Chapter V: Preface (5)

(28)And one of the scribes coming, and hearing them questioning him, perceiving that he had answered them admirably, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? (29)Then Jesus replied to him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear O Israel; the Lord thy God is one Lord: (30)and thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. This is the first commandment. (31)And the second, like it, is this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: there is no greater commandment than these. (32)And the scribe said unto him, Admirably, Master! thou hast spoken the very truth: for there is one God; and there is no other besides him: (33)and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength; and to love his neighbour as himself, is better than all burnt offerings, and sacrifices. (34)And Jesus perceiving that he had answered as a man of intelligence, said to him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man thenceforth presumed to question him.

(35)And Jesus addressing them said, as he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that the Messiah is the Son of David? (36)for David himself saith by the Spirit, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thy enemies the foot-stool for thy feet. (37)David himself therefore calleth him Lord; and whence then is he his son? And a vast multitude heard him with delight.

(38)And he spake to them in the course of his teaching, Beware of the scribes, who love to go about in trailing robes, and like salutations in the places of concourse, (39)and the principal seats in the synagogues, and the first couch at suppers: (40)who devour widows' houses, and in pretence make long prayers: such shall receive greater damnation.

(41)And as Jesus was sitting opposite the treasury, he saw a multitude casting money into the treasury: and many who were rich cast in many _pieces_. (42)And one poor widow coming, cast in two mites, which is a farthing. (43)And having called his disciples, he said unto them, I tell you truly, that this poor widow hath cast in more than all who have cast into the treasury: (44)for all they have cast in of their superfluities; but she from her indigence hath cast in all that she had, even her whole substance.

CHAP. XIII.

AND as he was going out of the temple, one of his disciples said unto him, Master, behold what vast stones, and what structures! (2)And Jesus answering said to him, Beholdest thou these magnificent structures? there shall not be left one stone upon another which shall not be thrown down. (3)And as he was sitting on the mount of Olives, opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, (4)Tell us, when shall these things be? and what is the sign when all these things shall come to pass? (5)Then Jesus answering them, began to say, Beware that no man deceive you: (6)for many will come in my name, saying, I am the Messiah; and shall deceive many. (7)But when ye hear of wars, and rumours of wars, be not troubled: for these things must be; but the end is not yet. (8)And nation shall rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and commotions: these are the beginnings of sorrows. (9)But take ye heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to their sanhedrims, and to the synagogues; ye shall be beaten with rods, and be set before kings and governors for my name's sake, for a testimony unto them. (10)And the Gospel must first be preached to all nations. (11)But when delivering you up, they shall bring you to the bar, be not previously anxious what ye shall say, neither premeditate: for it shall be given to you at that very hour, what ye shall speak: for it is not you, who are speaking, but the Holy Ghost. (12)And brother shall deliver up brother unto death, and the father the son: and children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. (13)And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. But he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved. (14)But when ye see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing where it ought not (let him that readeth observe), then let those who are in Judea fly to the mountains: (15)and let not him who is on the roof go down into the house, nor enter into it, to carry away any thing out of the house: (16)and he that is in the field, let him not return back to take his garment. (17)But wo to those who are big with child, and who have infants at their breasts in those days! (18)And pray that your flight be not in winter. (19)For these days shall bring tribulation, such as the like hath never been from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, and never shall be more. (20)And except the Lord had shortened the days, no flesh would have been preserved: but for the sake of those elect, whom he hath elected, he hath shortened the days. (21)And then, if any man say to you, Lo, here is the Messiah! or, lo there! believe it not. (22)For many false Messiahs and false prophets shall arise, and shall propose signs and wonders to deceive, if it were possible, even the elect. (23)But be ye on your guard: lo! I have told you all things: (24)but in those days, after that distressing season, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not emit her light; (25)and the stars of the heaven will be falling, and the powers that are in heaven will be shaken. (26)And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with vast power and glory. (27)And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather to him his elect from the four winds, from the extremity of the earth to the utmost bound of heaven. (28)Now learn from the fig-tree, a parable; When her branch is now become tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh; (29)so also you, when ye see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. (30)Verily I say unto you, That this generation shall not pass away, until all these things are fulfilled. (31)Heaven and earth shall pass away; but my words shall never pass away.

(32)But of that day and hour knoweth no man, nor the angels which are in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father. (33)Take ye heed, watch, and pray; for ye know not when the time is. (34)As a man going abroad, when he left his abode, and gave his servants authority, and to each his work, commanded also the porter to watch. (35)Watch ye therefore; for ye know not at what time the master of the house cometh, at evening, or midnight, or cock-crowing, or in the morning: (36)lest coming suddenly he find you asleep. (37)Now what I say to you, I say to all, Watch.

CHAP. XIV.

NOW the passover and the feast of unleavened bread were but two days distant; and the chief priests, and the scribes, sought how they might seize him by craft, and kill him. (2)But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be a commotion among the people. (3)And when he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at table, a woman came, having an alabaster vase of ointment, of genuine spikenard, of vast value: and breaking the vase, she let it flow down upon his head. (4)And there were some who felt indignation within themselves, saying, Wherefore is this waste of the ointment made? (5)For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and given to the poor. And they bitterly murmured against her. (6)Then said Jesus, Let her alone; why give ye her uneasiness? she hath performed a laudable act towards me. (7)For the poor ye have always with you, and when ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. (8)What was in her power she hath done; she has seized the opportunity to anoint my body beforehand for burial. (9)Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached through the whole world, there shall, what she hath done, be told for a memorial of her.

(10)Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, that he might betray him unto them. (11)When they heard it, they rejoiced, and promised to give him a sum in silver. And he watched how opportunely he might deliver him up.

(12)And on the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare for thee to eat the passover? (13)And he sent two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water, follow him. (14)And where he enters, say to the master of the family. That the teacher saith, Where is the dining-room, where I may eat the passover with my disciples? (15)And he will shew you a large upper room ready furnished: there make preparation for us. (16)And his disciples went out, and came into the city, and found as he had spoken to them; and they made ready the passover.

(17)And when it was evening he came with the twelve. (18)And as they sat at table, and were eating, Jesus said, Verily I tell you, That one of you, who is eating with me, shall betray me. (19)And they began to be very sorry, and to say to him, one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I? (20)But he answering said to them, It is one of the twelve, who is dipping his hand with me into the dish. (21)The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him; but wo to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been desirable for that man if he had never been born.

(22)And as they were eating, Jesus taking a loaf, when he had blessed, brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. (23)And taking the cup, when he had given thanks, he gave it to them; and they all drank out of it. (24)And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. (25)Verily I say unto you, That I will henceforth no more drink of the produce of the vine, until that day when I shall drink it new in the kingdom of God.

(26)And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the mount of Olives. (27)And Jesus saith to them, All ye will be offended at me this night; for it is written, "I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be dispersed:" (28)but after I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. (29)Then said Peter unto him, Though all should be offended, yet will not I. (30)And Jesus saith to him, Verily I tell thee, That to-day, in the course of this very night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt thrice deny me. (31)But he said with more vehement assertion, Though I should die with thee, yet would I in no wise deny thee. And they all spake also in the same manner.

(32)And they come to a place called Gethsemane, and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here whilst I shall pray. (33)And he taketh Peter, and James, and John, with him; and he began to be filled with horrible dread, and to be sunk under dejection of spirit: (34)and he saith to them, My soul is deeply afflicted even to death: abide here, and watch. (35)And he went a little farther forward, and fell on the earth, and prayed, that if it were possible the hour might pass from him. (36)And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible to thee; remove this cup from me, nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt. (37)And he came and found them asleep: and saith unto Peter, Sleepest thou? hast thou not strength to watch with me a single hour? (38)Watch ye and pray, that ye enter not into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (39)And again he went away, and prayed, speaking the same sentence. (40)And when he returned, he found them again sleeping; for their eyes were weighed down: and they knew not what to answer him. (41)Then the third time he cometh, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and repose: it is enough, the hour is come; lo! the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners; (42)arise, let us go; behold, the traitor approaches me. (43)And immediately, while he was yet speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, came up, and a great multitude with him, with swords and staves, from the chief priests, and scribes, and elders. (44)Now he that betrayed him, had given them a countersign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he, seize him, and lead him off safely. (45)And coming, he immediately drew up to him and said, Rabbi, Rabbi, and kissed him. (46)Then they laid their hands on him, and seized him. (47)And one particular person of those who stood by drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. (48)And Jesus addressing them said, Are ye come out as against a robber, with swords and staves, to apprehend me? (49)Daily was I with you in the temple teaching, and ye laid no hold upon me: but _this is done_ that the scriptures might be fulfilled.

(50)Then they all deserting him, fled. (51)And a certain youth followed him, having a linen cloth wrapped round his naked body; and the young men laid hold of him; (52)and leaving the linen cloth behind, he fled naked from them.

(53)And they led Jesus unto the high-priest; and with him were assembled all the chief priests, and the elders, and the scribes. (54)And Peter followed him at a distance, until he came into the palace of the high-priest: and was seated with the servants, and warming himself at the fire.

(55)Then the chief priests, and the whole sanhedrim, sought for witness against Jesus, that they might put him to death; yet found none. (56)For many bore false witness against him, and their attestations did not correspond. (57)And certain persons rising up, bore false witness against him, saying, (58)We have heard him affirm, I will destroy this temple made with hands, and after three days I will build another not made with hands. (59)But even then their testimony was not correspondent. (60)So the high-priest rising up in the midst interrogated Jesus, Answerest thou nothing? What is it that these witness against thee? (61)But he kept silence, and made them not a word of reply. Again the high-priest questioned him, and said to him, Art thou the Messiah, the Son of the blessed? (62)Then said Jesus, I am. And ye shall see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming with the clouds of heaven. (63)Then the high-priest rent his clothes, and said, What farther need have we of witnesses? (64)Ye have heard his blasphemy. What think ye? And they all adjudged him to be deserving of death. (65)And some began to spit upon him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say to him, Prophesy: and the servants slapped him on the face with their hands.

(66)And as Peter was in the hall, at the lower end, there came to him one of the high-priest's maid-servants: (67)and seeing Peter warming himself, stedfastly looking at him, she said, Thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth. (68)Then he denied it, saying, I do not so much as know him, nor understand what thou art saying. And he went out into the vestibule; and the cock crew. (69)And a maid-servant observing him again; began to say to those who stood by, This man is one of them. (70)Then he denied it again. And after a little while, they who stood by said to Peter, Of a certainty thou art one of them; for thou art a Galilean, and thy speech is correspondent. (71)Then began he to make the most dreadful imprecations, and to swear, I know not the man of whom ye speak. (72)And the second time the cock crew. And Peter remembered the word which Jesus spake unto him, That before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And casting his mantle over his face, he wept.

CHAP. XV.

AND immediately the chief priests having held a council in the morning, with the elders, and scribes, and the whole sanhedrim, after binding Jesus, led him away, and delivered him up to Pilate. (2)And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? He answering said to him, Thou sayest true. (3)And the chief priests laid many accusations against him. (4)Then Pilate again interrogated him, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they testify against thee. (5)But Jesus notwithstanding made not a word of reply; so that Pilate marvelled.

(6)Now at the feast, he released one prisoner to them, whomsoever they petitioned for. (7)And there was one called Barabbas, bound with those who had made an insurrection with him, and had committed murder in the insurrection. (8)And the multitude, clamorous, began to petition him to do, as he had always done to them. (9)Then Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the king of the Jews? (10)(For he knew that out of envy the chief priests had delivered him up.) (11)Then the chief priests stirred up the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them. (12)Then Pilate addressing them, said unto them again, What therefore do you wish that I should do with him whom ye call the king of the Jews? (13)And they cried out again, Crucify him. (14)Then Pilate said unto them, But what criminal act hath he done? And they cried the more vociferously, Crucify him. (15)So Pilate, willing to do what would be satisfactory to the people, released to them Barabbas, and delivered Jesus to be scourged, in order to be crucified.

(16)Then the soldiers led him to the hall, which is the Praetorium, and called together the whole band. (17)And they invested him with a robe of purple, and platting a crown of thorns, put it about his head, (18)and began to pay their salutations to him, Hail, King of the Jews! (19)And they struck him on the head with a cane, and spat upon him, and bowing their knees payed him homage. (20)And when they had treated him with mockery, they took off the purple robe from him, and clothed him with his own garments, and led him out to crucify him. (21)And they compel one Simon, a Cyrenian, who was passing by, coming out of the field, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.

(22)And they convey him to a place called Golgotha, which is being interpreted, The place of a skull. (23)And they gave him to drink wine medicated with myrrh: but he received it not. (24)And having crucified him, they divided his garments, casting the lot upon them, what each should take. (25)Now it was the third hour, and they crucified him. (26)And there was an inscription of his crime written over him, THE KING OF THE JEWS. (27)And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right hand, and the other on his left. (28)And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, "And he was reckoned among the transgressors." (29)And they who passed along, blasphemed him, shaking their heads, and saying, Aha! thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, (30)save thyself, and come down from the cross. (31)And in the same manner also, the chief priests mocking him, among each other, with the scribes, said, He saved others, himself he cannot save. (32)Thou Messiah, King of Israel, come now down from the cross, that we may see, and believe. Even those who were crucified with him railed on him.

(33)Now when the sixth hour came, there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. (34)And at the ninth hour, Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabacthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, for what cause hast thou abandoned me? (35)And some of those who stood by, hearing him, said, Behold, he crieth for Elias. (36)Then one ran, and filling a sponge with vinegar, fixed it round a cane, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone, let us see if Elias comes to take him down. (37)Then Jesus, uttering a loud cry, gave up the ghost.

(38)And the vail of the temple was rent in two from the top to the bottom. (39)And the centurion, who stood opposite to him, observing, that with such a cry he gave up the ghost, said, Assuredly this was the Son of God.

(40)Now there were also women looking on at a distance; among whom also was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the small, and the mother of Joses, and Salome. (41)These women followed him when he was in Galilee, and supplied his wants; and many other women who went up with him to Jerusalem.

(42)And when the evening was now come (since it was the preparation, that is the day preceding the sabbath), (43)Joseph, who was from Arimathea, came, a respectable person, a counsellor, and who himself also was expecting the kingdom of God; taking courage, he went in to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. (44)Then Pilate marvelled that he should be already dead: and calling for the centurion, he asked him, If he had been dead any time. (45)And when he knew it from the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph. (46)And having bought a wrapper of fine linen, and taken him down, he wrapped him in the linen cloth, and laid him in a sepulchre, which was hewn out of a rock; and rolled a stone to the door of the sepulchre. (47)Now Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of Joses, saw where he was laid.

CHAP. XVI.

AND when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, purchased aromatics, that they might come, and anoint him. (2)And very early on the first day of the week, they come to the sepulchre, as the sun was rising. (3)And said among themselves, Who will roll away for us the stone from the door of the sepulchre? (4)And looking again, they saw that the stone was rolled away, for it was vastly large. (5)And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting at the right hand, clothed in a white robe; and they were greatly terrified. (6)But he saith unto them, Be not affrighted, ye seek Jesus the Nazarean, who was crucified; he is risen, he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. (7)But go, tell his disciples, and Peter, that he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him, as he told you. (8)And they going out hastily, fled from the sepulchre, for trembling and astonishment had seized them: and they said not a word to any person, for they were affrighted.

(9)Now being arisen early, on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. (10)She going, told it to those who had been with him, as they were wailing and weeping. (11)And they, when they heard that he was alive, and had been seen by her, gave no credit to her.

(12)Then after this, he was manifested under another form, to two of them as they were walking, and going into the country. (13)And they came back and told the news to the rest; neither did they believe them. (14)Afterwards he shewed himself to the eleven, as they were sitting at table, and upbraided them for their infidelity and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen him after he was risen. (15)And he said unto them, Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (16)He that believeth and is baptised shall be saved; and he that believeth not shall be damned. (17)And these signs shall follow those that believe: in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; (18)they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly potion, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover health.

(19)Then the Lord, after having thus spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. (20)But they going forth preached every where, the Lord working mightily with them, and confirming the word, by attendant miracles.

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE.

CHAP. I.

SINCE many have attempted to compose a narrative of facts, confirmed to us by the fullest evidence: (2)exactly as they delivered them to us, who were eve witnesses from the first, and ministers of the word; (3)it seemed right to me also, having obtained accurate knowledge of all things from above, to write to thee in regular order, most excellent Theophilus, (4)to the intent that thou mayest clearly know the certainty of those matters, concerning which thou hast been instructed.

(5)There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abiah: and his wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name Elisabeth. (6)And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. (7)And they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were far advanced in years. (8)And it came to pass, as he discharged his priestly office in the order of his periodical ministration before God, (9)according to the custom of the priesthood, it fell to his lot to burn the incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. (10)And all the multitude of people was praying without, at the time of the burning the incense. (11)And an angel of the Lord appeared to him standing on the right side of the altar of incense. (12)And Zacharias was agitated greatly at the sight, and fear fell upon him. (13)But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bring thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. (14)And it shall give thee joy and exultation; and many shall rejoice at his birth: (15)for he shall be great in the sight of the Lord; and he shall never drink wine, nor any intoxicating liquor; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. (16)And many of the children of Israel shall he turn unto the Lord, their God. (17)And he shall go forth before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to convert the hearts of fathers with their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to prepare a people ready for the Lord.

(18)And Zacharias said to the angel, By what shall I know this? for I am old, and my wife far advanced in her age. (19)And the angel answering said to him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and I have been sent to speak to thee, and to proclaim these glad tidings to thee. (20)And behold, thou shalt be dumb, and unable to speak, until that day when these things shall come to pass, because thou hast not believed my words, which shall be fulfilled at their exact time.

(21)And the people were waiting for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. (22)And when he came out, he could not speak to them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he himself made signs to them, and continued deaf and dumb. (23)And it came to pass, when the days of his ministry were fulfilled, he went to his own house. (24)And after those days Elisabeth his wife conceived, and kept herself in retirement five months, saying, (25)Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days in which he looked upon me to take away my reproach among men.

(26)Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, the name of which was Nazareth, (27)to a virgin of the house of David, betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph; and the virgin's name was Mary. (28)And the angel coming in to her said, All hail! O thou highly favoured one! the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. (29)And when she saw him, she was greatly agitated at his address: and reasoned in herself what kind of salutation this could be. (30)And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found favour with God. (31)And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS. (32)He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father; (33)and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end. (34)And Mary said, How shall this be, seeing I know not man? (35)And the angel answering said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee; wherefore also the Holy One that shall be born of thee, shall be called the Son of God. (36)And, behold, Elisabeth thy cousin, she also hath conceived in her old age: and this is the fifth month _of pregnancy_ with her who was called barren. (37)For there is nothing impossible with God. (38)Then said Mary, Behold a servant of the Lord, be it to me according to thy declaration. And the angel departed from her.

(39)Then Mary arose in those days, and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, (40)and entered into the house of Zachariah, and saluted Elisabeth. (41)And it came to pass, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped for joy in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: (42)and she exclaimed with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. (43)And whence is this favour shewn me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? (44)For, lo! as the voice of thy salutation reached my ears, the babe leaped for joy in my womb. (45)And blessed is she that hath believed; for there shall be a fulfilment of the things told her from the Lord.

(46)And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, (47)and my spirit hath exulted in God my Saviour: (48)for he hath looked upon the lowly state of his maid-servant: for, lo! henceforth shall all generations pronounce me blessed. (49)For the Mighty One hath done great things for me; and holy is his name. (50)And his mercy is upon those who fear him, from generation to generation. (51)He hath displayed strength from his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. (52)He hath cast down potentates from the throne, and hath exalted the lowly. (53)He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. (54)He hath succoured Israel his servant, that he might be mindful of mercy for ever; (55)as he had spoken to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed. (56)And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned unto her home.

(57)Now Elisabeth's time was up that she should be delivered; and she brought a son. (58)And her neighbours and her relations heard, that the Lord had magnified his mercy upon her; and they congratulated her. (59)And it came to pass, on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him after the name of his father, Zacharias. (60)And his mother spake and said, No; but he shall be called John. (61)And they said to her, There is not one among thy relations, who is called by this name. (62)And they made signs to his father, what he would have him called. (63)And desiring a writing tablet, he wrote, saying, John is his name. And they were all surprised. (64)Instantly then his mouth was opened, and his tongue loosed, and he burst out in praises to God. (65)And great awe fell on all those who dwelt around them: and in all the mountainous country of Judea, all these circumstances were the subject of conversation. (66)And all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, Well! what a child will this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.

(67)And Zacharias his father was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, (68)Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel; for he hath visited and wrought redemption for his people; (69)and hath raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David: (70)as he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been from the beginning: (71)even preservation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; (72)to perform mercy towards our fathers, and to remember his own holy covenant: (73)the oath which he sware to Abraham our father, (74)to give us, that we, secure from fear, rescued from the hands of our enemies, should serve him, (75)in righteousness and holiness before him, all the days of our life. (76)And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Most High; for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; (77)to give the knowledge of salvation to his people, by the remission of their sins, (78)through the bowels of mercy of our God; with which he hath visited us, as the dawn of the morning from on high, (79)to illumine those who sat in darkness, and in the shadow of death, to direct our feet into the way of peace. (80)And the child grew, and became mighty in spirit, and was in the deserts until the days of his public exhibition to Israel.

CHAP. II.

NOW it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that the whole land should be registered. (2)(And this first enrolment was made by Cyrenius, _afterwards_ governor of Syria) (3)And all went to be registered, every one to his own city. (4)Then Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and family of David; (5)to be enregistered with Mary, the wife espoused to him, who was big with child. (6)And it came to pass, while they were there, that her time was up, that she should be delivered. (7)And she brought forth a son, her first-born, and wrapped him in swaddling-clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

(8)And there were shepherds in that country abiding in the open air, and keeping guard over their flock by night. (9)And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were exceedingly affrighted. (10)And the angel said unto them, Be not affrighted: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be for all the people. (11)Because this day there is born for you a Saviour, which is Messiah, the Lord, in the city of David. (12)And this shall be a sign for you; Ye shall find the babe in swaddling-clothes, lying in a manger. (13)And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, (14)Glory in the highest heavens to God! and upon earth, peace! towards men complacence. (15)And it came to pass, as the angels went from them into heaven, the men, the shepherds, said also to each other, Let us now go to Bethlehem, and see this thing which hath happened, which the Lord hath made known to us. (16)And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe, lying in the manger: (17)and when they saw it, they made a public report of the declaration delivered to them respecting this child. (18)And all who heard it, marvelled at the things told them by the shepherds. (19)But Mary carefully preserved all these declarations, laying them together in her heart, in order to apprehend their meaning. (20)And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things which they had heard and seen, exactly as had been told them.

(21)And when eight days were fulfilled for circumcising the child, his name also was called JESUS, the name imposed by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

(22)And when the days of her purification were accomplished according to the law of Moses, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (23)as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male child, that openeth the womb, shall be called holy to the Lord; (24)and to offer a sacrifice, according to what is prescribed in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons.

(25)And, behold, there was a man at Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. (26)And it had been divinely communicated to him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death, till he had seen the Lord's Messiah. (27)And he came by the spirit into the temple; just as the parents were bringing in the child Jesus, that they might do according to what was the custom of the law concerning him; (28)and he took him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, (29)Now dismiss thy servant, Lord, according to thy word, in peace; (30)for my eyes have seen thy salvation, (31)which thou hast prepared before the face of all people. (32)A light to give revelation to the Gentiles, and glory to thy people Israel.

(33)And Joseph and his mother were amazed at the things spoken concerning him. (34)And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother, Behold, this child is appointed for the fall, and rising again of many in Israel; and for a marked object to be spoken against; (35)(so shall a dart pierce through thy own soul) that the reasonings of many hearts may be laid open,

(36)And there was Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asser: she was far advanced in old age, having lived but seven years with a husband, from her virgin state: (37)though she was now a widow, of about eighty-four years, who departed not from the temple, attending the divine service, with fastings and prayers night and day: (38)and at the very same moment coming up, she also in turn confessed the Lord, and spake of him to all who were expecting redemption in Jerusalem.

(39)And when they had finished all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, into their own city Nazareth. (40)And the child grew, and became endued with great powers of spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him.

(41)And his parents went annually to Jerusalem at the feast of the passover. (42)And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast. (43)And when they had concluded the days, as they were returning, the child Jesus remained at Jerusalem, and Joseph and his mother knew it not: (44)but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day's journey; and they sought him among their relations and acquaintances; (45)and not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem in search of him. (46)And it came to pass after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them and asking them questions. (47)And all who heard him, were in a transport of admiration, at his understanding and answers. (48)And when they saw him, they were struck with surprise; and his mother said to him, Son, why hast thou behaved to us in this manner? lo! thy father and I have been seeking thee in anguish of heart. (49)And he said unto them, Wherefore did ye seek me? did you not know, that I must be occupied with my Father's affairs? (50)And they understood not the meaning of what he spake to them. (51)And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was in subjection to them: though his mother preserved all these sayings in her heart. (52)And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men.

CHAP. III.

NOW in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip his brother tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene: (2)when Annas and Caiaphas were high-priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness; (3)and he came into all the country on the confines of Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; (4)as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, saying, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths strait: (5)every valley shall be filled up, and every mountain and hill shall be levelled, and the crooked ways made strait, and the rough roads smooth: (6)and all flesh shall see the salvation of God." (7)He said, therefore, to the multitudes who came out to be baptised by him, Ye broods of vipers, who hath warned you to fly from the approaching wrath? (8)Produce then fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say in yourselves, We have a father, even Abraham; for I say unto you, That God is able out of these stones to raise up children to Abraham. (9)But now is the ax laid even to the root of the trees; every tree therefore that produceth not good fruit, is cut down and cast into the fire.

(10)And the multitudes asked him, saying, What then shall we do? (11)And he answering said to them, He that hath two coats, let him give to him that hath none; and he that hath provisions, let him do in like manner. (12)Then came also the farmers of the taxes to be baptised, and they said unto him, Master, what shall we do? (13)He said unto them, Exact nothing more than is appointed for you. (14)And the military men also asked him, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Extort nothing by force; nor turn informers; and be content with your pay.

(15)Now when the people were in expectation, and many reasoned in their hearts respecting John, whether he were the Messiah, (16)John addressed himself to them all, saying, I indeed baptise you with water; but one mightier than I is coming, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie: he shall baptise you with the Holy Ghost and with fire; (17)whose winnowing fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing-floor, and collect the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable. (18)Thus in many and various discourses exhorting them, he preached the glad tidings of the gospel to the people.

(19)Now Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him, on account of Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the other wicked actions which he had done, (20)added this also to all the rest, and shut up John in prison.

(21)Now it came to pass, at the time when John was baptising all the people, that Jesus also was baptised, and as he prayed, the heaven was opened, (22)and the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily form, like a dove, upon him, and a voice came from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in thee I am well pleased.

(23)And Jesus himself was about thirty years of age when he began his ministry, being (as was supposed the son of Joseph) of Heli, (24)of Matthat, of Levi, of Melchi, of Janna, of Joseph, (25)of Mattathias, of Amos, of Naum, of Esli, of Nagge, (26)of Maath, of Mattathias, of Semei, of Joseph, of Juda, (27)of Joanna, of Rhesa, of Zerubbabel, of Salathiel, of Neri, (28)of Melchi, of Addi, of Cosam, of Elmodam, of Er, (29)of Jose, of Eliezer, of Jorim, of Matthat, of Levi, (30)of Simeon, of Judah, of Joseph, of Jonan, of Eliakim, (31)of Melea, of Menan, of Mattatha, of Nathan, of David, (32)of Jesse, of Obed, of Booz, of Salmon, of Naasson, (33)of Aminadab, of Aram, of Esrom, of Phares, of Judah, (34)of Jacob, of Isaac, of Abraham, of Terah, of Nachor, (35)of Saruch, of Ragau, of Phalec, of Heber, of Sala, (36)of Cainan, of Arphaxad, of Sem, of Noe, of Lamech, (37)of Methusaleh, of Enoch, of Jared, of Maleleel, of Cainan, (38)of Enos, of Seth, of Adam, _the son_ of God.

CHAP. IV.

THEN Jesus full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the spirit into the wilderness, (2)being tempted forty days by the devil; and did eat nothing during those days: and when they were ended, afterwards he was hungry. (3)And the devil said to him, If thou art the Son of God, command this stone that it become a loaf. (4)And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God."

(5)And the devil taking him up into an exceeding high mountain, displayed before him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time: (6)and the devil said unto him, I will give thee all this authority, and the glory of these; for to me it is delivered, and to whomsoever I will, I give it. (7)If therefore thou wilt worship before me, all shall be thine. (8)And Jesus answering him, said, Get thee behind me, Satan, for it is written, "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and to him alone shalt thou pay divine honour."

(9)And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a wing of the temple, and said to him, If thou art the Son of God, cast thy self down from hence: (10)for it is written, "He shall give his angels a charge over thee, to guard thee safely; (11)and that in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone." (12)And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." (13)And when the devil had closed all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.

(14)And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and a report went out into all the region round about concerning him. (15)And he taught in their synagogues, being universally admired. (16)And he came to Nazareth, where he was brought up; and he went, according to his usual custom, into the synagogue on the sabbath-day, and rose up to read. (17)And there was given to him the book of the prophet Isaiah: and unrolling the volume, he found the passage where it is written, (18)"The spirit of the Lord is upon me, for the work whereunto he hath anointed me; he hath sent me to preach glad tidings to the poor; to heal the contrite in heart; to proclaim liberty to the captives; and restore sight to the blind; to send forth the bruised free from bonds; (19)to publish the acceptable year of the Lord." (20)And rolling up the volume, he gave it to the attendant officer, and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were attentively fixed on him. (21)And he began to say to them, To day this scripture is fulfilled in your ears. (22)And all concurred in their testimony to him, and marvelled at the gracious words which proceeded from his mouth. And they said, Is not this the son of Joseph? (23)And he said unto them, Ye will probably say to me this parable, Physician, heal thyself! the works which we have heard to have been performed by thee at Capernaum, do the like here in thy own country. (24)But he said, Verily, I say unto you, that no prophet is acceptable in his own country. (25)Now I tell you of a certainty, that there were many widows in the days of Elias, in Israel, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, so that a grievous famine was upon all the land. (26)And unto none of them was Elias sent, but unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, to a widow woman. (27)And many lepers were in Israel in the days of the prophet Elisha, and no one of them was cleansed, but Naaman the Syrian. (28)And they were all filled with rage in the synagogue, when they heard these observations: (29)and rising up, dragged him out of the city, and led him to the brow of the hill, on which their city was built, in order to cast him down headlong: (30)but he passing through the midst of them, went away.

(31)And he came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and was teaching them on the sabbath. (32)And they were struck with astonishment at his teaching; for his discourse was with authority. (33)And there was in the synagogue a man, who had a spirit of an unclean devil, and he roared out with a great cry, (34)saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, Jesus the Nazarean? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God. (35)And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Stop thy mouth, and come out of him. And the devil throwing him down into the midst, came out of him, doing him no injury. (36)And amazement seized on all present, and they spake one to another, saying, What a word is this? for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out. (37)And the fame of him went forth into all the adjacent region.

(38)Then rising up out of the synagogue, he came into the house of Simon: and Simon's mother-in-law was seized with a violent fever, and they besought him on her behalf. (39)And standing over her, he charged the fever _to depart_; and it left her: and immediately she arose, and waited upon them.

(40)So when the sun was set, all who had any indisposed with various diseases, brought them to him; and laying his hands severally on each of them, he cured them. (41)And devils also went out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art the Messiah the Son of God. And rebuking them, he suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was the Messiah.

(42)And as the day was coming on, he went forth and departed into a desert place: and the multitude sought him out, and came to him, and would have detained him that he should not leave them. (43)But he said unto them, I must preach the glad tidings of the kingdom of heaven in other cities also: for on this service am I sent. (44)And he continued preaching in the synagogues of Galilee.

CHAP. V.