A HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS
A. T. ROBERTSON
This pericope set was delineated by A.T. Robertson in his A Harmony of the Gospels, published in 1923.
Part I: The Sources of the Gospels
§ 1. In The Dedication Luke Explains His Method of Research
Luke 1:1–4
as many have taken in
hand to set forth in order a
declaration of those things which are
most surely believed among us,
2Even as they delivered them unto
us, which from the beginning were
eyewitnesses, and ministers of the
word; 3It seemed good to me also,
having had perfect understanding of
all things from the very first, to write
unto thee in order, most excellent
Theophilus, 4That thou mightest
know the certainty of those things,
wherein thou hast been instructed.
1FORASMUCH
(Title) Luke is the first critic of the life of Christ whose criticism has
been preserved to us. Others had drawn up narratives of certain
portions of Christ’s work. Others still had been eyewitnesses of the
ministry of Jesus and gave Luke their oral testimony. Luke sifted it
all with care and produced an orderly and reasonably full narrative
of the earthly ministry of Jesus. We cannot reproduce all the sources
that Luke had at his command, but it is clear that he followed in the
main our Gospel of Mark, as any one can see for himself by
comparing the two Gospels in this Harmony. Both Matthew and
Luke made use of Mark. But they had other sources also. See note 2
on Synoptic Criticism at the close of the Harmony. See also Chapter
IV, “Luke’s Method of Research” in my Luke the Historian in the
Light of Research.
(1:3) Luke alone follows the method of ancient historians in
dedicating his Gospel, as also the Acts (1:1), to a patron who
probably met the expense of publication. So Luke as a Gentile
Christian writes an historical introduction in literary (Koiné) Greek
after the fashion of Thucydides and Plutarch. Mark had no formal
introduction. Matthew’s introduction is genealogical because he is
writing for Jewish readers to prove that Jesus is the Messiah of
Jewish hope. John, writing last of all, has a theological introduction
to meet the Gnostic and philosophical misconceptions concerning
the Person of Christ. Thus he pictures Christ as the Eternal Logos,
with God in his pre-incarnate state, who became flesh and thus
revealed the Father to men.
Part II: The Pre-Existent State of Christ and His Incarnation
§ 2. In His Introduction John Pictures Christ as the Word (Logos)
John 1:1–18
the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2The same was in the
beginning with God. 3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness
comprehended it not. 6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7The same came for a witness,
1IN
to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8He was not that Light, but was sent to
bear witness of that Light. 9That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
10He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11He came unto his
own, and his own received him not. 12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the
sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the
flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we
beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. 15John bare witness
of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for
he was before me. 16And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. 17For the law was given by
Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. 18No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son,
which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
Part III: The Two Genealogies in Matthew and Luke
§ 3. Apparently Joseph’s Genealogies in Matthew and Mary’s in Luke
Matthew 1:1–17
book of the generation of
Jesus Christ, the son of David,
the son of Abraham. 2Abraham
begat Isaac; and Isaac begat
Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas
and his brethren; 3And Judas
begat Phares and Zara of
Thamar; and Phares begat
Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;
4And Aram begat Aminadab;
and Aminadab begat Naasson;
and Naasson begat Salmon;
5And Salmon begat Booz of
Rachab; and Booz begat Obed
of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;
6And Jesse begat David the
king; and David the king begat
Solomon of her that had been
the wife of Urias; 7And
Solomon begat Roboam; and
Roboam begat Abia; and Abia
begat Asa; 8And Asa begat
Josaphat; and Josaphat begat
Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;
9And Ozias begat Joatham; and
Joatham begat Achaz; and
Achaz begat Ezekias; 10And
Ezekias begat Manasses; and
Manasses begat Amon; and
Amon begat Josias; 11And
Josias begat Jechonias and his
brethren, about the time they
were carried away to Babylon:
1THE
Luke 3:23–38
Jesus himself began to be about thirty
years of age, being (as was supposed) the son
of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,
24Which was the son of Matthat, which was
the son of Levi, which was the son of Melchi,
which was the son of Janna, which was the
son of Joseph, 25Which was the son of
Mattathias, which was the son of Amos,
which was the son of Naum, which was the
son of Esli, which was the son of Nagge,
26Which was the son of Maath, which was the
son of Mattathias, which was the son of
Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which
was the son of Juda, 27Which was the son of
Joanna, which was the son of Rhesa, which
was the son of Zorobabel, which was the son
of Salathiel, which was the son of Neri,
28Which was the son of Melchi, which was
the son of Addi, which was the son of Cosam,
which was the son of Elmodam, which was
the son of Er, 29Which was the son of Jose,
which was the son of Eliezer, which was the
son of Jorim, which was the son of Matthat,
which was the son of Levi, 30Which was the
son of Simeon, which was the son of Juda,
which was the son of Joseph, which was the
son of Jonan, which was the son of Eliakim,
31Which was the son of Melea, which was the
son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha,
which was the son of Nathan, which was the
son of David, 32Which was the son of Jesse,
which was the son of Obed, which was the
son of Booz, which was the son of Salmon,
23And
(Title) This view is not
accepted by all scholars,
though it is found as
early as Eusebius (Hist.
Eccl. i, 7). See note 5 at
end of Harmony.
(Mt. 1:16) The Sinaitic
Syriac, against all the
early Greek manuscripts,
reads in Matt. 1:16: “But
Joseph, to whom the
Virgin Mary was
betrothed, begat Jesus.”
This ancient Ebionitic
text is followed by Von
Soden in his
Griechisches Neues
Testament and by Moffatt
in his New Translation of
the New Testament, but it
is difficult to believe it
genuine, for in Matt.
1:18–22 the writer
pictures Joseph as on the
point of putting Mary
away privily. The two
reports in the Sinaitic
Syriac flatly contradict
each other. Those who
accept it say that the
writer of the Virgin Birth
view in 1:18–20
overlooked 1:16
12And
after they were brought
to Babylon, Jechonias begat
Salathiel; and Salathiel begat
Zorobabel; 13And Zorobabel
begat Abiud; and Abiud begat
Eliakim; and Eliakim begat
Azor; 14And Azor begat Sadoc;
and Sadoc begat Achim; and
Achim begat Eliud; 15And Eliud
begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat
Matthan; and Matthan begat
Jacob; 16And Jacob begat
Joseph the husband of Mary, of
whom was born Jesus, who is
called Christ. 17So all the
generations from Abraham to
David are fourteen generations;
and from David until the
carrying away into Babylon are
fourteen generations; and from
the carrying away into Babylon
unto Christ are fourteen
generations.
which was the son of Naasson, 33Which was
the son of Aminadab, which was the son of
Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which
was the son of Phares, which was the son of
Juda, 34Which was the son of Jacob, which
was the son of Isaac, which was the son of
Abraham, which was the son of Thara, which
was the son of Nachor, 35Which was the son
of Saruch, which was the son of Ragau, which
was the son of Phalec, which was the son of
Heber, which was the son of Sala, 36Which
was the son of Cainan, which was the son of
Arphaxad, which was the son of Sem, which
was the son of Noe, which was the son of
Lamech, 37Which was the son of Mathusala,
which was the son of Enoch, which was the
son of Jared, which was the son of Maleleel,
which was the son of Cainan, 38Which was
the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth,
which was the son of Adam, which was the
son of God.
(certainly a serious
oversight). It is easier to
think that an Ebionitic
scribe in copying altered
1:16, but passed by
1:18–20. The Ebionites
denied the deity of Jesus.
Both Matthew and Luke
(1:26–38) give the Virgin
Birth of Jesus, but they
preserve separate
traditions on the subject.
(Mt. 1:17) Observe that
Matthew’s three
divisions of the genalogy
represent three great
periods in the history of
Israel. See note 5 at end
of Harmony for
discussion of the
differences between the
genealogies in Matthew
and in Luke.
Part IV: The Birth and Childhood of the Baptist and of Jesus
Probably B.C. 7 to A.D. 7
§§ 4–19. These sections include the annunciations, the birth, infancy, and childhood of both John and Jesus.
§ 4. The Annunciation of the Birth of the Baptist to Zacharias
Jerusalem, in the Temple. Probably B.C. 7
Luke 1:5–25
was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of
Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. 6And they were both
righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7And they
had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. 8And it
came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course, 9According to
the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
10And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. 11And there appeared
unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12And when Zacharias saw
him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 13But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy
prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. 14And thou
shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. 15For he shall be great in the sight of the
Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from
his mother’s womb. 16And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. 17And he shall
go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the
disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. 18And Zacharias said
5There
unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. 19And
the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak
unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. 20And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak,
until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be
fulfilled in their season. 21And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the
temple. 22And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a
vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. 23And it came to pass, that, as
soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. 24And after those
days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, 25Thus hath the Lord dealt with me
in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.
§ 5. The Annunciation to the Virgin Mary of the Birth of Jesus
Nazareth. Probably B.C. 7 or 6
Luke 1:26–38
in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
27To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name
was Mary. 28And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with
thee: blessed art thou among women. 29And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in
her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou
hast found favour with God. 31And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and
shalt call his name JESUS. 32He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord
God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for
ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing
I know not a man? 35And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and
the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee
shall be called the Son of God. 36And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her
old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. 37For with God nothing shall be
impossible. 38And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And
the angel departed from her.
26And
§ 6. The Song of Elizabeth to Mary Upon the Visit
Hill Country of Judea
Luke 1:39–45
Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city
of Juda; 40And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. 41And it
came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in
her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: 42And she spake out with a
loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy
womb. 43And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe
leaped in my womb for joy. 45And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a
performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
39And
§ 7. The Magnificat of Mary
Hill Country of Judea
(Title) This hymn
or psalm springs
from the omen to
Elizabeth.
Luke 1:46–56
Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
48For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: For, behold, from henceforth all generations
shall call me blessed. 49For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; And holy is his name. 50And
his mercy is on them that fear him From generation to generation. 51He hath shewed strength with his
arm; He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52He hath put down the mighty from
their seats, And exalted them of low degree. 53He hath filled the hungry with good things; And the rich
he hath sent empty away. 54He hath holpen his servant Israel, In remembrance of his mercy; 55As he
spake to our fathers, To Abraham, and to his seed for ever. 56And Mary abode with her about three
months, and returned to her own house.
46And
§ 8. The Birth and Childhood of the Baptist and His Desert Life
Hill Country of Judea. B.C. 7 or 6
Luke 1:57–80
Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a
son. 58And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great
mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her. 59And it came to pass, that on the eighth
day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name
of his father. 60And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.
61And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.
62And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. 63And he asked
for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.
64And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and
praised God. 65And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these
sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea. 66And all they
that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this
be! And the hand of the Lord was with him. 67And his father Zacharias was filled with
the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, 68Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; For he
hath visited and redeemed his people, 69And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us
In the house of his servant David; 70As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets,
Which have been since the world began: 71That we should be saved from our enemies,
And from the hand of all that hate us; 72To perform the mercy promised to our fathers,
And to remember his holy covenant; 73The oath which he sware to our father
Abraham, 74That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of
our enemies Might serve him without fear, 75In holiness and righteousness before him,
All the days of our life. 76And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest:
For thou shalt go before the face of the Lord To prepare his ways; 77To give
knowledge of salvation unto his people By the remission of their sins, 78Through the
tender mercy of our God; Whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, 79To
give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, To guide our feet
into the way of peace. 80And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the
deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
57Now
§ 9. The Annunciation to Joseph of the Birth of Jesus
Nazareth
Matthew 1:18–25
(1:80) Dwell on
this summary
statement as to
John’s retired life
in the wild
regions of Judea,
whence he will
come forth thirty
years later.
18Now
the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph,
before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19Then Joseph her husband, being
a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20But
while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying,
Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is
of the Holy Ghost. 21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save
his people from their sins. 22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the
Lord by the prophet, saying, 23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they
shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24Then Joseph being raised from
sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25And knew her not till she
had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
§ 10. The Birth of Jesus
Bethlehem. Probably B.C. 6 or 5
Luke 2:1–7
it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree
from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2(And
this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of
Syria.) 3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of
Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called
Beth-lehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with
child. 6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were
accomplished that she should be delivered. 7And she brought
forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes,
and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in
the inn.
1And
(2:3) Observe how the ruler of the
civilized world is unconsciously
bringing it about that the Messiah, the
son of David, shall be born at
Bethlehem, though his mother’s home
was Nazareth. All the previous history
of Rome and of Israel gathers about
this manger. As to Quirinius, and as to
the probable time of the Saviour’s
birth, see note 6 at the end of the book.
The vindication of Luke’s historical
statements in these verses is one of the
triumphs of modern research, as is
shown in that note.
§ 11. The Praise of the Angels and the Homage of the Shepherds
Near Bethlehem
Luke 2:8–20
there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch
over their flock by night. 9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the
glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10And the
angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,
which shall be to all people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a
Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find
the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13And suddenly there was
with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14Glory to
God in the highest, And on earth peace, Good will toward men. 15And it came to
pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to
another, Let us now go even unto Beth-lehem, and see this thing which is come to
pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16And they came with haste, and
found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17And when they had seen
8And
(2:13) The Gloria
in Excelsis.
it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the
shepherds. 19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20And
the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had
heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
§ 12. The Circumcision of Jesus
Bethlehem
Luke 2:21
when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS,
which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
21And
§ 13. The Presentation in the Temple with the homage of Simeon and Anna
Jerusalem
Luke 2:22–38
when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were
accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; 23(As it
is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called
holy to the Lord;) 24And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the
law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. 25And, behold, there
was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and
devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
26And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death,
before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27And he came by the Spirit into the temple:
and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of
the law, 28Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29Lord,
now lettest thou thy servant depart In peace, according to thy word: 30For mine
eyes have seen thy salvation, 31Which thou hast prepared before the face of all
people; 32A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. 33And
Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. 34And
Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for
the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken
against; 35(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts
of many hearts may be revealed. 36And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the
daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived
with an husband seven years from her virginity; 37And she was a widow of about
fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with
fastings and prayers night and day. 38And she coming in that instant gave thanks
likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in
Jerusalem.
22And
§ 14. Magi Visit the New-Born King of the Jews
Jerusalem and Bethlehem
(2:28) The four New
Testament psalms,
given by Luke,
breathe the
atmosphere of Old
Testament piety,
quite in contrast to
the formalism of the
Pharisees and yet
thoroughly Jewish in
background and
Christian in
sentiment. But it is
primitive Christian
feeling. Section 7
gives the Magnificat
of Mary in response
to the song of
Elizabeth in § 6. In §
8 we have the
Benedictus of
Zacharias and in §
13 The Nunc
Dimittis of Simeon.
Matthew 2:1–12
when Jesus was born in Beth-lehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came
wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen
his star in the east, and are come to worship him. 3When Herod the king had heard these things, he was
troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the
people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6And thou Beth-lehem, in the land of Juda, art not
the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people
Israel. 7Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the
star appeared. 8And he sent them to Beth-lehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child;
and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. 9When they
had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it
came and stood over where the young child was. 10When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding
great joy. 11And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother,
and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him
gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. 12And being warned of God in a dream that they should not
return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
1Now
§ 15. The Child Jesus Carried to Egypt, and the Children at Bethlehem slain
Probably B.C. 5
Matthew 2:13–18
when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying,
Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee
word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. 14When he arose, he took the young child and
his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: 15And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be
fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. 16Then
Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew
all the children that were in Beth-lehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under,
according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. 17Then was fulfilled that which
was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, 18In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping,
and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
13And
§ 16. The Child Brought from Egypt to Nazareth
Probably B.C. 4
Matthew 2:19–23
when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord
appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20Saying, Arise, and take
the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for
they are dead which sought the young child’s life. 21And he arose,
and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of
Israel. 22But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in
the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither:
notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside
into the parts of Galilee: 23And he came and dwelt in a city called
Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the
prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
19But
Luke 2:39
when they
had performed all
things according
to the law of the
Lord, they
returned into
Galilee, to their
own city
Nazareth.
39And
(Mt. 2:23) Cf.
Isa. 11:1 where
the Messiah is
called Netzer, a
Branch, though
Nazareth is not
mentioned in
the Old
Testament.
§ 17. The Childhood of Jesus at Nazareth
Probably B.C. 4 to A.D. 7
Luke 2:40
the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit,
filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon
him.
40And
(2:40) This simple statement of Luke tells more in
one sentence than all the apocryphal Gospels of
the Infancy, with their silly legends about the
miraculous prowess of the child Jesus.
§ 18. The Visit of the Boy Jesus to Jerusalem When Twelve Years old
Probably A.D. 7 or 8
Luke 2:41–50
his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. 42And when he was twelve
years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. 43And when they had fulfilled the days,
as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
44But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him
among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. 45And when they found him not, they turned back again to
Jerusalem, seeking him. 46And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting
in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. 47And all that heard him were
astonished at his understanding and answers. 48And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his
mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee
sorrowing. 49And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my
Father’s business? 50And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
41Now
§ 19. The Eighteen Years at Nazareth
Probably A.D. 7 to A.D. 26 (or 6 to 25)
Luke 2:51–52
he went down with them,
and came to Nazareth, and was
subject unto them: but his mother
kept all these sayings in her heart.
52And Jesus increased in wisdom
and stature, and in favour with
God and man.
51And
(Title) After the return to Nazareth, we know nothing of Jesus’ life at
that place beyond the general statements of Luke 2:52, with the
knowledge and dispositions indicated in the narrative of Section 18
and the fact that he was a carpenter, until he comes forth to be
baptized by John, his forerunner. The social and political conditions
of this period in Galilee are described by Edersheim, D. Smith, and
other writers on the Life of Jesus, and briefly stated in Broadus’s
Commentary on Matthew, p. 30 f. Dwell on the general statement of
Luke 2:52. Other passages throw light on the life in Nazareth as to
habits of worship (Luke 4:16), the family group of brothers and
sisters (Mark 6:3; Matt. 13:55–56), work as carpenter (ibid.). A
helpful book on this obscure period is Ramsay’s The Education of
Christ.
Part V: The Beginning of the Baptist’s Ministry
Probably six months and in A.D. 25. In the Wilderness of Judea and beside the Jordan, §§ 20–23
§ 20. The Time of the Beginning
Mark 1:1
beginning of
the gospel of Jesus
Christ, the Son of
God;
1THE
Luke 3:1–2
in the fifteenth year of the reign of
Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor
of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee,
and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of
the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the
tetrarch of Abilene, 2Annas and Caiaphas being
the high priests, the word of God came unto John
the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
1Now
(Lk. 3:1) See note 6 at end of
Harmony.
(Lk. 3:1) See note 6. Luke
follows the custom of ancient
historians in dating events by
the names of the rulers. As the
son of a priest John was
probably thirty years old when
he came forth.
§ 21. The Message and the Messenger
Mark 1:2–6
it is written in the
prophets, Behold, I send
my messenger before thy
face, which shall prepare
thy way before thee. 3The
voice of one crying in the
wilderness, Prepare ye the
way of the Lord, make his
paths straight. 4John did
baptize in the wilderness,
and preach the baptism of
repentance for the
remission of sins. 5And
there went out unto him all
the land of Judaea, and
they of Jerusalem, and
were all baptized of him in
the river of Jordan,
confessing their sins. 6And
John was clothed with
camel’s hair, and with a
girdle of a skin about his
loins; and he did eat
locusts and wild honey;
2As
Matthew 3:1–6
those days came John
the Baptist, preaching in
the wilderness of Judaea,
2And saying, Repent ye:
for the kingdom of heaven
is at hand. 3For this is he
that was spoken of by the
prophet Esaias, saying,
The voice of one crying in
the wilderness, Prepare ye
the way of the Lord, make
his paths straight. 4And the
same John had his raiment
of camel’s hair, and a
leathern girdle about his
loins; and his meat was
locusts and wild honey.
5Then went out to him
Jerusalem, and all Judaea,
and all the region round
about Jordan, 6And were
baptized of him in Jordan,
confessing their sins.
1In
Luke 3:3–6
he came into all the
country about Jordan,
preaching the baptism of
repentance for the
remission of sins; 4As it is
written in the book of the
words of Esaias the
prophet, saying, The voice
of one crying in the
wilderness, Prepare ye the
way of the Lord, make his
paths straight. 5Every
valley shall be filled, and
every mountain and hill
shall be brought low; and
the crooked shall be made
straight, and the rough
ways shall be made
smooth; 6And all flesh
shall see the salvation of
God.
3And
(Mt. 3:2) See
Mark 1:15 ( =
Matt.4:17);
Matt. 10:7;
Acts 2:38.
§ 22. A Specimen of John’s Preaching
Matthew 3:7–10
when he saw many of
the Pharisees and
Sadducees come to his
7But
Luke 3:7–14
said he to the multitude that came forth to be
baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath
warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8Bring
7Then
(Title) Here we
see Matthew and
Luke preserving
a non-Markan
baptism, he said unto them,
O generation of vipers,
who hath warned you to
flee from the wrath to
come? 8Bring forth
therefore fruits meet for
repentance: 9And think not
to say within yourselves,
We have Abraham to our
father: for I say unto you,
that God is able of these
stones to raise up children
unto Abraham. 10And now
also the axe is laid unto the
root of the trees: therefore
every tree which bringeth
not forth good fruit is hewn
down, and cast into the
fire.
forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and
begin not to say within yourselves, We have
Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God
is able of these stones to raise up children unto
Abraham. 9And now also the axe is laid unto the
root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth
not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the
fire. 10And the people asked him, saying, What shall
we do then? 11He answereth and saith unto them, He
that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath
none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.
12Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said
unto him, Master, what shall we do? 13And he said
unto them, Exact no more than that which is
appointed you. 14And the soldiers likewise
demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do?
And he said unto them, Do violence to no man,
neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your
wages.
section, as so
frequently
hereafter an
example of the
so-called Logia
(Discourses).
§ 23. The Forerunner’s Picture of the Messiah Before Seeing Him
Mark 1:7–8
preached,
saying, There
cometh one
mightier than I
after me, the
latchet of whose
shoes I am not
worthy to stoop
down and
unloose. 8I
indeed have
baptized you
with water: but
he shall baptize
you with the
Holy Ghost.
7And
Matthew 3:11–12
indeed baptize you
with water unto
repentance: but he that
cometh after me is
mightier than I, whose
shoes I am not worthy
to bear: he shall baptize
you with the Holy
Ghost, and with fire:
12Whose fan is in his
hand, and he will
throughly purge his
floor, and gather his
wheat into the garner;
but he will burn up the
chaff with
unquenchable fire.
11I
Luke 3:15–18
as the people were in
expectation, and all men mused in
their hearts of John, whether he
were the Christ, or not; 16John
answered, saying unto them all, I
indeed baptize you with water;
but one mightier than I cometh,
the latchet of whose shoes I am
not worthy to unloose: he shall
baptize you with the Holy Ghost
and with fire: 17Whose fan is in
his hand, and he will throughly
purge his floor, and will gather
the wheat into his garner; but the
chaff he will burn with fire
unquenchable. 18And many other
things in his exhortation preached
he unto the people.
15And
(Lk. 3:18) One can
easily put together
all that we are told
of John the Baptist
in John 1:6–15 and
in Sections 4, 6, 8,
20, 21, 22, 23, 24,
26, 27, 28, 33, 34,
49, 57, 71, 86, 132.
See also Acts 1:5,
22; 10:37; 13:24;
18:25; 19:1–7. For
a full discussion of
the Baptist see my
John the Loyal.
These months of
John’s ministry
prepared the way
for the Messiah.
Part VI: The Beginning of Christ’s Public Ministry
The Year of Obscurity
Probably Part of A.D. 26 and 27
In all parts of the Holy Land (the first Perean Ministry, the first Galilean Ministry, the first Judean Ministry,
the first Samaritan Ministry). §§ 24–36. This early ministry includes the baptism, the temptation, John’s
witness to Jesus, the first disciples, the first miracle and work in Galilee, the first work in Judea, the
arrest of John, the work in Samaria, and the return to Galilee.
§ 24. Jesus Baptized by John in the Jordan
Bethany beyond Jordan. Probably A.D. 26
Mark 1:9–11
it came
to pass in
those days,
that Jesus
came from
Nazareth of
Galilee, and
was baptized
of John in
Jordan. 10And
straightway
coming up out
of the water,
he saw the
heavens
opened, and
the Spirit like
a dove
descending
upon him:
11And there
came a voice
from heaven,
saying, Thou
art my
beloved Son,
in whom I am
well pleased.
9And
Matthew 3:13–
17
13Then cometh
Jesus from
Galilee to
Jordan unto
John, to be
baptized of him.
14But John
forbad him,
saying, I have
need to be
baptized of thee,
and comest thou
to me? 15And
Jesus answering
said unto him,
Suffer it to be so
now: for thus it
becometh us to
fulfil all
righteousness.
Then he suffered
him. 16And
Jesus, when he
was baptized,
went up
straightway out
of the water:
and, lo, the
heavens were
opened unto
him, and he saw
the Spirit of God
descending like
a dove, and
lighting upon
him: 17And lo a
voice from
heaven, saying,
This is my
beloved Son, in
whom I am well
pleased.
Luke 3:21–23
when all
the people were
baptized, it
came to pass,
that Jesus also
being baptized,
and praying,
the heaven was
opened, 22And
the Holy Ghost
descended in a
bodily shape
like a dove
upon him, and
a voice came
from heaven,
which said,
Thou art my
beloved Son; in
thee I am well
pleased. 23And
Jesus himself
began to be
about thirty
years of age,
being (as was
supposed) the
son of Joseph,
which was the
son of Heli,
21Now
(Title) The precise duration of this early ministry
cannot be determined. Our Lord’s baptism must
have been at least two months before the Passover,
and may have been some weeks or months earlier.
Then the highly successful ministry in Judea after
the Passover must have lasted several months
(John 3:22; 4:1–3). If the “yet four months” in
John 4:35 be understood to be not a common
saying as to the usual interval between seedtime
and harvest, but a statement that it was then just
four months before harvest, that would make the
Judean ministry extend eight months after the
Passover. But this interpretation is upon the whole
improbable, and we can only say that the opening
ministry lasted several months. The time occupied
makes very little difference for our understanding
the events and discourses. All of the incidents
during this period after the temptation are given in
John’s Gospel. But for the Fourth Gospel we
should not know that Jesus did not plunge at once
into the great Galilean Ministry.
(Mt. 3:13) The Gospel of the Hebrews (one of the
apocryphal gospels) is quoted by Jerome (adv.
Pelag. iii. 2) as having the following: “Behold, the
Lord’s mother and His brethren were saying to
Him, John the Baptist baptizes unto the remission
of sins; let us go and be baptized by him. But he
said unto them, What sin have I done, that I should
go and be baptized by him? unless perchance this
very thing which I have said is an ignorance.”
(Lk. 3:22) The Gospel of John does not describe the
baptism of Jesus, but refers to the event in a way
that shows knowledge of the Synoptic Gospels.
(Lk. 3:22) Codex Bezae (D) reads in Luke: “Thou
art my beloved son, to-day have I begotten thee.”
The Gospel of the Ebionites has: Thou art my
beloved son, in thee I am well pleased, to-day I
have begotten thee.”
See § 85 for similar language at the
Transfiguration.
§ 25. The Three Temptations of Jesus
The Wilderness of Judea. Probably A.D. 26
Mark 1:12–13
12And
immediately the
Spirit driveth
him into the
wilderness.
13And he was
there in the
wilderness forty
days, tempted of
Satan; and was
with the wild
beasts; and the
angels
ministered unto
him.
Matthew 4:1–11
was Jesus led up
of the Spirit into the
wilderness to be tempted
of the devil. 2And when
he had fasted forty days
and forty nights, he was
afterward an hungred.
3And when the tempter
came to him, he said, If
thou be the Son of God,
command that these
stones be made bread.
4But he answered and
said, It is written, Man
shall not live by bread
alone, but by every word
that proceedeth out of the
mouth of God. 5Then the
devil taketh him up into
the holy city, and setteth
him on a pinnacle of the
temple, 6And saith unto
him, If thou be the Son of
God, cast thyself down:
for it is written, He shall
give his angels charge
concerning thee: and in
their hands they shall
bear thee up, lest at any
time thou dash thy foot
against a stone. 7Jesus
said unto him, It is
written again, Thou shalt
not tempt the Lord thy
God. 8Again, the devil
taketh him up into an
exceeding high
mountain, and sheweth
him all the kingdoms of
the world, and the glory
of them; 9And saith unto
him, All these things will
I give thee, if thou wilt
fall down and worship
me. 10Then saith Jesus
unto him, Get thee hence,
Satan: for it is written,
Thou shalt worship the
1Then
Luke 4:1–13
Jesus being full of the
Holy Ghost returned from
Jordan, and was led by the
Spirit into the wilderness,
2Being forty days tempted of
the devil. And in those days
he did eat nothing: and when
they were ended, he afterward
hungered. 3And the devil said
unto him, If thou be the Son
of God, command this stone
that it be made bread. 4And
Jesus answered him, saying, It
is written, That man shall not
live by bread alone, but by
every word of God. 5And the
devil, taking him up into an
high mountain, shewed unto
him all the kingdoms of the
world in a moment of time.
6And the devil said unto him,
All this power will I give
thee, and the glory of them:
for that is delivered unto me;
and to whomsoever I will I
give it. 7If thou therefore wilt
worship me, all shall be thine.
8And Jesus answered and said
unto him, Get thee behind me,
Satan: for it is written, Thou
shalt worship the Lord thy
God, and him only shalt thou
serve. 9And he brought him to
Jerusalem, and set him on a
pinnacle of the temple, and
said unto him, If thou be the
Son of God, cast thyself down
from hence: 10For it is
written, He shall give his
angels charge over thee, to
keep thee: 11And in their
hands they shall bear thee up,
lest at any time thou dash thy
foot against a stone. 12And
Jesus answering said unto
him, It is said, Thou shalt not
tempt the Lord thy God.
13And when the devil had
1And
(Title) Mark gives only a
summary account while
the Logia (the oldest
known record) tells the
temptations in detail.
This early document
reveals the Messianic
consciousness of Jesus
as distinctly as it
appears in the Gospel of
John. The record of the
baptism in § 24 and of
the temptation in § 25
goes back to the two
oldest strata of the
Gospel sources (Mark
or the Memoirs of Peter
and the Logia of
Matthew) and shows
that Jesus enters upon
his Messianic work
knowing that he had his
Father’s approval and
the power of the Holy
Spirit upon him.
Lord thy God, and him
ended all the temptation, he
only shalt thou serve.
departed from him for a
11Then the devil leaveth
season.
him, and, behold, angels
came and ministered unto
him.
§ 26. The Testimony of the Baptist to the Committee of the Sanhedrin
At Bethany beyond Jordan
John 1:19–28
this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from
Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? 20And he confessed, and denied not; but
confessed, I am not the Christ. 21And they asked him, What then? Art thou
Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.
22Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them
that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? 23He said, I am the voice of one crying
in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.
24And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. 25And they asked him, and
said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias,
neither that prophet? 26John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but
there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; 27He it is, who coming after
me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
28These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was
baptizing.
19And
(1:24) In 1:19 the
priests and Levites
are Sadducees. The
idea seems to be that
the Pharisees had
the Sadducees sent
on this embassy (cf.
§ 22). Later Jesus
will say that John
was Elijah that was
to come; some will
even take Jesus to be
Elijah.
§ 27. John’s Identification of Jesus as the Messiah
At Bethany beyond Jordan
John 1:29–34
next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him,
and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh
away the sin of the world. 30This is he of whom I
said, After me cometh a man which is preferred
before me: for he was before me. 31And I knew
him not: but that he should be made manifest to
Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
32And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit
descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode
upon him. 33And I knew him not: but he that sent
me to baptize with water, the same said unto me,
Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending,
and remaining on him, the same is he which
baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. 34And I saw, and
bare record that this is the Son of God.
29The
(1:34) Put together the Baptist’s testimonies to
Jesus in sections 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 33, 57.
Add John 1:6–15. Note also the four testimonies of
Jesus to John, sections 49, 57, 86, 132. Observe
the four successive days here in John 1:19, 29, 35,
43, and the third day from the last in John 2:1,
making a week that is covered in detail (cf. the
Passion Week at the close). We have other
glimpses of special days in the ministry, as the
Busy Day of the blasphemous accusation and the
parables (Matt. 12 and 13). In John 1:39 the very
hour is preserved, probably Roman time (ten in the
morning), as John writes long after the destruction
of Jerusalem and outside of Palestine and uses the
Roman reckoning (midnight to midnight) in John
20:19. But see note 11 at end of Harmony for
Ramsay’s objections to this view.
§ 28. Jesus Makes His first Disciples
At Bethany beyond Jordan
John 1:35–51
the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; 36And
looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!
37And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
38Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them,
What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being
interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? 39He saith unto them,
Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with
him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. 40One of the two which
heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s
brother. 41He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him,
We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
42And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said,
Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is
by interpretation, A stone. 43The day following Jesus would go forth
into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.
44Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.
45Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him,
of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of
Nazareth, the son of Joseph. 46And Nathanael said unto him, Can
there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him,
Come and see. 47Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of
him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! 48Nathanael
saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said
unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig
tree, I saw thee. 49Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi,
thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. 50Jesus answered
and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig
tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. 51And he
saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see
heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon
the Son of man.
35Again
(Title) Notice here a series of
First Things; first testimony of
John, first disciples, first
miracles, first residence at
Capernaum, first passover
during his ministry, first
extended discourse.
(1:50) Notice that these first
disciples at once believed that
Jesus was the Messiah (ver.
41, 45, 49). Compare the
confession fo Jesus (§ 35) to
the Woman at Jacob’s well
and the confessions of Peter
in Matt. 14:33; John 6:69;
Matt. 16:16 (§ § 74, 76, 83).
(1:51) Cf, the close of the
temptation in the wilderness
and the experience in the
Garden of Gethsemane.
§ 29. Jesus Works His first Miracle
At Cana in Galilee
John 2:1–11
the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: 2And
both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. 3And when they wanted wine, the mother of
Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. 4Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee?
mine hour is not yet come. 5His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
6And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews,
containing two or three firkins apiece. 7Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they
filled them up to the brim. 8And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the
feast. And they bare it. 9When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew
not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the
bridegroom, 10And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when
men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. 11This
1And
beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples
believed on him.
§ 30: Jesus Makes a First Sojourn at Capernaum, Accompanied by His Kindred and His
Early Disciples
(Later Capernaum will become his home)
John 2:12
this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and
they continued there not many days.
12After
§ 31. The First Cleansing of the Temple at the Passover
Jerusalem. Probably A.D. 27
John 2:13–22
the Jews’ passover was at hand, and
Jesus went up to Jerusalem, 14And found in the
temple those that sold oxen and sheep and
doves, and the changers of money sitting: 15And
when he had made a scourge of small cords, he
drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep,
and the oxen; and poured out the changers’
money, and overthrew the tables; 16And said
unto them that sold doves, Take these things
hence; make not my Father’s house an house of
merchandise. 17And his disciples remembered
that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath
eaten me up. 18Then answered the Jews and
said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us,
seeing that thou doest these things? 19Jesus
answered and said unto them, Destroy this
temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
20Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was
this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up
in three days? 21But he spake of the temple of
his body. 22When therefore he was risen from
the dead, his disciples remembered that he had
said this unto them; and they believed the
scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.
13And
(Title) Many scholars consider this the same
incident as that in the Synoptic Gospels and
placed by them in Passion Week (§ 129) probably
on Monday. It is urged that Jesus would not have
repeated such an act and hence one must follow
either the order of John or of the Synoptics. But
there is no inherent difficulty in the repetition of
such an act when one reflects on the natural
indignation of Jesus at the desecration of the
temple on his visit during his ministry and
considers that Jesus may have wished to make
one last protest at the close of his ministry.
Certainty, of course, is not possible in such an
argument one way or the other.
(Title) Observe the successive scenes of this early
ministry—beside the Jordan, on the eastern side,
at Cana of Galilee, at Capernaum, at Jerusalem,
in Judea, in Samaria.
(2:13) This is the first of the passovers in John’s
Gospel (2:13; 6:4; 13:1). There may have been
another.
§ 32. The Interview of Nicodemus with Jesus
At Jerusalem during the Passover
John 2:23–3:21
when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day,
many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he
did. 24But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he
knew all men, 25And needed not that any should testify of man: for
he knew what was in man. 11There was a man of the Pharisees,
23Now
(3:1) Nicodemus appears as
an exception to the statement
of 2:24, as one whom Jesus
did trust, and who amid all
difficulties of temperament
and station proved not
named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2The same came to Jesus by unworthy of the trust.
night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher
come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest,
except God be with him. 3Jesus answered and said unto him,
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he
cannot see the kingdom of God. 4Nicodemus saith unto him, How
can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time
into his mother’s womb, and be born? 5Jesus answered, Verily,
verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the
Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6That which is
born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is
spirit. 7Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
8The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound
thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so
is every one that is born of the Spirit. 9Nicodemus answered and
said unto him, How can these things be? 10Jesus answered and said
unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
11Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and
testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. 12If I have
told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I
tell you of heavenly things? 13And no man hath ascended up to
heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man
which is in heaven. 14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the
wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15That
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have
everlasting life. 17For God sent not his Son into the world to
condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth
not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name
of the only begotten Son of God. 19And this is the condemnation,
that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather
than light, because their deeds were evil. 20For every one that doeth
evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds
should be reproved. 21But he that doeth truth cometh to the light,
that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
§ 33. The Parallel Ministry of Jesus and John with John’s Loyalty to Jesus
John 3:22–36
these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea;
and there he tarried with them, and baptized. 23And John also was baptizing
in AEnon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they
came, and were baptized. 24For John was not yet cast into prison. 25Then
there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about
purifying. 26And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that
was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the
same baptizeth, and all men come to him. 27John answered and said, A man
can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. 28Ye yourselves
bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before
22After
(Title) Jesus gained
his first disciples
from John at
Bethany beyond
Jordan and many in
Jerusalem. Now he
is surpassing John.
On John’s loyalty to
Jesus see my John
the Loyal.
him. 29He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the
bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of
the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. 30He must
increase, but I must decrease. 31He that cometh from above is above all: he
that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from
heaven is above all. 32And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth;
and no man receiveth his testimony. 33He that hath received his testimony
hath set to his seal that God is true. 34For he whom God hath sent speaketh
the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. 35The
Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. 36He that
believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son
shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
§ 34. Christ’s Reasons for Leaving Judea
John 4:1–4
therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more
disciples than John, 2(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) 3He left Judaea, and
departed again into Galilee. 4And he must needs go through Samaria.
1When
Luke 3:19–20
Herod the tetrarch, being
reproved by him for Herodias his
brother Philip’s wife, and for all the
evils which Herod had done, 20Added
yet this above all, that he shut up John
in prison.
19But
Mark 1:14
after that John was put
in prison, Jesus came into
Galilee, preaching the gospel
of the kingdom of God,
14Now
(Lk. 3:20) The place of John’s imprisonment was
Machærus, east of the Dead Sea. See Josephus, War, Ch.
VII, vi. In Antiquities, Ch. XVIII, v, 2 Josephus gives the
public and political reason for John’s imprisonment
because of Herod’s fear of a revolution. He “feared lest
the great influences John had over the people might put
it into his power and inclination to raise a rebellion.”
Matthew 4:12
when Jesus had heard
that John was cast into prison,
he departed into Galilee;
12Now
Luke 4:14
Jesus returned in the
power of the Spirit into
Galilee: and there went out a
fame of him through all the
region round about.
14And
§ 35. Jesus in Samaria at Jacob’s Well and in Sychar
At Jacob’s Well and in Sychar
John 4:5–42
cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to
the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6Now Jacob’s
well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat
thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. 7There cometh a
woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to
drink. 8(For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)
9Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou,
being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for
the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. 10Jesus answered and
5Then
(Title) Notice that John
also had recently been
preaching to Samaritans
(§ 33) and compare
hereafter Philip’s work in
the city of Samaria (Acts
8:5–13).
(4:39) See above note.
(4:42) In this early
said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith
to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he
would have given thee living water. 11The woman saith unto him,
Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from
whence then hast thou that living water? 12Art thou greater than our
father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and
his children, and his cattle? 13Jesus answered and said unto her,
Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14But whosoever
drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the
water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing
up into everlasting life. 15The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me
this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. 16Jesus saith
unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. 17The woman
answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast
well said, I have no husband: 18For thou hast had five husbands; and
he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.
19The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
20Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in
Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. 21Jesus saith
unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall
neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
22Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for
salvation is of the Jews. 23But the hour cometh, and now is, when
the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth:
for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24God is a Spirit: and
they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. 25The
woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called
Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. 26Jesus saith unto
her, I that speak unto thee am he. 27And upon this came his
disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man
said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her? 28The
woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and
saith to the men, 29Come, see a man, which told me all things that
ever I did: is not this the Christ? 30Then they went out of the city,
and came unto him. 31In the mean while his disciples prayed him,
saying, Master, eat. 32But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that
ye know not of. 33Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath
any man brought him ought to eat? 34Jesus saith unto them, My meat
is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. 35Say
not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold,
I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are
white already to harvest. 36And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and
gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that
reapeth may rejoice together. 37And herein is that saying true, One
soweth, and another reapeth. 38I sent you to reap that whereon ye
bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into
their labours. 39And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on
him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that
ever I did. 40So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they
besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two
days. 41And many more believed because of his own word; 42And
ministry Jesus allowed
himself to be regarded as
the Messiah by his first
disciples (§ 28), and
personally declared that
he was the Messiah to the
woman at the well (§ 35)
(John 4:26), which many
other Samaritans also
personally believed (John
4:39, 42). He never
declared this to the
Jewish rulers at
Jerusalem till the very end
(§ 156), doubtless
because such an avowal
would lead them to kill
him, and so must not be
made till his work in
teaching the people and
training his disciples
should be completed.
Compare what he says
later to Peter in Matt.
16:17–20 (§ 82). At the
baptism and the
temptation of Jesus it was
clear that Jesus knew that
he was the Son of God,
the Messiah, and was so
regarded by the Baptist.
Events in Judea and
Galilee change the early
policy of Jesus and lead to
silence on his part in the
use of the word Messiah,
though many of the people
know that he makes
Messianic claims and the
rulers in Jerusalem come
to suspect him and to fear
him. See my volume on
The Pharisees and Jesus.
said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for
we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ,
the Saviour of the world.
§ 36. The Arrival of Jesus in Galilee
John 4:43–45
after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee. 44For Jesus himself testified,
that a prophet hath no honour in his own country. 45Then when he was come into Galilee, the
Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they
also went unto the feast.
43Now
Part VII: The Great Galilean Ministry
Probably Autumn of A.D. 27 to Spring of 29
(Apparently about a year and a half)
§§ 37–71. Great fulness of detail in Mark for this period and condensed report in Luke while Matthew is
chiefly topical in this portion. Mark’s Gospel plunges at once into the Great Galilean Ministry (cf.
Peter’s summary of Christ’s life in Acts 10:36–43 to the household of Cornelius). The mass of material
makes clear grouping difficult, but there is progress in the development of events.
(1) The Rejection at Nazareth and the New Home in Capernaum, §§ 37–43
§ 37. General Account of His Teaching in Galilee
Mark 1:14–15
Matthew 4:17
Luke 4:14–15
after that John was put17From that time Jesus began 14And Jesus returned in the
in prison, Jesus came into
to preach, and to say, Repent: power of the Spirit into
Galilee, preaching the gospel for the kingdom of heaven is Galilee: and there went out a
of the kingdom of God,
at hand.
fame of him through all the
15And saying, The time is
region round about. 15And he
fulfilled, and the kingdom of
taught in their synagogues,
God is at hand: repent ye, and
being glorified of all.
believe the gospel.
14Now
§ 38. The Healing at Cana of the Son of a Courtier of Capernaum
John 4:46–54
Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there
was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. 47When he heard that Jesus
was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would
come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. 48Then said Jesus unto
him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. 49The nobleman saith unto
him, Sir, come down ere my child die. 50Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth.
And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.
51And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son
liveth. 52Then inquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto
him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. 53So the father knew that it was at
the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed,
46So
and his whole house. 54This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was
come out of Judaea into Galilee.
§ 39. The First Rejection at Nazareth
Luke 4:16–31
he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he
went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. 17And there was
delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he
found the place where it was written, 18The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he
hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the
brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 20And
he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all
them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21And he began to say unto them,
This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. 22And all bare him witness, and wondered
at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this
Joseph’s son? 23And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb,
Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in
thy country. 24And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own
country. 25But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when
the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all
the land; 26But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto
a woman that was a widow. 27And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the
prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian. 28And all they in the
synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, 29And rose up, and
thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was
built, that they might cast him down headlong. 30But he passing through the midst of
them went his way, 31And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them
on the sabbath days.
16And
§ 40. The New Home in Capernaum
(4:13) Nazareth was never the Saviour’s
Matthew 4:13–16
leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt residence during his public ministry. After
in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, the wedding at Cana he lived a short time at
in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: Capernaum, and henceforth that city will be
14That it might be fulfilled which was
his abode, till he leaves Galilee six months
15
spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, The before the crucifixion—most of the time,
however, being actually spent in several
land of Zabulon, and the land of
Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond journeys throughout Galilee, together with a
Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; 16The people trip to Jerusalem, and retirement to districts
which sat in darkness saw great light; and to around Galilee.
them which sat in the region and shadow of
death light is sprung up.
13And
§ 41. Jesus Finds four Fishers of Men in Four Fishermen
By the Sea of Galilee, near Capernaum
Mark 1:16–20
Matthew 4:18–22
Luke 5:1–11
(Title) Three of these
16Now
as he walked 18And Jesus, walking 1And it came to pass, two pairs of brothers
by the sea of Galilee, by the sea of Galilee, that, as the people
(Andrew and Peter,
he saw Simon and
saw two brethren,
pressed upon him to John and James) had
Andrew his brother Simon called Peter, hear the word of God, already become
casting a net into the and Andrew his
he stood by the lake disciples of Jesus at
sea: for they were
brother, casting a net of Gennesaret, 2And Bethany beyond
Jordan (James
fishers. 17And Jesus into the sea: for they saw two ships
said unto them, Come were fishers. 19And standing by the lake: probably soon
afterwards), but now
ye after me, and I will he saith unto them, but the fishermen
they leave their
make you to become Follow me, and I will were gone out of
18
prosperous fish
fishers of men. And make you fishers of them, and were
straightway they
washing their nets. business and follow
men. 20And they
forsook their nets, and straightway left their 3And he entered into Jesus continuously as
many business men
one of the ships,
followed him. 19And nets, and followed
21
when he had gone a him. And going on which was Simon’s, since have given up a
little further thence, from thence, he saw and prayed him that lucrative business for
he saw James the son other two brethren, he would thrust out a the ministry. They,
little from the land. along with Philip and
of Zebedee, and John James the son of
his brother, who also Zebedee, and John his And he sat down, and Nathaniel, had been
were in the ship
brother, in a ship with taught the people out with Jesus in the early
ministry (the year of
mending their nets. Zebedee their father, of the ship. 4Now
20And straightway he mending their nets;
obscurity).
when he had left
called them: and they and he called them. speaking, he said unto
22And they
left their father
Simon, Launch out
Zebedee in the ship immediately left the into the deep, and let
with the hired
ship and their father, down your nets for a
servants, and went
and followed him.
draught. 5And Simon
after him.
answering said unto
him, Master, we have
toiled all the night,
and have taken
nothing: nevertheless
at thy word I will let
down the net. 6And
when they had this
done, they inclosed a
great multitude of
fishes: and their net
brake. 7And they
beckoned unto their
partners, which were
in the other ship, that
they should come and
help them. And they
came, and filled both
the ships, so that they
began to sink. 8When
Simon Peter saw it, he
fell down at Jesus’
knees, saying, Depart
from me; for I am a
sinful man, O Lord.
9For
he was
astonished, and all
that were with him, at
the draught of the
fishes which they had
taken: 10And so was
also James, and John,
the sons of Zebedee,
which were partners
with Simon. And
Jesus said unto
Simon, Fear not; from
henceforth thou shalt
catch men. 11And
when they had
brought their ships to
land, they forsook all,
and followed him.
§ 42. The Excitement in the Synagogue Because of the Teaching of Jesus and the Healing of a Demoniac
on the Sabbath
Mark 1:21–28
Luke 4:31–37
31And came down to Capernaum, a city of
they went into Capernaum; and
straightway on the sabbath day he entered Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath
into the synagogue, and taught. 22And they days. 32And they were astonished at his
were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught doctrine: for his word was with power.
them as one that had authority, and not as 33And in the synagogue there was a man,
the scribes. 23And there was in their
which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and
synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and cried out with a loud voice, 34Saying, Let us
he cried out, 24Saying, Let us alone; what alone; what have we to do with thee, thou
have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of
Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy
Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I
us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One
know thee who thou art, the Holy One of
of God. 35And Jesus rebuked him, saying,
25
God. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And
thy peace, and come out of him. 26And when when the devil had thrown him in the midst,
the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried
he came out of him, and hurt him not. 36And
with a loud voice, he came out of him.
they were all amazed, and spake among
27And they were all amazed, insomuch that themselves, saying, What a word is this! for
they questioned among themselves, saying, with authority and power he commandeth
the unclean spirits, and they come out.
What thing is this? what new doctrine is
this? for with authority commandeth he even 37And the fame of him went out into every
the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. place of the country round about.
28And immediately his fame spread abroad
throughout all the region round about
Galilee.
21And
§ 43. He Heals Peter’s Mother-in-law and Many Others
At Capernaum, in Peter's Home
Mark 1:29–34
Matthew 8:14–17
Luke 4:38–41
29And
forthwith, when they 14And when Jesus was come 38And he arose out of the
were come out of the
into Peter’s house, he saw his synagogue, and entered into
synagogue, they entered into wife’s mother laid, and sick Simon’s house. And Simon’s
the house of Simon and
of a fever. 15And he touched wife’s mother was taken with
Andrew, with James and
her hand, and the fever left a great fever; and they
John. 30But Simon’s wife’s her: and she arose, and
besought him for her. 39And
mother lay sick of a fever,
ministered unto them.
he stood over her, and
and anon they tell him of her. 16When the even was come, rebuked the fever; and it left
31And he came and took her they brought unto him many her: and immediately she
by the hand, and lifted her
that were possessed with
arose and ministered unto
up; and immediately the feverdevils: and he cast out the
them. 40Now when the sun
left her, and she ministered spirits with his word, and
was setting, all they that had
32
healed all that were sick:
any sick with divers diseases
unto them. And at even,
17That it might be fulfilled
brought them unto him; and
when the sun did set, they
brought unto him all that
which was spoken by Esaias he laid his hands on every
were diseased, and them that the prophet, saying, Himself one of them, and healed
were possessed with devils. took our infirmities, and bare them. 41And devils also came
33And all the city was
our sicknesses.
out of many, crying out, and
gathered together at the door.
saying, Thou art Christ the
34And he healed many that
Son of God. And he rebuking
were sick of divers diseases,
them suffered them not to
and cast out many devils; and
speak: for they knew that he
suffered not the devils to
was Christ. 1
speak, because they knew
him.
(2) The First Tour of Galilee with the Four Fishermen and the Call of Matthew (Levi) on
the Return with the Growing Fame of Jesus, §§ 44–48
§ 44. The First Tour of Galilee with the Four Fishermen
(Mt. 4:23) This
Mark 1:35–39
Matthew 4:23–25
Luke 4:42–44
42And when it was
journey about all
in the morning, 23And Jesus went
rising up a great while about all Galilee,
day, he departed and Galilee included a
great mass of
before day, he went teaching in their
went into a desert
out, and departed into synagogues, and
place: and the people teaching and healing
a solitary place, and preaching the gospel sought him, and came (dwell on Matt. 4:23–
there prayed. 36And of the kingdom, and unto him, and stayed 25), of which only a
Simon and they that healing all manner of him, that he should few specimens are
were with him
sickness and all
not depart from them. recorded, and these
43And he said unto
apparently occurred
followed after him. manner of disease
37And when they had among the people.
them, I must preach at Capernaum, his
found him, they said 24And his fame went the kingdom of God headquarters. The
throughout all Syria: to other cities also: forjourney given by Luke
unto him, All men
38
seek for thee. And and they brought unto therefore am I sent. only (8:1–3) is
he said unto them, Let him all sick people 44And he preached in probably distinct from
this, and if so it would
that were taken with the synagogues of
us go into the next
be a second, while
divers diseases and Galilee.
towns, that I may
35And
1
Robertson, A. T. (2009). A Harmony of the Gospels (Mt 4:13–Jn 4:54). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
preach there also: for torments, and those
therefore came I forth.which were possessed
39And he preached in with devils, and those
their synagogues
which were lunatick,
throughout all
and those that had the
Galilee, and cast out palsy; and he healed
devils.
them. 25And there
followed him great
multitudes of people
from Galilee, and
from Decapolis, and
from Jerusalem, and
from Judaea, and from
beyond Jordan.
that of Luke 9:1–6 ( =
Mark 6:6–13 = Matt.
9:35, 11:1), which is
quite certainly
distinct, would then
be a third journey
about Galilee. The
reader ought to
expand his
imagination and take
in these extended
labors.
§ 45. A Leper Healed and Much Popular Excitement
Mark 1:40–45
Matthew 8:2–4
Luke 5:12–16
2
12
there came a leper to And, behold, there came a
And it came to pass, when
him, beseeching him, and
leper and worshipped him, he was in a certain city,
kneeling down to him, and saying, Lord, if thou wilt,
behold a man full of leprosy:
saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. who seeing Jesus fell on his
thou canst make me clean. 3And Jesus put forth his
face, and besought him,
41And Jesus, moved with
hand, and touched him,
saying, Lord, if thou wilt,
compassion, put forth his
saying, I will; be thou clean. thou canst make me clean.
hand, and touched him, and And immediately his leprosy 13And he put forth his hand,
saith unto him, I will; be thou was cleansed. 4And Jesus
and touched him, saying, I
clean. 42And as soon as he saith unto him, See thou tell will: be thou clean. And
had spoken, immediately the no man; but go thy way,
immediately the leprosy
leprosy departed from him, shew thyself to the priest, and departed from him. 14And he
charged him to tell no man:
and he was cleansed. 43And offer the gift that Moses
he straitly charged him, and commanded, for a testimony but go, and shew thyself to
unto them.
the priest, and offer for thy
forthwith sent him away;
44And saith unto him, See
cleansing, according as
Moses commanded, for a
thou say nothing to any man:
but go thy way, shew thyself
testimony unto them. 15But
to the priest, and offer for thy
so much the more went there
cleansing those things which
a fame abroad of him: and
Moses commanded, for a
great multitudes came
together to hear, and to be
testimony unto them. 45But
healed by him of their
he went out, and began to
publish it much, and to blaze
infirmities. 16And he
withdrew himself into the
abroad the matter, insomuch
wilderness, and prayed.
that Jesus could no more
openly enter into the city, but
was without in desert places:
and they came to him from
every quarter.
40And
§ 46. Thronged in Capernaum, He Heals a Paralytic Lowered Through the Roof of Peter’s House
(Mk. 2:10) Note the
Mark 2:1–12
Matthew 9:1–8
Luke 5:17–26
1
17
again he entered And he entered into a And it came to pass parenthetic
into Capernaum, after ship, and passed over, on a certain day, as he explanation of the
some days; and it was and came into his ownwas teaching, that
writers in the middle
noised that he was in city. 2And, behold, there were Pharisees of the saying of Jesus.
they brought to him a and doctors of the law It is proof that each of
the house. 2And
straightway many
man sick of the palsy, sitting by, which were the Gospels had the
were gathered
lying on a bed: and come out of every
same written source
together, insomuch Jesus seeing their
town of Galilee, and here or rather, as we
know otherwise, that
that there was no
faith said unto the
Judaea, and
Matthew and Luke
room to receive them, sick of the palsy; Son, Jerusalem: and the
had Mark before
no, not so much as
be of good cheer; thy power of the Lord
about the door: and he sins be forgiven thee. was present to heal them.
3And, behold, certain them. 18And, behold,
preached the word
men brought in a bed
unto them. 3And they of the scribes said
a man which was
come unto him,
within themselves,
taken with a palsy:
bringing one sick of This man
4
the palsy, which was blasphemeth. And and they sought
borne of four. 4And Jesus knowing their means to bring him
in, and to lay him
when they could not thoughts said,
come nigh unto him Wherefore think ye before him. 19And
for the press, they
evil in your hearts? when they could not
uncovered the roof 5For whether is easier, find by what way they
where he was: and
might bring him in
to say, Thy sins be
when they had broken forgiven thee; or to because of the
it up, they let down say, Arise, and walk? multitude, they went
the bed wherein the 6But that ye may
upon the housetop,
sick of the palsy lay. know that the Son of and let him down
5When Jesus saw
man hath power on through the tiling with
their faith, he said
earth to forgive sins, his couch into the
unto the sick of the (then saith he to the midst before Jesus.
20And when he saw
palsy, Son, thy sins be sick of the palsy,)
their faith, he said
forgiven thee. 6But Arise, take up thy
there were certain of bed, and go unto thine unto him, Man, thy
the scribes sitting
house. 7And he arose, sins are forgiven thee.
there, and reasoning and departed to his 21And the scribes and
in their hearts, 7Why house. 8But when the the Pharisees began to
reason, saying, Who
doth this man thus
multitudes saw it,
speak blasphemies? they marvelled, and is this which speaketh
who can forgive sins glorified God, which blasphemies? Who
but God only? 8And had given such power can forgive sins, but
God alone? 22But
immediately when
unto men.
when Jesus perceived
Jesus perceived in his
their thoughts, he
spirit that they so
answering said unto
reasoned within
them, What reason ye
themselves, he said
in your hearts?
unto them, Why
23Whether is easier, to
reason ye these things
say, Thy sins be
in your hearts?
9Whether is it easier
forgiven thee; or to
1And
to say to the sick of
the palsy, Thy sins be
forgiven thee; or to
say, Arise, and take
up thy bed, and walk?
10But that ye may
know that the Son of
man hath power on
earth to forgive sins,
(he saith to the sick of
the palsy,) 11I say
unto thee, Arise, and
take up thy bed, and
go thy way into thine
house. 12And
immediately he arose,
took up the bed, and
went forth before
them all; insomuch
that they were all
amazed, and glorified
God, saying, We
never saw it on this
fashion.
say, Rise up and
walk? 24But that ye
may know that the
Son of man hath
power upon earth to
forgive sins, (he said
unto the sick of the
palsy,) I say unto
thee, Arise, and take
up thy couch, and go
into thine house.
25And immediately he
rose up before them,
and took up that
whereon he lay, and
departed to his own
house, glorifying
God. 26And they were
all amazed, and they
glorified God, and
were filled with fear,
saying, We have seen
strange things to day.
§ 47. The Call of Matthew (Levi) and His Reception in Honor of Jesus
Capernaum
(Mt. 9:13) Hos. 6:6.
Mark 2:13–17
Matthew 9:9–13
Luke 5:27–32
9
27
he went forth And as Jesus passed And after these
again by the sea side; forth from thence, he things he went forth,
and all the multitude saw a man, named
and saw a publican,
resorted unto him, andMatthew, sitting at thenamed Levi, sitting at
he taught them. 14And receipt of custom: and the receipt of custom:
and he said unto him,
as he passed by, he he saith unto him,
saw Levi the son of Follow me. And he Follow me. 28And he
Alphaeus sitting at the arose, and followed left all, rose up, and
receipt of custom, and him. 10And it came to followed him. 29And
said unto him, Follow pass, as Jesus sat at Levi made him a great
me. And he arose and meat in the house,
feast in his own
15
house: and there was
followed him. And behold, many
it came to pass, that, publicans and sinners a great company of
as Jesus sat at meat in came and sat down publicans and of
his house, many
with him and his
others that sat down
11
publicans and sinners disciples. And when with them. 30But their
sat also together with the Pharisees saw it, scribes and Pharisees
Jesus and his
they said unto his
murmured against his
disciples: for there
disciples, Why eateth disciples, saying,
were many, and they your Master with
Why do ye eat and
16
followed him. And publicans and
drink with publicans
when the scribes and sinners? 12But when and sinners? 31And
13And
Pharisees saw him eat Jesus heard that, he
with publicans and said unto them, They
sinners, they said unto that be whole need
his disciples, How is not a physician, but
it that he eateth and they that are sick.
13But go ye and learn
drinketh with
publicans and
what that meaneth, I
will have mercy, and
sinners? 17When
Jesus heard it, he saith not sacrifice: for I am
unto them, They that not come to call the
are whole have no
righteous, but sinners
need of the physician, to repentance.
but they that are sick:
I came not to call the
righteous, but sinners
to repentance.
Jesus answering said
unto them, They that
are whole need not a
physician; but they
that are sick. 32I came
not to call the
righteous, but sinners
to repentance.
§ 48. Jesus in Three Parables Defends His Disciples for Feasting Instead of Fasting
(Title) It was
Mark 2:18–22
Matthew 9:14–17
Luke 5:33–39
14
33
the disciples of Then came to him
And they said unto probably the presence
of the disciples of
John and of the
the disciples of John, him, Why do the
Pharisees used to fast: saying, Why do we disciples of John fast Christ at Matthew’s
feast on one of the
and they come and and the Pharisees fast often, and make
say unto him, Why do oft, but thy disciples prayers, and likewise Jewish fast days that
the disciples of John fast not? 15And Jesus the disciples of the occasioned the
and of the Pharisees said unto them, Can Pharisees; but thine complaint of John’s
fast, but thy disciples the children of the
eat and drink? 34And disciples and the
19
Pharisees. It is sad to
fast not? And Jesus bridechamber mourn, he said unto them,
see disciples of John
said unto them, Can as long as the
Can ye make the
aligned with the
the children of the
bridegroom is with children of the
Pharisees against
bridechamber fast,
them? but the days bridechamber fast,
while the bridegroom will come, when the while the bridegroom Jesus.
is with them? as long bridegroom shall be is with them? 35But
as they have the
taken from them, and the days will come, (Lk. 5:36) Note the
bridegroom with
then shall they fast. when the bridegroom use of the term
16No man putteth a
them, they cannot
shall be taken away parable in Luke.
20
from them, and then There are three
fast. But the days piece of new cloth
will come, when the unto an old garment, shall they fast in those parables (the sons of
bridegroom shall be for that which is put days. 36And he spake the bride-chamber,
taken away from
in to fill it up taketh also a parable unto the new patch on an
them, and then shall from the garment, and them; No man putteth old garment, the new
wine in old winethey fast in those
the rent is made
a piece of a new
days. 21No man also worse. 17Neither do garment upon an old; skins) here together.
seweth a piece of new men put new wine
if otherwise, then bothA few isolated ones
have already
cloth on an old
into old bottles: else the new maketh a
occurred as in John
garment: else the new the bottles break, and rent, and the piece
piece that filled it up the wine runneth out, that was taken out of 2:19.
taketh away from the and the bottles perish: the new agreeth not
old, and the rent is
but they put new wine with the old. 37And no
22
made worse. And into new bottles, and man putteth new wine
18And
no man putteth new both are preserved.
wine into old bottles:
else the new wine
doth burst the bottles,
and the wine is
spilled, and the bottles
will be marred: but
new wine must be put
into new bottles.
into old bottles; else
the new wine will
burst the bottles, and
be spilled, and the
bottles shall perish.
38But new wine must
be put into new
bottles; and both are
preserved. 39No man
also having drunk old
wine straightway
desireth new: for he
saith, The old is
better.
(3) The Sabbath Controversy in Jerusalem and in Galilee, §§ 49–51
In sections 49 to 51 we see the Pharisees attacking Jesus both in Jerusalem and in Galilee with great
hostility and with the purpose of killing him because of violation of the Pharisaic regulations about the
Sabbath. Jesus defends himself and his disciples by various arguments and personal claims.
§ 49. At a Feast in Jerusalem (Possibly the Passover) Jesus Heals a Lame Man on the Sabbath and
Defends This Action to the Pharisees in a Great Discourse
(5:1) This feast of John 5:1 was most
John 5:1–47
this there was a feast of the Jews; and probably a Passover (see note at end of
Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2Now there is at volume, note 7). If so, we should know that
Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which our Lord’s public ministry lasted three years
is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda,
and a fraction, and that the great ministry in
3
Galilee lasted some 18 to 20 months.
having five porches. In these lay a great
Otherwise, we should know of only two
multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt,
years and a fraction for the former, and 6 to
withered, waiting for the moving of the
water. 4For an angel went down at a certain 8 months for the latter; as John gives three
season into the pool, and troubled the water: passovers beyond question (John 2:13; 6:4;
whosoever then first after the troubling of 12:1), and our Lord’s ministry began some
time before the first of these. If the feast of
the water stepped in was made whole of
5
whatsoever disease he had. And a certain 5:1 was not a passover, it is quite impossible
man was there, which had an infirmity thirty to determine what other feast it was. While
and eight years. 6When Jesus saw him lie, one would be glad to settle these questions,
and knew that he had been now a long time if it were possible, yet it really does not
in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be matter as regards understanding our Lord’s
made whole? 7The impotent man answered recorded history and teachings during the
him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is great ministry in Galilee, the only point of
troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I difference being that if this feast was a
am coming, another steppeth down before Passover (or if there is an unmentioned
me. 8Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy Passover) we should conceive of the three
bed, and walk. 9And immediately the man journeys about Galilee as occupying a
was made whole, and took up his bed, and longer time, and including more extensive
unrecorded labors in preaching and healing.
walked: and on the same day was the
10
sabbath. The Jews therefore said unto him
that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not (5:1) It is to be noted that John’s Gospel
gives the Jerusalem Ministry of Jesus almost
lawful for thee to carry thy bed. 11He
1After
answered them, He that made me whole, the entirely except Galilee in ch. 2, Samaria and
same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and
Galilee in ch. 4, Galilee in ch. 6 and again
walk. 12Then asked they him, What man is in ch. 21. It seems clear that John wrote
that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, with full knowledge of the Synoptic Gospels
and walk? 13And he that was healed wist not and supplements them at certain points.
who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself Both Luke and John were thus critics of the
Gospel records.
away, a multitude being in that place.
14Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple,
and said unto him, Behold, thou art made (5:47) Observe that here more than a year
whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come before the crucifixion, and probably two
unto thee. 15The man departed, and told the years (i.e. if the feast of 5:1 was a passover
Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him or if an unnamed passover is granted), the
hostility of the Jews at Jerusalem (comp.
whole. 16And therefore did the Jews
John 4:1) has reached the point of a desire
persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him,
to kill him, as a sabbath-breaker and a
because he had done these things on the
sabbath day. 17But Jesus answered them, Myblasphemer (5:16–18). So we shall find him
staying away from Jerusalem at the
Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
18Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill passover of John 6:4, and until the
Tabernacles six months before the
him, because he not only had broken the
crucifixion (John 7:1–10). Meantime, the
sabbath, but said also that God was his
hostility will go on increasing in other parts
Father, making himself equal with God.
19Then answered Jesus and said unto them, of the country (Mark 3:6, etc.).—Notice also
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can that in this discourse at Jerusalem our Lord
do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the repeatedly declares himself in a high sense
Father do: for what things soever he doeth, the Son of God, and the appointed judge of
these also doeth the Son likewise. 20For the mankind (ver. 27), and says that Moses
Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all wrote concerning him (ver. 46). All this
things that himself doeth: and he will shew indicated that he was the Messiah, but he
him greater works than these, that ye may did not here expressly assert it as he did in
Samaria (John 4:26). That would have
marvel. 21For as the Father raiseth up the
dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son precipitated the collision, for to claim to be
quickeneth whom he will. 22For the Father the Messiah would in the view of the Jewish
rulers involve political consequences. Comp.
judgeth no man, but hath committed all
John 11:48.
judgment unto the Son: 23That all men
should honour the Son, even as they honour
the Father. He that honoureth not the Son
honoureth not the Father which hath sent
him. 24Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that
heareth my word, and believeth on him that
sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not
come into condemnation; but is passed from
death unto life. 25Verily, verily, I say unto
you, The hour is coming, and now is, when
the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of
God: and they that hear shall live. 26For as
the Father hath life in himself; so hath he
given to the Son to have life in himself;
27And hath given him authority to execute
judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
28Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming,
in the which all that are in the graves shall
hear his voice, 29And shall come forth; they
that have done good, unto the resurrection of
life; and they that have done evil, unto the
resurrection of damnation. 30I can of mine
own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and
my judgment is just; because I seek not mine
own will, but the will of the Father which
hath sent me. 31If I bear witness of myself,
my witness is not true. 32There is another
that beareth witness of me; and I know that
the witness which he witnesseth of me is
true. 33Ye sent unto John, and he bare
witness unto the truth. 34But I receive not
testimony from man: but these things I say,
that ye might be saved. 35He was a burning
and a shining light: and ye were willing for a
season to rejoice in his light. 36But I have
greater witness than that of John: for the
works which the Father hath given me to
finish, the same works that I do, bear
witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
37And the Father himself, which hath sent
me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have
neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen
his shape. 38And ye have not his word
abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him
ye believe not. 39Search the scriptures; for in
them ye think ye have eternal life: and they
are they which testify of me. 40And ye will
not come to me, that ye might have life. 41I
receive not honour from men. 42But I know
you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
43I am come in my Father’s name, and ye
receive me not: if another shall come in his
own name, him ye will receive. 44How can
ye believe, which receive honour one of
another, and seek not the honour that cometh
from God only? 45Do not think that I will
accuse you to the Father: there is one that
accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.
46For had ye believed Moses, ye would have
believed me: for he wrote of me. 47But if ye
believe not his writings, how shall ye
believe my words?
§ 50. Another Sabbath Controversy With the Pharisees When the Disciples Pluck Ears of Grain in the
Fields
Probably in Galilee on the Way Back from Jerusalem
Mark 2:23–28
Matthew 12:1–8
it came to pass, 1At that time Jesus
that he went through went on the sabbath
23And
(Title) Because in
Luke 6:1–5
it came to pass Mark 3:7 Jesus
on the second sabbath withdraws to the Sea
1And
the corn fields on the day through the corn; after the first, that he of Galilee.
sabbath day; and his and his disciples were went through the corn
(Mk. 2:28) Note the
disciples began, as
an hungred, and
fields; and his
they went, to pluck began to pluck the
disciples plucked the five arguments made
the ears of corn.
ears of corn, and to ears of corn, and did by Jesus in defense of
24And the Pharisees
eat, rubbing them in the conduct of the
eat. 2But when the
disciples on the
said unto him,
Pharisees saw it, they their hands. 2And
Sabbath (the
Behold, why do they said unto him,
certain of the
on the sabbath day
Behold, thy disciples Pharisees said unto historical appeal in
that which is not
do that which is not them, Why do ye that the conduct of David,
lawful? 25And he said lawful to do upon the which is not lawful to the appeal to the law
about the temple
unto them, Have ye sabbath day. 3But he do on the sabbath
service, the voice of
never read what
said unto them, Have days? 3And Jesus
David did, when he ye not read what
answering them said, prophecy, the purpose
had need, and was an David did, when he Have ye not read so of God in the
Sabbath, and the
hungred, he, and they was an hungred, and much as this, what
lordship of the
that were with him? they that were with David did, when
Messiah over the
26How he went into
him; 4How he entered himself was an
Sabbath). Jesus had
the house of God in into the house of God, hungred, and they
the days of Abiathar and did eat the
which were with him; already (John 5:17)
4How he went into the argued that he was
the high priest, and shewbread, which
did eat the shewbread, was not lawful for
house of God, and did equal to the Father
and hence had the
which is not lawful to him to eat, neither for take and eat the
eat but for the priests, them which were with shewbread, and gave right to do certain
and gave also to them him, but only for the also to them that were things (acts of mercy)
which were with him? priests? 5Or have ye with him; which it is on the Sabbath.
27And he said unto
not read in the law, not lawful to eat but
them, The sabbath
how that on the
for the priests alone?
5And he said unto
was made for man, sabbath days the
and not man for the priests in the temple them, That the Son of
sabbath: 28Therefore profane the sabbath, man is Lord also of
and are blameless? the sabbath.
the Son of man is
6But I say unto you,
Lord also of the
sabbath.
That in this place is
one greater than the
temple. 7But if ye had
known what this
meaneth, I will have
mercy, and not
sacrifice, ye would
not have condemned
the guiltless. 8For the
Son of man is Lord
even of the sabbath
day.
§ 51. A Third Sabbath Controversy With the Pharisees Over the Healing of a Man With a Withered Hand
in a Synagogue
Mark 3:1–6
Matthew 12:9–14
9
he entered again And when he was
1And
On three other later
Luke 6:6–11
it came to pass occasions
6And
into the synagogue; departed thence, he also on another
controversies arise
and there was a man went into their
sabbath, that he
with the Pharisees
there which had a
concerning Sabbath
synagogue: 10And, entered into the
2
withered hand. And behold, there was a synagogue and taught:observance (John
they watched him,
man which had his and there was a man 9:1–34; Luke 13:10–
whether he would
hand withered. And whose right hand was 21; 14:1–24). In John
heal him on the
they asked him,
withered. 7And the 7:20–24 Jesus refers
sabbath day; that they saying, Is it lawful to scribes and Pharisees to the miracle in John
might accuse him.
heal on the sabbath watched him, whether 5 and adds another
3And he saith unto the days? that they might he would heal on the argument
man which had the accuse him. 11And he sabbath day; that they (circumcision on the
Sabbath) for his
withered hand, Stand said unto them, What might find an
4
accusation against
conduct on the
forth. And he saith man shall there be
Sabbath.
unto them, Is it lawful among you, that shall him. 8But he knew
to do good on the
have one sheep, and if their thoughts, and
sabbath days, or to do it fall into a pit on the said to the man which (Mk. 3:6) Here at
some point near the
evil? to save life, or to sabbath day, will he had the withered
sea of Galilee, there
kill? But they held
not lay hold on it, and hand, Rise up, and
is already a plot to
5
12
stand forth in the
their peace. And
lift it out? How
when he had looked much then is a man midst. And he arose kill him, as some had
round about on them better than a sheep? and stood forth. 9Then wished to do in
Wherefore it is lawful said Jesus unto them, Jerusalem (comp. on
with anger, being
§ 49).
to do well on the
I will ask you one
grieved for the
hardness of their
sabbath days. 13Then thing; Is it lawful on
hearts, he saith unto saith he to the man, the sabbath days to do
good, or to do evil? to
the man, Stretch forth Stretch forth thine
save life, or to destroy
thine hand. And he hand. And he
stretched it out: and stretched it forth; and it? 10And looking
his hand was restored it was restored whole, round about upon
whole as the other. like as the other.
them all, he said unto
6And the Pharisees
14Then the Pharisees the man, Stretch forth
went forth, and
went out, and held a thy hand. And he did
straightway took
council against him, so: and his hand was
restored whole as the
counsel with the
how they might
Herodians against
destroy him.
other. 11And they
him, how they might
were filled with
destroy him.
madness; and
communed one with
another what they
might do to Jesus.
(4) The Choice of the Twelve and the Sermon On The Mount, §§ 52–54
In sections 52 to 54 we see Christ choosing the Twelve Apostles and delivering the Sermon on the Mount to
them and to the multitudes.
§ 52. Jesus teaches and heals Great Multitudes by the Sea of Galilee
Mark 3:7–12
Matthew 12:15–21
Jesus withdrew himself 15But when Jesus knew it, he
with his disciples to the sea: withdrew himself from
and a great multitude from thence: and great multitudes
7But
(Mk. 3:8) Note the wide
territory from which the
crowds now come, from
Idumea in the south to
Galilee followed him, and
followed him, and he healed Phœnicia in the north and
8
from Judaea, And from
them all; 16And charged them from Perea in the east.
Jerusalem, and from
that they should not make
Idumaea, and from beyond him known: 17That it might (Mt. 12:17) Isaiah 42:1–4.
Jordan; and they about Tyre be fulfilled which was spoken
and Sidon, a great multitude, by Esaias the prophet, saying,
18Behold my servant, whom I
when they had heard what
great things he did, came
have chosen; my beloved, in
9
unto him. And he spake to whom my soul is well
his disciples, that a small ship pleased: I will put my spirit
should wait on him because upon him, and he shall shew
of the multitude, lest they
judgment to the Gentiles.
10
should throng him. For he 19He shall not strive, nor cry;
had healed many; insomuch neither shall any man hear his
that they pressed upon him voice in the streets. 20A
for to touch him, as many as bruised reed shall he not
had plagues. 11And unclean break, and smoking flax shall
spirits, when they saw him, he not quench, till he send
fell down before him, and
forth judgment unto victory.
21And in his name shall the
cried, saying, Thou art the
12
Son of God. And he straitly Gentiles trust.
charged them that they
should not make him known.
§ 53: After a Night of Prayer Jesus Selects Twelve Apostles
Matthew postpones giving the
Mark 3:13–19
Luke 6:12–16
12And it came to pass in
names of the Twelve till they
he goeth up into a
mountain, and calleth unto those days, that he went out are sent out to preach in
him whom he would: and
into a mountain to pray, and Galilee (Matt. 10:1–4. § 70).
they came unto him. 14And continued all night in prayer There is a fourth list in Acts
he ordained twelve, that they to God. 13And when it was 1:13. See the four compared
should be with him, and that day, he called unto him his in note at the end of this
volume, note 8.
he might send them forth to disciples: and of them he
preach, 15And to have power chose twelve, whom also he
to heal sicknesses, and to cast named apostles; 14Simon,
out devils: 16And Simon he (whom he also named Peter,)
surnamed Peter; 17And James and Andrew his brother,
the son of Zebedee, and John James and John, Philip and
the brother of James; and he Bartholomew, 15Matthew and
surnamed them Boanerges, Thomas, James the son of
Alphaeus, and Simon called
which is, The sons of
18
thunder: And Andrew, and Zelotes, 16And Judas the
Philip, and Bartholomew, and brother of James, and Judas
Matthew, and Thomas, and Iscariot, which also was the
James the son of Alphaeus, traitor.
and Thaddaeus, and Simon
the Canaanite, 19And Judas
Iscariot, which also betrayed
him: And they went into an
house.
13And
§ 54. The Sermon On The Mount. Privileges and Requirements of the Messianic Reign. Christ’s Standard
of Righteousness
Matthew, chapters 5–7. Luke 6:17–49.
A level place on a mountain, not far from Capernaum
The Place and the Audience
Matthew 5:1–2
seeing the multitudes,
he went up into a mountain:
and when he was set, his
disciples came unto him:
2And he opened his mouth,
and taught them, saying,
1And
(Title) There is little doubt
Luke 6:17–19
he came down with that the discourses given by
them, and stood in the plain, Matthew and Luke are the
same, Matthew locating it on
and the company of his
“the mountain,” and Luke
disciples, and a great
multitude of people out of all “on a level place,” which
Judaea and Jerusalem, and might easily be a level spot
on a mountain. (See note at
from the sea coast of Tyre
end of this book, note 9.)
and Sidon, which came to
hear him, and to be healed of Observe that they begin and
end alike, and pursue the
their diseases; 18And they
that were vexed with unclean same general order. Luke
spirits: and they were healed. omits various matters of
19And the whole multitude
special interest to Matthew’s
sought to touch him: for there Jewish readers (e.g. Matt.
went virtue out of him, and 5:17–42), and other matters
that he himself will give
healed them all.
elsewhere (e.g. Luke 11:1–4;
12:22–31); while Luke has a
few sentences (as ver. 24–26,
38–40), which are not given
by Matthew.
17And
1. The Introduction: The Beatitudes and the Woes. Privileges of the Messiah’s Subjects
Matthew 5:3–12
Luke 6:20–26
are the poor in spirit: for theirs is 20And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples,
the kingdom of heaven. 4Blessed are they and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the
that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
kingdom of God. 21Blessed are ye that
5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed
the earth. 6Blessed are they which do hunger are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.
and thirst after righteousness: for they shall 22Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you,
be filled. 7Blessed are the merciful: for they and when they shall separate you from their
shall obtain mercy. 8Blessed are the pure in company, and shall reproach you, and cast
heart: for they shall see God. 9Blessed are out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s
the peacemakers: for they shall be called the sake. 23Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for
children of God. 10Blessed are they which joy: for, behold, your reward is great in
are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for heaven: for in the like manner did their
theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11Blessed fathers unto the prophets. 24But woe unto
you that are rich! for ye have received your
are ye, when men shall revile you, and
persecute you, and shall say all manner of consolation. 25Woe unto you that are full!
3Blessed
evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great
is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted
they the prophets which were before you.
for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh
now! for ye shall mourn and weep. 26Woe
unto you, when all men shall speak well of
you! for so did their fathers to the false
prophets.
2. The Theme of the Sermon: Christ’s Standard of Righteousness in Contrast with that of the Scribes and
Pharisees
Matthew 5:13–20
are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be
salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot
of men. 14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it
giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16Let your light so shine before men, that they
may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. 17Think not that I
am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18For
verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass
from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least
commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of
heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the
kingdom of heaven. 20For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the
righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of
heaven.
13Ye
3. Christ’s Ethical Teaching Superior to that of the Scribes (both the Old Testament and the Oral Law) in Six
Items or Illustrations (Murder, Adultery, Divorce, Oaths, Retaliations, Love of Enemies)
(Mt. 5:32) See further Mark
Matthew 5:21–48
Luke 6:27–30, 32–36
have heard that it was 27But I say unto you which 9:43–47; 10:11–12; Matt.
said by them of old time,
hear, Love your enemies, do 18:8–9; 19:9.
Thou shalt not kill; and
good to them which hate you,
whosoever shall kill shall be 28Bless them that curse you,
in danger of the judgment: and pray for them which
22But I say unto you, That
despitefully use you. 29And
whosoever is angry with his unto him that smiteth thee on
brother without a cause shall the one cheek offer also the
be in danger of the judgment: other; and him that taketh
and whosoever shall say to away thy cloke forbid not to
his brother, Raca, shall be in take thy coat also. 30Give to
danger of the council: but
every man that asketh of
whosoever shall say, Thou thee; and of him that taketh
fool, shall be in danger of
away thy goods ask them not
hell fire. 23Therefore if thou again.
bring thy gift to the altar, and 32For if ye love them which
there rememberest that thy love you, what thank have
brother hath ought against
ye? for sinners also love
thee; 24Leave there thy gift those that love them. 33And if
before the altar, and go thy ye do good to them which do
way; first be reconciled to thy good to you, what thank have
brother, and then come and ye? for sinners also do even
21Ye
offer thy gift. 25Agree with the same. 34And if ye lend to
thine adversary quickly,
them of whom ye hope to
whiles thou art in the way
receive, what thank have ye?
with him; lest at any time the for sinners also lend to
adversary deliver thee to the sinners, to receive as much
judge, and the judge deliver again. 35But love ye your
thee to the officer, and thou enemies, and do good, and
be cast into prison. 26Verily I lend, hoping for nothing
say unto thee, Thou shalt by again; and your reward shall
no means come out thence, be great, and ye shall be the
till thou hast paid the
children of the Highest: for
uttermost farthing. 27Ye have he is kind unto the unthankful
heard that it was said by them and to the evil. 36Be ye
of old time, Thou shalt not therefore merciful, as your
commit adultery: 28But I say Father also is merciful.
unto you, That whosoever
looketh on a woman to lust
after her hath committed
adultery with her already in
his heart. 29And if thy right
eye offend thee, pluck it out,
and cast it from thee: for it is
profitable for thee that one of
thy members should perish,
and not that thy whole body
should be cast into hell.
30And if thy right hand
offend thee, cut it off, and
cast it from thee: for it is
profitable for thee that one of
thy members should perish,
and not that thy whole body
should be cast into hell. 31It
hath been said, Whosoever
shall put away his wife, let
him give her a writing of
divorcement: 32But I say unto
you, That whosoever shall
put away his wife, saving for
the cause of fornication,
causeth her to commit
adultery: and whosoever shall
marry her that is divorced
committeth adultery.
33Again, ye have heard that it
hath been said by them of old
time, Thou shalt not forswear
thyself, but shalt perform
unto the Lord thine oaths:
34But I say unto you, Swear
not at all; neither by heaven;
for it is God’s throne: 35Nor
by the earth; for it is his
footstool: neither by
Jerusalem; for it is the city of
the great King. 36Neither
shalt thou swear by thy head,
because thou canst not make
one hair white or black. 37But
let your communication be,
Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for
whatsoever is more than
these cometh of evil. 38Ye
have heard that it hath been
said, An eye for an eye, and a
tooth for a tooth: 39But I say
unto you, That ye resist not
evil: but whosoever shall
smite thee on thy right cheek,
turn to him the other also.
40And if any man will sue
thee at the law, and take
away thy coat, let him have
thy cloke also. 41And
whosoever shall compel thee
to go a mile, go with him
twain. 42Give to him that
asketh thee, and from him
that would borrow of thee
turn not thou away. 43Ye
have heard that it hath been
said, Thou shalt love thy
neighbour, and hate thine
enemy. 44But I say unto you,
Love your enemies, bless
them that curse you, do good
to them that hate you, and
pray for them which
despitefully use you, and
persecute you; 45That ye may
be the children of your Father
which is in heaven: for he
maketh his sun to rise on the
evil and on the good, and
sendeth rain on the just and
on the unjust. 46For if ye love
them which love you, what
reward have ye? do not even
the publicans the same?
47And if ye salute your
brethren only, what do ye
more than others? do not
even the publicans so? 48Be
ye therefore perfect, even as
your Father which is in
heaven is perfect.
4. The Practice of Real Righteousness unlike the Ostentatious Hypocrisy of the Pharisees, as in Almsgiving,
Prayer, Fasting2
Matthew 6:1–18
heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have
no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 2Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do
not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets,
that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 3But
when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4That thine
alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee
openly. 5And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to
pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of
men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6But thou, when thou prayest, enter
into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret;
and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7But when ye pray, use not
vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much
speaking. 8Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye
have need of, before ye ask him. 9After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which
art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as
it is in heaven. 11Give us this day our daily bread. 12And forgive us our debts, as we
forgive our debtors. 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine
is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 14For if ye forgive men
their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15But if ye forgive not men
their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. 16Moreover when ye
fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that
they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 17But
thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18That thou appear not unto
men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret,
shall reward thee openly.
1Take
5. Single-Hearted Devotion to God, as opposed to Worldly Aims and Anxieties
Matthew 6:19–34
not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and
where thieves break through and steal: 20But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor
steal: 21For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 22The light of the body is
the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23But if
thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in
thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 24No man can serve two masters: for either
he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the
other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 25Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought
for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye
shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26Behold the
fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your
heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27Which of you by
19Lay
2
Robertson, A. T. (2009). A Harmony of the Gospels (Mt 4:23–Jn 5:47). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28And why take ye thought for
raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they
spin: 29And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like
one of these. 30Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to
morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
31Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or,
Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for
your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33But seek ye first the
kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the
things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
6. Captious criticism, or Judging others
Matthew 7:1–6
Luke 6:37–42
2
37
not, that ye be not judged. For with Judge not, and ye shall not be judged:
what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be
and with what measure ye mete, it shall be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be
measured to you again. 3And why beholdest forgiven: 38Give, and it shall be given unto
thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, butyou; good measure, pressed down, and
considerest not the beam that is in thine own shaken together, and running over, shall men
eye? 4Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, give into your bosom. For with the same
Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; measure that ye mete withal it shall be
and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
measured to you again. 39And he spake a
5Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out parable unto them, Can the blind lead the
blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?
of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see
40The disciple is not above his master: but
clearly to cast out the mote out of thy
6
brother’s eye. Give not that which is holy every one that is perfect shall be as his
unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls
master. 41And why beholdest thou the mote
before swine, lest they trample them under that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest
their feet, and turn again and rend you.
not the beam that is in thine own eye?
42Either how canst thou say to thy brother,
Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in
thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not
the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou
hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine
own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to
pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye.
1Judge
7. Prayer, and the Golden Rule
Matthew 7:7–12
and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto
you: 8For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that
knocketh it shall be opened. 9Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread,
will he give him a stone? 10Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11If ye then,
being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your
Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? 12Therefore all things
whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law
and the prophets.
7Ask,
8. The Conclusion of the Sermon. The Lesson of Personal Righteousness Driven Home by Powerful Parables
Matthew 7:13–8:1
Luke 6:43–49
43
ye in at the strait gate: for wide is
For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt
the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth
to destruction, and many there be which go good fruit. 44For every tree is known by his
in thereat: 14Because strait is the gate, and own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather
narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they
and few there be that find it. 15Beware of
grapes. 45A good man out of the good
false prophets, which come to you in sheep’streasure of his heart bringeth forth that
clothing, but inwardly they are ravening
which is good; and an evil man out of the
evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that
wolves. 16Ye shall know them by their
fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or which is evil: for of the abundance of the
figs of thistles? 17Even so every good tree heart his mouth speaketh. 46And why call ye
bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which
I say? 47Whosoever cometh to me, and
bringeth forth evil fruit. 18A good tree
cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will
corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19Every shew you to whom he is like: 48He is like a
man which built an house, and digged deep,
tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is
hewn down, and cast into the fire.
and laid the foundation on a rock: and when
20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know
the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently
21
them. Not every one that saith unto me, upon that house, and could not shake it: for
Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of it was founded upon a rock. 49But he that
heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that
heaven; but he that doeth the will of my
Father which is in heaven. 22Many will say without a foundation built an house upon the
to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not earth; against which the stream did beat
vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the
prophesied in thy name? and in thy name
have cast out devils? and in thy name done ruin of that house was great.
many wonderful works? 23And then will I
profess unto them, I never knew you: depart
from me, ye that work iniquity. 24Therefore
whosoever heareth these sayings of mine,
and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise
man, which built his house upon a rock:
25And the rain descended, and the floods
came, and the winds blew, and beat upon
that house; and it fell not: for it was founded
upon a rock. 26And every one that heareth
these sayings of mine, and doeth them not,
shall be likened unto a foolish man, which
built his house upon the sand: 27And the rain
descended, and the floods came, and the
winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it
fell: and great was the fall of it. 28And it
came to pass, when Jesus had ended these
sayings, the people were astonished at his
doctrine: 29For he taught them as one having
authority, and not as the scribes. 11When he
was come down from the mountain, great
multitudes followed him.
13Enter
(5) The Spread of Christ’s Influence and the Inquiry from John in Prison, §§ 55–59
In sections 55 to 58 we see the rapid spread of Christ’s influence and the inquiry from the Baptist in prison.
§ 55. Jesus Heals a Centurion’s Servant at Capernaum
(Title) Here we have only
Matthew 8:5–13
Luke 7:1–10
1
when Jesus was entered Now when he had ended all Matthew and Luke, a block
into Capernaum, there came his sayings in the audience of from the Logia of Matthew.
unto him a centurion,
the people, he entered into
beseeching him, 6And saying, Capernaum. 2And a certain
Lord, my servant lieth at
centurion’s servant, who was
home sick of the palsy,
dear unto him, was sick, and
7
grievously tormented. And ready to die. 3And when he
Jesus saith unto him, I will heard of Jesus, he sent unto
him the elders of the Jews,
come and heal him. 8The
centurion answered and said, beseeching him that he would
Lord, I am not worthy that come and heal his servant.
thou shouldest come under 4And when they came to
my roof: but speak the word Jesus, they besought him
only, and my servant shall be instantly, saying, That he was
worthy for whom he should
healed. 9For I am a man
under authority, having
do this: 5For he loveth our
soldiers under me: and I say nation, and he hath built us a
to this man, Go, and he
synagogue. 6Then Jesus went
goeth; and to another, Come, with them. And when he was
and he cometh; and to my
now not far from the house,
servant, Do this, and he doeth the centurion sent friends to
it. 10When Jesus heard it, he him, saying unto him, Lord,
marvelled, and said to them trouble not thyself: for I am
that followed, Verily I say not worthy that thou
unto you, I have not found so shouldest enter under my
great faith, no, not in Israel. roof: 7Wherefore neither
11And I say unto you, That
thought I myself worthy to
many shall come from the
come unto thee: but say in a
east and west, and shall sit word, and my servant shall be
down with Abraham, and
healed. 8For I also am a man
Isaac, and Jacob, in the
set under authority, having
kingdom of heaven. 12But the under me soldiers, and I say
children of the kingdom shall unto one, Go, and he goeth;
be cast out into outer
and to another, Come, and he
darkness: there shall be
cometh; and to my servant,
weeping and gnashing of
Do this, and he doeth it.
teeth. 13And Jesus said unto 9When Jesus heard these
the centurion, Go thy way; things, he marvelled at him,
and as thou hast believed, so and turned him about, and
be it done unto thee. And his said unto the people that
servant was healed in the
followed him, I say unto you,
selfsame hour.
I have not found so great
faith, no, not in Israel. 10And
they that were sent, returning
to the house, found the
servant whole that had been
5And
sick.
§ 56. He Raises a Widow’s Son at Nain
Luke 7:11–17
it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his
disciples went with him, and much people. 12Now when he came nigh to the gate of the
city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a
widow: and much people of the city was with her. 13And when the Lord saw her, he had
compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. 14And he came and touched the bier:
and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. 15And
he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. 16And
there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up
among us; and, That God hath visited his people. 17And this rumour of him went forth
throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.
11And
§ 57. The Message from the Baptist and the Eulogy of Jesus
Galilee
(Title) Observe that his fame
Matthew 11:2–19
Luke 7:18–35
when John had heard 18And the disciples of John as having raised the dead,
in the prison the works of
shewed him of all these
and as being “a great
Christ, he sent two of his
things. 19And John calling prophet,” spread widely, and
disciples, 3And said unto
unto him two of his disciples reaching John, led to his
him, Art thou he that should sent them to Jesus, saying, message of inquiry (connect
Luke 7:17 and 18).
come, or do we look for
Art thou he that should
another? 4Jesus answered and come? or look we for
(Mt. 11:2) John’s prison was
said unto them, Go and shew another? 20When the men
at Machærus, east of the
John again those things
were come unto him, they
which ye do hear and see:
said, John Baptist hath sent Dead Sea. Jesus was
5The blind receive their sight, us unto thee, saying, Art thou somewhere in Galilee,
and the lame walk, the lepers he that should come? or look probably near Nain, which
are cleansed, and the deaf
we for another? 21And in that was in the southern part of
hear, the dead are raised up, same hour he cured many of Galilee.
and the poor have the gospel their infirmities and plagues, (Mt. 11:16) Parable of the
and of evil spirits; and unto Children Playing in the
preached to them. 6And
many that were blind he gave Market Place.
blessed is he, whosoever
shall not be offended in me. sight. 22Then Jesus answering
7And as they departed, Jesus said unto them, Go your way,
began to say unto the
and tell John what things ye
multitudes concerning John, have seen and heard; how
What went ye out into the
that the blind see, the lame
wilderness to see? A reed
walk, the lepers are cleansed,
8
shaken with the wind? But the deaf hear, the dead are
what went ye out for to see? raised, to the poor the gospel
A man clothed in soft
is preached. 23And blessed is
he, whosoever shall not be
raiment? behold, they that
wear soft clothing are in
offended in me. 24And when
9
the messengers of John were
kings’ houses. But what
went ye out for to see? A
departed, he began to speak
prophet? yea, I say unto you, unto the people concerning
2Now
and more than a prophet.
John, What went ye out into
10For this is he, of whom it is the wilderness for to see? A
written, Behold, I send my reed shaken with the wind?
messenger before thy face, 25But what went ye out for to
which shall prepare thy way see? A man clothed in soft
raiment? Behold, they which
before thee. 11Verily I say
unto you, Among them that are gorgeously apparelled,
are born of women there hath and live delicately, are in
not risen a greater than John kings’ courts. 26But what
the Baptist: notwithstanding went ye out for to see? A
he that is least in the kingdomprophet? Yea, I say unto you,
of heaven is greater than he. and much more than a
12And from the days of John prophet. 27This is he, of
the Baptist until now the
whom it is written, Behold, I
kingdom of heaven suffereth send my messenger before
violence, and the violent take thy face, which shall prepare
it by force. 13For all the
thy way before thee. 28For I
prophets and the law
say unto you, Among those
prophesied until John. 14And that are born of women there
if ye will receive it, this is
is not a greater prophet than
Elias, which was for to come. John the Baptist: but he that
15He that hath ears to hear, let is least in the kingdom of
him hear. 16But whereunto God is greater than he. 29And
shall I liken this generation? all the people that heard him,
It is like unto children sitting and the publicans, justified
in the markets, and calling God, being baptized with the
baptism of John. 30But the
unto their fellows, 17And
saying, We have piped unto Pharisees and lawyers
you, and ye have not danced; rejected the counsel of God
we have mourned unto you, against themselves, being not
and ye have not lamented.
baptized of him. 31And the
18For John came neither
Lord said, Whereunto then
eating nor drinking, and they shall I liken the men of this
say, He hath a devil. 19The generation? and to what are
Son of man came eating and they like? 32They are like
unto children sitting in the
drinking, and they say,
Behold a man gluttonous, and marketplace, and calling one
to another, and saying, We
a winebibber, a friend of
publicans and sinners. But have piped unto you, and ye
have not danced; we have
wisdom is justified of her
mourned to you, and ye have
children.
not wept. 33For John the
Baptist came neither eating
bread nor drinking wine; and
ye say, He hath a devil. 34The
Son of man is come eating
and drinking; and ye say,
Behold a gluttonous man, and
a winebibber, a friend of
publicans and sinners! 35But
wisdom is justified of all her
children.
§ 58. Woes Upon the Cities of Opportunity. The Claims of Christ as the Teacher About the Father
Galilee
(11:29) Rabbinical figure for going to
Matthew 11:20–30
school. Jesus thus definitely pictures himself
began he to upbraid the cities
wherein most of his mighty works were
as the expert on God in a Johannean
21
done, because they repented not: Woe untopassage (cf.Luke 10:21–24). He conceives
thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! himself as the Teacher who alone is able to
for if the mighty works, which were done in interpret the Father.
you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they
would have repented long ago in sackcloth
and ashes. 22But I say unto you, It shall be
more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day
of judgment, than for you. 23And thou,
Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven,
shalt be brought down to hell: for if the
mighty works, which have been done in
thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have
remained until this day. 24But I say unto
you, That it shall be more tolerable for the
land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than
for thee. 25At that time Jesus answered and
said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven
and earth, because thou hast hid these things
from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed
them unto babes. 26Even so, Father: for so it
seemed good in thy sight. 27All things are
delivered unto me of my Father: and no man
knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither
knoweth any man the Father, save the Son,
and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal
him. 28Come unto me, all ye that labour and
are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;
for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye
shall find rest unto your souls. 30For my
yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
20Then
§ 59. The Anointing of Christ’s Feet by a Sinful Woman in the House of Simon a Pharisee. The Parable of
theTwo Debtors
Galilee
(Title) This anointing in Galilee must be
Luke 7:36–50
one of the Pharisees desired him that distinct from the anointing at Bethany, near
he would eat with him. And he went into the Jerusalem, more than a year later. This
Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat.
sinful and penitent woman is represented by
37And, behold, a woman in the city, which
a very late tradition as being Mary
was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat Magdalene, and hence all the popular uses
at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an of the term Magdalen. But that notion has
alabaster box of ointment, 38And stood at his no historical support whatever, and it
36And
feet behind him weeping, and began to wash becomes violently improbable when we find
his feet with tears, and did wipe them with that in the very next paragraph Luke
the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and introduces Mary Magdalene as a new figure
in the history. Some men even identify Mary
anointed them with the ointment. 39Now
when the Pharisee which had bidden him
of Bethany with this woman that was a
saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This sinner and also with Mary Magdalen, a
man, if he were a prophet, would have
medley of medieval mysticism.
known who and what manner of woman this
is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
40And Jesus answering said unto him,
Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee.
And he saith, Master, say on. 41There was a
certain creditor which had two debtors: the
one owed five hundred pence, and the other
fifty. 42And when they had nothing to pay,
he frankly forgave them both. Tell me
therefore, which of them will love him
most? 43Simon answered and said, I suppose
that he, to whom he forgave most. And he
said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.
44And he turned to the woman, and said unto
Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered
into thine house, thou gavest me no water
for my feet: but she hath washed my feet
with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of
her head. 45Thou gavest me no kiss: but this
woman since the time I came in hath not
ceased to kiss my feet. 46My head with oil
thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath
anointed my feet with ointment.
47Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which
are many, are forgiven; for she loved much:
but to whom little is forgiven, the same
loveth little. 48And he said unto her, Thy
sins are forgiven. 49And they that sat at meat
with him began to say within themselves,
Who is this that forgiveth sins also? 50And
he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved
thee; go in peace.
(6) The Second Tour of Galilee (now with the Twelve) and the Intense Hostility of the
Pharisees, §§ 60–63
In sections 60 to 63 Jesus makes a second (three in all) tour of Galilee, this time with all the Twelve. Intense
hostility of the Pharisees is aroused by the work. They make the blasphemous accusation that Jesus is in
league with Satan. Even the kindred of Jesus fear that he is beside himself because of the excitement and
the charges.
§ 60. The Second Tour of Galilee
1And
Luke 8:1–3
it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching
and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, 2And
certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called
Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, 3And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s
steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
§ 61. Blasphemous Accusation of League with Beelzebub
Galilee
(Title) This “Busy Day” is
Mark 3:19–30
Matthew 12:22–37
22
Judas Iscariot, which
Then was brought unto him just one of many such days in
also betrayed him: And they one possessed with a devil, the Master’s Ministry. See,
for instance, the last day of
went into an house. 20And the blind, and dumb: and he
multitude cometh together healed him, insomuch that his public ministry in the
temple in Jerusalem. Observe
again, so that they could not the blind and dumb both
so much as eat bread. 21And spake and saw. 23And all the Jesus in the forenoon
teaching a crowded audience
when his friends heard of it, people were amazed, and
(Mark 3:19), some of whom
they went out to lay hold on said, Is not this the son of
24
insult and blaspheme him,
him: for they said, He is
David? But when the
22
Pharisees heard it, they said, and others demand a sign,
beside himself. And the
scribes which came down
This fellow doth not cast out and at length his mother and
from Jerusalem said, He hath devils, but by Beelzebub the brethren try to carry him off
Beelzebub, and by the prince prince of the devils. 25And as insane (comp. Mark 3:21);
of the devils casteth he out Jesus knew their thoughts, in the afternoon giving a
group of most remarkable
devils. 23And he called them and said unto them, Every
parables, several of which he
unto him, and said unto them kingdom divided against
in parables, How can Satan itself is brought to desolation; interprets; towards night
crossing the Lake in a boat,
and every city or house
cast out Satan? 24And if a
kingdom be divided against divided against itself shall notso tired and worn that he
itself, that kingdom cannot stand: 26And if Satan cast out sleeps soundly amid the
Satan, he is divided against alarming storm; then healing
stand. 25And if a house be
himself; how shall then his the Gadarene demoniacs, and
divided against itself, that
26
house cannot stand. And if kingdom stand? 27And if I by returning by boat, apparently
Satan rise up against himself, Beelzebub cast out devils, by the same evening. What a day
whom do your children cast of toil and trial.
and be divided, he cannot
stand, but hath an end. 27No them out? therefore they shall
man can enter into a strong be your judges. 28But if I cast (Mt. 12:24) Luke (11:14–36)
gives another blasphemous
man’s house, and spoil his out devils by the Spirit of
accusation later in Judea.
goods, except he will first
God, then the kingdom of
bind the strong man; and then God is come unto you. 29Or Matthew (9:27–34) also has
he will spoil his house.
else how can one enter into a another blasphemous
28Verily I say unto you, All strong man’s house, and spoil accusation. Note Christ’s use
sins shall be forgiven unto his goods, except he first bindof parables in replying to the
the strong man? and then he accusations.
the sons of men, and
blasphemies wherewith
will spoil his house. 30He that
soever they shall blaspheme: is not with me is against me;
29But he that shall blaspheme and he that gathereth not with
against the Holy Ghost hath me scattereth abroad.
never forgiveness, but is in 31Wherefore I say unto you,
danger of eternal damnation: All manner of sin and
30Because they said, He hath blasphemy shall be forgiven
unto men: but the blasphemy
an unclean spirit.
19And
against the Holy Ghost shall
not be forgiven unto men.
32And whosoever speaketh a
word against the Son of man,
it shall be forgiven him: but
whosoever speaketh against
the Holy Ghost, it shall not
be forgiven him, neither in
this world, neither in the
world to come. 33Either make
the tree good, and his fruit
good; or else make the tree
corrupt, and his fruit corrupt:
for the tree is known by his
fruit. 34O generation of
vipers, how can ye, being
evil, speak good things? for
out of the abundance of the
heart the mouth speaketh. 35A
good man out of the good
treasure of the heart bringeth
forth good things: and an evil
man out of the evil treasure
bringeth forth evil things.
36But I say unto you, That
every idle word that men
shall speak, they shall give
account thereof in the day of
judgment. 37For by thy words
thou shalt be justified, and by
thy words thou shalt be
condemned.
Notice that the events of §§ 61-66 all occurred on the same day, called the Busy Day
§ 62. Scribes and Pharisees Demand a Sign
Same day. Galilee
Matthew 12:38–45
certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see
a sign from thee. 39But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous
generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the
prophet Jonas: 40For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so
shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41The men of
Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they
repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. 42The queen
of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for
she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and,
behold, a greater than Solomon is here. 43When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man,
he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44Then he saith, I will
return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty,
swept, and garnished. 45Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more
38Then
wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is
worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
§ 63. Christ’s Mother and Brethren Seek to Take Him Home
Same day. Galilee
Mark 3:31–35
Matthew 12:46–50
Luke 8:19–21
46While he yet talked to the 19Then came to him his
came then his
brethren and his mother, and, people, behold, his mother mother and his brethren, and
standing without, sent unto and his brethren stood
could not come at him for the
him, calling him. 32And the without, desiring to speak
press. 20And it was told him
multitude sat about him, and with him. 47Then one said
by certain which said, Thy
they said unto him, Behold, unto him, Behold, thy mother mother and thy brethren stand
thy mother and thy brethren and thy brethren stand
without, desiring to see thee.
21And he answered and said
without seek for thee. 33And without, desiring to speak
he answered them, saying, with thee. 48But he answered unto them, My mother and
Who is my mother, or my
and said unto him that told my brethren are these which
brethren? 34And he looked him, Who is my mother? and hear the word of God, and do
round about on them which who are my brethren? 49And it.
sat about him, and said,
he stretched forth his hand
Behold my mother and my toward his disciples, and said,
brethren! 35For whosoever Behold my mother and my
shall do the will of God, the brethren! 50For whosoever
same is my brother, and my shall do the will of my Father
sister, and mother.
which is in heaven, the same
is my brother, and sister, and
mother.
31There
(7) The First Great Group of Parables with the Visit to Gerasa (Khersa) and to Nazareth
(final one), §§ 64–69
In §§ 64 to 69 we have the first great group of Parables with the visit to Gerasa and the return to Nazareth
§ 64. The First Great Group of Parables
Same day. Beside the Sea of Galilee. Introduction To the Group
Mark 4:1–2
he began again
to teach by the sea
side: and there was
gathered unto him a
great multitude, so
that he entered into a
ship, and sat in the
sea; and the whole
multitude was by the
sea on the land. 2And
he taught them many
things by parables,
and said unto them in
1And
Matthew 13:1–3
Luke 8:4
same day went 4And when much
Jesus out of the
people were gathered
house, and sat by the together, and were
sea side. 2And great come to him out of
multitudes were
every city, he spake
gathered together untoby a parable:
him, so that he went
into a ship, and sat;
and the whole
multitude stood on the
shore. 3And he spake
many things unto
them in parables,
1The
(Title) We have met
various separate
parables heretofore,
but here is a group of
at least ten. Two other
great groups will
occur hereafter, one
group given in Luke
only, and the last
group during the last
week of our Lord’s
public ministry.
his doctrine,
saying, Behold, a
sower went forth to
sow;
1. To the Crowds by the Sea
(a) Parable of the Sower
(Mk. 4:12) Observe
Mark 4:3–25
Matthew 13:3–23
Luke 8:5–18
3
5
Behold,
And he spake many A sower went out to that Jesus spoke these
there went out a
things unto them in sow his seed: and as words just after the
he sowed, some fell blasphemous
sower to sow: 4And it parables, saying,
came to pass, as he Behold, a sower went by the way side; and accusation and on the
it was trodden down, same day (Matt.
sowed, some fell by forth to sow; 4And
the way side, and the when he sowed, some and the fowls of the 13:1).
fowls of the air came seeds fell by the way air devoured it. 6And
and devoured it up. side, and the fowls
some fell upon a rock; (Mk. 4:21) Note here
5And some fell on
came and devoured and as soon as it was another brief parable
stony ground, where itthem up: 5Some fell sprung up, it withered of the lamp to enforce
the lesson of the
had not much earth; upon stony places,
away, because it
and immediately it
where they had not lacked moisture. 7And parable of the Sower.
Preachers to-day
sprang up, because it much earth: and
some fell among
had no depth of earth: forthwith they sprung thorns; and the thorns sometimes tell one
6But when the sun
up, because they had sprang up with it, and story to illustrate
no deepness of earth: choked it. 8And other another.
was up, it was
scorched; and because 6And when the sun fell on good ground,
it had no root, it
was up, they were
and sprang up, and
withered away. 7And scorched; and because bare fruit an
some fell among
they had no root, they hundredfold. And
thorns, and the thorns withered away. 7And when he had said
these things, he cried,
grew up, and choked some fell among
it, and it yielded no thorns; and the thorns He that hath ears to
hear, let him hear.
fruit. 8And other fell sprung up, and
9And his disciples
8
on good ground, and choked them: But
did yield fruit that
other fell into good asked him, saying,
sprang up and
ground, and brought What might this
increased; and
forth fruit, some an parable be? 10And he
brought forth, some hundredfold, some
said, Unto you it is
thirty, and some sixty, sixtyfold, some
given to know the
and some an hundred. thirtyfold. 9Who hath mysteries of the
9And he said unto
ears to hear, let him kingdom of God: but
to others in parables;
them, He that hath
hear. 10And the
ears to hear, let him disciples came, and that seeing they might
hear. 10And when he said unto him, Why not see, and hearing
they might not
was alone, they that speakest thou unto
were about him with them in parables?
understand. 11Now
the twelve asked of 11He answered and the parable is this:
him the parable.
The seed is the word
said unto them,
11And he said unto
Because it is given of God. 12Those by
them, Unto you it is unto you to know the the way side are they
3Hearken;
given to know the
mysteries of the
that hear; then cometh
mystery of the
kingdom of heaven, the devil, and taketh
kingdom of God: but but to them it is not away the word out of
unto them that are
their hearts, lest they
given. 12For
without, all these
whosoever hath, to should believe and be
things are done in
him shall be given, saved. 13They on the
and he shall have
rock are they, which,
parables: 12That
seeing they may see, more abundance: but when they hear,
and not perceive; and whosoever hath not, receive the word with
hearing they may
from him shall be
joy; and these have no
hear, and not
taken away even that root, which for a
understand; lest at anyhe hath. 13Therefore while believe, and in
time they should be speak I to them in
time of temptation fall
converted, and their parables: because theyaway. 14And that
sins should be
seeing see not; and which fell among
forgiven them. 13And hearing they hear not, thorns are they,
he said unto them,
neither do they
which, when they
14
Know ye not this
understand. And in have heard, go forth,
parable? and how
them is fulfilled the and are choked with
then will ye know all prophecy of Esaias, cares and riches and
pleasures of this life,
parables? 14The sower which saith, By
soweth the word.
hearing ye shall hear, and bring no fruit to
15And these are they and shall not
perfection. 15But that
understand; and
on the good ground
by the way side,
seeing ye shall see, are they, which in an
where the word is
honest and good
sown; but when they and shall not
15
have heard, Satan
perceive: For this heart, having heard
cometh immediately, people’s heart is
the word, keep it, and
and taketh away the waxed gross, and
bring forth fruit with
word that was sown intheir ears are dull of patience. 16No man,
hearing, and their
when he hath lighted
their hearts. 16And
eyes they have closed; a candle, covereth it
these are they
lest at any time they with a vessel, or
likewise which are
should see with their putteth it under a bed;
sown on stony
ground; who, when eyes, and hear with but setteth it on a
they have heard the their ears, and should candlestick, that they
word, immediately understand with their which enter in may
heart, and should be see the light. 17For
receive it with
17
nothing is secret, that
gladness; And have converted, and I
no root in themselves, should heal them.
shall not be made
and so endure but for 16But blessed are
manifest; neither any
a time: afterward,
your eyes, for they thing hid, that shall
when affliction or
see: and your ears, for not be known and
persecution ariseth for they hear. 17For verily come abroad. 18Take
the word’s sake,
I say unto you, That heed therefore how ye
immediately they are many prophets and hear: for whosoever
offended. 18And these righteous men have hath, to him shall be
desired to see those given; and whosoever
are they which are
sown among thorns; things which ye see, hath not, from him
shall be taken even
such as hear the word, and have not seen
19And the cares of
them; and to hear
that which he seemeth
those things which ye to have.
this world, and the
deceitfulness of
hear, and have not
riches, and the lusts of heard them. 18Hear ye
other things entering therefore the parable
in, choke the word, of the sower. 19When
and it becometh
any one heareth the
unfruitful. 20And
word of the kingdom,
these are they which and understandeth it
are sown on good
not, then cometh the
ground; such as hear wicked one, and
the word, and receive catcheth away that
it, and bring forth
which was sown in
fruit, some thirtyfold, his heart. This is he
some sixty, and some which received seed
an hundred. 21And he by the way side. 20But
said unto them, Is a he that received the
candle brought to be seed into stony places,
put under a bushel, or the same is he that
under a bed? and not heareth the word, and
to be set on a
anon with joy
22
candlestick? For
receiveth it; 21Yet
there is nothing hid, hath he not root in
which shall not be
himself, but dureth for
manifested; neither a while: for when
was any thing kept tribulation or
secret, but that it
persecution ariseth
should come abroad. because of the word,
23If any man have
by and by he is
ears to hear, let him offended. 22He also
hear. 24And he said that received seed
unto them, Take heed among the thorns is
what ye hear: with
he that heareth the
what measure ye
word; and the care of
mete, it shall be
this world, and the
measured to you: and deceitfulness of
unto you that hear
riches, choke the
shall more be given. word, and he
25For he that hath, to becometh unfruitful.
him shall be given: 23But he that received
and he that hath not, seed into the good
from him shall be
ground is he that
taken even that which heareth the word, and
he hath.
understandeth it;
which also beareth
fruit, and bringeth
forth, some an
hundredfold, some
sixty, some thirty.
(b) Parable of the Seed Growing of Itself
Mark 4:26–29
he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
27And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he
knoweth not how. 28For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the
ear, after that the full corn in the ear. 29But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately
he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.
26And
(c) Parable of the Tares
Matthew 13:24–30
parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto
a man which sowed good seed in his field: 25But while men slept, his enemy came and
sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. 26But when the blade was sprung up,
and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. 27So the servants of the householder
came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then
hath it tares? 28He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him,
Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? 29But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up
the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. 30Let both grow together until the harvest:
and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and
bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
24Another
(d) Parable of the Mustard Seed
Mark 4:30–32
Matthew 13:31–32
31
he said, Whereunto shall we liken the Another parable put he forth unto them,
kingdom of God? or with what comparison saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a
shall we compare it? 31It is like a grain of grain of mustard seed, which a man took,
mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the and sowed in his field: 32Which indeed is
earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it
earth: 32But when it is sown, it groweth up, is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a
tree, so that the birds of the air come and
and becometh greater than all herbs, and
lodge in the branches thereof.
shooteth out great branches; so that the
fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow
of it.
30And
(e) Parable of the Leaven and Many Such Parables
Mark 4:33–34
with many such
parables spake he the word
unto them, as they were able
to hear it. 34But without a
parable spake he not unto
them: and when they were
alone, he expounded all
things to his disciples.
33And
(Mk. 4:33) See note below.
Matthew 13:33–35
parable spake he
unto them; The kingdom of (Mt. 13:34) Note the
heaven is like unto leaven, expression. Matthew gives
which a woman took, and hid nine in Chapter 13 and Mark
in three measures of meal, till another. There may have
been still others on this day.
the whole was leavened.
34All these things spake Jesus
unto the multitude in
33Another
parables; and without a
parable spake he not unto
them: 35That it might be
fulfilled which was spoken
by the prophet, saying, I will
open my mouth in parables; I
will utter things which have
been kept secret from the
foundation of the world.
2. To the Disciples in the House
(a) Explanation of the Parables of the Tares
Matthew 13:36–43
Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came
unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. 37He answered and
said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; 38The field is the world;
the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked
one; 39The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and
the reapers are the angels. 40As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so
shall it be in the end of this world. 41The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they
shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; 42And
shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43Then
shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to
hear, let him hear.
36Then
(b) The Parable of the Hid Treasure
Matthew 13:44
the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man
hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth
that field.
44Again,
(c) The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price
Matthew 13:45–46
the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
46Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and
bought it.
45Again,
(d) The Parable Of The Net
47Again,
Matthew 13:47–50
the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered
of every kind: 48Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered
the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. 49So shall it be at the end of the world: the
angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, 50And shall cast them
into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
(e) The Parable of the Householder
(13:53) Eight of these ten parables go in
Matthew 13:51–53
saith unto them, Have ye understood pairs (the sower and the seed growing of
itself, the tares and the net, the mustard seed
all these things? They say unto him, Yea,
Lord. 52Then said he unto them, Therefore and the leaven, the hid treasure and the
pearl of great price). But nothing can be
every scribe which is instructed unto the
kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is made out of the number of the parables
an householder, which bringeth forth out of spoken on this day. We do not even know
what the number was. Jesus had spoken
his treasure things new and old. 53And it
came to pass, that when Jesus had finished various shorter and more or less isolated
parables before this occasion. An immediate
these parables, he departed thence.
occasion for the use of so many and such
extended parables at this point was the
hostility of the Pharisees and the need of
special instruction for the disciples who
were taught by Jesus how to interpret
parables, though they had much difficulty
later in applying the instruction about the
parabolic teaching.
51Jesus
§ 65. IN CROSSING THE LAKE, JESUS STILLS THE TEMPEST
Same day. Sea of Galilee
Mark 4:35–41
Matthew 8:18, 23–27
Luke 8:22–25
the same day, when 18Now when Jesus saw great 22Now it came to pass on a
the even was come, he saith multitudes about him, he
certain day, that he went into
unto them, Let us pass over gave commandment to depart a ship with his disciples: and
unto the other side.
he said unto them, Let us go
unto the other side. 36And
23
when they had sent away the And when he was entered over unto the other side of the
lake. And they launched
multitude, they took him
into a ship, his disciples
24
even as he was in the ship. followed him. And, behold, forth. 23But as they sailed he
And there were also with him there arose a great tempest in fell asleep: and there came
down a storm of wind on the
other little ships. 37And there the sea, insomuch that the
arose a great storm of wind, ship was covered with the
lake; and they were filled
and the waves beat into the waves: but he was asleep.
with water, and were in
ship, so that it was now full. 25And his disciples came to jeopardy. 24And they came to
38And he was in the hinder
him, and awoke him, saying, him, and awoke him, saying,
Master, master, we perish.
part of the ship, asleep on a Lord, save us: we perish.
Then he arose, and rebuked
pillow: and they awake him, 26And he saith unto them,
and say unto him, Master,
Why are ye fearful, O ye of the wind and the raging of the
water: and they ceased, and
carest thou not that we
little faith? Then he arose,
39
perish? And he arose, and and rebuked the winds and there was a calm. 25And he
35And
rebuked the wind, and said the sea; and there was a great said unto them, Where is
unto the sea, Peace, be still. calm. 27But the men
your faith? And they being
And the wind ceased, and
marvelled, saying, What
afraid wondered, saying one
40
there was a great calm. And manner of man is this, that to another, What manner of
he said unto them, Why are even the winds and the sea man is this! for he
ye so fearful? how is it that obey him!
commandeth even the winds
41
and water, and they obey
ye have no faith? And they
him.
feared exceedingly, and said
one to another, What manner
of man is this, that even the
wind and the sea obey him?
§ 66. BEYOND THE LAKE JESUS HEALS THE GERASENE DEMONIAC
Gerasa (Khersa). Same day
(Title) The long
Mark 5:1–20
Matthew 8:28–34
Luke 8:26–39
they came over 28And when he was 26And they arrived at famous instance of
unto the other side of come to the other side the country of the
“discrepancy” as to
the sea, into the
into the country of the Gadarenes, which is the place in this
country of the
Gergesenes, there met over against Galilee. narrative has been
2
27And when he went cleared up in recent
him two possessed
Gadarenes. And
years by the decision
when he was come with devils, coming forth to land, there
out of the tombs,
of textual critics that
out of the ship,
met him out of the
the correct text in
immediately there metexceeding fierce, so city a certain man,
him out of the tombs that no man might
which had devils long Luke is Gerasenes, as
well as in Mark, and
a man with an uncleanpass by that way.
time, and ware no
29And, behold, they
3
clothes, neither abode by Dr. Thomson’s
spirit, Who had his
dwelling among the cried out, saying,
in any house, but in discovery of a ruin on
tombs; and no man What have we to do the tombs. 28When he the lake shore, named
could bind him, no, with thee, Jesus, thou saw Jesus, he cried Khersa (Gerasa). If
Son of God? art thou out, and fell down
this village was
not with chains:
4Because that he had come hither to
before him, and with included (a very
natural supposition)
been often bound with torment us before the a loud voice said,
30
in the district
fetters and chains, and time? And there wasWhat have I to do
the chains had been a good way off from with thee, Jesus, thou belonging to the city
of Gadara, some
plucked asunder by them an herd of many Son of God most
him, and the fetters swine feeding. 31So high? I beseech thee, miles south-eastward,
then the locality could
broken in pieces:
the devils besought torment me not.
29
be described as either
neither could any man him, saying, If thou
(For he had
in the country of the
cast us out, suffer us commanded the
tame him. 5And
always, night and day, to go away into the unclean spirit to come Gadarenes, or in the
he was in the
herd of swine. 32And out of the man. For country of the
Gerasenes.
oftentimes it had
mountains, and in the he said unto them,
tombs, crying, and
Go. And when they caught him: and he
cutting himself with were come out, they was kept bound with (Title) Matthew
stones. 6But when he went into the herd of chains and in fetters; mentions two
demoniacs, Mark and
saw Jesus afar off, he swine: and, behold, and he brake the
bands, and was driven Luke describe one,
ran and worshipped the whole herd of
him, 7And cried with swine ran violently of the devil into the who was probably the
a loud voice, and said, down a steep place wilderness.) 30And prominent and
1And
What have I to do
into the sea, and
Jesus asked him,
leading one.
with thee, Jesus, thou perished in the waters.saying, What is thy
Son of the most high 33And they that kept name? And he said, (Mk. 5:20) Note in
God? I adjure thee by them fled, and went Legion: because manyMark the numerous
God, that thou
their ways into the
devils were entered vivid details and
8
torment me not. For city, and told every into him. 31And they fulness of narrative.
he said unto him,
thing, and what was besought him that he
Come out of the man, befallen to the
would not command
thou unclean spirit. possessed of the
them to go out into
9And he asked him,
devils. 34And, behold, the deep. 32And there
What is thy name?
the whole city came was there an herd of
And he answered,
out to meet Jesus: and many swine feeding
saying, My name is when they saw him, on the mountain: and
Legion: for we are
they besought him
they besought him
10
that he would depart that he would suffer
many. And he
besought him much out of their coasts.
them to enter into
that he would not
them. And he suffered
send them away out
them. 33Then went the
11
devils out of the man,
of the country. Now
and entered into the
there was there nigh
swine: and the herd
unto the mountains a
ran violently down a
great herd of swine
steep place into the
feeding. 12And all the
lake, and were
devils besought him,
saying, Send us into
choked. 34When they
the swine, that we
that fed them saw
may enter into them.
what was done, they
13And forthwith Jesus
fled, and went and
told it in the city and
gave them leave. And
the unclean spirits
in the country. 35Then
went out, and entered
they went out to see
into the swine: and
what was done; and
the herd ran violently
came to Jesus, and
down a steep place
found the man, out of
into the sea, (they
whom the devils were
were about two
departed, sitting at the
thousand;) and were
feet of Jesus, clothed,
choked in the sea.
and in his right mind:
14And they that fed
and they were afraid.
36They also which
the swine fled, and
saw it told them by
told it in the city, and
what means he that
in the country. And
was possessed of the
they went out to see
devils was healed.
what it was that was
37Then the whole
done. 15And they
come to Jesus, and
multitude of the
see him that was
country of the
possessed with the
Gadarenes round
devil, and had the
about besought him to
legion, sitting, and
depart from them; for
clothed, and in his
they were taken with
right mind: and they
great fear: and he
were afraid. 16And
they that saw it told
them how it befell to
him that was
possessed with the
devil, and also
concerning the swine.
17And they began to
pray him to depart out
of their coasts. 18And
when he was come
into the ship, he that
had been possessed
with the devil prayed
him that he might be
with him. 19Howbeit
Jesus suffered him
not, but saith unto
him, Go home to thy
friends, and tell them
how great things the
Lord hath done for
thee, and hath had
compassion on thee.
20And he departed,
and began to publish
in Decapolis how
great things Jesus had
done for him: and all
men did marvel.
went up into the ship,
and returned back
again. 38Now the man
out of whom the
devils were departed
besought him that he
might be with him:
but Jesus sent him
away, saying,
39Return to thine own
house, and shew how
great things God hath
done unto thee. And
he went his way, and
published throughout
the whole city how
great things Jesus had
done unto him.
§ 67. THE RETURN AND THE HEALING OF JAIRUS’ DAUGHTER AND OF THE WOMAN WHO ONLY TOUCHED
CHRIST’S GARMENT
Probably Capernaum
(Mt. 9:18) Broadus
Mark 5:21–43
Matthew 9:18–26
Luke 8:40–56
18While he spake
40And it came to pass, felt that the language
when Jesus
was passed over again these things unto
that, when Jesus was in Matt. 9:18
by ship unto the other them, behold, there returned, the people compelled him to
side, much people
came a certain ruler, gladly received him: place 9:18 after 9:17.
gathered unto him: and worshipped him, for they were all
I do not think so, for
and he was nigh unto saying, My daughter waiting for him.
“while he spake” may
22
41
is even now dead: but And, behold, there be merely an
the sea. And,
behold, there cometh come and lay thy
came a man named introductory phrase
one of the rulers of hand upon her, and Jairus, and he was a for a new paragraph.
It is best to follow
the synagogue, Jairus she shall live. 19And ruler of the
Mark’s order, as Luke
by name; and when heJesus arose, and
synagogue: and he
does, for Matthew is
saw him, he fell at his followed him, and so fell down at Jesus’
not chronological in
feet, and besought
feet, 23And besought did his disciples.
20
this part of his
him greatly, saying,
him that he would
And, behold, a
21And
My little daughter
woman, which was come into his house: Gospel.
lieth at the point of diseased with an issue 42For he had one only
death: I pray thee,
of blood twelve years, daughter, about
come and lay thy
came behind him, and twelve years of age,
hands on her, that she touched the hem of and she lay a dying.
may be healed; and his garment: 21For she But as he went the
she shall live. 24And said within herself, If people thronged him.
Jesus went with him; I may but touch his 43And a woman
and much people
garment, I shall be
having an issue of
followed him, and
whole. 22But Jesus
blood twelve years,
25
thronged him. And turned him about, and which had spent all
a certain woman,
when he saw her, he her living upon
which had an issue of said, Daughter, be of physicians, neither
blood twelve years, good comfort; thy
could be healed of
26And had suffered
faith hath made thee any, 44Came behind
many things of many whole. And the
him, and touched the
physicians, and had woman was made
border of his garment:
spent all that she had, whole from that hour. and immediately her
23And when Jesus
and was nothing
issue of blood
bettered, but rather came into the ruler’s stanched. 45And Jesus
grew worse, 27When house, and saw the said, Who touched
minstrels and the
she had heard of
me? When all denied,
people making a
Jesus, came in the
Peter and they that
24
press behind, and
noise, He said unto were with him said,
touched his garment. them, Give place: for Master, the multitude
28For she said, If I
the maid is not dead, throng thee and press
may touch but his
but sleepeth. And theythee, and sayest thou,
laughed him to scorn. Who touched me?
clothes, I shall be
25But when the people 46And Jesus said,
29
whole. And
straightway the
were put forth, he
Somebody hath
fountain of her blood went in, and took her touched me: for I
was dried up; and she by the hand, and the perceive that virtue is
felt in her body that maid arose. 26And the gone out of me. 47And
she was healed of that fame hereof went
when the woman saw
30
plague. And Jesus, abroad into all that that she was not hid,
she came trembling,
immediately knowing land.
and falling down
in himself that virtue
before him, she
had gone out of him,
declared unto him
turned him about in
before all the people
the press, and said,
for what cause she
Who touched my
31
had touched him, and
clothes? And his
how she was healed
disciples said unto
him, Thou seest the
immediately. 48And
multitude thronging
he said unto her,
thee, and sayest thou,
Daughter, be of good
Who touched me?
comfort: thy faith
32And he looked
hath made thee
round about to see her
whole; go in peace.
49While he yet spake,
that had done this
there cometh one
thing. 33But the
from the ruler of the
woman fearing and
trembling, knowing
what was done in her,
came and fell down
before him, and told
him all the truth.
34And he said unto
her, Daughter, thy
faith hath made thee
whole; go in peace,
and be whole of thy
plague. 35While he
yet spake, there came
from the ruler of the
synagogue’s house
certain which said,
Thy daughter is dead:
why troublest thou the
Master any further?
36As soon as Jesus
heard the word that
was spoken, he saith
unto the ruler of the
synagogue, Be not
afraid, only believe.
37And he suffered no
man to follow him,
save Peter, and James,
and John the brother
of James. 38And he
cometh to the house
of the ruler of the
synagogue, and seeth
the tumult, and them
that wept and wailed
greatly. 39And when
he was come in, he
saith unto them, Why
make ye this ado, and
weep? the damsel is
not dead, but sleepeth.
40And they laughed
him to scorn. But
when he had put them
all out, he taketh the
father and the mother
of the damsel, and
them that were with
him, and entereth in
where the damsel was
lying. 41And he took
the damsel by the
hand, and said unto
synagogue’s house,
saying to him, Thy
daughter is dead;
trouble not the
Master. 50But when
Jesus heard it, he
answered him, saying,
Fear not: believe only,
and she shall be made
whole. 51And when
he came into the
house, he suffered no
man to go in, save
Peter, and James, and
John, and the father
and the mother of the
maiden. 52And all
wept, and bewailed
her: but he said, Weep
not; she is not dead,
but sleepeth. 53And
they laughed him to
scorn, knowing that
she was dead. 54And
he put them all out,
and took her by the
hand, and called,
saying, Maid, arise.
55And her spirit came
again, and she arose
straightway: and he
commanded to give
her meat. 56And her
parents were
astonished: but he
charged them that
they should tell no
man what was done.
her, Talitha cumi;
which is, being
interpreted, Damsel, I
say unto thee, arise.
42And straightway the
damsel arose, and
walked; for she was of
the age of twelve
years. And they were
astonished with a
great astonishment.
43And he charged
them straitly that no
man should know it;
and commanded that
something should be
given her to eat.
§ 68. HE HEALS TWO BLIND MEN AND A DUMB DEMONIAC, A BLASPHEMOUS ACCUSATION
Matthew 9:27–34
when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying,
Thou Son of David, have mercy on us. 28And when he was come into the house, the blind
men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They
said unto him, Yea, Lord. 29Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith
be it unto you. 30And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying,
See that no man know it. 31But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in
all that country. 32As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed
with a devil. 33And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes
marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel. 34But the Pharisees said, He casteth out
devils through the prince of the devils.
27And
§ 69. THE LAST VISIT TO NAZARETH
Mark 6:1–6
he went out from
thence, and came into his
own country; and his
disciples follow him. 2And
when the sabbath day was
come, he began to teach in
the synagogue: and many
hearing him were astonished,
saying, From whence hath
this man these things? and
what wisdom is this which is
given unto him, that even
such mighty works are
1And
(Title) There is no sufficient
Matthew 13:54–58
occasion to identify this visit
when he was come
to Nazareth with that
into his own country, he
taught them in their
described by Luke. That was
synagogue, insomuch that
at the very beginning of the
they were astonished, and
great ministry in Galilee, and
said, Whence hath this man this is near its close. The
this wisdom, and these
details are quite different. It
mighty works? 55Is not this is perfectly natural that after
the carpenter’s son? is not his a long interval he should give
mother called Mary? and his the Nazarenes another
brethren, James, and Joses, opportunity to hear his
and Simon, and Judas? 56And teaching, and to witness
miracles, which he would not
his sisters, are they not all
54And
wrought by his hands? 3Is not with us? Whence then hath
this the carpenter, the son of this man all these things?
Mary, the brother of James, 57And they were offended in
and Joses, and of Juda, and him. But Jesus said unto
Simon? and are not his sisters them, A prophet is not
here with us? And they were without honour, save in his
offended at him. 4But Jesus own country, and in his own
said unto them, A prophet is house. 58And he did not
not without honour, but in his many mighty works there
own country, and among his because of their unbelief.
own kin, and in his own
house. 5And he could there
do no mighty work, save that
he laid his hands upon a few
sick folk, and healed them.
6And he marvelled because
of their unbelief. And he
went round about the
villages, teaching.
work for them when
demanded, but now
voluntarily works in a few
cases, so far as their now
wonderful unbelief left it
appropriate.
(8) THE THIRD TOUR OF GALILEE (FOLLOWING THE TWELVE) AND THE EFFECT ON HEROD
ANTIPAS, §§ 70–713
In Sections 70 to 71 we have the Third Tour of Galilee (Jesus following the Twelve) and the effect on Herod
Antipas.
§ 70. THE THIRD TOUR OF GALILEE AFTER INSTRUCTING THE TWELVE AND SENDING THEM FORTH BY TWOS
This is certainly a
Mark 6:6–13
Matthew 9:35–11:1
Luke 9:1–6
35
1
he marvelled
And Jesus went
Then he called his second, and probably
because of their
about all the cities andtwelve disciples
a third journey about
unbelief. And he went villages, teaching in together, and gave
Galilee. Dwell on
round about the
their synagogues, and them power and
Matt. 9:35 and 11:1
villages, teaching.
preaching the gospel authority over all
(end of this section),
7And he called unto
of the kingdom, and devils, and to cure
and try to realize the
2
him the twelve, and healing every sicknessdiseases. And he sent extent of the Saviour’s
work in teaching and
began to send them and every disease
them to preach the
forth by two and two; among the people.
kingdom of God, and healing. He “crowded
and gave them power 36But when he saw to heal the sick. 3And into three short years
actions and labours of
over unclean spirits; the multitudes, he was he said unto them,
8And commanded
moved with
Take nothing for your love that might adorn
a century.” (Ro.Hall.)
them that they should compassion on them, journey, neither
take nothing for their because they fainted, staves, nor scrip,
journey, save a staff and were scattered
neither bread, neither
only; no scrip, no
abroad, as sheep
money; neither have
bread, no money in having no shepherd. two coats apiece.
their purse: 9But be 37Then saith he unto 4And whatsoever
shod with sandals;
his disciples, The
house ye enter into,
6And
3
Robertson, A. T. (2009). A Harmony of the Gospels (Mt 6:1–13:58). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
and not put on two
harvest truly is
there abide, and
10
coats. And he said plenteous, but the
thence depart. 5And
unto them, In what labourers are few;
whosoever will not
38
place soever ye enter Pray ye therefore receive you, when ye
into an house, there the Lord of the
go out of that city,
abide till ye depart
harvest, that he will shake off the very
from that place.
send forth labourers dust from your feet
11And whosoever
into his harvest.
for a testimony
11
shall not receive you, And when he had against them. 6And
nor hear you, when ye called unto him his they departed, and
depart thence, shake twelve disciples, he went through the
off the dust under
gave them power
towns, preaching the
your feet for a
against unclean
gospel, and healing
testimony against
spirits, to cast them every where.
them. Verily I say
out, and to heal all
unto you, It shall be manner of sickness
more tolerable for
and all manner of
Sodom and Gomorrha disease. 2Now the
in the day of
names of the twelve
judgment, than for
apostles are these;
that city. 12And they The first, Simon, who
went out, and
is called Peter, and
preached that men
Andrew his brother;
13
should repent. And James the son of
they cast out many Zebedee, and John his
devils, and anointed brother; 3Philip, and
with oil many that
Bartholomew;
were sick, and healed Thomas, and Matthew
them.
the publican; James
the son of Alphaeus,
and Lebbaeus, whose
surname was
Thaddaeus; 4Simon
the Canaanite, and
Judas Iscariot, who
also betrayed him.
5These twelve Jesus
sent forth, and
commanded them,
saying, Go not into
the way of the
Gentiles, and into any
city of the Samaritans
enter ye not: 6But go
rather to the lost
sheep of the house of
Israel. 7And as ye go,
preach, saying, The
kingdom of heaven is
at hand. 8Heal the
sick, cleanse the
lepers, raise the dead,
cast out devils: freely
ye have received,
freely give. 9Provide
neither gold, nor
silver, nor brass in
your purses, 10Nor
scrip for your journey,
neither two coats,
neither shoes, nor yet
staves: for the
workman is worthy of
his meat. 11And into
whatsoever city or
town ye shall enter,
inquire who in it is
worthy; and there
abide till ye go
thence. 12And when
ye come into an
house, salute it. 13And
if the house be
worthy, let your peace
come upon it: but if it
be not worthy, let
your peace return to
you. 14And
whosoever shall not
receive you, nor hear
your words, when ye
depart out of that
house or city, shake
off the dust of your
feet. 15Verily I say
unto you, It shall be
more tolerable for the
land of Sodom and
Gomorrha in the day
of judgment, than for
that city. 16Behold, I
send you forth as
sheep in the midst of
wolves: be ye
therefore wise as
serpents, and
harmless as doves.
17But beware of men:
for they will deliver
you up to the
councils, and they
will scourge you in
their synagogues;
18And ye shall be
brought before
governors and kings
for my sake, for a
testimony against
them and the Gentiles.
19But when they
deliver you up, take
no thought how or
what ye shall speak:
for it shall be given
you in that same hour
what ye shall speak.
20For it is not ye that
speak, but the Spirit
of your Father which
speaketh in you.
21And the brother
shall deliver up the
brother to death, and
the father the child:
and the children shall
rise up against their
parents, and cause
them to be put to
death. 22And ye shall
be hated of all men
for my name’s sake:
but he that endureth to
the end shall be
saved. 23But when
they persecute you in
this city, flee ye into
another: for verily I
say unto you, Ye shall
not have gone over
the cities of Israel, till
the Son of man be
come. 24The disciple
is not above his
master, nor the
servant above his
lord. 25It is enough for
the disciple that he be
as his master, and the
servant as his lord. If
they have called the
master of the house
Beelzebub, how much
more shall they call
them of his
household? 26Fear
them not therefore:
for there is nothing
covered, that shall not
be revealed; and hid,
that shall not be
known. 27What I tell
you in darkness, that
speak ye in light: and
what ye hear in the
ear, that preach ye
upon the housetops.
28And fear not them
which kill the body,
but are not able to kill
the soul: but rather
fear him which is able
to destroy both soul
and body in hell.
29Are not two
sparrows sold for a
farthing? and one of
them shall not fall on
the ground without
your Father. 30But the
very hairs of your
head are all
numbered. 31Fear ye
not therefore, ye are
of more value than
many sparrows.
32Whosoever
therefore shall confess
me before men, him
will I confess also
before my Father
which is in heaven.
33But whosoever shall
deny me before men,
him will I also deny
before my Father
which is in heaven.
34Think not that I am
come to send peace
on earth: I came not
to send peace, but a
sword. 35For I am
come to set a man at
variance against his
father, and the
daughter against her
mother, and the
daughter in law
against her mother in
law. 36And a man’s
foes shall be they of
his own household.
37He that loveth father
or mother more than
me is not worthy of
me: and he that loveth
son or daughter more
than me is not worthy
of me. 38And he that
taketh not his cross,
and followeth after
me, is not worthy of
me. 39He that findeth
his life shall lose it:
and he that loseth his
life for my sake shall
find it. 40He that
receiveth you
receiveth me, and he
that receiveth me
receiveth him that
sent me. 41He that
receiveth a prophet in
the name of a prophet
shall receive a
prophet’s reward; and
he that receiveth a
righteous man in the
name of a righteous
man shall receive a
righteous man’s
reward. 42And
whosoever shall give
to drink unto one of
these little ones a cup
of cold water only in
the name of a
disciple, verily I say
unto you, he shall in
no wise lose his
reward. 11And it came
to pass, when Jesus
had made an end of
commanding his
twelve disciples, he
departed thence to
teach and to preach in
their cities.
§ 71. THE GUILTY FEARS OF HEROD ANTIPAS IN TIBERIAS ABOUT JESUS BECAUSE HE HAD BEHEADED THE
BAPTIST IN MACHÆRUS
(Mk. 6:14) Mark’s
Mark 6:14–29
Matthew 14:1–12
Luke 9:7–9
1At that time Herod
7Now Herod the
connection shows that
king Herod
heard of him; (for his the tetrarch heard of tetrarch heard of all Herod Antipas was
name was spread
the fame of Jesus,
that was done by him: impressed by the
abroad:) and he said, 2And said unto his
and he was perplexed, account of miracles
That John the Baptist servants, This is John because that it was which the disciples
was risen from the
had wrought, as well
the Baptist; he is risen said of some, that
dead, and therefore from the dead; and John was risen from as by those of Jesus
mighty works do
himself.
therefore mighty
the dead; 8And of
shew forth themselves works do shew forth some, that Elias had
(Mk. 6:18) Josephus
in him. 15Others said, themselves in him. appeared; and of
That it is Elias. And 3For Herod had laid others, that one of the (Antiquities, Book
others said, That it is hold on John, and
old prophets was risen XVIII, v., 2) says of
a prophet, or as one of bound him, and put again. 9And Herod John that Herod
“thought it best, by
said, John have I
the prophets. 16But him in prison for
when Herod heard
Herodias’ sake, his beheaded: but who is putting him to death,
thereof, he said, It is brother Philip’s wife. this, of whom I hear to prevent any
4For John said unto
John, whom I
such things? And he mischief he might
cause, and not bring
beheaded: he is risen him, It is not lawful desired to see him.
himself into
17
from the dead. For for thee to have her.
difficulties, by sparing
5And when he would
Herod himself had
a man who might
sent forth and laid
have put him to death,
make him repent of it
hold upon John, and he feared the
when it should be too
bound him in prison multitude, because
late.” Josephus in no
for Herodias’ sake, they counted him as a
wise controverts the
his brother Philip’s prophet. 6But when
picture in Mark where
wife: for he had
Herod’s birthday was
Herodias appears as
married her. 18For
kept, the daughter of
the one who prods
John had said unto
Herodias danced
Antipas to put John
Herod, It is not lawful before them, and
out of the way to
for thee to have thy pleased Herod.
satisfy her resentment
7Whereupon he
brother’s wife.
against him for his
19Therefore Herodias promised with an oath
rebuke of her
had a quarrel against to give her
adulterous marriage.
him, and would have whatsoever she would
Josephus merely
8
killed him; but she
ask. And she, being
presents the public
could not: 20For
before instructed of
and political aspects
Herod feared John, her mother, said, Give
of the imprisonment
knowing that he was a me here John
and death of John.
just man and an holy, Baptist’s head in a
and observed him;
charger. 9And the
and when he heard king was sorry:
him, he did many
nevertheless for the
things, and heard him oath’s sake, and them
gladly. 21And when a which sat with him at
convenient day was meat, he commanded
come, that Herod on it to be given her.
his birthday made a 10And he sent, and
14And
supper to his lords, beheaded John in the
high captains, and
prison. 11And his
chief estates of
head was brought in a
22
Galilee; And when charger, and given to
the daughter of the the damsel: and she
said Herodias came brought it to her
in, and danced, and mother. 12And his
pleased Herod and
disciples came, and
them that sat with
took up the body, and
him, the king said
buried it, and went
unto the damsel, Ask and told Jesus.
of me whatsoever
thou wilt, and I will
give it thee. 23And he
sware unto her,
Whatsoever thou shalt
ask of me, I will give
it thee, unto the half
of my kingdom.
24And she went forth,
and said unto her
mother, What shall I
ask? And she said,
The head of John the
Baptist. 25And she
came in straightway
with haste unto the
king, and asked,
saying, I will that
thou give me by and
by in a charger the
head of John the
Baptist. 26And the
king was exceeding
sorry; yet for his
oath’s sake, and for
their sakes which sat
with him, he would
not reject her. 27And
immediately the king
sent an executioner,
and commanded his
head to be brought:
and he went and
beheaded him in the
prison, 28And brought
his head in a charger,
and gave it to the
damsel: and the
damsel gave it to her
mother. 29And when
his disciples heard of
it, they came and took
up his corpse, and laid
it in a tomb.
PART VIII: THE SPECIAL TRAINING OF THE TWELVE IN DISTRICTS
AROUND GALILEE
Probably Passover in A.D. 29 to near Tabernacles in A.D. 29 or a year earlier (six months from spring to
autumn). Just a year from the beginning of this Period till the Crucifixion. Emphasis now on the King of
the Kingdom (the Person of the Messiah).
§ § 72–95. Four separate withdrawals from Galilee are given, in § § 72, 78, 79, 81. Notice that in every case
he keeps out of Herod’s territory, and in every case he goes to the mountains.
§ 72. THE FIRST RETIREMENT. THE TWELVE RETURN, AND JESUS RETIRES WITH THEM BEYOND
THE LAKE TO REST. FEEDING OF THE FIVE THOUSAND
Mark 6:30–44
the
apostles gathered
themselves
together unto
Jesus, and told
him all things,
both what they
had done, and
what they had
taught. 31And he
said unto them,
Come ye
yourselves apart
into a desert
place, and rest a
while: for there
were many
coming and
going, and they
had no leisure so
much as to eat.
32And they
departed into a
desert place by
ship privately.
33And the people
saw them
departing, and
many knew him,
and ran afoot
30And
Matthew 14:13– Luke 9:10–17
John 6:1–13 (Title) If the
10And the
1After these
ministry of Jesus
21
13When Jesus
apostles, when things Jesus went was three and a
heard of it, he
they were
over the sea of half years in
departed thence returned, told himGalilee, which is length. If there
were only three
by ship into a
all that they had the sea of
2
desert place
done. And he
Tiberias. And a passovers in the
apart: and when took them, and great multitude ministry, then the
year would be
the people had went aside
followed him,
heard thereof,
privately into a because they saw A.D. 28. This
period begins just
they followed
desert place
his miracles
him on foot out belonging to the which he did on before a passover
of the cities.
city called
them that were (John 6:4).
14And Jesus went Bethsaida. 11And diseased. 3And
(Title) There are
forth, and saw a the people, when Jesus went up
great multitude, they knew it,
into a mountain, five reasons for
and was moved followed him:
and there he sat the withdrawals
with compassion and he received with his disciples.from Galilee. He
withdraws from
toward them, and them, and spake 4And the
he healed their unto them of the passover, a feast the jealousy of
sick. 15And when kingdom of God, of the Jews, was Herod Antipas (§
71), from the
it was evening, and healed them nigh. 5When
his disciples
that had need of Jesus then lifted fanaticism of
came to him,
healing. 12And up his eyes, and would-be
followers in
saying, This is a when the day
saw a great
desert place, and began to wear
company come Galilee (John
the time is now away, then came unto him, he saith 6:15), and the
hostility of the
past; send the
the twelve, and unto Philip,
multitude away, said unto him,
Whence shall we Jewish rulers;
that they may go Send the
buy bread, that and leaving the
into the villages, multitude away, these may eat? hot shores of the
thither out of all and buy
that they may go 6And this he said Lake of Galilee,
cities, and
themselves
into the towns
to prove him: for he spent the
outwent them, victuals. 16But and country
he himself knew summer in
and came
Jesus said unto round about, and what he would mountain
together unto
them, They need lodge, and get
districts around,
do. 7Philip
34
him. And Jesus, not depart; give victuals: for we answered him, resting, and
when he came ye them to eat. are here in a
instructing the
Two hundred
out, saw much 17And they say desert place.
pennyworth of Twelve.
13But he said
people, and was unto him, We
bread is not
(Lk. 9:10) The
moved with
have here but fiveunto them, Give sufficient for
compassion
loaves, and two ye them to eat. them, that every Bethsaida of
toward them,
fishes. 18He said, And they said, one of them may Luke 9:10 was
because they
Bring them hither We have no more take a little. 8One evidently the
were as sheep not to me. 19And he but five loaves of his disciples, eastern
having a
commanded the and two fishes; Andrew, Simon Bethsaida, which
shepherd: and he multitude to sit except we should Peter’s brother, the Tetrarch
began to teach down on the
go and buy meat saith unto him, Philip had named
Bethsaida Julias,
9There is a lad
them many
grass, and took for all this
35
14
things. And
the five loaves, people. For
here, which hath while that of
Mark 6:45 was
when the day was and the two
they were about five barley
now far spent, his fishes, and
five thousand
loaves, and two the western
disciples came looking up to
men. And he said small fishes: but Bethsaida, near
Capernaum. The
unto him, and
to his disciples, what are they
heaven, he
said, This is a
Make them sit among so many? territory
blessed, and
desert place, and brake, and gave down by fifties in 10And Jesus said, belonging to
now the time is the loaves to his a company.
Make the men sit Bethsaida Julias
far passed:
disciples, and the 15And they did down. Now there would naturally
36Send them
disciples to the so, and made
was much grass extend some
away, that they multitude. 20And them all sit down.in the place. So distance down
the lake.
may go into the they did all eat, 16Then he took the men sat
country round
and were filled: the five loaves down, in number (Jn. 6:13) Note
about, and into and they took up and the two
about five
that here for the
the villages, and of the fragments fishes, and
thousand. 11And first time John
buy themselves that remained
looking up to
Jesus took the
runs parallel with
bread: for they twelve baskets heaven, he
loaves; and when all the synoptic
have nothing to full. 21And they blessed them, and he had given
gospels. All four
brake, and gave thanks, he
eat. 37He
that had eaten
report this
answered and
were about five to the disciples to distributed to the incident. See
said unto them, thousand men, set before the
disciples, and the Passion Week.
17
Give ye them to beside women multitude. And disciples to them
eat. And they say and children.
they did eat, and that were set
unto him, Shall
were all filled: down; and
we go and buy
and there was
likewise of the
two hundred
taken up of
fishes as much as
pennyworth of
fragments that they would.
bread, and give
remained to them 12When they
38
them to eat? He
twelve baskets. were filled, he
saith unto them,
said unto his
How many
disciples, Gather
loaves have ye?
up the fragments
go and see. And
that remain, that
when they knew,
nothing be lost.
they say, Five,
and two fishes.
39And he
commanded them
to make all sit
down by
companies upon
the green grass.
40And they sat
down in ranks, by
hundreds, and by
fifties. 41And
when he had
taken the five
loaves and the
two fishes, he
looked up to
heaven, and
blessed, and
brake the loaves,
and gave them to
his disciples to
set before them;
and the two
fishes divided he
among them all.
42And they did
all eat, and were
filled. 43And they
took up twelve
baskets full of the
fragments, and of
the fishes. 44And
they that did eat
of the loaves
were about five
thousand men.
13Therefore
they
gathered them
together, and
filled twelve
baskets with the
fragments of the
five barley
loaves, which
remained over
and above unto
them that had
eaten.
§ 73. THE PREVENTION OF THE REVOLUTIONARY PURPOSE TO PROCLAIM JESUS KING (A
POLITICAL MESSIAH)
Mark 6:45–46
Matthew 14:22–23
John 6:14–15
22And straightway Jesus
14Then those men, when they
straightway he
constrained his disciples to constrained his disciples to had seen the miracle that
get into the ship, and to go to get into a ship, and to go
Jesus did, said, This is of a
the other side before unto
before him unto the other
truth that prophet that should
Bethsaida, while he sent
side, while he sent the
come into the world. 15When
46
23
away the people. And when multitudes away. And when Jesus therefore perceived that
he had sent them away, he he had sent the multitudes
they would come and take
departed into a mountain to away, he went up into a
him by force, to make him a
45And
pray.
mountain apart to pray: and king, he departed again into a
when the evening was come, mountain himself alone.
he was there alone.
§ 74. THE PERIL TO THE TWELVE IN THE STORM AT SEA AND CHRIST’S COMING TO THEM ON
THE WATER IN THE DARKNESS
Mark 6:47–52
Matthew 14:24–33
John 6:16–21
24
16
when even was come, But the ship was now in the And when even was now
the ship was in the midst of midst of the sea, tossed with come, his disciples went
the sea, and he alone on the waves: for the wind was
down unto the sea, 17And
land. 48And he saw them
contrary. 25And in the fourth entered into a ship, and went
toiling in rowing; for the
watch of the night Jesus went over the sea toward
wind was contrary unto them: unto them, walking on the
Capernaum. And it was now
and about the fourth watch of sea. 26And when the disciples dark, and Jesus was not come
the night he cometh unto
saw him walking on the sea, to them. 18And the sea arose
them, walking upon the sea, they were troubled, saying, It by reason of a great wind that
and would have passed by
is a spirit; and they cried out blew. 19So when they had
49
them. But when they saw for fear. 27But straightway rowed about five and twenty
him walking upon the sea, Jesus spake unto them,
or thirty furlongs, they see
they supposed it had been a saying, Be of good cheer; it isJesus walking on the sea, and
spirit, and cried out: 50For
I; be not afraid. 28And Peter drawing nigh unto the ship:
they all saw him, and were answered him and said, Lord, and they were afraid. 20But
troubled. And immediately heif it be thou, bid me come
he saith unto them, It is I; be
29
talked with them, and saith unto thee on the water. And not afraid. 21Then they
unto them, Be of good cheer: he said, Come. And when
willingly received him into
51
it is I; be not afraid. And he Peter was come down out of the ship: and immediately the
went up unto them into the the ship, he walked on the
ship was at the land whither
30
ship; and the wind ceased: water, to go to Jesus. But they went.
and they were sore amazed in when he saw the wind
themselves beyond measure, boisterous, he was afraid; and
and wondered. 52For they
beginning to sink, he cried,
considered not the miracle of saying, Lord, save me. 31And
the loaves: for their heart was immediately Jesus stretched
hardened.
forth his hand, and caught
him, and said unto him, O
thou of little faith, wherefore
didst thou doubt? 32And
when they were come into
the ship, the wind ceased.
33Then they that were in the
ship came and worshipped
him, saying, Of a truth thou
art the Son of God.
47And
§ 75. THE RECEPTION AT GENNESARET
Mark 6:53–56
Matthew 14:34–36
(Mk. 6:55) This general
53And
when they had passed 34And when they were gone characterization applies to
over, they came into the land over, they came into the land the Galilean work as a whole
of Gennesaret, and drew to of Gennesaret. 35And when in Part VII rather than to the
precise time at this juncture.
the shore. 54And when they the men of that place had
were come out of the ship, knowledge of him, they sent But one must allow his
straightway they knew him, out into all that country round imagination to enlarge upon
55And ran through that whole about, and brought unto him the scope of Christ’s work.
region round about, and
all that were diseased; 36And
began to carry about in beds besought him that they might
those that were sick, where only touch the hem of his
garment: and as many as
they heard he was. 56And
touched were made perfectly
whithersoever he entered,
whole.
into villages, or cities, or
country, they laid the sick in
the streets, and besought him
that they might touch if it
were but the border of his
garment: and as many as
touched him were made
whole.
§ 76. THE COLLAPSE OF THE GALILEAN CAMPAIGN BECAUSE JESUS WILL NOT CONFORM TO
POPULAR MESSIANIC EXPECTATIONS
The next day in the Synagogue in Capernaum. The same crowd that had eaten the Loaves and the Fishes
leave Christ in disgust on learning that He is the Bread of Life and not a Political Messiah.
John 6:22–71
day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that
there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and
that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away
alone; 23(Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they
did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:) 24When the people therefore saw that
Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to
Capernaum, seeking for Jesus. 25And when they had found him on the other side of the
sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither? 26Jesus answered them and
said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but
because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. 27Labour not for the meat which
perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man
shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. 28Then said they unto him, What
shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29Jesus answered and said unto them,
This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. 30They said therefore
unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost
thou work? 31Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread
from heaven to eat. 32Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses
gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from
heaven. 33For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life
unto the world. 34Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. 35And
Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and
he that believeth on me shall never thirst. 36But I said unto you, That ye also have seen
me, and believe not. 37All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that
22The
cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. 38For I came down from heaven, not to do mine
own will, but the will of him that sent me. 39And this is the Father’s will which hath sent
me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again
at the last day. 40And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the
Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last
day. 41The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came
down from heaven. 42And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and
mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? 43Jesus
therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. 44No man can
come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at
the last day. 45It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every
man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. 46Not that
any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. 47Verily,
verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. 48I am that bread of
life. 49Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. 50This is the bread
which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. 51I am the
living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for
ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
52The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his
flesh to eat? 53Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the
flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. 54Whoso eateth my
flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
55For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 56He that eateth my flesh,
and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. 57As the living Father hath sent me,
and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. 58This is that
bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he
that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. 59These things said he in the synagogue, as he
taught in Capernaum. 60Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said,
This is an hard saying; who can hear it? 61When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples
murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? 62What and if ye shall see the
Son of man ascend up where he was before? 63It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh
profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. 64But
there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were
that believed not, and who should betray him. 65And he said, Therefore said I unto you,
that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. 66From that
time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67Then said Jesus
unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to
whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69And we believe and are sure that
thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. 70Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen
you twelve, and one of you is a devil? 71He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for
he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.
§ 77. PHARISEES FROM JERUSALEM REPROACH JESUS FOR ALLOWING HIS DISCIPLES TO
DISREGARD THEIR TRADITIONS ABOUT CEREMONIAL DEFILEMENT OF THE HANDS. A PUZZLING
PARABLE IN REPLY
Probably in Capernaum
1Then
Mark 7:1–23
came together unto
Matthew 15:1–20
came to Jesus scribes
1Then
1After
John 7:1
these things Jesus
him the Pharisees, and certain and Pharisees, which were of walked in Galilee: for he
of the scribes, which came Jerusalem, saying, 2Why do would not walk in Jewry,
from Jerusalem. 2And when thy disciples transgress the because the Jews sought to
they saw some of his
tradition of the elders? for
kill him.
disciples eat bread with
they wash not their hands
defiled, that is to say, with when they eat bread. 3But he
unwashen, hands, they found answered and said unto them,
fault. 3For the Pharisees, and Why do ye also transgress the
all the Jews, except they
commandment of God by
wash their hands oft, eat not, your tradition? 4For God
holding the tradition of the commanded, saying, Honour
elders. 4And when they come thy father and mother: and,
from the market, except they He that curseth father or
wash, they eat not. And many mother, let him die the death.
other things there be, which 5But ye say, Whosoever shall
they have received to hold, as say to his father or his
the washing of cups, and
mother, It is a gift, by
pots, brasen vessels, and of whatsoever thou mightest be
tables. 5Then the Pharisees profited by me; 6And honour
and scribes asked him, Why not his father or his mother,
walk not thy disciples
he shall be free. Thus have ye
according to the tradition of made the commandment of
the elders, but eat bread with God of none effect by your
unwashen hands? 6He
tradition. 7Ye hypocrites, well
answered and said unto them, did Esaias prophesy of you,
Well hath Esaias prophesied saying, 8This people draweth
of you hypocrites, as it is
nigh unto me with their
written, This people
mouth, and honoureth me
honoureth me with their lips, with their lips; but their heart
but their heart is far from me. is far from me. 9But in vain
7Howbeit in vain do they
they do worship me, teaching
worship me, teaching for
for doctrines the
doctrines the commandments commandments of men.
of men. 8For laying aside the 10And he called the
commandment of God, ye
multitude, and said unto
hold the tradition of men, as them, Hear, and understand:
the washing of pots and cups: 11Not that which goeth into
and many other such like
the mouth defileth a man; but
things ye do. 9And he said that which cometh out of the
unto them, Full well ye reject mouth, this defileth a man.
the commandment of God, 12Then came his disciples,
that ye may keep your own and said unto him, Knowest
tradition. 10For Moses said, thou that the Pharisees were
Honour thy father and thy
offended, after they heard
mother; and, Whoso curseth this saying? 13But he
father or mother, let him die answered and said, Every
the death: 11But ye say, If a plant, which my heavenly
man shall say to his father or Father hath not planted, shall
mother, It is Corban, that is tobe rooted up. 14Let them
say, a gift, by whatsoever
alone: they be blind leaders
thou mightest be profited by of the blind. And if the blind
me; he shall be free. 12And lead the blind, both shall fall
ye suffer him no more to do into the ditch. 15Then
ought for his father or his
answered Peter and said unto
mother; 13Making the word him, Declare unto us this
of God of none effect through parable. 16And Jesus said,
your tradition, which ye have Are ye also yet without
delivered: and many such likeunderstanding? 17Do not ye
things do ye. 14And when he yet understand, that
had called all the people unto whatsoever entereth in at the
him, he said unto them,
mouth goeth into the belly,
Hearken unto me every one and is cast out into the
of you, and understand:
draught? 18But those things
15There is nothing from
which proceed out of the
without a man, that entering mouth come forth from the
into him can defile him: but heart; and they defile the
the things which come out of man. 19For out of the heart
him, those are they that defile proceed evil thoughts,
the man. 16If any man have murders, adulteries,
ears to hear, let him hear.
fornications, thefts, false
17And when he was entered witness, blasphemies:
20These are the things which
into the house from the
people, his disciples asked defile a man: but to eat with
him concerning the parable. unwashen hands defileth not
18And he saith unto them,
a man.
Are ye so without
understanding also? Do ye
not perceive, that whatsoever
thing from without entereth
into the man, it cannot defile
him; 19Because it entereth not
into his heart, but into the
belly, and goeth out into the
draught, purging all meats?
20And he said, That which
cometh out of the man, that
defileth the man. 21For from
within, out of the heart of
men, proceed evil thoughts,
adulteries, fornications,
murders, 22Thefts,
covetousness, wickedness,
deceit, lasciviousness, an evil
eye, blasphemy, pride,
foolishness: 23All these evil
things come from within, and
defile the man.
§ 78. THE SECOND WITHDRAWAL TO THE REGION OF TYRE AND SIDON AND THE HEALING OF
THE DAUGHTER OF A SYRO-PHŒNICIAN WOMAN
Mark 7:24–30
Matthew 15:21–28
(Mt. 15:21) It used to be
24And
questioned whether he
from thence he arose, 21Then Jesus went thence,
and went into the borders of and departed into the coasts actually left the land of
Tyre and Sidon, and entered of Tyre and Sidon. 22And,
Israel. Matthew’s expression
into an house, and would
behold, a woman of Canaan ought to have settled the
have no man know it: but he came out of the same coasts, question, and the corrected
could not be hid. 25For a
and cried unto him, saying, text of Mark 7:31 leaves no
certain woman, whose young Have mercy on me, O Lord, doubt.
daughter had an unclean
thou Son of David; my
spirit, heard of him, and came daughter is grievously vexed
and fell at his feet: 26The
with a devil. 23But he
woman was a Greek, a
answered her not a word.
Syrophenician by nation; and And his disciples came and
she besought him that he
besought him, saying, Send
would cast forth the devil out her away; for she crieth after
of her daughter. 27But Jesus us. 24But he answered and
said unto her, Let the childrensaid, I am not sent but unto
first be filled: for it is not
the lost sheep of the house of
meet to take the children’s Israel. 25Then came she and
bread, and to cast it unto the worshipped him, saying,
dogs. 28And she answered
Lord, help me. 26But he
and said unto him, Yes, Lord: answered and said, It is not
yet the dogs under the table meet to take the children’s
eat of the children’s crumbs. bread, and to cast it to dogs.
29And he said unto her, For
27And she said, Truth, Lord:
this saying go thy way; the yet the dogs eat of the crumbs
devil is gone out of thy
which fall from their masters’
daughter. 30And when she
table. 28Then Jesus answered
was come to her house, she and said unto her, O woman,
found the devil gone out, and great is thy faith: be it unto
her daughter laid upon the
thee even as thou wilt. And
bed.
her daughter was made whole
from that very hour.
§ 79. THE THIRD WITHDRAWAL NORTH THROUGH PHŒNICIA AND EAST TOWARDS HERMON
AND SOUTH INTO DECAPOLIS (KEEPING OUT OF THE TERRITORY OF HEROD ANTIPAS) WITH THE
HEALING OF THE DEAF AND DUMB MAN AND THE FEEDING OF THE FOUR THOUSAND
(Mk. 7:31) Observe how
Mark 7:31–8:9
Matthew 15:29–38
29
again, departing from And Jesus departed from carefully he keeps away from
the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, thence, and came nigh unto the territory ruled by Herod
he came unto the sea of
the sea of Galilee; and went Antipas. The tetrarch Philip,
Galilee, through the midst of up into a mountain, and sat who governed the districts
the coasts of Decapolis.
east of the Lake of Galilee
down there. 30And great
32And they bring unto him
multitudes came unto him, and of the upper Jordan, was
one that was deaf, and had an having with them those that a better man than Antipas,
impediment in his speech;
were lame, blind, dumb,
and moreover had no cause
and they beseech him to put maimed, and many others, to feel uneasy about Jesus.
his hand upon him. 33And he and cast them down at Jesus’
(Mk. 8:1) It is to be noted
feet; and he healed them:
took him aside from the
multitude, and put his fingers 31Insomuch that the multitudethat Mark and Matthew give
31And
into his ears, and he spit, and wondered, when they saw the the feeding of the five
touched his tongue; 34And dumb to speak, the maimed thousand and of the four
looking up to heaven, he
to be whole, the lame to
thousand. Mark and Matthew
sighed, and saith unto him, walk, and the blind to see:
likewise report Jesus as
Ephphatha, that is, Be
and they glorified the God of referring to both incidents
opened. 35And straightway Israel. 32Then Jesus called his (Mark 8:19–20 = Matt. 16:9–
his ears were opened, and the disciples unto him, and said, I 10). Hence, it is hard to think
have compassion on the
of a mere confusion in the use
string of his tongue was
of the data. There is no real
loosed, and he spake plain. multitude, because they
36And he charged them that continue with me now three reason why both incidents
they should tell no man: but days, and have nothing to eat: could not be true.
the more he charged them, so and I will not send them
much the more a great deal away fasting, lest they faint
they published it; 37And were in the way. 33And his
beyond measure astonished, disciples say unto him,
Whence should we have so
saying, He hath done all
things well: he maketh both much bread in the wilderness,
as to fill so great a multitude?
the deaf to hear, and the
34And Jesus saith unto them,
dumb to speak. 11In those
days the multitude being very How many loaves have ye?
great, and having nothing to And they said, Seven, and a
eat, Jesus called his disciples few little fishes. 35And he
unto him, and saith unto
commanded the multitude to
2
them, I have compassion on sit down on the ground.
the multitude, because they 36And he took the seven
have now been with me three loaves and the fishes, and
days, and have nothing to eat: gave thanks, and brake them,
3And if I send them away
and gave to his disciples, and
fasting to their own houses, the disciples to the multitude.
they will faint by the way: for 37And they did all eat, and
divers of them came from far. were filled: and they took up
4And his disciples answered of the broken meat that was
him, From whence can a man left seven baskets full. 38And
satisfy these men with bread they that did eat were four
here in the wilderness? 5And thousand men, beside women
he asked them, How many and children.
loaves have ye? And they
said, Seven. 6And he
commanded the people to sit
down on the ground: and he
took the seven loaves, and
gave thanks, and brake, and
gave to his disciples to set
before them; and they did set
them before the people. 7And
they had a few small fishes:
and he blessed, and
commanded to set them also
before them. 8So they did eat,
and were filled: and they took
up of the broken meat that
was left seven baskets. 9And
they that had eaten were
about four thousand: and he
sent them away.
§ 80. THE BRIEF VISIT TO MAGADAN (DALMANUTHA) IN GALILEE AND THE SHARP ATTACK BY
THE PHARISEES AND THE SADDUCEES. (NOTE THEIR APPEARANCE NOW AGAINST JESUS)
(Mt. 15:39) The situation of
Mark 8:10–12
Matthew 15:39–16:4
39
Magadan was unknown to
straightway he entered And he sent away the
into a ship with his disciples, multitude, and took ship, and some early students or
copyists, as it is to us, and so
and came into the parts of
came into the coasts of
11
11
they changed it to the
Dalmanutha. And the
Magdala. The Pharisees
familiar Magdala, found in
Pharisees came forth, and
also with the Sadducees
began to question with him, came, and tempting desired our common texts.
seeking of him a sign from him that he would shew them
(Mt. 16:1) The moment he
heaven, tempting him. 12And a sign from heaven. 2He
he sighed deeply in his spirit, answered and said unto them, returns to Galilee the Jewish
and saith, Why doth this
When it is evening, ye say, It leaders begin to attack him.
generation seek after a sign? will be fair weather: for the
verily I say unto you, There sky is red. 3And in the
shall no sign be given unto morning, It will be foul
this generation.
weather to day: for the sky is
red and lowring. O ye
hypocrites, ye can discern the
face of the sky; but can ye
not discern the signs of the
times? 4A wicked and
adulterous generation seeketh
after a sign; and there shall
no sign be given unto it, but
the sign of the prophet Jonas.
And he left them, and
departed.
10And
§ 81. THE FOURTH RETIREMENT TO BETHSAIDA JULIAS IN THE TETRARCHY OF HEROD PHILIP
WITH SHARP REBUKE OF THE DULNESS OF THE DISCIPLES ON THE WAY ACROSS AND THE
HEALING OF A BLIND MAN IN BETHSAIDA
(Mk. 8:22) Jesus goes on to
Mark 8:13–26
Matthew 16:5–12
5
he left them, and
And when his disciples were the region of Cæsarea
entering into the ship again come to the other side, they Philippi on Mount Hermon,
departed to the other side.
had forgotten to take bread. where no hostility had been
14Now the disciples had
6Then Jesus said unto them, aroused, and he could quietly
forgotten to take bread,
Take heed and beware of the instruct the Twelve. He
neither had they in the ship leaven of the Pharisees and of probably remained in that
with them more than one
vicinity several months, as
the Sadducees. 7And they
15
loaf. And he charged them, reasoned among themselves, this whole period of
saying, Take heed, beware of saying, It is because we have retirement lasted six months.
13And
the leaven of the Pharisees, taken no bread. 8Which when He was near Bethsaida Julias
and of the leaven of Herod. Jesus perceived, he said unto in the First Retirement and
16And they reasoned among them, O ye of little faith, why now he steps here again on
themselves, saying, It is
reason ye among yourselves, his way to Cæsarea Philippi.
because we have no bread. because ye have brought no Each of the four retirements
17And when Jesus knew it, he bread? 9Do ye not yet
is into heathen territory
saith unto them, Why reason understand, neither remember (Ituræa twice, Phœnicia,
Decapolis), where Greek
ye, because ye have no
the five loaves of the five
influence prevail, and where
bread? perceive ye not yet, thousand, and how many
neither understand? have ye baskets ye took up? 10Neither the Greek language is
your heart yet hardened?
the seven loaves of the four dominant.
18Having eyes, see ye not?
thousand, and how many
and having ears, hear ye not? baskets ye took up? 11How is
and do ye not remember?
it that ye do not understand
19When I brake the five
that I spake it not to you
loaves among five thousand, concerning bread, that ye
how many baskets full of
should beware of the leaven
fragments took ye up? They of the Pharisees and of the
say unto him, Twelve. 20And Sadducees? 12Then
when the seven among four understood they how that he
thousand, how many baskets bade them not beware of the
full of fragments took ye up? leaven of bread, but of the
And they said, Seven. 21And doctrine of the Pharisees and
he said unto them, How is it of the Sadducees.
that ye do not understand?
22And he cometh to
Bethsaida; and they bring a
blind man unto him, and
besought him to touch him.
23And he took the blind man
by the hand, and led him out
of the town; and when he had
spit on his eyes, and put his
hands upon him, he asked
him if he saw ought. 24And
he looked up, and said, I see
men as trees, walking.
25After that he put his hands
again upon his eyes, and
made him look up: and he
was restored, and saw every
man clearly. 26And he sent
him away to his house,
saying, Neither go into the
town, nor tell it to any in the
town.
§ 82. NEAR CÆSAREA PHILIPPI JESUS TESTS THE FAITH OF THE TWELVE IN HIS MESSIAHSHIP
Mark 8:27–30
Matthew 16:13–20
Luke 9:18–21
(Mt. 16:16) Some
27And
Jesus went out, 13When Jesus came 18And it came to pass, understand ver. 16f.
and his disciples, into into the coasts of
as he was alone
as showing that they
the towns of Caesarea Caesarea Philippi, he praying, his disciples had never before
Philippi: and by the asked his disciples, were with him: and he believed him to be the
way he asked his
saying, Whom do
asked them, saying, Messiah, and so hold
disciples, saying unto men say that I the Son Whom say the people that the other Gospels
them, Whom do men of man am? 14And
here utterly conflict
that I am? 19They
28
say that I am? And they said, Some say answering said, John with John, who
they answered, John that thou art John the the Baptist; but some represents the first
the Baptist: but some Baptist: some, Elias; say, Elias; and others disciples (§§ 28, 35)
say, Elias; and others, and others, Jeremias, say, that one of the as believing Jesus to
One of the prophets. or one of the
old prophets is risen be the Messiah. But it
29And he saith unto
15
prophets. He saith again. 20He said unto is easy to suppose that
them, But whom say unto them, But whom them, But whom say their early faith in his
Messiahship was
ye that I am? And
say ye that I am?
ye that I am? Peter
Peter answereth and 16And Simon Peter answering said, The shaken by his
saith unto him, Thou answered and said, Christ of God. 21And continued failure to
gather armies and set
art the Christ. 30And Thou art the Christ, he straitly charged
up the expected
he charged them that the Son of the living them, and
17
they should tell no
commanded them to temporal kingdom,
God. And Jesus
man of him.
answered and said
tell no man that thing; and while still
believing him to have
unto him, Blessed art
a divine mission they
thou, Simon Bar-jona:
had questioned
for flesh and blood
whether he was the
hath not revealed it
Messiah, as John the
unto thee, but my
Baptist did in prison
Father which is in
(§ 57). Besides, at the
heaven. 18And I say
Baptism and the
also unto thee, That
Temptation, the
thou art Peter, and
Synoptic Gospels
upon this rock I will
represent Jesus as the
build my church; and
Son of God.
the gates of hell shall
not prevail against it.
(Mt. 16:18) It is
19And I will give unto
interesting to note
thee the keys of the
that the imagery
kingdom of heaven:
employed by Jesus
and whatsoever thou
here all appears in
shalt bind on earth
Ps. 89, a Messianic
shall be bound in
Psalm built on 2 Sam.
heaven: and
7. Thus note “build”
whatsoever thou shalt
in Ps. 89:4, “rock” in
loose on earth shall be
89:26, “anointed” in
loosed in heaven.
89:38, “the power of
20Then charged he his
Sheol” in 89:48, and
disciples that they
the Psalm discusses
should tell no man
the perpetuity of the
that he was Jesus the
Davidic throne
Christ.
(Kingdom). Jesus
applies this imagery
to the spiritual
Kingdom that He is
building.
§ 83. JESUS DISTINCTLY FORETELLS THAT HE, THE MESSIAH, WILL BE REJECTED AND KILLED,
AND WILL RISE THE THIRD DAY
Mark 8:31–37
Matthew 16:21–26
Luke 9:22–25
21From that time forth began 22Saying, The Son of man
he began to teach
them, that the Son of man
Jesus to shew unto his
must suffer many things, and
must suffer many things, and disciples, how that he must be rejected of the elders and
be rejected of the elders, and go unto Jerusalem, and suffer chief priests and scribes, and
of the chief priests, and
many things of the elders and be slain, and be raised the
scribes, and be killed, and
chief priests and scribes, and third day. 23And he said to
after three days rise again. be killed, and be raised again them all, If any man will
32And he spake that saying
the third day. 22Then Peter come after me, let him deny
openly. And Peter took him, took him, and began to
himself, and take up his cross
and began to rebuke him.
rebuke him, saying, Be it far daily, and follow me. 24For
33But when he had turned
from thee, Lord: this shall not whosoever will save his life
about and looked on his
be unto thee. 23But he turned, shall lose it: but whosoever
disciples, he rebuked Peter, and said unto Peter, Get thee will lose his life for my sake,
saying, Get thee behind me, behind me, Satan: thou art an the same shall save it. 25For
Satan: for thou savourest not offence unto me: for thou
what is a man advantaged, if
the things that be of God, but savourest not the things that he gain the whole world, and
the things that be of men.
be of God, but those that be lose himself, or be cast away?
34And when he had called the of men. 24Then said Jesus
people unto him with his
unto his disciples, If any man
disciples also, he said unto will come after me, let him
them, Whosoever will come deny himself, and take up his
after me, let him deny
cross, and follow me. 25For
himself, and take up his
whosoever will save his life
35
cross, and follow me. For shall lose it: and whosoever
whosoever will save his life will lose his life for my sake
shall lose it; but whosoever shall find it. 26For what is a
shall lose his life for my sake man profited, if he shall gain
and the gospel’s, the same the whole world, and lose his
shall save it. 36For what shall own soul? or what shall a
it profit a man, if he shall
man give in exchange for his
gain the whole world, and
soul?
lose his own soul? 37Or what
shall a man give in exchange
for his soul?
31And
§ 84. THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN IN THAT GENERATION
Mark 8:38–9:1
Matthew 16:27–28
27
therefore shall For the Son of man shall
be ashamed of me and of my come in the glory of his
38Whosoever
Luke 9:26–27
whosoever shall be
ashamed of me and of my
26For
words in this adulterous and Father with his angels; and words, of him shall the Son
sinful generation; of him also then he shall reward every of man be ashamed, when he
shall the Son of man be
man according to his works. shall come in his own glory,
ashamed, when he cometh in 28Verily I say unto you,
and in his Father’s, and of the
the glory of his Father with There be some standing here, holy angels. 27But I tell you
which shall not taste of death, of a truth, there be some
the holy angels. 11And he
said unto them, Verily I say till they see the Son of man standing here, which shall not
unto you, That there be some coming in his kingdom.
taste of death, till they see the
of them that stand here,
kingdom of God.
which shall not taste of death,
till they have seen the
kingdom of God come with
power.
§ 85. THE TRANSFIGURATION OF JESUS ON A MOUNTAIN (PROBABLY HERMON) NEAR CÆSAREA
PHILIPPI
(Title) The tradition
Mark 9:2–8
Matthew 17:1–8
Luke 9:28–36
after six days 1And after six days 28And it came to pass which places the
Jesus taketh with him Jesus taketh Peter,
about an eight days Transfiguration on
Peter, and James, and James, and John his after these sayings, he Mount Tabor is
John, and leadeth
brother, and bringeth took Peter and John beyond question false.
them up into an high them up into an high and James, and went
mountain apart by
mountain apart, 2And up into a mountain to (Mt. 17:4) Probably
not long before the
themselves: and he was transfigured
pray. 29And as he
was transfigured
before them: and his prayed, the fashion of feast of tabernacles
before them. 3And his face did shine as the his countenance was (near end of
September) and Peter
raiment became
sun, and his raiment altered, and his
may have meant that
shining, exceeding
was white as the light. raiment was white
white as snow; so as 3And, behold, there and glistering. 30And, they celebrate the
no fuller on earth can appeared unto them behold, there talked feast on the
white them. 4And
Moses and Elias
with him two men, mountains instead of
going to Jerusalem.
there appeared unto talking with him.
which were Moses
4Then answered
them Elias with
and Elias: 31Who
(Mk. 9:7) See § 24 for
Moses: and they were Peter, and said unto appeared in glory, and similar language at
talking with Jesus.
Jesus, Lord, it is good spake of his decease the Baptism of Jesus.
5And Peter answered for us to be here: if
which he should
and said to Jesus,
thou wilt, let us make accomplish at
Master, it is good for here three tabernacles;Jerusalem. 32But Peter
us to be here: and let one for thee, and one and they that were
us make three
for Moses, and one with him were heavy
tabernacles; one for for Elias. 5While he with sleep: and when
thee, and one for
yet spake, behold, a they were awake, they
Moses, and one for bright cloud
saw his glory, and the
6
Elias. For he wist not overshadowed them: two men that stood
what to say; for they and behold a voice with him. 33And it
were sore afraid.
out of the cloud,
came to pass, as they
7And there was a
which said, This is
departed from him,
cloud that
my beloved Son, in Peter said unto Jesus,
overshadowed them: whom I am well
Master, it is good for
2And
and a voice came out
of the cloud, saying,
This is my beloved
Son: hear him. 8And
suddenly, when they
had looked round
about, they saw no
man any more, save
Jesus only with
themselves.
pleased; hear ye him. us to be here: and let
6And when the
us make three
disciples heard it, theytabernacles; one for
fell on their face, and thee, and one for
were sore afraid.
Moses, and one for
7And Jesus came and Elias: not knowing
touched them, and
what he said. 34While
said, Arise, and be not he thus spake, there
came a cloud, and
afraid. 8And when
overshadowed them:
they had lifted up
their eyes, they saw and they feared as
no man, save Jesus they entered into the
only.
cloud. 35And there
came a voice out of
the cloud, saying,
This is my beloved
Son: hear him. 36And
when the voice was
past, Jesus was found
alone. And they kept
it close, and told no
man in those days any
of those things which
they had seen.
§ 86. THE PUZZLE OF THE THREE DISCIPLES ABOUT THE RESURRECTION AND ABOUT ELIJAH ON
THEIR WAY DOWN THE MOUNTAIN
(Mt. 17:12) The
Mark 9:9–13
Matthew 17:9–13
Luke 9:36
9And as they came
36And when the voice Baptist’s disclaimer
as they came
down from the
down from the
was past, Jesus was about being Elijah
mountain, he charged mountain, Jesus
found alone. And they (John 1:21) means
them that they should charged them, saying, kept it close, and told only that he was not
tell no man what
Tell the vision to no no man in those days Elijah in person come
things they had seen, man, until the Son of any of those things back to earth
till the Son of man
man be risen again which they had seen. according to popular
expectation.
were risen from the from the dead. 10And
10
dead. And they kept his disciples asked
that saying with
him, saying, Why
themselves,
then say the scribes
questioning one with that Elias must first
another what the
come? 11And Jesus
rising from the dead answered and said
should mean. 11And unto them, Elias truly
they asked him,
shall first come, and
saying, Why say the restore all things.
scribes that Elias must 12But I say unto you,
first come? 12And he That Elias is come
answered and told
already, and they
them, Elias verily
knew him not, but
9And
cometh first, and
restoreth all things;
and how it is written
of the Son of man,
that he must suffer
many things, and be
set at nought. 13But I
say unto you, That
Elias is indeed come,
and they have done
unto him whatsoever
they listed, as it is
written of him.
have done unto him
whatsoever they
listed. Likewise shall
also the Son of man
suffer of them. 13Then
the disciples
understood that he
spake unto them of
John the Baptist.
§ 87. THE DEMONIAC BOY, WHOM THE DISCIPLES COULD NOT HEAL
In the region of Cæsarea Philippi
Mark 9:14–29
Matthew 17:14–20
Luke 9:37–43
when he came to his 14And when they were come 37And it came to pass, that on
disciples, he saw a great
to the multitude, there came the next day, when they were
multitude about them, and the to him a certain man,
come down from the hill,
scribes questioning with
kneeling down to him, and much people met him. 38And,
15
them. And straightway all saying, 15Lord, have mercy behold, a man of the
the people, when they beheld on my son: for he is lunatick, company cried out, saying,
him, were greatly amazed, and sore vexed: for ofttimes Master, I beseech thee, look
and running to him saluted he falleth into the fire, and oft upon my son: for he is mine
him. 16And he asked the
into the water. 16And I
only child. 39And, lo, a spirit
scribes, What question ye
brought him to thy disciples, taketh him, and he suddenly
with them? 17And one of the and they could not cure him. crieth out; and it teareth him
multitude answered and said, 17Then Jesus answered and that he foameth again, and
Master, I have brought unto said, O faithless and perverse bruising him hardly departeth
thee my son, which hath a
generation, how long shall I from him. 40And I besought
be with you? how long shall I thy disciples to cast him out;
dumb spirit; 18And
wheresoever he taketh him, suffer you? bring him hither and they could not. 41And
he teareth him: and he
to me. 18And Jesus rebuked Jesus answering said, O
foameth, and gnasheth with the devil; and he departed out faithless and perverse
his teeth, and pineth away: of him: and the child was
generation, how long shall I
and I spake to thy disciples cured from that very hour. be with you, and suffer you?
that they should cast him out; 19Then came the disciples to Bring thy son hither. 42And
and they could not. 19He
Jesus apart, and said, Why as he was yet a coming, the
answereth him, and saith, O could not we cast him out? devil threw him down, and
20And Jesus said unto them, tare him. And Jesus rebuked
faithless generation, how
long shall I be with you? how Because of your unbelief: for the unclean spirit, and healed
long shall I suffer you? bring verily I say unto you, If ye the child, and delivered him
have faith as a grain of
him unto me. 20And they
again to his father. 43And
brought him unto him: and mustard seed, ye shall say
they were all amazed at the
when he saw him,
unto this mountain, Remove mighty power of God. But
straightway the spirit tare
hence to yonder place; and it while they wondered every
him; and he fell on the
shall remove; and nothing
one at all things which Jesus
ground, and wallowed
shall be impossible unto you. did, he said unto his
14And
foaming. 21And he asked his
father, How long is it ago
since this came unto him?
And he said, Of a child.
22And ofttimes it hath cast
him into the fire, and into the
waters, to destroy him: but if
thou canst do any thing, have
compassion on us, and help
us. 23Jesus said unto him, If
thou canst believe, all things
are possible to him that
believeth. 24And straightway
the father of the child cried
out, and said with tears, Lord,
I believe; help thou mine
unbelief. 25When Jesus saw
that the people came running
together, he rebuked the foul
spirit, saying unto him, Thou
dumb and deaf spirit, I charge
thee, come out of him, and
enter no more into him.
26And the spirit cried, and
rent him sore, and came out
of him: and he was as one
dead; insomuch that many
said, He is dead. 27But Jesus
took him by the hand, and
lifted him up; and he arose.
28And when he was come
into the house, his disciples
asked him privately, Why
could not we cast him out?
29And he said unto them,
This kind can come forth by
nothing, but by prayer and
fasting.
disciples,
§ 88. RETURNING PRIVATELY THROUGH GALILEE, HE AGAIN FORETELLS HIS DEATH AND
RESURRECTION
Mark 9:30–32
Matthew 17:22–23
Luke 9:43–45
they departed thence, 22And while they abode in 43And they were all amazed
and passed through Galilee; Galilee, Jesus said unto them, at the mighty power of God.
and he would not that any
The Son of man shall be
But while they wondered
31
every one at all things which
man should know it. For he betrayed into the hands of
Jesus did, he said unto his
taught his disciples, and said men: 23And they shall kill
unto them, The Son of man is him, and the third day he
disciples, 44Let these sayings
delivered into the hands of shall be raised again. And
sink down into your ears: for
30And
men, and they shall kill him; they were exceeding sorry.
and after that he is killed, he
shall rise the third day. 32But
they understood not that
saying, and were afraid to ask
him.
the Son of man shall be
delivered into the hands of
men. 45But they understood
not this saying, and it was hid
from them, that they
perceived it not: and they
feared to ask him of that
saying.
The season of retirement from Galilee is now ended (§§ 72-88). The remaining events at this time (§§ 89-95)
probably occupied only a few days.
§ 89. JESUS, THE MESSIAH, PAYS THE HALF-SHEKEL FOR THE TEMPLE
Capernaum
Matthew 17:24–27
when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to
Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? 25He saith, Yes. And when he was
come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom
do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?
26Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
27Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and
take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt
find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.
24And
§ 90. THE TWELVE CONTEND AS TO WHO SHALL BE THE GREATEST UNDER THE MESSIAH’S
REIGN. HIS SUBJECTS MUST BE CHILDLIKE
Capernaum
Mark 9:33–37
Matthew 18:1–5
Luke 9:46–48
1At the same time came the 46Then there arose a
he came to
Capernaum: and being in the disciples unto Jesus, saying, reasoning among them,
house he asked them, What Who is the greatest in the
which of them should be
2
was it that ye disputed among kingdom of heaven? And greatest. 47And Jesus,
yourselves by the way? 34But Jesus called a little child unto perceiving the thought of
they held their peace: for by him, and set him in the midst their heart, took a child, and
the way they had disputed
of them, 3And said, Verily I set him by him, 48And said
among themselves, who
say unto you, Except ye be unto them, Whosoever shall
35
should be the greatest. And converted, and become as
receive this child in my name
he sat down, and called the little children, ye shall not
receiveth me: and whosoever
twelve, and saith unto them, enter into the kingdom of
shall receive me receiveth
If any man desire to be first, heaven. 4Whosoever
him that sent me: for he that
the same shall be last of all, therefore shall humble
is least among you all, the
and servant of all. 36And he himself as this little child, the same shall be great.
took a child, and set him in same is greatest in the
the midst of them: and when kingdom of heaven. 5And
he had taken him in his arms, whoso shall receive one such
he said unto them,
little child in my name
37Whosoever shall receive
receiveth me.
33And
one of such children in my
name, receiveth me: and
whosoever shall receive me,
receiveth not me, but him that
sent me.
§ 91. THE MISTAKEN ZEAL OF THE APOSTLE JOHN REBUKED BY JESUS IN PERTINENT PARABLES
Capernaum
Mark 9:38–50
Matthew 18:6–14
Luke 9:49–50
6
49
John answered him,
But whoso shall offend one And John answered and
saying, Master, we saw one of these little ones which
said, Master, we saw one
casting out devils in thy
believe in me, it were better casting out devils in thy
name, and he followeth not for him that a millstone were name; and we forbad him,
us: and we forbad him,
hanged about his neck, and because he followeth not with
because he followeth not us. that he were drowned in the us. 50And Jesus said unto
39But Jesus said, Forbid him depth of the sea. 7Woe unto him, Forbid him not: for he
not: for there is no man
the world because of
that is not against us is for us.
which shall do a miracle in offences! for it must needs be
my name, that can lightly
that offences come; but woe
to that man by whom the
speak evil of me. 40For he
that is not against us is on our offence cometh! 8Wherefore
part. 41For whosoever shall if thy hand or thy foot offend
thee, cut them off, and cast
give you a cup of water to
drink in my name, because ye them from thee: it is better for
belong to Christ, verily I say thee to enter into life halt or
unto you, he shall not lose his maimed, rather than having
two hands or two feet to be
reward. 42And whosoever
shall offend one of these little cast into everlasting fire.
ones that believe in me, it is 9And if thine eye offend thee,
better for him that a millstone pluck it out, and cast it from
were hanged about his neck, thee: it is better for thee to
and he were cast into the sea. enter into life with one eye,
43And if thy hand offend
rather than having two eyes
thee, cut it off: it is better for to be cast into hell fire.
10Take heed that ye despise
thee to enter into life
maimed, than having two
not one of these little ones;
hands to go into hell, into the for I say unto you, That in
fire that never shall be
heaven their angels do always
behold the face of my Father
quenched: 44Where their
worm dieth not, and the fire which is in heaven. 11For the
is not quenched. 45And if thy Son of man is come to save
foot offend thee, cut it off: it that which was lost. 12How
is better for thee to enter halt think ye? if a man have an
into life, than having two feet hundred sheep, and one of
to be cast into hell, into the them be gone astray, doth he
fire that never shall be
not leave the ninety and nine,
46
and goeth into the mountains,
quenched: Where their
worm dieth not, and the fire and seeketh that which is
gone astray? 13And if so be
is not quenched. 47And if
38And
thine eye offend thee, pluck it that he find it, verily I say
out: it is better for thee to
unto you, he rejoiceth more
enter into the kingdom of
of that sheep, than of the
God with one eye, than
ninety and nine which went
having two eyes to be cast not astray. 14Even so it is not
into hell fire: 48Where their the will of your Father which
worm dieth not, and the fire is in heaven, that one of these
is not quenched. 49For every little ones should perish.
one shall be salted with fire,
and every sacrifice shall be
salted with salt. 50Salt is
good: but if the salt have lost
his saltness, wherewith will
ye season it? Have salt in
yourselves, and have peace
one with another.
§ 92. RIGHT TREATMENT OF A BROTHER WHO HAS SINNED AGAINST ONE, AND DUTY OF
PATIENTLY FORGIVING A BROTHER (PARABLE OF THE UNMERCIFUL SERVANT)
(18:23) Parable of the Unforgiving Servant.
Matthew 18:15–35
if thy brother shall trespass
(18:33) The king forgave the servant
against thee, go and tell him his fault
between thee and him alone: if he shall hear $1,200,000; the servant refused to forgive
thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16But if $17. We might say in round numbers, a
he will not hear thee, then take with thee one million, and ten dollars.
or two more, that in the mouth of two or
three witnesses every word may be
established. 17And if he shall neglect to hear
them, tell it unto the church: but if he
neglect to hear the church, let him be unto
thee as an heathen man and a publican.
18Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall
bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and
whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be
loosed in heaven. 19Again I say unto you,
That if two of you shall agree on earth as
touching any thing that they shall ask, it
shall be done for them of my Father which is
in heaven. 20For where two or three are
gathered together in my name, there am I in
the midst of them. 21Then came Peter to
him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my
brother sin against me, and I forgive him?
till seven times? 22Jesus saith unto him, I say
not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until
seventy times seven. 23Therefore is the
kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain
king, which would take account of his
servants. 24And when he had begun to
15Moreover
reckon, one was brought unto him, which
owed him ten thousand talents. 25But
forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord
commanded him to be sold, and his wife,
and children, and all that he had, and
payment to be made. 26The servant therefore
fell down, and worshipped him, saying,
Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay
thee all. 27Then the lord of that servant was
moved with compassion, and loosed him,
and forgave him the debt. 28But the same
servant went out, and found one of his
fellowservants, which owed him an hundred
pence: and he laid hands on him, and took
him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou
owest. 29And his fellowservant fell down at
his feet, and besought him, saying, Have
patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
30And he would not: but went and cast him
into prison, till he should pay the debt. 31So
when his fellowservants saw what was done,
they were very sorry, and came and told
unto their lord all that was done. 32Then his
lord, after that he had called him, said unto
him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee
all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
33Shouldest not thou also have had
compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I
had pity on thee? 34And his lord was wroth,
and delivered him to the tormentors, till he
should pay all that was due unto him. 35So
likewise shall my heavenly Father do also
unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not
every one his brother their trespasses.
§ 93. THE MESSIAH’S FOLLOWERS MUST GIVE UP EVERYTHING FOR HIS SERVICE
Matthew 8:19–22
a certain scribe came, and said unto
him, Master, I will follow thee
whithersoever thou goest. 20And Jesus saith
unto him, The foxes have holes, and the
birds of the air have nests; but the Son of
man hath not where to lay his head. 21And
another of his disciples said unto him, Lord,
suffer me first to go and bury my father.
22But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and
let the dead bury their dead.
19And
Luke 9:57–62
it came to pass, that, as they went in
the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I
will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
58And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have
holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the
Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
59And he said unto another, Follow me. But
he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury
my father. 60Jesus said unto him, Let the
dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach
the kingdom of God. 61And another also
said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first
57And
go bid them farewell, which are at home at
my house. 62And Jesus said unto him, No
man, having put his hand to the plough, and
looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
§ 94. THE UNBELIEVING BROTHERS OF JESUS COUNSEL HIM TO EXHIBIT HIMSELF IN JUDEA,
AND HE REJECTS THE ADVICE
John 7:2–9
the Jews’ feast of tabernacles was at hand. 3His brethren therefore said unto him,
Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou
doest. 4For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be
known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world. 5For neither did his
brethren believe in him. 6Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your
time is alway ready. 7The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it,
that the works thereof are evil. 8Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast;
for my time is not yet full come. 9When he had said these words unto them, he abode still
in Galilee.
2Now
§ 95. HE GOES PRIVATELY TO JERUSALEM THROUGH SAMARIA
(Lk. 9:51) See note 10 at end
Luke 9:51–56
John 7:10
it came to pass, when 10But when his brethren were of Harmony for the
the time was come that he
gone up, then went he also up combination of Luke and
should be received up, he
unto the feast, not openly, but John and the three
stedfastly set his face to go to as it were in secret.
journeyings in Luke toward
52
Jerusalem.
Jerusalem, And sent
messengers before his face:
and they went, and entered
into a village of the
Samaritans, to make ready
for him. 53And they did not
receive him, because his face
was as though he would go to
Jerusalem. 54And when his
disciples James and John saw
this, they said, Lord, wilt
thou that we command fire to
come down from heaven, and
consume them, even as Elias
did? 55But he turned, and
rebuked them, and said, Ye
know not what manner of
spirit ye are of. 56For the Son
of man is not come to destroy
men’s lives, but to save them.
And they went to another
village.
51And
Part IX: The Later Judean Ministry4
4
Robertson, A. T. (2009). A Harmony of the Gospels (Mt 13:54–Jn 7:10). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems,
Inc.