CHAPTER 51

THE LABOURERS

JESUS said, For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an

householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into

his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a

day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third

hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and said unto

them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will

give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth

and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went

out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye

here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired

us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever

is right, that shall ye receive. So when even was come, the lord of

the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them

their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came

that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a

penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have

received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. And when

they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,

saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them

equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. But he

answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not

thou agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is, and go thy way: I

will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to

do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? So

the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but

few chosen.

[Sidenote: St. Matthew 20]

[Illustration]

BOOK III--THE LAST DAYS OF JESUS

CHAPTER 52

JESUS GOES UP TO JERUSALEM

AND they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before

them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And

he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should

happen unto him, saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of

man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes;

and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the

Gentiles: and they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall

spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise

again. And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying,

Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall

desire. And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?

They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right

hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. But Jesus said unto

them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink

of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? And they

said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink

of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized

withal shall ye be baptized: but to sit on my right hand and on my left

hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is

prepared. And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased

with James and John. But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto

them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles

exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority

upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be

great among you, shall be your minister: and whosoever of you will be

the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not

to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom

for many. And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with

his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimæus, the son

of Timæus, sat by the highway side begging. And when he heard that it

was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son

of David, have mercy on me. And many charged him that he should hold

his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have

mercy on me. And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And

they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise;

he calleth thee. And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to

Jesus. And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I

should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might

receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath

made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed

Jesus in the way.

And behold, there was a man named Zacchæus, which was the chief among

the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was;

and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he

ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was

to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and

saw him, and said unto him, Zacchæus, make haste, and come down; for

to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down,

and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured,

saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And

Zacchæus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my

goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by

false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This

day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of

Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was

lost.

[Sidenote: St. Luke 19]

And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.

And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany,

at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,

saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your

entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose

him, and bring him hither. And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him?

thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him. And they

that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.

And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them,

Why loose ye the colt? And they said, The Lord hath need of him. And

they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt,

and they set Jesus thereon. And as he went, they spread their clothes

in the way. And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the

mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice

and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works 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

from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.

And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should

hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

[Sidenote: St. John 12]

And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,

saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the

things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine

eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast

a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every

side, and shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within

thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because

thou knewest not the time of thy visitation. These things understood

not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then

remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they

had done these things unto him. The people therefore that was with

him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the

dead, bare record. For this cause the people also met him, for that

they heard that he had done this miracle. The Pharisees therefore said

among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the

world is gone after him.

CHAPTER 53

THE VOICE FROM HEAVEN

AND there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at

the feast: the same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida

of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip

cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. And

Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man

should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of

wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it

bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and

he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall

also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from

this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify

thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both

glorified it, and will glorify it again.

The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it

thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. Jesus answered and

said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is

the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be

cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men

unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die. The people

answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for

ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is

this Son of man? Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the

light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon

you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.

While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children

of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself

from them. But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet

they believed not on him: that the saying of Esaias the prophet might

be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and

to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?

Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but

because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be

put out of the synagogue: for they loved the praise of men more than

the praise of God.

Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but

on him that sent me. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. I

am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should

not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not,

I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the

world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that

judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in

the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which

sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should

speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever

I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.

And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that

sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the

moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, and said unto

them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but

ye have made it a den of thieves. And the blind and the lame came to

him in the temple; and he healed them. And when the chief priests and

scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying

in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the son of David; they were sore

displeased, and said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus

saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and

sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

CHAPTER 54

THE BARREN FIG TREE

[Sidenote: St. Matthew 21]

AND he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged

there. Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.

And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found

nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow

on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered

away. And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon

is the fig tree withered away! Jesus answered and said unto them,

Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not

only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say

unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea;

it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer,

believing, ye shall receive.

[Sidenote: St. Matthew 21]

And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders

of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what

authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?

And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing,

which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I

do these things. The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of

men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From

heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him? But if we

shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.

And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell.

And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these

things. But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to

the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. He answered

and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. And he came

to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir:

and went not. Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They

say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto

you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God

before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye

believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and

ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe

him.

Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted

a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it,

and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far

country: and when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants

to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the

husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and

stoned another. Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and

they did unto them likewise. But last of all he sent unto them his son,

saying, They will reverence my son. But when the husbandmen saw the

son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill

him, and let us seize on his inheritance. And they caught him, and cast

him out of the vineyard, and slew him. When the lord therefore of the

vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen? They say unto

him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his

vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in

their seasons.

Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone

which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner:

this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? Therefore

say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given

to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall

on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it

will grind him to powder. And when the chief priests and Pharisees had

heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them. But when they

sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they

took him for a prophet.

CHAPTER 55

PARABLE OF THE WEDDING FEAST

AND Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said,

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a

marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that

were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent

forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I

have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all

things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it,

and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: and

the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew

them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth

his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.

Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which

were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as

many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out

into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found,

both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when

the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on

a wedding garment: and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in

hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said

the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away,

and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing

of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.

[Sidenote: St. Matthew 22]

Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle

him in his talk. And they sent out unto him their disciples with the

Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest

the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou

regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou?

Is it lawful to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not? But Jesus perceived

their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Shew me

the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith

unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him,

Cæsar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Cæsar the

things which are Cæsar's; and unto God the things that are God's.

When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and

went their way. But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the

Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. Then one of them,

which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,

Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him,

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy

soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.

And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as

thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, saying,

What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of

David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord,

saying, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I

make thine enemies thy footstool? If David then call him Lord, how is

he his son? And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any

man from that day forth ask him any more questions.

CHAPTER 56

THE WIDOW'S MITE

[Sidenote: St. Mark 12]

AND Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast

money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And

there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which

make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto

them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in,

than all they which have cast into the treasury: for all they did cast

in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she

had, even all her living.

CHAPTER 57

THE DESTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE AND THE END OF THE WORLD

AND Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples

came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said

unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There

shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown

down.

And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him

privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall

be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus

answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For

many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive

many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be

not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is

not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against

kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes,

in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall

they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall

be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be

offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And

many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because

iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that

shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of

the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all

nations; and then shall the end come.

But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven,

but my Father only. But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the

coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the

flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage,

until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the

flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the

Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken,

and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one

shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for ye know not

what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman

of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would

have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son

of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord

hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?

Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so

doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his

goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord

delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and

to eat and drink with the drunken; the lord of that servant shall come

in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not

aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with

the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

[Sidenote: St. Matthew 25]

Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which

took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of

them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took

their lamps, and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their

vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all

slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the

bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose,

and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of

your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying,

Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to

them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy,

the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the

marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins,

saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say

unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day

nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

[Sidenote: St. Matthew 25]

For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country,

who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And

unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to

every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his

journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded

with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that

had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received

one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. After a

long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five

talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold,

I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him,

Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over

a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into

the joy of thy lord. He also that had received two talents came and

said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained

two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, Well done, good

and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I

will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy

lord. Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord,

I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not

sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: and I was afraid,

and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is

thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful

servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where

I have not strawed: thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to

the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own

with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him

which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given,

and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken

away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into

outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels

with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: and before

him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one

from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: and he

shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then

shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my

Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the

world: for I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and

ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye

clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came

unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we

thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When

saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the

King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch

as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have

done it unto me. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand,

Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the

devil and his angels: for I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I

was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took

me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye

visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw

we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or

in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them,

saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of

the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into

everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

CHAPTER 58

THE LAST SUPPER

AND it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he

said unto his disciples, Ye know that after two days is the feast of

the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified. Then

assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders

of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called

Caiaphas, and consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and

kill him. But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar

among the people.

[Sidenote: St. Matthew 26]

Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,

there came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious

ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. But when his

disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this

waste? For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to

the poor. When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye

the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. For ye have the

poor always with you; but me ye have not always. For in that she hath

poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. Verily I

say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole

world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a

memorial of her.

Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief

priests, and said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver

him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.

And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came

to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee

to eat the passover? And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and

say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the

passover at thy house with my disciples. And the disciples did as

Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover. And as they

were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave

it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took

the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all

of it; for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for

many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink

henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it

new with you in my Father's kingdom.

[Sidenote: St. John 13]

Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was

come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having

loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. He

riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and

girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to

wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he

was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him,

Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What

I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith

unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash

thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord,

not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He

that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every

whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him;

therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. So after he had washed their

feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto

them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord:

and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have

washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have

given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily,

verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord;

neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these

things, happy are ye if ye do them. I speak not of you all: I know whom

I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth

bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. Now I tell you before

it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send

receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and

said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.

Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus

loved. Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it

should be of whom he spake. He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto

him, Lord, who is it? Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a

sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it

to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. And after the sop Satan entered

into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly. Now

no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him. For

some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said

unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or,

that he should give something to the poor. He then having received the

sop went immediately out: and it was night.

Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man

glorified, and God is glorified in him. Little children, yet a little

while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews,

Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you. A new commandment

I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that

ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my

disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered

him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow

me afterwards. Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now?

I will lay down my life for thy sake. Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay

down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock

shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

CHAPTER 59

JESUS COMFORTS HIS DISCIPLES

LET not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would

have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare

a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that

where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way

ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest;

and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the

truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye

had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth

ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us

the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so

long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that

hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us

the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father

in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the

Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am

in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very

works' sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me,

the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these

shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask

in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the

Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

[Sidenote: St. John 14]

If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he

shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it

seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth

with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will

come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye

see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know

that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my

commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that

loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will

manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how

is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my

words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make

our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and

the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But

the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in

my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your

remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you,

my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let

not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how

I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye

would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is

greater than I. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that,

when it is come to pass, ye might believe. Hereafter I will not talk

much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing

in me. But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the

Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

CHAPTER 60

THE TRUE VINE

[Sidenote: St. John 15]

I AM the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch

in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that

beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now

ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in

me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except

it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the

vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the

same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If

a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered;

and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye

will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified,

that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father

hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye

keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept

my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I

spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy

might be full.

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for

his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what

his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I

have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen

me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and

bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever

ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things

I command you, that ye love one another. If the world hate you, ye

know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but

I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than

his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if

they have kept my saying, they will keep your's also. But all these

things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not

him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not

had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. He that hateth me

hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which

none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen

and hated both me and my Father. But this cometh to pass, that the word

might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without

a cause. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from

the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father,

he shall testify of me: and ye also shall bear witness, because ye have

been with me from the beginning.

[Sidenote: St. John 16]

These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.

They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that

whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these

things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father,

nor me. But these things have I told you, that when the time shall

come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said

not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you. But now I go my

way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?

But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your

heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that

I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you;

but if I depart, I will send him unto you. I have yet many things to

say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit

of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not

speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak:

and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall

receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father

hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall

shew it unto you. A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a

little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.

[Sidenote: St. John 17]

Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that

he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again,

a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father? They

said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot

tell what he saith. Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him,

and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A

little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and

ye shall see me? Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and

lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but

your sorrow shall be turned into joy. And in that day ye shall ask me

nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the

Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing

in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. These

things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I

shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly

of the Father. At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto

you, that I will pray the Father for you: for the Father himself loveth

you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from

God. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again,

I leave the world, and go to the Father. His disciples said unto him,

Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now are we

sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should

ask thee: by this we believe that thou earnest forth from God. Jesus

answered them, Do ye now believe? Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now

come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave

me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. These

things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the

world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome

the world.

CHAPTER 61

JESUS PRAYS FOR HIS DISCIPLES

THESE words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said,

Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may

glorify thee: as thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he

should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is

life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus

Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I

have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father,

glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with

thee before the world was. I have manifested thy name unto the men

which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou

gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. Now they have known that

all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.

For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they

have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee,

and they have believed that thou didst send me. I pray for them: I pray

not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are

thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified

in them. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world,

and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom

thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. While I was with

them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me

I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that

the scripture might be fulfilled. And now come I to thee; and these

things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in

themselves. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them,

because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I

pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou

shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as

I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is

truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent

them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they

also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these

alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee,

that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou

hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them;

that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me,

that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that

thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Father,

I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I

am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou

lovedst me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father,

the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have

known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name,

and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may

be in them, and I in them. And when they had sung an hymn, they went

out into the mount of Olives. Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall

be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite

the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.

But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. Peter

answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of

thee, yet will I never be offended. Jesus said unto him, Verily I say

unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me

thrice. Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I

not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.

CHAPTER 62

JESUS BETRAYED AND DENIED

[Sidenote: St. Matthew 26]

THEN cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith

unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And he

took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be

sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding

sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he

went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my

Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not

as I will, but as thou wilt. And he cometh unto the disciples, and

findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch

with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation:

the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. He went away again

the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not

pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. And he came and

found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. And he left them,

and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now,

and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is

betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going: behold, he

is at hand that doth betray me.

And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with

him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests

and elders of the people. Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign,

saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. And

forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. And

Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they,

and laid hands on Jesus, and took him. And, behold, one of them which

were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck

a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear. Then said Jesus

unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take

the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now

pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve

legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that

thus it must be? In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye

come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I

sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.

But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be

fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high

priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. But Peter

followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and

sat with the servants, to see the end. Now the chief priests, and

elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to

put him to death; but found none: yea, though many false witnesses

came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, and

said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and

to build it in three days. And the high priest arose, and said unto

him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against

thee? But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said

unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether

thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast

said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of

man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of

heaven. Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken

blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have

heard his blasphemy. What think ye? They answered and said, He is

guilty of death. Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and

others smote him with the palms of their hands, saying, Prophesy unto

us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?

[Illustration: CHRIST CROWNED WITH THORNS, BY VAN DYCK

IN THE PRADO MUSEUM, MADRID]

Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him,

saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. But he denied before them

all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. And when he was gone out into

the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there,

This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. And again he denied with

an oath, I do not know the man. And after a while came unto him they

that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for

thy speech bewrayeth thee. Then began he to curse and to swear, saying,

I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. And Peter remembered

the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou

shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

[Sidenote: St. Matthew 27]

When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the

people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: and when they

had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate

the governor.

Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned,

repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to

the chief priests and elders, saying, I have sinned in that I have

betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see

thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and

departed, and went and hanged himself. And the chief priests took the

silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the

treasury, because it is the price of blood. And they took counsel, and

bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. Wherefore

that field was called the field of blood unto this day. Then was

fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they

took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued,

whom they of the children of Israel did value; and gave them for the

potter's field, as the Lord appointed me.

CHAPTER 63

JESUS CONDEMNED AND CRUCIFIED

[Sidenote: St. John 18]

THEN led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was

early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they

should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover. Pilate then

went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this

man? They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we

would not have delivered him up unto thee. Then said Pilate unto them,

Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore

said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: that

the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what

death he should die. Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again,

and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?

Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others

tell it thee of me? Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and

the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?

Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were

of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be

delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Pilate

therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou

sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause

came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every

one that is of the truth heareth my voice. Pilate saith unto him, What

is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews,

and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. And they were the

more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout

all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place. When Pilate heard of

Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilæan. And as soon as he

knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod,

who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.

And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to

see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and

he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.

Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.

And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.

And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and

arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate. And the

same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they

were at enmity between themselves.

And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the

rulers and the people, said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto

me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined

him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things

whereof ye accuse him: no, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and,

lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him. I will therefore chastise

him, and release him. Now at that feast the governor was wont to

release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. And they had then

a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. Therefore when they were gathered

together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you?

Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? For he knew that for envy

they had delivered him.

[Illustration: THE DESCENT FROM THE CROSS, BY RUBENS

IN THE CATHEDRAL, ANTWERP]

When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him,

saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered

many things this day in a dream because of him. But the chief priests

and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and

destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of

the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. Pilate

saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called

Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. And the governor

said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying,

Let him be crucified. When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing,

but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands

before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just

person: see ye to it. Then answered all the people, and said, His blood

be on us, and on our children. Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and

scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on

his head, and they put on him a purple robe, and said, Hail, King of

the Jews! and they smote him with their hands. Pilate therefore went

forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you,

that ye may know that I find no fault in him. Then came Jesus forth,

wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto

them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw

him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith

unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him.

The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die,

because he made himself the Son of God.

[Sidenote: St. Matthew 27]

When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid;

and went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence

art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. Then saith Pilate unto him,

Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to

crucify thee, and have power to release thee? Jesus answered, Thou

couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee

from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater

sin. And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews

cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Cæsar's

friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Cæsar. When

Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat

down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but

in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. And it was the preparation of the passover,

and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your

King! But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him.

Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests

answered, We have no king but Cæsar. Then delivered he him therefore

unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.

[Sidenote: St. Luke 23]

And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian,

coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he

might bear it after Jesus. And there followed him a great company of

people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him. But Jesus

turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but

weep for yourselves, and for your children. And there were also two

other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. And when they

were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified

him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the

left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what

they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. And the people

stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying,

He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of

God. And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him

vinegar, and saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.

And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing

was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. This title then read many

of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the

city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Then said the

chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews;

but that he said, I am King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have

written I have written.

And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If

thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked

him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same

condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of

our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto

Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus

said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in

paradise. And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness

over all the earth until the ninth hour.

Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's

sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus

therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved,

he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the

disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her

unto his own home.

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the

ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice,

saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God,

why hast thou forsaken me? Some of them that stood there, when they

heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias. And straightway one of

them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on

a reed, and gave him to drink. When Jesus therefore had received the

vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up

the ghost.

[Illustration: THE ENTOMBMENT, BY TITIAN

IN THE LOUVRE, PARIS]

The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies

should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath

day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken,

and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake

the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.

But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they

brake not his legs: but one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his

side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it

bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true,

that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture

should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. And again

another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced. And,

behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the

bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; and the graves

were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came

out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city,

and appeared unto many. Now when the centurion, and they that were with

him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were

done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. When

the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathæa, named Joseph,

who also himself was Jesus' disciple: he went to Pilate, and begged the

body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when

Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and

laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he

rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. And

there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the

sepulchre.

Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief

priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, saying, Sir, we

remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three

days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made

sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal

him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the

last error shall be worse than the first. Pilate said unto them, Ye

have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and

made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

CHAPTER 64

THE RESURRECTION

[Sidenote: St. Matthew 28]

IN the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of

the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the

Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from

the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his

raiment white as snow: and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and

became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women,

Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is

not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the

Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from

the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall

ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the

sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples

word. Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to

the sepulchre. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did

outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And he stooping down,

and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then

cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and

seeth the linen clothes lie, and the napkin, that was about his head,

not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by

itself. Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to

the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. For as yet they knew not the

scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. Then the disciples

went away again unto their own home.

[Sidenote: St. John 20]

But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she

stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, and seeth two angels in

white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where

the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest

thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and

I know not where they have laid him. And when she had thus said, she

turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was

Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest

thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if

thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I

will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself,

and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. Jesus saith unto

her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my

brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father;

and to my God, and your God. Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples

that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto

her. Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the

city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.

And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel,

they gave large money unto the soldiers, saying, Say ye, His disciples

came by night, and stole him away while we slept. And if this come to

the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. So they took

the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly

reported among the Jews until this day.

CHAPTER 65

APPEARANCES OF CHRIST AFTER THE RESURRECTION

[Illustration: THE SUPPER AT EMMAUS, BY REMBRANDT

IN THE LOUVRE, PARIS]

AND, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus,

which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked

together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass,

that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew

near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should

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, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou

only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are

come to pass there in these days? And he said unto them, What things?

And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a

prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: and

how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to

death, and have crucified him. But we trusted that it had been he which

should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third

day since these things were done. Yea, and certain women also of our

company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; and when

they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a

vision of angels, which said that he was alive. And certain of them

which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the

women had said: but him they saw not.

[Sidenote: St. Luke 24]

Then 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 beginning at Moses and all

the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things

concerning himself. And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they

went: and he made as though he would have gone further. But they

constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and

the day is far spent. 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, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him;

and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, Did

not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and

while he opened to us the scriptures? And they rose up the same hour,

and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and

them that were with them, saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath

appeared to Simon. And they told what things were done in the way, and

how he was known of them in breaking of bread. And as they thus spake,

Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace

be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed 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, that

it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath 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

did eat before them. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you:

as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said

this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy

Ghost: whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and

whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. But Thomas, one of the

twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other

disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said

unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and

put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his

side, I will not believe.

[Sidenote: St. John 20]

And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with

them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst,

and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy

finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it

into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered

and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas,

because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that

have not seen, and yet have believed.

And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you,

while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were

written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms,

concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might

understand the scriptures, and said unto them, Thus it is written, and

thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third

day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached

in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are

witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father

upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued

with power from on high.

After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at

the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself. There were

together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana

in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.

Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also

go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately;

and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning was now come,

Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered

him, No. And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the

ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not

able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. Therefore that disciple

whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon

Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him,

(for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. And the other

disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but

as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes. As soon

then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and

fish laid thereon, and bread. Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish

which ye have now caught. Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to

land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all

there were so many, yet was not the net broken. Jesus saith unto them,

Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou?

knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and

giveth them, and fish likewise.

So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of

Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord;

thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He

saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou

me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He

saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon,

son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto

him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou

knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto

him, Feed my sheep. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast

young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but

when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another

shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake

he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had

spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. Then Peter, turning about,

seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on

his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?

Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?

Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that

to thee? follow thou me.

And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if

they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself

could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

CHAPTER 66

THE ASCENSION OF CHRIST

[Sidenote: St. Luke 24]

AND he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands,

and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was

parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And while they looked

stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them

in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye

gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you

into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into

heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great

joy: and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God,

Amen.

[Illustration]

BOOK IV--THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES AND THE LIFE AND LETTERS OF PAUL

CHAPTER 67

THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVEN

AND the apostles appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was

surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord,

which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou

hast chosen, that he may take part of this ministry and apostleship,

from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own

place. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias;

and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one

accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as

of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were

sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire,

and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy

Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them

utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out

of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the

multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man

heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and

marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak

Galilæans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were

born? Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. But Peter,

standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them,

Ye men of Judæa, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto

you, and hearken to my words: for these are not drunken, as ye suppose,

seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was

spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days,

saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh. And I will shew

wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; and it shall

come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall

be saved.

Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved

of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did

by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: him, being

delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye

have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: whom God

hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not

possible that he should be holden of it. Therefore being by the right

hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of

the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath

made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said

unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what

shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every

one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and

ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto

you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many

as the Lord our God shall call.

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same

day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they

continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in

breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and

many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And they, continuing

daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house

to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added

to the church daily such as should be saved.

CHAPTER 68

PETER AND JOHN CURE THE LAME MAN

[Sidenote: The Acts 3]

NOW Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of

prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his birth

was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is

called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.

And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.

Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give

I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And

he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his

feet and ancle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and

walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping,

and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God:

and they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate

of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that

which had happened unto him. And as the lame man which was healed held

Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that

is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.

[Sidenote: The Acts 4]

And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the

temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, being grieved that they

taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the

dead. And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next

day: for it was now eventide. Howbeit many of them which heard the word

believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders,

and scribes, and Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and

Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were

gathered together at Jerusalem. And when they had set them in the

midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of

the people, and elders of Israel, if we this day be examined of the

good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; be

it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the

name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised

from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is

become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we

must be saved.

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that

they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took

knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. And beholding the man

which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they

conferred among themselves. And they called them, and commanded them

not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John

answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God

to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but

speak the things which we have seen and heard. So when they had further

threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might

punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that

which was done. For the man was above forty years old, on whom this

miracle of healing was shewed. And being let go, they went to their

own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had

said unto them.

[Illustration: THE DEATH OF ANANIAS, BY RAPHAEL

IN THE VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM, SOUTH KENSINGTON, LONDON]

And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one

soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he

possessed was his own; but they had all things common. Neither was

there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of

lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that

were sold, and laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution

was made unto every man according as he had need.

CHAPTER 69

ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA

BUT a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a

possession, and kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy

to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to

the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? While

it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not

in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart?

thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these

words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them

that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and

carried him out, and buried him.

And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not

knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me

whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.

Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to

tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have

buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell

she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the

young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried

her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon

as many as heard these things.

[Sidenote: The Acts 5]

And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought

among the people. And believers were the more added to the Lord,

multitudes both of men and women. Insomuch that they brought forth

the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that

at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of

them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto

Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean

spirits: and they were healed every one.

Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, and laid

their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. But the

angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them

forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all

the words of this life. And when they heard that, they entered into the

temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came,

and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all

the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have

them brought. But when the officers came, and found them not in the

prison, they returned, and told, saying, The prison truly found we shut

with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors:

but when we had opened, we found no man within. Then came one and

told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing

in the temple, and teaching the people. Then went the captain with

the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the

people, lest they should have been stoned. And when they had brought

them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,

saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in

this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine,

and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

[Sidenote: The Acts 6]

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey

God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye

slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand

to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and

forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so

is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to

slay them. Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named

Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people,

and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; and said unto

them, Ye men of Israel, refrain from these men, and let them alone: for

if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: but if

it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to

fight against God. And to him they agreed: and when they had called the

apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in

the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence

of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame

for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased

not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

CHAPTER 70

STEPHEN

AND Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles

among the people. Then there arose certain of the synagogue, disputing

with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the

spirit by which he spake. Then they suborned men, which said, We have

heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. And

they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came

upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, and set up

false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous

words against this holy place, and the law: for we have heard him say,

that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change

the customs which Moses delivered us. And all that sat in the council,

looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an

angel.

Then said the high priest, Are these things so? And Stephen answered

and said, Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and

they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One;

of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: who have received

the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.

When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they

gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost,

looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus

standing on the right hand of God, and said, Behold, I see the heavens

opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then

they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon

him with one accord, and cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and

the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose

name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying,

Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a

loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had

said this, he fell asleep. And Saul was consenting unto his death. And

at that time there was a great persecution against the church which

was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the

regions of Judæa and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men

carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As

for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and

haling men and women committed them to prison. Therefore they that were

scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

CHAPTER 71

SIMON THE SORCERER--THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH

[Sidenote: The Acts 8]

THEN Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ

unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things

which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. And

there was great joy in that city. But there was a certain man, called

Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched

the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: to

whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This

man is the great power of God. But when they believed Philip preaching

the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ,

they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed

also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered,

beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

[Sidenote: The Acts 8]

Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had

received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: who, when

they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy

Ghost: (for as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were

baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands

on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. And when Simon saw that

through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he

offered them money, saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever

I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him,

Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift

of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in

this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent

therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought

of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in

the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Then answered

Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things

which ye have spoken come upon me. And they, when they had testified

and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached

the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go

toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza,

which is desert. And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia,

an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians,

who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for

to worship, was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the

prophet. Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself

to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the

prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he

said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip

that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the scripture

which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and

like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: in

his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare

his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. And the eunuch

answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet

this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth,

and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as

they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch

said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And

Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And

he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both

into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And

when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught

away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way

rejoicing.

CHAPTER 72

THE CONVERSION OF SAUL

AND Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the

disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, and desired of him

letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this

way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto

Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly

there shined round about him a light from heaven: and he fell to the

earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest

thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus

whom thou persecutest. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what

wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into

the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men

which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing

no man. And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened,

he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into

Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor

drink.

And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him

said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here,

Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which

is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called

Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, and hath seen in a vision a

man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might

receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of

this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: and

here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on

thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen

vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the

children of Israel: for I will shew him how great things he must suffer

for my name's sake. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the

house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even

Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent

me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy

Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales:

and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when

he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days

with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached

Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

[Sidenote: The Acts 9]

And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill

him: but their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the

gates day and night to kill him. Then the disciples took him by night,

and let him down by the wall in a basket. And when Saul was come to

Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they

were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. But

Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto

them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to

him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

CHAPTER 73

DORCAS

[Sidenote: The Acts 9]

NOW there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by

interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works

and almsdeeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days, that

she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in

an upper chamber. And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the

disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men,

desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. Then Peter arose

and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper

chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats

and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. But Peter put

them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the

body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw

Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and

when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. And it

was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

CHAPTER 74

CORNELIUS

THERE was a certain man in Cæsarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the

band called the Italian band, a devout man, and one that feared God

with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to

God alway. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day

an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And

when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And

he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial

before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose

surname is Peter: he lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is

by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. And when

the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his

household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him

continually; and when he had declared all these things unto them, he

sent them to Joppa.

On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the

city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:

and he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made

ready, he fell into a trance, and saw heaven opened, and a certain

vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the

four corners, and let down to the earth: wherein were all manner

of four-footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping

things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise,

Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never

eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto

him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou

common. This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into

heaven. Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he

had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius

stood before the gate, and called, and asked whether Simon, which was

surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold,

three men seek thee. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with

them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. Then Peter went down to

the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I

am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? And they

said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God,

and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from

God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words

of thee. Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow

Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied

him.

And the morrow after they entered into Cæsarea. And Cornelius waited

for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. And

as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet,

and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself

also am a man. And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many

that were come together. And he said unto them, Ye know how that it

is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come

unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not

call any man common or unclean. Therefore came I unto you without

gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent

ye have sent for me? And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting

until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and,

behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, and said, Cornelius,

thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the

sight of God. Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose

surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by

the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. Immediately

therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come.

Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things

that are commanded thee of God.

[Sidenote: The Acts 10]

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God

is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth him,

and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God

sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ:

(he is Lord of all:) that word, I say, ye know, which was published

throughout all Judæa, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which

John preached; how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost

and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were

oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of

all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem;

whom they slew and hanged on a tree: him God raised up the third day,

and shewed him openly; not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen

before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he

rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and

to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of

quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his

name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

[Sidenote: The Acts 12]

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them

which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were

astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles

also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them

speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man

forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received

the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in

the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: and when he had

found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a

whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much

people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And there

stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that

there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to

pass in the days of Claudius Cæsar. Then the disciples, every man

according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren

which dwelt in Judæa: which also they did, and sent it to the elders by

the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

CHAPTER 75

PETER IN PRISON

NOW about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex

certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the

sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further

to take Peter also. And when he had apprehended him, he put him in

prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep

him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter

therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of

the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him

forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound

with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And,

behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in

the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying,

Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel

said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did.

And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And

he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was

done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the

first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth

unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went

out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed

from him. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a

surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out

of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of

the Jews. And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house

of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were

gathered together praying. And as Peter knocked at the door of the

gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. And when she knew Peter's

voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how

Peter stood before the gate. And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But

she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his

angel. But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door,

and saw him, they were astonished. But he, beckoning unto them with the

hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought

him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James,

and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place. Now

as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what

was become of Peter. And when Herod had sought for him, and found him

not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to

death. And he went down from Judæa to Cæsarea, and there abode.

And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his

throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout,

saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the

angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he

was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

CHAPTER 76

MISSION OF PAUL AND BARNABAS TO THE GENTILES

[Sidenote: The Acts 13]

NOW there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and

teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen,

and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost

said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have

called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands

on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy

Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the

synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.

[Sidenote: The Acts 14]