TESTIMONY
OF
MATTHEW LEVI,
THE DELEGATE.
[FIRST PROCLAIMED IN YEHUDA, A.D. 38.]
MATTHEW’S PREFACE.
The history of Yeshua The Anointed, Son of David, Son of Abraham.
Chapter 1
SECTION I.
The Nativity.
ABRAHAM fathered Yitschaq . Yitschaq fathered Yaqob. Yaqob fathered Yehuwdah and his brothers. Yehuwdah had Pharez and Zarah by Tamar. Pharez fathered Ezrom. Ezrom fathered Aram. Aram fathered Aminidab. Aminadab fathered Nashon. Nashon fathered Salmon. Salmon had Boaz by Rahab. Boaz had Obed by Ruth. Obed fathered Yishay. Yishay fathered David the king. David the king had Solomon, by her who had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon fathered Rehoboam. Rehoboam fathered Abia. Abia fathered Asa. Asa fathered Yehoshaphat. Yehoshaphat fathered Joram. Joram fathered Uzziah. Uzziah fathered Jothan. Jotham fathered Ahaz. Ahaz fathered Hezekiah. Hezekiah fathered Manasseh. Manasseh fathered Amon. Amon fathered Yo’shiyah. Yo’shiyah had Jeconia and his brothers, about the time of the migration into Babylon. After the migration to Babylon, Yekonyah fathered Salathiel. Salathiel fathered Zerubbabel. Zerubbabel fathered Abiud. Abiud fathered Eliakim. Eliakim fathered Azor. Azor fathered Zadoc. Zadoc fathered Achim. Achim fathered Eliud. Eliud fathered Eleazar. Eleazar fathered Matthan. Matthan fathered Yaqob. Yaqob fathered Yowceph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Yeshua, who is called The Anointed (Gr:Christos). So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen; from David until the migration into Babylon, fourteen; and from the migration into Babylon to the Anointed, fourteen.
18.–Now the birth of Yeshua The Anointed happened this way Miryam: his mother had been engaged (Gk\: mnesteuo, ask for marriage and give a gift. In Jewish law more formal) to Yowceph; but before they came together, she proved to be with child by the Holy Spirit. Yowceph her husband being a righteous man, and unwilling to expose her, intended to dismiss her privately. But while he was thinking upon this, an messenger of the Lord appearing to him in a dream, said, Yowceph, son of David, do not fear to take home Mary your wife; for her pregnancy is from the Holy Spirit. And she shall bear a son, whom you shall call Yeshua (Gk: Iesous, :Heb: contracted form of Yehoshu’a), for he will save his people from their sins. In all this what the Lord had spoken by the Forthteller was verified, “Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, who shall be called Immanuel;” which signifies, God with us. When Yowceph awoke, he did as the messenger of the Lord had commanded him, and took home his wife; but was not knowing her (that is having intercourse), until she had brought forth her first born son, whom he named Yeshua.
II.–After the birth of Yeshua, at Bethlehem of Yehuda, in the reign of King Herod, certain magicians from the East came to Yerushalem, and inquired, Where is the new-born King of the Jews; for we have seen his star in the east country, and have come to do him homage? King Herod hearing this, was alarmed, and all Yerushalem with him. And having assembled all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he demanded of them where the Anointed should be born. They answered, at Bethlehem of Yehuda, for so it is written by the Forthteller, “And you Bethlehem, in the region of Yehuwdah, are not the least illustrious among the cities of Yehuwdah; for out of you shall come a ruler, who will govern my people Ysrael.”
7.–Then Herod having secretly called the magicians, procured from them exact information concerning the time of the star’s appearing. And sending them to Bethlehem, he said, Go, make an exact inquiry about the child; and when you have found him bring me word, that I may also go, and pay him homage. Having heard the King, they departed; and low! the star which had appeared to them in the last country, moved before them, until it came, and stood over the place, where the child was. When they again saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly. And having come into the house, they found the child with Miryam his mother; and, prostrating themselves, did him homage. Then opening their treasures, they offered, as presents to him, gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went home another way.
13.–When they were gone, lo! a messenger of the Lord appearing to Yowceph in a dream, said, Arise, take the child with his mother, and flee into Egypt; and remain there until I order you; for Herod will seek the child to destroy him. Accordingly he arose, took the child with his mother, and withdrew by night into Egypt, where he continued until the death of Herod; so that, what the Lord had spoken by the Forthteller, was verified, “Out of Egypt I called my Son.”
16.–Then Herod, finding that he had been deceived by the magicians, was highly incensed, and dispatched emissaries, who slew, by his order, all the male children in Bethlehem, and in all its territory, from those entering the second year, down to the time of which he had procured exact information from the magicians. Then was the word of Yirmeyah the Forthteller verified, “A cry was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and weeping, and bitter complaint: Rachel wailing for her children, and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”
19.–When Herod was dead, an messenger of the Lord appearing in a dream to Yowceph in Egypt, said, Arise, take the child with his mother, and go into the land of Ysrael; for those are dead who sought his life. Accordingly, he arose, took the child with his mother, and came to the land of Ysrael; but hearing that Archelaus had succeeded his father Herod in the throne of Yehuda, he was afraid to return to; and being warned in a dream, went into the district of Galilee, and resided in a city named Nazareth; in this verifying the declaration of the Forthteller concerning Yeshua, that he should be called a Nazarene.
Chapter 3
SECTION II.
The Immersion.
III.–IN those days Yohanan the Immerser appeared, who proclaimed in the wilderness of Yehuda, saying, Reform, for the Reign of Heaven approaches. For this is he, of whom the Forthteller Yeshayah speaks in these words, “The voice of one proclaiming in the wilderness, Prepare a way for the Lord, make for him a straight passage.” Now Yohanan wore clothes of camel’s hair with a leather belt about his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Yerushalem, and all Yehuda, and all the country along the Yarden, turned to him, and were immersed by him in the Yarden, confessing their sins.
7.–But he seeing many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to him to receive immersion, said to them, Offspring of vipers, who has prompted you to flee from the impending vengeance? Produce, then, the proper fruit of repentance; and presume not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham for our father, for I assure you, that of these stones God can raise children to Abraham. And even now the axe lies at the root of the trees; every tree, therefore, which does not produce good fruit, is cut down, and turned into fuel. I, immerse you in water, into repentance; but he who comes after me, is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to carry. He will immerse you in the Holy Spirit, and in fire. His winnowing shovel is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his grain; he will gather his wheat into the granary, and consume the chaff in unquenchable fire.
13.–Then Yeshua came from Galilee to the Yarden, to be immersed by Yohanan. But Yohanan excused himself, saying, It is I who needs to be immersed by you; and you come to me! Yeshua answering, said to him, Permit this at present; for so ought we to ratify every institution. Then Yohanan acquiesced. Yeshua being immersed, no sooner arose out of the water, than heaven opened to him; and the Spirit of God appeared, descending like a dove, and lighting upon him; while a voice from heaven proclaimed, This is my Son, the beloved, in whom I delight.
IV.–Then Yeshua was conducted by the Spirit into the wilderness, to be tempted by The Accuser. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. Then the tempter came to him, said, If you are God’s Son, command that these stones become loaves. Yeshua answering, said, It is written, “Man does not live by bread only, but by every utterance from the mouth of God .” Then The Accuser took him into the holy city, and having placed him on the top corner of the temple, said to him, If you are God’s Son, throw yourself down; for it is written, “He will give his messengers the charge of your: they shall uphold you in their arms, for fear you dash your foot against a stone.” Yeshua again answered, It is written, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” Again The Accuser took him up a very high mountain, where he showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their glory, and said to him, All these will I give you, if you will prostrate yourself, and worship me. Yeshua answered, Adversary, be gone; for it is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and shall serve him only.” Then The Accuser left him, and messengers came and ministered to him.
12.–Now Yeshua, hearing that Yohanan was imprisoned, went into Galilee, and having left Nazareth, resided at Capernaum, a seaport in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, thereby verifying the words of Yeshayah the Forthteller; “The region of Zebulun and the region of Naphtali, situate on the Yarden near the sea, Galilee of the nations; the people who abide in darkness, saw a great light, and on those who inhabited a region of the shades of death, light has arisen.” From that time Yeshua began to proclaim, saying, Reform, for the Reign of Heaven approaches.
18.–Then walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon named Peter (Gk:Petros; a piece of rock ), and Andrew his brother, casting a drag net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, Come with me, and I will make you fishers of men. Immediately they left the nets and followed him. Passing on he saw other two brothers, Yaakob son of Zebedee and Yohanan his brother, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. They immediately, leaving the boat and their father, followed him.
23.–Then Yeshua went over all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the glad news of the Reign, and curing every sort of disease and torment among the people. And his fame spread all through Syria, and they brought to him all their sick, those seized and tormented with various diseases, demoniacs, and lunatics, and paralytics, and he healed them. And vast multitudes followed him from Galilee, Decapolis, Yerushalem, Yehuda, and from the banks of the Yarden.
Chapter 5
SECTION III.
The Sermon on the Mount.
V.–YESHUA, seeing the large crowds, went up to a mountain, and having sat down, his disciples came to him. Then breaking silence, he taught them, saying:–
3.—Blessed (or happy) are the poor in spirit; for the kingdom of Heaven is theirs! Blessed are they who mourn; for they shall receive comfort! Blessed are the humble; for they shall inherit the land! Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be satisfied! Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy! Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God! Blessed are the peace-makers; for they shall be called sons of God! Blessed are they who suffer persecution on account of righteousness; for the kingdom of heaven is theirs! Blessed shall you be, when men shall revile and persecute you; and, on my account, accuse you falsely of every evil thing! Rejoice and exult, for great is your reward in heaven; for so the Forthtellers were persecuted, who were before you.
13.–You are the salt of the earth. If the salt become un-salty, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is then fit only to be cast out, and trod under foot. You are the light of the world. A city situated on a mountain must be conspicuous. A lamp is lit to be put, not under a basket, but on a stand, that it may shine to all the family. So, let your light shine before men, that they, seeing your good actions, may glorify your Father, who is in heaven.
17.—Do not think that I am came to subvert the law or the forthtellers. I have come not to subvert, but to fulfill. For, I say to you, heaven and earth shall sooner perish, than one iota, or one tittle of the law shall perish, without attaining its end. Whoever, therefore, shall violate, or teach others to violate, were it the least of these commandments, shall be least in the Reign of Heaven. For I tell you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, you shall never enter the kingdom of heaven.
21.–You have heard that it was said to the ancients, “You shall not commit murder; for whoever commits murder shall be guilty before the judges.” But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother, shall be guilty to the judges; whoever shall call him worthless, shall be guilty to the council; but whoever shall call him fool (Raka from Aramaic for empty-headed) shall be guilty to hell fire. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember, that your brother has grounds to complain of you; leave there your gift before the altar: first go and procure reconciliation with your brother; then come, and offer your gift. Reconcile with your opponent, while you are on the road together; for fear he deliver you to the judge; and the judge consign you to the officer, and you are thrown into prison. I say to you, you will not be released, until you have paid the last cent.
27.–You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I say to you, whoever looks on another man’s wife, in impure desire, has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Therefore, if your right eye ensnares you, pluck it out, and throw it away: it is better for you to lose one of your body parts, than your whole body be cast into hell.
30.–And if your right hand ensnares you, cut it off and throw it away: it is better for you to lose one of your body parts, than your whole body be cast into hell.
31.–It has been said, “Whoever would dismiss his wife, let him give her a writing of divorce.” But I say to you, whoever shall dismiss (divorce) his wife, except for fornication, is the cause of her becoming an adulteress; and whoever marries her who is dismissed, commits adultery.
33.–Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, “You shall not make false vows , but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.” But I say to you, do not swear at all; neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; neither shall you swear by Yerushalem, for it is the city of the great King; or by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your yes, be Yes; your no, No; for whatever exceeds these, proceeds from evil.
38.–You have heard that it was said, “Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.” But I say to you, do not contend with evil people. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him also the left. Whoever will sue you for your coat, let him have your cloak likewise. And if a man compels you to go one mile with him, go two. Give to him that asks you; and him that would borrow from you and do not turn away.
43.–You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, love your enemies; bless those who curse you; do good to those who hate you; and pray for those who persecute you; that you may be children of your Father in heaven, who makes his sun arise on bad and good, and sends rain on just and unjust. For if you love those only who love you, what reward can you expect? Do not even the tax collectors so? And if you greet your brothers only, how do you excel? Do not even the Pagans do as much? Be therefore complete, as your Father who is in heaven is complete.
Chapter 6
VI.–Take care that you do not perform your religious duties before men, in order to be observed by them; otherwise you will obtain no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
2.–When, therefore, you give alms (Lit: compassionateness, help to those in need), do not proclaim it by sound of trumpet, as the stage actors (or pretenders) do, in the assemblies and in the streets, that they may be testified by men. I say to you, they have received their reward. But you, when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand does; that your alms may be in secret; and your Father, to whom nothing is secret, will himself repay you.
5.–And when you pray, do not be like the stage actors, who love (phileo) to pray standing in the assemblies, and at the corners of the streets, that men may observe them. I say to you, they have received their reward. But you, when you would pray, retire to your closet; and having shut the door, pray to your Father; and your Father, to whom, though he is unseen himself, nothing is secret, will repay you.
7.–And in prayer, do not use a multiplicity of words as the pagans do, who think that using many words will gain them acceptance. Do not Imitate them; for your Father knows what things you want, before you ask him. So, therefore, pray you:–
10.–Our Father, who is in heaven, your name is holy; May Your Reign come; Your will be done upon the earth, as it is in heaven; give us today our daily bread; forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into trial, but preserve us from evil.
14.–For if you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others their sins, neither will your Father forgive your sins.
16.–Moreover, when you fast, do not look dismal, as the stage actors, who put on a sullen face, that men may observe that they fast. I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face; that your fasting may not appear to men, but to your Father; and your Father, to whom, though he is unseen himself, nothing is secret, will repay you.
19.—Do not a mass for yourselves treasure upon the earth, where moths and rust may consume it, or thieves breaking in may steal it. But provide for yourselves treasure in heaven, where are neither moths nor rust to consume it, nor thieves to break in and steal it. For where your treasure is, your heart will also be. The eye is the lamp of the body. If, therefore, your eye is clear, your whole body will be enlightened: but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be dark. And if the light which is in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be!
24.–A man cannot serve two masters; for either he will hate one and love the other; or at least he will attend to one, and neglect the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. Therefore I charge you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; or about your body, what you shall wear. Is not life a greater gift than food; and the body than clothes? Observe the birds of the sky. They neither sow nor reap. They have no storehouse; but your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you much more valuable than they? Besides, which of you can, by his anxiety, prolong his life one hour? And why are you anxious about clothes? Observe the lilies of the field. How do they grow? They toil not: they spin not. Yet I affirm that even Solomon in all his glory, was not equally adorned with one of these. If, then, God so arrays the vegetation, which today is in the field, and the next day will be cast into the oven, will he not much more cloth you, O you distrustful! Therefore do not say anxiously, (as the heathens do,) What shall we eat; or what shall we drink; or with what shall we be clothed? For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and the righteousness required by him; and all these things shall be superadded to you. Do not be then anxious about the next day: the next day will be anxious about itself. Sufficient for every day is its own trouble.
VII.–Judge not, that you be not judged; for as you judge, you shall be judged; and the measure which you give, the same you shall receive. And why do you observe the speck in your brother’s eye, but are insensible of the log in your own eye? Or how dare you say to your brother, let me take the speck out of your eye; when lo! you have a log in your own? Pretender, first take the log out of your own eye; then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
6.—Do not give things holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, for fear they trample them under foot, and turn upon you, and tear you.
7.–Ask, and you shall obtain; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For whoever asks, obtains; whoever seeks, finds; and to everyone who knocks, the door shall be opened. Who of you would give his son a stone, when he asks bread; or a serpent, when he asks a fish? If you then, though evil, can give good things to your children, how much more will your Father, who is in heaven, give good things to them that ask him?
12.–Whatever you would have others do to you, do the same to them; for this is the law and the forthtellers. Enter in through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate of destruction, broad is the way leading to; and many are those, who enter by it. But how narrow is the gate of life; how narrow the way leading to; and how few are they who find it!
15.–Beware of false teachers, who come to you in the garb of sheep, while inwardly they are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you shall discover them. Are grapes gathered from thorns; or figs from thistles? Every good tree yields good fruit; and every evil tree evil fruit. A good tree cannot yield evil fruit, nor an evil tree good fruit. Every tree which does not yield good fruit, is cut down, and turned into fuel. Therefore, by their fruits you shall discover them.
21.–Not everyone who says to me, Master, Master, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father, who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, Master, Master, have we not taught in your name, and in your name performed many miracles? To whom I will declare, I never acknowledged you. Depart from me, you who practice iniquity.
24.–Therefore, whoever hears these my precepts, and does them, I will compare to a prudent man, who built his house upon the rock. For although the rain descended, and the rivers overflowed, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, it did not fall, because it was founded upon the rock. But whoever hears these my precepts, and does not do them, shall be compared to a moron, (Gr:mooros, foolish) who built his house upon the sand. For when the rain descended, and the rivers overflowed, and the winds blew, and dashed against that house, it fell, and great was its ruin.
28.–When Yeshua had ended this message, the people were struck with awe at his manner of teaching; for he taught as one who had authority, and not as the Scribes.
Chapter 8
SECTION IV.
Several Miracles.
VIII.–Having come down from the mountain, followed by a great multitude, a leper came, who, presenting himself before him, said, Sir, if you will, you can cleanse me. Yeshua stretched out his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be clean. Immediately he was cured of his leprosy. Then Yeshua said to him, See you tell no person; but go, show yourself to the priest, and make the offering prescribed by Moses, for notifying the cure to the people.
5.–Having entered Capernaum, a centurion implored him with this request, Sir, my man-servant lies sick at home, greatly afflicted with paralysis . Yeshua answered, I will go and cure him. The centurion replying, said, Sir, I am not worthy, that you should come under my roof; only say the word, and my servant will be healed. I having soldiers under me, say to one, Go, and he goes; to another, Come, and he comes; and to my servant, Do this, and he does it. Yeshua hearing this, was astonished, and said to those who followed, I say to you, not even in Ysrael have I found such great faith. But I assure you, that many will come from the east and from the west, and will be placed at table with Abraham, Yitschaq , and Yaqob, in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom shall be thrust out into outer darkness, where will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then Yeshua said to the centurion, Go home; be it to you according to your faith. That instant his servant was cured.
14.–Then Yeshua having entered Peter’s house, saw his wife’s mother lying sick of a fever, and having touched her hand, the fever left her; and she arose and served him.
16.–In the evening they presented to him many demoniacs; and he expelled the spirits with a word, and cured all the sick; so verifying the saying of the Forthteller Yeshayah, “He has himself carried off our infirmities, and removed our sickness.”
18.–Yeshua seeing himself crowded on all sides, gave orders to pass to the opposite shore. Meantime a scribe implored him, saying, Teacher, I will follow you where ever you go. Yeshua answered, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have places of shelter, but the Son of Man has not where to lay his head.
21.–Another, one of his disciples, said to him, Master, permit me to go first, and bury my father. Yeshua answered, Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.
23.–Then entering the boat, his disciples followed him. Soon after there arose in the sea so great a storm, that the boat was covered with the waves. But he being asleep, the disciples came and woke him, saying, Save us, Master, for we perish. He answered, Why are you fearful, O you distrustful? Then he arose, and having commanded the winds and the sea, a great calm ensued; so that everyone exclaimed with admiration, What person is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey!
28.–When he came to the other side, into the country of the Gadarenes, there met him two demoniacs, coming out of the tomb monuments, so furious, that no person dare pass that way. These instantly cried, saying, What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come to torment us before the time? Now there was feeding, at some distance, a great herd of swine. And the demons sought him, saying, If you expel us, permit us to go into the herd of swine. He answered, Go. And when they were cast out, they went into the swine; on which the whole herd rushed down a high overhang into the sea, and perished in the waters. Then the herdsmen fled into the city, and reported what had happened to the demoniacs. Presently the whole city went out to meet Yeshua, and having seen him, asked him to depart out of their territory.
Chapter 9
IX.–Then having gone aboard the boat, he went to his own city; where they brought to him a paralytic, laid upon a bed. Yeshua perceiving their faith, said to the paralytic, Son, take courage, your sins are forgiven you. At which some of the scribes said within themselves, This man does evil speaking. But Yeshua knowing their sentiments, said, Why do you harbor evil thoughts? Which is easier–to say, Your sins are forgiven; or to say, with effect–Arise and walk? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power upon the earth to forgive sins; Arise, then (said he to the paralytic,) take up your bed and go home. Accordingly he arose, and went home. And the people saw and wondered, glorifying God, who had given such power to men.
9.–As Yeshua departed there, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the tax office; to whom he said, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.
10.–Afterwards Yeshua being at table in a house, many tax collectors and sinners came, and placed themselves with him and his disciples. Some of the Pharisees observing this, said to his disciples, Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners? Yeshua hearing them, answered, the whole do not need a physician, but the sick. Go, therefore, and learn what this means, “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice:” for I came to call, not the righteous, but sinners.
14.–Then Yohanan’s disciples addressing him, said, we and the Pharisees often fast: why do your disciples never fast? Yeshua answered, Can the sons of the wedding place mourn while the bridegroom is with them? But the time will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then they will fast. No person mends an old garment with new cloth; else the patch itself tears the garment, and makes a greater tear. Neither do people put new wine into old leather bottles; otherwise the bottles burst: and so, both the wine is spilt, and the bottles are rendered useless. But they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.
18.–While he was speaking, a ruler came, and prostrating himself, said, My daughter is by this time dead; but come, and lay your hand upon her, and she will revive. And Yeshua arose, and, as he followed him, with his disciples, a woman, who had been twelve years afflicted with a bloody discharge, coming behind, touched the fringe of his cloak; for she said within herself, If I but touch his cloak, I shall recover. Yeshua turning about, saw her, and said, Daughter, take courage, your faith has cured you. And the woman was well from that instant.
23.–Having come into the ruler’s house, and seeing the players on the flute, with the crowd, making a commotion, he said to them, Withdraw, for the young woman is not dead, but asleep. And they laughed in scorn at him: but when the people were put out, he entered, and having taken her by the hand, the young woman arose. Now the fame of this action spread through all that country.
27.–When Yeshua departed there, two blind men followed him, crying, Son of David, have pity on us. Being come into the house, the blind men approached him: and Yeshua said to them, Do you believe that I can do this? They answered, Yes, Master. Then he touched their eyes, saying, Be it to you according to your faith. Immediately their eyes were opened. And Yeshua strictly charging them, said, Take care that no person know it. But having departed, they spread his fame through all that country.
32.–They were scarcely gone, when a mute demoniac was presented to him. The demon being expelled, the mute spoke, and the people wondered, saying, Nothing like this was ever seen in Ysrael. But the Pharisees said, He expels the demons by the prince of the demons.
SECTION V.
The Charge to the Delegates.
THEN Yeshua went through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the Reign, and curing every disease and every infirmity (lit: softness). But when he saw the multitudes, he had compassion upon them, because they were scattered and exposed, like a flock without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, The harvest is plentiful, but the reapers are few: ask, therefore, the Lord of the harvest, that he would send laborers to reap it.
X.–And having called to him his twelve disciples, he gave them power to expel unclean spirits, and to cure diseases and afflictions of every kind. Now these are the names of the twelve Delegates: The first, Simon, called Peter (Gk:Petros; a piece of rock ), and Andrew his brother; Yaakob, son of Zebedee, and Yohanan his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the tax collector; Yaakob, son of Alpheus, and Lebbeus, who was also called Thaddeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Yehuwdah Iscariot, he who betrayed him. These twelve Yeshua commissioned, instructing them, and saying,
6.—Do not go away to the Gentiles, nor enter a Samaritan city; but go directly to the lost sheep of the stock of Ysrael. And as you go, proclaim, saying, The Reign of Heaven approaches. Heal the sick, raise the dead; cleanse lepers, expel demons; freely you have received, freely give. Do not put gold, or silver, or brass in your purses; carry no travelling bag, no spare coats, shoes, or staff; for the workman is worthy of his maintenance.
11.–And whatever city or village you enter, inquire what person of worth dwells there; and remain with him until you leave the place. When you enter the house, greet the family. If the family is worthy, the peace you wish them, shall come upon them: if they are not worthy, it shall rebound upon yourselves. Whoever will not receive you, or regard your words, in departing that house or city, shake the dust off your feet. I say to you, the condition of Sodom and Gomorrah shall be more tolerable on the day of judgment, than the condition of that city.
16.–Behold! I send you forth as sheep among wolves. Be prudent as the serpents, and harmless as the doves. But be on your guard against these men; for they will deliver you to councils, and scourge you in their synagogues; and you shall be brought before governors and kings, on my account, to bear testimony to them, and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not be anxious how, or what you shall speak; for what you shall speak shall be suggested to you in that moment. For it shall not be you, that shall speak; but the Spirit of my Father, who will speak by you. Then brother will deliver up brother to death; and the father the child; and children will rise against their parents, and procure their death. And for my name you shall be hated universally. But the man who perseveres to the end, shall be saved.
23.–Therefore, when they persecute you in one city, flee to another; for , I say to you, you shall not have gone through the cities of Ysrael, until the Son of Man appears. A disciple is not above his teacher, or a slave above his master. It is enough for the disciple to become like his teacher, and for the slave to be like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub (Aramaic for dung-god, a jab at Satan) , how much more his servants?
26.–Therefore, do not fear those ; for there is nothing hidden, that shall not be detected; nothing secret that shall not be known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the house tops. And do not fear those, who kill the body, but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet neither of them falls to the ground without your Father. No, the every hairs of you head are all numbered. Fear not, then; for you are much more valuable than many sparrows. Whoever shall acknowledge me before men, he will I also acknowledge before my Father, who is in heaven. But whoever shall disown me before men, he will I also disown before my Father, who is in heaven.
34.—Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to cause dissension between father and son, between mother and daughter, between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law; so that a man’s enemies will be found in his own family. He who loves (phileo) father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me. He who loves (phileo) son or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me. He who will not take his cross and follow me, is not worthy of me. He who preserves his life, shall lose it: but he who loses his life, on my account, shall preserve it.
40.–He that receives you, receives me; and he that receives me, receives him who sent me. He that receives a forthteller, because he is a forthteller, shall obtain a forthteller’s reward; and he that receives a righteous man, because he is a righteous man, shall receive a righteous man’s reward: and whoever shall give one of these little ones, because he is my disciple, a single cup of cold water to drink; I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.
XI.–When Yeshua had made an end of instructing his twelve disciples, he departed there to teach and give warning in the cities.
SECTION VI.
The Character of the Times.
2.–NOW Yohanan, having heard in prison of the works of the Anointed, sent two of his disciples, who asked him, Are you he that comes, or must we expect another? Yeshua answering, said to them, Go, and relate to Yohanan, what you have heard and seen. The blind are made to see, the lame to walk; lepers are cleansed; the deaf hear; the dead are raised; and good news is brought to the poor: and Blessed is he, to whom I shall not prove a stumbling block.
7.–When they were departed, Yeshua said to the people concerning Yohanan, What did you go out into the wilderness to behold? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft cloths? It is in king’s palaces that such garments are found. What then did you go to see? A forthteller? Yes, I tell you, and something superior to a forthteller: for this is he, concerning whom it is written, “Behold I will send my messenger before you, who shall prepare your way.” , I say to you, among those that are born of women, there has not risen one greater than Yohanan the Immerser. Yet the least in the Reign of Heaven is greater than he. From the first appearing of Yohanan the Immerser until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and invaders take possession by force. For until Yohanan appeared, all the forthtellers and the law were your instructors: and, if you will bear to be told it, this is the Eliyah that was to come. Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear.
16.–But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like boys in the market place, to whom their playfellows complain, saying, We have played to you upon the flute, but you have not danced; we have sung mournful songs to you, but you have not grieved. For Yohanan came abstaining from meat and drink, and they say, He has a demon; the Son of Man came using meat and drink, and they say, He is a lover of banquets and wine, and a companion of tax collectors and sinners. But wisdom is justified by her children.
20.–Then he began to reprimand the cities, in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not reformed. Woe for you, Chorazin! Woe for you, Bethsaida! for if the miracles which have been performed in you, had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they had reformed long ago in sackcloth and ashes. Know, therefore, that the condition of Tyre and Sidon, on the day of judgment, shall be more tolerable than yours. And you, Capernaum, which has been exalted to heaven, shall be brought down to the land of the dead; for, if the miracles which have been performed in you, had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained until now. Know, therefore, that the conditions of Sodom, on the day of judgment, shall be more tolerable than yours.
25.–On that occasion Yeshua said, I adore you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because, having concealed these things from sages and the learned, you have revealed them to babes: yes, Father, because such is your pleasure.
27.–My Father has imparted everything to me; and no one knows the Son, except the Father; neither does anyone know the Father, except the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him. Come to me, all you who toil and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and be taught by me; for I am gentle and humble: and your souls shall find relief. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
XII.–At that time, as Yeshua was walking through the grain on the Day of Rest, his disciples being hungry, began to pluck the kernels of grain, and to eat them. The Pharisees observing this, said to him, Lo! your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Day of Rest. He answered, Have you not read what David did, and his attendants, when they were hungry; how he entered the tabernacle of God, and ate the loaves of the presence, which was not lawful for him, or his attendants, to eat, but solely for the priests? Or have you not learned from the law, that the priests in the temple violate the rest to be observed on the Day of Rest, and are blameless? Now I affirm, that something greater than the temple is here. But had you known what this means, “I desire compassion and not sacrifice.,” you would not have condemned the guiltless: for the Son of Man is master of the Day of Rest.
9.–Leaving that place, he went into their synagogue, and found a man there, whose hand was withered. They asked Yeshua, with a design to accuse him, Is it lawful to heal on the Day of Rest? He answered, What man is there among you, who having one sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Day of Rest, will not lay hold on it, and lift it out? And does not a man have greater value than a sheep? It is lawful, therefore, to do good on the Day of Rest. Then he said to the man, Stretch out your hand. And as he stretched it out, it was restored like the other. But the Pharisees went out, and consulted against Yeshua to destroy him.
15.–Yeshua knowing this, departed; and being followed by a vast multitude, healed all their sick, warned them not to make him known. So the word of the Forthteller Yeshayah was verified, “Behold my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom my soul delights; I will cause my spirit to abide upon him, and he shall give laws to the nations; he will not quarrel, nor cry out, nor will his voice be heard in the streets. A battered reed he will not break; and a smoldering linen he will not quench, until he sends his victorious judgment. Nations also shall trust in his name.”
22.–Then was brought to him a demoniac both mute and blind, and he cured him, so that he both spoke and saw. And all the people said with amazement, Is this the son of David? But the Pharisees hearing them, said, This man expels demons only by Beelzebub, prince of the demons. But Yeshua, knowing their conjectures, said to them, By divisions any kingdom may be desolated; and no city or family, where such divisions exist can continue. Now if The Adversary expels The Adversary, his kingdom is torn by divisions: how can it then continue? Besides, if I expel demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons expel them? Therefore they shall be your judges. But if I expel demons by the Spirit of God, the Reign of God has overtaken you. For how can one enter the strong one’s house, and plunder his goods, unless he first overpowers the strong one? Then he may plunder his house. He who is not for me, is against me: and he who does not gather with me, scatters.
31.–Therefore I say to you, though every other sin and detraction in men is pardonable, speaking evil of the Spirit is unpardonable: for whoever shall speaks evil against the Son of Man may obtain pardon; but whoever shall speak against the Holy Spirit, shall never be pardoned, either in the present state, or in the future. Either call the tree good, and its fruit good; or call the tree bad, and its fruit bad: for we distinguish the tree by the fruit. Offspring of vipers! How can you that are evil speak good things, since it is out of the fullness of the heart, that the mouth speaks. The good man, out of his good treasure, produces good things; the bad man, out of his bad treasure, produces bad things. Be assured, however, that of every unprofitable word which men shall utter, they shall give an account on the day of judgment. For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned.
38.–Then some of the Scribes and Pharisees interjected, saying, Teacher, we desire to see a sign from you. He answering, said to them, An evil and adulterous generation demands a sign; but no sign shall be given it, but the sign of the Forthteller Yonah. For as Yonah was three days and there nights in the stomach of the sea monster, the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The Ninevites will stand up in the judgment against this generation, and cause it to be condemned, because they reformed, when they were warned by Yonah; and behold here something greater than Yonah. The Queen of the South country will arise in the judgment against this generation, and cause it to be condemned; because she came from the extremities of the earth to hear the wise messages of Solomon; and behold here something greater than Solomon.
43.–An unclean spirit, when he is gone out of a man, wanders over parched deserts in search of a resting place. And not finding any, he says, I will return to my house where I came; and having come, he finds it empty, swept, and put in place. Then he goes, and brings with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and having entered, they dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first: so will it fare with this evil generation.
46.–While he spoke to the people, his mother and brothers were outside, desiring to speak to him. And one said to him, Your mother and your brothers are outside, desiring to speak with you. He answering, said to him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brothers? Then stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, Behold my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father who is in heaven, is my brother, and sister, and mother.
SECTION VII.
Comparisons.
XIII.–The same day, Yeshua having gone out of the house, sat by the sea-side; but so great a multitude flocked about him, that he went into a boat, and sat down there, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he spoke to them of many things in comparisons.
4.–The sower, said he, went out to sow; and, in sowing, some seeds fell by the way side, and the birds came and picked them up: some fell on rocky ground, where they had little earth: these sprang up the sooner, because the soil had no depth: but after the sun had beat upon them, they were scorched, and having no root, withered away. Some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked them. Others fell into good ground, and yielded increase, some a hundred, some sixty, some thirty fold. Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear.
10.–Then the disciples addressed him, saying, Why do you speak to them in comparisons? He answering, said to them, Because it is your privilege, and not theirs, to know the secrets of the Reign of Heaven. For to him that has, more shall be given, and he shall abound; but from him that does not have, even that which he has shall be taken. For this reason I speak to them in comparisons; because they seeing, do not see; and hearing, do not hear, or understand; so that this forthtelling of Yeshayah is fulfilled in them, “You will hear, but you will not understand; you will look, but will not perceive. For this people’s heart is thick , their ears are deafened, and their eyes they have closed; for fear seeing with their eyes, hearing with their ears, and apprehending with their understanding, they should reform, and I should cure them.” But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. For, I say to you, that many forthtellers and righteous men have desired to see the things which you see, but have not seen them; and to hear the things which you hear, but have not heard them.
18.–Understand you, therefore, the comparison of the sower. When one hears the teaching of the Reign, but does not understand it, the evil one comes, and snatches away that which was sown in his heart. This explains what fell by the way side. That which fell on rocky ground, denotes him who, hearing the word, receives it at first with pleasure; yet, not having it rooted in his mind, retains it only a while; for when trouble or persecution comes, because of the word, instantly he relapses. That which fell among thorns, denotes that heart, in whom worldly cares, and deceitful riches, choke the word, and render it unfruitful. But that which fell into good soil, and bore fruit, some a hundred, some sixty, some thirty fold, denotes him, who not only hears and considers, but obeys the word.
24.–Another comparison he set before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a field, in which the owner had sown good grain: but while people were asleep, his enemy came, and sowed black darnel (a weed resembling wheat) among the wheat, and went off. When the blade was up, and was putting forth the grain, then there also appeared the black darnel. And the slaves came, and said to their master, Sir, you sowed good grain in your field; from where then, has it black darnel? He answered, An enemy has done this. They said, Do you will then, that we weed them out? He replied, No; for fear in weeding out the black darnel, you tear up also the wheat. Let both grow together until the harvest; and in the time of harvest, I will say to the reapers, first gather the black darnel, and make them into bundles for burning; then carry the wheat into my barn.
31.–Another comparison he set before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man planted in his field; for though it is the smallest of seeds it is when grown, larger than any garden herb, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air take shelter in its branches.
33.–Another comparison he gave them: The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman mingled in three measures of meal, until the whole was leavened.
34.–All these comparison’s Yeshua spoke to the people; for he taught them only by comparisons; in this verifying the word of the Forthteller, “I will speak in comparisons; I will utter things concerning which, all antiquity has been silent.”
36.-Then Yeshua leaving the multitude, went to the house, where the disciples implored him, saying, Explain to us the comparison of the black darnel in the field. Yeshua answering, said to them, He who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world: the good seed are the sons of the kingdom; and the black darnel are the sons of the evil one; the enemy, who sowed them is The Accuser. The harvest is the end of this world; and the reapers are the messengers. As, therefore, the black darnel is gathered and burnt, so shall it be at the conclusion of this world. The Son of Man will send his messengers, who shall gather out of his kingdom all stumbling blocks and lawless persons, and throw them into the burning furnace: weeping and gnashing of teeth shall be there. Then shall the righteous shall shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear.
44.–Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which, when a man has discovered it, he conceals the discovery, and for joy, sells all that he has, and buys that field.
45.–Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a pearl that is extremely precious, which a merchant, in quest of fine pearls, having found, sold all that he had, and purchased it.
47.–Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a sweep-net cast into the sea, which encloses fishes of every kind. When it is full, they draw it ashore, and gather the good into vessels, but throw the useless away. So shall it be at the conclusion of this world. The messengers will come and separate the wicked from among the righteous, and throw them into the burning furnace. Weeping and gnashing of teeth shall be there.
51.–Yeshua said, Do you understand all these things? They answered, Yes, Master. He added, Every scribe, who has become a disciple for the Reign of Heaven, is like a householder, who brings out of his store-house new things and old. And after he had finished these comparisons, he departed there.
SECTION VIII.
The People twice fed in the Desert.
54.–YESHUA came into his own country, taught the inhabitants in their synagogue: and they said with astonishment, Where did this man get this wisdom, and this power of working miracles? Is not this the carpenter’s (Gk:tekton, a craftsman or builder) son? Is not his mother called Mary? And do not his brothers, Yaakob, and Yehowshuwa, and Simon, and Yehuwdah, and all his sisters, live among us? Where, then, has he obtained all these things? So they were offended at him. But Yeshua said to them, A forthteller is no where disregarded, except in his own country, and in his own family. And he did not perform many miracles there, because of their disbelief.
XIV.–At that time, Herod the tetrarch, hearing of the fame of Yeshua, said to his servants, This is Yohanan the Immerser; he is raised from the dead; and therefore miracles are performed by him.
3.–For Herod had caused Yohanan to be apprehended, imprisoned, and bound, on account of Herodias his brother Philip’s wife; for Yohanan had said to him, It is not lawful for you to have her. And Herod would have put him to death, but was afraid of the throng, who considered him a forthteller. But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the gathering, and pleased Herod, Therefore he swore he would grant her, whatever she should ask. She, being instigated by her mother, said, Give me here, on a platter, the head of Yohanan the Immerser. And the king was sorry; nevertheless, for regard of his oath and his guests, he commanded that it should be given her. Accordingly Yohanan was beheaded in the prison by his order. And his head was brought on a platter, and presented to the young woman; and she carried it to her mother. After which, his disciples went and brought the body, and having buried it, came and told Yeshua.
13.–When Yeshua heard this, he sailed privately; and went into a solitary place; of which the people being informed, followed him by land out of the cities. Observing, as he landed, a great multitude, he had compassion on them, and healed their sick.
15.–Towards the evening his disciples implored him, saying, This is a solitary place, and the time is late, dismiss the multitude, that they may go to the villages, and buy themselves provisions. Yeshua answered, They need not go. Supply them yourselves. They said to him, We have here but five loaves and two fishes. He replied, Bring them into to me. Then having commanded the people to recline upon the grass, he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking towards heaven, blessed them; then breaking the loaves, he gave them to the disciples, and they distributed them among the people. When all had eaten, and were satisfied, they carried off twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. Now those that had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
22.–Immediately he obliged the disciples to get into a boat and go over to the other side of the lake ahead of him, while he dismissed the multitude. Having dismissed the multitude, he went by himself to a mountain to pray, and remained there alone, until it was late. By that time the boat was a long distance over (Lit: many stadia from; a stadion was about 600 feet), tossed by the waves, for the wind was opposing. In the fourth watch of the night (3 to 6 AM) Yeshua went to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, being terrified, they exclaimed, An apparition! and cried out for fear. Yeshua immediately spoke to them, saying, Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid. Peter (Gk:petros; piece of rock) answering, said to him, If it is you, Master, order me to come to you on the water. Yeshua said, Come. Then Peter getting out of the boat, walked on the water towards Yeshua. But finding the wind violent, he was frightened; and beginning to sink, cried, Master, save me. Yeshua instantly stretching out his hand, caught him; and said to him, Distrustful man, Why did you doubt? When they had gone aboard, the wind ceased. Then those in the boat came, and prostrated themselves before him, saying, You are assuredly God’s son.
34.–Having passed over, they landed on the territory of Gennesaret; the inhabitants of which knowing him, sent through all that country, and brought to him all the diseased, who sought him to let them touch but a tuft of his cloak; and as many as touched, were cured.
XV.–Then some scribes and Pharisees of Yerushalem addressed him, saying, Why do your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands before meals? Yeshua answering, said to them, Why do you yourselves, by your tradition, transgress the commandment of God? For God has commanded, saying, “Honor your father and mother;” and “Whoever speaks evil of father or mother, let him be punished with death.” But you affirm, If a man says to father or mother, I have given an offering of whatever is mine that would have assisted you, he shall not afterwards honor his father or his mother. So, by your tradition, you annul the commandment of God. Stage actors, well do you suit the character which Yeshayah gave of you, saying, “This people honors me with their lips, though their heart is far from me. But in emptiness they worship me, while they teach commandments merely human.”
10.–Then, having called the multitude, he said to them, Hear, and be instructed. It is not what goes into the mouth that pollutes the man; but it is what proceeds out of his mouth, that pollutes the man. The disciples approached him, said, Did you observe how the Pharisees, when they heard that saying, were offended? He answered, Every plant which my heavenly Father has not planted, shall be uprooted. Leave them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind; and if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into the ditch. Then Peter addressing him, said, Explain to us that comparison. Yeshua answered, Are you also void of understanding? Do you not yet comprehend, that whatever enters the mouth passes into the stomach, and is thrown out into the toilet. But that which proceeds out of the mouth, issues from the heart, and so pollutes the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false testimonies, and evil speaking. These are the things which pollute the man; but to eat with unwashed hands pollutes not the man.
21.–Then Yeshua withdrew into the region of Tyre and Sidon; and behold! a Canaanite woman of border came to him, crying, Master, Son of David, have pity on me; my daughter is grievously afflicted by a demon. But he gave her no answer. Then his disciples interjected, and asked him, saying, Dismiss her, for she cries out after us. He answering, said, My mission is only to the lost sheep of the family of Ysrael. She, nevertheless, advanced, and prostrating herself before him, said, O Lord, help me. He replied, It is not proper to take the offspring’s bread, and throw it to the little dogs. True, sir, she replied, Yet even the little dogs are allowed the crumbs, which fall from their master’s table. Then Yeshua, answering, said to her, O woman! great is your faith. Be it to you as you desire. And that instant her daughter was healed.
29.–Yeshua having left that place, came near to the sea of Galilee, and went to a mountain, where he sat down: and great multitudes flocked to him, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the mute, the cripples, and several others, whom they laid at his feet; and he healed them: so, that the people beheld, with admiration, the mute speaking, the crippled healthy, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Ysrael.
32.–Then Yeshua called his disciples to him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now attended me three days, and have nothing to eat; I will not dismiss them fasting, for fear they faint by the way. His disciples answered, Where can we get bread enough, in this desolate place, to satisfy such a crowd? He asked them, How many loaves have you? They said, seven, and a few small fishes. Then commanding the people to recline upon the ground, he took the seven loaves and the fishes, which, having given thanks, he divided, and gave to his disciples, who distributed them among the people. When all had eaten, and were satisfied, they carried off seven hand-baskets full of the fragments that remained. Now they that had eaten were four thousand men, besides women and children.
Then having dismissed the multitude, he got into the boat, and sailed to the coast of Magdala.
XVI.–Some Pharisees and Sadducees approached to test him, and desired that he would show them a sign in the sky. He answering, said to them, In the evening you say, It will be fair weather, for the sky is red: and in the morning, There will be a storm today, for the sky is red and threatening. You can judge correctly the appearance of the sky, but can you not discern the signs of the times? An evil and adulterous generation demands a sign, but no sign shall be given it, except the sign of the forthteller Yonah. Then leaving them he departed.
5.–Now his disciples, before they came over, had forgotten to bring loaves with them. Yeshua said to them, Take care, and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. On which they said, reasoning among themselves, This is because we have brought no loaves with us. Yeshua perceiving it, said, Why do you reason among yourselves, O you men of little faith! that I speak, because you have brought no loaves? Have you no reflection? or do you not remember the five loaves among the five thousand, and how many baskets you filled with the fragments: nor the seven loaves among the four thousand, and how many hand-baskets you filled? How is it, that you do not understand, that I did not speak concerning bread, when I told you to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? Then they understood, that he cautioned them not against the leaven, which the Pharisees and Sadducees used in bread, but against their teaching.
SECTION IX.
The Transfiguration.
13.–As Yeshua was going to the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Who do men say that the Son of Man is? They answered, Some say, Yohanan the Immerser; others, Eliyah; others, Yirmeyah, or one of the Forthtellers. But who, returned he, do you say that I am? Simon Peter (Gk:petros; piece of rock) answering, said, You are the Anointed, the Son of the living God. Yeshua replying, said to him, Blessed (or happy) are you, Simon Barjona; for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. I tell you, likewise, you are named Stone (Gk: petros, Peter); and on this rock (Gk:petra) I will build my church, over which the gates of Hades (the realm of the dead) shall not prevail. Moreover, I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you shall bind on the earth, shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you shall dissolve on the earth, shall be dissolved in heaven. Then he forbade his disciples to tell any man, that he is the Anointed.
21.–From that time Yeshua began to disclose to the disciples, that he must go to Yerushalem, and there suffer much from the elders, and the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and that he must be raised the third day. On which Peter, taking him aside, reprimanded him, saying, Be this far from you, Master; this shall not befall you. But he turning, said to Peter, Get behind me, adversary, you are an obstacle in my way; for you do not desire the things of God, but the things of men.
24.–Then Yeshua said to his disciples, If any man will come under my guidance, let him renounce himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For, who ever would save his life, shall lose it; and who ever will lose his life for my sake, shall find it. What is a man profited, if he should gain the whole world, with the forfeit of his life? or what will a man not give in ransom (Gk: lutron, the price for redeeming, ransom) for his life? For the Son of Man, came with his Father’s glory, shall is going to come with his heavenly messengers, and repay every one according to his actions. I say to you, some of those who are present, shall not taste death, until they see the Son of Man enter upon his Reign.
XVII.–After six days Yeshua took Peter (Gk:petros; piece of rock), and Yaakob, and Yohanan brother of Yaakob, apart to the top of a high mountain, and was transformed in their presence. His face shone as the sun; and his clothes became white as the light. And presently there appeared to them Moses and Eliyah conversing with him. Peter, addressing Yeshua, said, Master, it is good for us to stay here; let us make here, if you will, three tents; one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Eliyah. While he was speaking, behold! a bright cloud covered them, and out of the cloud a voice came, which said, This is my Son, the beloved, in whom I delight: hear him. The disciples hearing this, fell upon their faces, and were greatly frightened. But Yeshua came and touched them, saying, Arise; do not be afraid. Then lifting up their eyes, they saw none but Yeshua.
9.–As they went down from the mountain, Yeshua commanded them, saying, Tell no person what you have seen, until the Son of Man rises from the dead. Then the disciples asked him, saying, Why do the scribes say that Eliyah must come first? Yeshua answering, said to them, To restore the whole, Eliyah, must come first. But I tell you, Eliyah has come already, though they did not acknowledge him, but have treated him as they pleased. So they also will treat the Son of Man. Then the disciples understood, that he spoke concerning Yohanan the Immerser.
14.–When they came to the multitude, a man came up to him, who kneeling, said, Sir, have pity on my son; for he is grievously distressed with lunacy; often he falls into the fire, and often into the water, and I presented him to your disciples; but they could not cure him. Yeshua answering, said, O unbelieving and perverse generation! how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? Bring him into to me. Then Yeshua rebuked the demon, and he came out: and the lad was cured from that hour.
19.–At that time the disciples came to him privately, saying, Why could not we expel the demon? Yeshua answered, Because of your unbelief; for, I say to you; if you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you might say to this mountain, Go to their place, and it would go: yes, nothing would be impossible to you. (This kind, however, is not dispossessed, unless by prayer and fasting.)
22.–While they remained in Galilee, Yeshua said to them, The Son of Man is to be delivered up to men, who will kill him: but the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceedingly grieved.
24.–When they had come to Capernaum, the tax collectors came and asked Peter (Gk:Petros a piece of rock), Does not your teacher pay the drachma? (a tax of 2 days wages) He said, Yes. Having come into the house, Yeshua spoke to him first and said to him, What is your opinion, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth exact tribute or custom? from their own sons, or from others? Peter answered, From others. Yeshua replied, The sons then are exempted. Nevertheless, for fear we should give them offense, go to the sea and throw a line, draw out the first fish that is hooked, and, having opened his mouth, you shall find a coin; take that, and give it them for me and you.
XVIII.–At that time the disciples came to Yeshua inquiring, Who shall be the greatest in the Reign of Heaven? Yeshua calling to him a child, placed him in the middle of them, and said; I say to you, unless you are changed, and become as children, you shall never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever, therefore, shall become humble like this child, shall be greatest in the Reign of Heaven. No, who ever receives one such child, in my name, receives me: but who ever shall ensnare any of these little ones, who believes in me, it were better for him, that an upper mill-stone was hung about his neck, and that he was sunk into the ocean.
7.–Woe for the world because of snares! Snares there must be; nevertheless, Woe for the ensnarer! Therefore, if your hand or foot ensnares you, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to enter lame or broken in life, than having two hands or two feet to be cast into the everlasting fire. And if your eye ensnares you, pluck it out and throw it away: it is better for you to enter one-eyed into life, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. Beware of despising any of these little ones; for I assure you, that in heaven, their messengers continually behold the face of my heavenly Father: and the Son of Man has come to recover the lost. What think you? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them strays, will he not leave the ninety-nine upon the mountains, and go in quest of the stray? And if he happens to find it, I say to you, he derives greater joy from it, than from the ninety-nine which did not go astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven, that any of these little ones should be lost.
15.–Therefore, if your brother sins against you, go and rebuke with him, when you and he are alone together. If he hears you, you have gained your brother; but if he will not hear, take one or two along with you, that by the testimony of two or three witnesses everything may be ascertained. If he despises them, tell the congregation; and, if he despises the congregation also, let him be to you as the gentile or the tax collector. I say to you, whatever you shall bind on the earth, shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you shall dissolve on earth, shall be dissolved in heaven.
19.–Again, I say to you, whatever two of you upon the earth shall agree to ask, shall be granted them by my Father, who is in heaven. For wherever two or three are assembled in my name, I am in the middle of them.
21.–Then Peter approaching, said to him, Master, if my brother repeatedly sins against me, how often must I forgive him? must I seven times? Yeshua answered, I say to you, not seven times, but seventy times seven times.
23.– The realm of Heaven resembles a king, who determined to settle accounts with his slaves. Having begun to settle, one was brought to him, who owed him ten thousand talents.(150,000 years wages). But that slave not having the means to pay; his master, to obtain payment, commanded that he, and his wife and children, and all that he had, should be sold. Then the slave throwing himself prostrate before his master, cried, Have patience with me, my lord, and I will pay you the whole. And his master had compassion upon him, and dismissed him, remitting the debt. But this slave, as he went out, met one of his fellow-slaves, who owed him a hundred denarii (100 days wages), seized him by the throat, saying, Pay me what you owe. His fellow-slave, falling down, sought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay you. And he would not, but instantly caused him to be imprisoned, until he should discharge the debt. His fellow-slaves seeing this, were deeply affected, and went, and informed their master of all that had passed. Then his master, having given orders to call him, said to him, You wicked slave: all that debt I forgave you, because you sought me. Ought not you to have shown such pity to your fellow-slave, as I showed to you? So his master, being provoked, delivered him to the jailors, to remain in their hands until he should clear the debt. So will my heavenly Father treat every one of you, who does forgive his brother from his heart.
Chapter 19
SECTION X.
The Rich Man’s Application.
XIX.–WHEN Yeshua had ended this message, he left Galilee, and came into the region of Yehuda, upon the Yarden, Where great multitudes followed him, and he healed their sick.
3.–Then some Pharisees came to him, and testing him, asked, Can a man lawfully, upon every pretence, dismiss (divorce) his wife? He answered, Have you not read, that at the beginning, when the Creator made man, he formed a male and a female, and said, “For this cause a man shall leave father and mother, and adhere to his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.” Therefore they are no longer two, but one flesh. What, then, God has joined, let no man separate. They replied, Why, then, did Moses command to give a writing of divorce, and dismiss her? He answered, Moses, because of your intractable disposition, permitted you to dismiss your wives, but it was not so from the beginning. Therefore, I say to you, whoever dismisses his wife, except for fornication, and marries another, commits adultery: and whoever marries the woman dismissed, commits adultery. His disciples said to him, If such is the condition of the husband, it is better to live unmarried. He answered, They alone are capable of living so, on whom the power is conferred. For some are eunuchs from their birth; others have been made eunuchs by men; and others, for the sake of the kingdom of heaven, have made themselves eunuchs. Let him who is able to accept, accept.
13.–Then children were presented to him, that he might lay his hands on them, and pray, but the disciples reprimanded them. Yeshua said, Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to me; for of such is the kingdom of heaven. And having laid his hands on them, he departed there.
16.–Afterwards, one approaching, said to him, Good Teacher, what good must I do to obtain eternal life? He answered, why do you call me good? God alone is good. If you would enter into that life, keep the commandments. He said to him, Which? Yeshua answered, “You shall not commit murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony. Honor father and mother; and love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man replied, All these I have observed from my childhood. In what am I still deficient? Yeshua answered, If you would be complete, go sell your estate, and give the price to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; then come, and follow me. The young man hearing this, went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
23.–Then Yeshua said to his disciples, I say to you, it is difficult for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven: I say further, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. The disciples, who heard this with amazement, said, Who then can be saved? Yeshua, looking at them, answered, With men this is impossible, but with God everything is possible.
27.–Then Peter replying, said, As for us, we have forsaken all, and followed you; what then shall be our reward? Yeshua answered, I say to you, that at the new age (or rebirth), when the Son of Man shall be seated on his glorious throne, you my followers, sitting also upon twelve thrones, shall judge the twelve tribes of Ysrael. And whoever shall have forsaken, on my account, houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, shall receive a hundred fold, and inherit eternal life. But many shall be first that are last, and last that are first.
Chapter 20
XX For the Realm of Heaven will resemble the conduct of a householder, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. Having agreed with some for a denarius ( a day’s wage) for a-day, he sent them into his vineyard. About the third hour he went out, and seeing others unemployed in the market place, said to them, Go you likewise into my vineyard, and I will give you what is reasonable. Accordingly they went. Again, about the sixth hour (12:00 PM), and about the ninth (3:00 PM), he went out and did the same. Lastly, about the eleventh hour (5:00 PM), he went out, and finding others standing, said to them, Why do you stand here all the day doing nothing? They answered, Because no person has hired us. He said to them, Go you also into my vineyard, and you shall receive what is reasonable. When it was night, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, Call the laborers, and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, and ending with the first. Then they who had been hired at the eleventh hour came, and received each a denarius. When the first came, they imagined they should receive more; but they got only a denarius a-piece. Upon receiving it, they murmured against the householder, saying, These last have worked but one hour; yet you have made them equal to us, who have carried the burden and the heat of the day. He answering, said to one of them, Friend, I do you no injury. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours, and depart. It is my will to give to this last as much as to you. And may not I do what I will with my own? Is your eye evil, because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last; for there are many called, but few chosen.
SECTION XI.
The Entry into Yerushalem.
17.–WHEN Yeshua was on the road to Yerushalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and said to them, We are now going to Yerushalem, where the Son of Man shall be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, who will condemn him to die, and deliver him to the Gentiles to be mocked, and scourged, and crucified: but the third day he will rise again.
20.–Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to him with her sons, and, prostrating herself, asked that he would grant the request she had to make. He said to her, What do you wish? She answered, that, in your Reign, one of these my sons may sit at your right hand, the other at your left. Yeshua replying, said, You do not know not what you ask. Can you drink such a cup, as I must drink? They said to him, We can. He answered, You shall drink such a cup. But to sit at my right hand, and at my left, I cannot give, unless to those for whom it is prepared by my Father.
24.–The ten, hearing this, were full of indignation against the two brothers; but Yeshua, calling them to him, said, You know that the Princes of the nations domineer over them, and the greatly exercise their authority upon them. It must not be so among you: on the contrary, whoever would become great among you, let him be your slave; and whoever would be chief among you, let him be your slave: even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom (Gk: lutron, the price for redeeming, ransom) for many.
29.–As they left Yericho, followed by a great multitude, two blind men, who sat by the way side, hearing that Yeshua passed, cried, saying, Master, Son of David, have pity on us. Then Yeshua stopping, called them, and said, What do you want me to do for you? They answered, Sir, to make us see. Yeshua had compassion and touched their eyes. Immediately they received sight, and followed him.
XXI.– They were at night in Yerushalem, having come to Bethphage, near the Mount of Olives, Yeshua sent two of his disciples, saying, Go to the village opposite you, where you will find an donkey tied, and her colt with her; release them, and bring them . If any man says anything to you, say, your Master wants them, and he will send them directly. Now all this was done, that the words of the Forthteller might be fulfilled, “Say to the daughter of Zion, Behold your King comes to you humble, riding on an donkey, even the colt of a laboring beast.” Accordingly the disciples went, and having done as Yeshua had commanded them, brought the donkey and the colt, and covering them with their cloaks, let him ride. Now many the very large crowd spread their cloaks on the way; others lopped branches off the trees, and placed them in the road, while the crowd that went before and that followed, shouted, saying, Hosanna (hosanna; of Hebrew origin; oh save!, an exclamation of adoration) to the Son of David! Blessed be He that comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna(hosanna; of Hebrew origin; oh save!, an exclamation of adoration)in the highest heaven, When he entered Yerushalem, the whole city was in an uproar, everybody asking, Who is this? The crowd answered, It is Yeshua the Forthteller of Nazareth in Galilee.
12.–Then Yeshua went into the temple of God, and drove out there all, who sold and who bought in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money-changers, and the stalls of those who sold doves, and said to them, It is written, “My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of robbers.” Then the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. But the chief priests and the scribes, seeing the wonders which he performed, and the children shouting in the temple, Hosanna (hosanna; of Hebrew origin; oh save!, an exclamation of adoration) to the Son of David, said to him with indignation, Do you hear what these say? Yeshua answered, Yes. Have you never read, “From the mouths of infants and nursing babes you have procured praise?” And leaving them, he went out of the city to Bethany, where he remained that night.
18.–Returning to the city in the morning he was hungry, and seeing a single fig tree by the road, he went to it; but finding only leaves on it, said, Let no fruit grow on you henceforward. And the fig tree withered immediately. When the disciples saw it, they said with astonishment, how soon is the fig tree withered! Yeshua answered, I say to you, if you have an unshaken faith, you may not only do as much as is done to the fig tree, but if you should say to this mountain, Be lifted up, and thrown into the sea, it shall be done. Whatsoever you shall ask in prayer, with faith, you shall receive.
23.–Having come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came near, as he was teaching, and said, By what authority do you these things? and who empowered you? Yeshua answering, said to them, I also have a question to propose, which if you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I do these things. The source for Yohanan to immerse? Was it from heaven or from men? Then they reasoned within themselves: If we say, From Heaven, he will reply, Why then did you not believe him? And if we say, From men, we fear the multitude, among whom Yohanan is universally accounted as a forthteller. They, therefore, answered him, We cannot tell. Yeshua replied, Neither do I tell you, by what authority I do these things.
28.–But what do you think of this? A man had two sons, and addressing his elder son, said, Son, go to work today in my vineyard. He answered, I will not, but afterwards repented and went. Then addressing the younger, he said to him likewise. He answered, Immediately, sir, but did not go. Now, which of the two obeyed his father? They said, The first. Yeshua replied, I say to you, even the tax collectors and harlots show you the way into the kingdom of God. For Yohanan came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but the tax collectors and the harlots believed him; yet you who saw this, did not afterwards repent and believe him.
33.–Hear another comparison: A landlord planted a vineyard, and hedged it round, and dug a wine press in it, and built a tower; and having farmed it out, went abroad. When the time for fruit approached, he sent his slaves to the vine-growers to receive the fruits. But they seized the slaves, beat one, drove away with stones another, and killed another. Again he sent a larger group of slaves ; but they received the same treatment; Finally, he sent his son to them; for he said, They will respect my son. But when the vine-growers saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir, come, let us kill him, and keep possession of his inheritance. Then they seized him, thrust him out of the vineyard, and killed him. When, therefore, the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vine-growers? They answered, He will put those wretches to a wretched death, and will give the vineyard to others, who will render him the fruits in the season.
42.–Yeshua replied, Did you never read in the scripture, “A stone which the builders rejected, is made the head of the corner. This the Lord has done, and we behold it with admiration.” Know, therefore, that the kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation who will produce the fruits of it. For whoever shall fall on this stone, shall be bruised; but on whomever this stone shall fall, it will crush him to pieces.
45.–The chief priests and the Pharisees hearing his comparisons, perceived that he spoke of them; but though they wished to lay hold on him, they were afraid of the populace, who considered him a forthteller.
Chapter 22
XXII.–Yeshua continuing to speak to them in comparisons, said, The Realm of Heaven resembles the conduct of a king, who having made a marriage feast for his son, sent his slaves to call those who had been invited; but they would not come. Then he sent other slaves, saying, Tell those who are invited I have prepared my feast; my bullocks and fatlings are slain, and all is ready; come to the marriage. But they turned away with indifference, one to his farm, another to his merchandise. And the rest seizing his slaves, abused and killed them. When the king heard this, being enraged, he sent his soldiers, destroyed those murderers, and burnt their city. Then he said to his slaves, The wedding feast is ready; but they who were invited, were not worthy: go, therefore, into the public roads, and all that you find, invite to the marriage. Accordingly they went into the highways, and assembled all that they found, good and bad, so that the hall was furnished with guests. When the king came in to see the guests, observing one who did not have on a wedding garment, he said to him, Friend, how did come here without a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, Bind him hand and foot, and thrust him out into darkness, where will be weeping and gnashing of teeth; for there are many called, but few chosen.
SECTION XII.
The Character of the Pharisees.
15.–THEN the Pharisees went, and having consulted how they might entrap him in his words, sent to him some of their disciples, and some Herodians, who being instructed by them, said, Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and faithfully teach the way of God, without partiality, for it is not a concern to you about anyone. Tell us, therefore, your opinion: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? Yeshua, perceiving their wickedness, said, Pretenders, why would you entangle me? Show me the money of the tax. And they brought him a denarius. He asked, them, Whose image and inscription is this? They answered, Caesar’s. (Kaisar; of Latin origin; Caesar, a title of the Roman emperor) He replied, Render, then, to Caesar that which is Caesar’s, and to God that which is God’s. And admiring his answer, they left him, and went away.
23.–The same day Sadducees came to him, who say that there is no resurrection, and so addressed him: Teacher, Moses has said, if one dies, and has no children, his brother shall marry his widow, and raise children to the deceased. Now there lived among us seven brothers; the eldest married, and died without children, leaving his wife to his brother. So also the second, and the third, and so to the seventh. Last of all the woman died also. Now, at the resurrection, whose wife shall she be of the seven; for they all married her? Yeshua answering, said to them, You err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God; for in that state, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; they resemble the messengers of God. But as to the revival of the dead, have you not read what God declared to you, saying, “I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Yitschaq , and the God of Yaqob.” God is not a God of the dead, but of the living. Now, the people who heard this, were struck with awe at his teaching.
34.–Meantime, the Pharisees hearing that he had silenced the Sadducees, flocked about him. Then, one of them, a lawyer, testing him, proposed this question, Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law? Yeshua answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” On these two commandments the whole law and the forthtellers depend.
41.–While the Pharisees were assembled, Yeshua asked them, saying, What do you think of the Anointed? Whose son should he be? They answered, David’s. He replied, How then does David, speaking by inspiration, call him his Lord? “Yahweh (The Lord), said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand until I make your foes your footstool.” If the Anointed were David’s son, would David call him his Lord? To this none of them could answer; and from that day no person presumed to interrogate him.
XXIII.–Then Yeshua addressed the people and his disciples, saying, The Scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ chair; therefore observe and do whatever they say to you; nevertheless, do not follow their example; for they say and do not do. Heavy and intolerable burdens they prepare for other men’s shoulders, burdens to which they themselves will not put a finger. But whatever they do, they do to be observed by men. For this they wear broader phylacteries (small cases containing Scripture worn on the left arm and forehead) than others, and enlarge tassels on their cloaks; and love (phileo) the chief places at feasts, and the principal seats in the synagogues, and greetings in public places; and to hear men addressing them, Teacher, Teacher. But as for you, assume not the title of Teacher; for you have only one teacher; and call no man on earth your father, for He alone is your Father, who is in heaven; and all you are brothers. Neither assume the title of leaders, for you have only one leader–who is The Anointed. The greatest of you, on the contrary, shall be your slave; for whoever will exalt himself, shall be humbled; and whoever will humble himself, shall be exalted.
13.–But Woe for you, Scribes and Pharisees! Stage actors (or pretenders)! because you shut the kingdom of heaven against men; and will neither enter yourselves, nor permit others that would, to enter.
14.–Woe for you, Scribes and Pharisees! stage actors! because you devour the homes of widows; and use long prayers in pretense. This will but aggravate your punishment.
15.–Woe for you, Scribes and Pharisees! stage actors! because you traverse sea and land to make one follower; and when he is gained, you make him a son of hell doubly more than yourselves.
16.–Woe for you, blind guides! who say, To swear by the temple does not bind, but to swear by the gold of the temple is binding. Foolish and blind! which is more sacred, the gold, or the temple that consecrates the gold? and, to swear by the altar, does not bind, but to swear by the gift that is upon it is binding. Foolish and blind! which is more sacred the gift, or the altar that consecrates the gift? Whoever, therefore, swears by the altar, swears by it, and by everything on it. And whoever swears by the temple, swears by it, and by Him who dwells in it; and whoever swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God, and by Him who sits on it.
23.–Woe for you, Scribes and Pharisees! Stage actors! Because you pay the tithe (a tenth, an offering) of mint, dill, and cummin, and omit the more important articles of the law, justice, humanity, and faithfulness. These you ought to have practiced, without neglecting the others. Blind guides! you are skimming off the gnat, and swallowing the camel.
25.–Woe for you, Scribes and Pharisees! Stage actors! Because you cleanse the outside of those cups and platters, which within are laden with robbery and excess. Blind Pharisee! Begin with cleansing the inside of the cup, and of the platter, if you would make even the outside clean.
27.–Woe for you Scribes and Pharisees! Stage actors! Because you resemble whitened tombs, which outside, are beautiful, but within are full of decay, and of dead men’s bones. So you outwardly appear righteous to men; but are inwardly fraught with pretending and lawlessness.
29.–Woe for you, Scribes and Pharisees! Stage actors! Because you build the tombs of the Forthtellers, and adorn the monuments of the righteous, and say, had we lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been their accomplices in the slaughter of the Forthtellers. So you testify against yourselves, that you are the sons of those, who murdered the Forthtellers. Fill you up then the measure of your fathers. Ah! Serpents, offspring of vipers! How can you escape the punishment of hell? (Gk:geena, valley of Hinnom, known as a garbage dump, and previously Moloch child sacrifice)
34.–Therefore, I send you Forthtellers, and wise men, and scribes. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will scourge in the synagogues, and banish from city to city; so that all the innocent blood, shed upon the earth, shall be charged upon you, from the blood of righteous Abel, to the blood of Zachariah, son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the altar and the sanctuary. I say to you, all shall be charged upon this generation.
37.–O Yerushalem, Yerushalem! who killed the forthtellers, and stoned those whom God sends to you, how often would I have gathered your children together, as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, but you would not have it! Soon shall your dwelling be turned into a desert: for know, that you shall not from now on see me, until you say, Blessed be He, who comes in the name of the Lord.
Chapter 24
SECTION XIII.
The Prophecy on Mount Olivet.
XXIV.–As Yeshua walked out of the temple, his disciples came, and showed him the architecture of the buildings. Yeshua said to them, All this you see; , I say to you, one stone shall not be left here upon another. All shall be torn down.
3.–As he sat upon the Mount of Olives, his disciples addressed him privately, saying, Tell us, when will this happen; and what will be the sign of your coming, and of the conclusion of this age? Yeshua answering, said to them, Take care that no man seduces you: for many will assume my character, saying, I am the Anointed, and will seduce many. No, you shall hear of wars, and rumors of wars; but take care that you be not alarmed: for all these things must happen; but the end is not yet.
7.–For nation will rise against nation; and kingdom against kingdom; for there shall be famines and pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. Yet these are but the prelude of woes. For they will deliver you to torments and to death, and you shall be hated by all nations on my account. Then many will be ensnared, and will betray their fellows, and hate them. And many false forthtellers will arise, who will seduce many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of the greater number will cool. But the man who perseveres to the end shall be saved. And this The Good News of the Reign shall be preached through all the world, for the testimony of all nations. And then shall come the end.
15.–When, therefore, you shall see, on holy ground, the desolating abomination foretold by the Forthteller Daniel, (reader, attend!) then let those in Yehuda flee to the mountains: do not let him, who shall be upon the house-top, come down to carry things out of his house; and do not let him, who shall be in the field, return to take his cloak. But Woe for the women with child, and for those that nurse in those days! Pray, therefore, that your flight does not happen in the winter, or on a Day of Rest; because there shall be then so great affliction, as has not been since the beginning of the world until now, or shall be ever after. For except, the time were shortened, no soul could survive; but for the sake of the chosen, the time shall be short.
23.–If any man shall says to you then, Lo! the Anointed is here, or he is there, do not believe it: for false Anointeds and false Forthtellers will arise, who will perform great wonders and miracles, so as to seduce, if possible, the chosen themselves. Remember, I have warned you.–Therefore, if they say, He is in the desert, do not go out. He is in the inner room, do not believe it. For the coming of the Son of Man shall be like the lightning, which breaks forth from the east, and shines even to the west. For where the carcass is, the eagles will be gathered together.
29.–Immediately after those days of affliction, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall withhold her light; and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the heavenly powers shall be shaken. Then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven, and all the tribes of the land shall mourn, when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with great majesty and power. And he will send his messengers with a loud sounding trumpet, who shall assemble his chosen from the four quarters of the earth, from one extremity of the world to the other.
32.–Learn now a comparison from the fig tree. When its branches become tender and put forth leaves, you know that summer is near. In like manner, when you shall see all these things, know that he is near, even at the door. I say to you, this generation shall not pass, until all these things happen. Heaven and earth shall fail; but my words shall never fail. But of that day, and that hour, no one knows, but the Father; no, not the messengers.
37.–Now that which happened in Noah’s time, will also happen at the coming of the Son of Man. For as in the days before the flood, even to that day that Noah entered the ark, they were eating and drinking, and marrying, and suspected nothing, until the flood came and swept them all away: so shall it also be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men shall be in the field; one shall be taken, and one shall be left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; one shall be taken, and one shall be left.
42.–Watch, therefore, since you do not know at what hour your master will come. You are sure, that if the householder knew, at what time of the night the thief would come, he would watch, and not allow him to break into his house. Be therefore, always prepared; because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you are not expecting him.
45.–Who, now, is the discreet and faithful slave, whom his master has set over his household, to dispense to those regularly their food? Blessed is that slave, if his master, at his return, finds him so employed. I say to you, he will entrust him with the management of all his estate. But as to the worthless slave, who shall say within himself, My master delays his return, and shall beat his fellow-slaves, and feast and drink with drunkards; the master of that slave will come on a day, when he is not expecting him, and at an hour of which he is not aware, and having cut him to pieces, will assign his place among the pretenders. Weeping and gnashing of teeth shall be there.
Chapter 25
XXV.–Then may the kingdom of heaven be compared to ten virgins, who went out with their lamps to meet the bridegroom. Of these five were prudent and five foolish. The foolish took their lamps, but carried no oil with them. But the prudent, besides their lamps, carried oil in their vessels. While the bridegroom delayed, they all became drowsy, and fell asleep. And at midnight a cry was raised, The bridegroom is coming, go out and meet him. Then all the virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the prudent, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are going out. But the prudent answered, saying, There is not enough for us and you, go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves. While they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready, went in with him to the wedding, and the door was shut. Afterwards the other virgins came also, saying, Master, master, open to us. He answered, I say to you, I do not know you. Watch, therefore, because you know neither the day or the hour.
14.–For the Son of Man is like one who intending to travel, called his slaves, and committed to them his possessions; to one he gave five talents (one talent is 15 years wages), to another two, and to another one; to each according to his respective ability, and immediately set out. Then he who had received the five talents, went and traded with them, and gained other five. Likewise he who had received two, gained other two. Whereas he who had received but one, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money. After a long time, their master returned and settled accounts with them. Then he, who had received the five talents, came and presented five other talents, saying, Sir, you delivered to me five talents: here they are, and five other talents which I have gained. His master answered, Well done, good and faithful slave, you have been faithful in a small matter, I will give you a more important trust Partake of your master’s joy. He, also, who had received the two talents, advancing, said, Sir, you delivered to me two talents; here they are, and two other talents which I have gained. His master answered, Well done, good and faithful slave, you have been faithful in a small matter, I will give you a more important trust. Partake of your master’s joy. Then came also the one who had received the one talent, and said, Sir, I know that you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered; being therefore afraid, I hid your talent underground: but now I restore to you your own. His master answering, said to him, Evil and lazy slave, you know that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered? Should you not then have given my money to the bankers (GK:trapezitees, a money-changer, broker, banker, one who exchanges money for a fee, and pays interest on deposits), that, at my return, I might have received it with interest? Take from him, therefore, the talent, and give it to him who has ten: for to everyone that has, more shall be given, and he shall abound; but from him that has not, even that which he has shall be taken. And thrust out this unprofitable slave into darkness, where shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
31.–Now when the Son of Man shall come in all his glory, accompanied by all the messengers, and shall be seated on his glorious throne; then shall all the nations be assembled before him; and out of them he will separate the good from the bad, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. The sheep he will set at his right hand, and the goats at his left.
34.–Then will the King say to those at his right hand: Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the formation of the world: for I was hungry, and you gave me food; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you lodged me; I was naked, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you assisted me; I was in prison, and you visited me. Then the righteous will answer him, saying, Lord, when did we see you hungry, and feed you, or thirsty, and gave you a drink? When did we see you a stranger, and lodged you; or naked, and clothed you? When did we see you sick, or in prison, and visited your? The King will reply to them, I say to you, that inasmuch as you have done this to any the least of these my brethren, you have done it to me.
41.–Then he will say to those at his left hand, Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire, prepared for The Accuser and his messengers: for I was hungry, and you gave me no food; thirsty, but you gave me no drink; I was a stranger, but you did not lodge me; naked, but you did not clothe me; sick, and in prison, but you did not visit me. Then they also will answer, saying, Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not assist you? Then he will reply to them, saying, I say to you, that inasmuch as you did it not to any the least of these, you did it not to me. And these shall go into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.
Chapter 26
SECTION XIV.
The Last Supper.
XXVI.–YESHUA having ended this message, said to his disciples, You know that in two days comes the Passover. Then the Son of Man shall be delivered up to be crucified. About this time the chief priests and the scribes, and the elders of the people, were assembled in the palace of Caiaphas the high priest, where they consulted how they might take Yeshua by surprise, and kill him. They said, however, Not during the festival, for fear there be a commotion among the people.
6.–Now Yeshua being in Bethany, in the house of Simon, formerly a leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster box of perfume, (Gk:muron; “myrrh”) very precious, which she poured on his head while he was at table. His disciples observing it, said, with indignation, Why this waste? This might have been sold for a great price, and the money given to the poor. Yeshua knowing it, said to them, Why do you trouble the woman? She has done me a good deed. For you have the poor always among you, but me you do not always have. For it is to embalm me, that she has poured this perfume upon my body. I say to you, in whatever part of the world The Good News shall be preached, what this woman has now done, shall be mentioned to her honor.
14.–Then one of the twelve, named Yehuwdah Iscariot, went to the chief priests, and said, What will you give me, and I will deliver him to you? And they weighed to him thirty silver shekels. (perhaps a value or $ 5 each today although this is uncertain) And from that time he watched an opportunity to deliver him up.
17.–Now on the first day of unleavened bread, the disciples came to Yeshua, saying, Where shall we prepare for you the Passover supper? He answered, Go into the city, to such a man, and tell him, The Teacher says, My time is near: I must celebrate the Passover at your house with my disciples. And the disciples did as they were ordered, and prepared the Passover.
20.–In the evening he placed himself at table with the twelve; and while they were eating, he said, I say to you, that one of you will deliver me up. And they were extremely sorrowful, and began every one of them to say, Master, is it I? He answering, said, The man, whose hand is in the dish with mine, is he who betrays me. The Son of Man departs in the manner foretold in the Scripture concerning him; but Woe for that man, by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! it had been better for that man never to have been born. Then Yehuwdah, who betrayed him, also said, Teacher, is it I? Yeshua answered, You have said it.
26.–As they were eating Yeshua took the bread; and having given thanks, broke it; and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. Then he took the cup, and, having given thanks, gave it to them, saying, Drink of this all of you: for this is my blood, the blood of the new covenant, shed for many, for the remission of sins. I assure you, that I will not from now on drink of the fruit of the vine, until the day when I shall drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom. And after the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
31.–Then Yeshua said to them, This night I shall prove a stumbling stone to you all; for it is written, “I will hit the Shepherd, and the flock will disperse.” But after I am raised again, I will go before you into Galilee. Peter (Gk:petros; piece of rock), then, said to him, though you should prove a stumbling stone to them all, I never will be made to stumble. Yeshua answered, I say to you, that this very night, before the cock crows, you will three times disown me. Peter replied, although I should die with you, I never will disown you. And all the disciples said the same.
36.–Then Yeshua went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to his disciples, Stay here, while I go and pray. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee; and being distressed and having grief, said to them, My soul is grieved to death; remain here, and watch with me. And going a little before, he threw himself on his face, and praying, said, My Father, remove this cup from me, if it be possible; nevertheless, not as I would will, but as you will. And he returned to his disciples, and finding them asleep, said to Peter, Is it so, then, that you could not keep awake with me a single hour? Watch and pray, that you be not overcome by temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. A second time he withdrew and prayed, saying, O my Father, if there be no exemption for me; if I must drink this cup, your will be done. Upon his return, he again found them sleeping, (for their eyes were overpowered.) Again, leaving them, he went and prayed the third time, using the same words. Then he came back to his disciples, and said to them, Do you sleep now, and take your rest? Behold the hour approaches, when the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinners. Arise, let us be going; lo! he who betrays me is at hand.
47.–Before he was done speaking, Yehuwdah, one of the twelve, appeared with a great multitude, armed with swords and clubs, and sent by the chief priests and elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, The man whom I shall kiss is he; secure him. And coming directly to Yeshua, he said, Hail, Teacher, and kissed him. Yeshua answered, Friend, for what purpose do you come? Then they advanced, and laying hands on Yeshua, seized him. Upon this, one with Yeshua laying his hand upon his sword, drew it; and striking the slave of the high priest, cut off his ear. Yeshua said to him, Sheathe your sword; for whoever takes up the sword, shall fall by the sword. Do you think, that I cannot presently call to my Father, who would send to my relief more than twelve legions of messengers? But in that case how should the Scriptures be accomplished, which declare that these things must be? Then turning to the multitude, he said, Do you come with swords and clubs to apprehend me, like people in pursuit of a robber? I sat daily among you, teaching in the temple, and you did not arrest me. But all this has happened, that the writings of the Forthtellers might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples left him and fled.
SECTION XV.
The Crucifixion.
57.–NOW those who had apprehended Yeshua, brought him to Caiaphas the high priest, with whom the scribes and the elders were assembled. But Peter followed him at a distance, to the court of the high priest’s house, and having gone in, sat with the officers to see the conclusion.
59.–Meantime the chief priests, and the elders, and the whole Sanhedrin (Gk:sunedrion, any assembly or the great council at Yerusalem), sought out false evidence against Yeshua, upon which they might condemn him to die. But though many false witnesses appeared, they found none. At length two false witnesses came, who charged him with saying, I can demolish the temple of God, and rebuild it in three days. Then the high priest rising, said to him, Do you answer nothing to what these men testify against you. Yeshua remained silent. He added, On the part of the living God, I command solemnly that you to tell us, whether you are the Anointed, the son of God. Yeshua answered him, It is as you say: No, be assured, that hereafter you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Almighty, and coming on the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest, ripping his clothes, said, he has uttered evil speaking. What further need have we of witnesses, now that you have heard him speaking evil? What do you think? They answered, He deserves to die. Then they spit in his face. Some gave him blows on the head, and others struck him on the cheek, and said, Forthtell to us, Anointed, who it was that struck you.
63.–Now Peter was sitting outside in the court, and a maid servant came to him, and said, You also were with Yeshua, the Galilean. But he denied before them all, saying, I know nothing of the matter. And as he went out into the porch, another observing him, said to them, This man too was there with Yeshua, the Nazarene. Again he denied, swearing that he did not know. Soon after some of the bystanders said to Peter, You are certainly one of them, for your speech (Galilean accent) gives you away. Upon which, with swearing and oaths, he asserted that he did not know him; and immediately the cock crowed. Then Peter remembered the words, which Yeshua had said to him, Before the cock crows, you will three times disown me. And he went out, and wept bitterly.
Chapter 27
XXVII.–When it was morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people having consulted against Yeshua, how they might procure his death, led him bound to Pontius Pilate, the procurator, to whom they delivered him.
3.–Then Yehuwdah, who had betrayed him, finding that he was condemned, repented; and returning the thirty shekels to the chief priests and the elders, said, I have sinned, in that I have betrayed the innocent. They answered, What is that to us? See you to that. After which, having thrown down the money in the temple, he went away, and strangled himself. The chief priests taking the money, said, It is not lawful to put it into the sacred treasury, because it is the price of blood. But, after deliberating, they bought with it the potter’s field, to be a burying place for strangers, for which reason that field is, to this day called The Field of Blood. Then was the word of Yirmeyah the Forthteller verified, “The thirty shekels, the price at which he was valued, I took, as the Lord appointed me, from the sons of Ysrael, who gave them for the potter’s field.”
11.–Now Yeshua appeared before the procurator, who questioned him, saying, You are the King of the Jews? He answered, So you say. But when he was arraigned by the chief priests and the elders, he made no reply. Then Pilate said to him, Do you not hear of how many crimes they accuse you? But he answered not one word, which surprised the procurator exceedingly.
15.–Now the procurator was accustomed to release, at the festival, any one of the prisoners, whom the multitude demanded. And they had then a famous prisoner named Barabbas. Therefore, when they were assembled, Pilate said to them, Whom shall I release to you? Barabbas, or Yeshua, who is called Anointed? (For he perceived, that through envy they had delivered him up; besides, while he was sitting on the tribunal, his wife sent him this message, Have you nothing to do with that innocent person; for, today, I have suffered much in a dream, on his account.) But the chief priests and the elders convinced the populace to ask for Barabbas, and to have Yeshua be destroyed. Therefore, when the procurator asked, which of the two he should release, they all answered, Barabbas. Pilate replied, What then shall I do with Yeshua, whom they call Anointed? They all answered, Let him be crucified. The procurator said, Why? What evil has he done? But they cried the louder, saying, Let him be crucified. Pilate seeing nothing useful and a growing disturbance, took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am guiltless of the blood of this innocent person. See you to it. And all the people answering, said, His blood be on us, and on our children. Then he released Barabbas to them, and having caused Yeshua to be scourged, delivered him up to be crucified.
27.–After this the procurator’s soldiers took Yeshua into the pretorium, where they gathered around him all the band of solders. And having stripped him, they wrapped him in a scarlet cloak, and crowned him with a braided wreath of thorns, and put a rod in his right hand, and kneeling before him in mockery, cried, Hail, King of the Jews! And spitting upon him, they took the rod, and struck him with it on the head. When they had mocked him, they disrobed him again, and having put his own clothes on him, led him away to crucify him.
32.–As they went out of the city, they met one Simon, a Cyrenian, whom they compelled to carry the cross; and being arrived at a place called Golgotha, which translated is a Place of Skulls, they gave him to drink, vinegar mixed with gall, which, having tasted, he would not drink. After they had nailed him to the cross, the parted his garments by lot. And having sat down there, they guarded him. And over his head they placed this inscription, denoting the cause of his death: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. (referring to Yeshua , Ioudaios) .Two robbers also were crucified with him, one at his right hand, and the other at his left.
39.–Meanwhile those passing reviled him, shaking their heads, and saying, You who could demolish the temple, and rebuild it in three days; if you are God’s Son, come down from the cross. The chief priests also, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, and said, He saved others: can he not save himself? If he is King of Ysrael, let him now descend from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God. Let God deliver him now, if he regards him; for he called himself God’s Son. The robbers too, his fellow-sufferers, taunted him in the same manner.
45.–Now from the sixth hour (12:00 PM) to the ninth (3:00 PM), the whole land was in darkness. About the ninth hour, Yeshua cried aloud, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabacthani? that is, My God, my God, why have you left me? Some of the bystanders hearing this, said, He calls Eliyah. Instantly one of them ran, brought a sponge and soaked it in vinegar, and having fastened it to a stick, presented it to him to drink. The rest said wait and we shall see whether Eliyah will come to save him. Yeshua having again cried with a loud voice, yield up his spirit.
51.–And, behold, the veil of the temple was split in two from top to bottom, the earth trembled, and the rocks split. Graves also burst open; and after his resurrection, the bodies of several holy ones who slept were raised, came out of the graves, went into the holy city, and were seen by many. Now the centurion, and those who with him guarding Yeshua saw the earthquake, and what passed, and were exceedingly terrified, and said, This was certainly the son of a god.
55.–Several women also were there, looking on at a distance, who had followed Yeshua from Galilee, assisting him with their service. Among them were Mary the Magdalene, and Mary the mother of Yaakob and Yehowshuwa, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.
SECTION XVI.
The Resurrection.
57.–IN the evening a rich Arimathean named Yowceph, who was himself a disciple of Yeshua, went to Pilate and asked for the body of Yeshua. Pilate having given orders to deliver it to Yowceph. He took the body, wrapped it in clean linen, and deposited it in his own tomb, which he had hewn in the rock; and having rolled a great stone to the entrance, he went away. Now Mary the Magdalene, and the other Mary were there, sitting over against the tomb.
62.–On the next day, being the day after The Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees came in a group to Pilate, and said, My lord, we remember that this imposter, when alive, said, Within three days I shall be raised. Command, therefore, that the tomb be guarded until the third day, for fear his disciples come and steal him, and say to the people, He is raised from the dead; and this last deceit would prove worse than the first. Pilate answered, You have a guard; make the tomb as secure as you can. Accordingly they went and secured it, sealing the stone, and posting guards.
XXVIII.—The Day of Rest being over, and the first day of the week beginning to dawn, Mary the Magdalene, and the other Mary, went to visit the tomb. Now behold there had been a great earthquake, for an messenger of the Lord had descended from heaven, who, having rolled the stone from the entrance, sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning, and his apparel white as snow. Seeing him, the guards quaked with terror, and became as dead men. But the messenger said to the women, Fear not; for I know that you seek Yeshua who was crucified. He is not here; for he is risen, as he foretold. Come, see the place where he was laid. And go quickly, and say to his disciples, He is risen from the dead; behold he goes before you to Galilee, where you shall see him. Take notice: I have told you.
8.–Instantly they went from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to inform his disciples. When they were gone, Yeshua himself met them, greeting them saying, Rejoice. Upon which they prostrated themselves before him, and embraced his feet. Then Yeshua said to them, Do not be not afraid: go, tell my brethren to go to Galilee, and there they shall see me.
11.–They were no sooner gone, than some of the guard went into the city, and informed the chief priests of all that had happened. These, after meeting and consulting with the elders, gave a large sum to the soldiers, with this; Say, his disciples came by night, and stole him while we were asleep. And if this comes to the procurator’s ears, we will appease him, and protect you. So they took the money, and acted on their instructions. Accordingly this report is current among the Jews to this day.
16.–Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Yeshua had appointed them to go. When they saw him, they threw themselves prostrate before him; yet some doubted. Yeshua came near, and said to them, All authority is given to me in heaven and upon the earth; go, make disciples of all the nations, immersing them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; teaching them to observe all the things which I have commanded you: and behold! I am with you always, even to the conclusion of this age.