The first Chapter.
Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to compile a treatise of those
things, which are surely known among us, even as they declared them
unto us, which from the beginning saw them with their eyes, and were
ministers at the doing: I determined also, as soon as I had searched
out diligently all things from the beggining, that then I would write
unto thee, good Theophilus, that thou mightest know the certainty of
those things, whereof thou art informed.
In the time of Herode king of jewry, there was a certain priest named
Zacharias, of the course of Abie. And his wife was of the daughters of
Aaron: And her name was Elizabeth. Both were perfect before God, and
walked in all the laws and ordinances of the lord that no man could
find fault with them. And they had no child, because that Elizabeth was
barren, And both were well stricken in age.
It came to pass, as he executed the priest's office, before God as his
course came (according to the custom of the priest's office) his lot
was to burn odoures. And went into the temple of the lord, and all the
multitude of people were without in their prayers while the odoures
were a burning. There appeared unto him the lord's angel, standing on
the right side of the altar of odoures. And when Zacharias saw him, he
was abashed, and fear came on him.
The angel said unto him: fear not Zacary, for thy prayer is heard: And
thy wife Helizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name
Ihon: And thou shalt have joy and gladness: And many shall rejoice at
his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of God, and shall neither
drink wine nor strong drink. And he shall be filled with the holy
ghost, even in his mother's womb: and many of the children of Israhel
shall he turn to their lord God. And he shall go before him in the
spirit and power of Helias to turn the hearts of the fathers to their
children, and the unbelievers to the wisdom of the just men: to make
the people ready for the lord.
And Zacary said unto the angel: Whereby shall I know this? seeing that
I am old, and my wife well stricken in years. And the angel answered,
and said unto him: I am Gabriel that stand in the presence of God, and
am sent to speak unto thee: and to shew thee this glad tidings. And
take heed thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak until the time that
these things be performed, because thou believedst not my words, which
shall be fulfilled in their season.
And the people waited for Zacharias and marvelled that he tarried in
the temple. When he came out, he could not speak unto them. And they
perceived, that he had seen some vision in the temple. And he beckoned
unto them, and remained speechless.
And it fortuned, as soon as the time of his office was out, he departed
home into his own house. And after those days, his wife Elizabeth
conceived, and hid herself v. months, saying: This wise hath God dealt
with me in the days when he looked on me, to take from me the rebuke
that I suffered among men.
And in the vj. month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of
Galile, named Nazareth, to a virgin spoused to a man, whose name was
Ioseph, of the house of David, and the virgins name was Mary. And the
angel went in unto her, and said: Hail full of grace, the lord is with
thee: blessed art thou among women. When she saw him, she was abashed
at his saying: and cast in her mind what manner of salutation that
should be. And the angel said unto her: fear not Mary, thou hast found
grace with God. Lo: thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bear a
child, and shalt call his name Iesus. He shall be great, and shall be
called the son of the highest. And the lord God shall give unto him the
seat of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Iacob
for ever, and of his kingdom shall be none end.
Then said Mary unto the angel: How shall this be, seeing I know not a
man? And the angel answered, and said unto her: The holy ghost shall
come upon thee, and the power of the highest shall overshadow thee.
Therefore also that holy thing which shall be born, shall be called the
son of God. And mark, thy cousin Elizabeth, hath also conceived a son
in her old age. And this is the. vj. month to her, which was called
barren, for with God shall nothing be unpossible. Mary said: behold the
handmaiden of the lord, be it unto me even as thou hast said. And the
angel departed from her.
Mary arose in those days, and went into the mountains with haste into a
city of jewry, and entered into the house of Zachary, and saluted
Elizabeth: And it fortuned, as Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary,
the babe sprang in her belly. And Elizabeth was filled with the holy
ghost, and cried with a loud voice, and said: Blessed art thou among
the women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence happeneth
this to me, that the mother of my lord should come to me? Lo, as soon
as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe sprang in
my belly for joy. And blessed art thou that believedst: For those
things shall be performed which were told thee from the lord.
And Mary said: My soul magnifieth the lord. And my spirit rejoiceth in
God my saviour: For he hath looked on the poor degree of his
handmaiden. Behold now from hence forth shall all generations call me
blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things, and
blessed is his name. And his mercy is always on them that fear him
thorow out all generations. He hath shewed strength with his arm, he
hath scattered them that are proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He hath put Down the mighty from their seats, and hath exalted them of
low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things: And hath sent
away the rich empty. He hath remembered mercy: and hath holpen his
servant Israhel. Even as he promised to our fathers, Abraham and to his
seed for ever. And Mary abode with her about a iij. months, And
returned home again.
Elizabeths time was come that she should be delivered, And she brought
forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard tell how, the
lord had magnified his mercy upon her, and they rejoiced with her.
And it fortuned the eighth day: they came to circumcise the child: and
called his name Zacari after the name of his father, and his mother
answered, and said: not so, but he shall be called Ihon. And they said
unto her: There is none of thy kin, that is named with this name. And
they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he
asked for writing tables and wrote saying: his name is Ihon. And they
marvelled all. And his mought was opened immediately, and his tongue,
and he spake lauding God. And fear came on all them that dwelt nigh:
And all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill
country of jewry: and all they that heard them laid them up in their
hearts, saying: What manner child shall this be? And the hand of God
was with him.
And his father Zacharias was filled with the holy ghost, and prophesied
saying: Blessed be the lord God of Israhel, for he hath visited and
redeemed his people. And hath raised up an horn of salvation unto us,
in the house of his servant David. Even as he promised by the mouth of
his holy prophets which were since the world began. That we should be
saved from our enemies: And from the hands of all that hate us: To shew
mercy towards our fathers, and to remember his holy promise. That is to
say the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us.
That we delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him
without fear: all the days of our life, in such holiness and
righteousness that are accept before him. And thou child, shalt be
called the prophet of the highest, for thou shalt go before the face of
the lord, to prepare his ways: And to give knowledge of health unto his
people, for the remission of sins: Through the tender mercy of our
lord, wherewith hath visited us the day spring from on high: To give
light to them that sat in darkness, and in shadow of death, and to
guide our feet into the way of peace. And the child increased and waxed
strong in spirit, and was in wilderness, till the day came, when he
should shew himself unto the Israhelites.
The second Chapter.
It followed in those days: that there went out a commandment from
August the Emperor, that all the world should be valued. This taxing
was first executed when Syrenus was leftenant in Syria. And every man
went into his own shire town, there to be taxed. And Ioseph also
ascended from Galilee, out of a city called Nazareth, into jewry: into
the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the
house and lineage of David to be taxed with Mary his wedded wife, which
was with child.
And it fortuned while they were there, her time was come that she
should be delivered. And she brought forth her first begotten son. And
wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because
there was no room for them within, in the hostry.
And there were in the same region shepherds abiding in the field, and
watching their flock by night. And lo: the angel of the lord stood hard
by them, and the brightness of the lord shone round about them, and
they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them: Be not afraid:
Behold I bring you tidings of great joy, that shall come to all the
people: for unto you is born this day in the city of David a saviour,
which is Christ the lord. And take this for a sign: ye shall find the
child swaddled, and laid in a manger. And straight way there was with
the angel a multitude of heavenly soldiers, lauding God, and saying:
Glory to God on high, and peace on the earth: and unto men rejoicing.
And it fortuned, as soon as the angels were gone away into heaven, the
shepherds said one to another: let us go even unto Bethlehem, and see
this thing that is happened, which the lord hath shewed unto us. And
they came with haste, and found Mary and Ioseph, and the babe laid in a
manger. And when they had seen it, they published abroad the saying,
which was told them of that child. And all that heard it wondered, at
those things which were told them of the shepherds. But Mary kept all
those sayings, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds
returned, praising and lauding God for all that they had heard and
seen, even as it was told unto them.
And when the eighth day was come that the child should be circumcised,
his name was called Iesus, which was named of the Angel before he was
conceived in the mother's womb.
And when the time of their purification (after the law of Moses) was
come they brought him to Hierusalem, to present him to the lord (As it
is written in the law of the lord: every man child that first openeth
the matrix, shall be called holy to the lord) and to offer (as it is
said in the law of the lord) a pair of turtle doves, or ij. young
pigeons.
And behold there was a man in Hierusalem, whose name was Simeon. And
the same man was just and feared God, and longed for the consolation of
Israhel, and the holy ghost was in him. And an answer was given him of
the holy ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the
lord's Christ. And he came by inspiration into the temple.
And as the father and mother brought in the child Iesus, to do for him
after the custom of the law: Then took he him up in his arms and said.
Lord Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace according to thy
promise. For mine eyes have seen the saviour sent from thee: Which thou
hast prepared before the face of all people. A light to lighten the
gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israhel. And his father and
mother marvelled at those things, which were spoken of him: And Simeon
blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother: behold, this child shall
be the fall, and resurrection of many in Israhel: And a sign which
shall be spoken against. And moreover the sword shall pierce the very
heart of thee, that the thoughts of many hearts may be opened.
And there was Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel of tribe of
Aser. And she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband. vij.
years from her virginity. And this widow about iiij. score and iiij.
years of age, which went never out of the temple, but served there with
fasting and prayer night and day. And she came forth that same hour,
and praised God, and spake of him to all that looked for redemption in
Hierusalem.
And as soon as they had performed all things according to the law of
the lord, they returned into Galile into their own city Nazareth. And
the child grew and waxed strong in spirit, and was full of wisdom, and
the favour of God was with him.
And his father and mother went to Hierusalem every year at the feast of
ester. And when he was xij. years old, they went up to Hierusalem after
the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they
returned home, the child Iesus bode still in Hierusalem, unknowing to
his father and mother. For they supposed he had been in the company.
They came a day's journey, and sought him among their kinsfolk and
acquaintance, and found him not They went back again to Hierusalem, and
sought him. And it fortuned after iij. days, they found him in the
temple sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and
posing them. And all that heard him marvelled at his wit and answers.
And when they saw him, they were astonied. And his mother said unto
him: son why hast thou thus dealt with us? Behold thy father and I have
sorowed and sought thee. And he said unto them: how is it that ye
sought me? wist ye not that I must go about my father's business? And
they understood not the saying that he spake to them. And he went with
them, and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother kept
all these things in her heart. And Iesus increased in wisdom and age,
and in favour with God and man.
The .iij. Chapter.
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius the Emperor, Pontius
Pilate being leftenant of Iewry, and Herod being Tetrarch of Galilee,
and his brother Philip Tetrarch in Iturea, and in the region of
Traconitis, and Lysanias the Tetrarch of Abyline: When Anna and Cayphas
were the high priests: The commandment of God was published unto Ihon
the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. And he came into all the coasts
about Iordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of
sins, as it is written in the book of the sayings of Esayas the
prophet, which sayeth: The voice of a crier in wilderness, prepare the
way of the lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled,
and every mountain and hill shall be brought low: And crooked things
shall be made straight: and the rough ways shall be made smooth. And
all flesh shall see the saviour sent of God.
Then said he to the people, that were come to be baptised of him. O
generation of vipers: who hath shewed the craft to fly from wrath to
come? Bring forth due fruits of repentance, And begin not to say in
yourselves, we have Abraham to our father. For I say unto you: God is
able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. Now also is the
axe laid unto the root of the trees. Every tree therefore, which
bringeth not forth good fruit, shall be hewn down, and cast into the
fire.
And the people asked him, saying: What shall we do then. He answered
and said unto them: He that hath ij. coats, let him part with him that
hath none: And he that hath meat, let him do likewise.
Then came there publicans to be baptised, and said unto him: Master,
what shall we do? He answered unto them: require no more than that,
which is appointed unto you.
The soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying: and what shall we do?
And he said to them: Do violence to no man: neither trouble any man
wrongfully: And be content with your wages.
As the people were in a doubt, and all men disputed in their hearts of
Ihon: Whether he were very Christ, Ihon answered and said to them all:
I baptise you with water, but a stronger then cometh, whose shoe
latchet I am not worthy to unloose: he will baptise you with the holy
ghost, and with fire, which hath his fan in his hand, and will purge
his floor, and will gather his corn into his barn: And the chaff will
he burn with fire that never shall be quenched. And many other things
in his exhortation preached he unto the people.
Then Herod the Tetrach (when he was rebuked of him for Herodias his
brother Philippe's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done)
added this above all, and laid Ihon prison.
And it fortuned as all the people received baptism (And when Iesus was
baptised and did pray) that heaven was opened, and the holy ghost came
down in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, And a voice came from
heaven, saying: Thou art my dear son, In thee do I delight.
And Iesus himself was about thirty year of age when he began, being as
men supposed the son of Ioseph: which Ioseph was the son of Heli: which
was the son of Mathat: which was the son of Levi: which was the son of
Melchi: which was the son of Ianna: which was the son of Ioseph: which
was the son of Matatthias: which was the son of Amos: which was the son
of Nahum: which was the son of Esli: which was the son of Nagge: which
was the son of Maath: which was the son of Matathias: which was the son
of Semei: which was the son of Ioseph: which was the son of Iuda: which
was the son of Iohanna: which was the son of Rhesya: which was the son
of Zorobabel: which was the son of Salathiel: which was the son of
Neri: which was the son of Melchi: which was the son of Addi: which was
the son of Cosam: which was the son of Helmadam: which was the son of
Her: which was the son of Ieso: which was the son of Helieser: which
was the son of Ioram: which was the son of Mattha: which was the son of
Levi: which was the son of Simeon: which was the son of Iuda: which was
the son of Ioseph: which was the son of Ionam: which was the son of
Heliacim: which was the son of Melea: which was the son of Menam: which
was the son of Matathan: which was the son of Nathan: which was the son
of David: which was the son of Iesse: which was the son of Obed: which
was the son of Boos: which was the son of Salmon: which was the son of
Naason: which was the son of Aminadab: which was the son of Aram: which
was the son of Esrom: which was the son of Phares: which was the son of
Iuda: which was the son of Iacob: which was the son of Ysaac: which was
the son of Abraham: which was the son of Tharra: which was the son of
Nachor: which was the son of Saruch: which was the son of Ragau: which
was the son of Phalec: which was the son of Heber: which was the son of
Sala: which was the son of Cainan: which was the son of Arphaxad: which
was the son of Sem: which was the son of Noe: which was the son of
Lameth: which was the son of Mathusala: which was the son of Enoch:
which was the son of Iareth: which was the son of Malalehel: which was
the son of Cainan: which was the son of Enos: which was the son of
Seth: which was the son of Adam: which was the son of God.
The .iiij. Chapter.
Iesus then full of the holy ghost, returned from Iordan, and was
carried of the spirit into a wilderness, and was xl. days tempted of
the devil. And in those days ate he nothing: And when they were ended,
he afterward hungered. And the devil said unto him: if thou be the son
of God, command this stone that he be bread. And Iesus answered him,
saying: It is written: man shall not live by bread only, but by every
word of God.
And the devil took him up into an high mountain, and shewed him all the
kingdoms of the earth, even in the twinkling of an eye. And the devil
said unto him: all this power will I give thee every whit, and the
glory of them (for that is delivered to me, and to whosoever I will I
give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, they shall be all thine.
Iesus answered and said unto him: hence from me Satan. For it is
written. Thou shalt honour thy lord God, and him only serve.
And he carried him to Ierusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the
temple, and said unto him: If thou be the son of God, cast thyself down
from hence. For it is written, he shall give his angels charge over
thee, to keep thee, and with their hands they shall stay thee up, that
thou hurt not thy foot against a stone. Iesus answered and said unto
him, it is said, thou shalt not tempt the thy lord God. And as soon as
the devil had ended all his temptations, he departed from him for a
season.
And Iesus returned by the power of the spirit into Galile, and the fame
of him went thorow out all the region round about. And he taught in
their synagogues, and was commended of all men.
And he came to Nazareth where he was nursed, and as his custom was,
went into the synagogue on the saboth days, and stood up for to read.
And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And
when he had opened the book, he found the place, where it was written:
The spirit of the lord upon me, because he hath anointed me, To preach
the gospell to the poor he hath sent me, And to heal which are troubled
in their hearts: To preach deliverance to the captive, And sight to the
blind, And freely to set at liberty them that are bruised, And to
preach the acceptable year of the lord.
And he closed the book, and gave it again to the minister, and sat
down. And the eyes of all that were in the synagogue, were fastened on
him. And he began to say unto them. This day is this scripture
fulfilled in your ears. And all they bare him witness, and wondered at
the gracious words, which proceeded out of his mouth, and said: Is not
this Ioseph's son?
And he said unto them: Ye may very well say unto me this proverb.
Physician, heal thyself. Whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do
the same likewise in thine own country. And he said: Verily I say unto
you: No prophet is accepted in his own country.
But I tell you of a truth, Many widows were in Israhell in the days of
Helyas, when heaven was shut three years and six months, when great
famishment was throughout all the land, And unto none of them was
Helyas sent, save into Sarepta besides Sydon unto a woman that was a
widow. And many lepers were in Israhel in the time of Heliseus the
prophet, and yet none of them was healed, saving Naaman of Siria.
And as many as were in the synagogue when they heard that, were filled
with wrath and rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him
even unto the edge of the hill, whereon their city was built, to cast
him down headlong. But he went his way even thorow the midst of them:
and came into Capernaum a city of Galile, and there taught them on the
saboth days. And they were astonied at his doctrine: for his preaching
was with power.
And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a foul spirit within
him, and cried with a loud voice, saying: let me alone, what hast thou
to do with us, thou Iesus of Nazareth? Art thou come to destroy us? I
know thee what thou art, thou art the holy man of God. And Iesus
rebuked him, saying: hold thy peace, and come out of him. And the devil
threw him in the midst of them and came out of him, and hurt him not.
And fear came on them all, And they spake among themselves, saying:
what manner a thing is this? For with authority and power he commandeth
the foul spirits and they come out? And the fame of him spread abroad
thorow out all places of the country round about.
And he rose up and came out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's
house. And Simon's motherinlaw was taken with a great fever, And they
made intercession to him for her. And he stood over her, and rebuked
the fever: and it left her. And immediately she rose and ministered
unto them.
When the son was down, all they that had sick, taken with divers
diseases, brought them unto him: and he laid his hands on every one of
them, and healed them. And devils also came out of many of them, crying
and saying: thou art Christ the son of God. And he rebuked them, and
suffered them not to speak, for they knew that he was Christ.
As soon as it was day, he departed and went away into a desert place,
and the people sought him and came to him, and kept him that he should
not depart from them. And he said unto them: I must to other cities
also preach the word of God, for therefore am I sent. And he preached
in the synagogues of Galilee.
The .v. Chapter.
It came to pass as the people pressed upon him, to hear the word of
God, that he stood by the lake of Genazareth: and saw two ships stand
by the lakeside, for the fishermen were gone out of them, and were
washing their nets. Iesus entered into one of the ships, which
pertained to Simon, and prayed him, that he would carry him a little
from the land. And he sat down and taught the people out of the ship.
When he had left speaking, he said unto Simon: Carry us into the deep,
and let slip thy net to make a draught. And Simon answered, and said to
him: Master we have laboured all night, and have taken nothing. Yet now
at thy word I will loose forth the net. And when they had so done, they
inclosed a great multitude of fishes. And the net brake: and they made
signs to their fellows which were in the other ship, that they should
come and help them. And they came, and they filled both the ships, that
they sunk again.
When Simon Peter saw that, he fell down at Iesus' knees saying: lord go
from me, for I am a sinful man. For he was utterly astonied, and all
that were with him at the draught of fish which they took: and so was
also Iames and Ihon the sons of Zebedei, which were partakers with
Simon. And Iesus said unto Simon: fear not, from henceforth thou shalt
catch men. And they brought the ships to land, and forsook all, and
followed him.
And it fortuned as he was in a certain city, and behold there was a man
full of leprosy: and when he had spied Iesus, he fell on his face and
besought him saying: lord if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And
he stretched forth his hand, and touched him saying: I will, be thou
clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him. And he warned
him, that he should tell no man: but that he should go and shew himself
to the priest, and offer for his cleansing according as Moses
commandment was, for a witness unto them.
But his name spread the more abroad, and the people came together to
hear, and to be healed of him, of infirmities. And he kept himself
apart in the wildernesses, and gave himself to prayer.
And it happened on a certain day, that he taught, and there sat the
pharisees, and doctors of law, which were come out of all the towns of
Galile, Iewry, and Ierusalem, and the power of the lord was to heal
them. And behold, men brought a man lying in his bed, which was taken
with a palsy, and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him
before him. And when they could not find by what way they might bring
him in, because of the press, they went up on the top of the house, and
let him down thorow the tiling, bed and all in the midst before Iesus.
When he saw their faith he said unto him: man thy sins are forgiven
thee. And the scribes, and the pharisees, began to think saying: What
fellow is this: which speaketh blasphemy? Who can forgive sins, but God
only?
When Iesus perceived their thoughts, he answered and said unto them:
What think ye in your hearts? Whether is easier to say, thy sins are
forgiven thee, or to say: Rise and walk? That ye may know that the son
of man hath power to forgive sins on earth, he said unto the sick of
the palsy: I say to thee, arise, take up thy bed and go home to thy
house. And immediately he rose up before them all, and took up his bed
whereon he lay, and departed to his own house praising God. And they
were ail amazed, and they lauded God, and were filled with fear,
saying: We have seen strange things today.
And after that he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting
at the receipt of custom, and said unto him: follow me. And he left
all, rose up, and followed him. And that same Levi made him a great
feast at home in his own house. And there was a great company of
publicans, and of other that sat at meat with him. And the scribes and
pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying: Why eat ye and drink
ye, with publicans and sinners? Iesus answered and said unto them: They
that are whole, need not of the physician: but they that are sick. I
came not to call the righteous to repentance: but the sinners.
They said unto him: Why do the disciples of Ihon fast often and pray:
and the disciples of the pharisees also: and thine eat and drink? To
whom he said: Can ye make the Children of the wedding fast, as long as
the bridegroom is present with them? The days will come, when the
bridegroom shall be taken away from them, then shall they fast in those
days.
He spake unto them in a similitude: No man putteth a piece of a new
garment, into an old vesture: for if he do, then breaketh he the new
and the piece that was taken out of the new, agreeth not with the old.
Also no man poureth new wine into old vessels, if he do, the new wine
breaketh the vessels, and runneth out itself, and the vessels perish:
But new wine must be poured into new vessels, and both are preserved.
Also no man that drinketh old wine, straightway can away with new, for
he sayeth: the old is pleasanter.
The .vj. Chapter.
It happened on an after Sabbath, they went thorow the corn field, and
his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and ate them, and rubbed them
in their hands. Certain of the pharisees said unto them: Why do ye that
which is not lawful to be done on the saboth days? Iesus answered them
and said: Have ye not read what David did, when he himself was an
hungered, and they which were with him: how he went into the house of
God, and took and ate the loaves of hallowed bread, and gave also to
them which were with him: which was not lawful to eat, but for the
priests only. And he said unto them: The son of man is lord even of the
saboth day.
And it fortuned in another saboth also, that he entered into the
synagogue and taught. And there was a man, whose right hand was dried
up. The scribes, and pharisees watched him, to see whether he would
heal on the saboth day or not, that they might find an accusation
against him. But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had
the withered hand: Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. He arose, and
stepped forth. Then said Iesus unto them: I will ask you a question:
Whether is it lawful on the saboth days to do good, or to do evil? to
save life or for to destroy it? And he beheld them all in compass, and
said unto the man: Stretch forth thy hand. He did so, and his hand was
restored, and made as whole as the other. And they were filled full of
madness, and communed one with another, what they might do to Iesu.
It fortuned in those days, he went out into a mountain for to pray, and
continued all night in prayer to God. And as soon as it was day, he
called his disciples, and of them he chose twelve, which also he called
his apostles. Simon, whom also he named Peter: and Andrew his brother,
Iames and Ihon, Philip and Bartlemew, Matthew and Thomas, Iames the son
of Alpheus and Simon called Zelotes, and Iudas Iames' son, and Iudas
Iscariot, which same was the traitor.
And he came down with them and stood in the plain field with the
company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all
parts of Iury and Ierusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon,
which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases, and they
also that were vexed with foul spirits, and they were healed. And all
the people pressed to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and
healed them all.
And he lifted up his eyes upon the disciples, and said: Blessed are ye
poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger: for
ye shall be satisfied. Blessed are ye that weep: for ye shall laugh.
Blessed are ye when men hate you, and thrust you out of their company,
and rail on you, and abhor your name, as an evil thing, for the son of
man's sake. Rejoice ye then, and be glad: for behold your reward is
great in heaven. After this manner their fathers entreated the
prophets.
But woe be to you that are rich: for ye have therein your consolation.
Woe be to you that are full: for ye shall hunger. Woe be to you that
now laugh: for ye shall wail, and weep. Woe be to you when all men
praise you: for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
But I say unto you which hear: Love your enemies. Do good to them which
hate you. Bless them that curse you. And pray for them which wrongfully
trouble you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek, offer
also the other. And him that taketh away thy gown, forbid not to take
thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee. And if any man
that take away thy goods, ask them not again. And as ye would that men
should do to you: so do ye to them likewise.
If ye love them which love you: what thank are ye worthy of? seeing
that the very sinners love their lovers. And if ye do for them which do
for you: what thank are ye worthy of? For the very sinners do even the
same. If ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive: what thank shall
ye have: for the very sinners, lend to sinners, to receive as much
again. Love ye your enemies, do good, and lend, looking for nothing
again: and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of
the highest: for he is kind unto the unkind, and to the evil.
Be ye therefore merciful, as your father is merciful. Judge not and ye
shall not be judged. Condemn not: and ye shall not be condemned.
Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven. Give, and it shall be given unto
you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over,
shall men give into your bosoms. For with what measure ye mete, with
the same shall men mete to you again.
And he put forth a similitude unto them: Can the blind lead the blind?
Do they not both then fall into the ditch? The disciple is not above
his master. Every man shall be perfect, even as his master is. Why
seest thou a mote in thy brother's eye, and considerest not the beam
that is in thine own eye? Other how canst thou say to thy brother:
Brother let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye: when thou
perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Hypocrite, cast out
the beam out of thine own eye first, and then shalt thou see perfectly,
to pull out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
It is not a good tree that bringeth forth evil fruit: Neither is that
an evil tree, that bringeth forth good fruit. For every tree is known
by his fruit. Neither of thorns gather men figs, nor of bushes gather
they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth
forth that which is good. And the evil man out of the evil treasure of
his heart, bringeth forth that which is evil. For of the abundance of
the heart, the mought speaketh.
Why call ye me Master, Master: and do not as I bid you? whosoever
cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doth the same, I will shew
you to whom he is like. He is like a man which built an house: which
digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock. When the waters arose,
the flood beat upon that house, and could not move it. For it was
grounded upon a rock. But he that heareth and doth not, is like a man,
that without foundation built an house upon the earth, against which,
the flood beat: and it fell by and by. And the fall of that house was
great.
The .vij. Chapter.
When he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he
entered into Capernaum. And the servant of a certain Centurion was
sick, and ready to die, whom he made much of. And when he heard of
Iesu, he sent unto him the seniors of the jewes, beseeching him that he
would come and heal his servant. And they came to Iesus and besought
him instantly, saying: He is worthy that thou shouldest do this for
him. For he loveth our nation, and hath built us a synagogue. And Iesus
went with them.
And when he was not far from the house, the Centurion sent to him his
friends, saying unto him: lord trouble not thyself, for I am not worthy
that thou shouldest enter into my house. Wherefore I thought not myself
worthy to come unto thee: but say the word and my servant shall be
whole. For I likewise am a man under power, and have under me soldiers,
and I say unto one, go: and he goeth. And to another, come: and he
cometh. And to my servant, do this: and he doeth it. When Iesus heard
this, he marvelled at him, and turned him about and said to the people
that followed him: I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no
not in Israhel, certainly. And they that were sent, turned back home
again, and found the servant that was sick whole.
And it fortuned after that, he went into a city called Naym, and his
disciples went with him, and a great number of people. When he came
nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out,
which was the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and much
people of the city was with her. And the lord saw her, and had
compassion on her, and said unto her: weep not. And went and touched
the coffin, and they that bare him stood still. And he said: Young man,
I say unto thee, arise. And the dead sat up, and began to speak. And he
delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on them all. And
they glorified God saying: a great prophet is risen among us, and God
hath visited his people. And this rumor of him went forth throughout
all Iewry, and thorowout all the regions which lie round about.
And unto Ihon shewed his disciples of all these things. And Ihon called
unto him two of his disciples, and sent them to Iesus saying: Art thou
he that shall come: or shall we look for another? When the men were
come unto him, they said: Ihon baptist sent us unto thee saying: Art
thou he that shall come: or shall we wait for another? At that same
time, he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, And of evil
spirits, and unto many that were blind, he gave sight. And he answered,
and said unto them: Go your ways and shew Ihon, what things ye have
heard and seen: how that the blind see, the halt go, the lepers are
cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead arise: To the poor is the gospell
preached, and happy is he that falleth not, by reason of me.
When the messengers of Ihon were departed, he began to speak unto the
people of Ihon: What went ye out for to see into the desert? went ye to
see a reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man
clothed in soft raiment? Behold they which are gorgeously apparelled,
and live delicately, are in kings' courts. But what went ye forth to
see? A prophet? Yea I say to you, and more than a prophet. This is he
of whom it is written: Behold I send my messenger before thy face, to
prepare thy way before thee. I say unto you: a greater prophet than
Ihon, among women's children, is there none. Nevertheless one that is
less in the kingdom of God, is greater than he.
And all the people that heard, and the publicans justified God, which
were baptised in the baptism of Ihon. But the Pharises and scribes
despised the counsel of God, against themselves, and were not baptised
of him.
And the lord said: Whereunto shall I liken the men of this generation,
and what thing are they like? They are like unto children sitting in
the market place, and crying one to another, and saying: We have piped
unto you, and ye have not danced: We have mourned to you, and ye have
not wept. For Ihon baptist came unto you neither eating bread, nor
drinking wine, and ye say: he hath the devil. The son of man is come
and eateth and drinketh, and ye say: behold a man which is a glutton,
and a drinker of wine, the friend of publicans and sinners. And wisdom
justified of all her children.
And one of the pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he
went into the pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. And behold a
woman in that city, which was a sinner, as soon as she knew that Iesus
sat at meat in the pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster box of
ointment, and she stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to
wash his feet, with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her
head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with ointment.
When the Pharise which bade him to his house, saw that, he spake within
himself: saying: If this man were a prophet, he would surely have known
who and what manner woman this is which toucheth him, for she is a
sinner. And Iesus answered, and said unto him: Simon I have somewhat to
say unto thee. And he said: Master say on. There was a certain lender,
which had two debtors, the one ought five hundred pence, and the other
fifty. When they had nothing to pay, he forgave them both. Which of
them tell me, will love him most? Simon answered, and said: I suppose
that he to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him: Thou hast truly
judged.
And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon: Seest thou this woman?
I entered into thy house, and thou gavest me no water to my feet: but
she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of
her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but she, since the time I came in,
hath not ceased to kiss my feet. Mine head with oil thou didst not
anoint: but she hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say
unto thee: many sins are forgiven her, because she loved much. To whom
less is forgiven, the same doeth less love.
And he said unto her thy sins are forgiven thee. And they that sat at
meat with him, began to say within themselves: Who is this which
forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman: Thy faith hath saved
thee, Go in peace.
The .viij. Chapter.
And it fortuned after that, he himself went throughout cities and
towns, preaching, and shewing the kingdom of God, and the twelve with
him. And also certain women, which were healed of evil spirits, and
infirmities: Mary called Magdalen, out of whom went seven devils, and
Ioanna the wife of Chusa, Herod's steward, And Susanna, And many other:
which ministered unto him of their substance.
When much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of
the cities, he spake by a similitude: A sower went out to sow his seed,
and as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and it was trodden under
feet, and the fowls of the air devoured it up. And some fell on stone,
and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked
moistness. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with
it, and choked it. And some fell on good ground, and sprang up and bare
fruit, an hundred fold. And as he said these things, he cried: He that
hath ears to hear, let him hear.
And his disciples asked him, saying: what manner similitude this should
be. And he said: unto you is it given to know the secrets of the
kingdom of God: but to other in similitudes, that when they see, they
should not see, and when they hear they should not understand.
The similitude is this. The seed is the word of God. Those that are
beside the way, are they that hear, and afterward cometh the devil, and
taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and
be saved. They on the stones, are they which when they hear the word
receive it with joy. And these have no roots, which for a while
believe, and in time of temptation go away. That which fell among
thorns, are they which hear, and go forth, and are choked with cares
and riches, and voluptuous living, and bring forth no fruit. That in
the good ground, are they which with a good and pure heart, hear the
word, and keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
No man lighteth a candle, and covereth it under a vessel, neither
putteth it under the table: but setteth it on a candlestick, that they
that enter in, may see light. No thing is in secret, that shall not
come abroad: Neither any thing hid, that shall not be known, and come
to light. Take heed therefore how ye hear. For whosoever hath, to him
shall be given: And whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken, even
that same which he supposeth that he hath.
Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him
for press. And they told him saying: Thy mother and thy brethren, stand
without, and would see thee. He answered, and said unto them: my mother
and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.
It chanced on a certain day that he went into a ship, and his disciples
also, and he said unto them: Let us go over unto the other side of the
lake. And they launched forth. And as they sailed, he fell asleep, and
there arose a storm of wind in the lake, and they were filled with
water, and were in jeopardy. And they went to him and awoke him,
saying: Master, Master, we are lost. He arose and rebuked the wind, and
the tempest of water, and they ceased, and it waxed calm. And he said
unto them: where is your faith? They feared and wondered, saying one to
another: what fellow is this? for he commandeth both the winds and
water, and they obey him? And they sailed unto the region of the
Gaderens, which is over against Galile.
As he went out of the ship to land, there met him a certain man out of
the city, which had a devil long time, and ware no clothes, neither
abode in any house: but among graves. When he saw Iesus, he cried, and
fell down before him, and with a loud voice said: What have I to do
with thee Iesus the son of the God most highest? I beseech thee torment
me not. Then he commanded the foul spirit to come out of the man. For
often times he caught him, and he was bound with chains, and kept with
fetters: and he brake the bonds, and was carried of the fiend, into
wilderness.
Iesus asked him saying: what is thy name? And he said: Legion, because
many devils were entered into him. And they besought him, that he would
not command them to go out into the deep. There was there by an herd of
many swine, feeding on an hill, and they prayed him, that he would
suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them. Then went the
devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: And the herd took
their course, and ran headlong into the lake, and were choked. When the
herdsmen saw what had chanced, they fled, and told it in the city and
in the villages.
And they came out to see what was done. And came to Iesus, and found
the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of
Iesus clothed, and in his right mind, and they were afraid. They also
which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the
devil, was healed. And all the whole multitude of the Gaderens,
besought him, that he would depart from them: for they were taken with
great fear. And he gat him into the ship and returned back again. Then
the man out of whom the devils were departed, besought him, that he
might be with him: But Iesus sent him away, saying: Go home again into
thine own house, and shew what things God hath done to thee. And he
went his way, and preached thorowout all the city what things Iesus had
done unto him.
It fortuned that when Iesus was come again, the people received him.
For they all longed for him. And behold there came a man named Iairus
(and he was a ruler of the synagogue) and he fell down at Iesus' feet,
and besought him that he would come into his house, for he had but a
daughter only, of twelve year of age, and she lay a dying. As he went
the people thronged him.
And a woman having an issue of blood twelve year (which had spent all
her substance among Physicians, neither could be helped of any) came
behind him, and touched the hem of his garment, and immediately her
issue of blood staunched. And Iesus said: Who is it that touched me?
when every man denied, Peter and they that were with him, said: Master,
the people thrust thee and vex thee: and thou sayest, who touched me?
And Iesus said: Somebody touched me. For I perceive that virtue is gone
out of me. When the woman saw, that she was not hid from him, she came
trembling, and fell at his feet, and told him before all the people,
for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.
And he said unto her: Daughter be of good comfort. Thy faith hath made
the safe, go in peace.
While he yet spake, there came one from the rulers of the synagogue's
house, which said to him: Thy daughter is dead, disease not the master.
When Iesus heard that, He answered to the maidens father saying: Fear
not, believe only, and she shall be made whole. And when he came to the
house, he suffered no man to go in with him, save Peter, Iames and
Ihon, and the father and the mother of the maiden. Every body wept and
sorrowed for her. And he said Weep not: for she is not dead, but
sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. For they knew that she was
dead. And he thrust them all out at the doors, and caught her by the
hand, and cried saying: Maid arise. And her spirit came again, and she
rose straightway. And he commanded to give her meat. And the father and
the mother of her were astonied. But he warned that they should tell no
man, what was done.
The .ix. Chapter.
Then called he the xij. together, and gave them power, and authority,
over all devils. And that they might heal diseases. And he sent them to
preach the kingdom of God, and to cure the sick. And he said to them:
Take no thing to succor you by the way: neither staff, nor scrip,
neither bread neither money, neither have two coats. And whatsoever
house ye enter into there abide, and thence depart. And whosoever will
not receive you, when ye depart from that city, shake off the very dust
from your feet, for a testimony against them. They went forth, and went
thorow the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing everywhere.
Herod the tetrarch heard of all that by him was done, and doubted
because that it was said of some, that Ihon was risen again from death.
And of some that Helias had appeared. And of other that one of the old
prophets was risen again. And Herod said: Ihon have I beheaded: who is
this of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.
And the Apostles returned, and told him all that they had done. And he
took them and went aside into a solitary place, nigh to a city called
Bethsaida. The people knew of it, and followed him. And he received
them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God. And healed them that
had need to be healed. The day began to wear away. Then came the
twelve, and said unto him: send the people away, that they may go into
the towns, and villages roundabout, and lodge, and get meat, for we are
here in a place of wilderness. Then said he unto them: Give ye them to
eat. And they said: We have no more but five loaves and two fishes,
except we should go and buy meat for all this people. And they were
about a five thousand men. He said unto his disciples: Cause them to
sit down by fifties in a company. And they did so, and made them all
sit down. He took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looked up to
heaven, and blessed them, and brake, and gave to his disciples, to set
before the people. And they all ate, and were satisfied. And there was
taken up of that remained to them, twelve baskets full of broken meat.
It fortuned as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him, and
he asked them saying: Who say the people that I am? They answered and
said: Ihon baptist. Some say Helias. And some say, one of the old
prophets is risen again. He said unto them: Who say ye that I am? Peter
answered and said: thou art the Christ of God. He warned and commanded
them, that they should tell no man that thing, saying: That the son of
man must suffer many things, and be reproved of the seniors, and of the
high priests and scribes, and be slain, and the third day rise again.
And he said to them all, if any man will come after me, let him deny
himself, and take his cross on him daily, and follow me. Whosoever will
save his life, shall lose it. And whosoever shall lose his life, for my
sake, the same shall save it. For what shall it advantage a man, to win
the whole world, if he lose himself: or run in damage of himself? For
whosoever is ashamed of me, and of my sayings: of him shall the son of
man be ashamed, when he cometh in his own majesty, and in the majesty
of his father, and of the holy angels. I tell you of a surety: Some
there are of them that here stand, which shall not taste of death till
they see the kingdom of God.
And it followed about an viij. days after those sayings, he took Peter,
Iames, and Ihon, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed,
the fashion of his countenance was changed, and his garment was white
and shone. And behold, two men talked with him, and they were Moses and
Helias, which appeared gloriously, and spake of his departing, which he
should end at Ierusalem. Peter and they that were with him, were heavy
asleep. And when they woke, they saw his majesty, and two men standing
with him.
And it chanced as they departed from him, Peter said unto Iesus:
Master, it is good being here for us. Let us make three tabernacles,
one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Helias. And wist not what
he said. While he thus spake there came a cloud and shadowed them and
they feared when they entered into the cloud. And there came a voice
out of the cloud saying: This is my dear son, hear him. And as soon as
the voice was past, Iesus was found alone. And they kept it close: and
told no man in those days any of those things, which they had seen.
It chanced on the next day as they came down from the hill, much people
came and met him. And behold a man of the company cried out saying:
Master, I beseech thee behold my son, for he is all that I have: and
see, a spirit taketh him, and suddenly he crieth, and he teareth him
that he foameth again, and uneth departeth he from him, when he hath
rent him: And I have besought thy disciples to cast him out, and they
could not. Iesus answered, and said: O generation without faith, and
crooked: how long shall I be with you? And shall suffer you? Bring thy
son hither. As he yet was a coming, the fiend rent him, and tare him.
Iesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered
him to his father. And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God.
While they wondered every one at all things which he did: He said unto
his disciples: Let these sayings sink down into your ears. The time
will come, when the son of man shall be delivered into the hands of
men. But they wist not what that word meant, and it was hid from them
that they understood it not. And they feared to ask him of that saying.
Then there arose a disputation among them, who should be the greatest.
When Iesus perceived the thoughts of their hearts, he took a child, and
set him hard by him, and said unto them: Whosoever receiveth this child
in my name, receiveth me. And whosoever receiveth me, receiveth him
that sent me. For he that amongst you, is the least, the same shall be
great.
Ihon answered and said: Master we saw one casting out devils in thy
name, and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us. And Iesus
said unto him: forbid ye him not. For he that is not against you, is
with you. {us}
And it followed when the time was come that he should be received up
and that he determined himself to go to Ierusalem: and sent messengers
before him. And they went, and entered into a city of the Samaritans to
make ready for him. And they would not receive him, because his face
was as though he would go to Ierusalem. When his disciples, Iames, and
Ihon, saw that, they said: lord, wilt thou that we command, that fire
come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Helias did? Iesus
turned about, and rebuked them saying: ye wot not what manner spirit ye
are of. The son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save
them. And they went to another town.
It chanced as he went on their journey, a certain man said unto him: I
will follow thee whithersoever thou go. Iesus said unto him: foxes have
holes, and birds of the air have nests: but the son of man hath not
whereon to lay his head.
And he said unto another: follow me. And the same said: lord suffer me
first to go and bury my father. Iesus said unto him. Let the dead, bury
their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.
And another said: I will follow thee lord: But let me first go bid them
farewell, which are at home at my house. Iesus said unto him: No man
that putteth his hand to the plough, and looketh back, is apt to the
kingdom of God.
The .x. Chapter.
After that, the lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them, two
and two, before his face, into every city, and place, whither he
himself would come. And said unto them: the harvest is great: but the
laborers are few. Pray therefore the lord of the harvest, to send forth
laborers into his harvest. Go your ways. Behold, I send you forth as
lambs among wolves. Bear no wallet, neither scrip, nor shoes, and
salute no man by the way. In whatsoever house ye enter in, first say:
Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace
shall rest upon him, if not, it shall return to you again. And in the
same house tarry still eating and drinking, such as they have. For the
laborer is worthy of his reward.
Go not from house to house: and into whatsoever city ye enter, if they
receive you, eat whatsoever is set before you, and heal the sick that
are there, and say unto them: the kingdom of God is come nigh upon you.
But into whatsoever city ye shall enter, if they receive you not, go
your ways out into the streets of the same, and say: even the very
dust, which cleaveth on us of your city, we wipe off against you:
Notwithstanding, mark this, that the kingdom of God was come nigh upon
you. Yea and I say unto you: that it shall be easier in that day, for
Sodom than for that city.
Woe be to thee Chorazin: woe be to thee Bethsaida. For if the miracles
had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had
a great while agone repented, sitting in hair and ashes. Nevertheless
it shall be easier for Tyre and Sidon, at the judgement, than for you.
And thou Capernaum which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to
hell. whosoever heareth you, heareth me: And whosoever despiseth you,
despiseth me. And he that despiseth me, despiseth him that sent me.
The seventy returned again with joy saying: lord even the very devils
are subdued to us thorow thy name. And he said unto them: I saw sathan,
as it had been lightning, fall down from heaven. Behold I give unto you
power to tread on serpents, and scorpions, and upon all manner power of
the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, in this rejoice
not, that the spirits are under your power: But rejoice because your
names are written in heaven.
That same time rejoiced Iesus in the spirit, and said: I praise
{confess} thee father lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid
these things from the wise and prudent, and hast opened them to the
foolish. Even so father, for so pleased it thee. All things are given
me of my father. And no man knoweth who the son is, but the father:
neither who the father is, save the son, and he to whom the son will
shew him.
And he turned to his disciples, and said secretly: Happy are the eyes,
which see that ye see. For I tell you that many prophets and kings have
desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them: And
to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them:
And mark, A Certain Lawyer stood up, and tempted him saying: Master
what shall I do, to inherit eternal life? He said unto him: What is
written in the law? How readest thou? And he answered and said: Thou
shalt love thy lord God, with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and
with all thy strength, and with all thy mind: and thy neighbor as
thyself. And he said unto him: Thou hast answered right. This do and
thou shalt live. He willing to justify himself, said unto Iesus: Who is
then my neighbor?
Iesus answered and said: A certain man descended from Ierusalem into
Ierico, And fell into the hands of thieves, which robbed him of his
raiment and wounded him, and departed leaving him half dead. And it
chance that there came a certain priest that same way, and saw him, and
passed by. And like wise a levite, when he was come nigh to the place,
went and looked on him, and passed by. Then a certain Samaritan, as he
journeyed, came nigh unto him, and beheld him, and had compassion on
him, and came to hime, and bound up his wounds, and poured in wine, and
oil, and laid him on his beast, and brought him to a common hostry, and
drest him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence,
and gave them to the host and said unto him: Take care of him, and
whatsoever thou spendest above this, when I come again I will
recompense thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou was neighbor
unto him that fell into the thieves hands? And he answered: he that
shewed mercy on him. Then said Iesus unto him. Go and do thou likewise.
It fortuned as they went, that he entered into a certain town. And a
certain woman named Martha, received him into her house. And this woman
had a sister called Mary, which sat at Iesus' feet, and heard Iesus
preaching: Martha was cumbered about much serving, and stood and said:
Master, dost thou not care, that my sister hath left me to minister
alone? Bid her therefore, that she help me. And Iesus answered, and
said unto her: Martha, Martha, thou art busied, and troublest thyself,
about many things: verily one is needful, Mary hath chosen her a good
part, which shall not be taken away from her.
The .xj. Chapter.
And it fortuned as he was praying in a certain place: when he ceased,
one of his disciples said unto him: Master teach us to pray, As Ihon
taught his disciples. And he said unto them: When ye pray, say: Our
father which art in heaven, hallowed by thy name. Let thy kingdom come.
Thy will, be fulfilled, even in earth as it is in heaven. Our daily
bread give us this day. And forgive us our sins: For even we forgive
every man that trespasseth us, and lead us not into temptation, But
deliver us from evil Amen.
And he said unto them: which of you shall have a friend and shall go to
him at midnight, and say unto him: friend lend me four loaves for a
friend of mine is come out of the way to me, and I have nothing to set
before him: And he within should answer and say: Trouble me not, now is
the door is shut, and my servants are with me in the chamber, I cannot
rise and give them to thee. I say unto you: though he would not arise
and give him, because he is his friend: Yet because of his importunity
he would rise and give him as many as he needeth.
And I say unto you: ask, and it shall be given you. Seek, and ye shall
find. Knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that
asketh, receiveth: and he that seeketh, findeth: and to him that
knocketh shall it be opened. If the son shall ask bread of any of you
which is his father: will he proffer him a stone? Or if he ask fish,
will he give him a serpent? Or if he ask an egg: will he proffer him a
scorpion? If ye then which are evil, know how to give good gifts unto
your children? How much more shall your father celestial, give a good
spirit to them, that desire it of him.
And he was a casting out a devil, which was dumb. And it followed when
the devil was gone out, the dumb spake, and the people wondered. Some
of them said: he casteth out devils by the power of Belzebub, the chief
of the devils. And other tempted him seeking of him a sign from heaven.
He knew their thoughts, and said unto them: Every kingdom, at debate
within itself shall be desolate: and one house shall fall upon another.
So if Satan be at variance within himself: how shall his kingdom
endure? Be cause ye say that I cast out devils by the power of
Belzebub? If I by the power of Belzebub cast out devils: by whose
power, do your children cast them out? Therefore shall they be your
judges. But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt, the
kingdom of God is come upon you.
When a strong man armed watcheth his house: That he possesseth, is in
peace. But when a stronger than he cometh upon him, and overcometh him:
he taketh from him, his harness, wherein he trusted, and divideth his
goods. He that is not with me is against me. And he that gathereth not
with me scattereth.
When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through
waterless places seeking rest. And when he findeth none, he sayeth: I
will return again unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh,
he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he and taketh seven other
spirits with him worse than himself, and they enter in, and dwell
there. And the end of that man, is worse than the beginning.
It fortuned as he thus spake, a certain woman of the company lifted up
her voice, and said unto him: Happy is the womb that bare thee and the
paps, which gave thee suck. But he said: Happy are they that hear the
word of God, and keep it.
When the people were gathered thick together: He began to say: This is
an evil nation. They seek a sign, and there shall no sign be given
them, but the sign of Ionas the prophet. For as Ionas was a sign to the
Ninivites, so shall the son of man be to this nation. The queen of the
south shall rise at the judgement, with the men of this generation, and
condemn them. For she came from the end of the world, to hear the
wisdom of Salomon: and behold a greater than Salomon is here. The men
of Nineveh shall rise at the judgement, with this generation, and shall
condemn them: for they repented at the preaching of Ionas: And behold,
a greater than Ionas is here.
No man lighteth a candle, and putteth it in a privy place, neither
under a bushel: But on a candlestick, that they that come in, may see
the light. The light of thy body is the eye. Therefore, when thine eye
is single: then is all thy body full of light. But if thine eye be
evil: then shall all thy body also be full of darkness. Take heed
therefore that the light which is in thee, be not darkness. For if all
thy body shall be light, having no part dark: then shall all be full of
light, even as when a candle doeth light thee with his brightness.
And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and
Iesus went in, and sat down to meat. When the Pharisee saw that he
marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner. And the lord said
to him: Now do ye, O pharisees, make clean the outside of the cup, and
of the platter: but your inward parts are full of ravening and
wickedness. Ye fools did not he that made that which is without: make
that which is within also? Nevertheless ye give of that ye have, and
behold all is clean to you.
But woe be to you pharisees, for ye tithe the mint, and rue, and all
manner herbs, and pass over judgement, and the love of God. These ought
ye to have done, and not to have left the other undone.