To the Reader: (Please see the original files to see the proper display of colors, justification, etc.)
Christian Biblical Reflections. Completed. Old Testament.
PDF, DOCX, RTF formats.
Some words concerning Christian Biblical Reflections: I am most grateful to the Lord for allowing me to finish this work. The Book is some 2,500 pages of a journey with the Bible in the Christian path. CBR.1-3.v1. c. 570 pages. CBR.4.v2. c370 pages. CBR.5.v3.p1. c. 1020 pages. CBR.v3.p2. c. 550 pages. It has been 10 years in labor & production, 7 years in typing, 3 years on the Prophets alone. It consists of the Old Testament from Genesis to Malachi, it is organized in Five Chapters in Three Volumes or broken up into Five Volumes. Due to further health issues, I delay no longer to send out this rush edition. The last 2 Selections are not properly edited; the Chronology in the Period of Daniel to Christ is not yet finished; spelling & grammar is still to be done, along with the Table of Contents, Index, etc. It does not look like I will be able to do all these things, but I'll continue as best as I can. My original intentions is to have a 2 volume work on the entire Bible, Old & New Testaments, but as you see that did not happen. I make no apologies for my literary unconvential quirks. I never intended for the work to be for the market, but to be available in digital formats freely to all. The Summary at the end of the Book, at the end of the Minor Prophets, is intended to make the work understandable to the Bible Reader. I have not tried to produce a Commentary, there are many good ones available, better than I could do; nor a translation, which I am not qualified to attempt; but only share what my exploration of biblical hermeneutics has encountered as a Cobbler examining & repairing worn shoes of doctrines & practices. I use the 1611 AKJV, 1910 ASV, NASB, NET Bible, Bullinger's Companion Bible, Dake's Annotated Reference Bible, Hebrew Text, Greek Text, Latin Text, 1960 Spanish Reina-Valera, etc. The work itself is self-explanatory as it progresses; & the Text Analysis-Digest became more defined. If & when the work is properly finished, edited, & supplemented where necessary, at that time I will reissue the work again in the 3 formats of a rtf, docx, and pdf downloadable copies. Also links will soon be provided of where the work is publicly posted or archived. I pray the work might be of help to the readers, especially the Bible Students. -mjm, 2021.
https://1drv.ms/u/s!AgcwUEJ0moRUhq8jQFYfit2rgxiYaA?e=GcuqeD (OneDrive)
Updates:
- 03-02-21: Selections 6-9 (Pusey to Briggs) are now completely edited, Selection 10 is still not finished.
- 03-15-21: Selection 10 (Smith) is completed. What is last edit to finish & add is the Chronology that commenced the Minor Prophets; and the final Reflections on the entire Prophetical Books with conclusion of the Twelve Minor Prophets.
- 03-24-2021: The Reflections on the Prophetic Books & particularly of Daniel & the 12 Minor Prophets is now finished, thus completing the Book CBR, Christian Biblical Reflections of Genesis-Malachi of the Hebrew Old Testament. After perusing the Selections & Reflections of the 4 Major Prophetic Books, its apparent that the several Tables of Chronology together complete the projected full Chronology or Timeline from David to Messiah, so that I need not add more to what has been presented. Any other revisions or changes will be automatically made & place here & all the formats made to match.
- As to the New Testament I cannot say, and little hope to complete it; but what I have started is the Text Analysis & Digest with Annotations from Matthew to Revelation, without any promises or commitments. The Colors of the Text Fonts of Black, Red, Blue, Purple are used in the original formats & preserved in the PDFs to distinguish the Author, Divine Direct Words, Quotes or Citations or References. This also will be available in this location with the other works.
- April 2021. Text of Matthew’s Gospel is now completed. I will work through the Gospels & Acts, then Paul’s Epistles, the Catholic Epistles, & the Apocalypse or Revelation. Reflections & Selections will not be attempted till the Text is completed. Revisions or Additions made without notifications.
- August 2021. The Gospels of Mark, Luke, & John each were completed per month for 3 months. Acts is here completed & so completes Part I of the CBR of the Text Analysis & Digest.
- Unless requested directly, Paul’s Letters from Romans to Hebrews will not be offered in installments, but will be shared when all 14 Epistles are completed as Part II, which will take several months.
https://archive.org/details/cbr.-5.v-03.p-1.3-4.-bk-daniel.-02052021.-christ-bib-reflect.mjm_202108
Christian Biblical Reflections. NewTestament. Continuation in Progress. 2021. Part I.
https://wordpress.com/media/mjmselim.wordpress.com
https://wordpress.com/post/mjmselim.wordpress.com/688
https://wordpress.com/post/mjmselim.wordpress.com/693
Christian Biblical Reflections. NewTestament. Continuation in Progress. 2021. Part I.
Book of the Gospel of Luke: Chapters 1-24.
As many have taken in hand to draw up a narrative concerning those matters fulfilled among us, as they delivered them to us, who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word, it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to thee in order, most excellent Theophilus (God-lover, God’s-friend); to know the certainty concerning the things wherein thou wast instructed. There was in the days of Herod, King of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abijah (see 1st Chron 24 for the Levitical priests’ courses of weekly service by lots): he had a wife of Aaron’s daughters, her name was Elisabeth. They were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments & ordinances of the Lord blameless. They had no child, because Elisabeth was barren (infertile, sterile), they both were well stricken in years (advance in age). While he executed the Priest’s Office before God in the order of his course, according to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to enter into Lord’s Temple to burn incense. The multitude (crowd) of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. There appeared to him the Lord’s Angel standing on the right side of altar of incense. Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, fear fell on him. The Angel said to him, “Fear not, Zacharias: Yur supplication is heard, yur wife Elisabeth shall bear yu a son, yu shal call his name John. Yu shall have joy & gladness; many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and he shall drink no wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. Many of the Children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. He shall go before His face in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, the disobedient to walk in the wisdom of the just; to make ready for the Lord a people prepared for Him.” Zacharias said to the Angel, “How shall I know this? I am an old, my wife advanced in age.” The Angel answered, “I am Gabriel, who stand in God’s Presence; I was sent to speak to yu, to bring these good-tidings. Yu shall be silent & not able to speak, till the day these things shall come to pass, because yu believed not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.” The people were waiting for Zacharias, they marvelled while he delayed in the Temple. When he came out, he could not speak to them: they perceived he saw a vision in the Temple: he continued making signs to them, & remained speechless. When the days of his ministration were fulfilled, he departed to his house. After these days his wife Elisabeth conceived (was pregnant); she hid herself five months, saying, “Thus has the Lord done to me in the days wherein He looked on me, to take away my reproach (shame, disgrace) among men.”
In the 6th month the Angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin (girl, maiden, young-woman, senorita, etc.) betrothed (engaged, espoused) to a man named Joseph, of David’s House; the virgin’s name was Mary. He came to her, & said, “Hail (Hello, Greetings), yu are highly favored, the Lord is with yu.” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation (greeting) this might be. The Angel said to her, “Fear not, Mary: yu found favor with God. Yu shall conceive in yur womb (be pregnant), to bring-forth a Son, to call His Name JESUS. He shall be great, & shall be called the Son of the Most High: the Lord God shall give to Him the Throne of His Father David: to reign over Jacob’s House for ever; of His Kingdom there shall be no end.” Mary said to the Angel, “How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” The Angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit shall come on yu, the Power of the Most High shall overshadow yu: that Holy Thing Which is birthed shall be called the Son of God. Look, Elisabeth yur kinswoman (relative, cousin), she also conceived a son (pregnant with baby) in her old age; this is the 6th month with her that was called barren. No Word from God shall be void of Power.” Mary said, “Behold, the Lord’s Handmaid; be it to me according to yur word.” The Angel departed from her.
Mary arose in these days & went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah; & entered the house of Zacharias & greeted Elisabeth. It happened, when Elisabeth heard Mary’s salutation (greeting), the babe leaped (moved) in her womb; Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit; she lifted up her voice with a loud cry, “Blessed are yu among women, blessed is the Fruit of yur womb (yur Baby). Whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? When the voice of yur salutation came to mine ears, the babe leaped (moved) in my womb for joy. Blessed is she who believed; for there shall be a fulfilment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord.” Mary said,
My soul magnifies the Lord, My spirit rejoiced in God my Saviour.
He looked on the low estate of His handmaid:
Behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
He Who is mighty did to me great things; Holy is His Name.
His mercy is to generations & generations On them who fear Him.
He showed strength with His arm;
He scattered the proud in the imagination of their heart.
He hath put down princes from their thrones,
He exalted them of low degree.
The hungry He filled with good things; The rich He sent empty away.
He helped Israel His Servant, To remember mercy
(As He spoke to our fathers) To Abraham & his seed for ever.
Mary stayed with her about 3 months, & returned to her house.
Elisabeth’s time was fulfilled that she should be delivered (pregnancy reached full term); she birthed a son. Her neighbors & kinsfolk heard the Lord magnified His Mercy to her; they rejoiced with her. On the 8th day, that they came to circumcise (i.e. remove the foreskin) the child; and they would have called him Zacharias, after the name of the father. His mother answered, “Not so; he shall be called John.” They replied, “There is none of yur kindred that is called by this name.” They made-signs (nodded, motioned) to his father, what he would name him. He asked (gestured) for a writing tablet to write, “His name is John.” They marvelled. His mouth was opened immediately, his tongue loosed, he spoke, blessing God. Fear came on all who dwelt near them: all these sayings spread throughout all the hill country of Judaea. Those who heard laid them up in their heart, saying, “What shall this child be?” The Lord’s Hand was with him. His father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, & prophesied, saying,
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; He visited & wrought Redemption for His People,
He raised up a Horn of Salvation for us In the House of His Servant David
(As He spoke by the mouth of His Holy Prophets that have been from of old),
Salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us;
To show mercy to our fathers, To remember His Holy Covenant;
The Oath which He spoke to Abraham our father,
To grant us that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies
Should serve Him without fear,
In holiness & righteousness before Him all our days.
Yes Child, yu shall be called the Prophet of the Most High:
Yu shall go before the Face of the Lord to make ready His Ways;
To give knowledge of Salvation to His People
In the Remission of their sins,
Because of the tender mercy of our God,
Whereby the Dayspring from on high shall visit us,
To shine on them that sit in darkness & the shadow of death;
To guide our feet in the Way of Peace.
The child grew, became strong in spirit, & was in the deserts till the day of His showing (manifestation, appearance) to Israel. (1:1-80)
In those days, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus (Octavius, 1st Emporer of Rome after death of Julius Caesar; reigned 27 B.C. to 14 A.D. ), that all the world (empire, roman-territory, pax-romana. Mediterranean-world) be enrolled (i.e in census). This was the first enrolment (census) made when Quirinius (Publius Sulpicius Quirinius (Cyrenius) c. 51 B.C. – A.D. 21.) was Governor (Leader, Ruler) of Syria. (Ancient Roman Census were taken about every 5 years, local censuses of various provinces were more irregular, a Census was essential to the government in taxes, military, etc. This Census in Augustus’ reign is problematic, Herod the Great having died about 4 B.C. in the Roman Calendar). All went to enrol themselves, every one to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, to Judaea, to David’s City, called Bethlehem, because he was of the David’s House & Family; to enrol himself with Mary, who was betrothed (engaged) to him, being great with child (full-term-pregnant). While they were there, the days were fulfilled that she should be delivered. She brought forth her Firstborn Son; and she wrapped Him in swaddling clothes (swaddled Him, wrapped Him, wrapping-cloths: to protect, restrict, & preserve the newborn), laid Him in a manger (stall, barn), because there was no room for them in the inn. There were shepherds in the same country-side staying in the field, keeping watch by night over their flock. The Lord’s Angel stood near them, the Lord’s Glory shone around them: they were very afraid. The Angel said to them, “Be not afraid; I bring you good tidings of great joy to the people: there is born to you this day in David’s City a Saviour, Who is Christ the Lord. This is the sign to you: You shall find a Baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” Suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the heavenly host (company, visitors, numbers) praising God, saying,
“Glory to God in the highest: On earth peace in men well-pleased
(delighted, excited; or in whom He is well-pleased, in what is pleasant).”
When the Angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said, “Let us go to Bethlehem, to see this thing that is come to pass, which the Lord made known to us.” They came with haste, found both Mary & Joseph, & the Baby lying in the manger. When they saw it, they related the saying which was spoken to them about this Child. All who heard it wondered at the things which were spoken to them by the shepherds. Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying & praising God for the things that they had heard & seen, as it was spoken to them. When 8 days were fulfilled for circumcising Him, His Name was called JESUS, which was called so by the Angel before He was conceived in the womb. When the days of their purification according to Moses’ Law were fulfilled, they brought Him to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the Lord’s Law, “Every male that openeth the womb (i.e. firstborn male boy) shall be called holy to the Lord,” to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Lord’s Law, “A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”(Ex. 12, 13-15, etc; 40 days from birth to end of Levitical purification)
There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous & devout, looking for the consolation of Israel: the Holy Spirit was on him. It was revealed uto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. He came in the Spirit into the temple: when the parents brought in the Child (Boy) Jesus, that they might do concerning Him after the custom of the Law, he received Him into his arms, blessed God, & said,
“Now let Yur Servant depart, Lord, According to Yur Word, in peace;
Mine eyes have seen Yur Salvation, Which Yu prepared before the face of all peoples;
A Light for Revelation to the Gentiles, The Glory of Yur People Israel.”
His father & mother were surprised at the things spoken concerning him; Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His Mother, “This Boy (Child) is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel; for a Sign Which is spoken against; yes a sword shall pierce through yur own soul; that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.” There was one Anna, a Prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the Tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband 7 years from her virginity, she was a widow to 84 years), who departed not from the Temple, worshipping with fastings & supplications night & day. Coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to God, spoke of Him to all them that were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had accomplished all things that were according to the Lord’s Law, they returned to Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
The Boy (Little-Boy) grew, became strong, filled with wisdom: God’s Grace was on Him. His Parents went every year to Jerusalem at the Passover Feast. When He was 12 years old, they went up after the custom of the feast; when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the Boy Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; His Parents knew it not; supposing Him to be in the company, they went a day’s journey; and they sought for him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance: when they found Him not, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking for Him. After 3 days they found Him in the Temple, sitting in the midst of (among) the teachers, both hearing them, and asking them questions: all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding & His answers. When they saw Him, they were astonished; His Mother said to Him, “Son, why have Yu thus dealt with us? Yur Father & I sought Yu sorrowing.” He said to them, “How is it that you sought Me? knew you not that I must be in My Father’s House (Things, Business, Concerns, Interests, etc.)? They understood not the saying which He spoke to them. He went down with them, & came to Nazareth; He was subject to them: His Mother kept all these sayings in her heart. Jesus advanced in wisdom & stature, and in favor with God & men. (2:1-52)
In the 15th year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar (“Tiberius Caesar Augustus was the 2nd Roman emperor, reigning from A.D. 14 to 37. He succeeded his stepfather, Augustus. Tiberius was one of Rome’s greatest generals: his conquests of Pannonia, Dalmatia, Raetia, and (temporarily) parts of Germania laid the foundations for the northern frontier.”), Pontius Pilate being Governor of Judaea, and Herod being Tetrarch (i.e., one of four rulers) of Galilee, and his brother Philip Tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias Tetrarch of Abilene, 3:2 in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. (“Tiberius Caesar, Roman Emperor: c. A.D. 14-37. Pontius Pilate, Governor of Judea: c.A.D. 26-36. Herod, Tetrarch of Galilee: c. 4 B.C. – A.D. 39. Annas ben Seth, High Priest: c.A.D. 6-15. Joseph Caiaphas, High Priest: c.A.D. 18-36.”) (As we encountered in Matthew chapters 1 & 2, the common dating of A.D. (Anno Domini (“in the year of the Lord”) & before Christ (B.C.) are used to label or number years in the Julian & Gregorian calendars. The dating is said to be 4 or 5 years off, year 0 of the old dating becomes in the new dating, or revised dates B.C. 4 or 5; so the year 30 becomes about the year 25; & here the 15th yr + 14th yr = c.30 A.D. = c.25 A.D.)) He came into all the region round about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for (to, unto, etc.) remission (forgiveness, pardon) of sins; as it is written in the book of the words of the Prophet Isaiah, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, “Make ready the Lord’s Way, Make His Paths straight.” Every valley shall be filled, every mountain & hill be brought low; the crooked become straight, the rough ways smooth; all flesh shall see God’s Salvation.” (Isaiah 40, etc.) He said therefore to the multitudes that went out to be baptized by him, “You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Produce fruits worthy of repentance, do not to say within (among) yourselves, “We have Abraham as our father:” I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Now the axe lies at the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, & cast into the fire.” The multitudes asked him, “What must we do?” He answered them, “He who has two coats, let him impart (give, donate) to him who has none; he who has food, let him do likewise.” Publicans (tax-collectors) came to be baptized, they said to him, “Teacher, what must we do?” He said to them, “Extort (demand, collect ) no more than that which is appointed you.” Soldiers also asked him, “What must we do?” He replied, “Extort (force, coerce, compel) from no one by violence, neither accuse any one wrongfully; be content with your wages.” As the people were in expectation, all (many) reasoned in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he were the Christ (Messiah); John responded to all, “I baptize you with (in, by) water; but there comes One mightier than I, the latchet of Whose shoes (sandals) I am not worthy to unloose: He shall baptize you in (with, by) the Holy Spirit & in Fire: Whose fan is in His Hand, thoroughly to cleanse His Threshing-floor, to gather the wheat into His Garner (Granary, Storage); but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire.” With many other exhortations therefore preached He good news to the people; but Herod the Tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things which Herod had done, added this also to shut up (confined) John in prison.
After the people were baptized, Jesus also having been baptized, & praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended in a Bodily Form, as a Dove, on Him, a Voice came out of heaven, “Yu are My Beloved Son; in You I am well-pleased (delighted).” Jesus Himself, when He began to teach, was about 30 years of age (i.e., about 30 A.D. in the traditional dating, but c.25 A.D. revised), being the Son (as was supposed (by custom)) of Joseph, he of Heli, he of Matthat, he of Levi, he of Melchi, he of Jannai, he of Joseph, he of Mattathias, he of Amos, he of Nahum, he of Esli, he of Naggai, he of Maath, he of Mattathias, he of Semein, he of Josech, he of Joda, he of Joanan, he of Rhesa, he of Zerubbabel, he of Shealtiel, he of Neri, he of Melchi, he of Addi, he of Cosam, he of Elmadam, he of Er, he of Jesus (Joshua, Yeshua), he of Eliezer, he of Jorim, he of Matthat, he of Levi, he of Symeon, he of Judas, he of Joseph, he of Jonam, he of Eliakim, he of Melea, he of Menna, he of Mattatha, he of Nathan, he of David, he of Jesse, he of Obed, he of Boaz, he of Salmon, he of Nahshon, he of Amminadab, he of Arni, he of Hezron, he of Perez, he of Judah, he of Jacob, of Isaac, he of Abraham, he of Terah, he of Nahor, he of Serug, he of Reu, he of Peleg, he of Eber, he of Shelah he of Cainan, he of Arphaxad, he of Shem, he of Noah, he of Lamech, he of Methuselah, he of Enoch, he of Jared, he of Mahalaleel, he of Cainan, he of Enos, he of Seth, he of Adam, he of God. (3:1-38) (Compare with the genealogy of 42 generations in Matthew 1. Here Luke gives a genealogy list of 77 generations from Jesus to God. This list agrees with the Old Testament, the Apocrypha, the Talmud, & other Jewish traditions.) (Note the Greek spelling to the Hebrew spelling, then the changes in the Latin, thence the modern languages. Certain letters undergo greater changes than others. e.g., Jesus: Joshua, Yoshua, Yeshua, Yesu, Iesus, Yesa, etc.; the letters J, Y, h, a, e, o, undergo changes.)
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, and was led in (by, of) the Spirit into the wilderness during 40 days, being tempted of the devil. He ate nothing in those days: when they were completed, He hungered. The Devil said to Him, “If Yu are God’s Son, command this stone to become bread.” Jesus replied, “It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone”.” (Deut. 8, etc.) He led Him up, showed Him all the Kingdoms of the World in a moment of time. The Devil said to Him, “I will give Yu this authority (power), & the glory of them: for it was delivered to me; and to whomever I will I give it. If Yu will worship before Me, it shall all be Yurs.” Jesus replied, “It is written, Yu must worship the Lord yur God, Him only must yu serve.” (Deut, Ex., Ps., etc.) He led Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle (wing, peak) of the Temple, & said to Him, “If Yu are God’s Son, cast Yurself down from hence: for it is written, “He shall give his Angels charge concerning Yu, to guard (keep, protect) Yu: On their hands they shall bear Yu up, Lest Yu dash Yur foot against a stone.” (Ps. 91) Jesus replied, “It is said, “Yu must not make trial of (tempt, test, try) the Lord Yur God.” (Deut., Ps., etc.) When the Devil had completed every temptation, he departed from Him for a season.
Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee: fame went out concerning Him all around. He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up: He entered, as His custom was, the synagogue on the Sabbath day, & stood up to read. There was delivered (handed) to Him the book of the Prophet Isaiah. And He opened the book, found the place where it was written, “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, Because He anointed Me to preach good news to the poor: He sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, set at liberty the bruised, proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” (Is. 61) He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant, & sat down: the eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on Him. He told them, “To-day has this scripture (passage, verse, writing) been fulfilled in your ears.” All bare Him witness, and wondered at the words of grace which proceeded out of His Mouth: they said, “Is not This Joseph’s Son?” He said to them, “Doubtless you will say to Me this parable, “Physician, heal Yurself: whatever we heard done at Capernaum, do also here in Your own country (hometown).” He said, “Verily (Amen,) I say to you, No prophet is acceptable in his own country. But of a truth I say to you, There were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up 3 years & 6 months, when there came a great famine over all the land; to none of them was Elijah sent, but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a widow woman. There were many lepers in Israel in the time of the Prophet Elisha; none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.”(1st Kings 17; 2nd Kings 5) They were filled with wrath in the synagogue, as they heard these things; they rose up, cast (threw, drove) Him forth out of the city, led Him to the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might throw Him down headlong. He passing through the midst of them went His way.
He came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. He was teaching them on the Sabbath day: they were astonished at His teaching (doctrine); for His Word was with authority (power). In the synagogue there was a man, with a spirit of an unclean demon; he cried out with a loud voice, “What have we to do with Yu, Jesus Yu Nazarene? Are Yu come to destroy us? I know Who Yu are, the Holy One of God.” Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Hold yur peace (Be silent), come out of him.” When the demon had thrown him down in the midst, he came out of him, having done him no hurt. Amazement came on all, they spoke to one another, “What is this word? with authority & power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” There went forth a rumor concerning Him all around. He rose up from (left, departed) the synagogue, & entered Simon’s house. Simon’s wife’s mother was taken with a great fever; they besought Him for her. He stood over her, rebuked the fever; it left her: instantly she rose up & ministered to (served) them. When the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with various diseases brought them to Him; He laid His hands on every one of them, & healed them. Demons also came out from many, crying out, “Yu are God’s Son.” Rebuking them, He permitted (warned, forbade, allowed) them not to speak, because they knew that He was the Christ (Messiah, Anointed). When it was day, He came out & went to a desert place: the multitudes sought after Him, came to Him, would have stayed (detained) Him, to not go from (leave) them. He said to them, “I must preach the good news of God’s Kingdom to the other cities also: for therefore was I sent.” He was preaching in the synagogues of Galilee. (4:1-44)
While the multitude pressed Him & heard God’s Word, He was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret; He saw two boats standing by the lake: but the fishermen had gone out of them, & were washing their nets. He entered one of the boats, which was Simon’s, & asked him to put out a little from the land. He sat down & taught the multitudes out of the boat. When He finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep, & let down your nets for a draught (catch).“ Simon replied, “Master, we toiled all night, took nothing: but at Yur Word I will let down the nets.” When they had done this, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes; their nets were breaking; they beckoned to their partners in the other boat, that they should come & help them. They came, filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, Lord.” He was amazed, and all that were with him, at the draught (catch) of the fishes which they had taken; so were also James & John, Zebedee’s sons, who were partners with Simon. Jesus said to Simon, “Fear not; henceforth yu shall catch men”. When they had brought their boats to land, they left all, & followed Him.
While He was in one of the cities, a man full of leprosy: and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face, besought Him, saying, “Lord, if Yu will, Yu can make me clean.” He extended His hand, touched him, saying, “I will; be made clean.” Straightway the leprosy departed. He charged him to tell no one: “Go yur way, show yurself to the Priest, offer for yur cleansing, as Moses commanded, for a testimony to them.” The report concerning Him spread more: great multitudes came together to hear, to be healed of their infirmities. He withdrew himself in the deserts, & prayed. One of those days, as He was teaching; there were Pharisees & Doctors of the Law sitting nearby, who were come out of every village of Galilee & Judaea & Jerusalem: the Lord’s Power was with Him to heal. Men brought on a bed a man that was palsied: they sought to bring him in, to lay him before Him. Not finding what way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up to the housetop, to let him down through the tiles with his couch (bed, cot, mattress) in the midst before Jesus. Seeing their faith, He said, “Man, Yur sins are forgiven.” The Scribes & Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is This Who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?” Jesus perceiving (suspecting) their reasonings, responded to them, “Why reason you in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, “Yur sins are forgiven;” or to say, “Arise & walk?” But that you may know the Son of Man has authority (power) on earth to forgive sins” (He said to the palsied), “I say to yu, Arise, take up yur couch (bed), go to yur house.” Immediately he rose up before them, took up what he lay on, departed to his house, glorifying God. Amazement took hold on all, and they glorified God; they were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen strange things to-day.”
After these things He went forth, seeing a publican, named Levi, sitting at the place of toll (tax-collection, tax-booth), said to him, “Follow me”. He forsook all, rose up & followed Him. Levi made Him a great feast in his house: there was a great multitude of publicans and of others that were sitting at table with them. The Pharisees & their Scribes complained against His Disciples, saying, “Why do Yu eat & drink with the publicans & sinners?” Jesus responded to them, “They that are in health have no need of a physician; but they that are sick. I am not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” They said to Him, “The disciples of John fast often, & make supplications; likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; thine eat & drink.” Jesus said to them, “Can the sons of the bride-chamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? The days will come; when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, then will they fast in those days.” He spoke a parable to them: “No one rends (tears, cuts) a piece from a new garment and putteth it upon an old garment; else he will rend the new, and also the piece from the new will not agree with the old. no one puts new wine into old wine-skins; else the new wine will burst the skins, and itself will be spilled, & the skins will perish. New wine must be put into fresh wine-skins. No man having drunk old wine desires new; for he says, “The old is good (better)“.
On a Sabbath, he was going through the grainfields; and His Disciples plucked the ears (husks, cobs, baby-corn), & ate, rubbing them in their hands. Certain of the Pharisees said, “Why do you what is not lawful on the Sabbath day?” Jesus answered, “Have you not read what David did, when he was hungry, he, & they that were with him; he entered God’s House, took & ate the showbread, gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat save for the priests alone?” He said to them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.“ On another sabbath, He entered the synagogue & taught: there was a man there, his right hand was withered. The Scribes & Pharisees watched Him, whether He would heal on the Sabbath; to accuse him. He knew their thoughts; He said to the man that had his hand withered, “Rise up.” He arose & stood. Jesus said to them, “I ask you, Is it lawful on the sabbath to do good, or to do harm? to save a life, or to destroy it?” He looked round about on them all, & said to him, “Stretch forth yur hand.” He did: his hand was restored. They were filled with madness; communed one with one another what they might do to Jesus.
In these (those) days, He went out to the mountain to pray; He continued all night in prayer to God. When it was day, He called His Disciples; He chose from them twelve (12), whom He named Apostles: Simon, he named Peter, & Andrew his brother, James & John, Philip & Bartholomew, Matthew & Thomas, James Alphaeus’ son, Simon called the Zealot, Judas James’ son, & Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. He came down with them, stood on a level place, and a great many of His Disciples, and a great number of the people from all Judaea & Jerusalem, the sea coast of Tyre & Sidon, who came to hear him, & to be healed of their diseases; they who were troubled with unclean spirits were healed. The crowd sought to touch Him; for power came forth from Him, & healed them all.
He lifted up His Eyes on His Disciples, & said,
“Blessed are you the poor: yours is God’s Kingdom. Blessed are you who hunger: you shall be filled (fed, satisfied). Blessed are you who weep: you shall laugh. Blessed are you, when men hate you, separate (reject, exclude) you from their company, reproach you, cast out (slander, spread) your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice in that day, leap for joy: your reward is great in heaven; in the same manner did their fathers to the Prophets. Woe to you who are rich! you have received your consolation. Woe to you, who are full! you shall hunger. Woe to you, who laugh! you shall mourn & weep. Woe to you, when all men shall speak well of you! in the same manner did their fathers to the false-prophets (pseudo-prophets).”
“I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to them who hate you, bless them who curse you, pray for them who despitefully use you. To him who strikes yu on the one cheek offer the other; him who takes away yur cloak (cape, shirt) withhold not yur coat (jacket). Give to every one who asks; him who taketh away yur goods ask them not again. As you want men do to you, do ye also to them likewise. If you love them who love you, what grace (thank, favor, reward) have you? sinners love those who love them. If you do good to them who do good to you, what grace (thank, favor, reward) have ye? for even sinners do the same. If you lend to them of whom you hope to receive, what grace (thank, favor, reward) have you? sinners lend to sinners, to receive again as much. Love your enemies, do them good, lend, never despairing (regretting, resenting); your reward shall be great, you shall be sons of the Most High: He is kind toward the unthankful & evil. Be ye merciful, as your Father is merciful. Judge not, & you shall not be judged: condemn not, you shall not be condemned: release (forgive), you shall be released (forgiven): give, it shall be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, shall they give into your bosom. For with what measure ye meter it shall be measured to you again.”
He spoke also a parable to them,
“Can the blind guide the blind? shall they not both fall into a pit? The disciple is not above his teacher: but every one when he is perfected shall be as his teacher. Why look at the mote (speck) in yur brother’s eye, but consider not the beam (log) that is in thine own eye? How can yu say to yur brother, “Brother, let me remove the mote that is in yur eye, when yu look not at the beam in yur own eye? Hypocrite, remove first the beam out of yur own eye, then shall yu see clearly to remove the mote that is in yur brother’s eye. There is no good tree that bringeth forth corrupt fruit; nor again a corrupt tree that bringeth forth good fruit. Each tree is known by its own fruit. From thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. The good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; the evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth what is evil: out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”
“Why call Me, Lord, Lord, & do not the things which I say? Every one who comes to Me, hears My Words, & does them, I will show you to whom he is like: he is like a man building a house, who digged, went deep, laid a foundation on the rock (concrete, cement) : when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house, & could not shake it: because it had been well builded. He who hears, & does not, is like a man that built a house upon the earth without a foundation; against which the stream broke, straightway it fell in; and the ruin of that house was great.” (6:1-49)
After He ended His sayings in the people’s hearing (ears), He entered Capernaum. A centurion’s servant, dear to him, was sick & at the point of death. When He heard about Jesus, he sent to Him Elders of the Jews, asking Him to come & save (heal) his servant. They came to Jesus, besought Him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to do this for him; for he loves our nation, himself built us our synagogue.” Jesus went with them. When He was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, telling Him, “Lord, trouble not Yurself; for I am not worthy for Yu to come under my roof: neither thought I myself worthy to come to Yu: say the word, & my servant shall be healed. I also am a man under authority, having under myself soldiers: I say to this one, “Go,” & he goes; to another, “Come,” & he comes; to my servant, “Do this,” he does it.” When Jesus heard this, He marvelled at him, & turned, said to the multitude that followed Him, “I say to you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” They who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole.
Soon after, He went to a city called Nain; His Disciples went with Him, with a great multitude. He drew near to the gate of the city, there was carried out one who was dead, the only son of his mother, she was a widow: much people of the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on (pitied) her, said to her, “Weep not.” He came near, touched the bier: the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to thee, Arise.” He who was dead sat up, & spoke. He gave him to his mother. Fear took hold on all: they glorified God, saying, “A great Prophet is arisen among us: God has visited His People.” This report went forth (circulated) concerning Him in the whole of Judaea, & the region all round.
John’s disciples told him these things. John calling two of his disciples sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are Yu the One to come, or look we for another?” When they came to Him, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to Yu, asking, “Are Yu He Who comes, or look we for another?” In that hour He cured many with diseases & plagues & evil spirits; on many blind He bestowed sight. He answered them, “Go, tell John what you have seen & heard; the blind receive their sight, lame walk, lepers are cleansed, deaf hear, dead are raised up, poor have good-news preached to them. Blessed is he, who find no occasion-of-stumbling (no stumbling, scandel, fault) in Me.” When John’s messengers departed, He said to the multitudes concerning John, “What went you out into the wilderness to see? a reed shaken with the wind? what went you out to see? a man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they who are gorgeously apparelled, & live delicately, are in Kings’ Courts. What went you out to see? a Prophet? Yes, I say to you, & much more than a Prophet. This is he of whom it is written:
“Behold, I send My Messenger (Malachi; i.e., Elijah) before Yur Face, Who shall prepare Yur Way before Yu.”
I say to you, Among them that are born of women there is none greater than John: yet he who is little (least, smallest) in God’s Kingdom is greater than he.” The people & the publicans when they heard, justified God, being baptized with John’s baptism. The Pharisees & Lawyers rejected for themselves God’s Counsel, being not baptized by him. “How shall I liken the men of this generation, what are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace, and call one to another; “We piped to you, & you danced not; we wailed, & you wept not.” John the Baptist is come eating no bread nor drinking wine; & you say, “He has a demon.” The Son of Man is come eating & drinking; & you say, “Look, a Gluttonous Man (Glut, Pig), & Winebibber (Drunk), Friend of publicans & sinners!” Wisdom is justified by (of, in) her children.”
One of the Pharisees desired (invited, wanted) Him to eat with him. He entered the Pharisee’s house, sat down to eat. A woman who was in the city, a sinner (immoral, unchaste, promiscuous, etc.); when she knew He was sitting at table (reclining for supper) in the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster cruse of ointment, standing behind at His Feet, weeping, she began to wet His Feet with her tears, & wiped them with the hair of her head, & kissed His Feet, anointed them with the ointment. When the Pharisee who invited him saw it, he spoke within himself, “This Man, if He were a Prophet, would have perceived who & what manner of woman this is who touches Him, she is a sinner.” Jesus responded, “Simon, I have something to say to yu.” He says, “Teacher, say on.” “A certain lender had two debtors: the one owed 500 shillings (denars; 500 days of wages), the other 50 (50 days of wages). When they had nothing to pay, he forgave them both. Which of them will love him most?” Simon replied, “He, I suppose, to whom he forgave the most.” He said to him, “Yu rightly judged.” Turning to the woman, He said to Simon, “See this woman? I entered yur house, yu gave me no water for My Feet: but she has wetted (washed, cleansed) My Feet with her tears, & wiped them with her hair. Yu gave Me no kiss: but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My Feet. My Head with oil yu did not anoint: she anointed My Feet with ointment. I say to yu, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” He said to her, “Yur sins are forgiven.” They who sat to eat with Him say among (within) themselves, “Who is This Who even forgives sins?” He said to the woman, “Yur faith saved (healed) yu; go in peace.” (7:1-49)
Soon after, He went throughout the cities & villages, preaching & bringing the good-news of God’s Kingdom, with the Twelve & certain women who were healed of evil spirits & infirmities: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom 7 demons had gone out (exited, expelled), and Joanna the wife of Chuzas Herod’s steward, & Susanna, & many others, who ministered to them of their substance (subsistence, belongings). When a great multitude gathered, & they of every city resorted to Him, He spoke by parable: “The sower went forth to sow his seed: as he sowed, some fell by the way side; it was trodden under foot, the birds of the heaven devoured it. Other fell on the rock; as soon as it grew, it withered away, because it had no moisture. Other fell amidst the thorns; the thorns grew with it, & choked it. Other fell into the good ground, grew, brought forth fruit a 100-fold.” As He said these things, He shouted, “He who has ears, let him hear.” His Disciples asked him what this parable meant. He said, “To you it is given to know the Mysteries of God’s Kingdom: but to the rest in parables; that “seeing they may not see, hearing they may not understand.” Now the parable is this: The seed is God’s Word. Those by the way side have heard; then comes the devil, takes away the word from their heart, that they may not believe to be saved. Those on the rock, have heard, receive the word with joy; these have no root, who for a while believe, in time of temptation (trial, testing) fall-away (turn-away, apostasize). What fell among the thorns, these have heard, as they go on their way they are choked with cares, riches & pleasures of this life, bring no fruit to perfection (maturity fruitfulness). What is in the good ground, are such as in an honest & good heart, having heard the word, hold it fast (retain, adhere), & bring-forth-fruit with patience (in duration).”
“No one, after he lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel, or puts it under a bed; but puts it on a stand, that they who enter may see the light. Nothing is hidden, that shall not be made manifest; nor anything secret, that shall not be known & come to light. Take heed how you hear: whoever has, to him shall be given; whoever has not, from him shall be taken away even what he thinks he has.” There came to Him His Mother & Brothers, they could not come near him for the crowd. It was told Him, “Yur Mother & Brothers stand outside, desiring to see Yu.” He answered them, “My Mother & Brothers are these who hear the God’s Word, & do it.”
After one of those days, He entered a boat, with His Disciples; He said to them, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake” (i.e., Sea of Galilee, c. 8 miles wide & 13 miles long.): they launched forth (set sail). As they sailed He fell asleep: there came down a storm of wind on the lake; they were filling with water, & were in jeopardy (peril, danger). They came to Him, awoke Him, saying, “Master, master, (Greek Epistata, Epistatēs, for Aramaic Rabbi.) we perish.” He awoke, rebuked the wind & the raging of the water: they ceased, there was calm. He said to them, “Where is your faith?” Being afraid they marvelled, saying one to another, “Who is This, Who commands even the winds & the water, & they obey Him?”
They arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is over against (across, opposite) Galilee (Sea of Galilee). When He came on land, there met him a certain man out of the city, who had demons; for a long time he had worn no clothes, & abode not in any house, but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before Him, with a loud voice said, “What have I to do with Yu, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg Yu, torment me not.” He commanded the unclean spirit to come out from the man. Oftentimes it had seized him: and he was kept under guard, bound with chains & shackles (fetters); breaking the bands asunder, he was driven of the demon into the deserts. Jesus asked him, “What is yur name?” He said, “Legion;” for many demons were entered into (resided in, possessed) him. They entreated him that he would not command them to depart into the abyss (deep). There was there a herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: they entreated Him to let them enter them. He gave them leave. The demons exited the man, entered the swine: the herd rushed down the steep into the lake, & were drowned. When their feeders saw what had happened, they fled, told it in the city & in the countryside. They went out to see what happened; they came to Jesus, found the man, from whom the demons were expelled, sitting, clothed in his right mind, at the Feet of Jesus: they were afraid. They who saw it told them how he that was possessed with demons was made whole. The people of the country of the Gerasenes round about asked him to depart from them, for they were holden with great fear: He entered a boat, & returned. The man from whom the demons were gone out prayed him that he might be with Him: but He sent him away, saying, “Return to yur house, declare how great things God has done for yu.” He went his way, publishing throughout the whole city what great things Jesus did to him.
When Jesus returned, the multitude welcomed Him; for they were all waiting for Him. A man named Jairus came, He was the presiding (residing, existng) synagogue ruler: he fell down at Jesus’ Feet, implored him to come to his house; he had an only daughter, about 12 years of age, she was dying. As He went the multitudes thronged Him. A woman having an issue (flow, discharge) of blood 12 years, who spent all her living on physicians, could not be healed by any, came behind Him, touched the border of His garment: immediately the issue of her blood stanched (stopped). Jesus said, “Who is it that touched Me?” After all denied, Peter & those with Him, said, “Master (Epistata, Rabbi), the multitudes press & crush Yu.” Jesus responded, “Some one touched Me; for I perceived power flowing from Me.” When the woman saw she was not hid, she came trembling, falling down before Him declared (confessing) in the presence of the people why she touched Him, & how she was healed immediately. He said to her, “Daughter, yur faith has made yu well; go in peace.” While He spoke, there comes one from the synagogue ruler’s house, saying, “Yur daughter is dead; trouble not the Teacher.” Jesus hearing it, responded, “Fear not: only believe, she shall be made well (healed, saved).” When He came to the house, He allowed no one to enter with Him, except Peter, John, James, & the maiden’s (girl’s) father & mother. All were weeping, & bewailing her: but He said, “Weep not; for she is not dead, but sleeps.” They laughed Him to scorn (mocked, ridiculed), knowing that she was dead. Taking her by the hand, He called, “Maiden (Girl), arise.” Her spirit returned, she rose up immediately: He commanded something be given her to eat. Her parents were amazed: He charged them to tell nobody what was done. (8:1-56)
He called the Twelve together, gave them power & authority over demons, to cure diseases. He sent them forth to preach God’s Kingdom, & to heal the sick. He told them, “Take nothing for your journey, neither staff, wallet (bag, pouch), bread, money; neither have two coats. whatever house you enter, there stay, thence depart. As many as receive you not, when you depart from that city, shake off the dust from your feet for a testimony against them.” They departed, went throughout the villages, preaching the gospel, healing everywhere. Herod the Tetrarch heard what was done: he was much perplexed, because some said, “John was risen from the dead;” & by some, “Elijah had appeared;” by others, “one of the old prophets was risen again.” Herod said, “John I beheaded: but Who is This, about Whom I hear such things?” He sought to see Him. The Apostles, when they returned, declared to Him what things they had done.
He took them, & withdrew alone to a city called Bethsaida. The crowds perceiving it followed Him: He welcomed them, spoke to them of God’s Kingdom, & He healed those who needed it. The day began to wear away; the Twelve came, said to Him, “Send the multitude away, to go to the villages & countryside to lodge, & get provisions: we are in a desert (secluded, barren) place.” He said to them, “Feed them.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves & two fishes; unless we go buy food for all this people:” about 5,000 men. He said to His Disciples, “Make them sit down in companies, about 50 each.” They seated them. He took the 5 loaves & 2 fishes, looking up to heaven, He blessed them, broke & gave to the Disciples to distribute to the multitude. They ate, & were satisfied: there was gathered some 12 baskets of leftover pieces.
As He was praying alone, the Disciples were with Him: He asked, “Who do the multitudes say that I am?” They answered, “John the Baptist;” others say, “Elijah;” others, “one of the old prophets is risen again.” He asked, “Who say you that I am?” Peter answered, “God’s Christ.” He charged & commanded them to tell no one; saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, be rejected by the Elders, Chief Priests, & Scribes, be killed, the 3rd day be raised up.” He said to all, “If anyone come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, & follow Me. Whoever would save his life shall lose it; but whoever shall lose his life for My sake, the same shall save it. What is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose (ruin, destroy) or forfeit-his-own-self (forfeit, lose-all, bankrupt)? Whoever shall be ashamed of Me & My Words, of him shall the Son of Man be ashamed, when He comes in His Glory, & the Glory of the Father, & of the holy Angels. I tell you of a truth, There are some of them that stand here, who shall in no wise taste of death, till they see God’s Kingdom.”
About 8 days after these sayings, He took Peter, John, James, went up the mountain to pray. As He was praying, the fashion of His countenance was altered, His raiment became white and dazzling. There talked with Him two men, Moses & Elijah; who appeared in glory, spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Peter & they that were with him were heavy with sleep: when they were fully awake, they saw His Glory, and the two men that stood with Him. As they were parting, Peter said to Jesus, “Master (Epistata), it is good for us to be here: let us make three tabernacles; one for Yu, one for Moses, one for Elijah:” not knowing what he said. While he said these things, there came a cloud, overshadowed them: they feared as they entered into the cloud. A Voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, My Chosen: hear Him.” After the Voice, Jesus was found alone. They kept quiet, told no one in those days any of the things seen.
The next day, when they were come down from the mountain, a great multitude met Him. A man from the multitude cried, “Teacher, please, look on my son; for he is mine only child: a spirit takes him, he suddenly cries out; it tears him so he foams (vomits, convulses), it violently (hardly, harshly) departs from him, bruising him sorely (severely). I begged Yur Disciples to expel it; they could not.” Jesus responded, “Faithless & perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, & bear with you? bring here yur son.” As he was coming, the demon dashed him down, tare him grievously. Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, & healed the boy, gave him back to his father. They were all astonished at God’s Majesty (Greatness, Mightiness).
While all were marvelling at the things which He did, He said to His Disciples, “Let these words sink into your ears: for the Son of Man shall be delivered up into the hands of men.” They understood not this saying, it was concealed from them not perceive it; they were afraid to ask Him about this. There arose a reasoning (dispute, quarrel, argument) among them, which of them was the greatest. When Jesus saw the reasoning (agitation) of their heart, He took a little-child (boy), set him by His side, said to them, “Whoever shall receive this little-child (boy) in My Name receives Me: whoever receive Me receives My Sender: he who is least among you, the same is great.” John replied, “Master (Epistata), we saw one expelling demons in Yur Name; we forbade him, because he follows not with us.” Jesus said to him, “Forbid him not: for he who is not against you is for you.”
When the days were very near to be received up, He stedfastly set His Face to go to Jerusalem, & sent messengers ahead: they went, entered a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for Him. They did not receive Him, because His Face was set toward Jerusalem. When His Disciples James & John saw this, they said, “Lord, let us call fire down from heaven, to consume them?” He turned, rebuked them. They went to another village. As they went on the way, a certain man said to Him, “I will follow Yu whereever Yu go.” Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes, the birds of the heaven have nests; the Son of Man has no where to lay His Head.” He said to another, “Follow me.” He said, “Lord, permit me first to go bury my father.” He said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead; go publish abroad God’s Kingdom.” Another said, “I will follow Yu, Lord; but first let me bid farewell to those at my house.” Jesus said to him, “No man, having put his hand to the plow, looking back, is fit for God’s Kingdom.” (9:1-62).
After this the Lord appointed 70 (LXX, Seventy, Septuagint) others, sent them two by two ahead to every city & place, whither He was about to go. He said to them, “The harvest indeed is plenteous, but the laborers are few: pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into His Harvest. Go your ways; I send you forth as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no wallet, no shoes; greet nobody on the way. Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace be to this house.” If a son of peace (i.e., good & receptive Jew or godly person) be there, your peace shall rest on him: but if not, it shall turn to you again. In that same house remain, eating & drinking what they give: the laborer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. Into whatever city you enter, if they receive you, eat what is set before you: heal the sick that are therein, say to them, “God’s Kingdom is near to you.” Whatever city you enter, if they receive you not, go out into the streets & say, “The dust from your city, that clings to our feet, we wipe off against you:” nevertheless know this, God’s Kingdom is near. I say to you, it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom (See Gen. 19.), than for that city.”
“Woe Chorazin! woe Bethsaida! if the mighty works had been done in Tyre & Sidon, which were done in you, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth & ashes. It shall be more tolerable for Tyre & Sidon in the judgment, than for you. Yu, Capernaum, shall yu be exalted to heaven? yu shall be brought down to Hades (Hell, Sheol, Feath, Grave). He who hears you hears Me; he who rejects you rejects Me; he who rejects Me rejects Him Who sent Me.”
The Seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, the demons are subject to us in Yur Name.” He said to them, “I watched Satan fallen as Lightning (Lucifer) from heaven. I have given you authority (power) to tread on serpents & scorpions, over all the power of the enemy: nothing shall in any way hurt you. In this rejoice not, the spirits are subject to you; rejoice your names are written in heaven.” In that same hour He rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, & said, “I thank Yu, Father, Lord of heaven & earth, Yu hid these things from the wise & understanding, & revealed them to babes: yes, Father; for so it was well-pleasing in Yur sight.” “All things have been delivered to Me of My Father: no one knows who the Son is, only the Father; & who the Father is, only the Son, & he to whomever the Son wills to reveal Him.” Turning to the Disciples, He said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see what you see: I say to you, many prophets & kings desired to see the things which you see, & saw them not; to hear what you hear, & heard them not.”
A certain lawyer stood up & made trial of Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the Law (i.e., Torah, Chumash, Pentateuch)? how read yu?” He answering, “Yu must love the Lord yur God with all yur heart, soul, strength, & mind; & yur neighbor as yurself.” He said to him, “Yu answered right: this do to live (lechaim).” He, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus answered, “A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho; he fell among robbers, who stripped & beat him, departed leaving him half dead. By chance a certain Priest was going down that way: when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. In like manner a Levite also, when he came to the place, saw him, passed by on the other side. A certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: when he saw him, he was moved with compassion, came to him, bound up his wounds, pouring on them oil & wine; he set him on his own beast (donkey), brought him to an inn, took care of him. In the morning he took out two shillings (denars), gave them to the host (inn-keeper), & said, “Take care of him; whatever yu spend more, when I return, will repay yu.” Which of these three, yu think, proved neighbor to him who fell among the robbers?” He said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Jesus said to him, “Go, do likewise.”
As they went on their way, He entered into a certain village: a woman named Martha received Him to her house. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s Feet, & heard His Word. Martha was cumbered (bothered, burdened, troubled) about much serving; she came up to Him, “Lord, do Yu not care that my sister left me to serve alone? tell her to help me.” The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, yu are anxious & troubled about many things: one thing is needful: Mary chose the good (better) part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (10:1-42)
After He was praying in a certain place, one of His Disciples asked, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught His Disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say, “Father, Holy be Yur Name. Yur Kingdom come. Give us day by day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins; as we forgive every one indebted to us. Bring us not into temptation.”” He said to them, “Which of you shall have a friend, & go to him at midnight to say, “Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine is come to me from a journey, I have nothing to set before him;” he from inside shall answer, “Trouble me not: the door is now shut, my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise & give yu?” I say to you, Though he will not rise to give him because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity (persistence) he will arise to give him as many as he needs. I say to you, Ask, it shall be given you; seek, ye shall find; knock, it shall be opened to you. For every one who asks receives; he who seeks finds; to him who knocks it shall be opened. Which of you as a father if his son ask a loaf, will give him a stone? Or for a fish, give him a serpent? Or for an egg, give him a scorpion? If you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them who ask Him?”
He was expelling a demon that was mute. When the demon exited, the dumb man spoke; the multitudes marvelled. Some said, “By Beelzebub the Prince of the Demons He expels demons.” Others, testing Him, sought a sign from heaven. He, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; a house divided against a house falls. If Satan is divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I expel demons by Beelzebub. If I by Beelzebub expel demons, by whom do your sons expel them? They shall be your judges. If I by the finger of God expel demons, God’s Kingdom is come on. When the strong man fully armed guards his own court (property), his goods are in peace (safe): when a stronger than he shall come on him, & overcome him, he takes from him his whole armor wherein he trusted, & divides his spoils (goods, stuff). He who is not with Me is against Me; he who gathers not with Me scatters. The unclean spirit when he is gone out of the man, passes through waterless places, seeking rest, finding none, he says, “I will return to my house whence I came out.” When he is come, he finds it swept & garnished (tidy). He goes, takes 7 other spirits more evil than himself; they enter & dwell there: the last state of that man becomes worse than the first.”
After He said these things, a certain woman out of the multitude lifted up her voice, “Blessed is the womb that bare Yu, & the breasts which Yu did suck (nurse, drink).” He replied, “Yes rather, blessed are they who hear God’s Word, & keep it.” When the multitudes were gathering together to Him, He said, “This generation is an evil generation: it seeks after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it but the sign of Jonah. As Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of Man be to this generation. The Queen of the South (i.e., of Judaea, in north Africa or Arabia; Ethiopia, etc.) shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, to condemn them: for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; look, a greater than Solomon is here. The men of Nineveh shall stand up in the judgment with this generation, to condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; look, a greater than Jonah is here. No one, after he lit a lamp, puts it in a cellar, neither under the bushel, but on the stand, that they which enter may see the light. The lamp of yur body is yur eye: when yur eye is single, yur whole body also is full of light; but when it is evil, yur body also is full of darkness. Look that the light in yu be not darkness. If yur whole body be full of light, having no part dark, it shall be wholly full of light, as when the lamp with its bright shining gives yu light.”
After He spoke, a Pharisee invited Him to dine with him: He went, sat (reclined) to eat. When the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that He had not first bathed Himself before dinner. The Lord said to him, “You Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup & platter; but your inward part is full of extortion & wickedness. You foolish (senseless, silly, thoughtless, stupid), did not He Who made the outside make the inside also? Give alms of what is inside , & all things are clean to you. Woe to you Pharisees! you tithe mint, rue & every herb, & pass over justice & the love of God: these ought you to have done, & not to leave the other undone. Woe to you Pharisees! you love the chief-seats in the synagogues, and the salutations in the marketplaces. Woe to you! you are as the tombs hidden, men walk over them not knowing.” One of the Lawyers answering, “Teacher, in saying this Yu reproach us.” He said, “Woe to you Lawyers! you load men with grievous heavy burdens, yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers. Woe to you! you build the tombs of the Prophets, & your fathers killed them. You are witnesses & consent to the works of your fathers: they killed them, you build their tombs.” God’s Wisdom says, “I will send to them Prophets & Apostles; some of them they shall kill & persecute; that the blood of all the Prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; from Abel’s blood to Zachariah’s blood, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary (Not Zechariah ben-Iddo; see the Zechariah 1.): yes, I say to you, it shall be required of this generation.” “Woe to you Lawyers! you took away the key of knowledge: you entered not in yourselves, them who were entering in you hindered.” When He came out, the Scribes & Pharisees pressed on Him vehemently, & to provoke Him to speak of many things; laying wait for Him, to catch something out of His mouth. (11:1-54)
When the many thousands of the multitude were gathered together, so they trod on one another, He said to His Disciples first, “Beware of the Pharisees’ leaven, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing covered up, that shall not be revealed; hid, that shall not be known. What you have said in the darkness shall be heard in the light; what you have spoken in the ear in the inner chambers shall be proclaimed on the housetops. I say to you My Friends, Be not afraid of them who kill the body, & afterward can do no more. I will warn you Whom you shall fear: Fear Him, Who after He has killed has power to cast into Hell (Gehenna); yes, I say to you, Fear Him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pence (assarion; 1/10th a denar or day’s wage, or 1 hour wage)? Not one of them is forgotten in God’s Sight. The very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not: you are of more value than many sparrows. I say to you, Every one who shall confess Me before men, him shall the Son of Man confess before God’s Angels: he who denies Me in the presence of men shall be denied in the presence of God’s Angels. Every one who shall speak a word against the Son of Man, it may be forgiven: him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit shall not be forgiven. When they bring you before the synagogues, and the rulers, and the authorities, be not anxious how or what you shall answer, or what you shall say: the Holy Spirit shall teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” One out of the multitude said to Him, “Teacher, bid my brother divide the inheritance with me.” He replied, “Man, who made me a judge or a divider over (for) you?” He said to them, “Take heed, keep yourselves from all covetousness (greed, lust, desires): for a man’s life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possess.”
He spoke a parable to them, “The ground of a rich man brought forth plentifully: he reasoned with himself, “What shall I do, I have nowhere to bestow (store, put) my fruits? He said, “I will pull down my barns, & build greater to bestow all my grain & my goods. I will say to my soul, Soul, yu have much goods laid up for many years; take yur ease, eat, drink, be merry.” God said to him, “Yu foolish (fool, stupid, silly, senseless), this night is yur soul required; the things which yu prepared, whose shall they be?” So is he who lays up treasure for himself, & is not rich toward (to, with, for) God.” He said to His Disciples, “I say to you, Be not anxious for your life (soul, self, psyche), what you shall eat; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. For the life (soul) is more than the food, and the body than the raiment. Consider the ravens, that they sow not, neither reap; which have no store-chamber nor barn; God feeds them: of how much more value are you than the birds! Which of you by being anxious can add a cubit (measure, size, foot-&-half, arm-length; pēchun, some 18”)? If you are not able to do what is least, why are ye anxious concerning the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they toil not, neither do they spin; I say to you, Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If God so clothed the grass in the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven; how much more shall He clothe you, you of little-faith(little-believers)? Seek not what to eat, what to drink, neither be of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations (Gentiles) of the world seek after: your Father knows you have need of these things. Seek His Kingdom, 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, give alms (donations, charities); make (take, lay, have) for yourselves purses which age not, treasure in the heavens that fail not, where no thief draw near, neither moth destroys. Where your treasure is, there will your heart be. Let your loins be girded about, your lamps burning; be like men looking for their Lord, when he shall return from the marriage feast; when he comes & knocks, they may straightway open to him. Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them sit down to meat, and shall come and serve them. If he shall come in the second watch (after sunset, 9 p.m to midnight (12 p.m.)), and if in the third (midnight to 3 a.m., before sunrise), find them so blessed are those servants. Know this, that if the Master of the house had known in what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched, and not have left his house to be broken through. Be ready: for in an hour that you think not the Son of Man comes.”
Peter said, “Lord, speak Yu this parable to us, or to all?” The Lord said, “Who then is the faithful & wise steward, whom his Lord shall set 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 so doing. Of a truth I say to you, he will set him over all that he has. If that servant shall say in his heart, “My Lord delays his coming;” shall beat the menservants & maidservants, & eat & drink, to be drunken; the Lord of that servant shall come in a day when he expects not, in an hour when he knows not, & cut him asunder, appoint his portion with the unfaithful. That servant, who knew his Lord’s will, made not ready, nor did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes; he who knew not, did things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. To whom much is given, of him shall much be required: to whom they commit much, of him will they ask the more. I came to toss fire on the earth; what do I desire, if it is already kindled? I have a baptism to be baptized with; how am I straitened (constrained, pressured) till it be accomplished! Think you I am come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, No; rather division: there shall be from henceforth 5 in one house divided, 3 against 2, two against three. They shall be divided, father against son, son against father; mother against daughter, daughter against her mother; mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” He said to the multitudes, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say, “There comes a shower;” so it happens. When you see a south wind blowing, you say, “There will be a scorching heat;” it happens. Hypocrites, you know how to interpret the face of the earth & the heaven; but how is it that you know not how to interpret this time? Why judge you not what is right? As yu go with yur adversary before the magistrate, on the way give diligence to be quit (free, settled) of him; lest haply he drag yu to the judge, the judge deliver yu to the officer, the officer cast yu into prison. I say to yu, “Yu shall by no means come out, till yu have paid the last mite (lepton, penny, cent).” (12:1-59)
At that season were some present who told Him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate (i.e., 26-36 A.D., Prefect Governor of Judaea; see Joseph. 18 on Samaritan massacre) had mingled with their sacrifices. He answered them, “Think that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they have suffered these things? I tell you, No: except you repent, you shall in like manner perish. Or those 18, on whom the Siloam Tower fell, & killed them, think that they were offenders above all men who dwell in Jerusalem? I tell you, No: except you repent, ye shall likewise perish.”
He spoke this parable; “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; he came seeking fruit thereon, found none. He said to the vinedresser, “these 3 years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, & find none: cut it down; why does it cumber (waste) the ground?” He replied, “Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, & dung (fertilize) it: if it bear fruit thenceforth, well; but if not, cut it down.”
He was teaching in one of the Synagogues on the Sabbath day. A woman had a spirit (condition; i.e., Satan) of infirmity (symptom, illness) 18 years; she was bowed together, could in no way lift herself up. When Jesus saw her, He called her, said to her, “Woman, yu are loosed (freed, released) from yur infirmity.” He laid His Hands on her: instantly she was made straight, & glorified God. The Synagogue Ruler, moved with indignation because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the multitude, “There are 6 days in which men ought to work: in them come and be healed, not on the Sabbath day.” The Lord responded, “You hypocrites, does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or his donkey from the stall, & lead him away to watering? Ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan (i.e., the spirit) had bound these 18 years, to have been loosed from this bond on the day of the Sabbath?” As He said these things, all His adversaries were put to shame: the multitude rejoiced for the glorious things that were done by Him.
He said, “What is God’s Kingdom like? How shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, cast into his own garden; it grew, became a tree; and the birds of the heaven lodged in the branches thereof.” Again He said, “How shall I compare God’s Kingdom? It is like leaven, which a woman took & hid in 3 measures of meal, till it was all leavened.”
He went on His way through cities & villages, teaching, & traveling to Jerusalem. One said to Him, “Lord, are they few who are saved?” He said to them, “Strive to enter in by the narrow door: many, I tell you, shall seek to enter, & not be able. When once the Master-of- the-house (House-master) is risen up, shut (lock) the door, & you stand outside, & knock at the door, saying, “Lord, open to us;” he shall answer & say to you, “I know you not whence you are;” then shall you say, “We did eat & drink in yur presence, yu taught in our streets;” he shall say, “I tell you, I know not whence ye are; depart from me, all you workers of iniquity.” There shall be the weeping & gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob, with all the Prophets, in God’s Kingdom, & yourselves thrown outside. They shall come from the east & west, from the north & south, to sit down in God’s Kingdom. Those last who shall be first, & those first who shall be last.”
In that hour came certain Pharisees, saying to Him, “Get out, go away: Herod wants to kill Yu.” He said replied, “Go, tell that fox, Behold, I expel demons & perform cures to-day, to-morrow, & the 3rd day I am perfected. Nevertheless I must go on My way to-day, to-morrow, & the day following: it cannot be that a prophet perish outside Jerusalem. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that kills the Prophets, stones them sent to her! how often would I have gathered yur children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, & you would not! Your house is left to you desolate: I say to you, “Ye shall not see Me, until you say, “Blessed is He Who comes in the Lord’s Name.” (13:1-35)
After He went into the house of one of the Rulers of the Pharisees on a Sabbath to eat bread, they were watching Him. There was before Him a man with dropsy (edema; from hydropsical, water-swollen, etc.). Jesus responded to the Lawyers & Pharisees, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?” They kept silent. He took him, healed him, & let him go. He said to them, “Which of you shall have a donkey or ox fallen into a well, will not straightway draw him up on a Sabbath day?” They could not reply to these things. He spoke a parable to those invited, when he marked how they chose out the chief-seats; saying to them, “When yu are invited to a marriage-feast, sit not down in the chief-seat; lest perhaps one more-honorable than yu be invited by him, & he who invited yu & him shall come & say to yu, “Give this one place; then yu shall with shame take the lowest place.” When invited, go sit down in the lowest place; when the inviter comes, he may say to thee, “Friend, go up higher:” then shall yu have glory in the presence of all who sit to eat with yu. Everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled; he who humbles himself shall be exalted.” He said to him who invited him, “When yu make a dinner or supper, call not yur friends, nor yur brothers, nor yur relatives, nor rich neighbors; lest they also invite yu in return, to recompense yu. When yu make a feast, invite the poor, maimed, lame, the blind: yu shall be blessed; because they cannot recompense yu: yu shall be recompensed in the resurrection of the righteous.”
When one of them who sat at table with him heard these things, he said to Him, “Blessed is he who shall eat bread in God’s Kingdom.” He replied to him, “A man made a great supper; he invited many: he sent forth his servant at supper time to say to them that were invited, “Come; things are ready.” They all with one consent began to make excuse. The 1st said to him, “I have bought a field, I must go out to see it; please excuse me.” Another said, “I have bought 5 yoke of oxen, must prove them; please excuse me.:” Another said, “I have married a wife, I cannot come.” The servant came, told his Lord these things. Then the House-master being angry said to his servant, “Go out quickly into the streets & lanes of the city, bring in the poor, maimed, blind, & lame.” The servant said, “Lord, what yu commanded is done, there is still room.” The Lord said to the servant, “Go out into the highways & hedges, constrain them to come in, that my house may be filled. I say to you, none of those men who were invited shall taste of my supper.”
There went with Him great multitudes: He turned, & said to them, “If any man comes to Me, hates not his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes, & his own life (soul), he cannot be My Disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross to come after Me, cannot be My Disciple. Which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down to count the cost, whether he can complete it? Lest perhaps, after he laid a foundation, is not able to finish, all who look mock him, “This man began to build, was not able to finish.” Or what King, as he goeth to encounter another King in war, will not sit down first & take counsel whether he is able with 10,000 to meet him that cometh against him with 20,000? Or, while the other is yet a great way off, sends an ambassage (representative), to ask conditions of peace. So whoever who renounces not all he has, cannot be My Disciple. Salt is good: if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is fit neither for the land nor for the dunghill (dump, trash): men toss it out. He who has ears, let him hear.”
The Publicans & sinners were drawing near to hear Him. The Pharisees & Scribes criticized, “This One receives sinners, & eats with them.” He spoke to them this parable, “What man of you, having 100 sheep, having lost one of them, doth not leave the 99 in the wilds, to go after what is lost, til he find it? After he finds it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. After he comes home, he calls together his friends & neighbors, “Rejoice with me, I have found my lost sheep.” I say to you, there shall be joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, more than over 99 righteous persons, who need no repentance. Or what woman having 10 pieces-of-silver (silver-coins; drachmas, handful-weight, 6 obols, sticks, stints, nails; drachma is about 1/10th of a denar; a days wage was a denar; 8-10 drachmas = denar, dime. A days’ wage of 1 denar = 10 drachmas = 100 pennies, cents (1/100th of a denar)), if she lose one piece (1/10th of days wage, or today $10.00 bucks or 10 dollar bill or coin), does not light a lamp, sweep the house, seek diligently until she find it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends & neighbors, saying, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost silver-piece (coin, drachma, 10th-coin, $10-bill).” I say to you, there is joy in the presence of God’s Angels over one sinner who repents.”
He said, “A certain man had two sons: the younger said to his father, “Father, give me the portion of yur substance that falls to me.” He divided to them his living. Not many days after, the younger son gathered all together & took his journey into a far country; and there he wasted his substance with riotous (wild, careless, unruly) living. After he had spent all, there arose a great famine in that country; he came to be in need. He went & joined one of the citizens of that country; he sent him into his fields to feed swine. He he tried to fill his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: no man gave to him. When he came to himself he said, “How many my father’s hired servants have bread enough & to spare, & I perish here with hunger! I will arise, go to my father, say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, & in yur sight: I am no more worthy to be called your son: make me as one of yur hired servants.” He arose, came to his father. While he was afar off, his father saw him, was moved with compassion, ran, fell on his neck, kissed him. The son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, & in yur sight: I am no more worthy to be called yur son.” The father said to his servants, “Bring forth quickly the best robe, put it on him; put a ring on his hand, shoes on his feet: bring the fatted calf, kill it, let us eat, & make merry: my son was dead, & is alive again; he was lost, & is found.” They celebrated. His older son was in the field: as he came near the house, he heard music & dancing. He called one of the servants, & inquired what is this. He said to him, “Yur brother returned; yur father killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe & sound.” He was angry, would not go in: his father came out, and entreated him. He answered his father, “These many years do I serve yu, I never transgressed yur commandment; yu never gave me a kid to celebrate with my friends: when this son came, who has devoured yur living with harlots, killed for him the fatted calf.” He said to him, “Son, yu are always with me, all that is mine is yurs. It was meet (needful, proper, right) to celebrate & rejoice: yur brother was dead, & is alive again; was lost, & is found.”“ (15:1-32)
He said to the Disciples, “There was a certain rich man, who had a steward; he was accused of wasting his goods. He called him, “What is this that I hear of yu? render the account of yur stewardship; yu can no longer be steward.” The steward said within himself, “What shall I do, seeing my Lord takes away the stewardship from me? I have not strength to dig; to beg I am ashamed. I am resolved what to do, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.” Calling each of his Lord’s debtors, he said to the 1st, “How much owe yu to my Lord?” He said, “100 measures of oil.” He said to him, “Take yur bond (contract, agreement), sit down quickly write 50.” He said to another (2nd), “How much owe yu?” He said, “100 measures of wheat.” He says to him, “Take yur bond, write 80.” His Lord commended the unrighteous steward because he had done wisely: the sons of this world (age, generation) are for their own generation wiser than the sons of the light. I say to you, Make to yourselves friends by means of the mammon of unrighteousness; when it shall fail, they may receive you into the eternal tabernacles (everlasting habitations). He who is faithful in a little is faithful in much: he who is unrighteous in little is unrighteous also in much. If you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon (riches, wealth), who will commit to your trust the true riches? If you have not been faithful in what is another’s, who will give you what is your own? No servant can serve two masters: either he will hate the one, & love the other; or he will hold to (favor, care for) one, & despise the other. You cannot serve God & mammon.”
The Pharisees, who were money-lovers, heard these things; they scoffed at Him. He said to them, “You are they who justify yourselves in men’s sight; God knows your hearts: what is exalted among men is abomination in God’s Sight. The Law & the Prophets were until John: from that time God’s Kingdom is preached (evangelized’ broadcast), & everyone enters-violently into it (violates it, assaults it, resists it). It is easier for heaven & earth to pass away, than for one tittle (little-horn, stroke, mark; i.e., line or command (such as “divorce”)) of the Law to fall (fail, vanish). Every one who puts-away (divorces) his wife, & marries another, committs adultery: he who marries one who is put-away (divorced) from a husband commits adultery.”
There (We are not told here by the inspired writer that Jesus spoke this parable.) was a rich-one (Latin = dives), he was clothed in purple & fine linen, faring sumptuously every day: a beggar (Latin = mendicant) named Lazarus was laid at his gate, full of sores, desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich-one’s table; yes, the dogs come & licked his sores. The beggar died, he was carried-away by the Angels to Abraham’s bosom: the rich-one also died, & was buried. In Hades (Hell, Sheol, grave, death) he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, sees Abraham afar off, Lazarus in his bosom. He cried, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me, send Lazarus, that he may dip (baptize, immerse) the tip of his finger in water, to cool my tongue; I am in anguish in this flame.” Abraham said, “Son, remember that yu in yur lifetime received yur good things, Lazarus in like manner evil things: but now here he is comforted & yu are in anguish. Besides this, between us & you there is a great gulf fixed, that they who would pass from hence to you may not be able, that none may cross over from thence to us.” He replied, “Please, Father, send him to my father’s house; I have 5 brothers, to testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.” Abraham replied, “They have Moses & the Prophets; let them hear (heed, obey, listen to) them.” He said, “No, Father Abraham: but if one go to them from the dead (i.e., from Hades, Hell, grave, death), they will repent.” He replied, “If they hear not Moses & the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded, if one rise from the dead.” (16:1-31)
He said to His Disciples, “It is impossible but that occasions of stumbling should come; woe to him, through whom they come! It were well (good, better) for him if a millstone were hanged about his neck, & he were thrown into the sea, than he should cause one of these little ones to stumble. Take heed to yourselves: if thy brother sin, rebuke him; if he repent, forgive him. If he sin against yu 7 times in the day, & 7 times turn again, saying, “I repent;” yu must forgive him.” The Apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” The Lord said, “If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you would say to this sycamine tree, “Be thou rooted up, be planted in the sea;” it would obey you. Who is there of you, having a servant plowing or keeping sheep, will say to him, when he is come in from the field, “Come sit down to eat;” & will not rather say to him, “Make ready wherewith I may sup, gird yurself, serve me, till I have eaten & drunken; afterward yu shall eat & drink?” Does he thank the servant because he did the things that were commanded? So you also, after you shall have done all the things that are commanded you, say, “We are unprofitable servants; we have done what was our duty to do.”
As they were on their way to Jerusalem, he was passing along the borders of Samaria & Galilee. As he entered a village, there met him 10 men who were lepers, who stood afar off: they lifted up their voices, “Jesus, Master (Epistata), have mercy on us.” When He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the Priests.” As they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, with a loud voice glorifying God; he fell upon his face at His feet, giving Him thanks: he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not the 10 cleansed? but where are the 9? Were there none found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger?” He said to him, “Arise, go yur way: yur faith has made yu whole.”
And asked by the Pharisees, when God’s Kingdom comes, He answered, “God’s Kingdom comes not with observation (i.e. sign-watching): neither shall they say, “Look, here!” or, “There!”. Look, God’s Kingdom is within (in, inside, with, near) you.” He said to the Disciples, “The days will come, when you shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, & you shall not see it. They shall say to you, “Lo, there! Lo, here!” go not away, nor follow after them: as the lightning, when it lightens (shines) out of the one part under the heaven, shines to the other part under heaven; so shall the Son of man be in His day. First He must suffer many things, be rejected of this generation. As it happened in Noah’s days, so shall it be in the days of the Son of Man. They ate, drank, married, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, the flood came, & destroyed them all. Likewise, in the days of Lot; they ate, drank, bought, sold, planted, they builded; in the day Lot went out from Sodom it rained fire & brimstone from heaven, & destroyed them all: so shall it be in the day that the Son of Man is revealed. In that day, he who shall be on the housetop, & his goods in the house, let him not go down to take them away: let him that is in the field likewise not return back. Remember Lot’s wife. Whoever shall seek to gain his life shall lose it: whoever shall lose his life shall preserve it. I say to you, In that night there shall be two men on one bed; the one shall be taken, the other shall be left. Two women grinding together; the one shall be taken, the other shall be left. Two men in the field; the one shall be taken, the other shall be left.” They responding to Him, “Where, Lord?” He said to them, “Where the body is, thither will the eagles (vultures) also be gathered together.” (17:1-37)
He spoke a parable to them always to pray, & not to faint (tire, give up, weary, get frustrated); saying, “There was in a city a Judge, who feared not God, & regarded not man: there was a widow in that city; she came oft to him, saying, “Avenge me of mine adversary.” He would not for a while: but afterward he said in (to, with) himself, “Though I fear not God, nor regard man; because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her, lest she wear me out by her continual coming.” The Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous Judge says. Shall not God avenge His Elect, who cry to him day & night, though He is longsuffering over them? I say to you, He will avenge them speedily. When the Son of Man comes, shall He find faith on the earth?” He spoke this parable to certain who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, & set all others at nought (as nothing, aside): “Two men went up to the Temple to pray; one a Pharisee, the other a publican (tax-collector). The Pharisee stood & prayed with (to) himself, “God, I thank Yu, I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or as this publican. I fast twice in the week; I give tithes of all that I get.” The publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes to heaven, smote his breast, saying, “God, be merciful to a sinner.” I say to you, This man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one who exalts himself shall be humbled; he who humbles himself shall be exalted.”
They were bringing to Him their babies (children) to touch them: when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. Jesus called them to say, “Permit the little children to come to Me, forbid them not: to such belongs God’s Kingdom. Verily (Amen,) I say to you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little-child, he shall in not enter therein.” A ruler asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “Why call Me Good? none is Good, but God alone. Yu know the commandments, “Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor yur father & mother.” He said, “These things have I observed from my youth up.” When Jesus heard it, He said to him, “One thing yu lack: sell all yu have, distribute to the poor, yu shall have treasure in heaven: come, follow Me.” When he heard these things, he became exceeding sorrowful; he was very rich. Jesus seeing him said, “How difficult shall they with riches enter God’s Kingdom! It is easier for a camel to pass through a needle’s eye, than for a rich-one to enter God’s Kingdom.” They who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” Peter said, “Look, we have left our own, & followed Yu.” He said to them, “Verily (Amen,) I say to you, There is no one who left house, wife, brothers, parents, or children, for God’s Kingdom’s sake, who shall not receive manifold more in this time (age), & in the world (age) to come eternal life.”
He took the Twelve, & said to them, “We go up to Jerusalem, all the things that are written through the Prophets shall be accomplished to the Son of Man. He shall be delivered up to the Gentiles, shall be mocked, shamefully treated, spit upon: they shall scourge & kill Him: the 3rd day he shall rise again.” They understood none of these things; this saying was hid from them, they perceived not the things that were said.
As He drew near Jericho, a blind man sat by the way side begging: hearing a multitude passing by, he inquired what this meant. They told him Jesus of Nazareth passes by. He shouted, “Jesus, David’s Son, have mercy on me.” They who went before rebuked him, to keep quiet: he cried out the more a great deal, “Son of David, have mercy on me.” Jesus stood, commanded to bring him: when he was brought, He asked him, “What want yu that I do to yu?” He said, “Lord, to receive my sight.” Jesus said to him, “Receive yur sight; yur faith has made yu whole.” Immediately he received his sight, followed Him, glorifying God: the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. (18:1-43)
He entered & passed through Jericho. A man named Zacchaeus; he was a Chief Publican, he was rich; he sought to see Jesus Who He was; could not for the crowd, because he was little of stature. He ran on ahead, climbed up a sycomore tree to see Him: as He was to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, He looked up, said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry down; to-day I must stay at yur house.” He hurried down, received Him joyfully. When they saw it, they all complained, “He is gone in to lodge with a man who is a sinner (sinner man, sinful man).” Zacchaeus stood, & said to the Lord, “Lord, half of my goods I give to the poor; if I have wrongfully exacted anything from any one, I restore fourfold.” Jesus said to him, “To-day is salvation come to this house, as he also is Abraham’s son. The Son of Man (i.e., Adam’s Son) came to seek & to save what was lost.”
As they heard these things, He added a parable, because He was near Jerusalem, because they supposed that God’s Kingdom was immediately to appear. He said, “A Nobleman went to a far country, to receive for himself a Kingdom, and to return. He called 10 servants of his, gave them 10 pounds (minas, talent; 16 denars, or 2 days wages or $200 in todays wages; so 10 minas or talents would be $2,000 each), said to them, “Trade with it till I come (return).” His citizens hated him, sent an ambassage after him, saying, “We will not have this one reign over us.” After he returned, having received the Kingdom, he commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, to know what they had gained by trading. The 1st came before him, saying, “Lord, yur pound (mina, talent) has made 10 pounds (minas, talents) more.” He said to him, “Well done, good servant: yu were faithful in a little, have authority over 10 cities.” The 2nd came, saying, “Yur pound (mina, talent), Lord, has made 5 pounds (minas, talents).” He said to him, “Be over 5 cities.” Another (3rd) came, saying, “Lord, here is yur pound (mina, talent), which I kept laid up in a napkin: I feared, because yu are an austere man: yu take up what yu laid not down, & reap what yu did not sow.” He says to him, “Out of yur own mouth will I judge yu, wicked servant. Yu knew I am an austere man, taking up what I laid not down, reaping what I did not sow; why put yu not my money in the bank, & I at my return should have required it with interest?” He said to them who stood by, “Take away from him the pound (mina, talent), give it to him who has the 10 pounds (minas, talents).” They said to him, “Lord, he has 10 pounds (mina, talent).” I say to you, to every one who has shall be given; from him who has not, what he has shall be taken away from him. These mine enemies, who refused that I should reign over them, bring hither, slay them before me.” When He so spoke, He went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
When He drew near Bethphage & Bethany, at the Mount that is called Olivet, He sent two of the Disciples, saying, “Go your way into the village opposite you; in which as you enter you shall find a colt tied, whereon no man ever sat: loose it, bring it. If any one ask you, “Why do ye loose it?” say, “The Lord needs it.” They went, found as He told them. As they were loosing the colt, its owners asked, “Why loose you the colt?” They said, “The Lord needs it.” They brought it to Jesus: they threw their garments on the colt, set Jesus thereon. As He went, they spread their garments in the way. He was now approaching at the descent (foot, bottom) of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of (with) the disciples began to rejoice & praise God with a loud voice for the mighty works which they had seen; saying, “Blessed is the King Who comes in the Lord’s Name: peace in heaven, glory in the highest.” Some of the Pharisees from the multitude said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke Yur Disciples.” He answered, “I tell you, if these shall keep silent, the stones will cry out.” When He drew near, He saw the city & wept over it, saying, “If yu had known in this day, what belong to (gives) peace! Now they are hid from yur eyes. The days shall come on yu, when yur enemies shall cast up a bank about yu, compass yu round, keep yu in on every side, shall dash yu to the ground, & yur children within yu; they shall not leave in yu one stone on another; because yu knew not the time of yur visitation.” He entered the temple, & cast out them who sold, saying to them, “It is written, “My House shall be a House of Prayer: you have made it a den of robbers.” He was teaching daily in the Temple. The Chief Priests & Scribes & the principal men of the people sought to destroy Him: they could not find what they might do; the people all hung on him, listening. (19:1-48)
On one of the days, as He was teaching the people in the Temple, & preaching-the-gospel (evangelizing), there came on (at, against) Him the Chief Priests & Scribes with the Elders; they demanded, “Tell us: By what authority Yu do these things? or who is he who gave Yu this authority?” He answered, “I ask you a question; & tell Me: The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men?” They reasoned with themselves, “If we say, “From heaven;” He will say, “Why did you not believe him?” if we shall say, “From men;” the people will stone us: they are persuaded that John was a Prophet.” They answered, they knew not whence it was. Jesus said to them, “Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.”
He spoke to the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard, let (leased, rented) it out to husbandmen (tenant-farmers, sharecroppers, cultivators, vineyardmen), & went to another country a long time. At the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant (1st), that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: the husbandmen beat him, sent him away empty. He sent another servant (2nd): him they beat, handled (treated) him shamefully, sent him away empty. He sent yet a 3rd: him they wounded, & cast him forth. The Lord of the vineyard said, “What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; it may be they will reverence him.” When the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned one with another, “This is the heir; let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.” They cast him forth out of the vineyard, & killed him. What will the Lord of the vineyard do to them? He will come & destroy these husbandmen, & will give the vineyard to others.” When they heard it, they said, “God forbid (Never happen!).” He looked on them, & said, “What then is this that is written, “The stone which the builders rejected, The same was made the head of the corner?” Every one who falls on that stone shall be broken to pieces; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will scatter him as dust.”
The Scribes & Chief Priests sought to lay hands on Him in that very hour; they feared the people: for they perceived He spoke this parable against them. They watched Him, sent forth spies, who feigned to be righteous, to take hold of His speech, to deliver Him up to the rule & authority of the Governor. They asked Him, “Teacher, we know that Yu say & teach rightly, & accept (favor) not the person of any, but of a truth teach God’s Way: Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” He perceived (seeing, knowing, suspecting) their craftiness, said to them, “Show Me a denarius (i.e., worth a days wage, or a $100 silver coin or bill). Whose image & superscription has it?” They said, “Caesar’s.” He replied, “Render to Caesar what are Caesar’s, to God what are God’s.” They were not able to take hold of (grasp, catch, seize) the saying before the people: they marvelled at His answer, & kept-quiet (speechless, frozen). There came to Him certain of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection; they asked Him, “Teacher, Moses wrote to us, “if a man’s brother die, having a wife, & he be childless, his brother should take (marry) the wife, to raise up seed (children, kids) to his brother.” There were 7 brothers: the 1st took a wife, & died childless; the 2nd: & the 3rd took her; likewise the 7th left no children, & died. Afterward the woman also died. In the resurrection, whose wife of them shall she be? all 7 married her.”(See 4th Mac. c. 13-18.) Jesus said to them, “The sons of this world marry, & are given in marriage: they who are accounted worthy to attain to that world, & the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: neither can they die any more: they are equal to the angels; & are God’s Sons (Children), being sons of the resurrection. That the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the place concerning the Bush, when He calls the Lord (YHWH) the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob. He is not the God of the dead, but of the living: all live to Him.” Certain of the Scribes answering, “Teacher, Yu said well.” They dared not any more ask Him any question. He said to them, “How say they that the Christ is David’s Son? David himself says in the Book of Psalms, “The Lord (YHWH) said to my Lord (Adonai), Sit at My Right Hand, Till I make Yur Enemies the Footstool of Yur Feet.” David calls Him Lord (Adonai), how is He his Son?” In the hearing of the people He said to His Disciples, “Beware of the Scribes, who desire to walk in long robes, and love salutations in the marketplaces, chief seats in the synagogues, chief places at feasts; who devour widows’ houses, & in pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater condemnation.” (20:1-47)
He looked up, saw the rich men that were casting their gifts into the treasury. He saw a poor widow casting in her two mites (leptas; 300 leptas = 1 denar = $100, 1 day wage; 30 leptas = 1 hour wage at $10.00; 2 leptas = few minutes of labor, or few dollars). He said, “Of a truth I say to you, “This poor widow cast in more than they all: for all these did of their superfluity (extra, surplus, abundance) cast in to the gifts; but she of her want (need, lack) did cast in all the living that she had.”
As some spoke of the Temple, how it was adorned with goodly (beautiful) stones & offerings, He said, “As for what you look at, the days will come, in which there shall not be left here one stone on another, that shall not be thrown down.” They asked Him, “Teacher, when shall these things be? what shall be the sign when these things are about to happen?” He said, “Take heed that you be not led astray: many shall come in My Name, saying, “I am He;” &, “The time is near (at hand, now)”: go not after them. When you hear of wars & tumults, be not terrified: for these things must needs happen first; but the end is not immediately.”
Then said He to them, “Nation shall rise against Nation, Kingdom against Kingdom; there shall be great earthquakes; in various places famines & pestilences; there shall be terrors & great signs from heaven. Before all these things, they shall lay their hands on you, shall persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues & prisons, bringing you before Kings & Governors for My Name’s sake. It shall turn out to you for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate beforehand how to answer: I will give you a mouth & wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to resist or to gainsay (oppose). You shall be delivered up by parents, brothers, relatives, & friends; some of you shall they put to death. You (Christians) shall be hated of all men for My Name’s sake. Not a hair of your head shall perish. In your patience ypu shall win (gain, possess) your souls.”
“When you see Jerusalem compassed (beseighed) with armies, then know that her desolation is near (soon, at hand). Then let them in Judaea flee to the mountains; let them in her depart out; let not them in the country enter therein. These are days of vengeance, that what is written may be fulfilled. Woe to them with child & to them who nurse in those days! There shall be great distress on the land (earth), wrath to this (Jewish) people. They (Jews) shall fall by the edge of the sword, & shall be led captive into all the nations (Gentiles): Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, til the Times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. There shall be signs in sun, moon, & stars; on the earth distress of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea the billows (waves) (i.e. as in typhoons, hurricanes, monsoons, tornadoes, tropical storms, etc.); men fainting for fear, and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world (oikoumenē, economy, house-management, world-management, dispensation): for the powers (forces) of the heavens shall be shaken. Then shall they see the Son of Man (Adam’s Son) coming in a cloud with power & great glory. When these things happen, look up, lift up your heads; because your redemption draws-near (approaches).”
He spoke to them a parable: “Behold the fig tree, & all the trees: when they shoot forth, you see it & know of your own selves that the summer is now nigh. So you also, when you see these things happen, know that God’s Kingdom is near. Verily (Amen,) I say to you, This generation (i.e., the summer generation in the parable) shall not pass-away, till all things be accomplished. Heaven & earth shall pass-away: but My Words shall not pass-away. Take heed to yourselves, lest perhaps your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting (excess, obsessions, addictions), drunkenness (intoxication, insobriety, inebriated), & cares of this life, & that day come on you suddenly as a snare: so shall it come on them who dwell on the face of the earth. Watch at every season, making supplication, that you may prevail to escape these things that shall happen, & to stand before the Son of Man.” Every day He was teaching in the Temple; every night He went out, lodged in the Mount that is called Olivet. The people came early in the morning to Him in the Temple, to hear Him. (21:1-38)
The Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover (Pesach, Easter). The Chief Priests & Scribes, who feared the people, sought how they might put Him to death. Satan entered Judas who was called Iscariot, numbered with the Twelve. He went away, communed (dealt, bargained) with the Chief Priests & Captains (Temple-Captains), how he might deliver Him to them. They were glad, covenanted (agreed, promised) to give him money. He consented, sought opportunity to deliver Him to them in the absence of the multitude. The day of Unleavened Bread came, on which the Passover (i.e., the Lamb) must be sacrificed. He sent Peter & John, “Go, prepare for us the Passover (i.e., dinner, supper), to eat.” They said to Him, “Where will Yu we prepare?” He said to them, “When you enter the city, there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water; follow him to the house where he goes. You shall say to the Master of the House (House-master, -ruler, -despot , overlord), “The Teacher says to yu, “Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the Passover with My Disciples?” He will show you a large upper room furnished: there prepare.” They went, found as He said to them: they prepared the Passover.
When the hour was come, He sat-down (reclined, laid-down), the Apostles with Him. He said to them, “I desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer: I say to you, I shall not eat it, til it be fulfilled in God’s Kingdom.” He received a cup, when He gave thanks, He said, “Take this, divide (share) it among yourselves: I say to you, I shall no longer drink from the fruit of the vine, till God’s Kingdom come.” He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, gave to them, saying, “This is My Body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of Me.” The cup in like manner after supper, saying, “This cup is the New Covenant (Testament) in My Blood, which is poured out for you. Behold, the hand of him who betrays Me is with Me at the table. The Son of Man (Adam’s Son) indeed goes, as determined: woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!”
They questioned among themselves, who should do this thing. There arose also a contention among them, which of them was accounted greatest. He said to them, “The Kings of the Gentiles have lordship (rule, dominion) over them; they who have authority over them are called Benefactors (Overlords, Patrons). Not you: he who is the greater, let him become as the younger; he that is chief (leader, top), as he who served. Who is greater, he who sits to eat, or he who serves? is not he who sits at table? I am among you as He Who serves. You have continued with Me in My temptations (trials); I appoint (dispense, designate) to you a Kingdom, as My Father appointed to Me, to eat & drink at My Table in My Kingdom; you shall sit on thrones judging the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Simon, Simon, Satan asked to have you, to sift you as wheat: I made supplication for yu, that yur faith fail not; when yu have turned again (converted, returned), establish (strengthen) yur brothers.” He said, “Lord, with Yu I am ready to go both to prison & to death.” He said, “I tell yu, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day, till yu thrice deny yu know Me.” He said to them, “When I sent you forth without purse, wallet, & shoes, lacked ye anything?” They said, “Nothing.” He said to them, “He who has a purse (bag, wallet), take it, likewise a wallet; he who has none, let him sell his cloak, to buy a sword. I say to you, what is written must be fulfilled in Me, “He was reckoned with transgressors:” for what concerns (relates to) Me has fulfilment.” They said, “Lord, here are two swords.” He said to them, “It is enough.”
He came out, & went, as His custom was, to the Mount of Olives; the Disciples also followed Him. When He was at the place, He said to them, “Pray you enter not into temptation (trials, tribulation).” He was parted from them about a stone’s throw; He kneeled down & prayed, “Father, if Yu are willing, remove this cup from Me: nevertheless not My will, but Yurs, be done.” There appeared to Him an Angel from heaven, strengthening Him. Being in an agony He prayed more earnestly (intensely, desperately); His sweat was as great drops of blood falling down upon the ground. When He rose up from His prayer, He came to the Disciples, found them sleeping for sorrow, & said to them, “Why sleep you? rise & pray to not enter into temptation.” While He spoke, a crowd (mob), with one of the Twelve called Judas, went before them; he drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. Jesus said to him, “Judas, betray yu the Son of Man with a kiss?” When they who were with Him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” One of them struck the servant of the High Priest, & struck off his right ear. Jesus responded, “Permit them. He touched his ear, and healed him. Jesus said to the Chief Priests, Captains of the Temple, & Elders, who were come against Him, “Are you come out, as against a robber, with swords & staves (clubs, rods)? When I was daily with you in the Temple, you stretched not forth your hands against Me: this is your hour, & the power of darkness.” They seized (arrested) Him, led Him away, brought Him to the High Priest’s house. But Peter followed afar off.
When they kindled a fire inside the court, sat down together, Peter sat among them. A maid seeing him as he sat in the light of the fire, looking stedfastly on him, said, “This One was with Him.” He denied, (1st) “Woman, I know Him not.” After a little while another saw him, “Yu also are one of them.” Peter said, (2nd) “Man, I am not.” after the space of about one hour another confidently affirmed, “Of a truth this man also was with Him; for he is a Galilaean.” Peter said, (3rd) “Man, I know not what yu say.” Immediately, while he spoke, the rooster crew. The Lord turned, looked on Peter. Peter remembered the Lord’s Word, how He said to him, “Before the rooster crow this day yu shall deny Me thrice.” He went out, wept bitterly. The men that held Jesus mocked Him, beat Him. They blindfolded Him, saying, “Prophesy: who is he that struck Yu?” Many other things spoke they against Him, reviling Him. As soon as it was day (sunrise), the assembly of the Elders of the people was gathered together, with Chief Priests & Scribes; & they led Him away to their Council (Sanhedrin), saying, “If Yu are the Christ, tell us.” He said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe: if I ask you, you will not answer. From henceforth shall the Son of Man be seated at the Right Hand of God’s Power.” They all said, “Are Yu the Son of God?” He said to them, “You say that I am.” They said, “What further need have we of witness? we have heard from His Mouth.”
The whole company of them rose up, brought Him before Pilate (The time is after sunrise before noon.). They accused Him, “We found This-one perverting our nation, forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying He is Christ a King (King Christ, Messiah King).” Pilate asked Him, “Are Yu the King of the Jews?” He answered, “Yu say”. Pilate said to the Chief Priests and the multitudes, “I find no fault in this Man.” They were the more urgent (demanding), saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judaea, beginning from Galilee to this place.” When Pilate heard it, he asked whether the Man were a Galilaean. When he knew He was of Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was at Jerusalem in these days.
When Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: he was of a long time desirous to see Him, he had heard concerning Him; he hoped to see some miracle done by Him. He questioned Him with many words; He answered Him nothing. The Chief Priests & Scribes stood, vehemently accusing Him. Herod with his soldiers set him at nought, mocked Him, dressing Him in gorgeous (royal) apparel sent Him back to Pilate. Herod & Pilate became friends with each other that day: before they were at enmity between themselves.
Pilate called-together (summoned) the Chief Priests & Rulers & people, said to them, “You brought to me this Man, as One Who perverts the people: I examined Him before you, found no fault in this Man touching those things whereof you accuse Him: nor even Herod: he sent Him back to us; look, nothing worthy of death was done by Him. I will therefore chastise (whip, scourge) Him, & release Him.” He must needs release to them at the feast one prisoner. They cried out together, “Away with This-one, release to us Barabbas” (Bar-Abbas; Aram., Father’s-Son): one who for a insurrection made in the city, & murder, was cast into prison. Pilate spoke to them again, desiring to release Jesus; they shouted, “Crucify, crucify Him.” He said to them the 3rd time, “Why, what evil has This-one done? I have found no cause of death in Him: I will therefore chastise & release Him.” They were urgent (insistent) with loud voices, asking that he might be crucified. Their voices prevailed. Pilate gave sentence, what they asked for should be done. He released him who for insurrection & murder had been cast into prison, whom they demanded; Jesus he delivered up to their will.
When they led Him away, they laid hold on Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, & laid on him the cross, to carry it after Jesus. There followed Him a great multitude of the people, women who bewailed & lamented Him. Jesus turning to them said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for Me, weep for yourselves, & your children. behold, the days are coming, in which they shall say, “Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bare, the breasts that never nursed.” Then shall they say to the mountains, “Fall on us;” to the hills, “Cover us.” For if they do these things with the green tree, what shall be done with the dry?” There were also two others, malefactors (criminals), led with Him to be put to death.
When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified Him, the malefactors, one on the right hand, the other on the left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; they know not what they do.” Parting His garments among them, they cast lots. The people stood watching. The Rulers also scoffed at Him, “He saved others; let Him save Himself, if this is God’s Christ (Messiah, Anointed), His Chosen.” The soldiers also mocked Him, coming offering Him vinegar (sour-wine), saying, “If Yu are the King of the Jews, save yurself.” There was also a superscription over Him, “THE KING OF THE JEWS”. One of the malefactors that were hanged railed on Him, “Are not Yu the Christ? save yurself & us.” The other answered, rebuking him, “Do yu not fear God, seeing yu are in the same condemnation? We indeed justly; we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this One has done nothing amiss (wrong).” He said, “Jesus, remember me when Yu come in Yur Kingdom.” He said to him, “Verily (Amen,) I say to yu, To-day shall yu be with Me in Paradise (i.e., Abraham’s Bosom, heaven.).” It was now about the 6th hour (noon), darkness came over the whole land (earth) until the 9th hour (3 P.M., afternoon), the sun’s light failing: the veil of the Temple was torn in the middle. Jesus, crying with a loud voice, “Father, into Yur Hands I commend (commit) My Spirit:” having said this, He expired. When the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, “Certainly This-one was a righteous.”
The multitudes that came together to this sight, when they saw the things that were done, returned smiting their breasts. His acquaintance, & the women that followed with Him from Galilee, stood afar off, watching. A man named Joseph, who was a councillor, a good & righteous man (he had not consented to their counsel & deed), from Arimathaea, a city of the Jews, who was looking for God’s Kingdom: this-one went to Pilate, asked for Jesus’ Body. He took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, laid Him in a tomb that was hewn in stone, where never one had yet lain. It was the day of the Preparation, (i.e., the 6th day or Friday before sunset) the Sabbath drew on (i.e., after sunset Friday evening). The women, who had come with Him out of Galilee, followed after, saw the tomb, and how His Body was laid. They returned, prepared spices & ointments. On the Sabbath (i.e., Friday sunset to Saturday sunset) they rested according to the commandment. (23:1-56)
On the 1st day of the week (i.e., Sunday from Saturday sunset to Sunday sunset), at early dawn (about sunrise Sunday morning), they came to the tomb, bringing the spices which they had prepared (i.e., on Friday evening before the Sabbath started). They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. They entered, found not the Body of the Lord Jesus (only time in Luke, see Mark 16). While they were perplexed, two Men stood by them in dazzling apparel (bright clothes): as they were afraid & bowed down their faces to the ground (earth, land), they said to them, “Why seek you the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying that the Son of Man must be delivered up into the hands of sinful men, & be crucified, & the 3rd day rise again.” They remembered His Words, returned from the tomb, told (reported, related) all these things to the Eleven, & to the rest. They were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary James’ mother: the other women with them, told these things to the Apostles. These words appeared as idle talk; they disbelieved them (believed them not). Peter arose, ran to the tomb; stooping & looking in, he sees the linen cloths by themselves; he went home, wondering at what happened.
Two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was 60 furlongs (stadias, 1 stadia = 1/8th mile, 60 stadias = about 7 miles; compare Bethany to Jerusalem was 2 miles, & Jerusalem to Jericho some 15 miles) from Jerusalem. They communed (conversed, fellowshiped, shared) with each other of what happened. While they communed & questioned together, Jesus drew near, & went with them. Their eyes were kept to not know Him. He said to them, “What communications (conversations) have you with with another, as you walk?” They stood still, looking sad. One of them, named Cleopas, answering, “Do Yu alone sojourn in Jerusalem & not know what happened there in these days?” He said to them, “What things?” They said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene, Who was a Prophet mighty in deed & word before God & the people: how the Chief Priests & our Rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, & crucified Him. We hoped He should redeem Israel. Yes & besides, it is now the 3rd day (i.e., Friday, Saturday, Sunday) since these things happened. Moreover certain women of our company amazed us, having been early at the tomb; when they found not His Body, they came, saying, they had also seen a vision of Angels, who said He was alive. Certain of them that were with us went to the tomb, found it as the women said: Him they saw not.” He said to them, “Foolish, & slow of heart to believe in all that the Prophets have spoken! Needed it not the Christ to suffer these things, to enter into His Glory?” Beginning from Moses & from all the Prophets, He interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. They drew near to the village, whither they were going: He made as though He would go further. They constrained Him, “Stay with us; for it is toward evening, the day is now far spent (i.e., between 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday).” He stayed with them. When He sat down with them to eat, He took the bread & blessed; breaking it He gave to them. Their eyes were opened, they knew Him; He vanished out of their sight. they said one to another, “Was not our heart burning within us, while He spoke to us on the way, while He opened to us the Scriptures?”
They rose up that hour (about the 11th or 12th hour of the day, before sunset of the 1st day or Sunday), returned to Jerusalem (about 2 hours walk), found the Eleven gathered together, & them that were with them, saying, “The Lord is risen, & appeared to Simon.” They rehearsed the things that happened on the way, how He was known by them in the breaking of the bread. As they spoke these things, He stood among them, says to them, “Peace be to you.” They were terrified & frightened, supposed they saw a Spirit. He said to them, “Why are you troubled? why do questionings arise in your heart? Look, My Hands & My Feet, it is I Myself: handle (feel) Me, & see; a spirit has not flesh & bones, as you see Me having.” When He said this, He showed them His Hands & His Feet. While they still disbelieved for joy, & wondered, He asked, “Have you here anything to eat?” They gave Him a piece of a broiled fish. He took it, ate before them. He said, “These are My Words which I spoke to you, while I was with you, that all things must needs be fulfilled, which are written in the Law of Moses (Torah), & the Prophets (Nebhi’im), & the Psalms (Tehillim, Writings, Ketubhim), concerning Me.” Then opened He their mind, to understand the Scriptures; He said to them, “Thus it is written, the Christ (Messiah, Anointed) should suffer, & rise again from the dead the 3rd day; that repentance & remission (forgiveness) of sins should be preached in His Name to all the nations (Gentiles), beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send forth the Promise (Announcement, Declaration, Epangelia) of My Father on you: but tarry (wait) in the city, till you are clothed (endowed) with power from on high”. He led them out to over-against (facing, opposite) Bethany: He lifted up His Hands, blessed them. While He blessed them, He parted from them, carried up into heaven. They worshipped Him, returned to Jerusalem with great joy: were continually in the Temple, blessing God. (24:1-53) (Luke continues his Account in the Acts of the Apostles. This concludes the 3 Synoptic Gospels.)
REFLECTIONS 