synagogues, and greetings in the markets.
Woe be to you scribes and pharisees hypocrites, for ye are as graves
which appear not, And men that walk over them, are not ware of them.
Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him: Master, thus
saying, thou puttest us to rebuke also. Then he said: Woe be to you
also ye lawyers: for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be born, and
ye yourselves touch not the packs with one of your fingers.
Woe be to you that build the sepulchers of the prophets: for your
fathers killed them: Truly ye bear witness, that ye allow the deeds of
your fathers: for they killed them, and ye build their sepulchers.
Therefore said the wisdom of God: I will send them prophets and
Apostles, and of them they shall slay and persecute: That the blood of
all prophets, which was shed from the beginning of the world, may be
required of this generation, from the blood of Abel unto the blood of
Zacary, which perished between the altar and the temple. Verily I say
unto you: it shall be required of this nation.
Woe be to you lawyers: for ye have taken away the key of knowledge, ye
entered not in yourselves, and them that came in ye forbade.
When he thus spake unto them, the lawyers, and the pharisees, began to
wax busy about him and to stop his mought with many questions, Laying
wait for him, and seeking to catch something of his mouth, whereby they
might accuse him.
The .xij. Chapter.
As there gathered to gether an innumerable multitude of people
(insomuch that they trod one another) he began to say unto his
disciples: First of all beware of the leaven of the pharisees, which is
hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be uncovered:
neither hid, that shall not be known. Wherefore whatsoever ye have
spoken in darkness: that same shall be heard in light. And that which
ye have spoken in the ear, even in secret places, shall be preached
even on the top of the houses.
I say unto you my friends: fear ye not them that kill the body, and
after that have nothing that he can more do. I will shew you, whom ye
shall fear. Fear him which after he hath killed, hath power to cast
into hell. Yea I say unto you, him fear. Are not five sparrows bought
for two farthings? and none of them is forgotten of God. Yea the very
hairs of your heads are numbered. Fear not therefore: Ye are more of
value, than many sparrows.
I say unto you: Whosoever confesseth me before men, even him shall the
son of man confess also before the angels of God. And he that denieth
me before men: shall be denied before the angels of God. And whosoever
speaketh a word against the son of man it shall be forgiven him. But
unto him that blasphemeth the holy ghost, it shall not be forgiven.
When they bring you unto their synagogues, and unto their rulers, and
officers, take no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye
shall speak. For the holy ghost shall teach you in the same hour, what
ye ought to say.
One of the company said unto him: Master, bid my brother divide the
inheritance with me. And he said unto him: Man, who made me a judge, or
a divider over you? Wherefore he said unto them: take heed, and beware
of covetousness. For no man's life standeth in the abundance of the
things which he possesseth. And he put forth a similitude unto them
saying: The lands of a certain man brought forth fruits plenteously,
and he thought in himself saying: what shall I do? because I have no
room where to bestow my fruits? And he said: This will I do. I will
destroy my barns, and build greater, and therein will I gather all my
fruits, and my goods: and I will say to my soul: Soul thou hast much
goods laid up in store for many years, take thine ease: eat, drink and
be merry. But God said unto him: Thou fool, this night will they fetch
away thy soul again from thee. Then whose shall those things be which
thou hast provided? So is it with him that gathered riches, and is not
rich in God.
And he spake unto his disciples: Therefore I say unto you: Take no
thought for your life, what ye shall eat: Neither for your body, what
ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than
raiment. Mark well the ravens, for they neither sow, nor reap, which
neither have storehouse nor barn, and yet God feedeth them. How much
are ye better then the fowls.
Which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If
ye then be not able to do that thing which is least: why take ye
thought for the remnant? Consider the lilies how they grow: They labor
not: They spin not: and I say unto you, Salomon in all his royalty was
not clothed like unto one of these.
If God then so clothe the grass which is to day in the fields, and
tomorrow shall be cast into the furnace: how much more will he clothe
you, o ye endued with little faith? And ask not what ye shall eat, or
what ye shall drink, neither climb ye up on high: for all such things
the heathen people of the world seek for. Your father knoweth that ye
have need of such things. Wherefore seek ye after the kingdom of
heaven, and all these things shall be ministered unto you.
Fear not little flock, for it is your father's pleasure, to give you a
kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms. And make you bags, which wax
not old, and treasure that faileth not in heaven, where no thief
cometh, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, There will
your hearts be also.
Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning, and ye
yourselves, like unto men, that watch for their master when he will
return from a wedding: that as soon as he cometh and knocketh, they may
open unto him. Happy are those servants, which their lord, when he
cometh, shall find walking, Verily I say unto you, he will gird himself
about, and make them sit down to meat, and walk by them, and minister
unto them. And if he come in the second watch, ye if he come in the
third watch, and shall find them so, happy are those servants.
This shall ye understand, that if the good man of the house, had known
what hour the thief would have come, he would surely have watched: and
not have suffered his house to have been broken up. Be ye prepared
therefore for the son of man will come at an hour when ye think, not.
Then Peter said unto him: Master tellest thou this similitude unto us,
or to all men? And the lord said: who is a faithful steward, and a
discreet, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give
them their duetie of meat, at due season. Happy is that servant, whom
his master when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto
you: that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. But and if the
evil servant shall say in his heart: My master will defer his coming,
and shall begin to smite the servants, and maidens, and to eat and
drink, and to be drunken: the lord of that servant will come in a day,
when he thinketh not, and at an hour when he is not ware, and will
divide him, and will give him his reward, with the unbelievers.
The servant that knew his master's will, and prepared not himself,
neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
But he that knew not, and hath committed things worthy of stripes,
shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whom much is given: of him
shall be much required. And to whom men much commit, the more of him
will they ask.
I am come to send fire on earth: and what is my desire but that it were
al ready kindled? Notwithstanding I must be baptised with a baptism.
And how am I pained till it be ended? Suppose ye that I am come to send
peace on earth? I tell you, nay: but rather debate. For henceforth
there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two
against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son
against the father. The mother against the daughter, and the daughter
against the mother. The motherinlaw against the daughterinlaw, and the
daughter in law against the motherinlaw. Then said he to the people:
when ye see a cloud rise out of the west straightway ye say: we shall
have a shower, and so it is. And when ye se the south wind blow, ye
say: we shall have heat, and it cometh to pass. Hypocrites, ye can
skill of the fashion of the earth, and of the sky: but what is the
cause, that ye cannot skill of this time? Yea and why judge ye not of
yourselves, that which is rightwise?
While thou goest with thine adversary to the ruler: as thou art in the
way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him, least he
bring thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the jailer, and
the jailer cast thee into prison. I tell thee thou departest not
thence, till thou have made good the utmost farthing.
The .xiij. Chapter.
There were present at the same season, that shewed him of the
Galileans, whose blood Pilate mingled with their own sacrifice. And
Iesus answered, and said unto them: Suppose ye that these Galileans,
were greater sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered
such punishment? I tell you nay: but except ye repent, ye shall all
likewise perish. Or think ye that those xviij. upon whom the tower in
Siloe fell and slew them, were sinners above all men that dwell in
Ierusalem? I tell you nay: But except ye repent, ye all shall likewise
perish.
He put forth this similitude, A certain man had a fig tree in his
vineyard, and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then
said he to the dresser of his vineyard: Behold this three year have I
come and sought fruit in this fig tree, and find none, cut it down: why
cumbereth it the ground? And he answered and said unto him: lord let it
alone this year also, till I dig round about it, and dung it, to see
whether it will bear fruit: if not, then after that, cut it down.
He taught in one of their synagogues on the saboth days. And behold
there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity xviij. years: and was
bowed together, and could not well lift up herself. When Iesus saw her,
he called her to him, and said to her: woman, thou art delivered from
thy disease. And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made
straight, and glorified God. The ruler of the synagogue answered with
indignation (because that Iesus had healed on the saboth day) And said
unto the people: There are six days in the week, in which men ought to
work, in them come and be healed, and not on the saboth day.
Then answered him the lord and said: Hypocrite, doth not each one of
you on the saboth day, loose his ox, or his ass, from the stall, and
lead him to the water? And ought not this daughter of Abraham, be
loosed from this bond on the saboth day, whom Sathan hath bounde lo,
xviij. years?
And when he thus said, all his adversaries were ashamed, and all the
people rejoiced on all the excellent deeds, that were done by him.
Then said he: What is the kingdom of God like? or whereto shall I
compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and
sowed in his garden: and it grew, and waxed a great tree, and the fowls
of the air built in the branches of it.
And again he said: whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of , God? It is
like leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three bushels of flour,
till all was thorow leavened. And he went thorow cities and towns
teaching, and took his journey towards Ierusalem.
Then said one unto him: lord, are there few that shall be saved? And he
said unto them: strive with your selves to enter in at the strait gate:
For many I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
When the goodman of the house is risen up, and hath shut fast the door,
and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door saying: lord,
lord, open unto us: and he shall answer and say unto you: I know not
whence ye are. Then shall ye begin to say: We have eaten, and drunk in
thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. And he shall say: I
tell you, I know you not whence ye are: depart from me all ye workers
of iniquity. There shall be weeping, and gnashing of teeth: when ye
shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Iacob, and all the prophets in the
kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out a doors. And they shall come
from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the
south, and shall rest in the kingdom of God. And behold, there are
last, which shall be first: And there are first which shall be last.
The same day there came certain of the pharisees, and said unto him:
Get thee out of the way, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee.
And he said unto them: Go ye and tell that fox, behold I cast out
devils, and heal the people to day and tomorrow, and the third day I
make an end. Nevertheless, I must walk today and tomorrow, and the day
following: For it cannot be, that a prophet perish any other where,
save at Ierusalem. O Ierusalem, Ierusalem, which killest prophets, and
stonest them that are sent to thee: how often would I have gathered thy
children together, as the hen her nest under her wings, but thou
wouldest not. Behold your habitation shall be left unto you desolate.
For I tell you, ye shall not see me until the time come that ye shall
say, blessed is he that cometh in the name of the lord.
The .xiiij. Chapter.
And it chanced that he went into the house of one of the chief
pharisees to eat bread, on a saboth day: and they watched him. And
behold there was a man before him, which had the dropsy. And Iesus
answered and spake unto the lawyers and pharisees, saying: is it lawful
to heal on the saboth day? And they held their peace. He took the man
and healed him, and let him go: And answered them saying: which of you
shall have an ass, or an ox, fallen into a pit, and will not
straightway pull him out on the saboth day? And they could not answer
him again to that.
He put forth a similitude to the guests, when he marked how they
pressed to the highest rooms, and said unto them: When thou art bidden
to a wedding of any man, sit not down in the highest room, lest a more
honorable man than thou be bidden of him, and he that bade both him and
thee, come and say to thee: give this man room. And thou then begin
with shame to take the lowest room. But rather when thou art bidden, go
and sit in the lowest room, that when he that bade thee cometh, he may
say unto thee: friend sit up higher. Then shalt thou have praise in the
presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth
himself, shall be brought low. And he that humbleth himself, shall be
exalted.
Then said he also to him that had desired to him to dinner: When thou
makest a dinner, or a supper: call not thy friends, nor thy brethren,
neither thy kinsmen, nor yet rich neighbours: lest they bid thee again,
and make thee recompense. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor,
the maimed, the lame, and the blind, and thou shalt be happy: For they
cannot recompense thee. But thou shalt be recompensed at the
resurrection of the just men.
When one of them that sat at meat also heard that, he said unto him:
happy is he that eateth bread in the kingdom of God. Then said he to
him: A certain man ordained a great supper, and bade many, and sent his
servant at supper time, to say to them that were bidden, come: for all
things are now ready. And they all at once began to make excuse. The
first said unto him: I have bought a farm, and I must needs go and see
it, I pray thee have me excused. And another said: I have bought five
yoke of oxen, and I must go to prove them, I pray thee have me excused.
The third said: I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. And
the servant went again, and brought his master word thereof.
Then was the good man of the house displeased, and said to his servant:
Go out quickly into the streets and quarters of the city, and bring in
hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the
servant said: lord it is done as thou commandedst, and yet there is
room. And the lord said to the servant: Go out into the highways and
hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I
say unto you, that none of those men which were bidden, shall taste of
my supper.
There went a great company with him, and he turned and said unto them:
If a man come to me, and hate not his father and mother, and wife, and
children, and brethren, and sisters, moreover and his own life, he
cannot be my disciple. And whosoever bear not his cross, and come after
me cannot be my disciple.
Which of you is he that is disposed to build a tower, and sitteth not
down before and counteth the cost: Whether he have sufficient to
perform it? lest after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to
perform it, all that behold it, begin to mock him saying: This man
began to build, and was not able to make an end. What king goeth to
make battle against another king, and sitteth not down first, and
casteth in his mind, whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him
that cometh against him with twenty thousand, or else while the other
is yet a great way off, he will send ambassadors, and desire peace. So
likewise, none of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, can be my
disciple.
Salt is good, but if salt be corrupt, what shall be seasoned therewith?
It is neither good for the land, nor yet for the dunghill, men cast it
out at the doors. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
The .xv. Chapter.
Then resorted unto him all the publicans and sinners, for to hear him.
And the pharisees, and scribes grudged saying: He received to his
company sinners, and eateth with them. Then put he forth this
similitude to them saying: What man of you having an hundred sheep, if
he lose one of them doth not leave ninety and nine in the wilderness,
and go after him which is lost, until he find him? And when he hath
found him, he putteth him on his shoulders with joy: And as soon as he
cometh home he calleth together his lovers, and neighbours saying unto
them: rejoice with me for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say
unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that
repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no
repentance. Other what woman having x. grotes, if she lose one, doth
not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently, till she
find it? And when she hath found it she calleth her lovers, and her
neighbours saying: Rejoice with me, for I have found the grote which I
had lost. Likewise I say unto you, joy shall be in the presence of the
angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
And he said: a certain man had two sons, and the younger of them said
to his father: father give me my part of the goods that to me
belongeth. And he divided unto them his substance. And not long after,
the younger son gathered all that he had together, and took his journey
into a far country, and there he wasted his goods with riotous living.
And when he had spent all that he had, there rose a great dearth
thorowout all that same land. And he began to lack. And he went, and
clave to a citizen of that same country, which sent him to his field,
to keep his swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the
cods, that the swine ate: and no man gave him.
Then he came to himself and said: how many hired servants at my
father's have bread enough, and I die for hunger. I will arise, and go
to my father, and will say unto him: father, I have sinned against
heaven and before thee, now am I not worthy to be called thy son, make
me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father.
When he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had
compassion, and ran unto him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And
the son said unto him: father I have sinned against heaven, and in thy
sight, neither am I worthy henceforth to be called thy son. Then said
the father to his servants: bring forth that best garment, and put it
on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring
hither that fatted calf, and kill him, and let us eat and be merry: for
this my son was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is now
found. And they began to make good chear.
The elder brother was in the field, and when he came and drew nigh to
the house, he heard minstrelsy, and dancing, and called one of his
servants, and asked what those things meant. He said unto him: thy
brother is come, and thy father had killed the fatted calf, because he
hath received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go
in. Then came his father out, and entreated him, he answered and said
to his father: Lo these many years have I done thee service, neither
brake at any time thy commandment, and yet gavest thou me never so much
as a kid to make merry with my lovers: but as soon as this thy son was
come, which hath devoured thy goods with harlots, thou hast for his
pleasure killed the fatted calf. And he said unto him: Son, thou wast
ever with me, and all that I have is thine: it was meet that we should
make merry and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive
again: and was lost, and is found.
The .xvj. Chapter.
He said also unto his disciples. There was a certain rich man, which
had a steward, that was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.
And he called him, and said unto him: How is it, that I hear this of
thee? Give accounts of thy stewardship. For thou mayest be no longer my
steward. The steward said within himself: what shall I do? for my
master will take away from me the stewardship. I cannot dig, and to
beg, I am ashamed. I wot what to do, that when I am put out of my
stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.
Then called he all his master's debtors, and said unto the first: how
much owest thou unto my master? And he said: an hundred tuns of oil,
and he said to him: take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write
fifty. Then said he to another: what owest thou? And he said: an
hundred quarters of wheat. He said to him: Take thy bill, and write
fourscore. And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had
done wisely. For the children of this world, are in their kind, wiser
than the children of light. And I say also unto you: make you friends
of the wicked mammon, that when ye shall have need they may receive you
into everlasting habitations.
He that is faithful in that which is least: the same is faithful in
much. [And he that is unfaithful in the least: is unfaithful also in
much.] So then if ye have not been faithful in the wicked mammon? who
will believe you in that which is true? and if ye have not been
faithful in another man's business: who shall give you your own? No
servant can serve two masters, for either he shall hate the one and
love the other, or else he shall lean to the one, and despise the
other. Ye cannot serve God, and mammon.
All these things heard the pharisees also which were covetous. And they
mocked him, and he said unto them: Ye are they, which justify
yourselves before men: but God knoweth your hearts. For that which men
magnify, is abominable in the sight of God.
The law, and the prophets reigned until the time of Ihon: Since that
time, the kingdom of God is preached, and every man striveth to go in.
Sooner shall heaven and earth perish, than one tittle of the law shall
perish. Whosoever forsaketh his wife, and marrieth another, breaketh
matrimony. And every man which marrieth her that is divorced from her
husband committeth advoutry also.
There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple, and fine
rayons, and fared deliciously every day. And there was a certain
beggar, named Lazarus, which lay at his gate full of sores desiring to
be refreshed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's board.
Nevertheless, the dogs came, and licked his sores. And it fortuned that
the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom:
The rich man also died, and was buried in hell.
When he lift up his eyes, as he was in torments, and he saw Abraham
afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom, And cried and said: father Abraham,
have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his
finger in water, and cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this flame.
Abraham said unto him: Son remember, that thou in thy lifetime
receivedst thy pleasure, and contrariwise Lazarus pain. Now therefore
is he comforted, and thou art punished. Beyond all this between you and
us there is a great space set, so that they which would go from hence
to you, cannot: neither from thence come hither.
And he said: I pray thee therefore father, send him to my father's
house. For I have five brethren: for to warn them, lest they also come
into this place of torment. Abraham said unto him: they have Moses and
the prophets, let them hear them. And he said: nay father Abraham, but
if one from the dead came unto them they would repent. He said unto
him: If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they
believe, though one rose from death again.
The .xvij. Chapter.
Then said he to his disciples, it cannot be avoided, but that occasions
of evil come. Nevertheless woe be to him thorow whom they come. It were
better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he
were cast into the sea, rather than he should offend one of these
little ones. Take heed to your selves, if thy brother trespass against
thee, rebuke him: and if he repent, forgive him. And though he sin
against thee seven times in one day, and seven times in a day turn
again to thee saying: it repenteth me, forgive him.
And the Apostles said unto the lord: increase our faith. The lord said:
if ye had faith like a grain of mustard seed, and should say unto this
sycamine tree, pluck thyself up by the roots, and plant thyself in the
sea: he should obey you.
Which of you having a servant a plowing, or feeding cattle, would say
unto him when he were come from the field: Go quickly and sit down to
meat. And rather sayeth not to him, dress wherewith I may sup, and
appoint thyself and serve me, till I have eaten and drunk: and
afterward, eat thou, and drink thou? Doeth he thank that servant
because he did that which was commanded unto him? I trow not. So
likewise ye, when ye have done all those things which are commanded
unto you: say, we are unprofitable servants. We have done that which
was our duty to do.
And it chanced as he went to Ierusalem, that he passed thorow Samaria
and Galile. And as he entered into a certain town, there met him ten
men, that were lepers, which stood afar off, and put forth their
voices, and said: Iesu master, have mercy on us. When he saw them, he
said unto them: Go and shew yourselves to the priests. And it chanced
as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he
was cleansed, turned back again, and with a loud voice praised God, and
fell down on his face at his feet, and gave him thanks. And the same
was a Samaritan. Iesus answered and said: Are there not ten cleansed?
But where are those nine? There are not found that returned again, to
give God praise, save only this stranger. And he said unto him: Arise,
and go thy way, thy faith hath saved thee.
When he was demanded of the pharisees, when the kingdom of God should
come: he answered them and said: The kingdom of God cometh not with
waiting for. Neither shall men say, Lo here, lo there. For behold, the
kingdom of God is within you.
And he said unto the disciples: The days will come, when ye shall
desire to see one day of the son of man, and ye shall not see it. And
they shall say to you: See here, See there. Go not after them, nor
follow them, for as the lightning that appeareth out of the one part of
the heaven, and shineth unto the other part of heaven. So shall the son
of man be in his days. But first must he suffer many things, and be
reproved of this nation.
As it happened in the time of Noe So shall it be in the time of the son
of man. They ate, they drank, they married wives and were married even
unto the same day that Noe went into the ark, and the flood came, and
destroyed them all. Likewise also, as it chanced in the days of Lot.
They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built.
And even the same day that Lot went out of Zodom, it rained fire and
brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. After these ensamples,
shall the day be, when the son of man shall appear. At that day he that
is on the house top, and his stuff in the house: let him not come down
to take it out. And likewise let not him that is in the fields, turn
back again to that he left behind. Remember Lot's wife. Whosoever will
go about to save his life, shall lose it: And whosoever shall lose his
life, shall quicken it.
I tell you: In that night, there shall be two in one bed, the one shall
be received, and the other shall be forsaken. Two shall be also a
grinding together: the one shall be received, and the other forsaken.
And they answered, and said to him: where lord? And he said unto them:
wheresoever The body shall be, thither will the eagles resort.
The .xviij. Chapter.
He put forth a similitude unto them, signifying that men ought always
to pray, and not to be weary, saying: There was a Judge in a certain
city, which feared not God neither regarded man. And there was a
certain widow in the same city, which came unto him saying: Avenge me
of mine adversary. And a great while he would not. Afterward he said
unto himself: Though I fear not God, nor care for man, yet because this
widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest at the last she come, and
rail on me.
And the lord said: hear what the unrighteous judge sayeth. And shall
not God avenge his elect, which cry night and day unto him? Yea though
he defer them: I tell you, he will avenge them, and that quickly.
Nevertheless, when the son of man cometh, suppose ye, that he shall
find faith on earth.
And he put forth this similitude, unto certain which trusted in
themselves, that they were perfect, and despised other. Two men went up
into the temple to pray: the one a pharisee, and the other a publican.
The pharise stood and prayed thus with himself. God I thank thee that I
am not as other are, extortioners, unjust, advoutrers, and even as the
publican is. I fast twice in the week. I give tithe of all that I
possess. And the publican stood afar off, and would not lift up his
eyes to heaven, but smote his breast, saying: God be mercyfull to me a
sinner. I tell you: this man departed home to his house justified more
than the other. For every man that exalteth himself, shall be brought
low: And he that humbleth himself, shall be exalted.
They brought unto him also babes, that he should touch them. When his
disciples saw that, they rebuked them. But Iesus called them unto him,
and said: Suffer children to come unto me, and forbid them not. For
unto such, belongeth the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you:
whosoever receiveth not the kingdom of God, as a child: he shall not
enter therein.
And a certain ruler asked him: saying: Good Master: what ought I to do,
to obtain eternal life? Iesus said unto him: Why callest thou me good?
No man is good, save God only. Thou knowest the commandments: Thou
shalt not commit advoutry, thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal,
thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father, and thy mother.
And he said: All these have I kept from my youth. When Iesus heard
that, he said unto him: Yet lackest thou one thing. Sell all that thou
hast, and distribute it unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in
heaven, and come, and follow me. When he heard that, he was heavy, for
he was rich.
When Iesus saw him mourn, he said: with what difficulty shall they that
have riches, enter into the kingdom of God: Easier it is for a camel to
pass thorow a needles eye, than for a rich man to enter into the
kingdom of God. Then said they that heard that: And who shall then be
saved? He said: Things which are unpossible with men: are possible with
God.
Then Peter said: Lo we have forsaken all, and have followed thee. He
said unto them: Verily I say unto you, there is no man that forsaketh
house, other father and mother, other brethren, or wife, or children,
for the kingdom of God's sake, which same shall not receive much more
in this world: and in the world to come, life everlasting.
He took unto him twelve, and said unto them: Lo we go up to Ierusalem,
and all shall be fulfilled that are written by the prophets of the son
of man. He shall be delivered unto the gentiles, and shall be mocked,
and shall be despitefully entreated, and shall be spitted on: and when
they have scourged him, they will put him to death, and the third day,
shall he arise again. They understood none of these things. And this
saying was hid from them. And they perceived not the things which were
spoken.
It came to pass, as they were come nigh unto Iericho, a certain blind
man sat by the way side begging. And when he heard the people pass by,
he asked what it meant. They said unto him that Iesus of Nazareth, went
by. And he cried, saying: Iesus the son of David, have mercy on me. And
they which went before rebuked him, because he should hold his peace.
And he much the more cried, The son of David, have mercy on me. Iesus
stood still, and commanded him, to be brought unto him. And when he was
come near, he asked him saying: What wilt thou, that I do unto thee?
And he said: lord, that I may receive my sight. Iesus said unto him:
Receive thy sight: Thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he saw,
and followed him, praising God. And all the people, when they saw it,
gave laud to God.
The .xix. Chapter.
And he entered in, and went thorow Iericho. And behold, there was a man
named Zacheus, which was a ruler among the publicans, and rich also.
And he made means to see Iesus, what he should be: and he could not for
the press, because he was of a low stature. And he ran before, and
ascended up, into a sycomore tree, to see him. For he would come that
same way. And when Iesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him,
and said unto him: Zache, come down at once, for today I must abide at
thy house. And hastily he came down, and received him joyfully. And
when they saw that, they all grudged saying: He is gone, into tarry
with a man that is a sinner.
Zache stood forth and said unto the lord: Behold lord, the half of my
goods I give to the poor, and if I have done any man wrong, I will
restore him four fold. Iesus said to him: This day is health come unto
this house, forasmuch as it also is become the child of Abraham. For
the son of man is come to seek, and to save that which was lost.
As they heard these things, he added thereto a similitude, because he
was nigh to Ierusalem, And because also, they thought that the kingdom
of God should shortly appear. He said therefore: A certain noble man,
went into a far country, to receive a kingdom, and then to come again.
He called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds saying unto
them: Buy and sell till I come: But his citizens hated him, and sent
messengers after him, saying: We will not have this man to reign over
us.
And it came to pass, when he was come again and had received his
kingdom, he commanded his servants, to be called to him (to whom he
gave his money) to wit what every man had done. Then came the first
saying: lord, thy pound hath increased ten pounds. And he said unto
him: Well good servant, because thou wast faithful in a very little
thing, Take thou authority over ten cities. And the other came saying:
lord thy pound, hath increased five pounds. And to the same he said:
And be thou also ruler over five cities. And the third came, and said:
lord, behold here thy pound, which I have kept in a napkin, for I
feared thee, because thou art a strait man: thou takest up that thou
laidst not down, And reapest that thou didst not sow. And he said unto
him: Of thine own mouth judge I thee thou evil servant. Knewest thou
that I am a strait man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping
that I did not sow? Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the
bank? And then at my coming should I have required mine own, with
vantage. And he said to them that stood by: Take from him that pound,
and give it him that hath ten pounds. And they said unto him: lord he
hath ten pounds. I say unto you, that unto all them that have, it shall
be given: and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken
away. Moreover those mine enemies, which would not, that should reign
over them, bring hither, and slay them before me. And when he had thus
spoken, he proceeded forth before them, and went up to Ierusalem.
And it fortuned, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany,
besides mount Olivete, he sent two of his disciples saying: Go ye in to
the town which is over against you. In the which as soon as ye are
come, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon, yet never man sat. Loose him
and bring him hither. And if any man ask you, why that ye loose him:
thus say unto him, The lord hath need of him.
They that were sent went their way, and found, even as he had said unto
them. And as they were a loosing the colt, the owners said unto them:
why loose ye the colt? And they said: for the lord hath need of him.
And they brought him to Iesus. And they cast their raiment on the colt,
and set Iesus thereon. And as he went they spread their clothes in the
way.
When he was come where he should go down from the mount Olivete, the
whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice, and to laud God with
a loud voice, for all the miracles that they had seen, saying: Blessed
be the king that cometh in the name of the lord: Peace in heaven, and
glory in the highest. And some of the pharisees of the company, said
unto him: Master rebuke thy disciples. He answered, and said unto them:
I tell you, if these hold their peace, the stones will cry.
And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept on it saying:
If thou hadst known those things which belong unto thy peace, even at
this day? But now are they hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come
upon thee, And thine enemies shall compass thee about with a bank. And
shall besiege thee round about, and keep thee in on every side, And
make thee even with the ground, with thy children which are in thee.
And they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another, because thou
knewest not the time of thy visitation.
And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold
therein, and them that bought saying unto them, It is written, my house
is the house of prayer: But ye have made it a den of thieves. And he
taught daily in the temple. The high priests and the scribes and the
chief of the people, went about to destroy him: But could not find what
to do. For all the people stuck by him. And gave him audience.
The .xx. Chapter.
And it fortuned in one of those days, As he taught the people in the
temple, And preached the gospel. The high priests and the scribes came
unto him with the seniors, And spake unto him, saying: Tell us by what
authority thou doest these things? Other who is he that gave thee this
authority? He answered and said unto them: I also will ask you a
question, and answer me: was the baptism of Ihon, from heaven, or of
men? They thought within themselves saying: If we shall say from
heaven: he will say: Why then believed ye him not? But and if we shall
say of men, all the people will stone us. For they surely believe that
Ihon was a prophet. And they answered that they could not tell whence
it was. And Iesus said unto them: Neither tell I you by what authority
I do these things.
Then began he to put forth to the people, this similitude: A certain
man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to farmers, and went himself
into a strange country for a great season. And when the time came, he
sent a servant to his tenants that they should give him of the fruits,
of the vineyard. The tenants beat him: and sent him away empty. And he
ceased not thereby but sent yet another servant. And they beat him, and
foul entreated him also, and sent him away empty. Moreover, he sent the
third Also, And him they wounded, and cast him out. Then said the lord
of the vineyard: what shall I do? I will send my dear son, him
peradventure they will reverence, when they see him.
When the farmers saw him, they thought in themselves, saying: this is
the heir, come let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours. And
they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. Now what shall the
lord of the vineyard do unto them? He will come and destroy those
farmers, and will let out his vineyard to other. When they heard that,
they said: God forbid.
He beheld them and said: what meaneth this then that is written: The
stone that the builders refused, is made the head cornerstone?
whosoever stumble at that stone, shall be bruised: but on whosoever it
fall, it will also break him. And the high priests and the scribes, the
same hour went about to lay hands on him, but they feared the people.
For they perceived that he had spoken this similitude against them.
And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign
themselves perfect, to take him in his words, and to deliver him unto
the power, and authority of the president. And they asked him saying:
Master, we know that thou sayest, and teachest right, neither
considerest thou any man's degree, but teachest the way of God truly.
Is it lawful for us to give Cesar tribute, or no? He perceived their
craftiness, and said unto them: Why tempt ye me? Shew me a penny. Whose
image and superscription hath it? They answered and said: Cesar's. And
he said unto them: Give then unto Cesar, that which belongeth unto
Cesar: And to God, that which pertaineth to God. And they could not
reprove his saying before the people. And they marvelled at his answer,
and held their peace.
Then came to him certain of the Sadduces which deny that there is any
resurrection. And they asked him saying: Master Moses wrote unto us, if
any man's brother die having a wife, And the same die without issue:
that then his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his
brother. There were seven brethren, and the first took a wife, and died
without children. And the second took the wife, and he died childless.
And the third took her, and in like wise the residue of the seven, And
left no children behind them, and died. Last of all the woman died
also. Now at the resurrection whose wife of them shall she be? for vij
had her to wife.
Iesus answered and said unto them: The children of this world marry
wives, and are married, but they which shall be worthy of that world,
and the resurrection from death, neither marry wives, neither are
married, nor yet can die any more. For they are equal unto the angels:
and are the sons of God, inasmuch as they are the children of the
resurrection. And that the dead shall rise again, even Moses signified
besides the bush, when he said: the lord God of Abraham, and the God of
Isaac, and the God of Iacob. For he is not the God of the dead, but of
them which live. For all live in him. Certain of the pharisees answered
and said: Master, thou hast well said. And after that durst they not
ask him any question at all.
Then said he unto them: how say they that Christ is David's son? And
David him self saith in the book of the Psalms: The lord said unto my
lord, Sit on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy foot stool.
David then calleth him lord: How is he also his son?
Then in the audience of all the people, he said unto his disciples,
beware of the scribes, which desire to go in long clothing: and love
greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and
chief rooms at feasts, which devour widows' houses, and pray long under
a colour: The same shall receive greater damnation.
The .xxj. Chapter.
As he beheld, he saw the rich men, how they cast in their offerings
into the treasury. He saw also a certain poor widow, which cast in
thither two mites. And he said: of a truth I say unto you, this poor
widow hath put in more than they all. For they all have of their
superfluity added unto the offering of God: But she, of her penury,
hath cast in all the substance that she had.
As some spake of the temple, how it was garnished with goodly stones,
and jewels, he said. The days will come, when of these things which ye
see, shall not be left stone upon stone that shall not be thrown down.
And they asked him, saying: Master when shall these things be. And what
signs will there be, when such things shall come to pass.
And he said: take heed, that ye be not deceived. For many will come in
my name, saying of themselves, I am he. And the time draweth near.
Follow ye not them therefore. But when ye hear of war, and of
dissension: be not afraid, for these things must first come: but the
end followeth not by and by. Then said he unto them: Nation shall rise
against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and great earthquakes
shall be in all quarters, and hunger, and pestilence, and fearful
things. And great signs shall there be from heaven.
But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute
you, delivering you up, to the synagogues, and into prison, and bring
you before kings, And rulers for my name's sake. And this shall chance
you for a testimonial. Let it stick therefore fast in your hearts, not
once to study before, what ye shall answer for yourselves: For I will
give you a mouth and wisdom, where against, all your adversaries shall
not be able to speak nor resist. Yea and ye shall be betrayed of your
fathers and mothers, and of your brethren, and kinsmen, and lovers. And
some of you shall they put to death. And hated shall ye be of all men
for my name's sake. Yet there shall not one hair of your heads perish.
With your patience, possess your souls.
And when ye see Ierusalem besieged with an host, then understand, that
the desolation of the same is nigh. Then let them which are in jewry
fly to the mountains. And let them which are in the midst of it, depart
out. And let not them that are in other countries, enter there in. For
these be the days of vengeance, to fulfil all that are written. But woe
be to them that be with child, and to them that give suck in those
days, for there shall be great trouble in the land: and wrath over all
this people. And they shall fall on the edge of the sword. And they
shall be led captive into all nations. And Ierusalem shall be trodden
underfoot of the gentiles, until the time of the gentiles be fulfilled.
And there shall be signs, in the sun, and in the moon, and in the
stars: and in the earth the people shall be in such perplexity, that
they shall not tell which way to turn themselves. The sea and the waves
shall roar, and men's hearts shall fail them for fear, and for looking
after those things which shall come on the earth. For the powers of
heaven shall move. And then shall they see the son of man come in a
cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to come to
pass: then look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth
nigh.
And he shewed them a similitude: behold the fig tree, and all other
trees, when they shoot forth their buds, ye see and know of your own
selves that summer is then nigh at hand. So likewise ye (when ye see
these things come to pass) understand, that the kingdom of God is nigh.
Verily I say unto you: this generation shall not pass, till all be
fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass: but my words shall not pass.
Take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be overcome, with surfeiting
and drunkenness, and cares of this world: and that, that day come on
you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that sit on the
face of the earth. Watch therefore continually and pray, that ye may
scape all this that shall come. And that ye may stand before the son of
man. In the day time taught he in the temple, and at night, he went
out, and had abiding in the mount olivete. And all the people came in
the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him.
The .xxij. Chapter.
The feast of sweet bread drew nigh which is called ester, and the high
priests, and scribes sought how to kill Iesus, but they feared the
people. Then entered Satan into Iudas, whose sur name was Iscariot
(which was of the number of the twelve) and he went his way, and
communed with the high priests and officers, how he would betray him to
them. And they were glad: and promised to give him money. And he
consented, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them, when the
people were away.
Then came the day of sweet bread, when of necessity the ester lamb must
be offered. And he sent Peter, and Ihon saying: Go and prepare us the
ester lamb, that we may eat. They said to him. Where wilt thou, that we
prepare? And he said unto them. Behold as ye be entered into the city,
there shall a man meet you bearing a pitcher of water, him follow into
the same house that he entereth in, and ye shall say unto the good man
of the house. The master sayeth: Where is the guest chamber, where I
shall eat mine ester lamb with my disciples? And he shall shew you a
great parlour paved. There make ready. They went and found, as he had
said unto them: and made ready the ester lamb.
And when the hour came, he sat down and the twelve Apostles with him.
And he said unto them: I have inwardly desired to eat this ester lamb
with you before that I suffer. For I say unto you: henceforth, I will
not eat of it any more, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said: Receive this, and
divide it among you. For I say unto you: I will not drink of the fruit
of the vine, until the kingdom of God be come.
And he took bread, gave thanks, and brake it, and gave it unto them,
saying: This is my body which is given for you. This do in the
remembrance of me. Likewise also, when they had supped, he took the cup
saying: This is the cup, the new testament, in my blood, which shall
for you be shed.
Yet behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me, is with me on the table.
And the son of man goeth as it is appointed: But woe be to that man by
whom he is betrayed. And they began to enquire among themselves, which
of them it should be, that should do that.
And there was a strife among them, which of them should seem greatest.
And he said unto them: The kings of the gentiles reign over them, And
they that bear rule over them, are called gracious lords. But ye shall
not be so. But he that is greatest among you, shall be as the youngest:
And he that is chief, shall be as the minister. For whether is greater,
he that sitteth at meat: or he that serveth? Is not he that sitteth at
meat? And I am among you, as he that ministereth. Ye are they which
have bidden with me in my temptations. And I appoint unto you a
kingdom, as my father hath appointed to me: that ye may eat, and drink
at my table in my kingdom and sit on seats, and judge the twelve tribes
of Israell. And the lord said: Simon, Simon, behold Satan hath desired
you, to sift you, as it were wheat: But I have prayed for thee that thy
faith fail not. And when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
And he said unto him. lord, I am ready to go with thee into prison, and
to death. And he said: I tell thee Peter, the cock shall not crow this
day, till thou have thrice denied that thou knewest me.
And he said unto them: when I sent you without wallet, and scrip, and
shoes, lacked ye anything? And they said, nothing. And he said to them:
But now he that hath a wallet let him take it, and likewise his scrip.
And he that hath no sword, let him sell his coat and buy one. I say
unto you that yet, that which is written must be performed in me (Even
with the wicked was he numbered) for those things which are written of
me have an end. And they said: lord, behold here are two swords. And he
said unto them: it is enough.
And he came out, and went as he was wont to mount Olivete. And the
disciples followed him. And when he came to the place, he said to them:
Pray lest ye fall into temptation.
And he gat himself from them, about a stone's cast, and kneeled down,
and prayed, saying: Father if thou wilt, withdraw this cup from me.
Nevertheless, not my will, But thine be fulfilled. And there appeared
an angel unto him from heaven, comforting him. And he was in agony, and
prayed somewhat longer. And his sweat was like drops of blood,
trickling down to the ground. And he rose up from prayer, and came to
his disciples, and found them sleeping for sorrow, and said unto them:
Why sleep ye? Rise, and pray lest ye fall into temptation.
While he yet spake: behold, there came a company, and he that was
called Iudas, one of the twelve, went before them, and pressed nigh
unto Iesus to kiss him. Iesus said unto him: Iudas betrayest thou the
son of man with a kiss? When they which were about him saw what would
follow, they said unto him. lord, shall we smite with a sword. And one
of them smote a servant of him which was the chief priest of all, and
smote off his right ear. Iesus answered and said: Suffer ye thus far
forth. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
Iesus said unto the high priests and rulers of the temple and the
seniors which were come to him. Be ye come out, as unto a thief with
swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye
stretched not forth hands against me. But this is even your very hour,
and the power of darkness. Then took they him, and led him, and brought
him to the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.
When they had kindled a fire in the midst of the palace, and were set
down together, Peter also sat down among them. And one of the wenches,
as he sat, beheld him by the light and set good eyesight on him, and
said: This same was also with him. Then he denied him saying: Woman I
know him not. And after a little while, another saw him and said: Thou
art also of them. And Peter said: Man I am not. And about the space of
an hour after another affirmed saying: Verily even this fellow was with
him, for he is of Galile, Peter said: Man I wot not what thou sayest.
And immediately while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the lord turned
back and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the words of the lord,
how he said unto him, before the cock crow thou shalt deny me thrice.
And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
And the men that stood about Iesus, mocked him, and smote him, and
blindfolded him, and smote his face. And asked him saying: Areed who it
is that smote thee? And many other things despitefully said they
against him.
And as soon as it was day, the seniors of the people, and the high
priests and scribes, came together, and led him into their council
saying: Art thou very Christ? tell us. And he said unto them: if I
shall tell you, ye will not believe. And if also I ask you, ye will not
answer me. Neither let me go. Hereafter shall the son of man sit on the
right hand of the power of God. Then said they all: Art thou then the
son of God? He said: Ye say that I am. Then said they: What need we any
further witness? We ourselves have heard of his own mouth.
The .xxiij. Chapter.
And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate. And
they began to accuse him saying: We have found his fellow, perverting
the people, and forbidding to pay tribute to Cesar: And sayeth that he
is Christ a king. And Pilate opposed him saying: Art thou the king of
the jewes? He answered him, and said: thou sayest. Then said Pilate to
the high priests, and to the people: I find no fault in this man. And
they were the more fierce, saying: He moveth the people teaching
thoroout jewry, and began at Galile, even to this place.
When Pilate heard mention of Galile, he asked whether the man were of
Galilee. And as soon as he knew that he was of Herode's jurisdiction,
he sent him to Herode, which was at that time in Ierusalem also. When
Herode saw Iesus, he was marvelously glad. For he was desirous to see
him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him, and
trusted to have seen some miracle done by him. Then questioned he with
him of many things: But he answered him not one word. The high priests
and scribes, stood forth and accused him straitly. And Herod, with his
men of war, despised him, and mocked him, And arrayed him in white, and
sent him again to Pilate. And the same day Pilate, and Herod were made
friends together. For before, they were at variance.
Pilate called together the high priests, and rulers, and the people,
and said unto them: Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that
perverted the people. And lo I examined him before you, and have found
no fault in this man, of those things whereof ye accuse him. No nor yet
Herode. For I sent you to him: and lo no thing worthy of death is done
to him. I will therefore chasten him and let him loose. For of
necessity, he must have let one loose unto them at that feast.
And all the people cried at once, saying: away with him, and deliver to
us Barabbas. (which for insurrection made in the city, and murder, was
cast into prison) Pilate spake again to them willing to let Iesus
loose. And they cried, saying: Crucify him, Crucify him. He said unto
them the third time: What harm hath he done? I find no cause of death
in him. I will therefore chasten him, and let him go loose. And they
cried with loud voice, and required that he might be crucified. And the
crying of the high priests prevailed.
And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required, and let
loose unto them, him that for insurrection, and murder was cast into
prison, whom they desired: and delivered Iesus to do with him what they
would. And as they led him away, they caught one Simon of Syrene,
coming out of the field: And on him laid they the cross to bear it
after Iesus.
There followed him a great company of people, and of women, which women
bewailed, and lamented him. Iesus turned back unto them, and said:
Daughters of Ierusalem, weep not for me: but weep for yourselves, and
for your children. For mark, the days will come, when men shall say:
happy are the barren and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which
never gave suck. Then shall they begin to say to the mountains: fall on
us. and to the hills cover us. For if they do this to a green tree:
what shall be done, to the dry?
There were two evil doers led with him to be slain. And when they were
come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him,
and the evil doers, one on right hand, and the other on the left hand.
Then said Iesus: Father forgive them, for they wot not what they do.
And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. And the people stood and
beheld.
And the rulers mocked him with them saying: He help other men, let him
help himself if he be Christ the chosen of God. The soldiers also
mocked him, and came and gave him vinegar and said: if thou be that
king of the jewes, save thyself. His superscription was written over
him, in greek, latin, and hebreu letters: This is the king of the
jewes.
The one of the malefactors which hanged, railed on him, saying: If thou
be Christ save thyself and us. The other answered and rebuked him
saying: Neither fearest thou God because thou art in the same
damnation? We are righteously punished, for we receive according to our
deeds: But this man hath done no thing amiss. And he said unto Iesus:
lord remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Iesus said unto
him: Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
And it was about the sixth hour. And there came a darkness over all the
land, until the ninth hour, and the sun was darkened. And the veil of
the temple rent even thorow the midst. And Iesus cried with a great
voice and said: Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit. And when he
thus had said, he gave up the ghost. When the Centurion saw, what had
happened, he glorified God saying: Of a surety this man was perfect.
And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the
things which were done: smote their breasts, and returned home. And all
his acquaintance stood afar off, and the women, which followed him from
Galile, beholding these things.
And behold there was a man named Ioseph a senator, which was a good man
and a just, He did not consent to their counsel and deed, which was of
Aramathia, a city of the jews. Which same also, waited for the kingdom
of God: he went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Iesus. And took it
down, and wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in an hewn tomb,
wherein was never man before laid. And that day was the saboth even,
And the saboth drew on. The women that followed after which came with
him from Galile, beheld the sepulchre and how his body was laid. And
they returned, and prepared odours, and ointments, And the saboth day
they rested, according to the commandment.
The .xxiiij. Chapter.
On the morrow after the saboth, early in the morning, they came unto
the tomb and brought the odours which they had prepared, and other
women with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the
sepulchre, and went in: but found not the body of the lord Iesu. And it
happened, as they were amazed thereat: lo two men stood by them, in
shining vestures. And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces
to the earth: they said to them: why seek ye the living among the dead?
He is not here: but is risen. Remember how he spake unto you, when he
was yet with you in Galile, saying: that the son of man must be
delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third
day rise again. And they remembered his words, and returned from the
sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all other.
It was Mary Magdalene and Ioanna, and Mary Iacobi, And other that were
with them, which told these things unto the Apostles, and their words
seemed unto them feigned things, neither believed they them. Then arose
Peter and ran unto the sepulchre, and stooped in, And saw the linen
clothes laid by them self. And departed wondering in himself at that
which had happened.
And behold, two of them went that same day to a town, which was from
Ierusalem about three score furlongs, called Emaus: and they talked
together of all these things that had happened. And it chanced, as they
communed together, and reasoned, that Iesus himself drew near, and went
with them. But their eyes were holden, that they could not know him.
And he said unto them: What manner of communications are these that ye
have one to another as ye walk, and are sad? And the one of them named
Cleopas, answered, and said unto him: art thou only a stranger in
Ierusalem, and hast not known the things which have chanced therein in
these days? To whom he said: what things? And they said unto him: of
Iesus of Nazareth which was a prophet, mighty in deed, and word, before
God, and all the people. And how the high priests, and our rulers
delivered him to be condemned to death: and have crucified him. We
trusted that it should have been he that should have delivered
Israhell. And as touching all these things, today is even the third
day, that they were done.
Yea and certain women also of our company made us astonied, which came
early unto the sepulchre, and found not his body. And came saying, that
they had seen visions of angels which said that he was alive. And
certain of them which were with us, went their way to the sepulchre,
and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.
And he said unto them: O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that
the prophets have spoken. Ought not Christ to have suffered these
things, and to enter into his glory? And he began at Moses, and at all
the prophets, and interpreted unto them, in all scriptures which were
written of him. And they drew nigh unto the town which they went to.
And he made, as though he would have gone further. And constrained him,
saying: Abide with us for it draweth towards night, and the day is far
passed. And he went in to tarry with them.
And it came to pass as he sat at meat with them, he took bread and
blessed it, and brake it and gave it unto them. And their eyes were
opened. And they knew him. And he vanished out of their sight, and they
said between themselves: did not our hearts burn within us, while he
talked with us by the way, and opened to us the scriptures? And they
rose up the same hour, and returned again to Ierusalem, and found the
eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, saying: The
lord is risen in deed, and hath appeared to Simon. And they told what
things was done in the way, and how they knew him, by the breaking of
bread.
As they thus spake, Iesus himself stood in the midst of them, and said
unto them: peace be with you. And they were abashed, and afraid,
supposing that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them: Why are
ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands
and my feet. For it is even I myself. Handle me and see. For spirits
have not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus
spoken, he shewed them his hands, and his feet. And while they yet
believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them: Have ye here any
meat? and they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
And he took it, and ate it before them.
And he said unto them: These are the words, which I spake unto you,
while I was yet with you: that all must be fulfilled which were written
of me in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalmes.
Then opened he their wits, that they might understand the scriptures,
and said unto them: Thus is it written, and thus it behoved Christ to
suffer, and to rise again from death the third day. And that
repentance, and remission of sins, should be preached in his name among
all nations. And the beginning must be at Ierusalem. And ye are
witnesses of these things. And behold, I will send the promise of my
father upon you. But tarry ye in the city of Ierusalem, until ye be
endued with power from on high.
And he led them out into Bethany, and lift up his hands, and blest
them. And it came to pass, as he blessed them, he departed from them,
and was carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned
to Ierusalem with great joy. And were continually in the temple,
praising, and lauding God.
Here endeth the Gospell off Sainct Luke.