Chapter VII: Preface (7)

(13)Then spake one of the multitude to him, Master, order my brother to divide the inheritance with me. (14)But he said to him, Man, who made me a judge and a divider among you? (15)Then said he to them, Beware, and be on your guard against covetousness; for a man's life doth not depend on the abundance of his possessions. (16)And he spake a parable unto them, saying,

The estate of a certain rich man bore plentifully: (17)and he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do? for I have not room where I may house my crops. (18)And he said, I will do this; I will take down my barns, and build them larger, and collect there all my crops, and my good things! (19)And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast a multitude of good things in store for many years, be at ease, eat, drink, and be merry! (20)But God said to him, Thou fool! this night shall they demand thy life from thee; and the things which thou hast prepared, whose shall they be? (21)Just such is every one who heapeth up treasure for self, and is not rich towards God.

(22)Then said he to his disciples, For this reason I tell you, Be under no anxiety about your life, what ye shall eat, nor for your body, how ye shall be clothed. (23)The life is more than food, and the body than raiment. (24)Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have neither storehouse nor barn; yet God feedeth them: how much are ye more excellent than the birds? (25)Which of you, with all his anxiety, can add one moment to his life? (26)If therefore ye are unable to do the least thing, why are ye anxious about the others? (27)Observe the lillies how they grow up, they toil not, nor spin; but I tell you, that Solomon in all his glory, was not arrayed like one of these. (28)If God then so clothe the grass in the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is thrown into the furnace; how much more you, O ye of little faith? (29)So then be not ye inquisitive what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, nor be agitated with restless anxiety. (30)For after all these things are the nations of the world seeking; and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. (31)But seek ye the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be given you over.

(32)Fear not, little flock! for your Father takes delight in giving you the kingdom. (33)Sell all your possessions, and give in charity; make yourselves purses that wax not old, a treasure never failing in the heavens, where no thief approaches, nor doth the moth destroy. (34)For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

(35)Let your loins be firmly girded round, and your lamps burning: (36)and ye like men, expecting their master, when he shall return from the marriage; that when he comes and knocks, they may instantly open the door for him. (37)Blessed are those servants, whom the Master, when he cometh, shall find watchful: verily I say unto you, that he will gird up himself, and make them sit down at table, and come and wait upon them. (38)And if he come in the second watch, or in the third watch, and find them so watchful, blessed are those servants. (39)Now this be assured of, that if the master of the family had known at what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken through. (40)Therefore be ye also ready, for at an hour that ye think not of, the Son of man cometh.

(41)Then said Peter unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable to us, or also for all? (42)And the Lord said, Who indeed is a faithful steward, and prudent, whom the lord will place over his household, to give them their proportion of provision at the proper season? (43)Blessed is that servant, whom his lord, when he cometh, shall find so employed. (44)Verily I say unto you, that he will place him over all his property. (45)But if that servant say in his heart, My master will be a long while ere he comes; and shall begin to beat the men and maid-servants, and to eat and to drink, and to get drunk; (46)the master of that servant will come in a day when he doth not expect him, and at an hour which he knoweth not, and shall cut him asunder, and give him his portion with the unfaithful. (47)And that servant, who knew his master's will, and made no preparation for him, nor did according to his pleasure, shall be beaten with many stripes. (48)But he that knew it not, yet did things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For of every one to whom much is given, much shall be required from him: and to whom men commit much, they will of him demand abundantly more.

(49)I am come to cast fire on the earth, and what is my wish? that it may be now kindled. (50)But I have a baptism to be baptised with; and how am I distressed in spirit till it is finished! (51)Think ye that I came to bring peace upon earth? No, I tell you; but rather division: (52)for henceforth five shall be in one house, divided, three against two, and two against three. (53)The father shall take part against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the step-mother against her daughter-in-law, and the son's wife against her mother-in-law.

(54)Then said he to the multitudes, When ye see a cloud rising from the west, ye say immediately, There cometh a shower; and it is so. (55)And when the south wind gently blows, ye say, It will be sultry hot; and so it is. (56)Ye hypocrites! ye know how to discern by experience from the appearance of the earth and of the sky; but how is it that ye do not discern this particular time? (57)And why even of yourselves do ye not decide what is just? (58)For as thou art going with thy prosecutor to the magistrate, on the way endeavour to make up the matter with him; lest he drag thee before the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison. (59)I tell thee, thou mayest in no wise come out from thence, until thou hast paid the very last mite.

CHAP. XIII.

NOW there were some present at that time who informed him of the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. (2)And Jesus in reply said to them, Think ye that these Galileans were sinners above all the Galileans, because they suffered such things? (3)I tell you, No: for except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. (4)Or those eighteen, on whom the tower in Siloam fell, and killed them, think ye that they were debtors to divine justice above all the men who dwell at Jerusalem? (5)I tell you, No: but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

(6)Then he spake this parable: A certain man had a fig-tree planted in his vineyard; and he came, expecting fruit on it, and found none. (7)Then said he to the vine-dresser, Lo! for three years have I come, expecting fruit on this fig-tree, and find none: cut it down; why doth it render the ground thus useless? (8)He answering said to him, Sir, let it e'en remain this year, until that I dig around it, and spread some manure: (9)perhaps it may then produce fruit: but if it does not, afterwards thou shalt cut it down.

(10)And he was teaching in one of the synagogues, on the sabbath. (11)And, behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and unable to raise herself at all up. (12)But when Jesus saw her, he called out aloud, and said to her, Woman, thou art delivered from thine infirmity. (13)And he laid his hands upon her: and instantly she became erect, and glorified God. (14)Then the ruler of the synagogue, indignant, that on the sabbath Jesus had performed the cure, addressing himself to the multitude, said, There are six days in which work is to be done: on these therefore come and be cured, and not on the sabbath-day. (15)Then the Lord answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not every one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the manger, and lead him to water? (16)And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, to be loosed from this bond on the sabbath-day? (17)And when he had made this speech, all his opposers were covered with shame: and all the multitude rejoiced in all the glorious things which were done by him. (18)Then said he, To what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I compare it? (19)It is like a grain of mustard, which a man took and put into his garden; and it grew, and became a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged on its branches.

(20)And again he said, To what shall I liken the kingdom of God? (21)It is like leaven, which a woman taking, covered up in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

(22)And he passed through the cities and villages, teaching, and making his way towards Jerusalem. (23)And a person said to him, Lord, are the saved few? And he said unto them, (24)Exert all your powers to enter through the strait gate: for many, I tell you, will seek to enter, but will not be able. (25)When the master of the family shall have arisen, and shut the door, and ye shall begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Master, master, open it for us! and he answering will tell you, I know you not whence ye are: (26)then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. (27)And he will say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. (28)There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom, and yourselves cast out. (29)And they shall come from the east, and west, and from north, and south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. (30)And, behold, there are last who shall be first, and there are first who shall be last.

(31)The same day came certain Pharisees, saying to him, Depart, and begone from hence: for Herod will kill thee. (32)And he said to them, Go tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and perform cures today and to-morrow, and on the third day I shall be perfected. (33)But I must go on to-day and to-morrow, and the day following: for it is impossible that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.

(34)O Jerusalem! Jerusalem! thou that killest the prophets, and stonest those who are sent unto thee; how often would I have collected thy children unto me, just as a hen gathereth her brood under her wings, and ye would not! (35)Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: verily I say unto you, That ye shall see me no more, till the day come when ye shall say, Blessed is he who cometh in the name of the Lord.

CHAP. XIV.

AND it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the principal Pharisees, to eat bread on the sabbath, that they were watchfully observant of him. (2)And, behold, there was a certain man who had a dropsy, before him. (3)And Jesus addressing himself to the teachers of the law and the Pharisees, spake, saying, Is it lawful to perform cures on the sabbath? (4)And they said nothing. And he took him, and healed him, and sent him away; (5)and addressing them, said, Whose ass or ox is fallen into a pit, and doth he not immediately pull him out on the sabbath-day? (6)And they were unable to answer him in opposition to these things.

(7)Then he spake to those who were invited, a parable, when he observed how they chose the principal seats; saying unto them, (8)When thou art invited of any person to a marriage entertainment, recline not on the principal couch; lest a more honourable personage than thyself be invited by him; (9)and he that invited thee and him, coming say to thee, Yield this person the place; and so thou shalt begin with shame to go down to the lowest place. (10)But when thou art invited, go and sit down in the lowest place; that when he who invited thee comes, he may say to thee, Friend, go up higher; then shalt thou have respect in the presence of those who are seated with thee. (11)For every one who exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

(12)Then said he also to the person who had invited him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, invite not thy friends, nor thy brethren, nor thy relations, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also invite thee again, and a recompence be made to thee. (13)But when thou makest an entertainment, invite the poor, the maimed, the halt, the blind: (14)and thou shalt be blessed; because they cannot recompense thee: for a recompence shall be made thee at the resurrection of the just.

(15)Then one of those who sat at table hearing these things, said to him, Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God. (16)And he said unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and invited many: (17)and sent his servants at supper-time to say to the invited, Come; for all things are now ready. (18)And they all began with one voice to frame excuses. The first said to him, I have bought a field, and I must of necessity go and survey it: I pray thee hold me excused. (19)And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and am going to make a trial of them: I pray thee accept my excuse. (20)And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. (21)And that servant returning, informed his master of these things. Then the master of the family, being highly incensed, said to his servant, Go out instantly into the streets and alleys of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. (22)And the servant said, Sir, it is done as thou orderedst, and yet there is room. (23)And the master said to the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and urge them to come in, that my house may be filled. (24)For I say unto you, That not one man of those who were invited shall taste of my supper.

(25)And great multitudes followed him about: and he turned, and spoke to them, (26)If any man cometh after me, and hateth not father, and mother, and wife and children, and brothers, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. (27)And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, he cannot be my disciple. (28)For what man of you designing to erect a tower, doth not first sitting down calculate the expence, if he have sufficient to complete the work? (29)lest haply, after having laid the foundation, and being unable to finish it, all who look upon it begin to ridicule him, (30)saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. (31)Or what king, going forth to encounter another king in battle, doth not sit down first, and consult if he is able with ten thousand men to meet him who is coming against him with twenty thousand? (32)and if he be not, whilst he is still at a distance, he sendeth an embassy, and desires terms of peace. (33)So then, every one of you who will not part with all his possessions, cannot be my disciple.

(34)Salt is good: but if the salt become insipid, by what shall it be seasoned? (35)It is neither fit for the land, nor for manure; but they cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

CHAP. XV.

THEN drew nigh unto him all the tax-farmers and the sinners to hear him. (2)And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man entertains sinners, and eateth with them. (3)Then spake he unto them this parable, saying, (4)What man is there of you, possessing an hundred sheep, though he lose but one of them, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? (5)and when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. (6)And coming home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Congratulate me; for I have found that sheep of mine which was lost. (7)I tell you, that just so will there be joy in heaven over one repentant sinner, more than over ninety-nine righteous persons, who hold not their need of repentance. (8)Or what woman having ten pieces of silver coin, if she lose one of them, doth she not light a lamp, and sweep the house, and make diligent search until she find it? (9)And having found it, she calleth her female friends and neighbours together, saying, Congratulate me; for I have found the silver piece I had lost. (10)Even so, I tell you, there is joy among the angels of God, over one repentant sinner.

(11)Then he said, A certain man had two sons: (12)and the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of substance which falls to my share. And he divided with them his fortune. (13)And not many days after, the younger son, collecting his all, travelled into a far distant country, and there dissipated his substance in a life of debauchery. (14)But when he had spent all, there came a terrible famine in that region; and he began to know want. (15)And he went and connected himself with one of the citizens of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. (16)And he eagerly longed to fill his belly with the charob berries which the swine did eat: and no person gave him _a morsel_. (17)Then coming to himself, he said, How many hirelings of my father abound with loaves of bread, and I am pining away with famine! (18)I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, (19)and I am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hirelings. (20)And he arose and came to his father. But when he was yet at a considerable distance, his father discovered him, and was moved with compassion, and running, fell on his neck, and kissed him again and again. (21)Then said the son unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. (22)But the father said to his servants, Bring out the best robe, and clothe him; and put a ring on his hand, and sandals on his feet: (23)and bring hither the stall-fed steer, and kill it; and let us eat, and be joyous. (24)For this my son was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. And they began to be joyous. (25)Now his elder brother had been in the field: and when coming home he drew near the house, he heard a concert of music, and the chorus. (26)And calling one of the servants, he inquired what these things meant. (27)And he said, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed for him the stall-fed steer, because he hath received him in health. (28)Then he was in great wrath, and would not enter the doors: therefore his father came out, and entreated him. (29)But he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years I am serving thee, and never have transgressed thy command: yet to me thou hast never once given a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: (30)but no sooner is this son of thine come, who hath devoured thy substance with whores, than thou hast killed for him the stall-fed steer. (31)And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all my possessions are thine. (32)But it was right that we should rejoice, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

CHAP. XVI.

THEN said he also to his disciples, There was a certain rich man, who had a steward; and he received an information against him, as having dissipated his treasures. (2)And calling him, he said to him, What is this report I hear of thee? give up the account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer in that office. (3)Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? because my master is taking away the stewardship from me: to dig, I have not the strength; to beg, I am ashamed. (4)I know what I will do, that, when I am removed from the stewardship, they may entertain me at their houses. (5)So calling upon every one of his master's debtors, he said to the first, How much owest thou to my master? (6)And he said, A hundred baths of oil. And he said, Take thy account, and sit down directly, and write fifty. (7)Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred core of wheat. And he saith to him, Take thy account, and write fourscore. (8)And the master praised the unjust steward, because he had acted providently: for the children of this world are more provident among their own generation of men, than the children of light. (9)And I say unto you, Make yourselves friends with the unrighteous mammon that when ye fail, they may receive you into the eternal mansions.

(10)He that is faithful in the least thing, is faithful also in much: and he who is unjust in the least, is unjust also in much. (11)If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will entrust you with the true? (12)and if ye have not been faithful in that which belongs to another, who will give up to you that which is your own? (13)No domestic can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or he will cleave to the one, and neglect the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

(14)Then the Pharisees also, who were dear lovers of money, heard all these things, and they sneered at him. (15)And he said unto them, Ye are they who affect to be righteous persons before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men, is an abomination in the sight of God. (16)The law and the prophets were until John: since that the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. (17)But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one tittle of the law to fail. (18)Every one who putteth away his wife and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and every one who marrieth a woman divorced from her husband, committeth adultery.

(19)Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, making splendid entertainments every day: (20)and there was a certain pauper, named Lazarus, who was laid at his gate covered with ulcers, (21)and importunately desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: yea even the dogs came and licked his ulcers. (22)Now it came to pass that the poor man died, and was carried up by angels into the bosom of Abraham. Then the rich man also died, and was buried: (23)and in hell, lifting up his eyes, being in torments, he seeth Abraham at a vast distance, and Lazarus in his bosom. (24)And crying out, he said, Father Abraham, have compassion on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented with this flame. (25)But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou hast received thy good things during thy life, and Lazarus, in like manner, what was afflictive: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. (26)And besides all these considerations, between us and you there is a vast chasm fixed: so that they who might be willing to pass from hence to you, cannot; neither can they pass through to us, from thence. (27)And he said, I entreat thee then, father, that thou wouldest send him to my paternal mansion: (28)for I have five brothers: that he may testify to them, that they also come not into this place of torment. (29)Abraham saith to him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hearken to them. (30)But he said, Ah no, father Abraham! but if one came to them from the dead, they will repent. (31)Then he said to him, If they hearken not to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead.

CHAP. XVII.

THEN he said to his disciples, It is impossible that offences should not come; but wo to him through whom they come! (2)It would be advantageous for him, if a milstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea, rather than offend one of these little ones. (3)Take heed to yourselves: if thy brother sin against thee, reprove him; and if he repent, forgive him. (4)And if seven times in the day he sin against thee, and seven times in the day return to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

(5)And the disciples said unto the Lord, increase our faith. (6)And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard, ye might say to that sycamore-tree, Be rooted up, and be planted in the sea; and it would obey you.

(7)But which of you, having a servant plowing or keeping sheep, when he cometh from the field, will say immediately, Come, sit down at table? (8)And will he not rather say, Prepare for me to sup, and gird thyself, and wait upon me, till I eat and drink; and after that, thou shalt eat and drink thyself? (9)Doth he hold it as a favour from that servant, that he did the things which were ordered him? I think not. (10)So also ye, when ye have done all things commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: for we have but done what was our duty to do.

(11)And it came to pass, as he was going towards Jerusalem, he passed also through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. (12)And as he was entering a certain village, ten leprous men met him, who stood at a distance: (13)and they lift up their voice, saying, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us! (14)And looking towards them, he said, Go, shew yourselves to the priests. And it came to pass, that as they were on the road, they were made clean. (15)Then one of them, seeing that he was cured, returned, and with a loud voice gave glory to God, (16)and fell prostrate at his feet giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. (17)Then Jesus spake and said, were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? (18)There are none found returning to give glory to God, but this alien. (19)And he said to him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath saved thee.

(20)And being asked by one of the Pharisees, When cometh the kingdom of God? he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: (21)neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. (22)Then said he to the disciples, The days will come when ye shall eagerly desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and shall not see it. (23)And they will say to you, Lo here! and lo there! go not after them, nor follow them. (24)For as the lightning flashing from one quarter under heaven, shineth to another quarter under heaven; so shall the Son of man also be at his day. (25)But he must first suffer many things, and be rejected by this generation. (26)And as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it also be in the days of the coming of the Son of man. (27)They did eat, they drank, they married, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the deluge came, and destroyed them all.

(28)Even so, likewise, it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; (29)but the day Lot went out of Sodom, it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. (30)Just so will it be in the day when the Son of man shall be revealed. (31)In that day, let not the man who is upon the roof, and his goods in the house, go down to carry them away: and he that is in the field, in like manner, let him not return for any things behind him. (32)Remember Lot's wife. (33)Whosoever seeketh to preserve his life shall lose it; and whosoever would lose it, shall preserve it. (34)I tell you, in that night two shall be in the same bed; the one shall be seized, and the other dismissed. Two women shall be grinding together: the one shall be seized, and the other dismissed. (35)Two shall be in the field; the one shall be seized, and the other dismissed. (36)TEXT OMITTED (37)And they answering, said to him, Where, Lord? And he said, Wherever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.

CHAP. XVIII.

THEN he spake also to them a parable, to shew that we ought to pray always, and not faint; (2)saying, There was a certain judge in a particular city, having no fear of God, nor respect for man: (3)and there was a certain widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, Do me justice against my adversary. (4)And he would not for a long while: but after this he said, Though I fear not God, nor respect man; (5)yet because this woman is so troublesome to me, I will do her justice, lest by her perpetual coming she stun me with her importunity, (6)Then said the Lord, Hear what the unjust judge saith. (7)And shall not God execute vengeance for his own elect, who cry out to him day and night, though he bear long with them? (8)Yes, I tell you, that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, ah! shall he find faith on the earth?

(9)Then he spake also this parable to certain persons, who had confidence in themselves, that they were righteous, and despised others: (10)Two men went up to the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, the other a tax-farmer. (11)The Pharisee, standing by himself, made this prayer: God, I thank thee, that I am not as the rest of mankind, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or as this tax-gatherer. (12)I keep a fast twice a week, I pay the tenth of all things I possess. (13)And the tax-gatherer standing at a distance, would not even so much as lift his eyes heaven-ward, but smote on his breast, saying, May God accept the atonement for me a sinner! (14)I say to you, Went this man down to his house justified, or the other? for every one who exalteth himself shall be humbled; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

(15)Then they brought him infants also, that he should touch them: but the disciples, when they saw it, rebuked them. (16)But Jesus calling them to him, said, Permit little children to come to me, and hinder them not for of such is the kingdom of God. (17)Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

(18)And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, by doing what shall I inherit eternal life? (19)Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good, but one, even God.

(20)Thou knowest the commandments, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. (21)Then he said, All these things have I observed from my youth. (22)Then Jesus hearing this, said to him, Yet one thing thou lackest: sell all whatsoever thou hast, and distribute to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. (23)But he, on hearing these things, was exceeding sorrowful: for he was very rich. (24)Then Jesus, observing that he was very sorrowful, said, How difficultly shall they who have riches, enter into the kingdom of God! (25)It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. (26)And those who heard it said, Who then can be saved? (27)And he said, The things impossible with men, are possible with God. (28)Then said Peter, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee. (29)And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that there is no man who hath left family, or parents, or brothers, or wife, or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, (30)who shall not receive back manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.

(31)Then taking aside the twelve, he said to them, Lo, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things written by the prophets concerning the Son of man will be fulfilled. (32)For he shall be delivered up to the Gentiles, and they shall insult him, and treat him with indignity, and spit upon him: (33)and after scourging, shall slay him: and the third day he shall rise again. (34)And they understood none of these things: and the saying was concealed from them, and they knew not the things which were spoken.

(35)And it came to pass, as he drew nigh to Jerusalem, a certain blind man sat by the road-side begging: (36)and hearing the multitude passing by, he inquired what was the cause. (37)And they told him, that Jesus the Nazarean is going by. (38)And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me! (39)And they who were going before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Son of David, have mercy on me! (40)Then Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be brought to him: and when he was come near, he asked him, (41)saying, What wist thou that I should do for thee? Then he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. (42)And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. (43)And instantly he received sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

CHAP. XIX.

AND entering into Jericho, he passed through. (2)And there was a person whose name was Zaccheus, and he was a principal farmer of the taxes, and the man was rich. (3)And he was desirous to have a sight of Jesus, what sort of person he was; and he could not, because of the crowd, for he was short of stature. (4)So running before, he climbed up a sycamore-tree, in order to get a sight of him: for he was about to pass that way. (5)And when he was come to the spot, Jesus looking up, saw him, and said to him, Zaccheus, come down speedily; for to-day I must abide at thy house. (6)And he hastened to come down, and entertained him gladly. (7)And when they all saw it, they murmured, saying, That he is gone to lodge with a man, a notorious sinner. (8)Then Zaccheus standing up, said unto the Lord, Behold, the half of my goods, Lord, I give unto the poor; and if I have got any thing from any man, by laying false informations, I am ready to restore fourfold. (9)Then said Jesus unto him, To-day is salvation come to this house, because that he also is a son of Abraham. (10)For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

(11)And as they were hearkening to these things, he proceeded on, and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and they supposed that immediately the kingdom of God would openly appear. (12)He said therefore, A certain man of noble family went into a distant region, to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. (13)And calling his ten servants, he gave them ten manehs[15], and said unto them, Employ yourselves in traffic, till I come back. (14)But his citizens hated him, and sent an embassy after him, saying, We will not have this man to rule over us. (15)And it came to pass, at his return, after receiving the kingdom, that he ordered the servants to be called, to whom he had given the money, that he might know what every one had gained by his traffic. (16)Then came the first, and said, Sir, thy maneh has gained ten manehs. (17)And he said unto him, Well done, good servant: because thou hast been faithful in the least matter, hold thou dominion over ten cities. (18)And the second came, saying, Lord, thy maneh hath gained five manehs. (19)Then said he also to this man, Be thou also over five cities. (20)And another came, saying, Master, there is thy maneh, which I have kept wrapt up in a napkin: (21)for I was afraid of thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up where thou hadst laid nothing down, and reapest where thou didst not sow. (22)And he said to him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I am an austere man, taking up what I laid not down, and reaping what I did not sow; (23)why then gavest thou not my money to the bank, so when I came I might have required it with interest? (24)And he said to those who stood by, Take from him the maneh, and give it to him who hath the ten manehs. (25)(And they say unto him, Sir, he hath ten manehs.) (26)For I say unto you, That to every one who hath, shall more be given; but from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken away from him. (27)But as for these enemies of mine, who would not that I should reign over them, bring them hither, and slay them before me.

(28)And having thus spoken, he proceeded forward, going up to Jerusalem. (29)And it came to pass, as he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, to the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, (30)saying, Go into the opposite village; in which, as ye are at the entrance, ye will find a foal tied, on which no man hath ever yet sat: loose, and bring him. (31)And if any man ask you, Why ye loose it? thus shall ye say to him, That the Lord hath need of him. (32)Then they who were sent, going, found it just as he had described to them. (33)And as they were untying the foal, the owners of it said to them, Why loose ye the foal? (34)And they said, The Lord hath need of him. (35)And they brought him to Jesus: and throwing their cloaks on the foal, they set Jesus thereon. (36)And as he went, they spread under him their garments on the road. (37)And when he was now approaching, at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples rejoicing began to praise God with a loud voice for all the miracles which they had seen; (38)saying, Blessed is the King, who cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

(39)And some of the Pharisees from the crowd said unto him, Master, reprove thy disciples. (40)And he replying said to them. I tell you that, should these be silent, the very stones would cry out.

(41)And as he drew near, beholding the city, he wept over it, (42)saying, Oh that thou hadst known, even in this thy day, the things that are for thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. (43)For the days will come upon thee, when thy enemies shall cast up a trench around thee, and encircle thee about, and straiten thee on every side, (44)and will dash thee on the ground, and thy children within thee; and will not leave in thee one stone upon another: because thou knewest not the season of thy visitation.

(45)And entering into the temple, he began to cast out those who sold and bought in the temple; (46)saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer[16]: but ye have made it a den of robbers.

(47)And he continued daily teaching in the temple. Then the chief priests and the scribes sought to destroy him, with the heads of the people, (48)but did not discover how they could do any thing: for all the people attentively hung on his lips.

CHAP. XX.

AND it came to pass, on one of those days, as he was teaching the people in the temple, and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and scribes with the elders came upon him, (2)and spake to him, saying, Tell us by what authority thou doest these things or who is he that giveth thee this authority? (3)Then he answering said to them, I also will ask you one question; and resolve me: (4)The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? (5)And they reasoned among themselves, saying, If we reply, From heaven; he will say, Wherefore then did ye not believe him? (6)But if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they are persuaded that John was a prophet. (7)And they answered, We know not from whence. (8)And Jesus said to them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

(9)Then he began to speak to the people this parable: A certain man planted a vineyard, and delivered it to husbandmen, and went abroad for a long while. (10)And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that they might give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat, and sent him away empty. (11)And he again sent another servant: and him also they beat, and treating him with indignity, sent him away empty. (12)And he sent yet a third: and him they also wounded, and cast out. (13)Then said the master of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: probably when they see him, they will shew him respect. (14)But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be our own. (15)So casting him out of the vineyard, they slew him. What then will the master of the vineyard do with these men? (16)He will come and destroy these husbandmen, and give the vineyard to others. And when they heard it, they said God forbid. (17)Then he looked on them, and said, What is this then which is written[17], The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner? (18)Every one who falleth upon this stone shall be broken to pieces; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. (19)And the chief priests and the scribes sought to lay hands on him at that time; and were afraid of the people: for they knew that he had spoken this parable against them.

(20)And watching him, they sent men they had suborned, who pretended that they were righteous persons, in order to lay hold of some word of his, that they might deliver him to the power and authority of the governor. (21)And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou speakest and teachest rightly, and respectest no man's person, but teachest the way of God in truth: (22)Is it lawful for us to pay tribute to Caesar, or not? (23)Then he, aware of their crafty design, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? (24)Shew me a denarius. Whose image and inscription hath it? And they answering said, Caesar's. (25)Then said he to them, Pay therefore to Caesar the things which are Caesar's, and to God the things which are God's. (26)And they were unable to lay hold of a single expression of his before the people: and marvelling at his answer, they were silenced.

(27)Then certain of the Sadducees, who contend that there is no resurrection, asked him, (28)saying, Master, Moses wrote for us[18], If a man's brother die, having a wife, and he die childless, that his brother should take the wife, and raise up seed for his brother. (29)Now there were seven brothers: and the first taking a wife, died childless. (30)And the second taking the wife, he also died childless. (31)Then the third took her; and also all the seven in like manner: and left no children, and died. (32)And last of all died also the woman. (33)In the resurrection therefore whose wife of them shall she be? for the seven had her to wife. (34)And Jesus in reply said to them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: (35)but they who are counted worthy to attain to that world, and the resurrection of the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: (36)neither can they die any more: for they are like the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection. (37)Now that the dead are raised, even Moses intimated at the bush[19], when he called the Lord, "the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." (38)Now God is not the God of the dead, but of the living: for all live with him. (39)Then some of the scribes addressing him said, Master, admirably hast thou spoken! (40)And after that they durst not put another question to him.

(41)Then he spake to them: How say they that the Messiah is the son of David? (42)Yet David himself, in the book of Psalms, saith, "The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit down at my right hand, (43)until I put thine enemies for a footstool of thy feet[20]." (44)David then calleth him Lord, and how then is he his son?

(45)And whilst all the people were hearkening, he said to his disciples, (46)Beware of the scribes, who desire to walk about in trailing robes, and love salutations in the public places, and the principal seats in the synagogues, and the most honourable couch at suppers; (47)who devour the houses of widows, and for a pretext make long prayers: these shall receive a more abundant punishment.

CHAP. XXI.

AND as he looked up, he saw some casting their gifts into the treasury who were rich. (2)And he observed also a certain widow, miserably poor, put in there two mites. (3)And he said, Of a truth I tell you that this poor widow hath put in more than all they: (4)for all they have of their superfluity cast into the oblations for God: but she out of her indigence hath cast in all the substance which she possessed.

(5)And some of them talking of the temple, how adorned it was with the beautiful stone-work and the dedicated offerings, he said, (6)As for these things which ye are gazing upon, the days will come, in which one stone will not be left upon another, that shall not be utterly thrown down. (7)And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what is the sign, when these things are ready to come to pass? (8)Then he said, Take heed that ye be not deluded: for many will come in my name, saying, I am he; and the period approaches: go not therefore after them. (9)But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the conclusion is not immediately. (10)Then saith he unto them, Nation shall rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: (11)and great earthquakes shall be in different places, and famines, and pestilences; and in the heaven shall be frightful appearances, and mighty signs. (12)But before all these things, they will lay hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and to prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. (13)And it shall afford you an opportunity to bear your testimony. (14)Therefore rest satisfied in your hearts, not to premeditate what apology to make: (15)for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall be utterly unable to contradict or resist. (16)But ye shall be betrayed even by parents, and brethren, and relations, and friends; and some of you they shall put to death. (17)And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. (18)Though a hair of your head shall in nowise perish. (19)In your patience possess ye your souls. (20)But when ye see Jerusalem, encircled with armies, then know that the desolation of it approaches. (21)Then let those who are in Judea fly unto the mountains; and let those who are in the midst of her get far away: and they who are in the countries, let them not enter into her. (22)For these are the days of vengeance, when all things which are written shall be fulfilled. (23)But wo to those who are big with child, and have infants at their breasts, in those days! for there shall be great distress on the earth, and wrath upon this people. (24)And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden under foot of the Gentiles, until the times appointed for the Gentiles shall come to their period. (25)And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; (26)men terrified to death with fear, and expectation of the calamities coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. (27)And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud, with power and great glory. (28)And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

(29)And he spake a parable unto them, Behold the fig-tree, and all the trees, (30)when they now put forth, as soon as ye see it ye know in yourselves that the summer is now near: (31)so ye also, when ye see these things come to pass, know that the kingdom of God is at hand. (32)Verily I say unto you, That this generation shall in nowise pass away, until all these things come to pass. (33)Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall never pass away. (34)But take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts should be overloaded with surfeiting and drunkenness, and the anxious cares of life, and that day should come upon you unawares. (35)For as a snare shall it come upon all that are settled on the face of the whole earth. (36)Watch therefore, praying at every proper opportunity, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things which are ready to come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

(37)And during the day he continued teaching in the temple; but at night he went out, and lodged in the mountain called the mount of Olives. (38)And all the people came to him early in the morning at the temple, to hear him.

CHAP. XXII.

AND the feast of unleavened bread, which is called the Passover, was at hand. (2)And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might destroy him; for they were afraid of the people. (3)Then entered Satan into Judas called Iscariot, though he was of the number of the twelve. (4)And he went and conversed with the chief priests and the captains, by what means he could betray him unto them. (5)And they were glad, and agreed with him to give him a sum of money. (6)And he gave them his promise, and sought the favourable opportunity to betray him to them, in the absence of the multitude.