ALPHA

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO

Saint Luke

Chapter 1

	For as much as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
2.	Even as they delivered them to us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
3.	It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus,
4.	That you might know the certainty of those things, where you have been instructed.
5.	There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia; and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
6.	And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the LORD, blamelessly.
7.	And they had no child, because Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
8.	And it came to pass that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,
9.	According to the custom of the priest s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the LORD.
10.	And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the time of incense.
11.	And there appeared to him an angel of the LORD standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
12.	And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
13.	But the angel said to him, "Fear not, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard, and your wife Elisabeth shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
14.	And you shall have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
15.	For he shall be great in the sight of the LORD, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
16.	And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the LORD their God.
17.	And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the LORD.
18.	And Zacharias said to the angel, "How shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years."
19.	And the angel answering said to him, "I am Gabriel, that stands in the presence of God; and am sent to speak to you, and to show yethese glad tidings.
20.	And, behold, you shall be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because you do not believe my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season."
21.	And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.
22.	And when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple. For he beckoned to them, and remained speechless.
23.	And it came to pass that as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.
24.	And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself for five months, saying,
25.	"Thus has the LORD dealt with me in the days whern he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men."
26.	And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
27.	To a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
28.	And the angel came in to her, and said, "Hail, yethat are highly favored, the LORD is with you. Blessed are you among women."
29.	And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
30.	And the angel said to her, "Fear not, Mary; for you have found favor with God.
31.	And, behold, you shall conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call his name JESUS.
32.	He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the LORD God shall give to him the throne of his father David.
33.	And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end."
34.	Then Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, seeing I don't know a man?
35.	And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon you, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow you. Therefore, also that holy thing which shall be born of you shall be called the Son of God.
36.	And, behold, your cousin Elisabeth, she has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
37.	For with God nothing shall be impossible."
38.	And Mary said, "Behold the handmaid of the LORD; be it to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.
39.	And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
40.	And entered into the house of Zacharias, and greeted Elisabeth.
41.	And it came to pass that when Elisabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost.
42.	And she spoke out with a loud voice, and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
43.	And from where is this to me, that the mother of my LORD should come to me?
44.	For, lo, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy.
45.	And blessed is she that believed, for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the LORD."
46.	And Mary said, "My soul magnifies in the LORD,
47.	And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
48.	For he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden; for, behold, from now on all generations shall call me blessed.
49.	For he that is mighty has done to me great things; and holy is his name.
50.	And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
51.	He has showed strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52.	He has put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
53.	He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.
54.	He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,
55.	As he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed forever."
56.	And Mary abode with her for about three months, and returned to her own house.
57.	Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.
58.	And her neighbors and her cousins heard how the LORD had showed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.
59.	And it came to pass that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.
60.	And his mother answered and said, "Not so; but he shall be called John."
61.	And they said to her, "There is none of your kindred that is called by this name."
62.	And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.
63.	And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, "His name is John." And they all marvelled.
64.	And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, and praised God.
65.	And fear came on all that dwelt around them; and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.
66.	And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, "What manner of child shall this be!" And the hand of the LORD was with him.
67.	And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,
68.	"Blessed is the LORD God of Israel; for he has visited and redeemed his people,
69.	And has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
70.	As he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began,
71.	That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;
72.	To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
73.	The oath which he swore to our father Abraham,
74.	That he would grant to us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,
75.	In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
76.	And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Highest, for you shall go before the face of the LORD to prepare his ways;
77.	To give knowledge of salvation to his people by the remission of their sins,
78.	Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high has visited us,
79.	To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."
80.	And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts until the day of his showing to Israel.

Chapter 2

And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed)
(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria).
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David),
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country, shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone around them, and they were sorely afraid.
And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the LORD.
And this shall be a sign to you; you shall find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."
And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel praising God, and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
And it came to pass, as the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go even to Bethlehem, and see this thing which has come to pass, which the LORD has made known to us."
And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
And all them that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told to them.
And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, who was so named by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the LORD
(As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the LORD),
And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the LORD, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
And it was revealed to him by the Holy Ghost that he should not see death before he had seen the LORD's Christ.
And he came by the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
Then he took him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
"LORD, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word,
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
Which you have prepared before the face of all people;
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel."
And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be spoken against
(yea, a sword shall pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser; she was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity;
And she was a widow of about eighty four years, who departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
And she, coming in that instant, gave thanks likewise to the LORD, and spoke of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
And when they had performed all things according to the law of the LORD, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth.
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him.
Now, his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
And when they saw him, they were amazed, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you dealt with us like this? Look, your father and I have sought you, sorrowing.
And he said to them, "How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be around my Father's business?"
And they did not understand the saying which he spoke to them.
And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

Chapter 3

Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,
Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
And he came into all the country around Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare the way of the LORD, make his paths straight.
Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;
And all flesh shall see the salvation of God."
Then he said to the multitude that came forth to be baptized by him, "oh, generation of vipers, who has warned yeto flee from the wrath to come?
Therefore bring forth fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, 'We have Abraham to our father,' for I say to yethat God is able to raise up children of these stones to Abraham.
And now also the axe is laid to the root of the trees; therefore every tree who brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire."
And the people asked him, saying, "What shall we do then?"
He answered and said to them, "He that has two coats, let him impart to him that has none; and he that has food, let him do likewise."
Then publicans also came to be baptized, and said to him, "Master, what shall we do?"
And he said to them, "Exact no more than that which is appointed you."
And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, "And what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages."
And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;
John answered, saying to them all, "I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I comes, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose. He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire,
Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."
And many other things in his exhortation he preached to the people.
But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils who Herod had done,
Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.
Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus was also being baptized, and praying. The heaven was opened,
And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, who said, "You are my beloved Son; in you I am well pleased."
And Jesus himself began was about thirty yers of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, who was the son of Heli,
Who was the son of Matthat, who was the son of Levi, who was the son of Melchi, who was the son of Janna, who was the son of Joseph,
Who was the son of Mattathias, who was the son of Amos, who was the son of Naum, who was the son of Esli, who was the son of Nagge,
Who was the son of Maath, who was the son of Mattathias, who was the son of Semei, who was the son of Joseph, who was the son of Juda,
Who was the son of Joanna, who was the son of Rhesa, who was the son of Zorobabel, who was the son of Salathiel, who was the son of Neri,
Who was the son of Melchi, who was the son of Addi, who was the son of Cosam, who was the son of Elmodam, who was the son of Er,
Who was the son of Jose, who was the son of Eliezer, who was the son of Jorim, who was the son of Matthat, who was the son of Levi,
Who was the son of Simeon, who was the son of Juda, who was the son of Joseph, who was the son of Jonan, who was the son of Eliakim,
Who was the son of Melea, who was the son of Menan, who was the son of Mattatha, who was the son of Nathan, who was the son of David,
Who was the son of Jesse, who was the son of Obed, who was the son of Booz, who was the son of Salmon, who was the son of Naasson,
Who was the son of Aminadab, who was the son of Aram, who was the son of Esrom, who was the son of Phares, who was the son of Juda,
Who was the son of Jacob, who was the son of Isaac, who was the son of Abraham, who was the son of Thara, who was the son of Nachor,
Who was the son of Saruch, who was the son of Ragau, who was the son of Phalec, who was the son of Heber, who was the son of Sala,
Who was the son of Cainan, who was the son of Arphaxad, who was the son of Sem, who was the son of Noe, who was the son of Lamech,
Who was the son of Mathusala, who was the son of Enoch, who was the son of Jared, who was the son of Maleleel, who was the son of Cainan,
Who was the son of Enos, who was the son of Seth, who was the son of Adam, who was the son of God.

Chapter 4

And Jesus, being full of the Holy Ghost, returned from Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he ate nothing. And when they were ended, he was afterward hungry.
And the devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread."
And Jesus answered him, saying, "It is written that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God."
And the devil, taking him up into a high mountain, showed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.
And the devil said to him, "All this power I will give you, and the glory of them; for that is delivered to me, and to whomever I will I give it.
If yetherefore will worship me, all shall be yours."
And Jesus answered and said to him, "Get behind me, Satan, for it is written; you shall worship the LORD your God, and him only shall you serve."
And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, cast yourself down from here,
For it is written, he shall give his angels charge over you, to keep you,
And in their hands they shall bear you up, lest at any time you dash your foot against a stone."
And Jesus answering said to him, "It is said, you shall not tempt the LORD your God."
And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.
And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and there went out fame of him through all the region round about.
And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.
And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And, as was his custom, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up to read.
And there was delivered to him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,
"The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
To preach the acceptable year of the LORD."
And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.
And he began to say to them, "This day this scripture is fulfilled in your ears."
And all bore him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, "Is not this Joseph's son?"
And he said to them, "You will surely say to me this proverb, 'Physician, heal yourself.' Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in your country."
And he said, "Verily I say to you, No prophet is accepted in his own country."
But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land;
But to none of them was Elias sent, save to Sarepta, a city of Sidon, to a woman that was a widow.
And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them were cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian."
And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,
And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him to the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.
But he, passing through the midst of them, went his way,
And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.
And they were astonished at his doctrine, for his word was with power.
And in the synagogue there was a man, who had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,
Saying, "Leave us alone. What have we to do with you, you Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know you, who you are; the Holy One of God."
And Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Hold your peace, and come out of him." And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.
And they were all amazed, and spoke among themselves, saying, "What a word is this! for with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out."
And his fame went out into every place of the country round about.
And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they sought him for her.
And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her. And immediately she arose and ministered to them.
Now, when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with different diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.
And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, "You are Christ the Son of God." And he, rebuking them, suffered them not to speak, for they knew that he was Christ.
And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place, and the people sought him, and came to him, and stayed him that he should not depart from them.
And he said to them, "I must also preach the kingdom of God to other cities, for therefore I am sent."
And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee.

Chapter 5

And it came to pass that as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,
And saw two ships standing by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them, and were washing their nets.
And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust the boat out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.
Now, when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught."
And Simon answering said to him, "Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing. Nevertheless at your word I will let down the net."
And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes, and their net broke.
And they beckoned to their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, oh, LORD."
For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken.
And also so was James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Fear not; from now on you shall catch men."
And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook everything, and followed him.
And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, beheld a man full of leprosy, who seeing Jesus, fell on his face, and implored him, saying, "LORD, if you will, you can make me clean."
And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, "I will. Be clean." And immediately the leprosy departed from him.
And he charged him to tell no man, but to go and show himself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony to them.
But so much the more a fame went abroad of him there, and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.
And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.
And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem; and the power of the LORD was present to heal them.
And behold, men brought a man in a bed who was taken with a palsy, and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him.
And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiles, with his couch, into the midst before Jesus.
And when he saw their faith, he said to him, "Man, your sins are forgiven you ."
And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, "Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?"
But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said to them, "What do you reason in your hearts?
Whether is easier to say 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Rise up and walk'?
But that you may know that the Son of ma has power upon earth to forgive sins (he said to the sick of the palsy), I say to you, Arise, and take up your couch, and go into your house.
And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that on which he laid, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.
And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, "We have seen strange things today."
And after these things, he went forth and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom. And he said to him, "Follow me."
And he left all, rose up, and followed him.
And Levi made him a great feast in his own house, and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.
But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with publicans and sinners?"
And Jesus answering said to them, "They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.
I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
And they said to him, "Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink?"
And he said to them, "Can you make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?
But the days will come when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days."
And he also spoke a parable to them; "No man puts a piece of a new garment upon an old; otherwise, then both the new makes it torn, and the piece that was taken out of the new does not agree with the old.
And no man puts new wine into old bottles; or else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.
But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.
No man also having drunk old wine straightway desires new, for he says, 'The old is better'."

Chapter 6

And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields, and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and ate, rubbing them in their hands.
And certain of the Pharisees said to them, "Why do you do that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days?"
And Jesus answering them said, "Have you not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was hungry, and they which were with him;
How he went into the house of God, and took and ate the show bread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?"
And he said to them, "That the Son of man is LORD also of the sabbath."
And it also came to pass on another sabbath that he entered into the synagogue and taught, and there was a man whose right hand was withered.
And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day, that they might find an accusation against him.
But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man who had the withered hand, "Rise up, and stand forth in the midst." And he arose and stood forth.
Then Jesus said to them, "I will ask you one thing: Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? To save life, or to destroy it?"
And looking around at them all, he said to the man, "Stretch forth your hand. And he did so, and his hand was restored, whole as the other.
And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.
And it came to pass in those days that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
And when it was day, he called to him his disciples, and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
Simon (whom he also named Peter), and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,
Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,
And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, who also was the traitor.
And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;
And they that were vexed with unclean spirits; and they were healed.
And the whole multitude sought to touch him, for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.
And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, "Blessed are you, the poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are yethat hunger now, for you shall be filled. Blessed are yethat weep now, for you shall laugh.
Blessed are you, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.
Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy. For behold, your reward is great in heaven; like their fathers did to the prophets.
But woe to yethat are rich! For you have received your consolation.
Woe to yethat are full! For you shall hunger. Woe to yethat laugh now! For you shall mourn and weep.
Woe to you, when all men shall speak well of you! For so did their fathers to the false prophets.
But I say to you which hear, love your enemies, do good to them who hate you,
Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
And to him that punches you on one cheek, offer also the other; and him that takes away your cloak, don't forbid him to also take your coat.
Give to every man that asks of you, and of him that takes away your goods, do not ask them again.
And as you would that men should do to you, do you also to them likewise.
For if you love them who love you, what thanks do you have? For sinners also love those that love them.
And if you do good to them who do good to you, what thanks have you? for sinners also do even the same.
And if you lend to them of whom you hope to receive, what thanks have you? For sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and you shall be the children of the Highest, for he is kind to the unthankful and to the evil.
Therefore be merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you shall be forgiven.
Give, and it shall be given to you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you give, as well it shall be measured to you again."
And he spoke a parable to them, "Can the blind lead the blind? Shall they not both fall into the ditch?
The disciple is not above his master, but everyone that is perfect shall be as his master.
And why do you see the mote that is in your brother's eye, but do not see the beam that is in your own eye?
Either how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in your eye,' when you yourself don't see the beam that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of your own eye, and then you shall see clearly to pull out the mote that is in your brother's eye.
For a good tree brings not forth corrupt fruit; neither does a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
For every tree is known by iys own fruit. For from thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather grapes.
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil; for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
And why call me LORD, LORD, and not do the things which I say?
Whoever comes to me, and hears my sayings, and does them, I will show yeto whom he is like:
He is like a man which built a house, and dug deep, and laid the foundation on a rock, and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded upon a rock.
But he that hears, and does not do, is like a man that without a foundation built a house upon the earth; against which the stream beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

Chapter 7

Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.
And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick, and ready to die.
And when he heard of Jesus, he sent the elders of the Jews to him, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.
And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying that he was worthy for whom he should do this,
"For he loves our nation, and he has built us a synagogue."
Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying to him, "LORD, trouble not yourself, for I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof.
Why neither did I think I, myself, worthy to come to you; but say the word, and my servant shall be healed.
For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes, and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him around, and said to the people that followed him, "I say to you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel."
And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.
And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and many other people.
Now, when he came near to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and many people of the city was with her.
And when the LORD saw her, he had compassion on her, and said to her, "Weep not. "
And he came and touched the casket, and they that bore him stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, Arise."
And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.
And there came a fear on all, and they glorified God, saying, "a great prophet has risen up among us, and God has visited his people."
And this rumor of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region all around.
And the disciples of John showed him of all these things.
And John calling to him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, "Are you he that should come? Or should we look for another?"
When the men had come to him, they said, "John Baptist has sent us to you, saying, 'are you he that should come? Or should we look for another'?"
And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and to many that were blind he gave sight.
Then Jesus answering said to them, "Go your way, and tell John what things you have seen and heard; how the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.
And blessed is he, whoever shall not be offended in me.
And when the messengers of John had departed, he began to speak to the people concerning John, "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft clothing? Behold, they who are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings courts.
But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yea, I say to you, and much more than a prophet.
This is he, of whom it is written, 'Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who shall prepare your way before you.'
For I say to you, among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist, but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."
And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.
But the Pharisees and lawyoers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, not being baptized by him.
And the LORD said, "Then to where shall I liken the men of this generation? And what are they like?
They are like children sitting in the marketplace, and calling to one another, and saying, 'We have piped to you, and you have not danced; we have mourned to you, and you have not wept.'
For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and you say, 'He has a devil.'
The Son of man has come eating and drinking; and you say, 'Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!'
But wisdom is justified of all her children."
And one of the Pharisees desired that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to dinner.
And, behold, a woman in the city, who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at dinner in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
Now when the Pharisee who had bidden him saw it, he spoke within himself, saying, "This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that touches him, for she is a sinner."
And Jesus answering said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you ." And he said, "Master, say on."
There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.
And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me, therefore, which of them will love him most?
Simon answered and said, "I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most." And he said to him, "you have rightly judged."
And he turned to the woman, and said to Simon, "You see this woman? I entered into your house, and you gave me no water for my feet, but she has washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
You gave me no kiss, but this woman since the time I came in has not ceased to kiss my feet.
You did not anoint my head with oil, but this woman has anointed my feet with ointment.
Why, I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little."
And he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."
And they that sat at dinner with him began to say within themselves, "Who is this that also forgives sins?"
And he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."

Chapter 8

And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and showing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God, and the twelve were with him,
And certain women, who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
And Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, who ministered to him of their substance.
And when many people were gathered together, and had come to him out of every city, he spoke by a parable:
"A sower went out to sow his seed, and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.
And some fell upon a rock, and as soon as it had sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.
And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.
And others fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bore fruit a hundredfold." And when he had said these things, he cried, "He that has ears to hear, let him hear."
And his disciples asked him, saying, "What might this parable be?"
And he said, "To you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.
Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
Those by the way side are they that hear; then comes the devil, and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
They on the rock are they, who when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
And that which fell among thorns are they, who when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
But that on the good ground are they, who in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
No man, when he has lit a candle, covers it with a vessel, or puts it under a bed; but sets it on a candlestick, that they who enter in may see the light.
For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hidden, that shall not be known and come abroad.
Take heed, therefore, how you hear; for whoever has, to him shall be given; and whoever has not, from him shall be taken even that which he seems to have."
Then his mother and his brethren came to him, and could not come at him for the press.
And it was told to him by certain one who said, "Your mother and your brethren stand outside, desiring to see you.
And he answered and said to them, "My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it."
Now it came to pass on a certain day that he went into a ship with his disciples, and he said to them, "Let us go over to the other side of the lake." And they launched forth.
But as they sailed he fell asleep, and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.
And they came to him, and woke him, saying, "Master, master, we will perish." Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water; and they ceased, and there was a calm.
And he said to them, "Where is your faith?" And they, being afraid, wondered, saying to one another, "What manner of man is this! For he commands even the winds and water, and they obey him."
And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.
And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man who had devils for a long time, and wore no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs.
When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, "What have I to do with you, Jesus, you Son of God most high? I beseech you , torment me not."
(For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For often times it had caught him, and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he broke the bands, and was driven by the devil into the wilderness).
And Jesus asked him, saying, "What is your name?" And he said, "Legion," because many devils had entered into him.
And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.
And there was there a herd of many swine feeding on the mountain, and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.
Then the devils went out of the man, and entered into the swine, and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were drowned.
When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.
Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind; and they were afraid.
They also who saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed.
Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes and round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear, and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.
Now, the man out of whom the devils had departed besought him that he might be with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying,
"Return to your own house, and show how great things God has done to you ." And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done to him.
And it came to pass that when Jesus had returned, the people gladly received him; for they were all waiting for him.
And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. And he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house.
For he had only one daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay dying. But as he went, the people thronged him.
And a woman having an issue of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her living upon physicians, could not be healed by any,
Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood was staunched.
And Jesus said, "Who touched me?" When all denied, Peter and they who were with him said, "Master, the multitude throng you and press you, and you say, 'Who touched me'?"
And Jesus said, "Somebody has touched me, for I perceive that virtue has gone out of me."
And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared to him before all the people for what cause she had touched him and how she was healed immediately.
And he said to her, "Daughter, be of good comfort. Your faith has made you whole; go in peace."
While he yet spoke, there came one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, "Your daughter is dead; trouble not the Master."
But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, "Fear not. Only believe, and she shall be made whole."
And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, except Peter, James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.
And all wept, and bewailed her. But he said, "Weep not; she is not dead, but sleeps."
And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.
And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, "Maid, arise."
And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway. And he commanded them to give her food.
And her parents were astonished, but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.

Chapter 9

Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.
And he said to them, "Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.
And whatever house you enter into, abide there, and depart.
And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them."
And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing everywhere.
Now, Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him, and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some that John had risen from the dead,
And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.
And Herod said, "I have beheaded John; but who is this, of whom I hear such things?" And he desired to see him.
And the apostles, when they returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.
And the people, when they knew it, followed him. And he received them, and spoke to them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.
And when the day began to wear away, then the twelve came and said to him, "Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get food, for we are here in a desert place."
But he said to them, "You give them something to eat." And they said, "We have no more than five loaves and two fishes, except we should go and buy food for all these people."
For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, "Make them sit down by fifties in a company."
And they did so, and made them all sit down.
Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude.
And they ate, and were all filled. And there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.
And it came to pass, as he was alone, praying, his disciples were with him. And he asked them, "Whom do the people say that I am?"
They answering said, "John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again.
He said to them, "But whom do you say that I am?" Peter answering said, "The Christ of God."
And he tightly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing,
Saying, "The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day."
And he said to them all, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
For whoever will save his life shall lose it, but whoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
For what is a man advantaged, if he gains the whole world, and loses himself, or be cast away?
For whoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels."
But I tell you of a truth, there are some standing here who shall not taste of death until they see the kingdom of God."
And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.
And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his clothing was white and glistering.
And, behold, there talked with him two men, who were Moses and Elias,
Who appeared in glory, and spoke of his departing which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.
But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep, and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.
And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us make three tabernacles; one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elias," not knowing what he said.
While he thus spoke, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them, and they feared as they entered into the cloud.
And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, "This is my beloved Son. Hear him."
And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.
And it came to pass that on the next day when they had come down from the hill, many people met him.
And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, "Master, I beseech you, look upon my son; for he is my only child.
And, lo, a spirit took him, and he suddenly cried out; and it tore him so that he foamed again, and bruising him, hardly departed from him.
And I besought your disciples to cast him out; and they could not."
And Jesus answering said, "Oh, faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring your son here."
And as he was yet coming, the devil threw him down, and tore him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.
And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered, every one, at all things which Jesus did, he said to his disciples,
"Let these sayings sink down into your ears, for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men."
But they did not understand this saying, and it was hidden from them, that they perceived it not; and they feared to ask him of that saying.
Then there arose a reasoning among them over which of them should be greatest.
And Jesus, perceiving the thoughts of their hearts, took a child, and set him by him,
And said to them, "Whoever shall receive this child in my name receives me, and whoever shall receive me receives him that sent me; for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.
And John answered and said, "Master, we saw one casting out devils in your name; and we forbade him, because he did not follow with us.
And Jesus said to him, "Forbid him not. For he that is not against us is for us."
And it came to pass, when the time had come that he should be received up, he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,
And sent messengers before his face. And they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.
And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.
And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, "LORD, will you have it that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?
But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, "You know not what manner of spirit you are of.
For the Son of man has not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them." And they went to another village.
And it came to pass that as they went in the way, a certain man said to him, "LORD, I will follow you wherever you go."
And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of ma has nowhere to lay his head."
And he said to another, "Follow me." But he said, "LORD, suffer me first to go and bury my father."
Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their dead, but go and preach the kingdom of God."
And another also said, "LORD, I will follow you, but let me first go bid them farewell who are at home at my house."
And Jesus said to him, "No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."

Chapter 10

After these things the LORD also appointed another seventy, and sent them two by two before his face into every city and place where he himself would come.
Therefore he said to them, "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few. Pray, therefore, the LORD of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
Go your ways. Look, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes, and salute no man by the way.
And into whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace be to this house.'
And if the son of peace is there, your peace shall rest upon it. If not, it shall turn to you again.
And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give. For the laborer is worthy of his hire. Do not go from house to house.
And into whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you,
And heal the sick that are there, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.'
But into whatever city you enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,
'Even the very dust of your city, which cleaves to us, we wipe off against you. Notwithstanding, be sure of this, that the kingdom of God has come near to you.'
But I say to yethat it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.
Woe to you , Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.
But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you.
And you , Capernaum, which are exalted to heaven, shall be thrust down to hell.
He that hears you hears me; and he that despises you despises me; and he that despises me despises him that sent me."
And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, "LORD, even the devils are subject to us through your name."
And he said to them, "I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
Behold, I give to you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Notwithstanding, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven."
In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, "I thank you, oh, Father, LORD of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and prudent, and have revealed them to babes. Even so, Father; for so it seemed good in your sight.
All things are delivered to me of my Father, and no man knows who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him."
And he turned him to his disciples, and said privately, "Blessed are the eyes that see the things that you see,
For I tell yethat many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which you see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which you hear, and have not heard them."
And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, "Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"
He said to him, "What is written in the law? how do you read it?"
And he answering said, "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself."
And he said to him, "You have answered right. Do this and you shall live.
But he, willing to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
And Jesus answering said, "A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves that stripped him of his clothing, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
And by chance there came down a certain priest that way, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
And on the morning when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said to him, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.'
Now, which of these three, do yethink, was neighbour to him that fell among the thieves?"
And he said, "He that showed mercy on him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go, and do likewise."
Now, it came to pass as they went that he entered into a certain village, and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
But Martha was encumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, "LORD, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Bid her, therefore, that she help me."
And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are careful and troubled about many things.
But one thing is needful, and Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

Chapter 11

And it came to pass that as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, "LORD, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples."
And he said to them, "When you pray, say 'Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed is your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
Give us day by day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil."
And he said to them, "Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight, and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves;
For a friend of mine in his journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?'
And he shall answer from within and say, 'Trouble me not. The door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give it to you.'
I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needs.
And I say to you, ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you.
For everyone that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened."
If a son shall ask for bread from any of yethat is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent for a fish?
Or if he shall ask for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
If you, then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?"
And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil had gone out, the dumb spoke; and the people wondered.
But some of them said, "He casts out devils through Beelzebub, the chief of the devils.
And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven.
But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against itself falls.
If Satan is also divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? Because you say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.
And if by Beelzebub I cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges.
But if I, with the finger of God, cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God has come upon you.
When an armed strong man keeps his palace, his goods are in peace.
But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he takes from him all his armour that he trusted, and divides his loot.
He that is not with me is against me, and he that gathers not with me scatters.
When the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, he walks through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, 'I will return to my house from where I came.'
And when he comes, he finds it swept and garnished.
Then he goes, and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked tha himself; and they enter in, and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first."
And it came to pass, as he spoke these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said to him, "Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the paps which you have sucked."
But he said, "Rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it."
And when the people were gathered thickly together, he began to say, "This is an evil generation; they seek a sign; and there shall be no sign given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.
For as Jonas was a sign to the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation.
The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them, for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
No man, when he has lit a candle, puts it in a secret place, or under a bushel, but on a candlestick, so that they who come in may see the light.
The light of the body is the eye. Therefore when your eye is single, your whole body also is full of light; but when your eye is evil, your body also is full of darkness.
Take heed, therefore, that the light which is in you is not darkness.
If your whole body therefore is full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle gives you light."
And as he spoke, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him. And he went in, and sat down to dinner.
And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.
And the LORD said to him, "Now, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and the platter, but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.
You fools, did he that made that which is outside not make that which is also within?
But rather give alms of such things as you have; and, behold, all things are clean to you.
But woe to you, Pharisees! for yetithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God. These you ought to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Woe to you, Pharisees! For you love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are as graves which do not appear, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.
Then one of the lawyers answered, and said to him, "Master, this saying: you reproach us also."
And he said, "Woe to you also, you lawyers! For you lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers.
Woe to you! For you build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them.
Truly you bear witness that you allow the deeds of your fathers, for they indeed killed them, and you build their sepulchres.
Therefore the wisdom of God also said, 'I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute,
That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;
From the blood of Abel to the blood of Zacharias, who perished between the altar and the temple; verily I say to you, it shall be required of this generation.'
Woe to you, lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You entered not in yourselves, and you hindered them that were entering in."
And as he said these things to them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things,
Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.

Chapter 12

In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode upon one another, he began to say to his disciples first of all, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hidden, that shall not be known.
Therefore whatever you have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which you have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.
And I say to you, my friends, do not be afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
But I will forewarn you whom you shall fear: Fear him, who after he has killed, has power to cast into hell; yea, I say to you, Fear him.
Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Also I say to you, Whoever shall confess me before men, him the Son of man shall also confess before the angels of God:
But he that denies me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.
And whoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him, but to him that blasphemes against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.
And when they bring you to the synagogues, and to magistrates, and powers, take no thought how or what thing you shall answer, or what you shall say,
For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what you ought to say."
And one of the company said to him, "Master, speak to my brother, that he will divide the inheritance with me."
And he said to him, "Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?"
And he said to them, "Take heed, and beware of covetousness, for a man's life does not consist in the abundance of the things which he possesses."
And he spoke a parable to them, saying, "The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully.
And he thought within himself, saying, 'What shall I do, because I have no room where to store my fruits?'
And he said, 'This I will do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there I will store all my fruits and my goods.
And I will say to my soul, 'Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry.'
But God said to him, 'you fool, this night your soul shall be required of you.' then whose shall those things be, which you have provided?
So he is that lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
And he said to his disciples, Therefore I say to you, take no thought for your life, what you shall eat; neither for the body, what you shall put on.
The life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.
Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; which neither has storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. How much more are you better than the fowls?
And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
If you, then, are not able to do that thing which is least, why take thought for the rest?
Consider the lilies, how they grow; they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say to you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
If God then so clothes the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, oh, you of little faith?
And seek not what you shall eat, or what you shall drink, neither be of a doubtful mind.
For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you have need of these things.
But rather, seek the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added to you.
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Sell what you have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which do not wax old, a treasure in the heavens that fails not, where no thief approaches, nor moth corrupts.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.
Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;
And you, yourselves, are like men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he comes and knocks, they may open to him immediately.
Blessed are those servants, whom the LORD, when he comes, shall find watching: verily I say to you that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to dinner, and will come forth and serve them.
And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
And know this, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken into.
Therefore be ready, also, for the Son of man comes at an hour when you do not think."
Then Peter said to him, "LORD, Do you speak this parable to us, or even to all?"
And the LORD said, "Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?
Blessed is that servant, whom his lord, when he comes, shall find him doing so.
Of a truth I say to you, that he will make him ruler over all that he has.
But if that servant says in his heart, 'My lord delays his coming, and begins to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
The lord of that servant will come in a day when he does not look for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him asunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
And that servant, who knew his lord's will, and does not prepare himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
But he that did not know, and committed things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For to whomever much is given, of him shall be much required, and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
I have come to send fire on the earth; and what will I do if it is already kindled?
But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how I am squeezed until it it accomplished!
Suppose that I have come to give peace on earth? I tell you, No; but rather division:
For from now on there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.
The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law."
And he said also to the people, "When you see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway you say, 'There comes a shower,' and so it is.
And when you see the south wind blow, you say, 'There will be heat,' and it comes to pass.
You hypocrites, you can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it that you do not discern this time?
Yea, and why even of yourselves judge not what is right?
When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, as you are in the way, give diligence that you may be delivered from him; lest he hales you to the judge, and the judge delivers you to the officer, and the officer casts you into prison.
I tell you , you shall not depart there until you have paid the very last penny."

Chapter 13

There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
And Jesus answering said to them, "You suppose that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
I tell you, nay, but except you repent, you shall all likewise perish.
Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, you think that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
I tell you, Nay, but except you repent, you shall all likewise perish."
He also spoke this parable; "A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit from it, and found none.
Then he said to the dresser of his vineyard, 'Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none. Cut it down; why does it encumber the ground?'
And he, answering, said to him, 'Lord, leave it alone this year also, until I shall dig around it, and dung it,
And if it bears fruit, well; and if not, then after that you shall cut it down.'"
And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath,
And, behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift herself up.
And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said to her, "Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity."
And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.
And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said to the people, "There are six days in which men ought to work. In them, therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day."
The LORD then answered him, and said, "You hypocrite, does not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?
And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?"
And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed, and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.
Then he said, "To what is the kingdom of God like? And to where shall I resemble it?
It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it."
And again he said, To where shall I liken the kingdom of God?
It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened."
And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.
Then one said to him, "LORD, are there few that are saved?" And he said to them,
"Strive to enter in at the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
When once the master of the house has risen up, and has shut to the door, and you begin to stand outside, and to knock at the door, saying, 'LORD, LORD, open to us,' he shall answer and say to you, 'I do not know you or where you came from'.
Then you shall begin to say, 'We have eaten and drunk in your presence, and you have taught in our streets.'
But he shall say, 'I tell you, I do not know who you are. Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity.'
There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.
And behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.
The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying to him, "Get out, and therefore depart, for Herod will kill you."
And he said to them, "Go and tell that fox, 'Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.'
Nevertheless I must walk today, and tomorrow, and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet perishes outside of Jerusalem.
Oh, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which kills the prophets, and stones them that are sent to you; how often would I have gathered your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!
Behold, your house is left desolate to you, and verily I say to you, you shall not see me, until the time comes when you shall say, 'Blessed is he that comes in the name of the LORD'."

Chapter 14

And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him.
And, behold, there was a certain man before him who had the dropsy.
And Jesus answering spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?"
And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go;
And answered them, saying, "Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day?"
And they could not answer him again to these things.
And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying to them,
"When you are bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honorable man than you is bidden of him,
And he that bade you and him come and say to you, 'Give this man your place,' and you begin with shame to take the lowest room.
But when you are bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade you comes, he may say to you, 'Friend, go up higher.' then you shall have worship in the presence of them that sit at dinner with you.
For whoever exalts himself shall be abased, and he that humbles himself shall be exalted."
Then he also said to him that bade him, "When you make a dinner or a supper, call not your friends, nor your brethren, neither your kinsmen, nor your rich neighbors; lest they also bid you again, and a compensation is made for you.
But when you make a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind,
And you shall be blessed; for they cannot compensate you, for you shall be compensated at the resurrection of the just.
And when one of them that sat at dinner with him heard these things, he said to him, "Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God."
Then he said to him, "A certain man made a great supper, and bade many,
And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, 'Come, for all things are now ready.'
And they all with one consent began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I pray you have me excused.'
And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them. I pray you have me excused.'
And another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.'
So that servant came, and showed his lord these things. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.'
And the servant said, 'Lord, it is done as you have commanded, and yet there is room.'
And the lord said to the servant, 'Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
For I say to you, that none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper. "
And there went great multitudes with him, and he turned, and said to them,
"If any man comes to me, and hates not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
And whoever does not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it?
Lest by chance, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that see it begin to mock him,
Saying, 'This man began to build, and was not able to finish.'
Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first, and consult whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him that comes against him with twenty thousand?
Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends an ambassador, and desires conditions of peace.
So likewise, whoever of you that does not forsake all that he has, he cannot be my disciple.
Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its savor, shall it be seasoned?
It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that has ears to hear, let him hear."

Chapter 15

Then all the publicans and sinners drew near to him to hear him.
And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, "This man receives sinners, and eats with them."
And he spoke this parable to them, saying,
"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he finds it?
And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.'
I say to you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents, more than over ninety nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she loses one piece, does not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently until she finds it?
And when she has found it, she calls her friends and her neighbors together, saying, 'Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.'
Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents.
And he said, "A certain man had two sons.
And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the portion of goods that fall to me.' And he divided his living to them.
And not many days after, the younger son gathered it all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
And when he had spent it all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
And he would be pleased to have filled his belly with the husks that the swine ate, and no man gave anything to him.
And when he came to himself, he said, 'How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough, and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before you,
And am no more worthy to be called your son. Make me as one of your hired servants.'
And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight, and am no more worthy to be called your son.'
But the father said to his servants, 'Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet,
And bring the fatted calf here, and kill it, and let us eat, and be merry:
For this; my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to be merry.
Now, his elder son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.
And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
And he said to him, 'Your brother has come; and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.'
And he was angry, and would not go in. Therefore his father came out, and entreated him.
And he answering said to his father, 'Lo, these many years do I serve you, neither did I transgress at any time your commandment, and yet you never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends,
But as soon as this, your son, has come, who has devoured your living with harlots, you have killed the fatted calf for him.'
And he said to him, 'Son, you are ever with me, and all that I have is yours.
It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad for this: your brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found."

Chapter 16

And he also said to his disciples, "There was a certain rich man, who had a steward; and the same was accused of wasting his goods.
And he called him, and said to him, 'How is it that I hear this of you? Give an account of your stewardship; for you may no longer be steward.'
Then the steward said within himself, 'What shall I do? For my lord takes the stewardship away from me. I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.
I am resolved what to do, that when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.'
So he called every one of his lord's debtors to him, and said to the first, 'How much is my lord yet owed?'
And he said, 'A hundred measures of oil.' And he said to him, 'Take your bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.'
Then he said to another, 'And how much do you owe?' And he said, 'A hundred measures of wheat.' And he said to him, 'Take your bill, and write eighty.'
And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.
And I say to you, make yourselves friends of the money of unrighteousness, so that, when you fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.
He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much, and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
If, therefore, you have not been faithful in the unrighteous money, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
And if you have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall yet give that which is your own?
No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."
And the Pharisees, who were also covetous, heard all these things; and they derided him.
And he said to them, "You are they who justify yourselves before men; but God knows your hearts. For that which is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presses into it.
And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one apostrophe of the law to fail.
Whoever puts away his wife, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her that is put away from her husband commits adultery.
There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day.
And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, who was laid at his gate, full of sores,
And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, the dogs came and licked his sores.
And it came to pass that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died, and was buried;
And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and sees Abraham far off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
And he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.'
But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things, but now he is comforted, and you are tormented.
And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed so that they which would pass over to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from there."
Then he said, I pray therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house,
For I have five brethren; that he may testify to them, lest they also come into this place of torment.'
Abraham said to him, 'They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.'
And he said, 'Nay, father Abraham, but if one went to them from the dead, they will repent.'
And he said to him, 'If they don't hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead'."

Chapter 17

Then he said to the disciples, "It is impossible but that offences will come, but woe to him, through whom they come!
It would be better for him that a millstone is hung around his neck, and he is cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
Take heed to yourselves. If your brother trespasses against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.
And if he trespasses against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turns again to you, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him."
And the apostles said to the LORD, "Increase our faith."
And the LORD said, "If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you might say to this sycamine tree, 'Be plucked up by the root, and be planted in the sea," and it should obey you.
But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say to him by and by, when he has come from the field, 'Go and sit down to dinner'?
And will not rather say to him, 'Make ready that I may eat, and gird yourself, and serve me, until I have eaten and drank; and afterward you shall eat and drink'?
Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not.
So likewise you, when you shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, 'We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which was our duty to do'."
And it came to pass as he went to Jerusalem that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.
And as he entered into a certain village, there ten men that were lepers met him, who stood afar off.
And they lifted up their voices, and said, 'Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.'
And when he saw them, he said to them, "Go show yourselves to the priests." And it came to pass, that as they went, they were cleansed.
And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks; and he was a Samaritan.
And Jesus answering said, "Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?
There are none found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
And he said to him, Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you whole."
And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, "The kingdom of God comes not with observation,
Neither shall they say, 'Lo here!' or, 'Lo there!' for behold, the kingdom of God is within you."
And he said to the disciples, "The days will come when you shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and you shall not see it.
And they shall say to you, 'See here;' or, 'see there.' Do not go after them, nor follow them.
For as the lightning, that lights up the one part under heaven, shines to the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.
But first he must suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.
And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.
They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.
Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built,
But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.
Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.
In that day, he who shall be on the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away, and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.
Remember Lot's wife.
Whoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it, and whoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.
I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.
Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left."
And they answered and said to him, "Where, LORD?" And he said to them, "Whereever the body is, there the Vultures will be gathered together."

Chapter 18

And he spoke a parable to them to this end, that men ought to always pray, and not to faint,
Saying, "There was a judge in a city, who feared not God, neither regarded man.
And there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, 'Avenge me of my adversary.'
And he would not for a while, but afterwards he said within himself, 'Though I fear not God, nor regard man,
Yet because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she wearies me'."
And the LORD said, "Hear what the unjust judge says.
And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night to him, thoough he has beared long with them?
I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, shall he find faith on the earth?"
And he spoke this parable to certain who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others.
Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank you , that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.'
And the publican, standing far off, would not lift up so much as his eyes to heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, 'God be merciful to me, a sinner.'
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other, for every one that exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted.
And they also brought infants to him, that he would touch them. but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
But Jesus called them to him, and said, "Suffer little children to come to me, and do not forbid them, for of such is the kingdom of God.
Verily I say to you, Whoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no way enter there."
And a certain ruler asked him, saying, "Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"
And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? None are good, save one; that is, God.
You know the commandments; do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, do not bear false witness, honour your father and your mother."
And he said, "All these have I kept from my youth up."
Now when Jesus heard these things, he said to him, "Yet you lack one thing: sell all that you have, and distribute to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."
And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful, for he was very rich.
And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, "How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God."
And they that heard it said, "Who, then, can be saved?"
And he said, "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God."
Then Peter said, "Lo, we have left all, and followed you."
And he said to them, "Verily I say to you, there is no man that has left his house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,
Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting."
Then he took the twelve to him, and said to them, "Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.
For he shall be delivered to the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:
And they shall scourge him, and put him to death; and the third day he shall rise again.
And they understood none of these things. And this saying was hidden from them, neither did they know the things which were spoken.
And it came to pass, that as he had come near Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging.
And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.
And they told him that Jesus of Nazareth passes by.
And he cried, saying, "Jesus, you Son of David, have mercy on me."
And they who went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace, but he cried so much the more, "You Son of David, have mercy on me."
And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he had come near, he asked him,
Saying, "What will you have that I shall do to you?" And he said, "LORD, that I may receive my sight."
And Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight. Your faith has saved you."
And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

Chapter 19

And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, 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 to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at your house."
And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying that he was going to be a guest with a man that is a sinner.
And Zacchaeus stood, and said to 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 to him, "This day has salvation come to this house, for so much as he also is a son of Abraham.
For the Son of man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
And as they heard these things, he added and spoke a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.
He said therefore, "A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.
And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said to them, 'Occupy until I come.'
But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, 'We will not have this man to reign over us.'
And it came to pass that when he returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called to him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.
Then the first came, saying, 'Lord, your pound has gained ten pounds.'
And he said to him, 'Well, you good servant. Because you have been faithful in a very little, have you authority over ten cities.
And the second came, saying, 'Lord, your pound has gained five pounds.'
And he said likewise to him, 'You will also be over five cities.'
And another came, saying, 'Lord, behold, here is your pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin,
For I feared you, because you are an austere man, you take up that you did not lay down, and reape that you did not sow.'
And he said to him, 'Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant. You knew that I was an austere man, taking up what I did not lay down, and reaping what I did not sow.
Why, then, did you not put my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required my own with interest?'
And he said to them that stood by, 'Take the pound from him, and give it to him that has ten pounds'
(And they said to him, 'Lord, he has ten pounds').
For I say to you that to everyone who has shall be given; and from him that has not, even that he has shall be taken away from him.
But those, my enemies, who would not have it that I should reign over them, bring here, and slay them before me."
And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.
And it came to pass, when he had come near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mountain called "the mount of Olives," he sent two of his disciples,
Saying, "Go into the village over against you, in the which at your entering you shall find a colt tied, on where a man never yet sat. Loose him, and bring him here.
And if any man asks you, 'Why did you loose him?' thus you shall say to him, 'Because the LORD has need of him.'
And they that were sent went their way, and found it even as he had said to them.
And as they were loosing the colt, its owners said to them, 'Why did you loose the colt?'
And they said, The LORD has need of him.
And they brought it to Jesus, and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus on it.
And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way.
And when he had come near, even now at the descent of the mountain 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 is the King that comes in the name of the LORD. Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.'
And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said to him, 'Master, rebuke your disciples.'
And he answered and said to them, "I tell you that if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out."
And when he had come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
Saying, "If you had known, even you, at least in this, your day, the things which belong to your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.
For the days shall come upon you that your enemies shall cast a trench around you, and surround you, and keep you in on every side,
And shall lay you even with the ground, and your children within you, and they shall not leave in you one stone upon another, because you knew not the time of your visitation.
And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold in it, and them that bought;
Saying to them, "It is written, 'My house is the house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves'."
And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him,
And could not find what they might do, for all the people were very attentive to hear him.

Chapter 20

And it came to pass that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders,
And spoke to him, saying, "Tell us, by what authority do you do these things? Or who is he that gave you this authority?"
And he answered and said to them, "I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:
The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?"
And they reasoned with themselves, saying, "If we shall say, 'From heaven,' he will say, 'Why, then, do you not believed him?'
But and if we say, 'Of men,' all the people will stone us; for they are persuaded that John was a prophet."
And they answered that they could not tell from where it was.
And Jesus said to them, "Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things."
Then he began to speak to the people this parable; "A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.
And at the season he sent a servant to the husbandmen, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard, but the husbandmen beat him, and sent him away empty.
And again he sent another servant. And they beat him also, and entreated him shamefully, and sent him away empty.
And again he sent a third, and they wounded him also, and cast him out.
Then the lord said of the vineyard, 'What shall I do? I will send my beloved son. It may be they will reverence him when they see him.'
But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.'
So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What, therefore, shall the lord of the vineyard do to them?
He shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall give the vineyard to others." And when they heard it, they said, "God forbid."
And he beheld them, and said, "What is this, then, that is written, 'The stone which the builders rejected, the same has become the head of the corner?'
Whoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken, but on whomever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder."
And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people, for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.
And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him to the power and authority of the governor.
And they asked him, saying, "Master, we know that you say and teach rightly, neither accept the person of any, but teach the way of God truly.
Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?"
But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, "Why do you tempt me?
Show me a penny. Whose image and superscription has it?" They answered and said, "Caesar's."
And he said to them, "Render therefore to Caesar the things which are Caesar's, and to God the things which are God's."
And they could not take hold of his words before the people, and they marveled at his answer, and held their peace.
Then certain of the Sadducees, who deny that there is any resurrection came to him; and they asked him,
Saying, "Master, Moses wrote to us, 'If any man's brother dies, having a wife, and he dies without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed to his brother.
There were therefore seven brethren, and the first took a wife, and died without children.
And the second took her to wife, and he died childless.
And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also; and they left no children, and died.
Last of all the woman died also.
Therefore in the resurrection, whose wife of them is she? For seven had her to wife."
And Jesus answering said to them, "The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:
But they who shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage,
Neither can they die any more, for they are equal to the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
Now that the dead are raised, even Moses showed at the bush, when he called the LORD the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.
For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living. For all live to him."
Then certain of the scribes answering said, "Master, you have said well."
And after that they dared not ask him any question at all.
And he said to them, "How do they say that Christ is David's son?
And David himself says in the book of Psalms, 'The LORD said to my lord, Sit on my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool.'
David therefore called him LORD, how is he then his son?"
Then in the audience of all the people he said to his disciples,
"Beware of the scribes, who desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;
Who devour widows houses, and for a show make long prayers; the same shall receive greater damnation."

Chapter 21

And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.
And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in there two mites.
And he said, "Of a truth I say to you, that this poor widow has cast in more than they all:
For all these have of their abundance cast in to the offerings of God, but she of her penury has cast in all the living that she had."
And as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,
"As for these things which you behold, the days will come in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down."
And they asked him, saying, "Master, but when shall these things be? And what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?"
And he said, "Take heed that you are not deceived, for many shall come in my name, saying, 'I am Christ, and the time draws near.' Go not, therefore, after them.
But when you shall hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified, for these things must first come to pass, but the end is not by and by."
Then he said to them, "Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom;
And great earthquakes shall be in different places, and famines, and pestilences, and fearful sights and great signs there shall be from heaven.
But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.
And it shall turn to you for a testimony.
Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate before what you shall answer,
For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
And you shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you they shall cause to be put to death.
And you shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.
But there shall not a hair of your head perish.
In your patience, possess your souls.
And when you shall see Jerusalem surrounded with armies, then know that its desolation is near.
Then let them who are in Judaea flee to the mountains, and let them who are in the midst of it depart out; and let not those that are in the countries enter into them.
For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! For there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.
And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations, and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
And then they shall see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws near."
And he spoke a parable to them: "Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;
When they now shoot forth, you see and know of your own selves that summer is now near at hand.
So likewise, when you see these things come to pass, know that the kingdom of God is near at hand.
Verily I say to you, this generation shall not pass away 'til all is fulfilled.
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts are overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day comes upon you unaware.
For as a snare it shall come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
Watch, therefore, and pray always, that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."
And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mountain that is called the mount of Olives.
And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, to hear him.

Chapter 22

Now, the feast of unleavened bread drew near, which is called "The Passover."
And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him, for they feared the people.
Then Satan entered into Judas, surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him to them.
And they were glad, and agreed to give him money.
And he promised and sought opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of the multitude.
Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.
And he sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat."
And they said to him, "Where will we prepare it?"
And he said to them, "Behold, when you have entered into the city, there a man shall meet you, bearing a pitcher of water. Follow him into the house where he enters.
And you shall say to the goodman of the house, 'The Master says to you, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?'
And he shall show you a large upper room, furnished. Make ready there."
And they went, and found it as he had said to them, and they made the passover ready.
And when the hour had come he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.
And he said to them, "With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer,
For I say to you I will not eat it any more, until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God."
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, "Take this, and divide it among yourselves.
For I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come."
And he took bread, and gave thanks, and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me."
Likewise, also the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
But, behold, the hand of him that betrays me is with me at this table.
And truly the Son of man goes, as it was determined; but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!"
And they began to inquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.
And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
And he said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
But you shall not be so. But he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that serves.
For who is greater, he that sits at dinner, or he that serves? Is it not he that sits at dinner? But I am among you as he that serves.
You are they who have continued with me in my temptations.
And I appoint to you a kingdom, as my Father has appointed to me;
That you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
And the LORD said, "Simon, Simon, behold; Satan has desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat,
But I have prayed for you, that your faith does not fail. And when you are converted, strengthen your brethren."
And he said to him, "LORD, I am ready to go with you , both into prison, and to death."
And he said, "I tell you, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day before you shall deny that you know me three times."
And he said to them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, did you lack anything?" And they said, "Nothing."
Then he said he to them, "But now, he that has a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip; and he that has no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
For I say to you that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors, for the things concerning me have an end."
And they said, "LORD, behold, here are two swords." And he said to them, "It is enough."
And he came out, and went, as was usual, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
And when he was at the place, he said to them, "Pray that you not enter into temptation."
And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and kneeled down and prayed,
Saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done."
And there appeared an angel to him from heaven, strengthening him.
And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was as if it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
And when he rose up from prayer, and had come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
And said to them, "Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation."
And while he yet spoke, beheld a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near to Jesus to kiss him.
But Jesus said to him, "Judas, you betray the Son of man with a kiss?"
When they who were around him saw what would follow, they said to him, "LORD, shall we smite with the sword?"
And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
And Jesus answered and said, "You suffered enough." And he touched his ear, and healed him.
Then Jesus said to the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, who had come to him, "You come out as against a thief, with swords and staves?
When I was with you in the temple daily, you stretched forth no hands against me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness."
Then they took him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed from far off.
And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the hall, and had set down together, Peter sat down among them.
But a certain maid saw him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked at him, and said, "This man was also with him."
And he denied him, saying, "Woman, I know him not."
And after a little while another saw him, and said, "You are also of them." And Peter said, "Man, I am not."
And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, "Of a truth this fellow was also with him, for he is a Galilaean."
And Peter said, "Man, I know not what you say." And immediately, while he yet spoke, the cock crowed.
And the LORD turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the LORD, how he had said to him, "Before the cock crows, you shall deny me three times."
And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him.
And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, "Prophesy, who is it that smote you?"
And many other things they spoke blasphemously against him.
And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,
"Are you the Christ? Tell us." And he said to them, "If I tell you, you will not believe,
And if I also ask you, you will not answer me, nor let me go.
Hereafter the Son of man shall sit on the right hand of the power of God."
Then they all said, "Are you then the Son of God?" And he said to them, "You say that I am."
And they said, What do we need any further witness for? For we, ourselves, have heard it from his own mouth."

Chapter 23

And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him to Pilate.

And they began to accuse him, saying, "We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding giving tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ, a King."

And Pilate asked him, saying, "Are you the King of the Jews?" And he answered him and said, "You say it."

Then Pilate said to the chief priests and to the people, "I find no fault in this man."

And they were the more fierce, saying, "He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place."

When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man was a Galilaean.

And as soon as he knew that he belonged to 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 for 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 nothing, 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; before they had been at enmity between themselves.

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

Said to them, "You have brought this man to me as one that perverts the people. And, behold; I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things that you accuse him of.

No, nor yet Herod, for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done to him.

I will therefore chastise him, and release him."

(For of necessity he must release one to them at the feast.)

And they cried out all at once, saying, "Away with this man, and release Barabbas to us."

(Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)

Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spoke again to them.

But they cried out, saying, "Crucify him, crucify him."

And he said to them the third time, "Why, what evil has he done? I have found no cause of death in him. I will therefore chastise him, and let him go."

And they were insistant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.

And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.

And he released to them him that was cast into prison for sedition and murder, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.

And as they led him away, they laid hold of one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.

And a great company of people followed him there, and of women, who also bewailed and lamented him.

But Jesus turning to them said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.

For, behold, the days are coming in the which they shall say, "Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the paps which never gave suck.

Then they shall begin to say to the mountains, 'Fall on us;' and to the hills, 'Cover us.'

For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry tree?"

And there were also two others, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.

And when they had 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 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." And they parted his clothing, and cast lots.

And the people stood watching. And the rulers, also with them, derided him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself, if he is Christ, the chosen of God."

And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,

And saying, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself."

And a superscription was also written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

And one of the malefactors who were hanged railed on him, saying, "If you are Christ, save yourself and us."

But the other answering rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, seeing you are in the same condemnation?

And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds, but this man has done nothing amiss."

And he said to Jesus, "LORD, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

And Jesus said to him, "Verily I say to you, today you shall 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.

And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in the middle.

And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit", and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

Now, when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, "Certainly this was a righteous man."

And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, struck their breasts, and returned.

And all his acquaintances, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood far off, seeing these things.

And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counseller; and he was a good man, and just."

(The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them.) He was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews, who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.

This man went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.

And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.

And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.

And the women also, who came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.

And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.

Chapter 24
1. Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
2. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.
3. And they entered in, and found not the body of the LORD Jesus.
4. And it came to pass, as they were very perplexed, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments.
5. And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead?
6. He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he spoke to you when he was yet in Galilee,
7. Saying, 'The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again."
8. And they remembered his words,
9. And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things to the eleven, and to all the rest.
10. It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, who told these things to the apostles.
11. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they did not believed them.
12. Then Peter arose, and ran to the sepulchre; and stooping down, he saw the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which had come to pass.
13. And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven and a half miles from Jerusalem.
14. And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
15. And it came to pass, that while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
16. But their eyes were bound that they should not know him.
17. And he said to them, "What manner of communications are these that you have to one another, as you walk, and are sad?"
18. And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said to him, "Are you only a stranger in Jerusalem, and have not known the things which have come to pass in these days?"
19. And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet, mighty in deed and word before God and all the people,
20. And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
21. But we trusted that it had been he who should have redeemed Israel. And besides all this, today is the third day since these things were done.
22. Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, who were at the sepulchre early,
23. And when they found not his body, they came, saying that they had also seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive.
24. And certain of them who were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said, but they saw him not.
25. Then he said to them, "Oh, fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken.
26. Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?"
27. And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
28. And they drew near to the village, where they went; and he made as though he would have gone further.
29. 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.
30. And it came to pass, as he sat at dinner with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and broke it, and gave it to them.
31. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
32. And they said to one another, "Did our heart not burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?"
33. And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,
34. Saying, "The LORD has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon."
35. And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.
36. And as they spoke, Jesus himself stood in the middle of them, and said to them, "Peace be to you."
37. But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
38. And he said to them, "Why are you troubled? And why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
39. Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Handle me, and see; for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have."
40. And when he had thus spoken, he showed them his hands and his feet.
41. And while they did not yet believe joyously, and wondered, he said to them, "Have you any food here?"
42. And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of a honeycomb.
43. And he took it, and ate before them.
44. And he said to them, "These are the words which I spoke to 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."
45. Then he opened their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
46. And said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day.
47. And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48. And you are witnesses of these things.
49. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you. But wait in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high."
50. And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
51. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
52. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.
53. And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
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