him, “If
I spoke falsehood, give evidence concerning the lie: but if spoke rightly, why are you hitting me?” Therefore, being
bound, Annas sent him unto Caiaphas the high priest. [A nighttime trial was illegal.]
And having seized him, those restraining and taking Jesus led him away into the house of Caiaphas the high priest, where
there were gathered together with him all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes. But Peter was following him at
a distance, even unto the court of the high priest, entering into the interior, and he was sitting together with the officers
to see the outcome, and warming himself by the light.
Now the chief priests, and the elders, and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking, pursuing, or endeavoring to obtain false
witness or testimony against Jesus in order that they might put him to death; but they were not finding it, though many false
witnesses coming forth were bearing false witness and giving false testimony against him; but their testimonies were not consistent,
so they found it not. But afterwards there stood up and drew near two false witnesses that were bearing false witness against
him. One said, “This one said, “I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in the course
of three days.”” The other said, “We heard him saying, “I will demolish this temple
made with hands, and in the course of three days I will build another made without hands.”” And so, neither
was their witness consistent. And the high priest standing up in their midst, questioned Jesus, saying unto him, “Not
one response? Nothing? What are these witnessing or testifying against you?” But Jesus was maintaining his silence
and answered nothing. Again, responding, the high priest questioned him, and said unto him, “I adjure you by the
living God, that you tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God. Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed?”
And Jesus said unto him, “You have said so. I am. Nevertheless I tell you, henceforth you will see the Son of Man
sitting to the right of Omnipotence, and coming upon and with the clouds of heaven.” And then the high priest tore
his garments, saying, “He spoke of the divine in irreverent and reproachful terms injurious to the majesty of our
deity! What further need are we still having of witnesses? Behold, you just heard his blasphemy! What is it appearing like
to you?” And answering they all condemned him to be liable of death, saying, “He is liable to death.”
And some began to spit at him; then they spat in his face and punched him with the fist; and some began to cover his face
with a blindfold and to hit him with a fist and were striking his face; and some slapped him with the palms of their hands
and questioned him, saying, “Prophesy unto us, you Messiah: who is the one striking you?” And those men
holding him were mocking him and beating him. And the officers received him and struck him with blows of their hands, and
blaspheming, they revilingly said many other things against him.
Now Peter was sitting outside, being in the court beneath. And kindling a fire in the midst of the court, they were sitting
down together, and Peter was sitting in the midst of them. And a certain maid sitting near the light (got up and) drew near
unto him - one of the maids of the high priest - and seeing Simon Peter standing up and warming himself in the light, looking
intently, steadfastly and significantly at him, she said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean. This man also
was with him, even Jesus the Nazarene.” But he denied him before (them) all, saying, “Woman, I know him
not. I neither know nor understand what you are saying.” Therefore (at this same time) others looking at him, they
said unto him, “Are you also (one) of his disciples?” That one denied and said, “I am not,”
and departing he went outside into the gateway of the outer court; and a cock crowed. And when he was gone out into the outer
court, the maid seeing him again, began to say to him and to those (that were) there standing by, “You also are
(one) of them. This (man) is one of them. This (man) also was with Jesus the Nazarene.” But Peter (was denying again)
saying to them, “Man, I am not.” And he denied it again with an oath, (saying), “I know not
the man.” And after a little while, about the interval of one hour, those standing by, coming near, were asseverating
and confidently affirming, saying to Peter again, “Of a truth this one was also with him, for he also is a Galilean.
You are a Galilean; for even your dialect is the same and is clearly making you.” And one of the slaves of the high
priest, being a kinsman of him whose ear Peter cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?”
Peter therefore denied again, saying, “Man, I know not what you are saying.” Then he began to execrate,
and bind by a curse, and to swear with an oath, and said, “I know not this man of whom you are speaking.”
And immediately, while yet speaking, the cock crowed and sounded a second time after, and turning, the Lord looked upon Peter.
And Peter received recall, and remembered the predictive word of the Lord as he told him - how that Jesus said unto him, “This
day, before a cock crows to sound twice, you will disown and deny me for self preservation thrice.” And reflecting
thereupon, going outside he began to weep; he wept, and was weeping bitterly.
Now it happened early in the morning, that all of the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus
so as to put him to death. And as soon as day came, the Jewish Sanhedrin was convened, elders, chief priests and scribes;
and they conducted him into their Sanhedrin, saying, “If you are the Messiah, tell us.” But he said unto
them, “If I were to tell you, you would never believe: and if I were to also ask you, you would never let me (have
an) answer, nor would you let me go. From the present time the Son of Man will be sitting at the rights of the omnipotence
of God.” And they all said, “You then are the Son of God!” And he said unto them, “You
are so saying, because I am.” And they said, “What further need are we having of testimony? For we ourselves
have heard from his own mouth.” And binding him, they led him away and delivered him unto Pontius Pilate the governor.
Then Judas, the one betraying him, when he saw that he was condemned, becoming regretful and repenting himself, he restored
the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, “I have sinned in betraying innocent blood.”
But they said, “What (is that) to us? Its your problem.” And casting down the pieces of silver into the
sanctuary, he departed; and going away he hanged himself. And the chief priests taking up the pieces of silver, said, “It
is not lawful to put this into the treasury, since it is the price of blood.” And taking counsel, they bought with
them the field of the potter, for the burial of strangers. Wherefore that field was called, “A Field of Blood,”
until even this day. Then that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled, saying, “And I took
the thirty pieces of silver, the value of the One having been so priced, whom they of the mature sons of Israel themselves
priced; and I gave them for the field of the potter as the Lord directed me.”
CXIX. Jesus Taken Before Pontius Pilate (Mt 27:11-31; Mk 15:2-20; Lk 23:1-25; Jn 18:28-19:16a)
Now, rising up, the whole company of them brought him before Pilate. Therefore they led Jesus from Caiaphas into the Praetorium:
but it was early; and they themselves entered not into the Praetorium, lest they should be (ceremonially) defiled, and so
that they could eat the Passover. Pilate therefore went out unto them and said, “What accusation are you all bringing
against this man?” And they answered and began to accuse him, saying, “We found this (one) perverting
the nation, and forbidding (men) to give tribute to Caesar, and saying he himself (is) to be anointed king. Except this (one)
were an evildoer, we would not have delivered him up unto you.” Pilate therefore said unto them, “You
all take him and judge him according to your Law.” The Jews said unto him, “It is not lawful for us to
put anyone to death,” so that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled which he spoke, signifying to what type or manner
of death he was about to die [Roman crucifixion].
Pilate therefore entered back into the Praetorium and called Jesus, and Jesus stood before the governor. And Pilate the
governor questioned him, saying, “You are the King of the Jews?” And Jesus answering, said unto him, “Are
you saying this out of yourself as a source, or have others told you about me?” Pilate answered, “A Jew
I am not. Your (own) people and the chief priests have delivered you up unto me: what have you done?” Jesus answered,
“My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then my assistants would be fighting, so that
I would not be delivered unto the Jews: but presently, my kingdom is not of this place.” Pilate therefore said unto
him, “Are you a king then?” And Jesus answering said unto him, “You are speaking because I am
a king, or, You are saying that I am a king. I have been born for this, and for this I have come into the world, so that I
can bear witness to the Truth. All those being from the Truth hear my voice.” Pilate said unto him, “What
is truth?”
And having said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and he said unto them, “I find, discover or detect no
crime in him.” And the chief priests were accusing Jesus of many things, and while he was being accused by the chief
priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then Pilate again questioned him, saying unto him, “Are you avowing nothing?
Behold how many things they are accusing you of. Are you not hearing how many things they are witnessing against you?”
But Jesus no more answered anything, and he gave him no response, not even to one word: insomuch that Pilate the governor
(began) to marvel greatly with wonder and admiration. And Pilate said unto the chief priests and the multitudes, “I
find no cause in this man.” But they were the more urgent and pressing, saying, “He is stirring up the
people, teaching throughout all Judea, and beginning from Galilee even unto this place….” And Pilate hearing
“Galilee,” he asked if the man is a Galilean. And learning that he is from the jurisdiction of Herod,
he sent him unto Herod, he being also in Jerusalem in these days.
Now Herod seeing Jesus, became exceedingly glad: for he was for a long time wanting to see him, because he (had begun)
to hear much about him; and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. And he questioned him with befitting words; but he
answered him nothing. And the chief priests and the scribes stood, vehemently accusing him. And Herod with his guards made
light of him by mocking him, rejecting him with contempt and scorn; and casting around him gaudy apparel he sent him back
to Pilate. And both Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day: for they were at enmity between themselves
before this. And calling together the chief priests and the leaders and the people, Pilate said unto them, “You
brought this man unto me as (one that is) perverting the people: and behold, examining him before you, I found no fault in
this man regarding those things which you accuse him of. But still more, neither Herod: for I sent you all up unto him: and
behold, nothing worthy of death has been committed by him. Therefore, scourging him, I will release him.”
Now at a feast, the governor in the past had customarily resorted to setting free one prisoner, usually with good results,
and was of necessity compelled to liberate unto the multitude at this feast one prisoner whomsoever they wanted and asked
of him. And the multitude went up and began crying aloud, asking him to do for themselves as he was always doing. Now they
were keeping there at that time one, therefore, who was a robber - a notorious prisoner called Barabbas - having been bound
with those insurgents that had made a certain insurrection in the city, and who were cast into prison for committing murder
in that insurrection. Therefore, after the (Jews) had been gathered together, Pilate answered and said to them, “Now
it is a custom for you that I should release one (prisoner) unto you upon the Passover: therefore, you decide who I should
release to you. Whom are you desiring that I should set free for you? Barabbas…..or Jesus called Messiah?”
For he perceived and knew absolutely with the result that it was settled in his mind, that for envy, jealousy and spite the
chief priests had delivered him up with the result that he was already in custody.
But while he (was) sitting upon the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, “You’re nothing,
even to this righteous, innocent (man): for I suffered this day in a dream because of him.” Now the chief priests
and the elders influenced the multitudes by persuasion that they should demand for themselves Barabbas, and they should put
Jesus to death; and they instigated and stirred up the multitude so that he should rather release Barabbas unto them. But
the governor, responding again, said unto them, “Which out of the two are you willing that I should release for
you?” They all cried out therefore, saying, “Barabbas! Not this man, but Barabbas!” Pilate said
unto them, “Are you willing that I should release unto you the King of the Jews?” Then again the whole
multitude cried out all together, saying, “Lift up and kill this man, and release unto us Barabbas!” And
Pilate addressing them again, desiring to release Jesus, responded and said unto them, “What then are you desiring
that I should do unto Jesus - the (One) being called Messiah - whom you are calling “King of the Jews?””
And they all shouted and cried out again unto him, saying, “Crucify, crucify him! Let him be crucified!”
But the governor Pilate said unto them a third time, “What for? What evil has this (one) done? I have found no cause
in him for death: therefore scourging him, I will release him.” [Many men could not survive the Roman scourging.]
But they were urgent and importunate upon him and were crying out more abundantly with exceedingly loud voices, asking for
him to be crucified, and their voices, and those of the chief priests, prevailed, as they cried out exceedingly, saying, “Crucify
him! Let him be crucified!” So when Pilate, willing to do (whatever it took) to gratify or placate the multitude,
saw that there was nothing further of benefit, and that he prevailed not, but rather that a tumult was arising, taking water,
he washed his hands in the presence of the multitude, so that he could be clean of wrongdoing, saying, “I am innocent
of the blood of this righteous (one): You shall be admitted to observe this!” And answering, all the people said,
“His blood be upon us and upon our children!” Then, therefore, the soldiers of Pilate the governor took
Jesus into the Praetorium, and led him away to the court interior within, which is in the palace, and they called together
and gathered against him the whole cohort, and stripping him, they scourged him, and then they clothed or arrayed him with
a purple garment, and put around him a scarlet cloak. And they plaited or interwove a crown made of thorns and placed it around
his head, and a reed upon his right; and they began to salute him, and they knelt down before him, and mocked him, saying,
“Hail, King of the Jews!” And they spat upon him, and took the reed and struck him on his head with it,
and kneeling down again they were worshipping him, and then they struck him with their hands.
Then Pilate came out again (to the) outside, and said unto them, “Behold, I bring him out to you so that you
may know that I find not one crime in him.” Jesus therefore came out (to the) outside, wearing the crown of thorns,
and the purple garment and cloak. And Pilate said unto them, “Behold, the man!” When therefore the chief
priests and the officers saw him, they cried out saying, “Crucify! Crucify!” Pilate said unto them, “Take
him yourselves and crucify him: for I find not a crime in him.” The Jews answered him, “We have a Law,
and according to our Law he ought to die, because he made himself Son of God.” When Pilate therefore heard this
detail, he became more reluctant; and he entered again into the Praetorium with Jesus and said unto him, “Where
are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. Pilate therefore said unto him, “You are not speaking to
me? Are you uncertain that I have authority and power to crucify you, and that I have authority and power to release you?”
Jesus answered him, “You were not holding authority and power over me unless you had been receiving permission and
supply from above: therefore, the one delivering me up unto you has a greater sin.” After this, Pilate sought to
release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, “If you release this man, you are not a friend of Caesar: everyone
making himself a king is opposing Caesar!” Pilate hearing this saying therefore brought Jesus outside, and sat down
upon the judgment seat at a place called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, “Gabbatha." Now it was the Preparation
of the Passover: and approaching the third hour [9:00 A.M.]. And he said unto the Jews, “Behold, your King!”
But they cried out, “Lift him up! Lift him up! Crucify him!” Pilate said unto them, “Shall I
crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar!” So therefore,
Pilate adjudged their request to be done, and he released unto them whom they asked for, Barabbas, who had been cast into
prison for insurrection and murder. And having already scourged Jesus, he delivered him up unto them to their will, so that
he could be crucified. And when they had mocked and derided him, and treated him contumely and with scorn, they removed from
him the cloak, and the purple garment, and put on him his own garments, and they led him out and away to crucify him.
CXX. The Crucifixion of Jesus (Mt 27:32-56; Mk 15:21-41; Lk 23:26-49; Jn 19:16b-37; 1:1-5, 9-14, 16-18; Ps 22:1-21; Is 52:13-53:12)
They took Jesus and led him away, therefore, and he went out, bearing aloft his cross alone, (but he could not bear it
by himself). So as they were leading him away so that they could crucify him, going forth, they found and were seizing for
themselves a certain man passing by, (who was) coming from a cultivated field, one Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander
and Rufus, and pressed or compelled him to go with them so that he might bear or carry his cross: and they laid upon him the
cross, to bear it behind Jesus. And a great multitude of the people were following him, and women also who were beating themselves,
bewailing and lamenting him. But turning unto them Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not over me, but weep
over yourselves, and over your children. For behold, days are coming in which they will say, “Fortunate are the
barren, and (the) wombs which bear not, and (the) breasts which give not suck.” Then they will themselves commence
to say unto the mountains, “Fall upon us;” and unto the hills, “Cover us.” For if
they are yielding or producing these (fruits) during the fresh, green tree full of sap, what shall happen during the dry and
withered (tree)?”
And (there) were also two others - criminals - led with him to be lifted up and put to death. And they were conducting
him out unto a place which is being called in Hebrew, “Golgotha,” (and in Latin, “Calvary,”)
which being interpreted is: “Place of a Skull.” And when they arrived upon the place, they offered him
myrrh wine, or posca mingled with wormwood to drink [a sharp flavored wine mixed with bitter herbs to stupefy the condemned
and lessen their suffering]: and tasting (it), he declined or refused (it), and was not willing to drink (it). And it was
after the third hour [9:00 AM]; and there they crucified him, and with him were being crucified (the) two thieves or criminals,
one on each side - one at (the) right of him, and the other one at (the) left of him with Jesus in the middle - and the scripture
was fulfilled which says, “And he was being reckoned, counted, enumerated with transgressors.” And Jesus
said, “Father, forgive them; for they have no absolute knowledge or understanding of what they are doing, causing
to take place, or bringing to pass.”
And Pilate wrote - and set up above over his head on the cross - an inscribed placard also; and the superscription of
his accusation, having been written, was upon it: “This is Jesus the Nazarite: the King of the Jews.”
Therefore, many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city: and it had been written
in Hebrew, Latin and Greek characters. The chief priests of the Jews therefore said to Pilate, write not, “The King
of the Jews;” but that this one said, “I am King of the Jews.” Pilate answered, “What
I have written, I have written.” Then the soldiers divided his garments after having crucified him, and cast lots:
they took his garments and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and (they took) the tunic also. Now the tunic was without
seam, woven from the top throughout. They said, therefore, one to another, “Let us not tear it, but let us cast
lots for it, (to see) whose it shall be,” so that the scripture spoken by the prophet might be fulfilled, that saying,
“They parted my garments among themselves, and upon my vesture they cast a lot.” These things therefore
the soldiers did, parting his garments among them, and casting a lot upon them (to see) what each should take. And sitting
down, they guarded him there.
And the people stood fixed, spectating. And those passing along by were reviling him, and treating him with contumely
and calumny, wagging their heads in derision and saying, “Ha! The One destroying the temple and building it in three
days: save yourself since you are Son of God, and come down from the cross.” And the rulers also were scoffing with
them, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, since this one is the Christ - the Messiah - the specially
beloved of God.” In like manner also the chief priests mocking among each other with the scribes and elders said,
“He saved others; Is he not able to save himself? If he is King of Israel; let him, the Messiah, the King of Israel,
now descend or come down from the cross, that we may see, and we will believe him. He trusted upon God; let him rescue or
deliver him now, if he wants him: for he said, “I am Son of God.”” And the soldiers also were
mocking, scorning and deriding him, approaching and offering vinegar to him, and saying, “If you are the King of
the Jews, save yourself.” And the thieves that were also being crucified with him were inveighing against him and
insulting him with opprobrious speech, casting upon him the same reproaches. And one of the criminals being suspended, was
blaspheming him, saying, “Since you are Christ the Messiah, save yourself, and us.” But the other (repenting)
and responding, rebuked him, and said, “Don’t you even fear God, seeing that (we) are furnished with the
very same judicial sentence? And indeed we deservedly: for I am receiving the suitable, due recompense of what I did: but
this one did nothing improper, amiss or wicked.” And he said unto Jesus, “Lord, remember me when you can
come in the course of your kingdom.” And Jesus said unto him, “Truly I say unto you, today you shall be
with me in Paradise [the Garden of Eden according to the Septuagint].”
And there stood transfixed near the cross of Jesus [remember the prophecy of Simeon in part XIII: dictionary definition
two of the word transfixed - “Yea regarding you, woman: a thrill of anguish will pierce or impale her human soul”]
his mother, and his mother’s sister - Mary the wife of Clopas - and Mary of Magdalene. Jesus therefore seeing mother,
and the disciple standing by whom he cherished, he said unto his mother, “Woman [as he was her Lord], behold your
son [ e.g. the disciple John],” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from
that hour the disciple took her into his own care. And after this, John said,
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. This Word was with God in the
beginning. All things came into existence through him; and without his agency not one came into existence who exists that
has been created. In him was life; and that life was the light of humanity. And that light was shining in the darkness; and
the darkness comprehended it not. The Word was the real, sterling light, that which was illuminating every individual coming
into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into existence through him, yet the world knew him not. He came to
his own people, and his own people received him not. But all who received him, to them he gave prerogative and privilege to
become children of God - to those believing into his Name: who were offspring, not of natural descent, nor of carnal desire,
nor of manly desire, but of God. And the Word became flesh, and had his abode among us, and we discerned with our eyes his
glory, glory according as (the) only begotten of (the) Father, abundantly full of grace and truth. And out of his fullness
or abundance we all received: even grace in correspondence to, answering to, or over against grace. For the Law was given
through Moses; the grace and the truth came into existence through Jesus Christ. No one has ever yet at any time seen God:
the only begotten Son, the One being in the bosom of the Father, that One has revealed him and made him known.”
And it was now about the sixth hour [noon], and the sun became darkened, and a darkness came over the whole land, occurring
from the sixth hour until the ninth hour [3:00 PM]. And at about the ninth hour, Jesus cried with a great voice, saying, “Eloi,
Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is being interpreted as, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? And
he continued in his heart, saying,
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?
O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night, but find no rest. Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises
of Israel. In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you did deliver them. To you they cried, and were saved; in you they
trusted, and were not disappointed. But I am a worm, and no man; scorned by men, and despised by the people. All who see me
mock at me, they make mouths at me, they wag their heads; “He committed his cause to the Lord; let him deliver him,
let him rescue him, for he delights in him!” Yet you are he who took me from the womb; and you did keep me safe
upon my mother‘s breasts. Upon you was I cast from my birth, and since my mother bore me you have been my God. Be
not far from me, for trouble is near and there is none to help. Many bulls encompass me, strong bulls of Bashan surround me;
they open wide their mouths at me, like a ravening and roaring lion. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out
of joint; my heart is like wax, it is melted within my breast; my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue cleaves
to my jaws; you do lay me in the dust of death. Yea, dogs are around me; a company of evildoers encircle me; they have pierced
my hands and my feet; I can count all my bones; they stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for
my raiment they cast lots. But you, O lord, be not far off! O you my help, hasten to my aid! Deliver my soul from the sword,
my life from the power of the dog! Save me from the mouth of the lion, my afflicted soul from the horns of the wild oxen!”[Psalm
22:1-21 Masoretic and Septuagint combined.]
And some of them standing by there, when they heard that, said, “Behold, this one is calling Elijah.”
After this, knowing that all things had become finished or completed with the present result that they are now concluded,
so that the scripture might be accomplished, Jesus said, “I thirst.” And there was setting there a vessel
full of vinegar. And so immediately one of them ran and took a sponge, and filling the sponge full with vinegar and attaching
it on a reed of hyssop, he brought it to his mouth and gave him to drink. But the rest said, “Let him be; let us
see whether Elijah comes to save him and take him down.” But Jesus, therefore, when he had received the vinegar,
cried again with a great voice, uttering, “Father! It has been concluded, finished, completed with the present result
that it is now fulfilled or realized! Into your hands I will entrust and deposit my spirit, committing it to your charge,
while participating in the results of this action.” And saying this, he bowed his head down and expired - and yielded
up or gave up and breathed out the ghost - his spirit. And behold, the veil of the temple was torn into two parts in the midst
from top to bottom; and the earth was quaked; and the rocks were split; and the tombs were opened; and many of the bodies
of the (Old Testament) saints that had fallen asleep [the dead] were raised: and after his resurrection, coming forth out
of the tombs, they entered into the holy city and appeared unto many.
Now the centurian standing by over against him, and they that were guarding Jesus with him, when they saw how that he
so cried out and expired, and seeing the earthquake and the events that took place, feared exceedingly, and glorified God,
saying, “Certainly this man was righteous. Truly, this one man was Son of God.” And all the multitudes
that had come together upon this sight, when they were beholding the things that were happening, they returned smiting their
breasts. And all his acquaintances stood afar off witnessing these things; there were also many women beholding from afar
that followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him: among whom were both Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James
the less and of Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee, and Salome, who also, when he was in Galilee, had followed him,
and ministered unto him; and many other women accompanying him unto Jerusalem from Galilee. (And Nicodemus, standing afar
off, quoted Isaiah the prophet, saying,)
“Behold, my servant shall prosper, he shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high. As many were astonished
at him - his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the sons of men - so shall he startle
many nations; kings shall shut their mouths because of him; for that which has not been told them they shall see, and that
which they have not heard they shall understand. Who has believed what we have heard? And to whom has the arm of the Lord
been revealed? For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or comeliness
that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised, forsaken and rejected by men; a man
of pains and sorrows and acquainted with sickness and grief; and as one from whom men turn their faces he was despised, and
we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our sicknesses and griefs and carried our sorrows and pains; yet we esteemed him
stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon
him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have
turned every one to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is dumb,
so he opened not his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he
was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? And they made his grave with the wicked
and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. Yet it was the will
of the Lord to bruise him; he has put him to grief and made him sick; when he makes himself (or you make his soul) an offering
for sin, he shall see his offspring, he shall prolong his days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand; he shall see
the fruit of the travail of his soul and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous One, my servant, make many to
be accounted righteous; and he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide him a portion with the great, and he shall
divide the spoil with the strong or mature; because he poured out his soul to death, and was numbered with the transgressors;
yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” [Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Masoretic and Septuagint
combined.]
Then the Jews, because it was the Preparation, asked of Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be
taken away, so that their bodies would not remain on the cross upon the Sabbath (for the day of that Sabbath was a great day).
The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first, and those of the other crucified with him: but coming upon Jesus,
when saw that he was already dead, they broke not his legs: howbeit one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and
immediately blood and water came out. And the eyewitness has testified: and his testimony is unfeigned, trustworthy and true;
and this witness knows absolutely that what he is saying is true, so that you may believe. For these things came to pass so
that the scripture might be fulfilled, “A bone of him shall not be broken;” and again another scripture
says, “They shall look upon whom they pierced.”
CXXI. The Burial of Jesus (Mt 27:57-61; Mk 15:42-47; Lk 23:50-56a; Jn 19:38-42)
And behold, after these things, evening having come, there came a rich man from a city of the Jews called Arimathaea named
Joseph, who was a councilor of honorable estate - a good and righteous man (he himself was not according with their counsel
and deed) - who was himself also being discipled of Jesus, but clandestinely for fear of the Jews, who himself also was looking
for and expecting the kingdom of God. And because it was the Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, this man boldly
coming up, went in unto Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus that he might take it away. And Pilate marveled if he were
already dead: and calling the centurion near unto him, he asked him whether he had been any while dead. And when he learned
it of the centurion, he granted and commanded the corpse be given up to Joseph, and then gave him leave. And Joseph therefore
came and took Jesus down, and took his body away. And there came also Nicodemus - he who at the first came unto Jesus by night
- bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred libra. So they took the body of Jesus and wound and bound it in linen
cloths with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury, and then wrapped it in a clean linen cloth that Joseph had bought.
Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden (Joseph had) a new tomb, which he had hewn out
in the rock for himself, wherein was never yet anyone laid. There (for the tomb was nigh at hand) then, because it was the
day of the Jew‘s Preparation, and [being near 6 P.M.] the Sabbath drew on, they laid Jesus: and Joseph rolled a
great stone against the door of the tomb and departed. And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses, the women that had
come with him out of Galilee, followed after and marked the tomb and how his body was laid while sitting over against the
sepulcher, and returning home they prepared spices and ointments.
CXXII. Saturday - The Watch at the Sepulcher (Mt 27:62-66)
Now on the next day, which is the day after the Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees were gathered together
unto Pilate, saying, “Sir, we remember that that deceiver said while he was yet living, “After three days
I myself am rising again.” Command therefore that the sepulcher be made secure until the third day, lest perchance
his disciples should come by night and should steal him away, and may then say unto the people, “He is risen from
the dead:” and the last deception will be worse than the first.” Pilate said unto them, “You
have a guard: go your way, make it as secure as you know how.” So they went and made the sepulcher sure, sealing
the stone, accompanied by the guard.
Forty days from the Resurrection unto the Ascension
CXXIII. Sunday: The Resurrection of Christ (Mt 28:1-20; Mk 16:1-8; Lk 24:1-12; Jn 20:1-18)
Now late on the Sabbath day, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, when the Sabbath was past, while it
was yet dark at early dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary - the mother of James, and Salome,
set out unto the sepulcher so that they could anoint Jesus, bringing the spices which they had bought and prepared. And they
arrived at the tomb when the sun was risen. And they were saying among themselves, “Who shall roll away the stone
for us from the mouth of the tomb?” For it was exceedingly great. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for
an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled away the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was as lightning,
and his clothing white as snow: and for fear of him the guards quaked and became as dead men [the soldiers passed out because
of fear]. And looking, the women saw that the stone was rolled back away from the tomb. And they entered into the tomb, but
found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass while they were perplexed concerning this, behold two stood by them
in dazzling apparel - the one that had rolled away the stone, and another on the right, arrayed in a white robe, who said,
“Why are you seeking the living among the dead? Be not amazed!” because the women were there, amazed and
frightened, and bowing down their faces to the ground. And the angel responded and said unto the women, “Fear not:
for I know that you are seeking Jesus the Nazarene who has been crucified. He is not here; for he is risen, even as he said.
Come see the place where the Lord did lay - behold where they laid him. Remember how he spoke unto you while he was yet in
Galilee, saying, that the Son of Man must be delivered up into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and rise again the
third day. Go quickly and tell his disciples, and Peter, that he is risen from the dead, and he goes ahead of you into Galilee:
there shall you see him as he said unto you. Lo! I have told you.” And departing they went out and fled from the
tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them: and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. But then they
remembered his words, and fear became great joy, and they ran to bring his disciples word. And returning from the tomb they
told all these things to the eleven, and to all the rest.
Now they were Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary - mother of James - and the other women with them that had told these
things to the disciples. But these words seemed in their sight as idle babble; and they disbelieved them. So Mary Magdalene
came to Peter, and the other disciple whom Jesus greatly esteemed, and said unto them, “They have taken away the
Lord from out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Peter and the other disciple therefore
arose and they went forth running unto the tomb. And they both were running together, but the other disciple out-ran Peter,
and came to the tomb first; and stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, yet he entered not in. Simon
Peter therefore also came after him unto the tomb, and stooped looking in, he then entered into the tomb and he beheld the
linen cloths lying by themselves, and the napkin that was upon his head, not lying with the linen cloths, but rolled up in
a place by itself. Then, therefore, the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, entered also, saw and believed. But as
yet, they understood not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. So the disciples went away again unto their
own homes, wondering at that which had come to pass.
But Mary Magdalene was left standing outside the tomb weeping: so as she wept she stooped and looked into the tomb; and
she beheld the two angels in white sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they
said unto her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said unto them, “Because they have taken away
my Lord, and I don’t know where they have laid him.” When she had thus spoken, she turned herself back,
and beheld Jesus standing, but knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus said unto her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Who
are you seeking?” She, supposing him to be the gardener, said unto him, “Sir, if you have carried him
from here, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said unto her, “Mary.”
She then turned herself and said in Hebrew, “Rabboni;” which is like saying, “Teacher.”
Jesus said unto her, “Do not touch or cling to me; for I have not yet ascended unto the Father (to present the sacrifice):
but go unto my brethren and say to them, “I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and unto my God and your God.”
Mary Magdalene then came and told the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” and that he had said these things
unto her.
And behold, later, Jesus then met the other women, saying, “Hail!” And they came and took hold of
his feet and worshipped him. Then Jesus said unto them, “Fear not: go announce to my brethren that they should depart
into Galilee, and that there they will see me.” Now while the brethren were going, behold, some of the guard that
had recovered came into the city, and told unto the chief priests all the things that had come to pass. And when they were
assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave a lot of silver unto the soldiers, saying, “You say,
“His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept,” and if this comes to a hearing before
the governor, we will persuade him, and rid you of responsibility.” So they took the silver and did as they were
told: and this saying was spread abroad among the Jews, and it prevails even until this day. Now the eleven disciples went
into Galilee, unto the mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped: but some doubted.
And Jesus came up to them and spoke unto them, saying, “All authority has been given unto me in heaven and upon
earth. Going, therefore, you all train in discipleship, discipling all the nations, baptizing them into the Name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am
with you all of the days, even unto the consummation of the age.”
CXXIV. The Road to Emmaus (Lk 24:13-35)
And behold, two of the brethren were going that very day to a village called Emmaus, which was sixty furlongs from Jerusalem.
And they communed with each other concerning all of these things which had happened. And it came to pass while the communed
and questioned together, that Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were prevented from recognizing him
lest they should know him. And he said unto them, “What are these downcast words that you are exchanging with one
another as you are walking?” And they stood still looking very sad.
And one of them, Cleopas, answered and said unto him, “Are you sojourning alone in Jerusalem, and know not of
the things which have come to pass there in these days?” And he said unto them, “What things?”
And they said unto him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in word and deed before
God and all the people: and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified
him. But we hoped that it was he who would redeem Israel. Yea and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things
came to pass. Moreover certain women of our company amazed us, having been early at the tomb; and when they did not find his
body, they came, saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. And certain of them that were
with us went to the tomb, and found it to be so, even as the women had said: but him they did not see.”
And he said unto them, “O unintelligent men - stupid and heavy of heart to believe upon all that the prophets
spoke! Must not the Messiah suffer these things, and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses, and from all
the prophets, he interpreted for them in all the scriptures those things concerning himself. And they drew near to the village
to where they were going: and he made as though he would go further. But they constrained him, saying, “Stay with
us: for it is toward evening, and the day is now far spent.” And he went in to stay with them.
And it came to pass, when he had reclined with them to eat, that he took the loaf, and blessed it, and broke it, and gave
it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to
another, “Was not our heart burning within us, while he spoke to us in the way, while he opened up the scriptures
to us?” And they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them
that were with them, saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon.” And they rehearsed
the things that happened in the way, and how he was recognized by them in the breaking of bread.
CXXV. Christ Appears to the Eleven (Lk 24:36-49)
And as they spoke these things, Jesus himself stood in their midst and said unto them, “Peace be with you.”
But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed that they beheld a ghost. And he said unto them, “Why are you
being troubled? And why are doubts, hesitations and scruples arising in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that I am he?
Handle me and see; for a ghost has not flesh and bones as you behold me having.” And when he had said this, he showed
them his hands and his feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, “Have you
anything here to eat?” And they gave him a piece of broiled fish and a honeycomb; and he took them and ate in their
presence.
And he said unto them, “These (are the) words which I spoke unto you while yet being with you, how that all
those things must needs be fulfilled which are written in the Law of Moses, and the prophets, and the Psalms concerning me.”
Then he opened their mind so that they might understand the scriptures: and he said unto them, “Thus it is written,
that Christ the Messiah must suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day; and that repentance and forgiveness of sins
be preached in his Name unto all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are all witnesses of these things. And behold, I
send forth the promise of my Father upon you: but you remain in the city of Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from
on high.”
CXXVI. Doubting Thomas (Jn 20:19-31)
Later, when it was evening, on that first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were for fear
of the Jews, Jesus came and stood again in their midst and said unto them, “Peace to you.” And when he
had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were therefore glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus therefore
said to them again, “Peace to you: as the Father has sent me, so send I you.” And when he had said this,
he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit: whose soever sins you forgive, they are forgiven unto them;
whose soever (sins) you retain, they are retained.” But Thomas, one of the twelve called Didymus, was not with them
when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said unto
them, “Unless I can see the print of the nails in his hands, and put my finger into the print of those nails, and
put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
And after eight days, again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them. The doors being shut, Jesus came and stood
in their midst and said, “Peace to you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Extend your finger here and
see my hands; and extend your hand and put it into my side: and be not faithless, but faithing.” Thomas answered
and said unto him, “My Lord and My God!” Jesus said unto him, “Because Thomas you have seen
me you have believed: fortunate are those not seeing, yet believing.” Jesus therefore did many other signs in the
presence of the disciples which are not written in this book: but these are recorded so that you can believe that Jesus is
Christ the Messiah, the Son of God; and that believing you can have life through his Name.
CXXVII. Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples Fishing in the Sea (Jn 21:1-25)
After these things, Jesus manifested himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and he was manifested on this
wise. There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas Didymus, and Nathaniel of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and
two other of his disciples. Simon Peter said unto them, “I’m going fishing.” They said unto
him, “We shall come with you also.” They went forth and entered into the boat; and that night they caught
nothing. But when day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach: howbeit the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus
therefore said unto them, “Children, do you not have anything for eating?” They answered him, “No!”
And he said unto them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find (a catch).” They
cast therefore, but then they were not able to draw it in for the multitude of fishes. That disciple therefore whom Jesus
cherished said unto Peter, “It is the Lord!”
So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his coat about him (for he was naked) and threw himself into the
sea. But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from the beach, but about two hundred cubits off),
dragging the net full of fishes. So when they got out upon the land, they saw a fire of charcoal there, and a fish laid thereon,
and a loaf. Jesus said unto them, “Bring some of the little fish which you have now caught.” Simon Peter
therefore went up and drew the net to land, full of great fishes, a hundred and fifty three: and being so many (yet) the net
was not torn. Jesus said unto them, “Come for breakfast.” But none of the disciples dared ask of him,
“Who are you?” knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave them, and the little
fish likewise. This was now the fifth time that Jesus was manifested to the disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.
So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Joanes, are you loving me more than
these (fish)?” He said unto him, “Yes, Lord: you surely know that I am befriending you.” He
said unto him, “Feed, pasture my lambs.” He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of
Joanes, are you loving me?” He said unto him, “Yes, Lord, you surely know that I am befriending you.”
He said unto him, “Tend, direct, oversee my sheep.” He said unto him a third time, “Simon, son
of Joanes, are you befriending me?” Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, “Are you
befriending me?” And he said unto him, “Lord, you absolutely know all; you are knowing that I am befriending
you.” Jesus said unto him, “Feed, pasture my little sheep. Truly, truly I say unto you, when you were
younger, you dressed yourself, and you walked where you wanted: but when you grow old, you will stretch your hands, and another
will dress you, and will carry you where you desire not.” Now this he spoke, signifying by what manner of death
he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he said unto him, “Follow me.” Peter, turning about,
saw the disciple whom Jesus cherished following; who also leaned back on his breast at the supper, and said, “Lord,
who is the one betraying you?” Peter therefore seeing him said to Jesus, “Lord, and this man, what shall
this man do?” Jesus said unto him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow
me!” This saying, therefore, went forth among the brethren, that that disciple may not die: yet Jesus said unto
him not, that he may not die; but merely, “If I desire that he tarry until I come, what is that to you?”
This is that disciple who bears testimony of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.
And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which if they could be written, every one, I suppose that even the
world itself could not contain the books that would be written.
CXXVIII. The Ascension of Christ the Messiah (Lk 24:50-53; 1st Corinthians 15:6; Acts 1:3-14)
Jesus thus showed himself alive after his passion through many indisputable proofs, being seen by them over forty days,
speaking of things pertaining to the kingdom of God. And he led them out until they were over against Bethany where he was
seen by over five hundred brethren at one time: and being assembled together with them, he commanded them that they should
not depart from Jerusalem. He said, “Wait for the promise of the Father which you have learned from me: for John
indeed baptized water; but you will be baptized by the Holy Spirit after not many days from now.” Therefore, when
they were gathered, they asked him saying, “Lord, will you at this time bring back the kingdom to Israel?”
And he said unto them, “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons which the Father has put in his own power.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and you will be witnesses of me, both in Jerusalem, and
in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the ends of the earth.” And when he had spoken these things, he lifted up
his hands and blessed them. And it came to pass, that while he blessed them, he was taken up while they watched, and he parted
from them, and was carried up into heaven, and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly
toward heaven as he went up, behold, two stood by them in white apparel: who also said, “You men of Galilee, why
are you standing here gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus who is taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner
as you have seen him go into heaven.” And they worshipped him as they returned unto Jerusalem from the mount called
Olivet with great joy, which is a Sabbath day’s journey from Jerusalem. And when they were come in they went up
into an upper room where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew,
James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer
and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
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