The Project Gutenberg eBook, The first New Testament printed in English, translated by William Tyndale
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Title: The first New Testament printed in English
Translator: William Tyndale
Release Date: January 1, 2004 [eBook #10553]
[Most recently updated December 28, 2005]
Language: English
Character set encoding: Latin1
***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FIRST NEW TESTAMENT PRINTED IN ENGLISH***
The Pentateuch first translated from Hebrew to English by William
Tyndale, published in 1530. This edition has the same wording, but
modernized spelling. Words found in {[Braquets]} are variants from
either Coverdale 1535 or Matthew's Bible 1537.
Copyright (C) 2003 faithofgod.net
May be quoted and used freely in all non-lucre, non-commercial Scripture
distribution endeavors provided the content is not altered.
If you find any transcription error please contact :
valente@faithofgod.net
The New
Testament first translated into English from the original tongue
by William Tyndale: printed partially in 1525, and completly in 1526.
The text
of Matthew is from the Cologne quarto (1525) fragment; til Chapter 22:
"The
king came in, to visit the guests, and spied there a man which had not on a
wedding garment, and said unto him: friend, how camest thou in hither,
and"
The rest
of the New Testament is from the Worms octavo edition of 1526; Also with some
few variants [in] {brackets} from W.T. 1534 edition.
{Editor's
notes at bottom.}
CONTENTS TO GO STRAIGHT TO
The Prologue from the Cologne quarto 1525
The Preface of the Worms octavo edition of 1526
The Books contained in The New Testament :
1
The Gospel of Iesu the Messiah according to S. Mathew
2 The Gospel of Iesu the Christ according to S. Mark
3 The Gospel of Iesus the Christ of God according to S. Luke
4 The Gospel of Iesus the Saviour according to S. John
6 The Epistle of S. Paul to the Romans
7 The First Epistle of S. Paul to the Corinthians
8 The Second Epistle of S. Paul to the Corinthians
9 The Epistle of S. Paul to the Galatians
10 The Epistle of S. Paul to the Ephesians
11 The Epistle of S. Paul to the Philippians
12 The Epistle of S. Paul to the Colossians
13 The first Epistle of S. Paul to the Thessalonians
14 The second Epistle of S. Paul to the Thessalonians
15 The first Epistle of S. Paul to Timothy
16 The second Epistle of S. Paul to Timothy
17 The Epistle of S. Paul to Titus
18 The Epistle of S. Paul unto Philemon
19 The first Epistle of S. Peter
20 The second Epistle of S. Peter
21 The first Epistle of S. John
22 The second Epistle of S. John
23 The third Epistle of S. John
24 The Pistel unto the Hebrews
27 The Revelation of the Lord to John
.I. About the translation and the translator
.IIJ. Importance of the Archaic word
.IIIJ. A list of other interesting notes and definitions
.V. Some revised definitions from Webster's dictionary
(Proloque from the Cologne quarto 1525.)
The Prologue.
I have here translated (brethren and
sisters most dear and tenderly beloved in Christ) the new Testament for your
spiritual edifying, consolation and solace: Exhorting instantly and beseeching
those that are better seen in the tongues than I, and that have higher gifts of
grace to interpret the sense of the Scripture, and meaning of the Spirit, than
I, to consider and ponder my labor, and that with the spirit of meekness. And
if they perceive in any places that I have not attained the very sense of the
tongue, or meaning of the Scripture, or have not given the right English word,
that they put to their hands to amend it, remembering that so is their duty to
do. For we have not received the gifts of God for ourselves only, or for to
hide them; but for to bestow them unto the honoring of God and Christ, and
edifying of the congregation, which is the body of Christ.
The causes that moved me to translate, I
thought better that others should imagine, then that I should rehearse
them. Moreover I supposed it
superfluous, for who is so blind tare why light should be shewed to them that
walk in darkness, where they cannot but stumble, and where to stumble is the
danger of eternal damnation, other so despiteful that he would envy any man (I
speak not his brother) so necessary a thing, or so bedlam made to affirm that
good is the natural cause of blindness, and deafness to proceed out of sight,
and that lying should be grounded in troth and verity, and not rather seen
contrary, that light destroyeth darkness, and verity reproveth all manner
saying.
After it had pleased God to put in my mind,
and also to give me grace to translate this fore rehearsed new testament into
our English tongue, howsoever we have done it. I supposed it very necessary to
put you in remembrance of certain points, which are: that ye well understand
what these words mean:
The old testament.
The new testament.
The law.
The
gospell.
Moses.
Christ.
Nature.
Grace.
Worshipping and believing.
Deeds and faith;
Lest we ascribe, to the one that which belongeth to the other, and make of Christ
Moses, of the gospell the Law, despise grace and rob faith: and fall from meek
learning unto idle despicions, brawling
and scolding about words.
((The old testament.))
The old testament is a base, where in is
written the law and commandments of God, and the deeds of them which fulfill
them, and of them also which fulfilleth them not.
((The new testament))
The new testament is a base where in are
contained the promises of God, and the deeds of them which believe them or
believe them not.
((The gospell or evangelion))
Evangelion (that we call the gospell) is a
Greek word; and signifieth good, merry, glad and joyful tidings, that maketh a
man's heart glad, and maketh him sing, dance, and leap for joy. As when David
had killed Goliah the giant, came glad tidings unto the jewes, that their
fearful and cruel enemy was slain, and they delivered out of all danger: for
gladness whereof, they sung, danced, and were joyful. In like manner is the
Evangelion of God (which we call Gospel; and the New Testament) joyful tidings;
and as some say, a good hearing published by the apostles throughout all the
world, of Christ the right David how that he hath fought with sin, with death,
and the devil, and overcome them. Whereby all men that were in bondage to sin,
wounded with death, overcome of the devil, are with out their own merits or
deservings, loosed, justified, restored to life, and saved, brought to liberty,
and reconciled unto the favour of God, and set at one with him again: which
tidings as many as believe, laud praise and thank God; are glad, sing and dance
for joy.
((with evangelion is called a
testament))
This evangelion or gospell (that is to say,
such joyful tidings) is called the new testament. Because that as a man when he
shall die appointeth his goods to be dealt and distributed after his death
among them which he nameth to be his heirs. Even so Christ before his death
commanded and appointed that such evangelion, gospell, or tidings should be
declared through out all the world, and there with to give unto all that
believe all his goods, that is to say, his life, where with he swallowed and
devoured up death: his righteousness, where with he banished sin: his
salvation, where with he overcame eternal damnation. Now can the wretched man (that is wrapped in
sin, and is in danger to death and hell) hear no more joyous a thing, then such
glad and comfortable tidings, of Christ.
So that he cannot but be glad and laugh from the low bottom of his
heart, if he believe that the tidings are true.
To strength such faith with all, God
promised this his evaglion in the old testament by the prophets (as Paul sayth
in the first chapter unto the romans). How that he was chosen out to preach
God's evangelion, which he before had promised by the prophets in the holy
scriptures that treat of his son which was born of the seed of David. In the third chapter of Genesis, God saith to
the serpent: I will put hatred between thee and the woman, between thy seed and
her seed, that self seed shall tread thy head under foot. Christ is this
woman's seed, he it is that hath trodden under foot the devil's seed, that is
to say sin, death, hell, and all his power. For with out this seed can no man
avoid sin, death, hell and everlasting damnation.
Again Gen. xxij. God promised Abraham
saying: by thy seed shall all the generations of the earth be blessed. Christ
is that seed of Abraham sayth saint Paul in the third to the Galathyans: He
hast blessed all the world through the gospell.
For where Christ is not, there remaineth the curse that fell on Adam as
soon as he had sinned; So that they are in bondage under the domination of sin,
death, and hell. Against this curse
blesseth now the gospell all the world, in as much as it crieth openly, who so
ever believeth on the seed of Abraham shall be blessed, that is, he shall be
delivered from sin, death and hell, and shall hence forth continue righteous,
living, and saved for ever, as Christ him self saith (in the xi. of Ihon) He
that believeth on me shall never more die.
The law (saith the gospell of Ihon in the
first chapter) was given by Moses: but grace and verity by Iesus Christ. The
law (whose mnistrer is Moses) was given to bring us unto the knowledge of our
selves, that we might there by feel and perceive what we are of nature. The law
condemneth us and all our deeds, and is called of Paul (in the third chap. Of
the second pistel unto the Corrinthians) the ministration of death. For it
killeth our consciences and driveth us to desperation, in as much as it
requireth of us that which is unpossible for us to do. It requireth of us the
death of an whole, man. It requireth
perfect love from the low bottom and ground of the heart, as well in all things
which we suffer, as in those things which we do. But saith Ihon (in the same
place) grace and verity is given us in Christ. So that when the law hath passed
upon us, and condemned us to death (which is his nature to do) then have we in
Christ grace, that is to say favour, promises of life, of mercy, of pardon
freely by the merits of Christ, and in Christ have we verity and troth, in that
God fulfilleth all his promises to them that believe. Therefore is the gospell
the ministration of life. Paul calleth it, in the fore rehearsed place of the
second chap. To the Cor. The ministration of the spirit, and of righteousness.
In the gospell when we believe the promises, we receive the spirit of life, and
are justified in the blood of Christ from all things where of the law condemned
us. Of Christ it is written in the fore rehearsed first chapter of Ihon: This
is he of whose abundance, or fullness, all we have received, grace for grace,
or favour for favour. That is to say, for the favour that God hath to his son
Christ, he giveth unto us his favour, and good will, as a father to his sons. As
affirmeth Paul saying: which loved us in his beloved before the creation of the
world. For the love that God hath to Christ, he loveth us, and not for our own
faith. Christ is made lord over all, and is called in scripture God's mercy foretold whosoever flyeth to Christ, can
neither bear nor receive of God any other thing save mercy.
In the old testament are many promises,
which are nothing else but the evangelion or gospell, to save those that
believed them, from the vengeance of the law. And in the new testament is oft
made mention of the law, to condemn them, which believe not the promises.
Moreover the law and gospell may never be separate: for the gospell and
promises serve but for troubled consciences which are brought to desperation
and feel the pains of hell and death under the law, and are in captivity and
bondage under the law. In all my deeds I must have the law before me to condemn
mine unperfections. For all that I do (be I never so perfect) is yet damnable
sin, when it is compared to the law, which requireth the ground and bottom of
mine heart. I must therefore have always the law in my sight, that I may be
meek in the spirit, and give God all the laud and praise, ascribing to him all
righteousness, and to my self all unrigteousness and sin. I must also have the
promises before mine eyes, that I despair not, in which promises I see the
mercy, favour, and good will of God upon me in the blood of his son Christ,
which hath made satisfaction for mine unperfections, and fulfilled from me,
that which I could not do.
Here may ye perceive that two manner of
people are sore deceived. First they which justify them self with outward
deeds, in that they abstain outwardly from that which the law forbiddeth, and
do outwardly that which the law commandeth. They compare them selves to open
sinners and in respect of them justify them selves condemning the open sinners.
They see not how the law requireth love from the bottom of the heart. If they
did they would not condemn their neighbours. Love hideth the multitude of sins,
saith Saynct Peter in his first pistel. For whom I love from the deep bottom
and ground of mine heart, him condemn I not, neither reckon his sins, but
suffer his weakness and infirmity, as a mother the weakness of her son, until
he grow up in to a perfect man.
Those also are deceived which with out all
fear of God give them selves unto all manner vices with full consent, and full
delectation, having no respect to the law of God (under whose vengeance they
are locked up in captivity) but say: god is merciful and christ died for us,
supposing that such dreaming and imagination is that faith which is so greatly
commended in holy scripture. Nay that is not faith, but rather a foolish
opinion springing of their own nature, and is not given them of the spirit of
God. True faith is (as saith the apostle Paul) the gift of God and is given to
sinners after the law hath passed upon them and hath brought their consciences
unto the brim of desperation, and sorrows of hell.
They that have this right faith, consent to
the law that it is righteous and good, and justify God which made the law, and
have delectation in the law (not with stonding that they can not fulfill it,
for their weakness) and they abhor what soever the law forbiddeth, though they
cannot avoid it. And their great sorrow is, because they cannot fulfill the
will of God in the law, and the spirit that is in them crieth to God night and
day for strength and help with tears (as saith Paul) that cannot be expressed
with tongue.
((A justiciary))
The first, that is to say a justiciary,
which justifieth him self with his outward deeds, cosenteth not to the law in
ward, neither hath delectation therein, yee, he would rather that no such law
were. So justifieth he not God, but hateth him as a tyrant, neither careth he
for the promises, but will with his own strength be favour of him self: no wise
glorifieth he God, though he seem outward to do.
((A sensual man))
The second, that is to say the sensual
person, as a voluptuous swine, neither feareth God in his law, neither is
thankful to him for his promises and mercy, which is set forth in Christ to all
them that believe.
((A Christen man.))
The right Christen man consenteth to the
law that it is righteous, and justifieth God in the law, for he affirmeth that
God is righteous and just, which is author of the law, he believeth the
promises of God, and so justifieth God, judging him true and believing that he
will fulfill his promises. With the law he condemneth him self and all his
deeds, and giveth all the praise to God. He believeth the promises, and
ascribeth all troth to god, thus every where justifieth he God, and praiseth
God.
((Nature.))
By nature through the fall of Adam, are we
the children of wrath, heirs of the vengeance of God by birth, yee and from our
conception, we have our fellowship with the damned devils under the power of
darkness and rule of satan, while we are yet in our mother's wombs, though we
shew not forth the fruits of sin, yet are we full of the natural poison where
of all sinful deeds spring, and cannot but sin outwards (be we never so young)
if occasion be given, for our nature is to do sin, as is the nature of a
serpent to sting. And as a serpent yet young, or yet un-brought forth is full
of poison, and cannot afterward (when the time is come and occasion given) but
bring forth the fruits there of. And as an edder, a toad, or a snake is hated
of man, (not for the evil that it hath done, but for the poison that is in it
and hurt which it cannot but do) So are we hated of God for that natural poison
which is conceived and born with us, before we do any outward evil. And as the
evil, which a venomous worm doeth, maketh it not a serpent: but be cause it is
a venomous worm. Therefore doeth it evil and poisoneth. And as the fruit maketh
not the tree evil: but because it is an evil tree, therefore bringeth it forth
evil furit, when the season of fruit is. Even so do not our evil deeds make us
evil: but because that of nature we are evil, therefore we both think and do
evil, and are under vengeance, under the law, convicted to eternal damnation by
the law, and are contrary to the will of God in all our will, and in all things
consent to the will of the land.
By grace (that is to say by favour) we are
plucked out of Adam the ground of all evil, and grafted in Christ the root of
all goodness. In Christ God loved us his elect and chosen, before the world
began, and referred us unto the knowledge of his son and of his holy gospell,
and when the gospell is preached to us he openeth our hearts, and giveth us
grace to believe and putteth the spirit of Christ in us, and we know him as our
father most merciful, and consent to the law, and love it inwardly in our
heart, and desire to fulfill it, and sorrow because we cannot, which will (sin
we of frailty never so much) is sufficient till more strength be given us, the
blood of Christ hath made satisfaction for the rest: the blood of Christ hath
obtained all things for us of God. Christ is our satisfaction, redeemer,
deliverer, saviour from vengeance and wrath. Observe and mark in the pistels of
Paul, and Peter, and the gospell and pistels of Ihon what Christ is unto us.
((faith, love, works))
By faith are we never with out love and
good works, yet is our saving imputed neither to love nor unto good works, but
unto faith only. For love and works are under the law which requireth
perfection, and the ground and fountain of the heart, and damneth all
imperfections. Now is faith under the promises, which damn not: but give all
grace, mercy and favour, and whatsoever is contained in the promises.
((Righteousness other wise justifying
or justice))
Righteousness is divers; Blind reason
imagineth many matter of righteousnesses. As the just ministration of all
manner of laws, and the observing of them, and moral virtues were in
philosophers put their felicity and blessedness, which all are nothing in the
sight of God. There is in like manner the justifying of ceremonies, some
imagine them their own selves, some counterfeit other, saying in their blind
reason: such holy persons did thus and thus, and they were holy men, therefore
if I do so like wise I shall please God: but they have none answer of God, that
that pleaseth. The jewes seek righteousness in their ceremonies which God gave
unto them, not for to justify: but to describe and paint Christ unto them, of
which jewes testifieth Paul saying how that they have affection to God: but not
after knowledge, for they go about to stablish their own justice, and are not
obedient to the justice or righteousness that cometh of God. The cause is
verily, that except a man cast away his own imagination and reason, he cannot
perceive God, and understand the virtue and power of the blood of Christ. There
is the righteousness of works (as I said before) when the heart is away, they
feel not how the law is spiritual and cannot be fulfilled, but from the bottom
of the heart. There is a full righteousness, when the law is fulfilled from the
ground of the heart. This had neither Peter nor Paul in this life perfectly:
but sighed after it. They were so far forth blessed in Christ, that they
hungered and thirsted after it. Paul had this thirst, he consented to the law
of God, that it ought so to be, but he found an other lust in his members
contrary to the lust and desire of his mind, and therefore cried out saying: Oh
wretched man that I am: who shall deliver me from this body of death, thanks be
to God thorow Iesus Christ. The righteousness that before God is of value, is
to believe the promises of God, after the law hath confounded the conscience.
As when the temporal law oft times condemneth the thief or murderer and
bringeth him to execution, so that he saith nothing before him but present
death, and then cometh good tidings, a charter from the King and delivereth
him. Likewise when God's law hath brought the sinner into knowledge of him
self, and hath confounded his conscience, and opened unto him the wrath and
vengeance of God, then cometh good tidings, the Evangelion sheweth unto him the
promises of God in Christ, and how that Christ hath purchased pardon for him
hath satisfied the law for him, and appeased the wrath of God, and the poor
sinner believeth, laudeth and thanketh God, thorow Christ, and breaketh out
into exceeding inward joy and gladness, for that he hath escaped so great wrath,
so heavy vengeance, so fearful and so everlasting a death, and he hence forth
is an hungered, and at thirst after more righteousness, that he might fulfill
the law, and mourneth continually commending his weakness unto God in the blood
of our saviour Christ Iesus.
Here shall ye see compendiously and
plainly set out
the order and practice of every thing
afore rehearsed.
(Adam bringeth us to bondage.)
The fall of Adam hath made us heirs of the
vengeance and wrath of God, and heirs of eternal damnation; And hath brought us
into captivity and bondage under the devil; And the devil is our lord, and our
ruler, our head, our governor, our prince, yee and our god. And our will is
locked and knit faster unto the will of the devils, then cond an hundred
thousand chains bind a man unto a post. Unto the devils' will consent we, with
all our hearts, with all our minds, with all our might, power, strength, will
and lust. With what poisoned, deadly, and venomous hate, hateth a man his
enemy; With how great malice of mind inwardly do we slay and murder; With what
violence and rage, ye and with how fervent lust commit we advoutry,
fornication, and such like uncleanness: with what pleasure and delectation
inwardly serveth a glutton his belly; With what diligence deceive we; How
busily seek we things of the world; Whatsoever we do, think, or imagine, is
abominable in the sight of God. And we are as it were asleep in so deep
blindness, that we can neither see, nor feel in what misery, thralldom, and
wretchedness we are in, till Moses come and wake us, and publish he the law.
When we hear the law truly preached, how that we ought to love and honour God
with all our strength and might, from the low bottom of the heart: and our
neighbours (yee our enemies.) as our selves inwardly from the ground of the
heart, and to do whatsoever God biddeth, and abstain from whatsoever God forbiddeth,
with all love and meekness, with a fervent and a burning lust, from the center
of the heart, then beginneth the conscience to rage against the law, and
against God; No less (be it never so great a tempest) is so unquiet. It is not
possible for a natural man to consent to the law, that it should be good, or
that God should be righteous, which maketh the law. Man's wit, reason, and
will, are so fast glued, yee nailed and chained unto the will of the devil.
Neither can any creature lowse the bonds, save the blood of Christ.
(( Christ letteth us at liberty
))
This is the captivity and bondage whence
Christ delivered us, redeemed, and lowsed us. His blood, his death, his
patience, in suffering rebukes and wrongs, his prayers and fastings, his
meekness and fulfilling of the utmost point of the law, appeased the wrath of
God, brought the favor of God to us again, obtained that God should love us
first, and be our father, and that a merciful father, that will consider our
infirmities and weakness, and will give us his spirit again (which was taken
away in the fall of Adam) to rule govern and strength us, and to break the
bonds of Satan, where in we were so strait bound.
((The evangleion bringeth faith,
faith bringeth love: love worketh))
When
Christis thus wise preached, and the promises rehearsed, which are contained in
the prophets, in the psalms, and in divers places of the five books of Moses:
then the hearts of them which are elect and chosen, begin to meek soft, and to
melt at the bounteous mercy of God, and kindness shewed of Christ. For when the
evangelion is preached, the spirit of God entereth in to them which God hath
ordained and appointed unto eternal life, and openeth there inward eyes, and
worketh such belief in them.
When the
wofull consciences feel and taste how sweet a thing the bitter death of Christ
is, and how merciful and loving God is through Christ's purchasing and merits;
They begin to love again, and to consent to the law of God, how that it is
good, and ought so to be, and that God is righteous which made it; And desire
to fulfill the law, even as a sick man desireth to be whole, and are
anhungered, and athirst after more righteousness, and after more strength, to
fulfill the law more perfectly. And in all that they do, or omit and leave
undone, they seek God's honour, and his will with meekness, ever condemning the
unperfectness of their deeds by the law.
((Christ bringeth all goodness
freely, and giveth an ensample how to be stow in godly.))
Now Christ stondeth us in double sted, and
serveth us two manner ways. First he is our redeemer, deliverer, reconciler,
mediator, intercessor, advocate, attorney, solicitor, our hope, comfort,
shield, protection, defender, strength, health, satisfaction, and salvation.
His blood, his death, all that he ever did, is ours. And Christ him self, with
all that he is or can do, is ours. His blood sheding and all that he did, doeth
me as good service, as though I my self had done it. And God (as great as he
is) is mine with all that he hath, thorow Christ and his purchasing.
Secondarily after that we be overcome with
love and kindness, and now seek to do the will of God (which is a christen
man's nature) Then have we Christe an ensample to counterfeit, as saith Christ
him self in Ihon: I have given you an ensample. And in an other evangelist, he
saith; He that will be great among you shall be your servant and minister, as
the son of man came to minister and not to be ministered onto.
((Faith receiveth of God, and love
bestoweth the same on his neighbour.))
And Paul
saith: Counterfeit Christ. And Peter saith: Christ died for you, and left you
an ensample to follow his steps. Whatsoever therefore faith hath received of
God thorow Christ's blood and deserving, that same must love shed out
everywhere, and bestow it on our neighbours unto their profit, yee and that
though they be our enemies. By faith we receive of God, and by love we shed out
again. And that must we do freely after the ensample of Christ with out any
other respect, save our neighbour's wealth only, and neither look for reward in
earth, nor yet in heaven for our deeds: but of pure love must we bestow
ourselves, all that we have, and all that we are able to do, even on our
enemies to bring them to God, considering nothing but their wealth, as Christ
did ours.
((A true christyn man believeth that
heaven is his already by Christ's purchasing,
And therefore loveth, and worketh, to honour
God only, and to draw all things to God.))
Christ
did not his deeds to obtain heaven thereby (that had been a madness) heaven was
his already, he was heir thereof, it was his by inheritance: but did them
freely for our sakes, considering no thing but our wealth, and to bring the favour
of God to us again, and us to God. As no natural son that is his father's heir,
doeth his father's will because he would be heir, that he is already by birth:
his father gave him that yer he was born, and is lothther that he should go
with out it, then he himself hath wit to be: but of pure love doeth he that he
doeth. And ask him why he doeth any thing that he doeth, he answereth: my
father bade, it is my father's will, it pleaseth my father. Bond servants work
for hire, Children for love. For their father with all he hath, is theirs
already. So doeth a christen man freely all that he doeth, considereth nothing
but the will of God, and his neighbour's wealth only. If I live chaste, I do it
not to obtain heaven thereby. For then should I do wrong to the blood of
Christ: Christ's blood hath obtained me that, Christ's merits have made me heir
thereof. He is both door and way thither wards. Neither that I look for an heir
room in heaven, then they shall have which live in wedlock, other then a hoar
of the stews (if she repent) for that were the pride of lucifer: But freely to
wait on the evangelion, and to serve my brother with all, even as one hand
helpeth another, or one member another, because one feeleth another's grief,
and the pain of the one is the pain of the other. Whatsoever is done to the
least of us (whether it be good or bad) it is done to Christ. And whatsoever is
done to my brother (if I be a christen man) that same is done to me: neither
doeth my brother's pain grieve me less then mine own. If it were not so: how
saith Paul: let him that rejoiceth, rejoice in the Lord: that is to say Christ,
which is lord over all creatures. If my merits obtained me heaven, or an higher
room there, then had I where in I might rejoice besides the Lord.
((To bynd and lowse.))
Here see ye the nature of the law, and the
nature of the evangelion. How the Law bindeth and damneth all men, and the
Evangelion lowseth them again. The law goeth before, and the evangelion
followeth. When a preacher preacheth the Law, he bindeth all consciences, and
when he preacheth the Gospell, he loveth them again. These two salves (I mean
the Law and the Gospell) useth God and his preacher to heal and cure sinners
withall. The law driveth out the disease, and maketh it appear, and is a sharp
salve, and a fretting coursey, and killeth the deed fleshly, and lowseth and
draweth the sores out by the roots, and all corruption. It pulleth from a man
the trust and confidence that he hath in him self, and in his own works, merits,
deservings and ceremonies. It killeth him, sendeth him down to hell, and
bringeth him to utter desperation, and prepareth the way of the lord, as it is
written of Ihon the Baptist: for it is not possible that Christ should come to
a man, as long as he trusteth in him self, or in any worldly thing. Then cometh
the Evengelion, a more gentle plaster, which sowpleth, and swageth the wounds
of the conscience, and bringeth health. It bringeth the spirit of God, which
lowseth the honds of satan, and coupleth us to God and his will thorow strong faith and fervent love, with bonds too strong for the devil, the world,
or any creature to lowse them.
((A christen man feeleth the working of
the holy ghost in his soul:
and in all tribulations and adversities
fealeth God a merciful father and a loving.))
And the
poor and wretched sinner feeleth so great mercy, love, and kindness in God,
that he is sure in him self how that it is not possible that God should forsake
him, or withdraw his mercy and love from him. And boldly crieth out with Paul
saying: Who shall separate us from the love that God loveth us withall? That is
to say: what shall make me believe that God loveth me not? Shall tribulation?
Anguish? Persecution? Shall hunger? Nakedness? Shall a sword? Nay, I am sure
that neither death, nor life, neither angel, neither rule, nor power, neither
present things, nor things to come, neither high nor low, neither any creature
able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Iesu our lord. In
all such tribulations a Christen man perceiveth that God is his father, and
loveth him, even as he loved Christ when he shed his blood on the cross.
Finally, as before, when I was bond to the devil and his will, I wrought all
manner evil and wickedness, not for hell's sake which is there ward of sin, but
be cause I was heir of hell by birth and bondage to the devil, did I evil. For
I would none other ways do; to do sin was my nature. Even so now since I am
coupled to God by Christ's blood, do I well, not for heaven's sake: but be
cause I am heir of Heaven by grace and Christ's purchasing, and have the spirit
of God, I do good freely, for so is my nature. As a good tree bringeth forth
good fruit, and an evil tree evil fruit. By the fruits shall ye know what the
tree is: a man's deeds declare what he is within but make him neither good nor
bad &c. We must be first evil yer we do evil, as a serpent is first poisoned yer
he poison. We must be also good yer we do good yer we do good, as the fire must
be first hot yer it warm any thing. Take an ensample. As those blind which are
cured in the evangelion, could not see till Christ had given them sight; And
deaf could not hear, till Christ had given them hearing; And those sick could
not do the deeds of an whole man, till Christ had given them health: So can no
man do good in his soul, till Christ have lowsed him out of the bonds of satan,
and have given him where with to do good, yee and first have poured into him
that self good thing which he sheddeth forth afterward on other. Whatsoever is
our own is sin. Whatsoever is above that, is Christ's gift, purchase, doing,
and working. He bought it of his father derely with his blood, yee with his
most bitter death and gave his life for it. Whatsoever good thing is in us,
that is given us freely with out our deserving or merits for Christ's blood's
sake. That we desire to follow the will of God, it is the gift of Christ's
blood. That we now hate the devil's will (where unto we were so fast locked,
and could not but love it) is also the gift of Christ's blood, unto whom
belongeth the praise and honour of our good deeds, and not unto us.
(Preface of the Worms octavo edition of 1526.)
To the
Reader.
Give diligence, reader (I exhort thee) that
thou come with a pure mind, and, as the Scripture saith, with a single eye,
unto the words of health and of eternal life, by the which (if we repent and
believe them) we are born anew, created afresh, and enjoy the fruits of the
blood of Christ. Which blood crieth not for vengeance, as the blood of Abel,
but hath purchased life, love, favor, grace, blessing, and whatsoever is
promised in the Scriptures, to them that believe and obey God, and standeth between
us and wrath, vengeance, curse, and whatsoever the Scripture threateneth
against the unbelievers and disobedient, which resist, and consent not in their
hearts to the law of God, that it is right, holy, just, and ought so to be.
Mark the plain and manifest places of the
Scriptures, and in doubtful places see thou add no interpretation contrary to
them; but (as Paul saith) let all be conformable and agreeing to the faith.
Note the difference of the Law and of the
Gospell. The one asketh and requireth, the other pardoneth and forgiveth. The
one threateneth, the other promiseth all good things to them that set their
trust in Christ only. The gospel signifieth glad tidings, and is nothing but
the promises of good things. All is not gospel that is written in the gospel
book: for if the law were away, thou couldest not know what the gospel meant,
even as thou couldest not see pardon, favor, and grace except the law rebuked
thee, and declared unto thee thy sin, misdeed, and trespass.
Repent and believe the gospel, as saith
Christ in the first of Mark. Apply alway the Law to thy deeds, whether thou
find lust (1) in the bottom of thine heart to the law-ward, and so shalt thou
no doubt repent, and feel in thyself a certain sorrow, pain, and grief to thine
heart, because thou canst not with full lust do the deeds of the law. Apply the
gospel that is to say the promises unto the deserving of Christ, and to the
mercy of God and his truth, and so shalt thou not despair, but shall feel God
as a kind and a merciful father. And his spirit shall dwell in thee, and shall
be strong in thee, and the promises shall be given thee at the last (though not
by and by, lest thou shouldest forget thyself, and be negligent) and all
threatenings shall be forgiven thee for Christ's blood's sake to whom commit
thyself altogether without respect either of thy good deeds or of thy bad.
Them that are learned Christianly I beseech
forasmuch as I am sure, and my conscience beareth me record, that of a pure
intent, singly and faithfully I have interpreted it, as far forth as God gave
me the gift of knowledge and understanding that the rudeness of the work now at
the first time offend them not, but that they consider how that I had no man to
counterfeit, neither was helped with English of any that had interpreted the
same or such like things in the Scripture beforetime. Moreover, even very
necessity and cumbrance (God is record) above strength which I will not
rehearse, lest we should seem to boast ourselves caused that many things are
lacking which necessarily are required. Count it as a thing not having his full
shape, but as it were born before his time, even as a thing begun rather than
finished. In time to come (if God have appointed us thereunto) we will give it
his full shape, and put out if aught be added superfluously, and add to if
aught be overseen through negligence, and will enforce to bring to
compendiousness that which is now translated at the length, and to give light
where it is required, and to seek in certain places more proper English, and
with a table to expound the words which are not commonly used and shew how the
Scripture useth many words which are otherwise understood of the common people,
and to help with a declaration where one tongue taketh not another; and will
endeavor ourselves, as it were, to seeth (2) it better, and to make it more apt
for the weak stomachs; desiring them that are learned and able, to remember
their duty, and to help thereunto, and to bestow unto the edifying of Christ's
body (which is the congregation of them that believe) those gifts which they
have received of God for the same purpose. The grace that cometh of Christ be
with them that love him. Pray for us.
(1)
"Lust" here is used in a good sense: eagerness to obey.
(2)
"Seeth" means "boil, cook."
THE NEW
TESTAMENT
as it was
written, and
caused to
be written,
by them
which he-
ard it.
To whom
also our
sa-
viour
Christ
Iesus
commanded
that
they
should pre-
ach it
unto all
creatures.
The Books Contained in
the new Testament
i The gospell of Saynct Mathew
ij The gospell of S. Marke
iij The gospell of S. Luke
iiij The gospell of S. Ihon
iv The acts of the apostles written by S. Luke
vj The epistel of S. Paul to the Romans
vij The first epistel of S. Paul to the Corrinthians
viij The second epistel of S. Paul to the Corrinthians
ix The pistel of S. Paul to the Galathians.
x The pistel of S. Paul to the Ephesians.
xj The pistel of S. Paul to the Philippians
xij The pistel of S. Paul to the Collossians
xiij The first pistel of S. Paul to the Tessalonians
xiiij The second pistel of S. Paul to the Tessalonians
xv The first pistel of S. Paul to Timothe.
xvj The second pistel of S. Paul to Timothe.
xvij The pistel of S. Paul to Titus
xviij The pistel of S. Paul unto Philemon
xix The first pistel of S. Peter
xx The second pistel of S. Peter
xxj The first pistel of S. Ihon
xxij The second pistel of S. Ihon
xxiij The third pistel of S. Ihon
The pistel unto the Ebrues
The pistle of S. Iames
The pistle of Iude
The revelation of Ihon.
The
gospell of Saynct Mathew
The first
Chapter.
This is the book of the generation of Iesus
Christ the son of David, the son also of Abraham.
Abraham begat Isaac:
Isaac
begat Iacob:
Iacob
begat Iudas and his brethren:
Iudas
begat Phares: and Zaram of Thamar:
Phares
begat Esrom:
Esrom
begat Aram:
Aram
begat Aminadab:
Aminadab
begat Naasson:
Naasson
begat Salmon:
Salmon begat
Boos of Rahab:
Boos
begat Obed of Ruth:
Obed
begat Iesse:
Iesse
begat David the king:
David the king begat Solomon, of her that
was the wife of Ury:
Solomon
begat Roboam:
Roboam
begat Abia:
Abia
begat Asa:
Asa begat
Iosaphat:
Iosaphat
begat Ioram:
Ioram
begat Osias:
Osias
begat Ioatham:
Ioatham
begat Athas:
Athas
begat Ezechias:
Ezechias
begat Manasses:
Manasses
begat Amon:
Amon
begat Iosias:
Iosias
begat Iechonias and his brethren about the time of the captivity of Babylon.
After they were led captive to Babylon,
Iechonias begat Salathiel:
Salathiel
begat Zorobabel:
Zorobabel
begat Abiud:
Abiud
begat Eliachim:
Eliachim
begat Azor:
Azor
begat Sadoc:
Sadoc
begat Achin:
Achin
begat Eliud:
Eliud begat
Eleasar:
Eleasar
begat Matthan:
Matthan
begat Iacob:
Iacob
begat Ioseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born that Iesus which is called
Christ.
All the generations from Abraham to David
are fourteen generations. And from David unto the captivity of Babylon, are
fourteen generations. And from the captivity of Babylon unto Christ, are also
fourteen generations.
The birth of Christ was on this wise, when
his mother Mary was married unto Ioseph, before they came to dwell together,
she was found with child by the holy ghost. Then her husband Ioseph being a
perfect man, and loth to defame her, was minded to put her away secretly. While
he thus thought, behold, the angel of the lord appeared unto him in sleep
saying: Ioseph the son of David, fear not to take unto thee, Mary thy wife. For
that which is conceived in her, is of the holy ghost. She shall bring forth a
son, and thou shalt call his name Iesus. For he shall save his people from
their sins.
All this was done to fulfil that which was
spoken of the lord, by the prophet saying: Behold a maid shall be with child,
and shall bring forth a son, and they shalt call his name Emanuel, which is as
much to say, by interpretation, as God with us.
Ioseph as soon as he awoke out of sleep,
did as the angel of the lord bade him, and took his wife unto him, and knew her
not, till she had brought forth her first son, and called his name Iesus.
The
Second Chapter.
When Iesus was born in Bethlehem a town of
Iury, in the time of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the east to
Ierusalem saying: Where is he that is born king of the jewes? We have seen his
star in the east, and are come to worship him.
Herod the king, after he had heard this,
was troubled, and all Ierusalem with him, and he sent for all the chief priests
and scribes of the people, and demanded of them where Christ should be born.
They said unto him: in Bethlehem a town of Iury. For thus it is written by the
prophet: And thou Bethlehem in the land of Iury, shalt not be the least as
pertaining to the princes of Iuda. For out of thee shall come a captain, which
shall govern my people Israhel.
Then Herod privily called the wise men, and
diligently enquired of them, the time of the star that appeared. And sent them
to Bethlehem saying: when ye be come thither search diligently for the child.
And when ye have found him bring me word, that I may come and worship him also.
When they had heard the king, they departed, and lo the star which they saw in
the east went before them, until it came and stood over the place where the
child was. When they saw the star, they were marvellously glad. And entered
into the house, and found the child with Mary his mother, and kneeled down and
worshipped him, and opened their treasures, and offered unto him gifts, gold,
frankincense, and myrrh. And after they were warned in their sleep, that they
should not go again to Herod, they returned into their own country another way.
After that they were departed, lo the angel
of the lord appeared to Ioseph in his sleep saying: arise and take the child
and his mother, and fly into Egypt, and abide there till I bring thee word. For
Herod will seek the child to destroy him. Then he arose, and took the child and
his mother by night, and departed into Egypt, and was there unto the death of
Herod, to fulfil that which was spoken of the lord, by the prophet, which
saith: out of Egypt have I called my son.
Then Herod perceiving that he was mocked of
the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth and slew all the children
that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, as many as were two year
old and under, according to the time which he had diligently searched out of
the wise men.
Then was fulfilled, that which was spoken
by the prophet Ieremy, saying: On the hills was a voice heard, mourning,
weeping, and great lamentation. Rachel weeping for her children, and would not
be comforted, because they were not.
When Herod was dead, lo an angel of the
lord appeared unto Ioseph in Egypt saying: arise and take the child and his
mother, and go into the land of Israhel. For they are dead, which sought the
child's death. Then he arose up, and took the child and his mother, and came
into the land of Israhel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Iury,
in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither. Notwithstanding
after he was warned in his sleep, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee,
and went and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, to fulfil, that which was spoken
by the prophets: He shall be called of Nazareth.
The third
Chapter.
In those days Ihon the Baptizer, came and
preached in the wilderness of Iury saying: repent, the kingdom of heaven is at
hand. This is he of whom it is spoken by the prophet Isay, which saith: The
voice of a crier in wilderness, prepare the lorde's way, and make his paths
straight.
This Ihon had his garment of camel's hair,
and a girdle of a skin about his loins. His meat was locusts and wild honey.
Then went out to him Ierusalem, and all Ieury, and all the region round about
Iordan, and were baptised of him in Iordan, knowledging their sins.
When he saw many of the pharisees and of
the Saduces come to his baptism, he said unto them: O generation of vipers, who
hath taught you to flee from the vengeance to come? bring forth therefore the
fruits belonging to repentance. And see that ye once think not to say in
yourselves, we have Abraham to our father. For I say unto you, that God is able
of these stones, to raise up children unto Abraham. Even now is the axe put
unto the root of the trees: so that every tree which bringeth not forth, good
fruit, shall be hewn down, and cast into the fire.
I baptise you in water, in token of
repentance, but he that cometh after me, is mightier than I: whose shoes I am
not worthy to bear. He shall baptise you with the holy ghost, and with fire,
which hath also his fan in his hand, and will purge his flour, and gather the
wheat into his garner, and will burn the chaff with everlasting fire.
Then came Iesus from Galilee into Iordan to
Ihon, for to be baptised of him. But Ihon forbade him saying: I ought to be
baptised of thee: and comest thou too me? Iesus answered and said to him, let
it be so now. For thus it becometh us, to fulfil all righteousness. Then he
suffered him. And Iesus as soon as he was baptised, came straight out of the
water: And lo heaven was open unto him: and he saw the spirit of God descend
like a dove, and light upon him. And lo there came a voice from heaven saying:
this is that my dear son, in whom is my delight.
The
fourth Chapter.
Then was Iesus led away of the spirit in to
a desert, to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and
forty nights, at the last he was an hungered. Then came until him the tempter,
and said: if thou be the son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
He answered and said: it is written, man shall not live only by bread, But by
every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Then
the devil took him up into the holy city, and set him on a pinnacle of the
temple, and said unto him: if thou be the son of God, cast thyself down. For it
is written, he shall give his angels charge over thee, and with their hands
they shall stey thee up, that thou dash not thy foot against a stone. Iesus
said to him, it is written also: thou shalt not tempt thy lord God.
The devil took him up again and led him
into an exceeding high mountain, and shewed him all the kingdoms of the world,
and the beauty of them, and said unto him: all these will I give thee, if thou
wilt fall down and worship me. Then said Iesus unto him, avoid Satan. For it is
written, thou shalt worship thy lord God, and him only, shalt thou serve.
Then the devil left him, and lo the angels
came and ministered unto him.
When Iesus had heard that Ihon was taken,
he departed into Galilee, and left Nazareth, and went and dwelt in Capernaum,
which is a city upon the sea, in the coasts of Zabulon and Nephthalim, to
fulfil that which was spoken by Isay the prophet, saying: Behold the land of
Zabulon and Nephthalim, the way of the sea beyond Iordan, Galilee of the
Gentiles, the people which sat in darkness, saw great light. And to them which
sat in the region and shadow of death, light is sprong.
From that time Iesus began to preach, and
to say: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
As Iesus walked by the sea of Galilee, he
saw two brethren: Simon which was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting
a net into the sea (for they were fishers) and he said unto them, follow me,
and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and
followed him.
And he went forth from thence, and saw
other two brethren, Iames the son of Zebedee, and Ihon his brother in the ship,
with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and called them. And they
without tarrying left the ship and their father and followed him.
And Iesus went about all Galilee, teaching
in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all
manner of sickness, and all manner diseases among the people. And his fame
spread abroad throughout all Syria. And they brought unto him all sick people,
that were taken with divers diseases and gripings, and them that were possessed
with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy. And he
healed them. And there followed him a great number of people, from Galilee, and
from the ten cities, and from Ierusalem, and from Iury, and from the regions
that lie beyond Iordan.
The fifth
Chapter.
When he saw the people he went up into a
mountain, and when he was set, his disciples came to him, and he opened his
mouth, and taught them saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is
the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be
comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are
they which hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in
heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the maintainers of peace: for they
shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which suffer persecution
for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye
when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall falsely say all manner
of evil sayings against you for my sake. Rejoice, and be glad, for great is
your reward in heaven. For so persecuted they the prophets which were before your
days.
Ye are the salt of the earth: but and if
the salt be once unsavory, what can be salted there with? It is thence forth
good for nothing, but to be cast out at the doors, and that men tread it under
feet. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill, cannot be
hid, neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a
candlestick, and it lighteth all them which are in the house. See that your
light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your
father which is in heaven.
Ye shall not think, that I am come to
disannul the law, other the prophets: no I am not come to disannul them, but to
fulfil them. For truly I say unto you, till heaven and earth perish, one iott,
or one tytle of the law shall not scape, till all be fulfilled.
Whosoever breaketh one of these least
commandments, and teacheth men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom
of heaven. But whosoever shall observe and teach them, that person shall be
called great in the kingdom of heaven.
For I say unto you except your
righteousness exceed the righteousness of the scribes and pharisees, ye cannot
enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Ye have heard how it was said unto them of
the old time: Thou shalt not kill. Whosoever shall kill, shall be in danger of
judgement. But I say unto you, whosoever is angry with his brother, shall be in
danger of judgement. Whosoever shall say unto his brother raca, shall be in
danger of a council. But whosoever say unto his brother thou fool, shall be in
danger of hell fire. Therefore when thou offerest thy gift at the altar, and
there rememberest that thy brother hath anything against thee: leave there
thine offering before the altar, and go thy way first and reconcile thyself to
thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
Agree with thine adversary at once, whiles
thou art in the way with him, lest thine adversary deliver thee to the judge,
and the judge deliver thee to the minister, and then thou be cast into prison.
I say unto thee verily: thou shalt not come out thence till thou have paid the
utmost farthing.
Ye have heard how it was said to them of
old time, thou shalt not commit advoutry. But I say unto you, that whosoever
eyeth a wife, lusting after her, hath committed advoutry with her already in
his heart.
Wherefore if thy right eye offend thee,
pluck him out, and cast him from thee. Better it is for thee that one of thy
members perish than that thy whole body should be cast into hell. Also if thy
right hand offend thee, cut him off and cast him from thee. Better it is that
one of thy members perish, than that all thy body should, be cast into hell.
It is said, whosoever put away his wife,
let him give her a testimonial of her divorcement. But I say unto you:
whosoever put away his wife, (except it be for fornication) causeth her to
break matrimony. And whosoever marrieth her that is divorced, breaketh wedlock.
Again ye have heard, how it was said to
them of old time, thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform thine oath
to God. But I say unto you swear not at all: neither by heaven, for it is God's
seat: nor yet by the earth, for it is his footstool: Neither by Ierusalem, for
it is the city of that great king: neither shalt thou swear by thy head,
because thou canst not make one white hair, or black: But your communication
shall be, ye, ye: nay, nay. For whatsoever is more than that, cometh of evil.
Ye have heard how it is said, an eye for an
eye: a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, that ye withstand not wrong: But if
a man give thee a blow on thy right cheek, turn to him the other. And if any
man will sue thee at the law, and take thy coat from thee, let him have thy
cloak also. And whosoever will compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
Give to him that asketh: and from him that would borrow turn not away.
Ye have heard how it is said: thou shalt
love thine neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, love your
enemies. Bless them that curse you. Do good to them that hate you. Pray for
them which do you wrong, and persecute you, that ye may be the children of your
heavenly father: for he maketh his sun to arise, on the evil, and on the good,
and sendeth his rain on the just and unjust. For if ye shall love them, which
love you: what reward shall ye have? Do not the publicans even so? And if ye be
friendly to your brethren only: what singular thing do ye? Do not the publicans
likewise? Ye shall therefore be perfect, even as your heavenly father is
perfect.
The sixth
Chapter.
Take heed to your alms. That ye give it not
in the sight of men, to the intent that ye would be seen of them. Or else ye
get no reward of your father in heaven. Whensoever therefore thou givest thine
alms, thou shalt not make a trumpet to be blown before thee, as the hypocrites
do in the synagogues, and in the streets, for to be praised of men. Verily I
say unto you, they have their reward. But when thou doest thine alms, let not
thy left hand know, what thy right hand doth, that thine alms may be secret,
and thy father which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as
the hypocrites are. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues, and in
the corners of the streets, because they would be seen of men. Verily I say
unto you, they have their reward. But when thou prayest, enter into thy
chamber, and shut thy door to thee, and pray to thy father which is in secret:
and thy father which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
But when ye pray, babble not much, as the
gentiles do: for they think that they shall be heard, for their much babbling's
sake. Be ye not like them therefore. For your father knoweth whereof ye have
need, before ye ask of him. After this manner therefore pray ye.
O our father, which art in heaven hallowed
be thy name. Let thy kingdom come. Thy will be fulfilled, as well in earth, as
it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our
trespasses, even as we forgive them which trespass us. Lead us not in to
temptation: but deliver us from evil, [For thine is the kingdom and the power,
and the glory for ever.] Amen. For and if ye shall forgive other men their
trespasses, your father in heaven shall also forgive you. But and ye will not forgive
men their trespasses, no more shall, your father forgive your trespasses.
Moreover when ye fast, be not sad as the
hypocrites are. For they disfigure their faces, that it might appear unto men
that they fast. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou when
thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face, that it appear not unto men
how that thou fastest: but unto thy father which is in secret: and thy father
which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
Gather not treasure together on earth,
where rust and moths corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. But
gather ye treasures together in heaven, where neither rust, nor yet moths
corrupt: and where thieves neither break up, nor yet steal. For wheresoever
your treasure is, there are your hearts also.
The light of the body is thine eye.
Wherefore if thine eye be single, all thy body is full of light. But and if
thine eye be wicked, then is all thy body full of darkness. Wherefore if the
light that is in thee, be darkness: how great is that darkness?
No man can serve two masters. For either he
shall hate the one, and love the other: or else he shall lean to the one, and
despise that other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you,
be not careful for your life what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, nor yet
for your body, what raiment ye shall wear. Is not the life more worth then
meat? and the body more of value then raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for
they sow not, neither reap, nor yet carry into the barns, and yet your heavenly
father feedeth them. Are ye not better than they?
Which of you (though he took thought
therefore) could put one cubit unto his stature? And why care ye then for
raiment? Behold the lilies of the field, how they grow. They labor not, neither
spin. And yet for all that I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his
royalty, was not arrayed like unto one of these. Wherefore if God so clothe the
grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow shall be cast into the
furnace: shall he not much more do the same unto you, o ye of little faith?
Therefore take no thought saying: what
shall we eat, or what shall we drink, or wherewith shall we be clothed? (After
all these things seek the gentiles) For your heavenly father knoweth that ye
have need of all these things. But rather seek ye first the kingdom of heaven,
and the righteousness thereof, and all these things shall be ministered unto
you. Care not therefore for the day folowing. For the day folowing shall care
for itself. Each days trouble is sufficient for the sameself day.
The .vij.
Chapter.
Judge not lest ye be judged. For as ye
judge, so shall ye be judged. And with what measure ye mete, with the same
shall it be measured to you again. Why seest thou a mote in thy brother's eye,
and perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or why sayest thou to thy
brother: suffer me to pluck out a mote out of thine eye, and behold a beam is
in thine own eye. Hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye, and
then shalt thou see clearly to pluck out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
Give not that which is holy to dogs,
neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they tread them under their
feet, and the other turn again and all to rent you.
Ask and it shall be given you: Seek and ye
shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you. For whosoever asketh
receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh, it shall be
opened. Is there any man among you which would proffer his son a stone if he
asked him bread? Or if he asked fish, would he proffer him a serpent? If ye
then which are evil, can give to your children good gifts: how much more shall
your father, which is in heaven, give good things, to them that ask of him?
Therefore whatsoever ye would that men
should do to you, even so do ye to them. This is the law and the prophets.
Enter in at the strait gate: for wide is
the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction: and many there be,
which go in thereat. For strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which
leadeth unto life: and few there be, that find it.
Beware of false prophets, which come to
you, in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know
them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns? Or figs of briars? Even
so every good tree, bringeth forth good fruit. But a corrupt tree, bringeth
forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth bad fruite: nor yet a bad tree
can bring forth good fruit. Every tree, that bringeth not forth good fruit,
shall be hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall
know them. Not all they that say unto me, master, master, shall enter in to the
kingdom of heaven: But he that fulfilleth my father's will which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, master, master, have we not in thy name
prophesied? and in thy name have we not cast out devils? and in thy name have
we not done many miracles. And then will I knowledge unto them, that I never knew
them. Depart from me, ye workers of iniquity.
Whosoever heareth of me these sayings, and
doeth the same, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house on a
rock: and abundance of rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew,
and beat upon that same house, and it was not overthrown because it was
grounded on the rock. And whosoever heareth of me these sayings, and doth not
the same, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the
sand, and abundance of rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew,
and beat upon that house, and it was overthrown, and great was the fall of it.
And it came to pass, that when Iesus had
ended these sayings, the people were astonied at his doctrine. For he taught them
as one having power, and not as the scribes.
The
.viij. Chapter.
When Iesus was come down from the mountain,
much people followed him. And lo, there came a leper, and worshipped him
saying: master, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. He put forth his hand
and touched him saying: I will, be clean, and immediately his leprosy was
cleansed. And Iesus said unto him. See thou tell no man, but go and shew
thyself to the priest and offer the gift, that Moses commanded to be offered in
witness to them.
When Iesus was entered into Capernaum,
there came unto him a certain Centurion, beseching him, and saying: master, my
servant lieth sick at home of the palsy, and is grievously pained. And Iesus
said unto him: I will come and cure him. The Centurion answered and said: Sir,
I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under the roof of my house, but speak
the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I also myself am a man under
power, and have soldiers under me, and I say to one, go, and he goeth: and to
another, come, and he cometh: and to my servant, do this, and he doeth it. When
Iesus heard these sayings: he marvelled, and said to them that followed him:
Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith: no, not in Israell. I
say therefore unto you, that many shall come from the east and west, and shall
rest with Abraham, Isaac, and Iacob, in the kingdom of heaven: and the children
of the kingdom shall be cast out into the utmost darkness, there shall be
weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then Iesus said unto the Centurion, go thy way,
and as thou believed so be it unto thee. And his servant was healed that same
hour.
And Iesus went to Peter's house, and saw
his wife's mother lying sick of a fever, and he touched her hand, and the fever
left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.
When the even was come they brought unto
him many that were possessed with devils, and he cast out the spirits with a
word, and healed all that were sick, to fulfil that which was spoken by Esay the
prophet saying: he took on him our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
When Iesus saw much people about him, he
commanded to go over the water. And there came a scribe and said unto him:
master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Iesus said unto him:
the foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the son of the
man hath not whereon to lay his head: Another that was one of his Disciples
said unto him: master suffer me first, to go and bury my father. But Iesus said
unto him: follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.
And he entered into a ship, and his
Disciples followed him. And lo there arose a great storm in the sea, insomuch,
that the ship was hid with waves, and he was asleep. And his Disciples came
unto him, and awoke him, saying: master, save us, we perish. And he said unto
them: why are ye fearful, o ye endowed with little faith? Then he arose, and
rebuked the winds and the sea, and there followed a great calm. And men
marvelled and said: what man is this, that both winds and sea obey him?
And when he was come to the other side,
into the country of the Gergesites, there met him two possessed of devils,
which came out of the graves, and were out of measure fierce, so that no man
might go by that way. And lo they cried out saying: O Iesu the son of God, what
have we to do with thee? art thou come hither to torment us before the time be
come? There was a good way off from them a great herd of swine feeding. Then
the devils besought him saying: if thou cast us out, suffer us to go our way
into the herd of swine. And he said unto them: go your ways. Then went they
out, and departed into the herd of swine. And lo, all the herd of swine was
carried with violence headlong into the sea, and perished in the water. Then
the herdsmen, fled and went their ways into the city, and told everything, and
what had fortuned unto them that were possessed of the devils. And lo, all the
city came out, and met Iesus. And when they saw him they besought him, to
depart out of their coasts.
The .ix.
Chapter.
And he entered into a ship: and passed over
and came into his own city. And lo, they brought unto him a man sick of the
palsy, lying in his bed. And when Iesus saw their faith, he said to the sick of
the palsy: son be of good cheer, thy sins be forgiven thee. And lo certain of
the scribes said in themselves, he blasphemeth. And when Iesus saw their
thoughts, he said: wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? Whether is easier to
say, thy sins be forgiven thee, or to say: arise and walk? That ye may know,
that the son of man hath power to forgive sins in earth, then said he unto the
sick of the palsy: arise, take up thy bed, and go home to thine house. And he
arose and departed to his house. The people that saw it, marvelled and
glorified God, which had given such power to men.
And as Iesus passed forth from thence he
saw a man sit at the receit of custom named Matthew, and said to him: follow
me. And he arose and followed him. And it came to pass, that Iesus sat at meat
in his house. And lo, many publicans and sinners, came and sat down also with
Iesus, and his disciples. When the pharisees had perceived that, they said unto
his disciples: why eateth your master with publicans and sinners? When Iesus
heard that, he said unto them: The whole need not the physician, but they that
are sick. Go and learn, what that meaneth: I have pleasure in mercy, and not in
offering. For I am not come to call the righteous, but the sinners to
repentance.
Then came the disciples of Ihon to him,
saying: why do we and the pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? And
Iesus said unto them: can the wedding children mourn as long as the bridegroom
is with them? The time will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them,
and then shall they fast. No man pieceth an old garment with a piece of new
cloth. For then taketh he away the piece again from the garment, and the rent
is made worse. Neither do men put new wine, into old vessels: for then the
vessels break, and the wine runneth out, and the vessels perish. But they pour
new wine into new vessels, and so are both saved together.
While he thus spake unto them, lo, there
came a certain ruler, and worshipped him saying: my daughter is dead already,
but come, and lay thy hand on her, and she shall live. And Iesus arose and
followed him, with his disciples. And behold, a woman which was diseased with
an issue of blood xij. years, came behind him and touched the hem of his
vesture. For she said in herself: If I may touch but even his vesture only I
shall be safe. Iesus turned him about, and beheld her, saying: daughter be of
good comfort, thy faith hath made thee safe. And she was made whole even that
same hour.
And when Iesus came into the ruler's house,
and saw the minstrels and the people wondering, he said unto them: Get you
hence, for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.
As soon as the people were put forth adoors, he went in and took her by the
hand, and the maid arose. And this was noised throughout all that land.
And as Iesus departed thence, two blind men
followed him crying, and saying: O thou son of David, have mercy on us. And
when he was come into the house, the blind came to him. And Iesus said unto
them believe ye that I am able to do this? they said unto him ye master. Then
touched he their eyes saying: according to your faith, be it unto you. And
their eyes were opened. And he charged them, saying: see that no man know of
it. But they as soon as they were departed, spread abroad his name through out
all the land.
As they went out, behold, they brought to
him a dumb man possessed of a devil. And as soon as the devil was cast out, the
dumb spake. And the people marvelled, saying: it never so appeared in Israhel.
But the pharisees said: he casteth out devils, by the power of the chief devil.
And Iesus went about all cities and towns,
teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospell of the kingdom. And
healing all manner sickness and disease among the people. But when he saw the
people, he had pity on them, because they were pined away, and scattered abroad
even as sheep, having no shepherd. Then said he to his disciples: the harvest
is great, but the laborers are few. Wherefore pray the harvest lord, to send
forth laborers into his harvest.
The .x.
Chapter.
And he called his xij. disciples unto him,
and gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all
manner of sicknesses, and all manner of diseases.
The names of the xij. apostles are these.
The first Simon which is called Peter: and Andrew his brother. Iames the son of
Zebedee, and Ihon his brother. Philip and Bartholomew. Thomas and Matthew the
publican. Iames the son of Alphe and Lebbeus, otherwise called Thaddeus. Simon
of Chane, and Iudas Iscariot, which also betrayed him.
These xij. sent Iesus, and commanded them
saying: Go not into the ways that lead to the gentiles, and in to the cities of
the samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of
Israhel. Go and preach saying: how the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the
sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out the devils. Freely ye have
received, freely give again. Possess not gold, nor silver, neither brass in
your girdles, nor yet scrip towards your journey. Neither two coats, neither
shoes, nor yet a rod: for the workman is worthy to have his meat. Into
whatsoever city, or town ye shall come, enquire who is worthy in it, and there
abide till ye go thence.
And when ye come into an house greet the
same. And if the house be worthy, your peace shall come upon the same. But if
it be not worthy, your peace shall return to you again. And whosoever shall not
receive you, nor will hear your preaching, when ye depart out of that house, or
that city, shake off the dust of your feet. Truly I say unto you, it shall be
easier for the land of Sodom, and Gomorra, in the day of judgement, than for
that city.
Lo I send you forth, as sheep among wolves.
Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for
they shall deliver you up to the councils, and shall scourge you in their
synagogues. And ye shall be brought to the head rulers and kings for my sake,
in witness to them and to the gentiles.
But when they put you up take no thought,
how, or what ye shall speak, for it shall be given you even in that same hour,
what ye shall say. For it is not ye that speak, but the spirit of your father
which speaketh in you. The brother shall betray the brother to death, and the
father the son. And the children shall arise against their fathers, and
mothers, and shall put them to death, and ye shall be hated of all men, for my
name. But whosoever shall continue unto the end, shall be saved.
When they persecute you in one city, fly
into another. I tell you for a truth, ye shall not finish all the cities of
Israhel, till the son of man be come. The disciple is not above his master: Nor
yet the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple to be as his master
is, and that the servant be as his lord is. If they have called the lord of the
house beelzebub: how much more shall they call them of his household so? Fear
them not therefore.
There is nothing so close, that shall not
be opened, and nothing so hid, that shall not be known.
What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye
in light. And what ye hear in the ear that preach ye on the house tops.
And fear ye not them which kill the body,
and be not able to kill the soul. But rather fear him, which is able to destroy
both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And none
of them doth light on the ground, without your father. And now are all the
hairs of your heads numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value, than
many sparrows.
Whosoever therefore knowledgeth me before
men, him will I knowledge before my father which is in heaven. But whosoever
shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my father which is in
heaven.
Think not, that I am come to send peace
into the earth. I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a
man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and
the daughter in law against her mother in law: And a man's foes shall be, they
of his own household.
He that loveth his father, or mother more
than me, is not worthy of me. And he that loveth his son, or daughter more than
me, is not meet for me. And he that taketh not his cross and followeth me, is
not meet for me. He that findeth his life, shall lose it: and he that loseth
his life for my sake, shall find it.
He that receiveth you, receiveth me: and he
that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in
the name of a prophet, shall receive a prophet's reward. And he that receiveth
a righteous man in the name of a righteous man, shall receive the reward of a
righteous man. And whosoever shall give unto one of these little ones to, drink
a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple: I tell you of a truth, he
shall not lose his reward.
The .xj.
Chapter.
And it came to pass when Iesus had ended
his precepts unto his disciples, he departed thence, to preach and teach in
their cities.
When Ihon being in prison heard the works
of christ, he sent two of his disciples and said unto him. Art thou he that
shall come: or shall we look for another. Iesus answered and said unto them. Go
and shew Ihon what ye have heard and seen. The blind see, the halt go, the
lepers are cleansed: The deaf hear, the dead are raised up again, and the
gospel is preached to the poor. And happy is he that is not hurt by me.
Even as they departed, Iesus began to speak
unto the people of Ihon. What went ye for to see in the wilderness? went ye out
to see a reed wavering with the wind? other what went ye out for to see? went
ye to see a man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that wear soft clothing
are in kings' houses. But what went ye out for to see? went ye out to see, a
prophet? Ye I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it
is written. Behold, I send my messenger before thy face which shall prepare thy
way before thee.
Verify I say unto you, among the children
of women arose there not a greater than Ihon baptist. Notwithstanding he that
is less in the kingdom of heaven, is greater than he. From the time of Ihon
baptist hitherto, the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and they that make
violence pulleth it to them. For all the prophets, and the law prophesied unto
the time of Ihon. Also if ye will receive it, this is Helyas, which should
come. He that hath ears to hear whithall, let him hear.
But whereunto shall I liken this
generation? it is like unto children, which sit in the market, and call unto
their fellows, and say: we have piped unto you, and ye have not danced, we have
mourned unto you, and ye have not sorrowed. For Ihon came, neither eating nor
drinking, and they say, he hath the devil. The son of man came eating and
drinking, and they say, behold a glutton, and drinker of wine, and a friend
unto publicans, and sinners. And wisdom is justified of her children.
Then began he to upbraid the cities, in
which most of his miracles were done, because they did not repent. Woe be to
thee Chorasin. Woe be to thee Bethsaida, for if the miracles which were shewed
in you, had been done in Tyre and in Sidon: they had repented long agone in
sackcloth and ashes. Nevertheless I say to you, it shall be easier for Tyre and
Sidon, at the day of judgement, than for you. And thou Capernaum, which art
lift up unto heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell. For if the miracles which
have been done in thee, had been shewed in Sodom, they had remained to this
day. Nevertheless I say unto you, it shall be easier for Sodom in the day of
judgement, than for thee. Then Iesus answered and said. I praise thee o father
lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and
prudent, and hast opened them unto babes, even so father, for so it pleased
thee. All things are given unto me of my father. And no man knoweth the son,
but thy father neither knoweth any man the father, save the son, and he to whom
the son will open him.
Come unto me all ye that labor, and are
laden, and I will ease you. Take my yoke on you, and learn of me, for I am
meek, and lowly in heart: and ye shall find ease unto your souls. For my yoke
is easy, and my burden is light.
The .xij.
Chapter.
In that time went Iesus on the sabbath day
thorow the corn, and his disciples were anhungered, and began to pluck the ears
of corn, and to eat. When the pharisees had seen that, they said unto him:
Behold thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day. He
said unto them: Have ye not read what David did, when he was anhungered, and
they also which were with him? How he entered into the house of God, and ate
the hallowed loaves, which were not lawful for him to eat, neither for them
which were with him, but only for the priests. Or have ye not read in the law,
how that the priests in the temple break the sabbath day, and yet are
blameless? But I say unto you, that here is one greater than the temple.
Wherefore if ye had wist, what this saying meaneth: I require mercy, and not
sacrifice, ye would never have condemned innocents. For the son of man is lord
even of the Sabbath day.
And he departed thence, and went into their
synagogue, and behold, there was a man, which had his hand dried up. And they
asked him saying: is it lawful to heal upon the sabbath day? because they might
accuse him. And he said unto them: which is he among you, if he had a sheep
fallen into a pit on the sabbath day, that would not take him and lift him out?
And how much is a man better then a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do a good
deed on the sabbath day. Then said he to the man: stretch forth thy hand, and
he stretched forth, and it was again made even as whole as the other.
Then the pharisees went forth, and took
council against him, how they might destroy him. When Iesus knew that, he
departed thence, and much people followed him, and he healed them all. and
charged them, that they should not make him known, to fulfil that which was
spoken by Esay the prophet, which sayeth: Behold my son, whom I have chosen, my
darling, in whom my soul hath had delight. I will put my spirit on him, and he
shall shew judgement to the gentiles. He shall not strive, he shall not cry,
neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets, a bruised reed, shall he
not break, and flax that beginneth to burn he shall not quench, till he send
forth judgement unto victory, and in his name shall the gentiles trust.
Then was brought to him, one possessed with
a devil which was both blind and dumb, and he healed him, insomuch that he
which was blind and dumb, both spake and saw. And all the people were amazed,
and said: Is not this the son of David? When the pharisees heard that, they
said: he driveth the devils no other wise out, but by the help of belzebub the
chief of the devils.
But Iesus knew their thoughts, and said to
them. Every kingdom divided with in itself shall be desolate. Neither shall any
city or household divided against itself, continue. So if satan cast out satan,
then is he divided against him self. How shall then his kingdom endure? Also if
I by the help of belzebub cast out devils: by whose help do your children cast
them out? therefore they shall be your judges: But if I cast out the devils by
the spirit of God: then is the kingdom of God come on you?
Either how can a man enter into a mighty man's
house, and violently take away his goods, except he first bind the strong man,
and then spoil his house? He that is not with me, is against me: And he that
gathereth not with me, scattereth abroad. Wherefore I say unto you, all manner
of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men, but the blasphemy against the
holy ghost, shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word
against the son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh
against the holy ghost, it shall not be forgiven him: no, neither in this
world, neither in the world to come.
Either make the tree good, and his fruit
good also, or else make the tree evil, and his fruit evil also. For the tree is
known by his fruit. O generation of vipers, how can ye say well, when ye
yourselves are evil? For of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh. A
good man out of the good treasure of his heart, bringeth forth good things. And
an evil man out of his evil treasure, bringeth forth evil things. But I say
unto you, that of every idle word, that men shall have spoken, they shall give
accounts at the day of judgement. For by thy words thou shalt be justified: and
by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Then answered certain of the scribes and of
the pharisees saying: Master, we would fain see a sign of thee. He answered
them saying: the evil and advoutrous generation seeketh a sign, but there shall
no sign be given to them, but the sign of the prophet Ionas. For as Ionas was
iij days, and iij nights, in the whale's belly: so shall the son of man be iij
days and iij nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh shall rise at
the day of judgement, with this nation, and condemn them: for they repented at
the preaching of Ionas. And behold a greater than Ionas is here. The queen of
the south shall rise at the day of judgement with this generation, and shall
condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the world, to hear the
wisdom of Solomon. And behold here is a greater than Solomon.
When the unclean spirit is gone out of a
man, he walketh throughout dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he
sayeth: I will return again into my house, from whence I came out. And when he
is come, he findeth the house empty and swept, and garnished. Then he goeth his
way, and taketh vij. spirits worse then him self, and so enter they in and
dwell there. And the end of that man is worse than the beginning. Even so shall
it be to this froward nation.
While he yet talked to the people: behold,
his mother and his brethren stood without the doors, desiring to speak with
him. Then one said unto him: behold thy mother and thy brethren stand without,
desiring to speak with thee.
He answered and said to him that told him:
Who is my mother? or who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand over
his disciples, and said: Behold my mother and my brethren. For whosoever
fulfilleth my father's will which is in heaven, he is my brother, my sister,
and my mother.
The
.xiij. Chapter.
The same day went Iesus out of the house,
and sat by the sea side, and much people resorted unto him, so greatly that he
went, and sat in a ship, and all the people stood on the shore. And he spake
many things to them in similitudes, saying: Behold, the sower went forth to sow,
and as he sowed, some fell by the ways side, and the fowls came, and devoured
it up. Some fell upon stony ground where it had not much earth, and anon it
sprong up, because it had no depth of earth: and when the sun was up, it caught
heat, and for lack of rooting withered away. Some fell among thorns, and the
thorns arose, and choked it. Part fell in good ground, and brought forth good
fruit: some an hundred fold, some fifty {or sixty} fold, some thirty fold.
Whosoever hath ears to hear, let him hear.
And
his disciples came, and said to him: Why speakest thou to them in parables? He
answered and said unto them: It is given unto you to know the secrets of the
kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him
shall be given: and he shall have abundance. But whosoever hath not: from him
shall be taken away even that same that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in
similitudes: for though they see, they see not: and hearing they hear not:
nether understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esay, which
prophecy saith: with your ears ye shall hear, and shall not understand, and
with your eyes ye shall see, and shall not perceive. For this people's heart is
waxed gross: And their ears were dull of hearing, and their eyes have they
closed, lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and
should understand with their hearts, and should turn, that I might heal them.
But blessed are your eyes, for they see,
and your ears, for they hear. Verily I say unto you, that many prophets and
perfect men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen
them: and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. Hear ye
therefore the similitude of the sower. When a man heareth the word of the kingdom,
and understandeth it not, there cometh the evil man, and catcheth away that
which was sown in his heart. And this is he which was sown by the way side. But
he that was sown in the stony ground is he, which heareth the word of God, and
anon with joy receiveth it, yet hath no roots in himself, and therefore dureth
but a season: for as soon as tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the
word, by and by he falleth. He that was sown among thorns, is he, that heareth
the word of God, but the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches
choke the word, and so is he made unfruitful. He which is sown in the good
ground, is he, that heareth the word and understandeth it, which also beareth
fruit and bringeth forth, some an hundred fold, some fifty {or sixty} fold, and
some thirty fold.
Another similitude put he forth, unto them
saying: The kingdom of heaven is like unto a man which sowed good seed in his
field. But while men slept, there came his foe, and sowed tares among the
wheat, and went his way. When the blade was sprung up, and had brought forth
fruit, then appeared the tares also. The servants came to the householder, and
said unto him: Sir sowest not thou good seed in thy close, from whence then
hath it tares? He said to them, the envious man hath done this. Then the
servants said unto him: wilt thou then that we go and gather it? and he said,
nay, lest while ye go about to weed out the tares, ye pluck up also with them
the wheat by the roots: let both grow together till harvest come, and in time
of harvest, I will say ye unto my reapers, gather ye first the tares, and bind
them in sheaves to be brent: but gather the wheat into my barn.
Another parable he put forth unto them
saying. The kingdom of heaven is like unto a grain of mustard seed, which a man
taketh and soweth in his field, which is the least of all seeds. But when it is
grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and is a tree: so that the birds of the
air come, and build in the branches of it.
Another similitude said he to them. The
kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven which a woman took and hideth in iij
pecks of meal, till all was leavened.
All these things spake Iesus unto the
people by similitudes, and without similitudes spake he nothing to them, to
fulfil that which was spoken by the prophet saying: I will open my mouth in
similitudes, and will speak forth things which have been kept secret from the
beginning of the world.
Then sent Iesus the people away, and came
to house, and his disciples came unto him, saying: declare unto us the
similitude of the tares of the field: Then answered he and said to them. He
that soweth the good seed, is the son of man, the field is the world. The
children of the kingdom are the good seed. The evil man's children are the
tares. But the enemy which soweth it, is the devil. The harvest is the end of
the world, and the reapers be the angels. For even as the tares are gathered,
and brent in the fire: so shall it be in the end of this world. The son of man
shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all
things that do hurt, and all them which do iniquity, and shall cast them into a
furnace of fire. There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the
just men shine as bright as the son in the kingdom of their father. whosoever
hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto
treasure hid in the field, the which a man found and hid it: and for joy
thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto a
merchant, seeking good pearls, which when he had found one precious pearl, went
and sold all that he had, and bought it.
Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto a
net cast into the sea, that gathereth of all kinds of fishes: the which when it
is full, men draw to land, and sit and gather the good into their vessels and
cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world. The angels shall
come and sever the bad from the good, and shall cast them into a furnace of
fire, there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Iesus said unto them: have ye understood
all these things: they said, ye sir. Then said he unto them: Therefore every
scribe which is conning unto the kingdom of heaven, is like an householder,
which bringeth forth, out of his treasure, things both new and old.
And it came to pass when Iesus had finished
these similitudes that he departed thence, and came in to his own country, and
taught them in their synagogues, in so much that they were astonied, and said:
whence came all this wisdom and power unto him? is not this the carpenter's
son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren be called, Iames and Ioses
and Simon and Iudas? and are not his sisters all here with us? Whence hath he
all these things. And they were hurt by him. Then Iesus said unto them: there
is no prophet without honour, save in his own country, and among his own kin.
And he did not many miracles there, for their unbelief's sake.
The
.xiiij. Chapter.
In that time Herod the tetrarcha heard of
the fame of Iesu, and said unto his servants: This is Ihon baptist, he is risen
again from death, and therefore his power is so great. For Herod took Ihon and
bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife:
for Ihon said unto him: it is not lawful for thee to have her. And when he
would have put him to death, he feared the people, because they counted him as
a prophet.
When Herode's birthday was come, the
daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. Wherefore he
promised with an oath, that he would give her whatsoever she would ask. And she
being informed of her mother before, said give me here Ihon baptist's head in a
platter. And the King sorrowed: nevertheless for his oath's sake, and for their
sakes which sat also at the table, he commanded it to be given her. And sent
and beheaded Ihon in the prison: and his head was brought in a platter, and
given to the damsel, and she brought it to her mother. And his disciples came,
and took up his body, and buried it: And went and told Iesus.
When Iesus heard that, he departed thence
by ship into a desert place out of the way. And when the people had heard
thereof, they followed him afoot out of their cities. And Iesus went forth and
saw much people: and his heart did melt upon them, and he healed of them those
that were sick. When even was come, his disciples came to him saying. This is a
desert place, and the day is spent, let the people depart that they may go into
the towns, and buy them victuals. But Iesus said unto them: They have no need
to go away: Give ye them to eat. Then said they unto him: we have here but v.
loaves, and two fishes. He said: bring them hither to me. And he commanded, the
people to sit down on the grass, and took the v. loaves, and the ij. fishes,
and looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake and gave the loaves to his
disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. And they all ate, and
were sufficed. And they gathered up of the gobbets that remained xij baskets
full. They that ate were in number about v. M. men, besides women and children.
And straightway Iesus made his disciples
enter into a ship, and to go over before him, while he sent the people away.
And as soon as he had sent the people away, he went up into a mountain alone to
pray. And when night was come he was there himself alone. and the ship was in
the middes of the sea, and was tossed with waves, for it was a contrary wind.
In the fourth watch of the night Iesus came unto them walking on the sea: and
when his disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were amazed, saying: it is
some spirit, and cried out for fear. And straightway Iesus spake unto them
saying: be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid.
Peter answered, and said: master, and thou
be he, bid me come unto thee on the water. and he said come. And when Peter was
come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Iesus. But when he
saw a mighty wind, he was afraid. And as he began to sink, he cried saying:
master save me. And immediately Iesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him,
and said to him: O thou of little faith: wherefore didst thou doubt? And as
soon as they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in
the ship came and worshipped him, saying: of a truth thou art the son of God.
And when they were come over, they went in to the land of Genazareth. And when
the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country
round about, and brought unto him all that were sick, and besought him, that
they might touch the border of his vesture only. And as many as touched it,
were made safe.
The .xv.
Chapter.
Then came to Iesus: scribes and pharisees
from Ierusalem, saying: why do thy disciples transgress the traditions of the
seniors? for they wash not their hands, when they eat bread. He answered, and
said unto them: why do ye also transgress the commandment of God, thorow your
traditions? for God commanded, saying: honour thy father and mother, and he
that speaketh evil against his father or mother, shall suffer death. But ye
say, every man shall say to his father or mother: whatsoever thing I offer,
that same doth profit thee, and so shall he not honour his father and mother.
And thus have ye made, that the commandment of God is with out effect, through
your traditions. Hypocrites, well prophesied of you, Esay saying: This people
draweth nigh unto me with their mouths, and honoureth me with their lips, yet
their hearts are far from me: but in vain they worship me teaching doctrine,
which is nothing but men's precepts.
And he called the people unto him, and said
to them: hear and understand. That which goeth into the mouth, defileth not the
man: but that which cometh out of the mouth, defileth the man.
Then came his disciples, and said unto him:
perceivest thou, how that the pharisees are offended hearing this saying? He
answered, and said: all plants which my heavenly father hath not planted, shall
be plucked up by the roots. Let them alone, they be the blind leaders of the
blind. If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
Then answered Peter and said to him:
declare unto us this parable. Then said Iesus: are ye yet withouten
understanding: perceive ye not, that whatsoever goeth in at the mouth,
descendeth down into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But those
things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a
man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, breaking of wedlock,
whoredom, theft, false witness bearing, blasphemy. These are the things which
defile a man. But to eat with unwashen hands, defileth not a man.
And Iesus went thence, and departed into
the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And behold a woman which was a Canaanite came out
of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying: have mercy on me lord the son
of David, my daughter is piteously vexed with a devil. And he gave her never a
word to answer. Then came to him his disciples, and besought him saying: send
her away, for she followeth us crying. He answered, and said: I am not sent,
but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israhel. Then she came and worshipped
him, saying: master succor me. He answered and said: it is not good, to take
the children's bread, and to cast it to whelps. She answered and said: it is
truth, nevertheless the whelps eat of the crumbs, which fall from their
masters' table. Then Iesus answered and said unto her. O woman great is thy
faith, be it to thee, even as thou desirest. And her daughter was made whole
even at that same time.
Then Iesus went away from thence, and came
nigh unto the sea of Galilee, and went up in to a mountain, and sat down there.
And much people came unto him, having with them, halt, blind, dumb, maimed, and
other many: and cast them down at Iesus' feet. And he healed them, in so much
that the people wondered, to see the dumb speak, the maimed whole, and the halt
to go, the blind to see, and glorified the God of Israhel.
Iesus called his disciples to him and said:
I have compassion on the people because they have continued with me now iij
days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not let them depart fasting lest they
perish in the way. And his disciples said unto him: whence should we get so
much bread in the wilderness as should suffice so great a multitude? And Iesus
said unto them: how many loaves have ye? and they said: seven and a few fishes.
And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground. And took the seven
loaves, and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his
disciples, and his disciples gave them to the people. And they all ate and were
sufficed. And they took up of the broken meat that was left vij baskets full.
They that ate were iiij M men, beside women and children. And he sent away the
people, and took ship and came into the parts of Magdala.
The .xvj.
Chapter.
Then came to him the pharisees with the
sadducees also, and did tempt him, desiring that he would shew them some sign
from heaven. He answered and said unto them: At even ye say, we shall have fair
weather, and that because the sky is red: in the morning: ye say, today shall
be foul weather, and that because the sky is tremulous and red. O ye
hypocrites, ye can discern the fashion of the sky: and can ye not discern the
signs of the times? The froward nation, and advoutrous, seeketh a sign: there
shall none other sign be given unto them, but the sign of the prophet Ionas. So
left he them and departed.
And when his disciples were come to the other
side of the water, they had forgotten to take bread with them. Then Iesus said
unto them: Take heed and beware of the leaven of the pharisees and of the
sadducees. They thought among themselves saying: we have brought no bread with
us. When Iesus understood that, he said unto them. O ye of little faith, why
are your minds cumbered because ye have brought no bread? Do ye not yet
perceive, neither remember those v loaves when there were v M men, and how many
baskets took ye up? Neither the vij loaves, when there were iiij M: and how
many baskets took ye up? Why perceive ye not then, that I spake not unto you of
bread, when I said, beware of the leaven of the pharisees and of the sadducees?
Then understood they, how that he bade not them beware of the leaven of bread:
but of the doctrine of the pharisees, and of the sadducees.
When Iesus came into the coasts of the city
which is called Cesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples saying: whom do men
say that I the son of man am? They said, some say that thou art Ihon baptist,
some Helyas, some Ieremias, or one of the prophets. He said unto them, but whom
say ye that I am? Simon Peter answered, and said: Thou art Christ the son of
the living God. And Iesus answered and said to him: happy art thou Simon the
son of Ionas, for flesh and blood have not opened unto thee that, but my father
which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter. And upon
this rock I will build my congregation: and the gates of hell shall not prevail
against it. And I will give unto thee, the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and
whatsoever thou bindest upon earth, it shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever
thou lowsest on earth, it shall be lowsed in heaven.
Then he charged his disciples, that they
should tell no man, that he was Iesus Christ. From that time forth, Iesus began
to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Ierusalem, and suffer many
things of the seniors, and of the high priests, and of the scribes, and must be
killed, and rise again the third day. Peter took him aside, and began to rebuke
him saying: master favor thy self, this shall not come unto thee. Then turned
he about, and said unto Peter: go after me Satan, thou offendest me, because
thou perceivest not godly things: but worldly things.
Iesus then said to his disciples. If any
man will follow me, let him forsake himself, and take up his cross and follow
me. For whosoever will save his life, shall loose it. And whosoever shall loose
his life for my sake, shall find it. What shall it profit a man, if he should
win all the whole world: so he loose his own soul? Or else what shall a man
give to redeem his soul again withall? For the son of man shall come in the
glory of his father, with his angels, and then shall he reward every man according
to his deeds. Verily I say unto you, some there be among them that here stand,
which shall not taste of death, till they shall have seen the son of man come
in his kingdom.
The
.xvij. Chapter.
And after vj days Iesus took Peter and
Iames and Ihon his brother, and brought them up into an high mountain out of
the way, and was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun,
and his clothes were as white as the light. And behold there appeared unto them
Moses and Helyas talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said to Iesus:
master here is good being for us. If thou wilt, let us make here iij
tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Helyas. While he yet
spake, behold a bright cloud shadowed them. And lo a voice out of the cloud
said: This is my dear son, in whom I delight, hear him. And when the disciples
heard that, they fell on their faces, and were sore afraid. And Iesus came and
touched them, and said: arise and be not afraid. Then lift they up their eyes,
and saw no man, but Iesus only.
And as they came down from the mountain, he
charged them saying, see that ye shew this vision to no man, til the son of man
be risen again from death. And his disciples asked of him, saying: Why then say
the scribes, that Helias must first come? Iesus answered, and said unto them:
Helias shall first come, and restore all things. And I say unto you, that
Helias is come already: And they knew him not, but have done unto him
whatsoever they lusted. In likewise shall also the son of man suffer of them.
Then his disciples perceived that he spake unto them of Ihon baptist.
And when they were come to the people,
there came to him a certain man, and kneeled down to him saying: Master have
mercy on my son, for he is frantic, and is sore vexed. And ofttimes falleth
into the fire, and oft into the water, and I brought him to thy disciples, and
they could not heal him. Iesus answered and said: O generation faithless and
crooked: how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him
hither to me. And Iesus rebuked the devil, and he came out. And the child was
healed even that same hour.
Then came his disciples secretly and said:
Why could not we cast him out? Iesus said unto them, because of your unbelief.
For I say verily unto you, if ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye
should say unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place, and he should
remove: Neither should any thing be unpossible for you to do. But this kind,
goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
While they passed the time in Galilee,
Iesus said unto them: the son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men,
and they shall kill him, and the third day he shall rise again. And they
sorrowed greatly.
When they were come to Capernaum: They that
were wont to gather poll money, came to Peter and said: Doth your master pay
tribute? He said: ye. And when he was come into the house, Iesus spake first to
him, saying: What thinkest thou Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take
tribute, or poll money? of their children, or of strangers? Peter said unto
him, of strangers. Then said Iesus unto him again. Then are the children free.
Nevertheless, lest we should offend them, go to the sea and cast in thine
angle, and take the fish that first cometh up: and when thou hast opened his
mouth, thou shalt find a piece of twelve {or twenty} pence, that take and pay
for me and thee.
The
.xviij. Chapter.
The same time the disciples came to Iesus
saying: who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? Iesus called a child unto
him, and set him in the midst of them, and said: Verily I say unto you, except
ye turn, and become as children, ye cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven:
whosoever therefore: shall submit himself: as this child, he is the greatest in
the kingdom of heaven. And whosoever receiveth such a child in my name,
receiveth me. But whosoever offend one of these little ones, which believe in
me: it were better for him, that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and
that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe be unto the world because of
evil occasions. It is necessary that evil occasions be given, nevertheless woe
be to that man, by whom evil occasion cometh. Wherefore if thy hand, or thy
foot, give thee an occasion of evil: cut him off, and cast him from thee. It is
better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather then thou shouldest
having two hands, or two feet, be cast into everlasting fire. And if also thine
eye offend thee, pluck him out and cast him from thee. It is better for thee,
to enter into life with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hellfire.
See that ye despise not one of these little
ones. For I say unto you, that in heaven their angels behold the face of my
father, which is in heaven. Ye and the son of man is come to save that which is
lost. How think ye? If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them should go
astray, will he not leave ninety and nine in the mountains, and go and seek
that one which is gone astray? If it happen that he find him, verily I say unto
you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, then of the ninety and nine which went
not astray. Even so it is not the will of your father in heaven, that one of
these little ones should perish.
Moreover if thy brother trespass against
thee. Go and tell him his fault between him and thee alone. If he hear thee,
thou hast won thy brother: but if he hear thee not, then take yet with thee one
or two, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses, all things may stand. If
he hear not them, tell it unto the congregation: if he hear not the
congregation, take him as an heathen man, and as a publican. Verily I say unto
you whatsoever ye bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven. And whatsoever ye
lowse on earth, shall be lowsed in heaven.
Again I say unto you that if two of you
shall agree in earth in any manner thing whatsoever they shall desire: it shall
be given them of my father which is in heaven. For where two or three are
gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Then came Peter to him, and said: master,
how oft shall my brother trespass against me, and I shall forgive him? shall I
forgive him seven times? Iesus said unto him: I say not unto thee seven times:
but seventy times seven times. Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto
a certain king, which would take accounts of his servants, and when he had
begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which ought him ten thousand
talents: but when he had nought to pay, the lord commanded him to be sold, and
his wife, and his children: and all that he had, and payment to be made. The
servant fell down and besought him saying: Sir, give me respite, and I will pay
it every whit. Then had the lord pity on that servant, and lowsed him, and
forgave him the debt.
The same servant went out and found one of
his fellows, which ought him an hundred pence. And laid hands on him, and took
him by the throat, saying: pay that thou owest. And his fellow fell down, and
besought him, saying: have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he
would not, but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. When
his other fellows saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told
unto their lord all that had happened. Then the lord called him, and said unto
him. O evil servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou praydest me:
was it not mete also, that thou shouldest have had compassion on thy fellow,
even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the
jailers, till he should pay all that was due to him. So likewise shall your
heavenly father do unto you, if ye will not forgive with your hearts, each one
to his brother their trespasses.
The .xix.
Chapter.
And it followed when Iesus had finished
those sayings, he gat him from Galilee, and came into the coasts off Iewry
beyond Iordan, and much people followed him, and he healed them there. Then
came unto him the pharisees to tempt him, and said to him: Is it lawful for a
man to put away his wife for all manner of causes? He answered, and said unto
them: Have ye not read, how that he which made man at the beginning, made them
man and woman? and said: for this thing, shall a man leave father and mother,
and cleave unto his wife, and they twain shall be one flesh. Wherefore now are
they not twain, but one flesh. Let not man therefore put asunder, that which
God hath coupled together. Then said they to him: why did Moses command to give
unto her a testimonial of divorcement, and to put her away? He said unto them:
Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your
wives: But from the beginning it was not so. I say therefore unto you,
whosoever putteth away his wife (except it be for fornication) and marrieth
another, breaketh wedlock. And whosoever marrieth her which is divorced, doth
commit advoutry.
Then spake his disciples to him: if the
matter be so between man and wife, then is it not good to marry. He said unto
them: all men cannot away with that saying: but they to whom it is given. There
are chaste, which were so born out of their mother's belly. And there are
chaste, which be made chaste of men. And there be chaste, which have made
themselves chaste for the kingdom of heavens' sake. He that can take it let him
take it.
Then were brought to him young children,
that he should put his hands on them and pray. And his disciples rebuked them.
Iesus said unto them: suffer the children, and forbid them not to come to me,
for unto such belongeth the kingdom of heaven. And when he had put his hands on
them, he departed thence. And behold one came, and said unto him: good master,
what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? He said unto him: why
callest thou me good? there is none good but one, and that is God. But and thou
wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He said: Which? And Iesus said:
thou shalt not kill: thou shalt not break wedlock. Thou shall not steal: thou
shalt not bear false witness. Honour father and mother: and thou shalt love
thine neighbor as thyself. The young man said unto him: I have observed all
these things from my youth, what have I more to do? Iesus said unto him: if
thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give it to the poor, and
thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come and follow me. When the young man
heard that saying, he went away mourning. For he had great possessions.
Iesus said then unto his disciples: Verily
I say unto you, a rich man shall with difficulty enter into the kingdom of
heaven. And moreover I say unto you: it is easier for a camel to go through the
eye of a needle, then for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of Heaven. When
his disciples heard that, they were exceedingly amazed, saying: who then can be
saved? Iesus beheld them, and said unto them: with men this is unpossible, but
with God all things are possible.
Then answered Peter, and said to him:
Behold, we have forsaken all and have followed thee: what shall we have
therefore? Iesus said unto them: verily I say unto you: that ye which have
followed me in the second generation (when the son of man shall sit in the seat
of his majesty) shall sit also upon xij seats, and judge the xij tribes of
Israhel. And whosoever forsaketh house, or brethren, or sisters, other father,
or mother, or wife, or children, or livelihood, {or lands,} for my name's sake,
the same shall receive an hundred fold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
Many that are first, shall be last, and the last, shall be first.
The .xx.
Chapter.
For the kingdom of heaven is like unto an
householder which went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his
vineyard. And he agreed with the laborers for a penny a day and sent them into
his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw other standing idle
in the market place, and said unto them: go ye also into my vineyard, and
whatsoever is right, I will give you: and they went their way. Again he went
out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And he went out about the
eleventh hour and found other standing idle, and said unto them: Why stand ye
here all the day idle? They said unto him: because no man hath hired us. He
said to them: go ye also into my vineyard, and whatsoever shall be right, that
shall ye receive.
When even was come, the lord of the
vineyard, said unto his steward: call the laborers, and give them their hire,
beginning at the last, till thou come to the first. And they which were hired
about the eleventh hour, came and received every man a penny. Then came the
first, supposing that they should receive more, and they likewise received
every man a penny. And when they had received it, they grudged against the good
man of the house saying: These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast
made them equal unto us which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
He answered to one of them, saying: friend
I do thee no wrong: didst thou not agree with me for a penny? Take that which
is thy duty, and go thy way. I will give unto this last, as much as to thee. Is
it not lawful for me to do as me listeth with mine own? Is thine eye evil
because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first shall be last. For
many are called, and few be chosen.
And Iesus ascended to Ierusalem, and took
the xij disciples apart in the way, and said to them: Lo we go up to Ierusalem,
and the son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests, and unto the
scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the
gentiles, to be mocked, to be scourged, and to be crucified: and the third day
he shall rise again.
Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's
children with her sons worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. He
said unto her: What wilt thou have? She said unto him: Grant that these my two
sons may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand in thy
kingdom.
Iesus answered, and said: Ye wot not what
ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of? And to be
baptised with the baptism, that I shall be baptised with? They answered to him:
That we are. He said unto them: Ye shall drink of my cup, and shall be baptised
with the baptism that I shall be baptised with all. But to sit on my right
hand, and on my left hand, is not mine to give you: but to them for whom it is
prepared of my father.
And when the ten heard this, they disdained
at the two brethren. But Iesus called them unto him, and said: Ye know, that
the lords of the gentiles have domination over them. And they that are great,
exercise power over them. It shall not be so among you: But whosoever will be
great among you, let him be your minister, and whosoever will be chief, let him
be your servant. Even as the son of man came, not to be ministered unto, but to
minister: and to give his life for the redemption of many.
And as they departed from Hiericho, much
people followed him. And behold, two blind men sitting by the wayside, when
they heard, that Iesus passed by, cried saying: Master the son of David have
mercy on us. And the people rebuffed them, because they should hold their
peace: But they cried the more, saying: have mercy on us master which art the
son of David. Then Iesus stood still, and called them, and said: what will ye
that I should do to you? They said unto him: Master, that our eyes may be
opened. Iesus pitied them, and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes
received sight: And they followed him.
The .xxj.
Chapter.
When they drew nigh unto Ierusalem, and
were come to Bethphage, unto mount Olivet, then sent Iesus two of his
disciples, saying to them: Go into the town that lieth over against you, and
anon ye shall find an ass bound, and her colt with her, loose them and bring
them unto me. And if any man say ought unto you, say ye that your master hath
need of them, and straight way he will let them go. All this was done, to
fulfil that which was spoken by the prophet, saying: Tell ye the daughter of
Sion: behold thy king cometh unto thee meek, sitting upon an ass and a colt,
the foal of an ass used to the yoke. The disciples went, and did as Iesus
commanded them, and brought the ass and the colt, and put on them their
clothes, and set him thereon. Many of the people spread their garments in the
way. Other cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. Moreover
the people that went before, and they also that came after, cried saying:
Hosianna to the son of David. Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the
lord, Hosianna in the highest.
And when he was come into Ierusalem, all
the city was moved, saying: who is this? And the people said: this is Iesus the
prophet of Nazareth a city of Galilee. And Iesus went into the temple of God,
and cast out all them that bought and sold in the temple, and overthrew the
tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves. And said to
them: it is written, mine house shall be called the house of prayer, but ye
have made it a den of thieves. And the blind and the halt came to him in the
temple, and he healed them.
When the chief priests and scribes saw, the
marvels that he did, and the children crying in the temple and saying, Hosianna
to the son of David, they disdained, and said unto him: hearest thou what these
say? Iesus said unto them: have ye never read, of the mouth of babes and
sucklings thou hast ordained praise? And he left them, and went out of the city
unto Bethany, and passed the time there.
In the morning as he returned into the city
again, he hungered, and spied a fig tree in the way, and came to it, and found
nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said to it, never fruit grow on thee
hence forwards. And anon the fig tree withered away. And when his disciples saw
that, they marvelled saying: How soon is the fig tree withered away? Iesus
answered, and said unto them: Verily I say unto you, if ye shall have faith,
and shall not doubt, ye shall not only do that which I have done to the fig
tree: but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, take thyself away, and cast
thyself into the sea, it shall be done. And whatsoever thing ye shall ask in
your prayers if ye believe, ye shall receive it.
And when he was come into the temple, the
chief priests and the seniors of the people came unto him as he was teaching,
and said: by what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this power?
Iesus answered, and said unto them: I also will ask of you a certain question,
which if ye assoil me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do
these things. Whence was the baptism of Ihon? from heaven, or of men? And they
thought in themselves, saying: if we shall say, from heaven, he will say unto
us: why did ye not then believe him? But and if we shall say of men, then fear
we the people. For all men held Ihon as a prophet. And they answered Iesus, and
said: we cannot tell. He likewise said unto them: neither tell I you by what
authority I do these things. What say ye to this? A certain man had ij sons,
and came to the elder saying: go and work today in my vineyard. He answered and
said, I will not: but afterward repented and went. Then came he to the second,
and said likewise, and he answered and said: I will sir: yet went he not.
Whether of these ij fulfilled their father's will? And they said unto him: the
first. Iesus said unto them: verily I say unto you, that the publicans and the
harlots shall come into the kingdom of God before you. For Ihon came unto you,
in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not. But the publicans and the
whores believed him. But ye (though ye saw it) yet were not moved with
repentance, that ye might afterward have believed him.
Hearken another similitude. There was a
certain householder, which set a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and made
a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went
into a strange country. And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his
servants to the husbandmen, to receive the fruits of it, and the husbandmen
caught his servants, and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he
sent other servants more than the first, and they served them likewise. But
last of all, he sent unto them his own son, saying: they will fear my son. When
the husbandmen saw his son, they said among themselves: This is the heir, come
on let us kill him, and let us take his inheritance to ourselves. And they
caught him and thrust him out of the vineyard, and slew him. When the lord of
the vineyard cometh: what will he do with those husbandmen? They said unto him:
he will evil destroy those evil persons, and will let out his vineyard unto
other husbandmen, which shall deliver him his fruit at times convenient.
Iesus said unto them: did ye never read in
the scriptures? The same stone which the builders refused, is set in the
principal part of the corner: this was the lord's doing, and it is marvelous in
our eyes. Therefore say I unto you, the kingdom of God shall be taken from you,
and shall be given to the Gentiles which shall bring forth the fruits of it.
And whosoever shall fall on this stone, shall be alto broken. And whosoever
this stone shall fall upon, he shall grind him to powder. And when the chief
priests and pharisees heard these similitudes they perceived that he spake of
them. And they went about to lay hands on him, but they feared the people,
because they counted him as a prophet.
The .xxij.
Chapter.
And Iesus
answered and spake unto them again, in similitudes, saying:
The kingdom of heaven is like unto a
certain King, which married his son, and sent forth his servants, to call them
that were bid to the wedding, and they would not come. Again he sent forth
other servants, saying: tell them which are bidden: Lo I have prepared my
dinner, mine oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready, come
unto the marriage. They made light of it, and went their ways: one to his firm
place, another about his merchandise, the remnant took his servants and
intreated them ungodly, and slew them. When the king heard that, he was wroth,
and sent forth his warriors and destroyed those murderers, and burnt up their
city.
Then said he to his servants: The wedding
was prepared: but they which were bidden thereto, were not worthy. Go ye
therefore out into the highways, and as many as ye find, bid them to the
marriage. The servants went out into the ways, and gathered together as many as
they could find, both good and bad, and the wedding was furnished with guests.
The king came in, to visit the guests, and spied there a man which had not on a
wedding garment, and said unto him: friend, how camest thou in hither, and *
hast not on a wedding garment? and he was even speechless. Then said the king
to his ministers: take and bind him hand and foot, and cast him into utter
darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called and
few be chosen.
Then went the pharisees and took counsel,
how they might tangle him in his words. And sent unto him their disciples with
Herod's servants, saying: Master, we know that thou art true, and that thou
teachest the way of God truly, neither carest for any man, for thou considerest
not men's estate. Tell us therefore: how thinkest thou? is it lawful to give
tribute unto Cesar, or not? Iesus perceived their wickedness, and said: Why
tempt ye me ye hypocrites? let me see the tribute money. And they took him a
penny. And he said unto them: whose is this image and superscription? They said
unto him: Cesar's. Then said he unto them: Give therefore to Cesar, that which
is Cesar's: and give unto God, that which is God's. When they heard that they
marvelled, and left him and went their way.
The same day the sadducees came to him
(which say that there is no resurrection) and they asked him saying: Master,
Moses bade, if a man die having no children, that the brother marry his wife,
and raise up seed unto his brother. There were with us seven brethren, the
first married and died without issue, and left his wife unto his brother.
Likewise the second and the third, unto the seventh: Last of all the woman died
also. Now in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the vij? for all had
her. Iesus answered and said unto them: ye are deceived, and know not what the
scripture meaneth, nor yet the virtue of God. For in the resurrection they
neither marry nor are married: but are as the angels of God in heaven.
As touching the resurrection of the dead:
have ye not read what is said unto you of God, which sayeth: I am Abraham's
God, and Isaac's God, and the God of Iacob? God is not the God of the dead: but
of the living. And when the people heard that, they were astonied at his
doctrine.
When the pharisees had heard, how that he
had put the Sadducees to silence, they drew to gether, and one of them which
was a doctor of law asked him a question tempting him and saying: Master which
is the great commandment in the law? Iesus said unto him: thou shalt love thy
lord God with all thine heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This
is the first and that great commandment. And there is another like unto this.
Thou shalt love thine neighbor as thyself. In these two commandments, hang all
the law and the prophets.
While the pharisees were gathered together
Iesus asked them saying: what think ye of Christ? whose son is he? they said
unto him: the son of David. He said unto them: how then doth David in spirit
call him lord, saying? The lord said to my lord, sit on my right hand: till I
make thine enemies thy footstool. If David call him lord: how is he then his
son? And none of them could answer him again one word. Neither durst any from
that day forth, ask him any more questions.
The
.xxiij. Chapter.
Then spake Iesus to the people, and to his
disciples, saying: The scribes and the pharisees sit in Moses' seat, whatsoever
they bid you observe, that observe and do: but after their works do not: for
they say, and do not. Ye and they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne,
and lay them on men's shoulders: but they themselves will not heave them with
one finger. All their works they do, for to be seen of men. They set abroad
their phylacteries, and make large borders on their garments, and love to sit
uppermost at feasts, and to have the chief seats in the synagogues, and
greetings in the markets and to be called of men Rabbi.
But ye shall not suffer yourselves to be
called Rabbi, for one is your master, that is to wit Christ, and all ye are
brethren. And call ye no man your father upon the earth, for one is your
father, and he is in heaven. Be not called masters, for one is your master, and
he is Christ. He that is greatest among you, shall be your servant. But
whosoever exalteth himself, shall be brought low. And he that submiteth
himself, shall be exalted.
Woe be unto you scribes and pharisees
dissemblers, for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven before men: ye yourselves go
not in, neither suffer ye them that come to enter in.
Woe be unto you scribes and pharisees, for
ye devour widows' houses, and that under a colour of praying long prayers,
wherefore ye shall receive greater damnation.
Woe be unto you scribes and pharisees
hypocrites, for ye compass sea and land, to bring one into your belief: and
when ye have brought him ye make him two fold more the child of hell, than ye
yourselves are.
Woe be unto you blind guides, for ye say:
whosoever swear by the temple, it is nothing: but whosoever swear by the gold
of the temple, he is debtor. Ye fools and blind? whether is greater, the gold,
or the temple that sanctifieth the gold. And whosoever sweareth by the altar it
is nothing: but whosoever sweareth by the offering that lieth on the altar is
debtor. Ye fools and blind: whether is greater the offering, or the altar which
sanctifieth the offering? whosoever therefore sweareth by the altar, sweareth
by it, and by all that thereon is. And whosoever sweareth by the temple
sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. And he that sweareth by
heaven, sweareth by the seat of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.
Woe be to you scribes and pharisees
dissemblers, for ye tithe mint, annise, and cummin, and leave the weightier
matters of the law undone: judgement, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have
done, and not to have left the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain out
a gnat, and swallow a camel.
Woe be to you scribes and pharisees
hypocrites, for ye make clean the outer side of the cup, and of the platter:
but within they are full of bribery and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse
first, that which is within the cup and the platter, that the outside may also
be clean.
Woe be to you scribes, and pharisees
hypocrites, for ye are like unto painted tombs which appear beautiful outwards:
but are within full of dead men's bones and of all filthiness. So are ye, for
outward ye appear righteous unto men, when within ye are full of dissimulation
and iniquity.
Woe be unto you scribes and pharisees
hypocrites, for ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchers
of just men, and say: If we had been in our fathers' time, we would not have
been partners with them in the blood of the prophets. So are ye be witnesses
unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them, which killed the prophets.
Fulfil ye likewise the measure of your fathers: ye serpents and generation of
vipers, how shall ye scape the damnation of hell?
Wherefore behold I send unto you, prophets
wise men and scribes, and of them some shall ye kill and crucify, and some
shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city, that all
righteous blood may fall upon you, which was shed upon the earth, from the
blood of righteous Abel, unto the blood of Zacharias the son of Barachias, whom
ye slew between the temple and the altar: Verily I say unto you, all these
things shall light upon this generation. Hierusalem Hierusalem which killest
prophets, and stonest them which are sent to thee: how often would I have
gathered thy children together, as the hen gathereth her chickens under her
wings? but ye would not? behold your habitation shall be left unto you
desolate. For I say unto you, ye shall not see me henceforth, till that ye say:
blessed is he that cometh in the name of the lord.
The
.xxiiij. Chapter.
And Iesus went out and departed from the
temple: and his disciples came to him, for to shew him the building of the
temple. Iesus said unto them: see ye not all these things? Verily I say unto
you: There shall not be here left one stone upon another, that shall not be
destroyed.
And as he sat upon the mount Olivet, his
disciples came unto him secretly saying: Tell us, when this shall be? and what
sign shall be of thy coming, and of the end of the world? and Iesus answered,
and said unto them: take heed that no man deceive you, for many shall come in
my name saying: I am Christ: and shall deceive many.
Ye shall hear of wars, and of the noise of
wars, but see that ye be not troubled, for all these things must come to pass,
but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and realm against
realm: and there shall be pestilence, and hunger, and earthquakes in all
quarters. All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Then shall they put you to trouble, and
shall kill you, and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake: and
then shall many fall, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one the
other, and many false prophets shall arise, and shall deceive many: and because
iniquity shall have the upper hand, the love of many shall abate. But he that
endureth to the end shall be safe. And this Gospel of the kingdom shall be
preached in all the world, for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the
end come.
When ye then shall see the abomination and
desolation (spoken of by Daniel the prophet) stand in the holy place: whosoever
readeth it, let him understand it. Then let them which be in Iury fly into the
mountains. And let him which is on the housetop, not come down to take anything
out of his house. Neither let him which is in the field, return back to fetch
his clothes. Woe be in those days to them that are with child, and to them that
give suck. But pray that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the
Sabbath day. For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not from the
beginning of the world to this time, nor shall be. Ye and except those days
should be shortened, should no flesh be saved: But for the chosens' sake those
days shall be shortened.
Then if any man shall say unto you: lo,
here is Christ, or there is Christ: believe it not: for there shall arise false
christs, and false prophets and shall give great signs and wonders. So greatly
that if it were possible, even the chosen should be brought into error. Take
heed I have told you before. If they shall say unto you: lo, he is in the
desert, go not forth: lo, he is in the secret places, believe not. For as the
lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth unto the west: so shall the coming
of the son of man be. For wheresoever a dead body is, even thither will the
eagles resort.
Immediately after the tribulations of those
days, shall the sun be darkeneth: and the moon shall not give her light, and
the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven shall move. And then
shall appear the sign of the son of man in heaven. And then shall all the
kindreds of the earth mourn, and they shall see the son of man come in the
clouds of heaven with power and great majesty: And he shall send his angels
with the great voice of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his chosen
from the four winds, and from the one end of the world to the other.
Learn a similitude of the fig tree: when
his branches are yet tender, and his leaves sprung, ye know that summer is
nigh. So likewise when ye see all these things, be ye sure that it is near even
at the doors. Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till
all be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall perish: but my words shall abide. But
of that day and hour knoweth no man, no not the angels of heaven, but my father
only.
As the time of Noe was, so likewise shall
the coming of the son of man be. For as in the days before the flood: they did
eat and drink, marry, and were married, even unto the day that Noe entered in
to the ship, and knew of nothing till the flood came and took them all away. So
shall also the coming of the son of man be. Then two shall be in the fields,
the one shall be received, and the other shall be refused, two shall be
grinding at the mill: the one shall be received, and the other shall be
refused.
Wake therefore, because ye know not what
hour your master will come. Of this be sure, that if the good man of the house
knew what hour the thief would come: he would surely watch, and not suffer his
house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready, for what hour ye think least
on, in the same shall the son of man come. Who is a faithful servant and wise,
whom his master hath made ruler over his household, for to give them meat in
season convenient? happy is that servant whom his master (when he cometh) shall
find so doing. Verily I say unto you, he shall make him ruler over all his
goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, my master will
defer his coming, and begin to smite his fellows: ye and to eat and to drink
with the drunken: that servants master will come in a day when he looketh not
for him: and in an hour that he is not ware of, and will divide him, and give
him his reward with hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
The .xxv.
Chapter.
Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened
unto x virgins, which took their lamps, and went to meet the bridegroom: five
of them were foolish, and five were wise. The foolish took their lamps, but
took none oil with them. But the wise took oil with them in their vessels with
their lamps also. While the bridegroom tarried, all slumbered and slept. And
even at midnight, there was a cry made: behold, the bridegroom cometh, go and
meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and prepared their lamps. And the
foolish said to the wise: give us of your oil, for our lamps go out? But the
wise answered, saying: not so, lest there be not enough for us and you, but go
rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. In conclusion while they went
to buy, the bridegroom came: and they that were ready, went in with him to the
wedding, and the gate was shut up. Afterwards came also the other virgins,
saying: master master, open to us. But he answered, and said: verily I say unto
you: I know you not: look that ye watch therefore, for ye know neither the day
nor yet the hour, when the son of man shall come.
Likewise as a certain man ready to take his
journey to a strange country, called his servants to him, and delivered to them
his goods. And unto one he gave v. talents, to another ij. and to another one:
to every man after his ability, and straight way departed. Then he that had
received the five talents, went and bestowed them, and won other five. Likewise
he that received ij gained other ij. But he that received one, went and digged
a pit in the earth and hid his master's money. After a long season the lord of
those servants came, and reckoned with them. Then came he that had received five
talents, and brought other five saying: master, thou deliveredst unto me five
talents, lo I have gained with them five more. His master said unto him: well
good servant and faithful, Thou hast been faithful in little, I will make thee
ruler over much: enter in into thy master's joy. Also he that received ij
talents came, and said: master, thou deliveredest unto me ij talents: lo I have
won ij other talents with them. His master said unto him, well good servant and
faithful thou hast been faithful in little, I will make thee ruler over much,
go in into thy master's joy.
He which had received the one talent came
also, and said: master, I considered that thou wast an hard man, which reapest
where thou sowedst not, and gatherest where thou strawedst not, and was afraid,
and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, thou hast thine own. His master
answered, and said unto him: evil servant and slothful, thou knewest that I
reap where I sowed not, and gather where I strawed not: thou oughtest therefore
to have had my money to the changers, and then at my coming should I have
received my money with vantage. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it
unto him which hath x. talents. For unto every man that hath shall be given,
and he shall have abundance. And from him that hath not, shall be taken away,
even that he hath. And cast that unprofitable servant into utter darkness,
there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
When the son of man shall come in his
majesty, and all his holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the seat of
his majesty, and before him shall be gathered all nations. And he shall sever
them one from another, as a shepherd putteth asunder the sheep from the goats.
And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, and the goats on the left hand.
Then shall the King say to them on his right hand: Come ye blessed children of
my father, inherit ye the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the
world. For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat. I thirsted, and ye gave me
drink. I was harborless, and ye lodged me. I was naked and ye clothed me: I was
sick and ye visited me. I was in prison and ye came unto me.
Then shall the just answer him saying:
master, when, saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or a thirst, and gave thee
drink? when saw we thee harborless, and lodged thee? or naked and clothed thee?
or when saw we thee sick, or in prison and came unto thee? And the king shall
answer and say unto them: verily I say unto you: in as much as ye have done it
unto one of the least of these my brethren: ye have done it to me.
Then shall the king say unto them that
shall be on the left hand: depart from me ye cursed, into everlasting fire,
which is prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was an hungered, and ye
gave me no meat. I thirsted, and ye gave me no drink. I was harborless, and ye
lodged me not. I was naked, and ye clothed me not. I was sick and in prison,
and ye visited me not.
Then shall they also answer him saying:
master, when saw we thee an hungered, or a thirst, or harborless, or naked, or
sick, or in prison, and have not ministered unto thee? then shall he answer
them, and say: Verily I say unto you, in as much as ye did it not to one of the
least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go into everlasting pain:
And the righteous into life eternal.
The
.xxvj. Chapter.
And it followed: when Iesus had finished
all these sayings, he said unto his disciples: ye know that after ij. days
shall be ester, and the son of man shall be delivered to be crucified.
Then assembled together the chief priests
and scribes and seniors of the people into the palace of the high priest,
called Caiphas: and held a counsel, how they might take Iesus by subtlety, and
kill him. but they said, not on the holy day, lest any trouble arise among the
people.
When Iesus was in Bethany, in the house of
Simon the leper, there came unto him a woman, which had an alabaster box of
precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at the board. When his
disciples saw that, they had indignation saying: what needed this waste? This
ointment might have been well sold, and given to the poor. When Iesus
understood that, he said unto them: why trouble ye the woman? she hath wrought
a good work upon me. For ye shall have poor folk always with you: but me shall
ye not have always. And in that she casted this ointment on my body, she did it
to bury me with all. Verily I say unto you, wheresoever this gospel shall be
preached throughout all the world, there shall also this that she hath done, be
told for a memorial of her.
Then one of the twelve called Iudas
Iscariot went unto the chief priests, and said: what will ye give me, and I
will deliver him unto you? And they appointed unto him thirty pieces of silver.
And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
The first day of unleavened bread the
disciples came to Iesus saying unto him: where wilt thou that we prepare for
thee to eat the ester lamb? And he said: Go into the city, unto such a man, and
say to him: the master saith, my time is almost come, I will keep mine ester at
thy house with my disciples. And the disciples did as Iesus had appointed them,
and made ready the ester lamb.
When the even was come, he sat down with
the xij. And as they did eat, he said: Verily I say unto you, that one of you
shall betray me. And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them
to say unto him: is it I master? He answered and said: he that dippeth his hand
with me in the dish, shall betray me. The son of man goeth as it is written of
him: but woe be to that man, by whom the son of man shall be betrayed. It had
been good for that man, if he had never been born.
Then Iudas which betrayed him, answered and
said: is it I master? He said unto him: thou hast said. As they did ate, Iesus
took bread and gave thanks, brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said:
Take, eat, this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it
them, saying: drink of it every one. This is my blood of the new testament,
which shall be shed for many, for the forgiveness of sins. I say unto you: I
will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine tree, until that day, when
I shall drink it new with you in my father's kingdom.
And when they had said grace, they went out
into mount olivet. Then said Iesus unto them: all ye shall fall this night
because of me. For it is written: I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of
the flock shall be scattered abroad. But after I am risen again, I will go
before you into Galile. Peter answered, and said unto him: though all men
should be hurt by thee, yet would I not be hurt. Iesus said unto him: verily I
say unto thee, that this same night before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me
thrice. Peter said unto him: If I should die with thee, yet will I not deny
thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.
Then went Iesus with them into a place,
which is called Gethsemane, and said unto his disciples: sit ye here while I go
and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebede, and
began to wax sorrowful and to be in agony. Then said Iesus unto them: my soul
is heavy even unto the death. Tarry ye here: and watch with me. And he went
away a little apart, and fell flat on his face, and prayed saying: O my father,
if it possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as
thou wilt. And he came unto the disciples, and found them asleep, and said to
Peter: what, could ye not watch with me one hour? watch and pray, that ye fall
not into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
He went away once more, and prayed, saying:
O my father, if this cup cannot pass away from me, but that I drink of it, thy
will be fulfilled. And he came, and found them asleep again. For their eyes
were heavy. And he left and went again, and prayed the third time saying the
same words. Then came he to his disciples and said unto them: Sleep henceforth,
and take your rest. Take heed the hour is at hand, and the son of man shall be
betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going, he is at hand that
shall betray me.
While he yet spake, lo, Iudas one of the
twelve came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, which were
sent from the chief priests and seniors of the people. He that betrayed him,
gave them a token, saying: whosoever I kiss, that same is he, lay hands on him.
And forth with all he came to Iesus, and said: hail master. And kissed him. And
Iesus said unto him: friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they and laid
hands on Iesus and took him.
And behold, one of them which were with
Iesus, stretched out his hand and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the
high priest, and smote off his ear. Then said Iesus unto him: put up thy sword
into his sheath. For all they that lay hands on the sword, shall perish with
the sword. Either thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my father, and he
shall give me more than xij. legions of angels? how then should the scriptures
be fulfilled, for so must it be.
The same time said Iesus to the multitude:
ye be come out as it were unto a thief, with swords and staves for to take me:
daily I sat among you teaching in the temple, and ye took me not. All this was
done that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the
disciples forsook him and fled. And they took Iesus and led him to Caiphas the
high priest, where the scribes and the seniors where assembled. Peter followed
him afar off, unto the high priest's place: and went in, and sat with the
servants to see the end.
The chief priests, and the seniors, and all
the council, sought false witness against Iesus, for to put him to death, and
they found none: in so much that when many false witnesses came, yet found they
none. At the last came two false witnesses, and said: This fellow said: I can
destroy the temple of God, and build the same in iij days.
And the chief priest arose, and said to
him: answerest thou nothing? How is it that these bear witness against thee?
but Iesus held his peace. And the chief priest answered, and said to him: I
charge thee in the name of the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be
Christ the son of God. Iesus said to him: thou hast said. Nevertheless I say
unto you, hereafter shall ye see the son of man sitting on the right hand of
power, and come in the clouds of the sky.
Then the high priest rent his clothes
saying? He hath blasphemed: what need we of any more witnesses? Lo, now have ye
heard his blasphemy: what think ye? They answered and said: he is worthy to
die. Then spat they in his face, and beat him with their fists. And other smote
him with the palm of their hands on the face, saying: areed to us Christ, who
is he that smote thee?
Peter sat without in the palace, and a
damsel came to him, saying: Thou also wast with Iesus of Galilee: he denied
before them all saying: I wot not what thou sayest. When he was gone out into
the porch, another wench saw him, and said unto them that were there: This
fellow was also with Iesus of Nazareth: And again he denied with an oath, and
said: I know not the man. And after a while came unto him they that stood by,
and said unto Peter: surely thou art even one of them, for thy speech betrayeth
thee. Then began he to curse and to swear, that he knew not the man. And
immediately the cock crew. And Peter remembered the words of Iesu, which he
said unto him: before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice: and went out at
the doors and wept bitterly.
The
.xxvij. Chapter.
When the morning was come, all the chief
priests and seniors of the people held a counsel against Iesu, to put him to
death, and brought him bound and delivered him unto Pontius Pilate the deputy.
Then when Iudas which betrayed him, saw
that he was condemned, he repented himself, and brought again the xxx. plates
of silver to the chief priests and seniors saying: I have sinned betraying the
innocent blood. And they said: what is that to us? see thou to that. And he
cast down the silver plates in the temple, and departed, and went and hung
himself.
The chief priests took the silver plates
and said: it is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the
price of blood. And they took counsel, and bought with them a potter's field to
bury strangers in. Wherefore that field is called, the field of blood, until
this day. Then was fulfilled, that which was spoken by Ieremy the prophet,
saying: and they took xxx. silver plates, the value of him that was priced,
whom they bought of the children of Israhel, and they gave them for the
potter's field, as the lord appointed me.
Iesus stood before the deputy: and the
deputy asked him, saying: Art thou the king of the jewes? Iesus said unto him:
Thou sayest. When he was accused of the chief priests and seniors, he answered
nothing. Then said Pilate unto him: hearest thou not how many things they lay
against thee? and he answered him to never a word: in so much that the deputy
marvelled very sore.
At that feast, the deputy was wont to
deliver unto the people a prisoner whom they would choose. He had then a
notable prisoner called Barabbas. And when they were gathered together, Pilate
said unto them: whether will ye that I give loose unto you, Barabbas, or Iesus
which is called Christ? For he knew well, that for envy they had delivered him.
When he was set down to give judgement, his
wife sent to him, saying: have thou nothing to do with that just man, I have
suffered many things this day in my sleep about him.
The chief priests and the seniors had
persuaded the people, that they should ask Barabbas, and should destroy Iesus.
The deputy answered and said unto them: whether of the twain will ye that I let
loose unto you? And they said, Barabbas. Pilate said unto them: what shall I do
then with Iesus, which is called Christ? They all said to him: let him be
crucified. Then said the deputy: what evil hath he done? And they cried the
more saying: let him be crucified.
When Pilate saw that he prevailed nothing,
but that more business was made, he took water and washed his hands before the
people saying: I am innocent of the blood of this just person, and that ye
shall see. Then answered all the people, and said: his blood fall on us, and on
our children. Then let he Barabbas loose unto them, and scourged Iesus, and
delivered him to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the deputy took Iesus unto
the common hall, and gathered unto him all the company. And they stripped him,
and put on him a purple robe, and plaited a crown of thorns and put upon his
head, and a reed in his right hand. And bowed their knees before him, saying:
hail king of the jewes, and spitted upon him, and took the reed and smote him
on the head.
And when they had mocked him, they took the
robe off him again, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify
him. And as they came out, they found a man of Cyren, named Simon: him they
compelled to bear his cross. And came unto the place, which is called Golgotha
(that is to say a place of dead men's skulls) they gave him vinegar to drink
mixt with gall. And when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.
When they had crucified him, they parted
his garments, and did cast lots. To fulfil that was spoken by the prophet: They
divided my garments among them: and upon my vesture have cast lots. And they
sat and watched him there. And they set up over his head the cause of his death
written: This is Iesus the king of the jewes. And there were two thieves
crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left hand.
They that passed by, reviled him wagging
their heads and saying: Thou that destroyest the temple of God, and buildest it
in three days save thyself. If thou be the son of God, come down from the
cross. Likewise also the prelates mocking him with the scribes and seniors
said: He saved other, himself he cannot save. If he be the king of Israhell:
let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in
God, let God deliver him now if he will have him, for he said, I am the son of
God. That same also the thieves, which were crucified with him cast in his
teeth.
From the sixth hour was there darkness over
all the land unto the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Iesus cried with a
loud voice, saying: Eli Eli lama sabathani. That is to say, my God, my God, why
hast thou forsaken me? Some of them that stood there, when they heard that
said: This man calleth for Helias. And straightway one of them ran and took a
sponge and filled it full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to
drink. Other said let be, let us see whether Helias will come and deliver him.
Iesus cried again with a loud voice and yielded up the ghost.
And behold the veil of the temple was rent
in twain from the top to the bottom, and the earth did quake, and the stones
did rent, and graves did open, and the bodies of many saints which slept,
arose: and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and came into the
holy city, and appeared unto many.
When the petty captain, and they that were
with him watching Iesus, saw the earthquake and those things which happened,
they feared greatly saying, Of a surety this was the son of God.
And many women were there, beholding him
afar off, which followed Iesus from Galile, ministering unto him: among the
which was Mary Magdalen, and Mary the mother of Iames and the mother of Ioses,
and the mother of Zebedee's children.
When the even was come, there came a rich
man of Arimathia named Ioseph, which same also was Iesus' disciple. He went to
Pilate and begged the body of Iesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be
delivered. And Ioseph took the body, and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and
put it in his new tomb, which he had hewn out even in the rock, and rolled a
great stone to the door of the sepulchre and departed. And there was Mary
Magdalene and the other Mary sitting over against the sepulchre.
The next day that followeth good friday,
the high priests and pharisees got themselves to Pilate, and said: Sir, we
remember, that this deceiver said while he was yet alive. After three days I
will arise again, command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the
third day, lest peradventure his disciples come, and steal him away, and say
unto the people, he is risen from death: And then the last error shall be worse
than the first was. Pilate said unto them: Take watchmen: Go and make it as
sure as ye can. They went and made the sepulchre sure with watchmen, and sealed
the stone.
The
.xxviij. Chapter.
The saboth day at even which dawneth the
morrow after the saboth, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the
sepulchre.
And behold there was a great earthquake.
For the angel of the lord descended from heaven: and came and rolled back the
stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and
his raiment white as snow. For fear of him the keepers were astunned, and
became as dead men.
The angel answered, and said to the women,
Fear ye not. I know well ye seek Iesus which was crucified: he is not here: he
is risen as he said. Come, and see the place where the lord was put. And go
quickly and tell his disciples that he is risen from death. And behold, he will
go before you into Galile, there ye shall see him. Lo I have told you.
And they departed quickly from the
sepulchre with fear and great Ioy. And did run to bring his disciples word. And
as they went to tell his disciples: behold, Iesus met them saying: God speed
you. They came and held him by the feet and worshipped him. Then said Iesus unto
them: be not afraid. Go and tell my brethren, that they go into Galile, and
there shall they see me. When they were gone: behold, some of the keepers came
in to the city, and shewed unto the prelates, all the things which had
happened. And they gathered them together with the seniors, and took counsel,
and gave large money unto the soldiers, saying: Say that his disciples came by
night, and stole him away while ye slept. And if this come to the ruler's ears,
we will pease him, and make you safe. And they took the money and did as they
were taught. And this saying is noised among the jews unto this day.
Then the xj. disciples went away into
Galile, into a mountain where Iesus had appointed them. And when they saw him,
they worshipped him. But some of them doubted. Iesus came and spake unto them,
saying: All power is given unto me in heaven, and in earth. Go therefore and
teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the father, and the son, and
the holy ghost: Teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I commanded
you. And lo, I am with you alway even until the end of the world.
Here
endeth the Gospell of S. Mathew.
The
gospell of S. Marke
The first
Chapter.
The beginning of the Gospel of Iesu Christ
the son of God, as it is written in the prophets, behold I send my messenger
before thy face which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one that
crieth in the wilderness: prepare ye the way of the lord, make his paths
straight.
Ihon did baptise in the wilderness, and
preach the baptism of repentance, for the remission of sins. And all the land
of Iewry, and they of Ierusalem went out unto him, and were all baptised of him
in the river Iordan, knowledging, their sins.
Ihon was clothed with camel's hair, and
with a girdle of a beasts skin about his loins. And he ate locusts and wild
honey, and preached saying: a stronger then I cometh after me, whose shoe
latchet I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I have baptised you with
water: but he shall baptise you with the holy ghost.
And it came to pass in those days, that
Iesus came from Nazareth, a city of Galile: and was baptised of Ihon in Iordan.
And immediately he came out of the water,
and saw the heavens open, and the holy ghost descending upon him like a dove.
And there came a voice from heaven: Thou art my dear son, in whom I delight.
And immediately the spirit drove him into a wilderness: and he was there in the
wilderness xl. days, and was tempted of Satan, and was with wild beasts. And the
angels ministered unto him.
After that Ihon was taken, Iesus came into
Galile, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying: the time is ful
come, and the kingdom of God is even at hand, repent and believe the gospel.
As he walked by the sea of Galile, he saw
Simon and Andrew his brother casting nets into the sea, for they were fishers.
And Iesus said unto them: follow me, and I will make you to be fishers of men.
And they straightway forsook their nets, and followed him.
And when he had gone a little further
thence, he saw Iames the son of Zebede, and Ihon his brother, even as they were
in the ship dressing their nets. And anon he called them. And they left their
father Zebede in the ship with his hired servants, and went their way after
him.
And they entered into Capernaum, and
straight way on the Sabbath days he entered into the synagogue and taught. And
they marvelled at his learning. For he taught them as one which had power with
him, and not as the scribes did.
And
there was in the Synagogue, a man vexed with an unclean spirit, and he cried
saying: let me alone: what have we to do with thee Iesus of Nazareth? Art thou
come to destroy us? I know what thou art, thou art that holy man promised of
God. And Iesus rebuked him, saying: hold thy peace and come out of the man. And
the unclean spirit tare him, cried out with a loud voice, and came out of him.
And they were all amazed, insomuch that they demanded one of another among
themselves, saying: what thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for he
commandeth the foul spirits with power, and they obey him. Anon his name spread
abroad throughout all the region bordering on Galile.
And immediately as soon as they were come
out of the Synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew with
Iames and Ihon. Simon's motherinlaw lay sick of a fever, and anon they told him
of her. And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever
forsook her by and by: And she ministered unto them.
And at even when the sun was down, they
brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with
devils, and all the city gathered together at the door, and he healed many that
were sick of divers diseases. And he cast out many: devils and suffered not the
devils to speak, because they knew him.
And in the morning very early, Iesus arose
and went out into a solitary place, and there prayed. And Simon and they that
were with him followed after him. And when they had found him, they said unto
him: all men seek for thee. And he said unto them: let us go in to the next
towns, that I may preach there also: for truly I came out for that purpose. And
he preached in their synagogues, throughout all Galile, and cast devils out.
And there came a leper to him beseeching
him, and kneeled down unto him, and said unto him: if thou wilt, thou arte able
to make me clean. Iesus had compassion on him, and put forth his hand, touched
him, and said unto him: I will, be clean. And as soon as he had spoken,
immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed. and he charged
him and sent him away forthwith and said unto him: See that thou tell to any
man, but get thee hence and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy
cleansing, those things which Moses commanded, for a testimonial unto them. But
he (as soon as he was departed) began to tell many things and to publish the
deed, insomuch that Iesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was
without in desert places, and they came to him from every quarter.
The .ij.
Chapter.
After a few days he entered into Capernaum
again, and it was noised that he was in a house: And anon many gathered
together, insomuch that now there was no room to receive them: no, not in
places about the door. And he preached unto them. And there came unto him that
brought one sick of the palsy, borne of four men: and because they could not
come nigh unto him for press: They opened the roof of the house where he was.
And when they had broken it open, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the
palsy lay. When Iesus saw their faith, he said to the sick of the palsy, son
thy sins are forgiven thee.
There were certain of the scribes sitting,
and reasoning in their hearts: how doth this fellow so blaspheme? Who can
forgiven sins, but God only? And immediately when Iesus perceived in his
spirit, that they so reasoned in themselves, he said unto them: why think ye
such things in your hearts? Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the
palsy, thy sins are forgiven thee: or to say, arise, take up thy bed and walk?
That ye may know that the son of man hath power in earth to forgive sins, he
spake unto the sick of the palsy: I say unto thee, arise and take up thy bed,
and get thee hence into thine own house. And by and by he arose, took up his
bed, and went forth before them all: in so much that they were all amazed, and
glorified God saying: we never saw it on this fashion.
And he went out again unto the sea, and all
the people resorted unto him, and he taught them. And as Iesus passed by, he
saw Levi the son of Alphey, sit at the receipt of custom and said unto him:
follow me. And he arose and followed him. And it came to pass, as Iesus sat at
meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat at meat also with Iesus and
his disciples. For there were many that followed him. And when the scribes and
pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples:
how is it, that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? When Iesus
heard that, he said unto them. The whole have no need of the Physician: but the
sick. I came to call the sinners to repentance, and not the just.
And the disciples of Ihon and of the
pharisees did fast, and they came and said unto him: Why do the disciples of
Ihon and of the pharisees fast, and thy disciples fast not. And Iesus said unto
them: can the children of a wedding fast, while the bridegroom is with them? As
long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. But the days will
come when the bridegroom shall be taken from them and then shall they fast in
those days.
Also no man soweth a piece of new cloth
unto an old garment, for then taketh he away the new piece from the old, and so
is the rent worse.
In like wise, no man poureth new wine into
old vessels, for if he do the new wine breaketh the vessels, and the wine
runneth out, and the vessels are marred. But new wine must be poured into new
vessels.
And it chanced that he went thorow the corn
fields on the sabboth day, and his disciples as they went on their way, began
to pluck the ears of corn. And the pharisees said unto him: Take heed why do
they on the sabboth day that which is unlawful? And he said to them: have ye
never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungered both he and
they that were with him? How they went into the house of God in the days of
Abiathar the high priest, and ate the hallowed loaves, which is not lawful but
for the priests only to eat: and gave also to them which were with him? And he
said to them: the saboth day was made for man, and not man for the saboth day.
Wherefore is the son of man lord even of the saboth day.
The .iij.
Chapter.
And he entered again into the synagogue,
and there was a man which had a withered hand: and they watched him to see, if
he would heal him on the saboth day, that they might accuse him. And he said
unto the man which had the withered hand: arise and stand in the midst. And he
said to them: whether is it lawful to do a good deed on the sabboth day, or an
evil? to save a man's life, or to kill? But they held their peace. And he
looked round about on them angerly mourning on the blindness of their hearts.
And said to the man: stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth: And
the hand was restored, even as whole as the other.
The pharisees departed, and straightway
gathered a counsel with them that belonged to Herode against him, that they
might destroy him. And Iesus avoided with his disciples to the sea: and a great
multitude followed him from Galilee and from Iewry, and from Hierusalem, and
from Idumea, and from beyond Iordan: and they that dwelled about Tyre and
Sidon, a great multitude: which when they had heard what things he did, came
unto him.
And he commanded his disciples, that a ship
should wait on him, because of the people, lest they should throng him. For he
had healed many, in so much that they pressed upon him, for to touch him, as
many as had plagues. And when the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before
him, and cried saying: thou art the son of God: And he straightly charged them
that they should not utter him.
And he went up into a mountain, and called
unto him whom he would, and they came unto him. And he ordained the twelve that
they should be with him, and that he might send them to preach. And that they
might have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out devils. And he gave Simon,
to name, Peter. And he called Iames the son of Zebedee, and Ihon Iames brother,
and gave them Bonargs to name, which is to say the sons of thunder. And Andrew,
and Philip, and Bartelemew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and Iames the son of
Alphey, and Taddeus, and Simon of Cane, and Iudas Iscarioth, which same also
betrayed him.
And they came unto house, and the people
assembled together again, so greatly that they had not leisure so much as to
eat bread. And when they that longed unto him heard of it, they went out to
hold him. For they said, he is too fervent. And the scribes which came from
Ierusalem, said: he hath Beelzebub, and by the power of the chief devil,
casteth out devils. And he called them unto him, and in similitudes said unto
them.
How can Satan drive out Satan? For if a
realm be divided against itself, that realm cannot endure. And if a house be
divided against itself, that house cannot continue: So if Satan make
insurrection against himself, and be divided, he cannot continue, but hath an
end. No man can enter into a strong man's house, and take away his goods,
except he first bind that strong man and then spoil his house.
Verily I say unto you all sins shall be
forgiven unto men's children: and blasphemy, wherewith they blaspheme: but he
that blasphemeth the holy ghost, shall never have forgiveness: but is in danger
of eternal damnation. For they said, he had an unclean spirit.
And there came his mother and his brethren,
and stood without, and sent unto him and called him: And the people sat about
him, and said unto him: behold thy mother and thy brethren seek for thee
without. And he answered them, saying: who is my mother, and my brethren? And
he looked round about on his disciples, which sat in compass about him, and
said: behold my mother, and my brethren:
For whosoever doeth the will of God, he is
my brother, my sister and mother.
The
.iiij. Chapter.
And he
began again to teach by the seaside. And there gathered together unto him much
people, so greatly that he entered in to a ship, and sat in the sea, and all
the people was by the seaside on the shore: And he taught them many things in
similitudes, and said unto them in his doctrine. Hearken to. Behold, The sower
went out to sow, and it fortuned as he sowed, that some fell by the wayside,
and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. Some fell on a stony ground: where
it had not much earth: and by and by sprang up, because it had not depth of
earth: and as soon as the sun was up it caught heat: and because it had not
rooting it withered away. And some fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew
up and choked it, so that it gave no fruit. And some fell upon good ground: and
did yield fruit that sprang and grew: and brought forth some thirty fold, some
forty {or sixty} fold, and some an hundred fold. And he said unto them: He that
hath ears to hear, let him hear.
When he was alone, they that were, about
him with the twelve asked him of the similitude. And he said unto them: To you
it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: But unto them that are
without, shall all things be done in similitudes: that when they see, they
shall see, and not discern: and when they hear they shall hear, and not
understand: lest at any time they should turn, and their sins should be
forgiven them. And he said unto them: Perceive ye not this similitude. And how
ye shall know all similitudes?
The sower soweth the word. These be they
which are by the ways side, where the word is sown, to whom as soon as they
have heard it, cometh the devil and taketh away the word that was sown in their
hearts. And these also are they that are sown on the stony ground: which when
they have heard the word, at once they receive it with joy, yet have no root in
themselves, and so endure but for a season: afterward as soon as any trouble or
persecution ariseth for the word's sake, anon they fall. And these are they
that are sown among the thorns, which hear the word of God, and the care of
this world and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things enter
in, and choke the word, and it is made unfruitful. And these that were sown in
good ground, are they that hear the word and receive it, and bring forth fruit,
some thirty fold some sixty fold, some an hundred fold.
And he said unto them: is the candle
lighted, to be put under a bushel, or under the bord: is it not therefore lighted
that it should be put on a candlestick? For there is nothing so privy, that
shall not be opened: neither so secret, but that it shall come abroad. If any
man have ears to hear, let him hear. And he said unto them: take heed what ye
hear. With what measure ye mete, with the same shall it be measured unto you
again. And unto you that have shall more be given. For unto him that hath,
shall it be given: And unto him that hath not, shall be taken away, even that
he hath.
And he said: so is the kingdom of God, even
as if a man should sow seed in the ground, and should sleep and rise up night
and day: and the seed should spring, and grow up while he is not ware. For the
earth bringeth forth fruit of herself, first the blade, then the ears, after
that full corn in the ears. And as soon as the fruit is brought forth, anon he
thrusteth in the sickle because that harvest is come.
And he said: whereunto shall we liken the
kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? It is like a grain
of mustard seed, which when it is sown in the earth, is the least of all seeds
that be in the earth: And after that it is sown it groweth up, and is greatest
of all herbs: and beareth great branches so that the fowls of the air may dwell
under the shadow of it.
And with many such similitudes he preached
the word unto them, after as they might hear it. And without similitude spake
he nothing unto them. But when they were apart, he expounded all things to his
disciples. And the same day when even was come he said unto them: let us pass
over into the other side. And they late the people depart and took him even as
he was in the ship. There were also with him other ships.
And there arose a great storm of wind, and
dashed the waves into the ship, so that it was full. And he was in the stern
asleep on a pillow. And they awoke him, and said to him: Master, carest thou
not that we perish? And he rose up and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea:
peace and be still. And the wind allayed, and there followed a great calm: and
he said unto them: why are ye fearful? How is it that ye have no faith? And
they feared exceedingly, and said one to another: what fellow is this? for both
wind and sea obey him.
The .v.
Chapter.
And they came over to the other side of the
sea into the country of the Gaderens. And when he was come out of the ship,
anon met him out of the graves a man possessed of an unclean spirit, which had
his abiding among the graves. And no man could bind him with chains, because
that when he was often bound with fetters and chains, he plucked the chains
asunder, and brake the fetters in pieces: Neither could any man tame him. And
always both night and day he cried in the mountains and in the graves and beat
himself with stones. When he had spied Iesus afar off, he ran, and worshipped
him, and cried with a loud voice and said: what have I to do, with thee Iesus
the son of the most highest God? I require thee in the name of God, that thou
torment me not. For he had said unto him: Come forth of the man thou foul
spirit. And he asked him: what is thy name? and he answered him, my name is
Legion, for we are many. And he prayed him instantly, that he would not send
them away out of that region.
There was there nigh unto the mountains a
great herd of swine feeding, and all the devils besought him saying: send us
into the herd of swine, that we may enter into them. And anon Iesus gave them
leave, And the unclean spirits went out and entered into the swine. And the
herd startled, and ran headlong into the sea. They were about ijM. swine, and
they were drowned in the sea. And the swine herders fled, and told it in the
city, and in the country. And they came out for to see, what had happened, And
they came out to Iesus, and they saw him that was vexed with the fiend and had
the Legion sit, both clothed and in his right mind, and were afraid. And they
that saw it told them, how it had happened unto him that was possessed with the
devil: and also of the swine. And they began to pray him, that he would depart
from their coasts. And when he was come into the ship, he that had the devil
prayed him that he might be with him. Iesus would not suffer him but said unto
him: go home into thine own house and to thy friends, and shew them what things
the lord hath done unto thee, and how he had compassion on thee. And he
departed, and began to publish in the ten cities, what things Iesus had done
unto him, and all men did marvel.
And when Iesus was come over again in the
ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him, and he was nigh unto
the sea. And behold, there came unto him one of the rulers of the Synagogue,
whose name was Iairus: and when he saw him, he fell down at his feet, and
besought him greatly saying: my daughter lieth at point of death, I would thou
wouldst come and lay thy hand on her, that she might be safe and live. And he
went with him, and much people followed him, and thronged him.
And there was a woman, which was diseased
of an issue of blood twelve years, and had suffered many things of many
physicians, and had spent all that she had, and felt none amendment at all: But
waxed worse and worse. When she had heard of Iesus: she came into the press
behind him, and touched his garment. For she said: If I may but touch his
clothing, I shall be whole. And straight way her fountain of blood was dried
up, and she felt in her body, that she was healed of the plague.
And Iesus immediately felt in himself, the
vertue that went out of him, and turned him round about in the press, and said:
Who touched my clothes? And his disciples said unto him: thou seest the people
thrusting thee on every side, and yet sayest: who did touch me? And he looked
round about, for to see her that had done that thing. The woman feared and
trembled, for she knew what was done within her. And she came and fell down
before him and told him the truth of everything. And he said unto her:
Daughter, thy faith hath saved thee, go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
While he yet spake, there came from the ruler
of the synagogi's house, certain which said: thy daughter is dead: why
diseasest thou the Master any further? As soon as Iesus heard that word spoken,
he said unto the ruler of the Synagogue: Be not afraid, only believe. And he
suffered no man to follow him more than Peter, and Iames and Ihon Iames
brother. And he came unto the house of the ruler of the Synagogue, and saw the
wondering and them that wept and wailed greatly,
And he went in and said unto them: Why make
ye this ado and weep? The maiden is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed
him to scorn. Then he put them all out, and took the father and the mother of
the maiden, and them that were with him, and entered in where the maiden lay,
And took the maiden by the hand, and said unto her: Tabitha, cumi: which is by
interpretation: maiden I say unto thee, arise. And straight the maiden arose,
and went on her feet. For she was of the age of twelve years. And they were
astonished at it out of measure. And he charged them straitly that no man should
know of it. And commanded to give her meat.
The .vj.
Chapter.
And he departed thence, and came into his
own country, and his disciples followed him. And when the saboth day was come,
he began to teach in the synagogue. And many that heard him were astonied, and
said: From whence hath he these things? and what wisdom is this that is given
unto him? and such virtues that are wrought by his hands? Is not this that
carpenter Marys son, the brother of Iames, and Ioses and Iuda and Simon? and are
not his sisters here with us? And they were hurt by the reason of him. And
Iesus said unto them: a prophet is not despised but in his own country, and
among his own kin, and among them that are of the same household. And he could
there shew no miracles but laid his hands upon a few sick folk and healed them.
And he marvelled at their unbelief.
And he went about by the towns that lie in
circuit, teaching. And he called the twelve, and began to send them, two and
two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. And commanded them, that they
should take nothing unto their Iourney, save a rod only: Neither scrip, neither
bread, neither money in their purses: but should be shod with sandals. And that
they should not put on two coats. And said unto them: wheresoever ye enter into
an house, there abide till ye depart thence. And whosoever shall not receive
you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust that is under your
feet, for a remembrance unto them. I say verily unto you, it shallbe easier for
Sodom and Gomor, at the day of judgement, than for that city.
And they went out and preached, that they
should repent: and they cast out many devils. And they anointed, many that were
sick with oil and healed them.
And king Herode heard of him, for his name
was spread abroad, And he said: Ihon Baptist is risen again from death, and
therefore miracles are wrought in him. Other said, it is Helias: and some said:
it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets. But when Herode heard of him, he
said: it is Ihon whom I beheaded, he is risen from death again.
For Herode himself, had sent forth, and had
taken Ihon, and bound him and cast him into prison for Herodias' sake which was
his brother Philip's wife. For he had married her. Ihon said unto Herode: It is
not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife. Herodias laid wait for him, and
would have killed him, but she could not. For Herode feared Ihon, knowing that
he was just and holy, and gave him reverence, And when he heard him he did many
things, and heard him gladly.
And when a convenient day was come: Herode
on his birthday made a supper to the lords, captains, and chief estates of
Galile. And the daughter of the same Herodias came in and danced, and pleased
Herode and them that sat at board also. Then the king said unto the maiden: ask
of me what thou wilt, and I will give it thee. And he sware unto her,
whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, even unto the one half of
my kingdom. And she went forth and said to her mother: what shall I ask? And
she said: Ihon baptist's head. And she came in straightway with haste unto the
king, and asked saying: I will, that thou give me by and by in a charger the
head of Ihon baptist. And the king was sorry yet for his oath's sake, and for their
sakes which sat at supper also, he would not put her beside her purpose. And
immediately the king sent the hangman and commanded his head to be brought in.
And he went and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head in a charger
and gave it to the maiden, and the maiden gave it to her mother. When his
disciples heard of it, they came and took up his body, and put it in a tomb.
And the apostles gathered themselves
together to Iesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they
had taught. And he said unto them: come ye apart into the wilderness, and rest
awhile. For there were many comers and goers. And they had no leisure wos for
to eat. And he went by ship aside out of the way into a desert place. And the
people spied them when they departed: and many knew him, and they hasted afoot
thither out of every city, and came thither before them, And came together unto
him. And Iesus went out and saw much people, and had compassion on them,
because they were like sheep which had no shepherd. And he began to teach them
many things.
And when the day was now far spent, his
disciples came unto him saying: this is a desert place, and now the day is far
passed, let them depart, that they may go into the country round about, and into
the towns, and buy them bread: for they have nothing to eat. He answered and
said unto them: give ye them to eat. And they said unto him: shall we go and
buy ij.C. pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat? He said unto them: how
many loaves have ye? Go and look. And when they had searched, they said: v. and
ij. fishes. And he commanded them to make them all sit down, by companies upon
the green grass. And they sat down here a row and there a row, by hundreds and
by fifties. And he took the v. loaves and the ij. fishes And looked up to
heaven and blest, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to put
before them, and the ij. fishes he divided among them all. And they all ate,
and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the gobbets and of
the fishes. And they that ate were about five thousand men.
And straightway he caused his disciples to
go into the ship, and to go over the water before unto Bethsaida, while he sent
away the people. And as soon as he had sent them away, he departed into a
mountain to pray. And when even was come the ship was in the midst of the sea,
and he alone on the land, and he saw them troubled in rowing, for the wind was
contrary unto them. And about the fourth quarter of the night, he came unto them,
walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. When they saw him walking
upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: For they all
saw him, and were afraid. And anon he talked with them, and said unto them: be
of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid. And he went up unto them into the ship,
and the wind ceased, and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure,
and marvelled. For they remembered not of the loaves, because their hearts were
blinded.
And they came over, and went into the land
of Genazareth, and drew up into the haven. And as soon as they were come out of
the ship, straight they knew him, and ran forth throughout all the region round
a about, and began to carry about in beds all that were sick, when they heard
tell that he was there. And whithersoever he entered into the towns, or cities,
or villages, they laid their sick in the streets, and prayed him, that they
might touch and it were but the edge of his vesture. And as many as touched him
were safe.
The .vij.
Chapter.
And the pharisees came together unto him,
and divers of the scribes which came from Ierusalem. And when they saw certain
of his disciples eat bread with common hands (that is to say, with unwashen
hands) they complained. For the pharisees, and all the jews, except they wash
their hands often, eat not, observing the traditions of the seniors. And when
they come from the market, except they wash themselves they eat not. And many
other things there be, which they have taken upon them to observe, as the
washing of cups and cruses, and of brazen vessels, and of tables.
Then asked him the pharisees and scribes:
why walk not thy disciples according to the traditions of the seniors, but eat
bread with unwashen hands? He answered and said unto them: well prophesied hath
Esaias of you hypocrites as it is written: This people honoureth me with their
lips, but their heart is far from me: In vain they worship me, teaching
doctrines which are nothing but the commandments of men, for ye lay the commandment
of God apart, and ye observe the traditions of men as the washing of cruses and
of cups, and many other such like things ye do.
And he said unto them: well, ye put away
the commandment of God, to maintain your own traditions. For Moses said: Honour
thy father and thy mother: and whosoever saith evil of his father or mother,
let him die for it. But ye say: a man shall say to his father or mother Corban,
that is, whatsoever thing I offer, that same doeth profit thee. And ye suffer
no more that a man do anything for his father or mother, and thus have ye made
the commandment of God of none effect through your own traditions which ye have
ordained. And many such things ye do.
And he called all the people unto him, and
said unto them: Hearken unto me every one of you and understand: There is
nothing with out a man that can defile him when it entereth into him, but those
things which proceed out of him are those which defile a man. If any man have
ears to hear, let him hear. And when he came into a house away from the people,
his disciples asked him of the similitude, and he said unto them: Do ye than
lack understanding: Do ye not yet perceive, that whatsoever thing from without
entereth into a man, it cannot defile him, because it entereth not into his
heart, but into the belly: and goeth out into the draught that purgeth out all
meats.
And he said that defileth a man which
cometh out of a man. For from within even out of the heart of men, proceed evil
thoughts: advoutry, fornication, murder, theft, covetousness, wickedness,
deceit, uncleanness, and a wicked eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these
evil things, come from within, and defile a man.
And from thence he rose and went into the
borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would that no man
should have known of him: But he could not be hid. For a certain woman whose
daughter had a foul spirit when she heard of him, came and fell down at his
feet. The woman was a greek out of Syrophenicia, and she besought him that he
would cast out the devil out of her daughter. Iesus said unto her: let the
children first be fed. It is not meet, to take the children's bread, and to
cast it unto whelps. She answered and said unto him: even so Master,
nevertheless, the whelps also eat under the table of the children's crumbs. And
he said unto her: for this saying go thy way, the devil is gone out of thy
daughter. And when she was come home to her house she found the devil departed,
and her daughter lying on the bed.
And he departed again from the coasts of
Tyre and Sidon, and came unto the sea of Galile thorow the midst of the coasts
of the x. cities. And they brought unto him one that was deaf, and stammered in
his speech, and prayed him to lay his hand upon him. And he took him aside from
the people, and put his fingers in his ears, and did spit, and touched his
tongue, and looked up to heaven and sighted, and said unto him: ephatha that is
to say, be opened. And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue
was loosed, and he spake plain. And he commanded them that they should tell no
man. But the more he forbade them, so much the more a great deal they published
it. And were beyond measure astonied, saying: He hath done all things well, and
hath made both the deaf to hear and the dumb to speak.
The
.viij. Chapter.
In those days when there was a very great
company, and had nothing to eat, Iesus called his disciples to him and said
unto them: My heart melteth on this people, because they have now been with me
iij. days, and have nothing to eat: And if I should send them away fasting to
their own houses, they should faint by the way. For divers of them came from
far. And his disciples answered him: from whence might a man suffice them with
bread here in the wilderness? And he asked them: how many loaves have ye? They
said: seven. And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground. And he took
the vij. loaves, gave thanks, brake, and gave to his disciples, to set before
them. And they set them before the people. And they had a few small fishes. And
he blessed them and commanded them also to be set before them. They ate and
were sufficed, and they took up of the broken meat that was left, vij. baskets
full. They that ate were in number about four thousand. And he sent them away.
And anon he took ship with his disciples,
and came into the parts of Dalmanutha. And the pharisees came forth, and began
to dispute with him, and sought of him a sign from heaven tempting him, and he
sighed in his spirit and said: why doth this generation seek a sign? Verily I
say unto you, there shall no sign be given unto this generation. And he left
them and went into the ship again, and departed over the water. And they had
forgotten to take bread with them, neither had they in the ship with them more
than one loaf. And he charged them saying: take heed, beware of the leaven of
the pharisees, and of the leaven of Herode. And they reasoned among themselves
saying: we have no bread. And when Iesus knew that he said unto them: why take
ye thought because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand?
Have ye your hearts yet blinded? Have ye eyes and see not? and have ye ears and
hear not? Do ye not remember? When I v. five loaves among v.M. men: How many baskets
full of broken meat took ye up? They said unto him, xij. When I brake vij among
iiij M how many baskets of the leavings of broken meat took ye up? They said,
vij. And he said unto them: how is it that ye understand not?
And he came to Bethsaida, and they brought
a blind man unto him and desired him, to touch him. And he caught the blind by
the hand, and led him out of the town, and spat in his eyes and put his hands
upon him, and asked him if he saw anything, and he looked up and said: I see men,
For I see them walk as they were trees. After that he put his hands again upon
his eyes, and made him see. And he was restored to his sight, and saw every man
clearly. And he sent him home to his own house saying: neither go into the
town, nor tell it any in the town.
And Iesus went out and his disciples into
the towns that long to the city called Cesarea Philippi, and by the way he
asked his disciples saying: whom do men say that I am? They answered: some say
that thou art Ihon Baptist: some say Helias, and some one of the prophets. And
he said unto them: But whom say ye that I am? Peter answered and said unto him:
Thou art very Christ. And he charged them, that they should tell no man of it.
And he began to declare unto them, how that the son of man must suffer many
things, and should be reproved of the seniors and of the high priests and
scribes, and should be killed, and after three days arise again. And he spake
that saying openly. And Peter took him aside, and began to chide him. He turned
about, and looked on his disciples, and rebuked Peter saying: Go after me
Satan. For thou savourest not the things of God but the things of men.
And he called the people unto him, with his
disciples also, and said unto them. Whosoever will follow me, let him forsake
himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his
life, shall lose it. But whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the
Gospel's, the same shall save it. What shall it profit a man, if he should win
all the world and lose his own soul? or else what shall a man give, to redeem
his soul again? Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words,
among this advoutrous and sinful generation: of him shall the son of man be
ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his father with the holy angels.
The .ix.
Chapter.
And he
said unto them: Verily I say unto you: There be some of them that stand here,
which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come
with power.
And after vj. days Iesus took Peter, Iames,
and Ihon and led them up into an high mountain out of the way alone, and he was
transfigured before them. And his raiment did shine, and was made very white,
even as snow: so white as no fuller can make upon the earth. And there appeared
unto them Helias with Moses: and they talked with Iesu. And Peter answered and
said to Iesu: Master, here is good being for us, let us make iij. tabernacles,
one for thee, one for Moses, and one for Helias. And wist not what he said. For
they were afraid. And there was a cloud that shadowed them. And a voice came
out of the cloud saying: This is my dear son, hear him. And suddenly, they
looked round about them, and saw no man more, but Iesus only.
As they came down from the hill, he charged
them, that they should tell no man what they had seen, till the son of man were
risen from death again. And they kept that saying within them, and demanded one
of another, what that rising from death again should mean? And they asked him
saying: why then Say the scribes, that Helias must first come? He answered and
said unto them: Helias at his first coming, shall bring all things again into
good order: And even so is it written of the son of man, that he shall suffer
many things, and shall be set at nought. And I say unto you, that Helias is
come, and they have done unto him whatsoever pleased them, as it is written of
him.
And he came to his disciples, and saw much
people about them, and the scribes disputing with them. And straightway all the
people beheld him and were amazed, and ran to him, and saluted him. And he said
unto the scribes: What dispute ye with them? And one of the company answered
and said: Master I have brought my son unto thee, which hath a dumb spirit. And
whensoever he taketh him, he teareth him, and he foameth, and gnasheth with his
teeth, and pineth away. And I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him
out, and they could not.
He answered him and said: O generation
without faith, how long shall I be with you. How long shall I suffer you? bring
him unto me. And they brought him unto him. And as soon as the spirit saw him,
he tare him. And he fell down on the ground wallowing: And foaming. And he
asked his father: how long is it ago, since this hath happened him? And he said,
of a child. And often times casteth him into the fire, and also into the water,
to destroy him. But if thou canst do anything, have mercy on us, and help us.
Iesus said unto him: ye if thou couldest believe, all things are possible to
him that believeth. And straight way the father of the child cried with tears
saying: lord I believe, succor mine unbelief.
When Iesus saw that the people came running
together unto him, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him: Thou dumb and
deaf spirit, I charge thee come out of him, and enter no more into him. And the
spirit cried, and rent him sore and came out: And he was as one that had been
dead, insomuch that many said, he is dead. But Iesus caught his hand, and lift
him up, and he rose. And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked
him secretly: why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them: this kind
can by no other means come forth, but by prayer and fasting.
And they departed thence, and took their
journey thorow Galile, and would not, that any man should have known it. For he
taught his disciples, and said unto them: The son of man shall be delivered
into the hands of men, and they shall kill him, and after that he is killed he
shall arise again the third day. But they wist not what that saying meant, and
were afraid to ask him.
And he came to Capernaum, and when he was
come to house, he said to them: what was it that ye disputed between you by the
way? And they held their peace (for by the way they reasoned among themselves,
who should be the chiefest) And he sat down, and called the twelve unto him,
and said to them: if any man desire to be first, the same shallbe last of all,
and servant unto all. And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them,
and took him in his arms and said unto them: Whosoever receive any such a child
in my name, receiveth me: And whosoever receiveth me, receiveth not me, but him
that sent me.
Ihon answered him, saying: Master, we saw
one casting out devils in thy name, which followeth not us and we forbade him,
because he followeth us not. But Iesus said: forbid him not. For there is no
man that shall do a miracle in my name, and can speak lightly evil of me.
Whosoever is not against you, is on your part. And whosoever shall give you a
cup of water to drink for my name's sake because ye are belonging to Christe,
verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
And whosoever shall hurt one of these
little ones, that believe in me, it were better for him, that a millstone were
hanged about his neck, and that he were cast into the sea. And if thy hand
offend thee, cut him off. It is better for thee, to enter into life maimed,
then to go, with two hands into hell, into fire that never shall be quenched,
where their worm dieth not, and the fire never goeth out. And if thy foot
offend thee, cut him off. It is better for thee to go halt into life, than with
ij. feet to be cast into hell, into fire that never shall be quenched: where
their worm dieth not, and the fire never goeth out? And if thine eye offend
thee pluck him out. It is better for thee to go into the kingdom of God with
one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: where their worm dieth
not, and the fire never goeth out.
Every man therefore shall be salted with fire:
And every sacrifice shall be seasoned with salt. Salt is good. But if the salt
be unsavoury: what shall ye salt therewith? See that ye have salt in
yourselves. And have peace among yourselves, one with another.
The .x.
Chapter.
And he rose from thence, and went into the
coasts of Iewry through the region that is beyond Iordan. And the people
resorted unto him afresh: And as he was wont he taught them again. And the
Pharises came and asked him a question: whether it were lawful for a man to put
away his wife: To prove him. He answered and said unto them: what did Moses bid
you do? And they said: Moses suffered to write a testimonial of her
divorcement, and to put her away. And Iesus answered, and said unto them: For
because of your hard hearts he wrote this precept unto you. But at the first
creation, God made them man and woman, saying: For this thing's sake shall man
leave father and mother, and bide by his wife, and, ij. shall be made one
flesh. So then are they now not twain, but one flesh, therefore that which God
hath coupled, let not man separate.
And in the house his disciples asked him
again of that matter. And he said unto them: Whosoever putteth away his wife,
and marrieth another, breaketh wedlock to herward. And if a woman forsake her
husband, and be married to another, she committeth advoutry.
And they brought children to him that he
should touch them. And his disciples chid those that brought them. When Iesus
saw that, he was displeased, and said to them: Suffer the children to come unto
me and forbid them not. For unto such belongeth the kingdom of God. Verily I
say to you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a child, he shall
not enter therin. And he took them up in his arms, and put his hands upon them,
and blessed them.
And when he was come out into the way,
there came one running and kneeled to him, and asked him: Good Master, what
shall I do, that I may inherit eternal life? Iesus said to him: why callest
thou me good? there is no man good but one, which is God. Thou knowest the
commandments: break not matrimony, kill not, steal not, bear no false witness,
defraud no man, honour thy father and thy mother. He answered and said to him:
master, all these I have observed from my youth. Iesus beheld him, and had a
favour to him, and said unto him: One thing is lacking unto thee Go, and sell
all that thou hast, and give it to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in
heaven, and come and follow me, and take thy cross on thee. But he was
discomforted with that saying, and went away mourning, for he had great
possessions.
And Iesus looked round about, and said unto
his disciples: with what difficulty shall they that have riches enter into the
kingdom of God. His disciples were astonished at his words. Iesus answered
again, and said unto them: children, how hard is it for them, that trust in
their riches, to enter into the kingdom of God? It is easier for a camel to go
thorow the eye of an needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of
God. And they were astonished out of measure, saying between themselves: who
then can be saved? Iesus looked upon them, and said: with men it is unpossible,
but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
And Peter began to say unto him: Lo, we
have forsaken all, and have followed thee. Iesus answered and said: Verily I
say unto you, there is no man that hath forsaketh house, or brethren, or
sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, other children, or lands, for my sake
and the Gospel's, which shall not receive an hundred fold now in this life,
houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers and children, and lands with
persecutions, and in the world to come eternal life. Many that are first, shall
be last. And the last first. They were in the way going up to Ierusalem. And
Iesus went before them, and they were amazed, and as they followed, were
afraid.
And Iesus took the xij. again, and began to
tell them what things should happen unto him. Behold we go up to Ierusalem, and
the son of man shall be delivered unto the high priests and unto the scribes:
and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the gentiles, and
they shall mock him, and scourge him and spit upon him, and kill him, and the
third day he shall rise again.
And Iames and Ihon the sons of Zebedee,
came unto him, saying: Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us
whatsoever we desire. He said unto them: what would ye I should do unto you?
They said to him: grant unto us that we may sit one on thy right hand, and the
other on thy left hand, in thy glory. But Iesus said unto them: Ye wot not what
ye ask. Can ye drink of the cup, that I shall drink of? And be baptised in the
baptism that I shall be baptised in? And they said unto him: that we can. Iesus
said unto them: ye shall drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and be
baptised with the baptism that I shall be baptised in: But to sit on my right
hand and on my left hand, is not mine to give, but to them for whom it is
prepared.
And when the x. heard that, they began to
disdain at Iames and Ihon. But Iesus called them unto him, and said to them: Ye
know well that they which seem to bear rule among the gentiles, reign as lords
over them. And they that be great among them exercise authority over them. So
shall it not be among you but whosoever of you will be great among you shall be
your minister. And whosoever will be chief, shall be servant unto all. For even
the son of man came, not that other should ministered unto him: but to
minister, and to give his life for the redemption of many.
And they came to Hiericho, and as he went
out of Hiericho, with his disciples and a great number of people: Barthimeus
the son of Thimeus which was blind, sat by the highways side begging. And when
he heard that it was Iesus of Nazareth, he began to cry and to say: Iesus the
son of David, have mercy on me. And many rebuked him, because he should hold
his peace. But he cried the more a great deal, thou son of David have mercy on
me. And Iesus stood still, and commanded him to be called, and they called the
blind, saying unto him: Be of good comfort rise he called thee. He threw away
his cloak, and rose and came to Iesus: And Iesus answered, and said unto him:
what wilt thou that I do unto thee? The blind said unto him: Master, that I
might see. Iesus said unto him: go thy way, thy faith hath saved thee: And by
and by he received his sight, and followed Iesus in the way.
The .xj.
Chapter.
And when they came nigh to Hierusalem, unto
Bethphage, and Bethani, besides mount Olivete, he sent forth ij. of his
disciples, and said unto them: Go your ways into the town that is over against
you. And as soon as ye be entered into it ye shall find a colt bound, whereon
never man sat: loose him and bring him hither. And if any man say unto you: why
do ye so? say that the lord hath need of him: and straightway he will send him
hither. And they went their way, and found a colt tied by the door without in a
place where two ways met, and they loosed him. And divers of them that stood there,
said unto them: what do ye loosing the colt? And they said unto them even as
Iesus had commanded them. And they let them go. And they brought the colt to
Iesus, and cast their garments on him, and he sat upon him. And many spread
their garments in the way. Other cut down branches of the trees, and strawed
them in the way. And they that went before and they that followed, cried,
saying: Hosianna: blessed be he that cometh in the name of the lord. Blessed be
the kingdom that cometh in the name of him that is lord of our father David.
Hosianna in the highest.
And the lord entered into Hierusalem, and
into the temple. And when he had looked round about upon all things, and now
the eventide was come he went out unto Bethany with the twelve. And on the morrow
when they were come out from Bethany, he hungered, and he spied a fig tree afar
off, having leaves, and went to see whether he might find anything thereon: but
when he came thereto, he found nothing but leaves. For the time of figs was not
yet. And Iesus answered and said to it: never man eat fruit of thee hereafter
while the world standeth. And his disciples heard it.
And they came to Hierusalem, and Iesus went
into the temple, and began to cast out them which sold and bought in the
temple. And overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the stools of them
that sold doves: and would not suffer that any man carried a vessel thorow the
temple. And he taught saying unto them, is it not written, how that mine house
shall be called the house of prayer unto all nations? But ye have made it a den
of thieves.
And the scribes and high priests heard it
and sought how to destroy him. For they feared him because all the people
marvelled at his doctrine. And when even was come, he went out of the city. And
in the morning as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up by the roots.
And Peter remembered, and said unto him: master, behold, the fig tree which
thou cursedst, is withered away. And Iesus answered, and said unto them: Have
confidence in God. Verily I say unto you, that whosoever shall say unto this
mountain: take away thyself, and cast thyself into the sea, and shall not waver
in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he sayeth shall come to
pass, whatsoever he sayeth shall be done to him. Therefore I say unto you,
whatsoever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye shall have it and it shall
be done unto you. And when ye stand and pray, forgive if ye have anything
against any man: that your father also which is in heaven, may forgive you your
trespasses. And they came again to Hierusalem, and as he walked in the temple,
there came to him the high priests, and the scribes, and the seniors, and said
unto him: by what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority,
to do these things? Iesus answered, and said unto them: I will also ask of you
a certain thing, and answer ye me, and I will tell you by what authority I do
these things. Whether was the baptism of Ihon from heaven, or of men? Answer
me. And they thought in themselves, saying: if we shall say, from heaven, he
will say: why then did ye not believe him? but if we shall say, of men, then
fear we the people. For all men counted Ihon, that he was a very prophet. And
they answered, and said unto Iesu: we cannot tell. And Iesus answered, and said
unto them: neither will I tell you, by what authority I do these things.
The .xij.
Chapter.
And he began to speak unto them in
similitudes. A certain man planted a vineyard, and compassed it with an hedge,
and ordained a winepress, and built a tower in it, and let it out to hire unto
husbandmen, and went into a strange country. And when the time was come he sent
to the tenants a servant that he might receive of the tenants of the fruit of
the vineyard. And they caught him and beat him and sent him again empty. And
moreover he sent unto them another servant, and at him they cast stones and
brake his head, and sent him again all to reviled. And again he sent another,
and him they killed: and many other, beating some, and killing some.
Yet had he one son whom he loved tenderly,
him also sent he at the last unto them, saying: they will fear my son. But the
tenants said within themselves: This is the heir, come let us kill him and the
inheritance shall be ours. And they took him and killed him, and cast him out
of the vineyard. What shall then the lord of the vineyard do? He will come and
destroy the tenants, and let out the vineyard to other. Have ye not read this
scripture? the stone which the builders did refuse, is made the chief stone in
the corner: This was done of the lord, and is marvellous in our eyes. And they
went about to take him, but they feared the people. For they perceived that he
spake that similitude against them. And they left him and went their way.
And they sent unto him certain of the
pharisees with Herode's servants, to take him in his words. And as soon as they
were come, they said unto him: master, we know that thou art true, and carest
for no man: For thou considerest not the degree of men, but teachest the way of
God truly: Is it lawful to pay tribute to Cesar, or not? ought we to give, or
ought we not to give? He knew their dissimulation, and said unto them: Why
tempt ye me? Bring me a penny, that I may see it. And they brought him one. And
he said unto them: Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto
him, Cesar's. And Iesus answered, and said unto them: Then give to Cesar that
which belongeth to Cesar: and give God that which pertaineth to God. And they
marvelled at him.
And the Saduces came unto him, which say,
there is no resurrection. And they asked him saying: Master, Moses wrote unto
us, if any man's brother die, and leave his wife, behind him, and leave no
children: that then his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto
his brother. There were seven brethren and the first took a wife, and when he
died left no seed behind him. And the second took her, and died: neither left
he any seed, and the third likewise. And seven had her, and left no seed behind
them. Last of all the wife died also. In the resurrection then, when they shall
rise again: whose wife shall she be of them? For seven had her to wife. Iesus
answered, and said unto them: Are ye not therefore deceived because ye know not
the scriptures? Neither the power of God? For when they shall rise again from
death, they neither marry, nor are married: but are as the angels which are in
heaven. As touching the dead, that they shall rise again: have ye not read in
the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him saying: I am the God of
Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Iacob? He is not the God of the
dead, but the God of the living, ye are therefore greatly deceived.
And there came one of the scribes, and when
he had heard them disputing together, and perceived that he had answered them
well, he asked him: Which is the first of all the commandments? Iesus answered
him: the first of all the commandments is. Hear Israhel, our lord God, is one
lord. And thou shalt love thy lord God with all thy heart, and with all thy
soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. This is the first
commandment. And the second is like unto this. Thou shalt love thy neighbor, as
thy self. There is none other commandment greater than these.
And the scribe said unto him: well master,
thou hast said the truth, that there is one God, and that there is none but he.
And to love him with all the heart, and with all the mind, and with all the
soul, and with all the strength. And to love a man's neighbor as himself, is a
greater thing than all holocausts and sacrifices. And when Iesus saw that he
answered discreetly, he said unto him: Thou art not far from the kingdom of
God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.
And Iesus answered, and said teaching in
the temple: how say the scribes, that Christ is the son of David? for David
himself inspired with the holy ghost said: The lord said to my lord, sit on my
right hand till I make thine enemies thy foot stool. Then David himself calleth
him lord, and by what means is he then his son? And much people heard him
gladly.
And he said unto them in his doctrine:
beware of the scribes which love to go in long, clothing: and love salutations
in the market places, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and to sit in the
uppermost rooms at feasts, and devour widows' houses, and under a colour pray
long prayers. These shall have greater damnation.
And Iesus sat over against the treasury,
and beheld how the people put money into the treasury. And many that were rich,
cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites,
which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and said unto
them: Verily I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast more in, than all
they which have cast into the treasury. For they all put in of their
superfluity: But she of her poverty, cast in all that she had, even all her
living.
The
.xiij. Chapter.
And as he went out of the temple, one of
his disciples said unto him: Master, see what stones, and what buildings are
here. And Iesus answered, and said unto him: Seest thou these great buildings?
There shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
And as he sat on mount Olivet over against
the temple, Peter and Iames and Ihon and Andrew asked him secretly, tell us
when these things shall be? And what is the sign, when all these things shall
be fulfilled? And Iesus answered them, and began to say: take heed lest any man
deceive you. For many shall come in my name saying: I am Christ, and shall
deceive many.
When ye shall hear of war, and tidings of
war, be ye not troubled. For such things must needs be. But the end is not yet.
For there shall nation arise against nation, and realm against realm. And there
shall be earthquakes, in all quarters, and famishment, and troubles. These are
the beginning of sorrows.
But take ye heed to yourselves. For they
shall bring you up to the councils and into the synagogues, and ye shall be
beaten, and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings, for my sake, for a
testimonial unto them. And the gospel must first be published among all
nations.
But when they lead you and present you take
no thought, aforehand what ye shall say, neither imagine: but whatsoever is
given you at the same time, that speak. For it shall not be ye that shall
speak, but the holy ghost. Ye and the brother shall deliver the brother to
death. And the father the son, and the children shall rise against their fathers
and mothers, and shall put them to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for
my name's sake. But whosoever shall endure unto the end shall be safe.
Moreover when ye see the abominable
desolation, whereof is spoken by Daniel the prophet, stand where it ought not,
let him that readeth understand it. Then let them that be in Iewry, flee to the
mountains. And let him that is on the housetop, not descend down into the
house, neither enter therein, to fetch anything out of his house. And let him that
is in the field, not turn back again unto those things which he left behind
him, for to take his clothes with him. But woe is then to them that are with
child, and to them that give suck in those days. But pray, that your flight be
not in the winter. For there shall be in those days such tribulation, as was
not from the beginning of creatures, which God created, unto this time, neither
shall be. And except that the lord had shortened those days, no man should be
saved. But for the elects' sake, which he hath chosen, he hath shortened those
days.
And then, if any man say to you: lo, here
is Christ, lo, he is there, believe not. For false christs shall arise, and
false prophets, And shall shew miracles and wonders, to deceive if it were
possible, even the elect. But take ye heed, behold I have shewed you all things
before.
Moreover in those days after that
tribulation, the sun shall wax dark, and the moon shall not give her light, and
the stars of heaven shall fall, And the powers which are in heaven, shall move.
And then shall they see the son of man coming in the clouds, with great power
and glory. And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his
elect from the four winds, and from the one end of the world to the other.
Learn a similitude of the fig tree. When
his branches are yet tender, and hath brought forth leaves, ye know, that
summer is near. So in like manner when ye see these things come to pass,
understand, that it is nigh even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, that this
generation shall not pass till all these things be done. Heaven and earth shall
pass, but my words shall not pass. But of the day and the hour, knoweth no man:
no not the Angels which are in heaven: neither the son himself, save the father
only.
Take heed, watch, and pray, for ye know not
when the time is. As a man which is gone into a strange country and hath left
his house, and given authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and
commanded the porter to watch. Watch therefore, for ye know not when the master
of the house will come, whether at even, or at midnight, whether at the cock
crowing, or in the dawning: lest if he come suddenly, he should find you
sleeping. And that I say unto you, I say unto all men, watch.
The .xiiij.
Chapter.
After two days followed ester, and the days
of sweet bread. And the high priests and the scribes sought means, how they
might take him by craft and put him to death. But they said: not on the feast
day, least any business arise among the people.
When he was in Bethania, in the house of
Simon the leper, even as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster
box of ointment, called nard, that was pure and costly, and she brake the box
and poured it on his head. And there were some that disdained in themselves,
and said: what needed this waste of ointment? For it might have been sold for
more then two hundred pence, and been given unto the poor. And they grudged
against her.
And Iesus said: let her be in rest, why
grieve ye her? She hath done a good work on me. Ye, and ye shall have poor with
you all ways: and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye shall not
have always. She hath done that she could: she came aforehand to anoint my body
to his buryingward. Verily I say unto you: wheresoever this gospel shall be
preached thorowout the whole world: this also that she hath done, shall be
rehearsed in remembrance of her.
And Iudas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went
away unto the high priests, to betray him unto them. When they heard that, they
were glad, and promised that they would give him money. And he sought, how he
might conveniently betray him.
And the first day of sweet bread, when men
offer the paschal lamb, his disciples said unto him: where wilt thou that we go
and prepare that thou mayest eat the ester lamb? And he sent forth two of his
disciples, and said unto them: Go ye into the city, and there shall a man meet
you bearing a pitcher of water, follow him. And whithersoever he goeth in, say
ye to the good man of the house: the master asketh where is the guest chamber,
where I shall eat the ester lamb with my disciples? And he will shew you a
great parlour, paved, and prepared: there make ready for us. And his disciples
went forth, and came in to the city, and found as he had said unto them, and
made ready the ester lamb.
And at even, he came with the twelve. And
as they sat at board and ate, Iesus said: Verily I say unto you: that one of
you shall betray me, which eateth with me. And they began to mourn, and to say
to him one by one: is it I? And another said: Is it I? he answered, and said
unto them: It is one of the xij. and the same dippeth with me in the platter.
The son of man goeth, as it is written of him: but woe be to that man, by whom
the son of man is betrayed. Good were it for him, if that man had never been
born.
And as they ate, Iesus took bread, gave
thanks, brake it and gave it to them and said: Take, eat, This is my body. And
he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they drank all of it.
And he said unto them: This is my blood of the new Testament, which shall be
shed for many. Verily I say unto you: I will drink no more of this fruit of the
vine, until that day, that I shall drink it new in the kingdom of God. And when
they had said grace, they went out into the mount olivet.
And Iesus said unto them: All ye shall hurt
thorow me this night. For it is written: I will smite the shepherd, and the
sheep shall be scattered. But after that I am risen again I will go into Galile
before you. Peter said unto him: And though all men should be hurt, yet would
not I. And Iesus said unto him: Verily I say unto thee this day even in this
night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he spake bolder:
no, if I should die with thee, I will not deny thee. Likewise also said they
all.
And they came into a place named
Gethsemani. And he said to his disciples: Sit ye here while I go apart and
pray. And he took with him Peter, Iames, and Ihon, and he began to wax abashed
and to be in an agony. And said unto them: My soul is very heavy even unto the
death, tarry here and watch. And he went forth a little and fell down on the
ground and prayed: That if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he
said: Abba father, all things are possible unto thee, take away this cup from
me. Nevertheless not that I will, but that thou wilt be done.
And he came and found them sleeping, and
said to Peter: Simon sleepest thou? Couldest not thou watch with me one hour?
watch ye, and pray, least ye enter into temptation, the spirit is ready, but
the flesh is weak. And again he went away and prayed, and spake the same words.
And he returned and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy: neither
could they tell what they might answer to him. And he came the third time, and
said unto them: sleep hence forth and take your ease. It is enough. The hour is
come, Behold the son of man shall be delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise
up, let us go. Lo he that betrayeth me, is come nigh.
And immediately while he yet spake came
Iudas, one of the twelve, and with him a great number of people with swords and
staves from the high priests and scribes and seniors. He that betrayed him,
gave them a general token, saying: whosoever I do kiss, he it is, take him, and
lead him away warily. And as soon as he was come, he went straightway to him,
and said unto him: master, master, and kissed him. And they laid their hands on
him, and took him. And one of them that stood by drew out a sword, and smote a
servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
And Iesus answered and said unto them: ye
came out as unto a thief with swords and with staves for to take me, I was
daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not, but that the
scriptures should be fulfilled: And they all forsook him and ran away. And
there was a certain young man that followed him clothed in linen upon the bare,
and the young men caught him, and he left his linen and fled from them naked.
And they led Iesus away to the highest
priest of all, and to him came all the high priests and the seniors, and the
scribes. And Peter followed him a great way off even into the palace of the
high priest, and he was there and sat with the servants, and warmed himself at
the fire.
And the high priests and all the council
sought for witness against Iesu, to put him to death, And they found none. Yet
many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together. And
there arose certain and brought false witness against him, saying: We heard him
say: I will destroy this temple made with hands, and within three days I will
build another, made without hands. And their witness agreed not together.
And the highest priest stood up amongst
them all, and asked Iesus saying: answerest thou nothing? How is it that these
bear witness against thee? And he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again
the highest priest asked him, and said unto him: Art thou the Christ the son of
the blessed? And Iesus said: I am. And ye shall see the son of man sit on the
right hand of power, and come in the clouds of heaven. Then the highest priest
rent his clothes and said: what need we any further witness? ye have heard the
blasphemy, what think ye? And they all gave sentence that he was worthy of
death. And some began to spit at him, and to cover his face, and to beat him
with their fists, and to say unto him, aread unto us. And the servants buffeted
him on the face.
And Peter was beneath in the palace, and
there came one of the wenches of the highest priest, And when she saw Peter
warming himself, she looked on him, and said: was not thou also with Iesus of
Nazareth? And he denied it saying: I know him not, neither wot I what thou
sayest: And he went out into the porch, and the cock crew. And a damsel saw
him, and again began to say to them that stood by, this is one of them. And he
denied it again. And anon after, again they that stood by, said to Peter:
surely thou art one of them, for thou art of Galile, and thy speech agreeth
thereto. And he began to curse and to swear, saying: I know not this man of
whom ye speak. And again the cock crew. And Peter remembered the word that
Iesus said unto him: before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice, and
began to weep.
The .xv.
Chapter.
And anon in the dawning held the high
priests a council with the seniors and the scribes, And also the whole
congregation, and bound Iesus and led him away, and delivered him to Pilate.
And Pilate asked him: art thou the king of the jewes? And he answered, and said
unto him: thou sayest it. And the high priests accused him of many things.
Pilate asked him again, saying: Answerest thou nothing? Behold how many things
they lay unto thy charge. Iesus yet answered never a word, so that Pilate
marvelled.
At the feast Pilate was wont to deliver at
their pleasure a prisoner: whomsoever they would desire. And there was one
named Barabas, which lay bound with them, that caused insurrection, and in the
insurrection committed murder. And the people called unto him, and began to
desire of him, according as he had ever done unto them. Pilate answered them,
and said: Will ye that I loose unto you the king of the jewes? For he knew that
the high priests had delivered him of envy. But the high priests had moved the
people that he should rather deliver Barabas unto them.
Pilate answered again, and said unto them:
What will ye then that I do with him, whom ye call the king of the jewes? And
they cried again: crucify him. Pilate said unto them: What evil hath he done?
And they cried the more fervently: Crucify him. Pilate willing to content the
people, lowsed them Barabas, And delivered Iesus scourged for to be crucified.
And the soldiers led him away into the
common hall, and called together the whole multitude, and they clothed him with
purple, and they plaited a crown of thorns and crowned him with all, And began
to salute him: Hail king of the jewes. And they smote him on the head with a
reed, and spat upon him, and kneeled down and worshipped him.
And when they had mocked him, they took the
purple off him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out, to crucify
him. And they compelled one that passed by, called Simon of Cyrene (which came
out of the field, and was father of Alexander and Rufus) to bear his cross. And
they brought him to a place named Golgotha (which is by interpretation, the
place of dead men's skulls) and they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh,
but he received it not.
And when they had crucified him, they
parted his garments, casting lots for them, what every man should have. And it
was about the third hour, and they crucified him. And the title of the cause of
his death was written: The king of the jewes. And they crucified with him two
thieves: the one on his right hand, and the other on his left hand. And the
scripture was fulfilled, which sayeth: and he was counted among the wicked.
And they that went by, railed on him:
wagging their heads, and saying: A wretch, that destroyest the temple and
buildest it in three days. Save thyself, and come down from the cross. Likewise
also mocked him the high priests among themselves with the scribes, and said:
He saved other men, himself he cannot save. Let Christ the king of Israel now
descend from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were
crucified with him, checked him also.
And when the sixth hour was come, darkness
arose over all the earth, until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Iesus
cried with a loud voice, saying: Eloi, Eloi, lama sabaththani, which is if it
be interpreted: my God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? And some of them
that stood by when they heard that said: behold he calleth for Helias. And one
ran, and filled a sponge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave it him
to drink, saying: let him alone, let us see whether Helias will come and take
him down.
But Iesus cried with a loud voice, and gave
up the Ghost. And the veil of the temple did rent in two parts, from the top to
the bottom. And when the undercaptain which stood before him saw that he so
cried and gave up the ghost, and he said: truly this man was the son of God.
There were also women a good way off beholding him: among whom was Mary
Magdalen, and Mary the mother of Iames the little and of Ioses, and Mary
Salome: which also when he was in Galile, followed him and ministered unto him,
and many other women which came up with him to Hierusalem.
And now when night was come (because it was
the even that goeth before the saboth) Ioseph of Arimathia a noble senator
(which also looked for the kingdom of God) came And went in boldly unto Pilate,
and begged the body of Iesu. Pilate marvelled that he was already dead, and
called unto him the under captain, and asked of him, whether he had been any
while dead. And when he knew the truth of the under captain, he gave the body
to Ioseph. And he bought a linen cloth, and took him down and wrapped him in
the linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb, that was hewn out of the rock. And
rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulcre. And Mary Magdalene and Mary Iose
beheld where he was laid.
The .xvj.
Chapter.
And when the saboth day was past, Mary
Magdalen, and Mary Iacobi, and Salome, bought ointments, that they might come
and anoint him. And early in the morning the next day after the saboth day,
they came unto the sepulchre, when the sun was risen. And they said one to
another: who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And
when they beheld it, they saw how the stone was rolled away. For it was a very
great one, and they went into the sepulchre, and saw a young man, sitting on
the right side, clothed in a long white garment, and they were abashed.
He said unto them, be not afraid, ye seek Iesus
of Nazareth, which was crucified. He is risen, he is not here. Behold the
place, where they put him. But go your way, and tell his disciples, and namely
Peter, that he is gone before you into Galile, there shall ye see him, as he
said unto you. And they went out quickly and fled from the sepulchre. For they
trembled and were amazed. Neither said they anything to any man, for they were
afraid.
When Iesus was risen the morrow after the
saboth day, he appeared first to Mary Magdalen, out of whom he cast seven
devils. And she went, and told them that were with him, as they mourned and
wept. And when they heard, that he was alive, and had appeared to her: they
believed it not. After that, he appeared unto two of them in a strange figure,
as he walked, and went into the country. And they went, and told it to the
remnant. And they believed them neither.
After that he appeared unto the eleven as
they sat at meat: and cast in their teeth their unbelief, and hardness of
heart: because they believed not them which had seen him after his
resurrection. And he said unto them: Go ye into all the world, and preach the
gospel to all creatures: Whosoever believeth, and is baptised, shall be safe:
And whosoever that believeth not, shall be damned.
And these signs shall fellow them that
believe: In my name they shall cast out devils, and shall speak with new
tongues, and shall kill serpents. And if they drink any deadly thing, it shall
not hurt them. They shall lay their hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
So then when the lord had spoken unto them, he was received into heaven, and
sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached everywhere. And
the lord wrought with them, And confirmed their preaching with miracles that
followed.
The end
of the gospell off S. Marke.
The
gospell of S. Luke
The first
Chapter.
Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to
compile a treatise of those things, which are surely known among us, even as
they declared them unto us, which from the beginning saw them with their eyes,
and were ministers at the doing: I determined also, as soon as I had searched
out diligently all things from the beggining, that then I would write unto
thee, good Theophilus, that thou mightest know the certainty of those things,
whereof thou art informed.
In the time of Herode king of jewry, there
was a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abie. And his wife was
of the daughters of Aaron: And her name was Elizabeth. Both were perfect before
God, and walked in all the laws and ordinances of the lord that no man could
find fault with them. And they had no child, because that Elizabeth was barren,
And both were well stricken in age.
It came to pass, as he executed the
priest's office, before God as his course came (according to the custom of the
priest's office) his lot was to burn odoures. And went into the temple of the
lord, and all the multitude of people were without in their prayers while the
odoures were a burning. There appeared unto him the lord's angel, standing on
the right side of the altar of odoures. And when Zacharias saw him, he was
abashed, and fear came on him.
The angel said unto him: fear not Zacary,
for thy prayer is heard: And thy wife Helizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou
shalt call his name Ihon: And thou shalt have joy and gladness: And many shall
rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of God, and shall
neither drink wine nor strong drink. And he shall be filled with the holy
ghost, even in his mother's womb: and many of the children of Israhel shall he
turn to their lord God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of
Helias to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the unbelievers
to the wisdom of the just men: to make the people ready for the lord.
And Zacary said unto the angel: Whereby
shall I know this? seeing that I am old, and my wife well stricken in years.
And the angel answered, and said unto him: I am Gabriel that stand in the
presence of God, and am sent to speak unto thee: and to shew thee this glad
tidings. And take heed thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak until the time
that these things be performed, because thou believedst not my words, which
shall be fulfilled in their season.
And the people waited for Zacharias and
marvelled that he tarried in the temple. When he came out, he could not speak
unto them. And they perceived, that he had seen some vision in the temple. And
he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.
And it fortuned, as soon as the time of his
office was out, he departed home into his own house. And after those days, his
wife Elizabeth conceived, and hid herself v. months, saying: This wise hath God
dealt with me in the days when he looked on me, to take from me the rebuke that
I suffered among men.
And in the vj. month the angel Gabriel was
sent from God unto a city of Galile, named Nazareth, to a virgin spoused to a
man, whose name was Ioseph, of the house of David, and the virgins name was
Mary. And the angel went in unto her, and said: Hail full of grace, the lord is
with thee: blessed art thou among women. When she saw him, she was abashed at
his saying: and cast in her mind what manner of salutation that should be. And
the angel said unto her: fear not Mary, thou hast found grace with God. Lo:
thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bear a child, and shalt call his
name Iesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the son of the highest. And
the lord God shall give unto him the seat of his father David: And he shall
reign over the house of Iacob for ever, and of his kingdom shall be none end.
Then said Mary unto the angel: How shall
this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered, and said unto her:
The holy ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the highest shall
overshadow thee. Therefore also that holy thing which shall be born, shall be
called the son of God. And mark, thy cousin Elizabeth, hath also conceived a
son in her old age. And this is the. vj. month to her, which was called barren,
for with God shall nothing be unpossible. Mary said: behold the handmaiden of
the lord, be it unto me even as thou hast said. And the angel departed from
her.
Mary arose in those days, and went into the
mountains with haste into a city of jewry, and entered into the house of
Zachary, and saluted Elizabeth: And it fortuned, as Elizabeth heard the
salutation of Mary, the babe sprang in her belly. And Elizabeth was filled with
the holy ghost, and cried with a loud voice, and said: Blessed art thou among
the women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence happeneth this to
me, that the mother of my lord should come to me? Lo, as soon as the voice of
thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe sprang in my belly for joy. And
blessed art thou that believedst: For those things shall be performed which
were told thee from the lord.
And Mary said: My soul magnifieth the lord.
And my spirit rejoiceth in God my saviour: For he hath looked on the poor
degree of his handmaiden. Behold now from hence forth shall all generations
call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things, and
blessed is his name. And his mercy is always on them that fear him thorow out
all generations. He hath shewed strength with his arm, he hath scattered them
that are proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put Down the mighty
from their seats, and hath exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the
hungry with good things: And hath sent away the rich empty. He hath remembered
mercy: and hath holpen his servant Israhel. Even as he promised to our fathers,
Abraham and to his seed for ever. And Mary abode with her about a iij. months,
And returned home again.
Elizabeths time was come that she should be
delivered, And she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins
heard tell how, the lord had magnified his mercy upon her, and they rejoiced
with her.
And it fortuned the eighth day: they came
to circumcise the child: and called his name Zacari after the name of his
father, and his mother answered, and said: not so, but he shall be called Ihon.
And they said unto her: There is none of thy kin, that is named with this name.
And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked
for writing tables and wrote saying: his name is Ihon. And they marvelled all.
And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue, and he spake lauding God.
And fear came on all them that dwelt nigh: And all these sayings were noised
abroad throughout all the hill country of jewry: and all they that heard them
laid them up in their hearts, saying: What manner child shall this be? And the
hand of God was with him.
And his father Zacharias was filled with
the holy ghost, and prophesied saying: Blessed be the lord God of Israhel, for
he hath visited and redeemed his people. And hath raised up an horn of
salvation unto us, in the house of his servant David. Even as he promised by
the mouth of his holy prophets which were since the world began. That we should
be saved from our enemies: And from the hands of all that hate us: To shew
mercy towards our fathers, and to remember his holy promise. That is to say the
oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us. That we delivered
out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear: all the days of
our life, in such holiness and righteousness that are accept before him. And
thou child, shalt be called the prophet of the highest, for thou shalt go
before the face of the lord, to prepare his ways: And to give knowledge of
health unto his people, for the remission of sins: Through the tender mercy of
our lord, wherewith hath visited us the day spring from on high: To give light
to them that sat in darkness, and in shadow of death, and to guide our feet
into the way of peace. And the child increased and waxed strong in spirit, and
was in wilderness, till the day came, when he should shew himself unto the
Israhelites.
The
second Chapter.
It followed in those days: that there went
out a commandment from August the Emperor, that all the world should be valued.
This taxing was first executed when Syrenus was leftenant in Syria. And every
man went into his own shire town, there to be taxed. And Ioseph also ascended
from Galilee, out of a city called Nazareth, into jewry: into the city of
David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of
David to be taxed with Mary his wedded wife, which was with child.
And it fortuned while they were there, her
time was come that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first
begotten son. And wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger,
because there was no room for them within, in the hostry.
And there were in the same region shepherds
abiding in the field, and watching their flock by night. And lo: the angel of
the lord stood hard by them, and the brightness of the lord shone round about
them, and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them: Be not afraid:
Behold I bring you tidings of great joy, that shall come to all the people: for
unto you is born this day in the city of David a saviour, which is Christ the
lord. And take this for a sign: ye shall find the child swaddled, and laid in a
manger. And straight way there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly soldiers,
lauding God, and saying: Glory to God on high, and peace on the earth: and unto
men rejoicing.
And it fortuned, as soon as the angels were
gone away into heaven, the shepherds said one to another: let us go even unto
Bethlehem, and see this thing that is happened, which the lord hath shewed unto
us. And they came with haste, and found Mary and Ioseph, and the babe laid in a
manger. And when they had seen it, they published abroad the saying, which was
told them of that child. And all that heard it wondered, at those things which
were told them of the shepherds. But Mary kept all those sayings, and pondered
them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, praising and lauding God for all
that they had heard and seen, even as it was told unto them.
And when the eighth day was come that the
child should be circumcised, his name was called Iesus, which was named of the
Angel before he was conceived in the mother's womb.
And when the time of their purification
(after the law of Moses) was come they brought him to Hierusalem, to present
him to the lord (As it is written in the law of the lord: every man child that
first openeth the matrix, shall be called holy to the lord) and to offer (as it
is said in the law of the lord) a pair of turtle doves, or ij. young pigeons.
And behold there was a man in Hierusalem,
whose name was Simeon. And the same man was just and feared God, and longed for
the consolation of Israhel, and the holy ghost was in him. And an answer was
given him of the holy ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen
the lord's Christ. And he came by inspiration into the temple.
And as the father and mother brought in the
child Iesus, to do for him after the custom of the law: Then took he him up in
his arms and said. Lord Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace according
to thy promise. For mine eyes have seen the saviour sent from thee: Which thou
hast prepared before the face of all people. A light to lighten the gentiles,
and the glory of thy people Israhel. And his father and mother marvelled at
those things, which were spoken of him: And Simeon blessed them, and said unto
Mary his mother: behold, this child shall be the fall, and resurrection of many
in Israhel: And a sign which shall be spoken against. And moreover the sword
shall pierce the very heart of thee, that the thoughts of many hearts may be
opened.
And there was Anna, a prophetess, the
daughter of Phanuel of tribe of Aser. And she was of a great age, and had lived
with an husband. vij. years from her virginity. And this widow about iiij.
score and iiij. years of age, which went never out of the temple, but served
there with fasting and prayer night and day. And she came forth that same hour,
and praised God, and spake of him to all that looked for redemption in
Hierusalem.
And as soon as they had performed all
things according to the law of the lord, they returned into Galile into their
own city Nazareth. And the child grew and waxed strong in spirit, and was full
of wisdom, and the favour of God was with him.
And his father and mother went to
Hierusalem every year at the feast of ester. And when he was xij. years old,
they went up to Hierusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had
fulfilled the days, as they returned home, the child Iesus bode still in
Hierusalem, unknowing to his father and mother. For they supposed he had been
in the company. They came a day's journey, and sought him among their kinsfolk
and acquaintance, and found him not They went back again to Hierusalem, and
sought him. And it fortuned after iij. days, they found him in the temple
sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and posing them. And
all that heard him marvelled at his wit and answers.
And when they saw him, they were
astonished. And his mother said unto him: son why hast thou thus dealt with us?
Behold thy father and I have sorowed and sought thee. And he said unto them:
how is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must go about my father's
business? And they understood not the saying that he spake to them. And he went
with them, and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother kept all
these things in her heart. And Iesus increased in wisdom and age, and in favour
with God and man.
The .iij.
Chapter.
In the fifteenth year of the reign of
Tiberius the Emperor, Pontius Pilate being leftenant of Iewry, and Herod being
Tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip Tetrarch in Iturea, and in the
region of Traconitis, and Lysanias the Tetrarch of Abyline: When Anna and
Cayphas were the high priests: The commandment of God was published unto Ihon
the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. And he came into all the coasts about
Iordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, as it is
written in the book of the sayings of Esayas the prophet, which sayeth: The
voice of a crier in wilderness, prepare the way of the lord, make his paths
straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be
brought low: And crooked things shall be made straight: and the rough ways
shall be made smooth. And all flesh shall see the saviour sent of God.
Then said he to the people, that were come
to be baptised of him. O generation of vipers: who hath shewed the craft to fly
from wrath to come? Bring forth due fruits of repentance, And begin not to say
in yourselves, we have Abraham to our father. For I say unto you: God is able
of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. Now also is the axe laid
unto the root of the trees. Every tree therefore, which bringeth not forth good
fruit, shall be hewn down, and cast into the fire.
And the people asked him, saying: What
shall we do then. He answered and said unto them: He that hath ij. coats, let
him part with him that hath none: And he that hath meat, let him do likewise.
Then came there publicans to be baptised,
and said unto him: Master, what shall we do? He answered unto them: require no
more than that, which is appointed unto you.
The soldiers likewise demanded of him,
saying: and what shall we do? And he said to them: Do violence to no man:
neither trouble any man wrongfully: And be content with your wages.
As the people were in a doubt, and all men
disputed in their hearts of Ihon: Whether he were very Christ, Ihon answered
and said to them all: I baptise you with water, but a stronger then cometh,
whose shoe latchet I am not worthy to unloose: he will baptise you with the
holy ghost, and with fire, which hath his fan in his hand, and will purge his
floor, and will gather his corn into his barn: And the chaff will he burn with
fire that never shall be quenched. And many other things in his exhortation
preached he unto the people.
Then Herod the Tetrach (when he was rebuked
of him for Herodias his brother Philippe's wife, and for all the evils which
Herod had done) added this above all, and laid Ihon prison.
And it fortuned as all the people received
baptism (And when Iesus was baptised and did pray) that heaven was opened, and
the holy ghost came down in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, And a voice
came from heaven, saying: Thou art my dear son, In thee do I delight.
And Iesus himself was about thirty years of
age when he began, being as men supposed the son of Ioseph: which Ioseph was
the son of Heli: which was the son of Mathat: which was the son of Levi: which
was the son of Melchi: which was the son of Ianna: which was the son of Ioseph:
which was the son of Matatthias: which was the son of Amos: which was the son
of Nahum: which was the son of Esli: which was the son of Nagge: which was the
son of Maath: which was the son of Matathias: which was the son of Semei: which
was the son of Ioseph: which was the son of Iuda: which was the son of Iohanna:
which was the son of Rhesya: which was the son of Zorobabel: which was the son
of Salathiel: which was the son of Neri: which was the son of Melchi: which was
the son of Addi: which was the son of Cosam: which was the son of Helmadam:
which was the son of Her: which was the son of Ieso: which was the son of
Helieser: which was the son of Ioram: which was the son of Mattha: which was
the son of Levi: which was the son of Simeon: which was the son of Iuda: which
was the son of Ioseph: which was the son of Ionam: which was the son of
Heliacim: which was the son of Melea: which was the son of Menam: which was the
son of Matathan: which was the son of Nathan: which was the son of David: which
was the son of Iesse: which was the son of Obed: which was the son of Boos:
which was the son of Salmon: which was the son of Naason: which was the son of
Aminadab: which was the son of Aram: which was the son of Esrom: which was the
son of Phares: which was the son of Iuda: which was the son of Iacob: which was
the son of Ysaac: which was the son of Abraham: which was the son of Tharra:
which was the son of Nachor: which was the son of Saruch: which was the son of
Ragau: which was the son of Phalec: which was the son of Heber: which was the
son of Sala: which was the son of Cainan: which was the son of Arphaxad: which
was the son of Sem: which was the son of Noe: which was the son of Lameth:
which was the son of Mathusala: which was the son of Enoch: which was the son
of Iareth: which was the son of Malalehel: son of Cainan: which was the son of
Enos: which was the son of Seth: which was the son of Adam: which was the son
of God.
The
.iiij. Chapter.
Iesus then full of the holy ghost, returned
from Iordan, and was carried of the spirit into a wilderness, and was xl. days
tempted of the devil. And in those days ate he nothing: And when they were ended, he afterward
hungered. And the devil said unto him: if thou be the son of God, command this
stone that he be bread. And Iesus answered him, saying: It is written: man
shall not live by bread only, but by every word of God.
And the devil took him up into an high
mountain, and shewed him all the kingdoms of the earth, even in the twinkling
of an eye. And the devil said unto him: all this power will I give thee every
whit, and the glory of them (for that is delivered to me, and to whosoever I
will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, they shall be all thine.
Iesus answered and said unto him: hence from me Satan. For it is written. Thou
shalt honour thy lord God, and him only serve.
And he carried him to Ierusalem, and set
him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him: If thou be the son of God,
cast thyself down from hence. For it is written, he shall give his angels
charge over thee, to keep thee, and with their hands they shall stay thee up,
that thou hurt not thy foot against a stone. Iesus answered and said unto him,
it is said, thou shalt not tempt the thy lord God. And as soon as the devil had
ended all his temptations, he departed from him for a season.
And Iesus returned by the power of the
spirit into Galile, and the fame of him went thorow out all the region round
about. And he taught in their synagogues, and was commended of all men.
And he came to Nazareth where he was
nursed, and as his custom was, went into the synagogue on the saboth days, and
stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet
Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place, where it was
written: The spirit of the lord upon me, because he hath anointed me, To preach
the gospell to the poor he hath sent me, And to heal which are troubled in
their hearts: To preach deliverance to the captive, And sight to the blind, And
freely to set at liberty them that are bruised, And to preach the acceptable
year of the lord.
And he closed the book, and gave it again
to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all that were in the synagogue,
were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them. This day is this scripture
fulfilled in your ears. And all they bare him witness, and wondered at the
gracious words, which proceeded out of his mouth, and said: Is not this
Ioseph's son?
And he said unto them: Ye may very well say
unto me this proverb. Physician, heal thyself. Whatsoever we have heard done in
Capernaum, do the same likewise in thine own country. And he said: Verily I say
unto you: No prophet is accepted in his own country.
But I tell you of a truth, Many widows were
in Israhell in the days of Helyas, when heaven was shut three years and six
months, when great famishment was throughout all the land, And unto none of
them was Helyas sent, save into Sarepta besides Sydon unto a woman that was a
widow. And many lepers were in Israhel in the time of Heliseus the prophet, and
yet none of them was healed, saving Naaman of Siria.
And as many as were in the synagogue when
they heard that, were filled with wrath and rose up, and thrust him out of the
city, and led him even unto the edge of the hill, whereon their city was built,
to cast him down headlong. But he went his way even thorow the midst of them:
and came into Capernaum a city of Galile, and there taught them on the saboth
days. And they were astonied at his doctrine: for his preaching was with power.
And in the synagogue there was a man, which
had a foul spirit within him, and cried with a loud voice, saying: let me
alone, what hast thou to do with us, thou Iesus of Nazareth? Art thou come to
destroy us? I know thee what thou art, thou art the holy man of God. And Iesus
rebuked him, saying: hold thy peace, and come out of him. And the devil threw
him in the midst of them and came out of him, and hurt him not. And fear came
on them all, And they spake among themselves, saying: what manner a thing is
this? For with authority and power he commandeth the foul spirits and they come
out? And the fame of him spread abroad thorow out all places of the country
round about.
And he rose up and came out of the
synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's motherinlaw was taken
with a great fever, And they made intercession to him for her. And he stood
over her, and rebuked the fever: and it left her. And immediately she rose and
ministered unto them.
When the son was down, all they that had
sick, taken with divers diseases, brought them unto him: and he laid his hands
on every one of them, and healed them. And devils also came out of many of
them, crying and saying: thou art Christ the son of God. And he rebuked them,
and suffered them not to speak, for they knew that he was Christ.
As soon as it was day, he departed and went
away into a desert place, and the people sought him and came to him, and kept
him that he should not depart from them. And he said unto them: I must to other
cities also preach the word of God, for therefore am I sent. And he preached in
the synagogues of Galilee.
The .v.
Chapter.
It came to pass as the people pressed upon
him, to hear the word of God, that he stood by the lake of Genazareth: and saw
two ships stand by the lakeside, for the fishermen were gone out of them, and
were washing their nets. Iesus entered into one of the ships, which pertained
to Simon, and prayed him, that he would carry him a little from the land. And
he sat down and taught the people out of the ship.
When he had left speaking, he said unto
Simon: Carry us into the deep, and let slip thy net to make a draught. And
Simon answered, and said to him: Master we have laboured all night, and have
taken nothing. Yet now at thy word I will loose forth the net. And when they
had so done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes. And the net brake: and
they made signs to their fellows which were in the other ship, that they should
come and help them. And they came, and they filled both the ships, that they
sunk again.
When Simon Peter saw that, he fell down at
Iesus' knees saying: lord go from me, for I am a sinful man. For he was utterly
astonied, and all that were with him at the draught of fish which they took:
and so was also Iames and Ihon the sons of Zebedei, which were partakers with
Simon. And Iesus said unto Simon: fear not, from henceforth thou shalt catch
men. And they brought the ships to land, and forsook all, and followed him.
And it fortuned as he was in a certain
city, and behold there was a man full of leprosy: and when he had spied Iesus,
he fell on his face and besought him saying: lord if thou wilt, thou canst make
me clean. And he stretched forth his hand, and touched him saying: I will, be
thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him. And he warned him,
that he should tell no man: but that he should go and shew himself to the
priest, and offer for his cleansing according as Moses commandment was, for a
witness unto them.
But his name spread the more abroad, and
the people came together to hear, and to be healed of him, of infirmities. And
he kept himself apart in the wildernesses, and gave himself to prayer.
And it happened on a certain day, that he
taught, and there sat the pharisees, and doctors of law, which were come out of
all the towns of Galile, Iewry, and Ierusalem, and the power of the lord was to
heal them. And behold, men brought a man lying in his bed, which was taken with
a palsy, and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him. And
when they could not find by what way they might bring him in, because of the
press, they went up on the top of the house, and let him down thorow the
tiling, bed and all in the midst before Iesus. When he saw their faith he said
unto him: man thy sins are forgiven thee. And the scribes, and the pharisees,
began to think saying: What fellow is this: which speaketh blasphemy? Who can
forgive sins, but God only?
When Iesus perceived their thoughts, he
answered and said unto them: What think ye in your hearts? Whether is easier to
say, thy sins are forgiven thee, or to say: Rise and walk? That ye may know
that the son of man hath power to forgive sins on earth, he said unto the sick
of the palsy: I say to thee, arise, take up thy bed and go home to thy house.
And immediately he rose up before them all, and took up his bed whereon he lay,
and departed to his own house praising God. And they were ail amazed, and they
lauded God, and were filled with fear, saying: We have seen strange things
today.
And after that he went forth, and saw a
publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him:
follow me. And he left all, rose up, and followed him. And that same Levi made
him a great feast at home in his own house. And there was a great company of publicans,
and of other that sat at meat with him. And the scribes and pharisees murmured
against his disciples, saying: Why eat ye and drink ye, with publicans and
sinners? Iesus answered and said unto them: They that are whole, need not of
the physician: but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous to
repentance: but the sinners.
They said unto him: Why do the disciples of
Ihon fast often and pray: and the disciples of the pharisees also: and thine
eat and drink? To whom he said: Can ye make the Children of the wedding fast,
as long as the bridegroom is present with them? The days will come, when the
bridegroom shall be taken away from them, then shall they fast in those days.
He spake unto them in a similitude: No man
putteth a piece of a new garment, into an old vesture: for if he do, then
breaketh he the new and the piece that was taken out of the new, agreeth not
with the old. Also no man poureth new wine into old vessels, if he do, the new
wine breaketh the vessels, and runneth out itself, and the vessels perish: But
new wine must be poured into new vessels, and both are preserved. Also no man
that drinketh old wine, straightway can away with new, for he sayeth: the old
is pleasanter.
The .vj.
Chapter.
It happened on an after Sabbath, they went
thorow the corn field, and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and ate
them, and rubbed them in their hands. Certain of the pharisees said unto them:
Why do ye that which is not lawful to be done on the saboth days? Iesus answered
them and said: Have ye not read what David did, when he himself was an
hungered, and they which were with him: how he went into the house of God, and
took and ate the loaves of hallowed bread, and gave also to them which were
with him: which was not lawful to eat, but for the priests only. And he said
unto them: The son of man is lord even of the saboth day.
And it fortuned in another saboth also,
that he entered into the synagogue and taught. And there was a man, whose right
hand was dried up. The scribes, and pharisees watched him, to see whether he
would heal on the saboth day or not, that they might find an accusation against
him. But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered
hand: Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. He arose, and stepped forth. Then
said Iesus unto them: I will ask you a question: Whether is it lawful on the
saboth days to do good, or to do evil? to save life or for to destroy it? And
he beheld them all in compass, and said unto the man: Stretch forth thy hand.
He did so, and his hand was restored, and made as whole as the other. And they
were filled full of madness, and communed one with another, what they might do
to Iesu.
It fortuned in those days, he went out into
a mountain for to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And as soon
as it was day, he called his disciples, and of them he chose twelve, which also
he called his apostles. Simon, whom also he named Peter: and Andrew his
brother, Iames and Ihon, Philip and Bartlemew, Matthew and Thomas, Iames the
son of Alpheus and Simon called Zelotes, and Iudas Iames' son, and Iudas
Iscariot, which same was the traitor.
And he came down with them and stood in the
plain field with the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people
out of all parts of Iury and Ierusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and
Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases, and they
also that were vexed with foul spirits, and they were healed. And all the
people pressed to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them
all.
And he lifted up his eyes upon the
disciples, and said: Blessed are ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are ye that hunger: for ye shall be satisfied. Blessed are ye that weep:
for ye shall laugh. Blessed are ye when men hate you, and thrust you out of
their company, and rail on you, and abhor your name, as an evil thing, for the
son of man's sake. Rejoice ye then, and be glad: for behold your reward is
great in heaven. After this manner their fathers entreated the prophets.
But woe be to you that are rich: for ye
have therein your consolation. Woe be to you that are full: for ye shall
hunger. Woe be to you that now laugh: for ye shall wail, and weep. Woe be to
you when all men praise you: for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
But I say unto you which hear: Love your
enemies. Do good to them which hate you. Bless them that curse you. And pray
for them which wrongfully trouble you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the
one cheek, offer also the other. And him that taketh away thy gown, forbid not
to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee. And if any man
that take away thy goods, ask them not again. And as ye would that men should
do to you: so do ye to them likewise.
If ye love them which love you: what thank
are ye worthy of? seeing that the very sinners love their lovers. And if ye do
for them which do for you: what thank are ye worthy of? For the very sinners do
even the same. If ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive: what thank shall
ye have: for the very sinners, lend to sinners, to receive as much again. Love
ye your enemies, do good, and lend, looking for nothing again: and your reward
shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the highest: for he is kind
unto the unkind, and to the evil.
Be ye therefore merciful, as your father is
merciful. Judge not and ye shall not be judged. Condemn not: and ye shall not
be condemned. Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven. Give, and it shall be given
unto you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, shall
men give into your bosoms. For with what measure ye mete, with the same shall
men mete to you again.
And he put forth a similitude unto them:
Can the blind lead the blind? Do they not both then fall into the ditch? The
disciple is not above his master. Every man shall be perfect, even as his
master is. Why seest thou a mote in thy brother's eye, and considerest not the
beam that is in thine own eye? Other how canst thou say to thy brother: Brother
let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye: when thou perceivest not the
beam that is in thine own eye? Hypocrite, cast out the beam out of thine own
eye first, and then shalt thou see perfectly, to pull out the mote out of thy
brother's eye.
It is not a good tree that bringeth forth
evil fruit: Neither is that an evil tree, that bringeth forth good fruit. For
every tree is known by his fruit. Neither of thorns gather men figs, nor of
bushes gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart
bringeth forth that which is good. And the evil man out of the evil treasure of
his heart, bringeth forth that which is evil. For of the abundance of the
heart, the mouth speaketh.
Why call ye me Master, Master: and do not
as I bid you? whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doth the
same, I will shew you to whom he is like. He is like a man which built an
house: which digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock. When the waters
arose, the flood beat upon that house, and could not move it. For it was
grounded upon a rock. But he that heareth and doth not, is like a man, that
without foundation built an house upon the earth, against which, the flood
beat: and it fell by and by. And the fall of that house was great.
The .vij.
Chapter.
When he had ended all his sayings in the
audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum. And the servant of a certain
Centurion was sick, and ready to die, whom he made much of. And when he heard
of Iesu, he sent unto him the seniors of the jewes, beseeching him that he
would come and heal his servant. And they came to Iesus and besought him
instantly, saying: He is worthy that thou shouldest do this for him. For he
loveth our nation, and hath built us a synagogue. And Iesus went with them.
And when he was not far from the house, the
Centurion sent to him his friends, saying unto him: lord trouble not thyself,
for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter into my house. Wherefore I thought
not myself worthy to come unto thee: but say the word and my servant shall be
whole. For I likewise am a man under power, and have under me soldiers, and I
say unto one, go: and he goeth. And to another, come: and he cometh. And to my
servant, do this: and he doeth it. When Iesus heard this, he marvelled at him,
and turned him about and said to the people that followed him: I say unto you,
I have not found so great faith, no not in Israhel, certainly. And they that
were sent, turned back home again, and found the servant that was sick whole.
And it fortuned after that, he went into a
city called Naym, and his disciples went with him, and a great number of
people. When he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man
carried out, which was the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and
much people of the city was with her. And the lord saw her, and had compassion
on her, and said unto her: weep not. And went and touched the coffin, and they
that bare him stood still. And he said: Young man, I say unto thee, arise. And
the dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. And
there came a fear on them all. And they glorified God saying: a great prophet
is risen among us, and God hath visited his people. And this rumor of him went
forth throughout all Iewry, and thorowout all the regions which lie round
about.
And unto Ihon shewed his disciples of all these things. And
Ihon called unto him two of his disciples, and sent them to Iesus saying: Art
thou he that shall come: or shall we look for another? When the men were come
unto him, they said: Ihon baptist sent us unto thee saying: Art thou he that
shall come: or shall we wait for another? At that same time, he cured many of
their infirmities and plagues, And of evil spirits, and unto many that were
blind, he gave sight. And he answered, and said unto them: Go your ways and
shew Ihon, what things ye have heard and seen: how that the blind see, the halt
go, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead arise: To the poor is the
gospell preached, and happy is he that falleth not, by reason of me.
When the messengers of Ihon were departed,
he began to speak unto the people of Ihon: What went ye out for to see into the
desert? went ye to see a reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to
see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold they which are gorgeously
apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts. But what went ye forth
to see? A prophet? Ye I say to you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom
it is written: Behold I send my messenger before thy face, to prepare thy way
before thee. I say unto you: a greater prophet than Ihon, among women's
children, is there none. Nevertheless one that is less in the kingdom of God,
is greater than he.
And all the people that heard, and the
publicans justified God, which were baptised in the baptism of Ihon. But the
Pharises and scribes despised the counsel of God, against themselves, and were
not baptised of him.
And the lord said: Whereunto shall I liken
the men of this generation, and what thing are they like? They are like unto
children sitting in the market place, and crying one to another, and saying: We
have piped unto you, and ye have not danced: We have mourned to you, and ye
have not wept. For Ihon baptist came unto you neither eating bread, nor
drinking wine, and ye say: he hath the devil. The son of man is come and eateth
and drinketh, and ye say: behold a man which is a glutton, and a drinker of
wine, the friend of publicans and sinners. And wisdom justified of all her
children.
And one of the pharisees desired him that
he would eat with him. And he went into the pharisee's house, and sat down to
meat. And behold a woman in that city, which was a sinner, as soon as she knew
that Iesus sat at meat in the pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster box of
ointment, and she stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his
feet, with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his
feet, and anointed them with ointment.
When the Pharise which bade him to his
house, saw that, he spake within himself: saying: If this man were a prophet,
he would surely have known who and what manner woman this is which toucheth
him, for she is a sinner. And Iesus answered, and said unto him: Simon I have
somewhat to say unto thee. And he said: Master say on. There was a certain
lender, which had two debtors, the one ought five hundred pence, and the other
fifty. When they had nothing to pay, he forgave them both. Which of them tell
me, will love him most? Simon answered, and said: I suppose that he to whom he
forgave most. And he said unto him: Thou hast truly judged.
And he turned to the woman, and said unto
Simon: Seest thou this woman? I entered into thy house, and thou gavest me no
water to my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with
the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but she, since the time I came
in, hath not ceased to kiss my feet. Mine head with oil thou didst not anoint:
but she hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee: many
sins are forgiven her, because she loved much. To whom less is forgiven, the
same doeth less love.
And he said unto her thy sins are forgiven
thee. And they that sat at meat with him, began to say within themselves: Who
is this which forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman: Thy faith hath
saved thee, Go in peace.
The
.viij. Chapter.
And it fortuned after that, he himself went
throughout cities and towns, preaching, and shewing the kingdom of God, and the
twelve with him. And also certain women, which were healed of evil spirits, and
infirmities: Mary called Magdalen, out of whom went seven devils, and Ioanna
the wife of Chusa, Herod's steward, And Susanna, And many other: which
ministered unto him of their substance.
When much people were gathered together,
and were come to him out of the cities, he spake by a similitude: A sower went
out to sow his seed, and as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and it was
trodden under feet, and the fowls of the air devoured it up. And some fell on
stone, and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked
moistness. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it, and
choked it. And some fell on good ground, and sprang up and bare fruit, an
hundred fold. And as he said these things, he cried: He that hath ears to hear,
let him hear.
And his disciples asked him, saying: what
manner similitude this should be. And he said: unto you is it given to know the
secrets of the kingdom of God: but to other in similitudes, that when they see,
they should not see, and when they hear they should not understand.
The similitude is this. The seed is the
word of God. Those that are beside the way, are they that hear, and afterward
cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they
should believe and be saved. They on the stones, are they which when they hear
the word receive it with joy. And these have no roots, which for a while
believe, and in time of temptation go away. That which fell among thorns, are
they which hear, and go forth, and are choked with cares and riches, and
voluptuous living, and bring forth no fruit. That in the good ground, are they
which with a good and pure heart, hear the word, and keep it, and bring forth
fruit with patience.
No man lighteth a candle, and covereth it
under a vessel, neither putteth it under the table: but setteth it on a
candlestick, that they that enter in, may see light. No thing is in secret,
that shall not come abroad: Neither any thing hid, that shall not be known, and
come to light. Take heed therefore how ye hear. For whosoever hath, to him
shall be given: And whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken, even that same
which he supposeth that he hath.
Then came to him his mother and his
brethren, and could not come at him for press. And they told him saying: Thy
mother and thy brethren, stand without, and would see thee. He answered, and
said unto them: my mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God,
and do it.
It chanced on a certain day that he went
into a ship, and his disciples also, and he said unto them: Let us go over unto
the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. And as they sailed, he
fell asleep, and there arose a storm of wind in the lake, and they were filled
with water, and were in jeopardy. And they went to him and awoke him, saying:
Master, Master, we are lost. He arose and rebuked the wind, and the tempest of
water, and they ceased, and it waxed calm. And he said unto them: where is your
faith? They feared and wondered, saying one to another: what fellow is this?
for he commandeth both the winds and water, and they obey him? And they sailed
unto the region of the Gaderens, which is over against Galile.
As he went out of the ship to land, there
met him a certain man out of the city, which had a devil long time, and ware no
clothes, neither abode in any house: but among graves. When he saw Iesus, he
cried, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said: What have I to do
with thee Iesus the son of the God most highest? I beseech thee torment me not.
Then he commanded the foul spirit to come out of the man. For often times he
caught him, and he was bound with chains, and kept with fetters: and he brake
the bonds, and was carried of the fiend, into wilderness.
Iesus asked him saying: what is thy name?
And he said: Legion, because many devils were entered into him. And they
besought him, that he would not command them to go out into the deep. There was
there by an herd of many swine, feeding on an hill, and they prayed him, that
he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them. Then went the
devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: And the herd took their
course, and ran headlong into the lake, and were choked. When the herdsmen saw
what had chanced, they fled, and told it in the city and in the villages.
And they came out to see what was done. And
came to Iesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting
at the feet of Iesus clothed, and in his right mind, and they were afraid. They
also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devil,
was healed. And all the whole multitude of the Gaderens, besought him, that he
would depart from them: for they were taken with great fear. And he gat him
into the ship and returned back again. Then the man out of whom the devils were
departed, besought him, that he might be with him: But Iesus sent him away,
saying: Go home again into thine own house, and shew what things God hath done
to thee. And he went his way, and preached thorowout all the city what things
Iesus had done unto him.
It fortuned that when Iesus was come again,
the people received him. For they all longed for him. And behold there came a
man named Iairus (and he was a ruler of the synagogue) and he fell down at
Iesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house, for he had but
a daughter only, of twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. As he went the
people thronged him.
And a woman having an issue of blood twelve
years (which had spent all her substance among Physicians, neither could be
helped of any) came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment, and
immediately her issue of blood staunched. And Iesus said: Who is it that
touched me? when every man denied, Peter and they that were with him, said:
Master, the people thrust thee and vex thee: and thou sayest, who touched me?
And Iesus said: Somebody touched me. For I perceive that virtue is gone out of
me. When the woman saw, that she was not hid from him, she came trembling, and
fell at his feet, and told him before all the people, for what cause she had
touched him, and how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her: Daughter
be of good comfort. Thy faith hath made the safe, go in peace.
While he yet spake, there came one from the
rulers of the synagogue's house, which said to him: Thy daughter is dead,
disease not the master. When Iesus heard that, He answered to the maidens
father saying: Fear not, believe only, and she shall be made whole. And when he
came to the house, he suffered no man to go in with him, save Peter, Iames and
Ihon, and the father and the mother of the maiden. Every body wept and sorrowed
for her. And he said Weep not: for she is not dead, but sleepeth. And they
laughed him to scorn. For they knew that she was dead. And he thrust them all
out at the doors, and caught her by the hand, and cried saying: Maid arise. And
her spirit came again, and she rose straightway. And he commanded to give her
meat. And the father and the mother of her were astonied. But he warned that
they should tell no man, what was done.
The .ix.
Chapter.
Then called he the xij. together, and gave
them power, and authority, over all devils. And that they might heal diseases.
And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to cure the sick. And he
said to them: Take no thing to succor you by the way: neither staff, nor scrip,
neither bread neither money, neither have two coats. And whatsoever house ye
enter into there abide, and thence depart. And whosoever will not receive you,
when ye depart from that city, shake off the very dust from your feet, for a
testimony against them. They went forth, and went thorow the towns, preaching
the gospel, and healing everywhere.
Herod the tetrarch heard of all that by him
was done, and doubted because that it was said of some, that Ihon was risen
again from death. And of some that Helias had appeared. And of other that one
of the old prophets was risen again. And Herod said: Ihon have I beheaded: who
is this of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.
And the Apostles returned, and told him all
that they had done. And he took them and went aside into a solitary place, nigh
to a city called Bethsaida. The people knew of it, and followed him. And he
received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God. And healed them that
had need to be healed. The day began to wear away. Then came the twelve, and
said unto him: send the people away, that they may go into the towns, and
villages roundabout, and lodge, and get meat, for we are here in a place of
wilderness. Then said he unto them: Give ye them to eat. And they said: We have
no more but five loaves and two fishes, except we should go and buy meat for
all this people. And they were about a five thousand men. He said unto his
disciples: Cause them to sit down by fifties in a company. And they did so, and
made them all sit down. He took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looked
up to heaven, and blessed them, and brake, and gave to his disciples, to set
before the people. And they all ate, and were satisfied. And there was taken up
of that remained to them, twelve baskets full of broken meat.
It fortuned as he was alone praying, his
disciples were with him, and he asked them saying: Who say the people that I
am? They answered and said: Ihon baptist. Some say Helias. And some say, one of
the old prophets is risen again. He said unto them: Who say ye that I am? Peter
answered and said: thou art the Christ of God. He warned and commanded them,
that they should tell no man that thing, saying: That the son of man must
suffer many things, and be reproved of the seniors, and of the high priests and
scribes, and be slain, and the third day rise again.
And he said to them all, if any man will
come after me, let him deny himself, and take his cross on him daily, and
follow me. Whosoever will save his life, shall lose it. And whosoever shall
lose his life, for my sake, the same shall save it. For what shall it advantage
a man, to win the whole world, if he lose himself: or run in damage of himself?
For whosoever is ashamed of me, and of my sayings: of him shall the son of man be
ashamed, when he cometh in his own majesty, and in the majesty of his father,
and of the holy angels. I tell you of a surety: Some there are of them that
here stand, which shall not taste of death till they see the kingdom of God.
And it followed about an viij. days after
those sayings, he took Peter, Iames, and Ihon, and went up into a mountain to
pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was changed, and his
garment was white and shone. And behold, two men talked with him, and they were
Moses and Helias, which appeared gloriously, and spake of his departing, which
he should end at Ierusalem. Peter and they that were with him, were heavy
asleep. And when they woke, they saw his majesty, and two men standing with
him.
And it chanced as they departed from him,
Peter said unto Iesus: Master, it is good being here for us. Let us make three
tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Helias. And wist not
what he said. While he thus spake there came a cloud and shadowed them and they
feared when they entered into the cloud. And there came a voice out of the
cloud saying: This is my dear son, hear him. And as soon as the voice was past,
Iesus was found alone. And they kept it close: and told no man in those days
any of those things, which they had seen.
It chanced on the next day as they came
down from the hill, much people came and met him. And behold a man of the
company cried out saying: Master, I beseech thee behold my son, for he is all
that I have: and see, a spirit taketh him, and suddenly he crieth, and he
teareth him that he foameth again, and uneth departeth he from him, when he
hath rent him: And I have besought thy disciples to cast him out, and they
could not. Iesus answered, and said: O generation without faith, and crooked:
how long shall I be with you? And shall suffer you? Bring thy son hither. As he
yet was a coming, the fiend rent him, and tare him. Iesus rebuked the unclean
spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him to his father. And they were all
amazed at the mighty power of God.
While they wondered every one at all things
which he did: He said unto his disciples: Let these sayings sink down into your
ears. The time will come, when the son of man shall be delivered into the hands
of men. But they wist not what that word meant, and it was hid from them that
they understood it not. And they feared to ask him of that saying.
Then there arose a disputation among them,
who should be the greatest. When Iesus perceived the thoughts of their hearts,
he took a child, and set him hard by him, and said unto them: Whosoever
receiveth this child in my name, receiveth me. And whosoever receiveth me,
receiveth him that sent me. For he that amongst you, is the least, the same
shall be great.
Ihon answered and said: Master we saw one
casting out devils in thy name, and we forbade him, because he followeth not
with us. And Iesus said unto him: forbid ye him not. For he that is not against
you, is with us.
And it followed when the time was come that
he should be received up and that he determined himself to go to Ierusalem: and
sent messengers before him. And they went, and entered into a city of the
Samaritans to make ready for him. And they would not receive him, because his
face was as though he would go to Ierusalem. When his disciples, Iames, and
Ihon, saw that, they said: lord, wilt thou that we command, that fire come down
from heaven, and consume them, even as Helias did? Iesus turned about, and
rebuked them saying: ye wot not what manner spirit ye are of. The son of man is
not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another
town.
It chanced as he went on their journey, a
certain man said unto him: I will follow thee whithersoever thou go. Iesus said
unto him: foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests: but the son of man
hath not whereon to lay his head.
And he said unto another: follow me. And
the same said: lord suffer me first to go and bury my father. Iesus said unto
him. Let the dead, bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.
And another said: I will follow thee lord:
But let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. Iesus
said unto him: No man that putteth his hand to the plough, and looketh back, is
apt to the kingdom of God.
The .x.
Chapter.
After that, the lord appointed other
seventy also, and sent them, two and two, before his face, into every city, and
place, whither he himself would come. And said unto them: the harvest is great:
but the laborers are few. Pray therefore the lord of the harvest, to send forth
laborers into his harvest. Go your ways. Behold, I send you forth as lambs
among wolves. Bear no wallet, neither scrip, nor shoes, and salute no man by
the way. In whatsoever house ye enter in, first say: Peace be to this house.
And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon him, if not, it
shall return to you again. And in the same house tarry still eating and
drinking, such as they have. For the laborer is worthy of his reward.
Go not from house to house: and into
whatsoever city ye enter, if they receive you, eat whatsoever is set before
you, and heal the sick that are there, and say unto them: the kingdom of God is
come nigh upon you. But into whatsoever city ye shall enter, if they receive
you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say: even the very
dust, which cleaveth on us of your city, we wipe off against you:
Notwithstanding, mark this, that the kingdom of God was come nigh upon you. Ye
and I say unto you: that it shall be easier in that day, for Sodom than for
that city.
Woe be to thee Chorazin: woe be to thee
Bethsaida. For if the miracles had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been
done in you, they had a great while agone repented, sitting in hair and ashes.
Nevertheless it shall be easier for Tyre and Sidon, at the judgement, than for
you. And thou Capernaum which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to
hell. whosoever heareth you, heareth me: And whosoever despiseth you, despiseth
me. And he that despiseth me, despiseth him that sent me.
The seventy returned again with joy saying:
lord even the very devils are subdued to us thorow thy name. And he said unto
them: I saw sathan, as it had been lightning, fall down from heaven. Behold I
give unto you power to tread on serpents, and scorpions, and upon all manner
power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, in this rejoice
not, that the spirits are under your power: But rejoice because your names are
written in heaven.
That same time rejoiced Iesus in the
spirit, and said: I confess thee father lord of heaven and earth, because thou
hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast opened them to the
foolish. Even so father, for so pleased it thee. All things are given me of my
father. And no man knoweth who the son is, but the father: neither who the
father is, save the son, and he to whom the son will shew him.
And he turned to his disciples, and said
secretly: Happy are the eyes, which see that ye see. For I tell you that many
prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not
seen them: And to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them:
And mark, A Certain Lawyer stood up, and tempted
him saying: Master what shall I do, to inherit eternal life? He said unto him:
What is written in the law? How readest thou? And he answered and said: Thou
shalt love thy lord God, with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with
all thy strength, and with all thy mind: and thy neighbor as thyself. And he
said unto him: Thou hast answered right. This do and thou shalt live. He
willing to justify himself, said unto Iesus: Who is then my neighbor?
Iesus answered and said: A certain man
descended from Ierusalem into Ierico, And fell into the hands of thieves, which
robbed him of his raiment and wounded him, and departed leaving him half dead.
And it chance that there came a certain priest that same way, and saw him, and
passed by. And like wise a levite, when he was come nigh to the place, went and
looked on him, and passed by. Then a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came
nigh unto him, and beheld him, and had compassion on him, and came to hime, and
bound up his wounds, and poured in wine, and oil, and laid him on his beast,
and brought him to a common hostry, and drest him. And on the morrow when he
departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host and said unto him:
Take care of him, and whatsoever thou spendest above this, when I come again I
will recompense thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou was neighbor unto
him that fell into the thieves hands? And he answered: he that shewed mercy on
him. Then said Iesus unto him. Go and do thou likewise.
It fortuned as they went, that he entered
into a certain town. And a certain woman named Martha, received him into her
house. And this woman had a sister called Mary, which sat at Iesus' feet, and
heard Iesus preaching: Martha was cumbered about much serving, and stood and
said: Master, dost thou not care, that my sister hath left me to minister
alone? Bid her therefore, that she help me. And Iesus answered, and said unto
her: Martha, Martha, thou art busied, and troublest thyself, about many things:
verily one is needful, Mary hath chosen her a good part, which shall not be
taken away from her.
The .xj.
Chapter.
And it fortuned as he was praying in a
certain place: when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him: Master teach
us to pray, As Ihon taught his disciples. And he said unto them: When ye pray,
say: Our father which art in heaven, hallowed by thy name. Let thy kingdom
come. Thy will, be fulfilled, even in earth as it is in heaven. Our daily bread
give us this day. And forgive us our sins: For even we forgive every man that
trespasseth us, and lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil Amen.
And he said unto them: which of you shall
have a friend and shall go to him at midnight, and say unto him: friend lend me
four loaves for a friend of mine is come out of the way to me, and I have
nothing to set before him: And he within should answer and say: Trouble me not,
now is the door is shut, and my servants are with me in the chamber, I cannot
rise and give them to thee. I say unto you: though he would not arise and give
him, because he is his friend: Yet because of his importunity he would rise and
give him as many as he needeth.
And I say unto you: ask, and it shall be
given you. Seek, and ye shall find. Knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For
every one that asketh, receiveth: and he that seeketh, findeth: and to him that
knocketh shall it be opened. If the son shall ask bread of any of you which is
his father: will he proffer him a stone? Or if he ask fish, will he give him a
serpent? Or if he ask an egg: will he proffer him a scorpion? If ye then which
are evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children? How much more shall
your father celestial, give a good spirit to them, that desire it of him.
And he was a casting out a devil, which was
dumb. And it followed when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake, and the
people wondered. Some of them said: he casteth out devils by the power of
Belzebub, the chief of the devils. And other tempted him seeking of him a sign
from heaven. He knew their thoughts, and said unto them: Every kingdom, at
debate within itself shall be desolate: and one house shall fall upon another.
So if Satan be at variance within himself: how shall his kingdom endure? Be
cause ye say that I cast out devils by the power of Belzebub? If I by the power
of Belzebub cast out devils: by whose power, do your children cast them out?
Therefore shall they be your judges. But if I with the finger of God cast out
devils, no doubt, the kingdom of God is come upon you.
When a strong man armed watcheth his house:
That he possesseth, is in peace. But when a stronger than he cometh upon him,
and overcometh him: he taketh from him, his harness, wherein he trusted, and
divideth his goods. He that is not with me is against me. And he that gathereth
not with me scattereth.
When the unclean spirit is gone out of a
man, he walketh through waterless places seeking rest. And when he findeth
none, he sayeth: I will return again unto my house whence I came out. And when
he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he and taketh seven
other spirits with him worse than himself, and they enter in, and dwell there.
And the end of that man, is worse than the beginning.
It fortuned as he thus spake, a certain
woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him: Happy is the womb
that bare thee and the paps, which gave thee suck. But he said: Happy are they
that hear the word of God, and keep it.
When the people were gathered thick
together: He began to say: This is an evil nation. They seek a sign, and there
shall no sign be given them, but the sign of Ionas the prophet. For as Ionas
was a sign to the Ninivites, so shall the son of man be to this nation. The
queen of the south shall rise at the judgement, with the men of this
generation, and condemn them. For she came from the end of the world, to hear
the wisdom of Salomon: and behold a greater than Salomon is here. The men of
Nineveh shall rise at the judgement, with this generation, and shall condemn them:
for they repented at the preaching of Ionas: And behold, a greater than Ionas
is here.
No man lighteth a candle, and putteth it in
a privy place, neither under a bushel: But on a candlestick, that they that
come in, may see the light. The light of thy body is the eye. Therefore, when
thine eye is single: then is all thy body full of light. But if thine eye be
evil: then shall all thy body also be full of darkness. Take heed therefore
that the light which is in thee, be not darkness. For if all thy body shall be
light, having no part dark: then shall all be full of light, even as when a
candle doeth light thee with his brightness.
And as he spake, a certain Pharisee
besought him to dine with him: and Iesus went in, and sat down to meat. When
the Pharisee saw that he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.
And the lord said to him: Now do ye, O pharisees, make clean the outside of the
cup, and of the platter: but your inward parts are full of ravening and
wickedness. Ye fools did not he that made that which is without: make that
which is within also? Nevertheless ye give of that ye have, and behold all is
clean to you.
But woe be to you pharisees, for ye tithe
the mint, and rue, and all manner herbs, and pass over judgement, and the love
of God. These ought ye to have done, and not to have left the other undone.
Woe be to you pharisees: for ye love the
uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.
Woe be to you scribes and pharisees
hypocrites, for ye are as graves which appear not, And men that walk over them,
are not ware of them.
Then answered one of the lawyers, and said
unto him: Master, thus saying, thou puttest us to rebuke also. Then he said:
Woe be to you also ye lawyers: for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be
born, and ye yourselves touch not the packs with one of your fingers.
Woe be to you that build the sepulchers of
the prophets: for your fathers killed them: Truly ye bear witness, that ye
allow the deeds of your fathers: for they killed them, and ye build their
sepulchers.
Therefore said the wisdom of God: I will
send them prophets and Apostles, and of them they shall slay and persecute:
That the blood of all prophets, which was shed from the beginning of the world,
may be required of this generation, from the blood of Abel unto the blood of
Zacary, which perished between the altar and the temple. Verily I say unto you:
it shall be required of this nation.
Woe be to you lawyers: for ye have taken
away the key of knowledge, ye entered not in yourselves, and them that came in
ye forbade.
When he thus spake unto them, the lawyers,
and the pharisees, began to wax busy about him and to stop his mouth with many
questions, Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something of his mouth,
whereby they might accuse him.
The .xij.
Chapter.
As there gathered to gether an innumerable
multitude of people (insomuch that they trod one another) he began to say unto
his disciples: First of all beware of the leaven of the pharisees, which is
hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be uncovered: neither
hid, that shall not be known. Wherefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness:
that same shall be heard in light. And that which ye have spoken in the ear,
even in secret places, shall be preached even on the top of the houses.
I say unto you my friends: fear ye not them
that kill the body, and after that have nothing that he can more do. I will
shew you, whom ye shall fear. Fear him which after he hath killed, hath power
to cast into hell. Ye I say unto you, him fear. Are not five sparrows bought
for two farthings? and none of them is forgotten of God. Ye the very hairs of
your heads are numbered. Fear not therefore: Ye are more of value, than many
sparrows.
I say unto you: Whosoever confesseth me
before men, even him shall the son of man confess also before the angels of
God. And he that denieth me before men: shall be denied before the angels of
God. And whosoever speaketh a word against the son of man it shall be forgiven
him. But unto him that blasphemeth the holy ghost, it shall not be forgiven.
When they bring you unto their synagogues,
and unto their rulers, and officers, take no thought how or what thing ye shall
answer, or what ye shall speak. For the holy ghost shall teach you in the same
hour, what ye ought to say.
One of the company said unto him: Master,
bid my brother divide the inheritance with me. And he said unto him: Man, who
made me a judge, or a divider over you? Wherefore he said unto them: take heed,
and beware of covetousness. For no man's life standeth in the abundance of the
things which he possesseth. And he put forth a similitude unto them
saying: The lands of a certain man
brought forth fruits plenteously, and he thought in himself saying: what shall
I do? because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said: This will
I do. I will destroy my barns, and build greater, and therein will I gather all
my fruits, and my goods: and I will say to my soul: Soul thou hast much goods
laid up in store for many years, take thine ease: eat, drink and be merry. But
God said unto him: Thou fool, this night will they fetch away thy soul again
from thee. Then whose shall those things be which thou hast provided? So is it
with him that gathered riches, and is not rich in God.
And he spake unto his disciples: Therefore
I say unto you: Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat: Neither for
your body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is
more than raiment. Mark well the ravens, for they neither sow, nor reap, which
neither have storehouse nor barn, and yet God feedeth them. How much are ye
better then the fowls.
Which of you with taking thought can add to
his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least:
why take ye thought for the remnant? Consider the lilies how they grow: They
labor not: They spin not: and I say unto you, Salomon in all this royalty was
not clothed like unto one of these.
If God then so clothe the grass which is to
day in the fields, and tomorrow shall be cast into the furnace: how much more
will he clothe you, o ye endued with little faith? And ask not what ye shall
eat, or what ye shall drink, neither climb ye up on high: for all such things
the heathen people of the world seek for. Your father knoweth that ye have need
of such things. Wherefore seek ye after the kingdom of heaven, and all these
things shall be ministered unto you.
Fear not little flock, for it is your
father's pleasure, to give you a kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms. And
make you bags, which wax not old, and treasure that faileth not in heaven,
where no thief cometh, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is,
There will your hearts be also.
Let your loins be girded about, and your
lights burning, and ye yourselves, like unto men, that watch for their master
when he will return from a wedding: that as soon as he cometh and knocketh,
they may open unto him. Happy are those servants, which their lord, when he
cometh, shall find walking, Verily I say unto you, he will gird himself about,
and make them sit down to meat, and walk by them, and minister unto them. And
if he come in the second watch, ye if he come in the third watch, and shall
find them so, happy are those servants.
This shall ye understand, that if the good
man of the house, had known what hour the thief would have come, he would
surely have watched: and not have suffered his house to have been broken up. Be
ye prepared therefore for the son of man will come at an hour when ye think,
not.
Then Peter said unto him: Master tellest
thou this similitude unto us, or to all men? And the lord said: who is a
faithful steward, and a discreet, whom his lord shall make ruler over his
household, to give them their duetie of meat, at due season. Happy is that
servant, whom his master when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say
unto you: that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. But and if the evil
servant shall say in his heart: My master will defer his coming, and shall
begin to smite the servants, and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be
drunken: the lord of that servant will come in a day, when he thinketh not, and
at an hour when he is not ware, and will divide him, and will give him his
reward, with the unbelievers.
The servant that knew his master's will,
and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten
with many stripes. But he that knew not, and hath committed things worthy of
stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whom much is given: of him
shall be much required. And to whom men much commit, the more of him will they
ask.
I am come to send fire on earth: and what
is my desire but that it were al ready kindled? Notwithstanding I must be
baptised with a baptism. And how am I pained till it be ended? Suppose ye that
I am come to send peace on earth? I tell you, nay: but rather debate. For
henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two
against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against
the father. The mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the
mother. The motherinlaw against the daughterinlaw, and the daughter in law
against the motherinlaw. Then said he to the people: when ye see a cloud rise
out of the west straightway ye say: we shall have a shower, and so it is. And
when ye se the south wind blow, ye say: we shall have heat, and it cometh to
pass. Hypocrites, ye can skill of the fashion of the earth, and of the sky: but
what is the cause, that ye cannot skill of this time? Ye and why judge ye not
of yourselves, that which is rightwise?
While thou goest with thine adversary to
the ruler: as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered
from him, least he bring thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the
jailer, and the jailer cast thee into prison. I tell thee thou departest not
thence, till thou have made good the utmost farthing.
The
.xiij. Chapter.
There were present at the same season, that
shewed him of the Galileans, whose blood Pilate mingled with their own
sacrifice. And Iesus answered, and said unto them: Suppose ye that these
Galileans, were greater sinners then all the other Galileans because they
suffered such punishment? I tell you nay: but except ye repent, ye shall all
likewise perish. Or think ye that those xviij. upon whom the tower in Siloe
fell and slew them, were sinners above all men that dwell in Ierusalem? I tell
you nay: But except ye repent, ye all shall likewise perish.
He put forth this similitude, A certain man
had a fig tree in his vineyard, and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found
none. Then said he to the dresser of his vineyard: Behold this three year have
I come and sought fruit in this fig tree, and find none, cut it down: why
cumbereth it the ground? And he answered and said unto him: lord let it alone
this year also, till I dig round about it, and dung it, to see whether it will
bear fruit: if not, then after that, cut it down.
He taught in one of their synagogues on the
saboth days. And behold there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity
xviij. years: and was bowed together, and could not well lift up herself. When
Iesus saw her, he called her to him, and said to her: woman, thou art delivered
from thy disease. And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made
straight, and glorified God. The ruler of the synagogue answered with
indignation (because that Iesus had healed on the saboth day) And said unto the
people: There are six days in the week, in which men ought to work, in them
come and be healed, and not on the saboth day.
Then answered him the lord and said:
Hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the saboth day, loose his ox, or his
ass, from the stall, and lead him to the water? And ought not this daughter of
Abraham, be loosed from this bond on the saboth day, whom Sathan hath bounde
lo, xviij. years?
And when he thus said, all his adversaries
were ashamed, and all the people rejoiced on all the excellent deeds, that were
done by him.
Then said he: What is the kingdom of God
like? or whereto shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which
a man took and sowed in his garden: and it grew, and waxed a great tree, and
the fowls of the air built in the branches of it.
And again he said: whereunto shall I liken
the kingdom of , God? It is like leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three
bushels of flour, till all was thorow leavened. And he went thorow cities and
towns teaching, and took his journey towards Ierusalem.
Then said one unto him: lord, are there few
that shall be saved? And he said unto them: strive with your selves to enter in
at the strait gate: For many I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall
not be able. When the goodman of the house is risen up, and hath shut fast the
door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door saying: lord,
lord, open unto us: and he shall answer and say unto you: I know not whence ye
are. Then shall ye begin to say: We have eaten, and drunk in thy presence, and
thou hast taught in our streets. And he shall say: I tell you, I know you not
whence ye are: depart from me all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be
weeping, and gnashing of teeth: when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and
Iacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out a
doors. And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the
north, and from the south, and shall rest in the kingdom of God. And behold,
there are last, which shall be first: And there are first which shall be last.
The same day there came certain of the
pharisees, and said unto him: Get thee out of the way, and depart hence: for Herod
will kill thee. And he said unto them: Go ye and tell that fox, behold I cast
out devils, and heal the people to day and tomorrow, and the third day I make
an end. Nevertheless, I must walk today and tomorrow, and the day following:
For it cannot be, that a prophet perish any other where, save at Ierusalem. O
Ierusalem, Ierusalem, which killest prophets, and stonest them that are sent to
thee: how often would I have gathered thy children together, as the hen her
nest under her wings, but thou wouldest not. Behold your habitation shall be
left unto you desolate. For I tell you, ye shall not see me until the time come
that ye shall say, blessed is he that cometh in the name of the lord.
The
.xiiij. Chapter.
And it chanced that he went into the house
of one of the chief pharisees to eat bread, on a saboth day: and they watched
him. And behold there was a man before him, which had the dropsy. And Iesus
answered and spake unto the lawyers and pharisees, saying: is it lawful to heal
on the saboth day? And they held their peace. He took the man and healed him,
and let him go: And answered them saying: which of you shall have an ass, or an
ox, fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the saboth day?
And they could not answer him again to that.
He put forth a similitude to the guests,
when he marked how they pressed to the highest rooms, and said unto them: When
thou art bidden to a wedding of any man, sit not down in the highest room, lest
a more honorable man than thou be bidden of him, and he that bade both him and
thee, come and say to thee: give this man room. And thou then begin with shame
to take the lowest room. But rather when thou art bidden, go and sit in the
lowest room, that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee: friend
sit up higher. Then shalt thou have praise in the presence of them that sit at
meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself, shall be brought low. And he
that humbleth himself, shall be exalted.
Then said he also to him that had desired
to him to dinner: When thou makest a dinner, or a supper: call not thy friends,
nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor yet rich neighbours: lest they bid
thee again, and make thee recompense. But when thou makest a feast, call the
poor, the maimed, the lame, and the blind, and thou shalt be happy: For they
cannot recompense thee. But thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of
the just men.
When one of them that sat at meat also
heard that, he said unto him: happy is he that eateth bread in the kingdom of
God. Then said he to him: A certain man ordained a great supper, and bade many,
and sent his servant at supper time, to say to them that were bidden, come: for
all things are now ready. And they all at once began to make excuse. The first
said unto him: I have bought a farm, and I must needs go and see it, I pray
thee have me excused. And another said: I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I
must go to prove them, I pray thee have me excused. The third said: I have
married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. And the servant went again, and
brought his Master word thereof.
Then was the good man of the house
displeased, and said to his servant: Go out quickly into the streets and
quarters of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the
halt, and the blind. And the servant said: lord it is done as thou commandedst,
and yet there is room. And the lord said to the servant: Go out into the
highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
For I say unto you, that none of those men which were bidden, shall taste of my
supper.
There went a great company with him, and he
turned and said unto them: If a man come to me, and hate not his father and
mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, moreover and his own
life, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever bear not his cross, and come
after me cannot be my disciple.
Which of you is he that is disposed to
build a tower, and sitteth not down before and counteth the cost: Whether he
have sufficient to perform it? lest after he hath laid the foundation, and is
not able to perform it, all that behold it, begin to mock him saying: This man
began to build, and was not able to make an end. What king goeth to make battle
against another king, and sitteth not down first, and casteth in his mind,
whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with
twenty thousand, or else while the other is yet a great way off, he will send
ambassadors, and desire peace. So likewise, none of you that forsaketh not all
that he hath, can be my disciple.
Salt is good, but if salt be corrupt, what
shall be seasoned therewith? It is neither good for the land, nor yet for the
dunghill, men cast it out at the doors. He that hath ears to hear, let him
hear.
The .xv.
Chapter.
Then resorted unto him all the publicans
and sinners, for to hear him. And the pharisees, and scribes grudged saying: He
received to his company sinners, and eateth with them. Then put he forth this
similitude to them saying: What man of you having an hundred sheep, if he lose
one of them doth not leave ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after him
which is lost, until he find him? And when he hath found him, he putteth him on
his shoulders with joy: And as soon as he cometh home he calleth together his
lovers, and neighbours saying unto them: rejoice with me for I have found my
sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over
one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which
need no repentance. Other what woman having x. grotes, if she lose one, doth
not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently, till she find it?
And when she hath found it she calleth her lovers, and her neighbours saying:
Rejoice with me, for I have found the grote which I had lost. Likewise I say
unto you, joy shall be in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner
that repenteth.
And he said: a certain man had two sons,
and the younger of them said to his father: father give me my part of the goods
that to me belongeth. And he divided unto them his substance. And not long
after, the younger son gathered all that he had together, and took his journey
into a far country, and there he wasted his goods with riotous living. And when
he had spent all that he had, there rose a great dearth thorowout all that same
land. And he began to lack. And he went, and clave to a citizen of that same
country, which sent him to his field, to keep his swine. And he would fain have
filled his belly with the cods, that the swine ate: and no man gave him.
Then he came to himself and said: how many
hired servants at my father's have bread enough, and I die for hunger. I will
arise, and go to my father, and will say unto him: father, I have sinned
against heaven and before thee, now am I not worthy to be called thy son, make
me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. When he
was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran unto
him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him: father I
have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, neither am I worthy henceforth to
be called thy son. Then said the father to his servants: bring forth that best
garment, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.
And bring hither that fatted calf, and kill him, and let us eat and be merry:
for this my son was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is now found.
And they began to make good chear.
The elder brother was in the field, and
when he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard minstrelsy, and dancing, and
called one of his servants, and asked what those things meant. He said unto
him: thy brother is come, and thy father had killed the fatted calf, because he
hath received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go in. Then
came his father out, and entreated him, he answered and said to his father: Lo
these many years have I done thee service, neither brake at any time thy
commandment, and yet gavest thou me never so much as a kid to make merry with
my lovers: but as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy goods
with harlots, thou hast for his pleasure killed the fatted calf. And he said
unto him: Son, thou wast ever with me, and all that I have is thine: it was
meet that we should make merry and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and
is alive again: and was lost, and is found.
The .xvj.
Chapter.
He said also unto his disciples. There was
a certain rich man, which had a steward, that was accused unto him that he had
wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him: How is it, that I hear
this of thee? Give accounts of thy stewardship. For thou mayest be no longer my
steward. The steward said within himself: what shall I do? for my master will
take away from me the stewardship. I cannot dig, and to beg, I am ashamed. I
wot what to do, that when I am put out of my stewardship, they may receive me
into their houses.
Then called he all his master's debtors,
and said unto the first: how much owest thou unto my master? And he said: an
hundred tuns of oil, and he said to him: take thy bill, and sit down quickly,
and write fifty. Then said he to another: what owest thou? And he said: an
hundred quarters of wheat. He said to him: Take thy bill, and write fourscore.
And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely. For the
children of this world, are in their kind, wiser then the children of light.
And I say also unto you: make you friends of the wicked mammon, that when ye
shall have need they may receive you into everlasting habitations.
He that is faithful in that which is least:
the same is faithful in much. [And he that is unfaithful in the least: is
unfaithful also in much.] So then if ye have not been faithful in the wicked
mammon? who will believe you in that which is true? and if ye have not been
faithful in another man's business: who shall give you your own? No servant can
serve two masters, for either he shall hate the one and love the other, or else
he shall lean to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God, and
mammon.
All these things heard the pharisees also
which were covetous. And they mocked him, and he said unto them: Ye are they,
which justify yourselves before men: but God knoweth your hearts. For that
which men magnify, is abominable in the sight of God.
The law, and the prophets reigned until the
time of Ihon: Since that time, the kingdom of God is preached, and every man
striveth to go in.
Sooner shall heaven and earth perish, than
one tittle of the law shall perish. Whosoever forsaketh his wife, and marrieth
another, breaketh matrimony. And every man which marrieth her that is divorced
from her husband committeth advoutry also.
There was a certain rich man, which was
clothed in purple, and fine rayons, and fared deliciously every day. And there
was a certain beggar, named Lazarus, which lay at his gate full of sores
desiring to be refreshed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's board.
Nevertheless, the dogs came, and licked his sores. And it fortuned that the
beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: The rich man
also died, and was buried.
When he lift up his eyes, as he was in
torments, and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom, And cried and
said: father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the
tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this
flame. Abraham said unto him: Son remember, that thou in thy lifetime
receivedst thy pleasure, and contrariwise Lazarus pain. Now therefore is he
comforted, and thou art punished. Beyond all this between you and us there is a
great space set, so that they which would go from hence to you, cannot: neither
from thence come hither.
And he said: I pray thee therefore father,
send him to my father's house. For I have five brethren: for to warn them, lest
they also come into this place of torment. Abraham said unto him: they have
Moses and the prophets, let them hear them. And he said: nay father Abraham,
but if one from the dead came unto them they would repent. He said unto him: If
they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they believe, though one
rose from death again.
The
.xvij. Chapter.
Then said he to his disciples, it cannot be
avoided, but that occasions of evil come. Nevertheless woe be to him thorow
whom they come. It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his
neck, and that he were cast into the sea, rather then he should offend one of
these little ones. Take heed to your selves, if thy brother trespass against
thee, rebuke him: and if he repent, forgive him. And though he sin against thee
seven times in one day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee saying: it
repenteth me, forgive him.
And the Apostles said unto the lord:
increase our faith. The lord said: if ye had faith like a grain of mustard
seed, and should say unto this sycamine tree, pluck thyself up by the roots,
and plant thyself in the sea: he should obey you.
Which of you having a servant a plowing, or
feeding cattle, would say unto him when he were come from the field: Go quickly
and sit down to meat. And rather sayeth not to him, dress wherewith I may sup,
and appoint thyself and serve me, till I have eaten and drunk: and afterward,
eat thou, and drink thou? Doeth he thank that servant because he did that which
was commanded unto him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye have done all those
things which are commanded unto you: say, we are unprofitable servants. We have
done that which was our duty to do.
And it chanced as he went to Ierusalem,
that he passed thorow Samaria and Galile. And as he entered into a certain
town, there met him ten men, that were lepers, which stood afar off, and put
forth their voices, and said: Iesu master, have mercy on us. When he saw them,
he said unto them: Go and shew yourselves to the priests. And it chanced as
they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was
cleansed, turned back again, and with a loud voice praised God, and fell down
on his face at his feet, and gave him thanks. And the same was a Samaritan.
Iesus answered and said: Are there not ten cleansed? But where are those nine?
There are not found that returned again, to give God praise, save only this
stranger. And he said unto him: Arise, and go thy way, thy faith hath saved
thee.
When he was demanded of the pharisees, when
the kingdom of God should come: he answered them and said: The kingdom of God
cometh not with waiting for. Neither shall men say, Lo here, lo there. For
behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
And he said unto the disciples: The days
will come, when ye shall desire to see one day of the son of man, and ye shall
not see it. And they shall say to you: See here, See there. Go not after them,
nor follow them, for as the lightning that appeareth out of the one part of the
heaven, and shineth unto the other part of heaven. So shall the son of man be
in his days. But first must he suffer many things, and be reproved of this
nation.
As it happened in the time of Noe So shall
it be in the time of the son of man. They ate, they drank, they married wives
and were married even unto the same day that Noe went into the ark, and the
flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also, as it chanced in the days of
Lot. They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built.
And even the same day that Lot went out of Zodom, it rained fire and brimstone from
heaven, and destroyed them all. After these ensamples, shall the day be, when
the son of man shall appear. At that day he that is on the house top, and his
stuff in the house: let him not come down to take it out. And likewise let not
him that is in the fields, turn back again to that he left behind. Remember
Lot's wife. Whosoever will go about to save his life, shall lose it: And
whosoever shall lose his life, shall quicken it.
I tell you: In that night, there shall be
two in one bed, the one shall be received, and the other shall be forsaken. Two
shall be also a grinding together: the one shall be received, and the other
forsaken. And they answered, and said to him: where lord? And he said unto
them: wheresoever The body shall be, thither will the eagles resort.
The
.xviij. Chapter.
He put forth a similitude unto them,
signifying that men ought always to pray, and not to be weary, saying: There
was a Judge in a certain city, which feared not God neither regarded man. And
there was a certain widow in the same city, which came unto him saying: Avenge
me of mine adversary. And a great while he would not. Afterward he said unto
himself: Though I fear not God, nor care for man, yet because this widow
troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest at the last she come, and rail on me.
And the lord said: hear what the
unrighteous judge sayeth. And shall not God avenge his elect, which cry night
and day unto him? Ye though he defer them: I tell you, he will avenge them, and
that quickly. Nevertheless, when the son of man cometh, suppose ye, that he
shall find faith on earth.
And he put forth this similitude, unto
certain which trusted in themselves, that they were perfect, and despised
other. Two men went up into the temple to pray: the one a pharisee, and the
other a publican. The pharise stood and prayed thus with himself. God I thank
thee that I am not as other are, extortioners, unjust, advoutrers, and even as
the publican is. I fast twice in the week. I give tithe of all that I possess.
And the publican stood afar off, and would not lift up his eyes to heaven, but
smote his breast, saying: God be mercyfull to me a sinner. I tell you: this man
departed home to his house justified more than the other. For every man that
exalteth himself, shall be brought low: And he that humbleth himself, shall be
exalted.
They brought unto him also babes, that he
should touch them. When his disciples saw that, they rebuked them. But Iesus
called them unto him, and said: Suffer children to come unto me, and forbid
them not. For of unto such, belongeth the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto
you: whosoever receiveth not the kingdom of God, as a child: he shall not enter
therein.
And a certain ruler asked him: saying: Good
Master: what ought I to do, to obtain eternal life? Iesus said unto him: Why
callest thou me good? No man is good, save God only. Thou knowest the
commandments: Thou shalt not commit advoutry, thou shalt not kill, thou shalt
not steal, thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father, and thy
mother. And he said: All these have I kept from my youth. When Iesus heard
that, he said unto him: Yet lackest thou one thing. Sell all that thou hast,
and distribute it unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and
come, and follow me. When he heard that, he was heavy, for he was rich.
When Iesus saw him mourn, he said: with
what difficulty shall they that have riches, enter into the kingdom of God:
Easier it is for a camel to pass thorow a needles eye, then for a rich man to
enter into the kingdom of God. Then said they that heard that: And who shall
then be saved? He said: Things which are unpossible with men: are possible with
God.
Then Peter said: Lo we have forsaken all,
and have followed thee. He said unto them: Verily I say unto you, there is no
man that forsaketh house, other father and mother, other brethren, or wife, or
children, for the kingdom of God's sake, which same shall not receive much more
in this world: and in the world to come, life everlasting.
He
took unto him twelve, and said unto them: Lo we go up to Ierusalem, and all
shall be fulfilled that are written by the prophets of the son of man. He shall
be delivered unto the gentiles, and shall be mocked, and shall be despitefully
entreated, and shall be spitted on: and when they have scourged him, they will
put him to death, and the third day, shall he arise again. They understood none
of these things. And this saying was hid from them. And they perceived not the
things which were spoken.
It came to pass, as they were come nigh
unto Iericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging. And when he
heard the people pass by, he asked what it meant. They said unto him that Iesus
of Nazareth, went by. And he cried, saying: Iesus the son of David, have mercy
on me. And they which went before rebuked him, because he should hold his
peace. And he much the more cried, The son of David, have mercy on me. Iesus
stood still, and commanded him, to be brought unto him. And when he was come
near, he asked him saying: What wilt thou, that I do unto thee? And he said:
lord, that I may receive my sight. Iesus said unto him: Receive thy sight: Thy
faith hath saved thee. And immediately he saw, and followed him, praising God.
And all the people, when they saw it, gave laud to God.
The .xix.
Chapter.
And he entered in, and went thorow Iericho.
And behold, there was a man named Zacheus, which was a ruler among the
publicans, and rich also. And he made means to see Iesus, what he should be:
and he could not for the press, because he was of a low stature. And he ran
before, and ascended up, into a sycomore tree, to see him. For he would come
that same way. And when Iesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and
said unto him: Zache, at down at once, for today I must abide at thy house. And
hastily he came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw that, they
all grudged saying: He is gone, into tarry with a man that is a sinner.
Zache stood forth and said unto the lord:
Behold lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor, and if I have done any
man wrong, I will restore him four fold. Iesus said to him: This day is health
come unto this house, forasmuch as it also is become the child of Abraham. For
the son of man is come to seek, and to save that which was lost.
As they heard these things, he added
thereto a similitude, because he was nigh to Ierusalem, And because also, they
thought that the kingdom of God should shortly appear. He said therefore: A
certain noble man, went into a far country, to receive a kingdom, and then to
come again. He called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds saying
unto them: Buy and sell till I come: But his citizens hated him, and sent
messengers after him, saying: We will not have this man to reign over us.
And it came to pass, when he was come again
and had received his kingdom, he commanded his servants, to be called to him
(to whom he gave his money) to wit what every man had done. Then came the first
saying: lord, thy pound hath increased ten pounds. And he said unto him: Well
good servant, because thou wast faithful in a very little thing, Take thou
authority over ten cities. And the other came saying: lord thy pound, hath
increased five pounds. And to the same he said: And be thou also ruler over
five cities. And the third came, and said: lord, behold here thy pound, which I
have kept in a napkin, for I feared thee, because thou art a strait man: thou
takest up that thou laidst not down, And reapest that thou didst not sow. And
he said unto him: Of thine own mouth judge I thee thou evil servant. Knewest
thou that I am a strait man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I
did not sow? Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank? And then at
my coming should I have required mine own, with vantage. And he said to them
that stood by: Take from him that pound, and give it him that hath ten pounds.
And they said unto him: lord he hath ten pounds. I say unto you, that unto all
them that have, it shall be given: and from him that hath not, even that he
hath shall be taken away. Moreover those mine enemies, which would not, that
should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me. And when he had
thus spoken, he proceeded forth before them, and went up to Ierusalem.
And it fortuned, when he was come nigh to
Bethphage and Bethany, besides mount Olivete, he sent two of his disciples
saying: Go ye in to the town which is over against you. In the which as soon as
ye are come, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon, yet never man sat. Loose him
and bring him hither. And if any man ask you, why that ye loose him: thus say
unto him, The lord hath need of him.
They that were sent went their way, and
found, even as he had said unto them. And as they were a loosing the colt, the
owners said unto them: why loose ye the colt? And they said: for the lord hath
need of him. And they brought him to Iesus. And they cast their raiment on the
colt, and set Iesus theron. And as he went they spread their clothes in the way.
When he was come where he should go down
from the mount Olivete, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice,
and to laud God with a loud voice, for all the miracles that they had seen,
saying: Blessed be the king that cometh in the name of the lord: Peace in
heaven, and glory in the highest. And some of the pharisees of the company,
said unto him: Master rebuke thy disciples. He answered, and said unto them: I
tell you, if these hold their peace, the stones will cry.
And when he was come near, he beheld the
city, and wept on it saying: If thou hadst known those things which belong unto
thy peace, even at this day? But now are they hid from thine eyes. For the days
shall come upon thee, And thine enemies shall compass thee about with a bank.
And shall besiege thee round about, and keep thee in on every side, And make
thee even with the ground, with thy children which are in thee. And they shall
not leave in thee one stone upon another, because thou knewest not the time of
thy visitation.
And he went into the temple, and began to
cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought saying unto them, It is
written, my house is the house of prayer: But ye have made it a den of thieves.
And he taught daily in the temple. The high priests and the scribes and the
chief of the people, went about to destroy him: But could not find what to do.
For all the people stuck by him. And gave him audience.
The .xx.
Chapter.
And it fortuned in one of those days, As he
taught the people in the temple, And preached the gospel. The high priests and
the scribes came unto him with the seniors, And spake unto him, saying: Tell us
by what authority thou doest these things? Other who is he that gave thee this
authority? He answered and said unto them: I also will ask you a question, and
answer me: was the baptism of Ihon, from heaven, or of men? They thought within
themselves saying: If we shall say from heaven: he will say: Why then believed
ye him not? But and if we shall say of men, all the people will stone us. For
they surely believe that Ihon was a prophet. And they answered that they could
not tell whence it was. And Iesus said unto them: Neither tell I you by what
authority I do these things.
Then began he to put forth to the people, this
similitude: A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to farmers, and
went himself into a strange country for a great season. And when the time came,
he sent a servant to his tenants that they should give him of the fruits, of
the vineyard. The tenants beat him: and sent him away empty. And he ceased not
thereby but sent yet another servant. And they beat him, and foul entreated him
also, and sent him away empty. Moreover, he sent the third Also, And him they
wounded, and cast him out. Then said the lord of the vineyard: what shall I do?
I will send my dear son, him peradventure they will reverence, when they see
him.
When the farmers saw him, they thought in
themselves, saying: this is the heir, come let us kill him, that the
inheritance may be ours. And they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him.
Now what shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them? He will come and destroy
those farmers, and will let out his vineyard to other. When they heard that,
they said: God forbid.
He beheld them and said: what meaneth this
then that is written: The stone that the builders refused, is made the head
cornerstone? whosoever stumble at that stone, shall be bruised: but on
whosoever it fall, it will also break him. And the high priests and the
scribes, the same hour went about to lay hands on him, but they feared the
people. For they perceived that he had spoken this similitude against them.
And they watched him, and sent forth spies,
which should feign themselves perfect, to take him in his words, and to deliver
him unto the power, and authority of the president. And they asked him saying:
Master, we know that thou sayest, and teachest right, neither considerest thou
any man's degree, but teachest the way of God truly. Is it lawful for us to
give Cesar tribute, or no? He perceived their craftiness, and said unto them:
Why tempt ye me? Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They
answered and said: Cesar's. And he said unto them: Give then unto Cesar, that
which belongeth unto Cesar: And to God, that which pertaineth to God. And they
could not reprove his saying before the people. And they marvelled at his
answer, and held their peace.
Then came to him certain of the Sadduces
which deny that there is any resurrection. And they asked him saying: Master
Moses wrote unto us, if any man's brother die having a wife, And the same die
without issue: that then his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed
unto his brother. There were seven brethren, and the first took a wife, and
died without children. And the second took the wife, and he died childless. And
the third took her, and in like wise the residue of the seven, And left no
children behind them, and died. Last of all the woman died also. Now at the
resurrection whose wife of them shall she be? for vij had her to wife.
Iesus answered and said unto them: The
children of this world marry wives, and are married, but they which shall be
worthy of that world, and the resurrection from death, neither marry wives, neither
are married, nor yet can die any more. For they are equal unto the angels: and
are the sons of God, inasmuch as they are the children of the resurrection. And
that the dead shall rise again, even Moses signified besides the bush, when he
said: the lord God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Iacob. For
he is not the God of the dead, but of them which live. For all live in him.
Certain of the pharisees answered and said: Master, thou hast well said. And
after that durst they not ask him any question at all.
Then said he unto them: how say they that
Christ is David's son? And David him self saith in the book of the Psalms: The
lord said unto my lord, Sit on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy
foot stool. David then calleth him lord: How is he also his son?
Then in the audience of all the people, he
said unto his disciples, beware of the scribes, which desire to go in long
clothing: and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the
synagogues, and chief rooms at feasts, which devour widows' houses, and pray
long under a colour: The same shall receive greater damnation.
The .xxj.
Chapter.
As he beheld, he saw the rich men, how they
cast in their offerings into the treasury. He saw also a certain poor widow,
which cast in thither two mites. And he said: of a truth I say unto you, this
poor widow hath put in more than they all. For they all have of their
superfluity added unto the offering of God: But she, of her penury, hath cast
in all the substance that she had.
As some spake of the temple, how it was
garnished with goodly stones, and jewels, he said. The days will come, when of
these things which ye see, shall not be left stone upon stone that shall not be
thrown down. And they asked him, saying: Master when shall these things be. And
what signs will there be, when such things shall come to pass.
And he said: take heed, that ye be not
deceived. For many will come in my name, saying of themselves, I am he. And the
time draweth near. Follow ye not them therefore. But when ye hear of war, and
of dissension: be not afraid, for these things must first come: but the end
followeth not by and by. Then said he unto them: Nation shall rise against
nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and great earthquakes shall be in all
quarters, and hunger, and pestilence, and fearful things. And great signs shall
there be from heaven.
But before all these, they shall lay their
hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up, to the synagogues, and into
prison, and bring you before kings, And rulers for my name's sake. And this
shall chance you for a testimonial. Let it stick therefore fast in your hearts,
not once to study before, what ye shall answer for yourselves: For I will give
you a mouth and wisdom, where against, all your adversaries shall not be able
to speak nor resist. Ye and ye shall be betrayed of your fathers and mothers,
and of your brethren, and kinsmen, and lovers. And some of you shall they put
to death. And hated shall ye be of all men for my name's sake. Yet there shall
not one hair of your heads perish. With your patience, possess your souls.
And when ye see Ierusalem besieged with an
host, then understand, that the desolation of the same is nigh. Then let them
which are in jewry fly to the mountains. And let them which are in the midst of
it, depart out. And let not them that are in other countries, enter there in.
For these be the days of vengeance, to fulfil all that are written. But woe be
to them that be with child, and to them that give suck in those days, for there
shall be great trouble in the land: and wrath over all this people. And they
shall fall on the edge of the sword. And they shall be led captive into all
nations. And Ierusalem shall be trodden underfoot of the gentiles, until the
time of the gentiles be fulfilled.
And there shall be signs, in the sun, and
in the moon, and in the stars: and in the earth the people shall be in such
perplexity, that they shall not tell which way to turn themselves. The sea and
the waves shall roar, and men's hearts shall fail them for fear, and for
looking after those things which shall come on the earth. For the powers of
heaven shall move. And then shall they see the son of man come in a cloud with
power and great glory. When these things begin to come to pass: then look up,
and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh.
And he shewed them a similitude: behold the
fig tree, and all other trees, when they shoot forth their buds, ye see and
know of your own selves that summer is then nigh at hand. So likewise ye (when
ye see these things come to pass) understand, that the kingdom of God is nigh.
Verily I say unto you: this generation shall not pass, till all be fulfilled.
Heaven and earth shall pass: but my words shall not pass.
Take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts
be overcome, with surfeiting and drunkenness, and cares of this world: and
that, that day come on you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them
that sit on the face of the earth. Watch therefore continually and pray, that
ye may scape all this that shall come. And that ye may stand before the son of
man. In the day time taught he in the temple, and at night, he went out, and
had abiding in the mount olivete. And all the people came in the morning to him
in the temple, for to hear him.
The
.xxij. Chapter.
The feast of sweet bread drew nigh which is
called ester, and the high priests, and scribes sought how to kill Iesus, but
they feared the people. Then entered Satan into Iudas, whose sur name was
Iscariot (which was of the number of the twelve) and he went his way, and
communed with the high priests and officers, how he would betray him to them.
And they were glad: and promised to give him money. And he consented, and
sought opportunity to betray him unto them, when the people were away.
Then came the day of sweet bread, when of
necessity the ester lamb must be offered. And he sent Peter, and Ihon saying:
Go and prepare us the ester lamb, that we may eat. They said to him. Where wilt
thou, that we prepare? And he said unto them. Behold as ye be entered into the
city, there shall a man meet you bearing a pitcher of water, him follow into
the same house that he entereth in, and ye shall say unto the good man of the
house. The master sayeth: Where is the guest chamber, where I shall eat mine
ester lamb with my disciples? And he shall shew you a great parlour paved.
There make ready. They went and found, as he had said unto them: and made ready
the ester lamb.
And when the hour came, he sat down and the
twelve Apostles with him. And he said unto them: I have inwardly desired to eat
this ester lamb with you before that I suffer. For I say unto you: henceforth,
I will not eat of it any more, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And
he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said: Receive this, and divide it among
you. For I say unto you: I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the
kingdom of God be come.
And he took bread, gave thanks, and brake
it, and gave it unto them, saying: This is my body which is given for you. This
do in the remembrance of me. Likewise also, when they had supped, he took the
cup saying: This is the cup, the new testament, in my blood, which shall for
you be shed.
Yet behold, the hand of him that betrayeth
me, is with me on the table. And the son of man goeth as it is appointed: But
woe be to that man by whom he is betrayed. And they began to enquire among
themselves, which of them it should be, that should do that.
And there was a strife among them, which of
them should seem greatest. And he said unto them: The kings of the gentiles
reign over them, And they that bear rule over them, are called gracious lords.
But ye shall not be so. But he that is greatest among you, shall be as the
youngest: And he that is chief, shall be as the minister. For whether is
greater, he that sitteth at meat: or he that serveth? Is not he that sitteth at
meat? And I am among you, as he that ministereth. Ye are they which have bidden
with me in my temptations. And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my father hath
appointed to me: that ye may eat, and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit
on seats, and judge the twelve tribes of Israell. And the lord said: Simon,
Simon, behold Satan hath desired you, to sift you, as it were wheat: But I have
prayed for thee that thy faith fail not. And when thou art converted,
strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto him. lord, I am ready to go with thee
into prison, and to death. And he said: I tell thee Peter, the cock shall not
crow this day, till thou have thrice denied that thou knewest me.
And he said unto them: when I sent you
without wallet, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye anything? And they said,
nothing. And he said to them: But now he that hath a wallet let him take it,
and likewise his scrip. And he that hath no sword, let him sell his coat and
buy one. I say unto you that yet, that which is written must be performed in me
(Even with the wicked was he numbered) for those things which are written of me
have an end. And they said: lord, behold here are two swords. And he said unto
them: it is enough.
And he came out, and went as he was wont to
mount Olivete. And the disciples followed him. And when he came to the place,
he said to them: Pray lest ye fall into temptation.
And he gat himself from them, about a
stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, saying: Father if thou wilt,
withdraw this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, But thine be fulfilled.
And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, comforting him. And he was in
agony, and prayed somewhat longer. And his sweat was like drops of blood,
trickling down to the ground. And he rose up from prayer, and came to his
disciples, and found them sleeping for sorrow, and said unto them: Why sleep
ye? Rise, and pray lest ye fall into temptation.
While he yet spake: behold, there came a
company, and he that was called Iudas, one of the twelve, went before them, and
pressed nigh unto Iesus to kiss him. Iesus said unto him: Iudas betrayest thou
the son of man with a kiss? When they which were about him saw what would
follow, they said unto him. lord, shall we smite with a sword. And one of them
smote a servant of him which was the chief priest of all, and smote off his
right ear. Iesus answered and said: Suffer ye thus far forth. And he touched
his ear, and healed him.
Iesus said unto the high priests and rulers
of the temple and the seniors which were come to him. Be ye come out, as unto a
thief with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye
stretched not forth hands against me. But this is even your very hour, and the
power of darkness. Then took they him, and led him, and brought him to the high
priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.
When they had kindled a fire in the midst
of the palace, and were set down together, Peter also sat down among them. And
one of the wenches, as he sat, beheld him by the light and set good eyesight on
him, and said: This same was also with him. Then he denied him saying: Woman I
know him not. And after a little while, another saw him and said: Thou art also
of them. And Peter said: Man I am not. And about the space of an hour after
another affirmed saying: Verily even this fellow was with him, for he is of
Galile, Peter said: Man I wot not what thou sayest. And immediately while he
yet spake, the cock crew. And the lord turned back and looked upon Peter. And
Peter remembered the words of the lord, how he said unto him, before the cock
crow thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
And the men that stood about Iesus, mocked
him, and smote him, and blindfolded him, and smote his face. And asked him
saying: Areed who it is that smote thee? And many other things despitefully
said they against him.
And as soon as it was day, the seniors of
the people, and the high priests and scribes, came together, and led him into
their council saying: Art thou very Christ? tell us. And he said unto them: if
I shall tell you, ye will not believe. And if also I ask you, ye will not
answer me. Neither let me go. Hereafter shall the son of man sit on the right
hand of the power of God. Then said they all: Art thou then the son of God? He
said: Ye say that I am. Then said they: What need we any further witness? We
ourselves have heard of his own mouth.
The
.xxiij. Chapter.
And the whole multitude of them arose, and
led him unto Pilate. And they began to accuse him saying: We have found his
fellow, perverting the people, and forbidding to pay tribute to Cesar: And
sayeth that he is Christ a king. And Pilate opposed him saying: Art thou the
king of the jewes? He answered him, and said: thou sayest. Then said Pilate to
the high priests, and to the people: I find no fault in this man. And they were
the more fierce, saying: He moveth the people teaching thoroout jewry, and
began at Galile, even to this place.
When Pilate heard mention of Galile, he
asked whether the man were of Galilee. And as soon as he knew that he was of
Herode's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herode, which was at that time in
Ierusalem also. When Herode saw Iesus, he was marvelously glad. For he was
desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him,
and trusted to have seen some miracle done by him. Then questioned he with him
of many things: But he answered him not one word. The high priests and scribes,
stood forth and accused him straitly. And Herod, with his men of war, despised
him, and mocked him, And arrayed him in white, and sent him again to Pilate.
And the same day Pilate, and Herod were made friends together. For before, they
were at variance.
Pilate called together the high priests,
and rulers, and the people, and said unto them: Ye have brought this man unto
me, as one that perverted the people. And lo I examined him before you, and
have found no fault in this man, of those things whereof ye accuse him. No nor
yet Herode. For I sent you to him: and lo no thing worthy of death is done to
him. I will therefore chasten him and let him loose. For of necessity, he must
have let one loose unto them at that feast.
And all the people cried at once, saying:
away with him, and deliver to us Barabbas. (which for insurrection made in the
city, and murder, was cast into prison) Pilate spake again to them willing to
let Iesus loose. And they cried, saying: Crucify him, Crucify him. He said unto
them the third time: What harm hath he done? I find no cause of death in him. I
will therefore chasten him, and let him go loose. And they cried with loud voice,
and required that he might be crucified. And the crying of the high priests
prevailed.
And Pilate gave sentence that it should be
as they required, and let loose unto them, him that for insurrection, and
murder was cast into prison, whom they desired: and delivered Iesus to do with
him what they would. And as they led him away, they caught one Simon of Syrene,
coming out of the field: And on him laid they the cross to bear it after Iesus.
There followed him a great company of
people, and of women, which women bewailed, and lamented him. Iesus turned back
unto them, and said: Daughters of Ierusalem, weep not for me: but weep for
yourselves, and for your children. For mark, the days will come, when men shall
say: happy are the barren and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which
never gave suck. Then shall they begin to say to the mountains: fall on us. and
to the hills cover us. For if they do this to a green tree: what shall be done,
to the dry?
There were two evil doers led with him to
be slain. And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there
they crucified him, and the evil doers, one on right hand, and the other on the
left hand. Then said Iesus: Father forgive them, for they wot not what they do.
And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. And the people stood and beheld.
And the rulers mocked him with them saying:
He help other men, let him help himself if he be Christ the chosen of God. The
soldiers also mocked him, and came and gave him vinegar and said: if thou be
that king of the jewes, save thyself. His superscription was written over him,
in greek, latin, and hebreu letters: This is the king of the jewes.
The one of the malefactors which hanged,
railed on him, saying: If thou be Christ save thyself and us. The other
answered and rebuked him saying: Neither fearest thou God because thou art in
the same damnation? We are righteously punished, for we receive according to
our deeds: But this man hath done no thing amiss. And he said unto Iesus: lord
remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Iesus said unto him: Verily
I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
And it was about the sixth hour. And there
came a darkness over all the land, until the ninth hour, and the sun was
darkened. And the veil of the temple rent even thorow the midst. And Iesus
cried with a great voice and said: Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.
And when he thus had said, he gave up the ghost. When the Centurion saw, what
had happened, he glorified God saying: Of a surety this man was perfect. And
all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which
were done: smote their breasts, and returned home. And all his acquaintance
stood afar off, and the women, which followed him from Galile, beholding these
things.
And behold there was a man named Ioseph a
senator, which was a good man and a just, He did not consent to their counsel
and deed, which was of Aramathia, a city of the jews. Which same also, waited
for the kingdom of God: he went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Iesus. And
took it down, and wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in an hewn tomb,
wherein was never man before laid. And that day was the saboth even, And the
saboth drew on. The women that followed after which came with him from Galile,
beheld the sepulchre and how his body was laid. And they returned, and prepared
odours, and ointments, And the saboth day they rested, according to the
commandment.
The
.xxiiij. Chapter.
On the morrow after the saboth, early in
the morning, they came unto the tomb and brought the odours which they had
prepared, and other women with them. And they found the stone rolled away from
the sepulchre, and went in: but found not the body of the lord Iesu. And it
happened, as they were amazed thereat: lo two men stood by them, in shining
vestures. And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth:
they said to them: why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here: but
is risen. Remember how he spake unto you, when he was yet with you in Galile,
saying: that the son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and
be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words, and
returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to
all other. It was Mary Magdalene and Ioanna, and Mary Iacobi, And other that
were with them, which told these things unto the Apostles, and their words
seemed unto them feigned things, neither believed they them. Then arose Peter
and ran unto the sepulchre, and stooped in, And saw the linen clothes laid by
them self. And departed wondering in himself at that which had happened.
And behold, two of them went that same day
to a town, which was from Ierusalem about three score furlongs, called Emaus:
and they talked together of all these things that had happened. And it chanced,
as they communed together, and reasoned, that Iesus himself drew near, and went
with them. But their eyes were holden, that they could not know him. And he
said unto them: What manner of communications are these that ye have one to
another as ye walk, and are sad? And the one of them named Cleopas, answered,
and said unto him: art thou only a stranger in Ierusalem, and hast not known
the things which have chanced therein in these days? To whom he said: what
things? And they said unto him: of Iesus of Nazareth which was a prophet,
mighty in deed, and word, before God, and all the people. And how the high
priests, and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death: and have
crucified him. We trusted that it should have been he that should have
delivered Israhell. And as touching all these things, today is even the third
day, that they were done.
Ye and certain women also of our company
made us astonied, which came early unto the sepulchre, and found not his body.
And came saying, that they had seen visions of angels which said that he was
alive. And certain of them which were with us, went their way to the sepulchre,
and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.
And he said unto them: O fools, and slow of
heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken. Ought not Christ to have
suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And he began at Moses, and
at all the prophets, and interpreted unto them, in all scriptures which were
written of him. And they drew nigh unto the town which they went to. And he
made, as though he would have gone further. And constrained him, saying: Abide
with us for it draweth towards night, and the day is far passed. And he went in
to tarry with them.
And it came to pass as he sat at meat with
them, he took bread and blessed it, and brake it and gave it unto them. And
their eyes were opened. And they knew him. And he vanished out of their sight,
and they said between themselves: did not our hearts burn within us, while he
talked with us by the way, and opened to us the scriptures? And they rose up
the same hour, and returned again to Ierusalem, and found the eleven gathered
together, and them that were with them, saying: The lord is risen in deed, and
hath appeared to Simon. And they told what things was done in the way, and how
they knew him, by the breaking of bread.
As they thus spake, Iesus himself stood in
the midst of them, and said unto them: peace be with you. And they were
abashed, and afraid, supposing that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto
them: Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my
hands and my feet. For it is even I myself. Handle me and see. For spirits have
not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed
them his hands, and his feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and
wondered, he said unto them: Have ye here any meat? and they gave him a piece
of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and ate it before them.
And he said unto them: These are the words,
which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you: that all must be fulfilled
which were written of me in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the
psalmes. Then opened he their wits, that they might understand the scriptures,
and said unto them: Thus is it written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer,
and to rise again from death the third day. And that repentance, and remission
of sins, should be preached in his name among all nations. And the beginning
must be at Ierusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And behold, I will
send the promise of my father upon you. But tarry ye in the city of Ierusalem, until
ye be endued with power from on high.
And he led them out into Bethany, and lift
up his hands, and blest them. And it came to pass, as he blessed them, he
departed from them, and was carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him,
and returned to Ierusalem with great joy. And were continually in the temple,
praising, and lauding God.
Here
endeth the Gospell off Sainct Luke.
The
gospell of S. Ihon
The first
Chapter.
In the beginning was the word, and that
word was with God: and God was that word. The same was in the beginning with
God. All things were made by it, and without it, was made no thing, that made
was. In it was life, And life was the light of men, And the light shineth in
the darkness, and darkness comprehended it not.
There was a man sent from God, whose name
was Ihon. The same came as a witness, to bear witness of the light, that all
men through him might believe. He was not that light: but to bear witness of
the light. That was a true light, which lighteneth all men that come into the
world. He was in the world, and the world by him was made: and the world knew
him not.
He came among his own, and his received him
not. Unto as many as received him, gave he power to be the sons of God: in that
they believed on his name: which were born not of blood nor of the will of the
flesh, nor yet of the will of man: but of God.
And that word was made flesh, and dwelt
among us, and we saw the glory of it, as the glory of the only begotten son of
the father, which word was full of grace, and verity.
Ihon bare witness of him saying: This was
he of whom I spake, he that cometh after me, was before me because he was yer
then I. And of his fullness have all we received, even favour for favour. For
the law was given by Moses, but favour and verity came by Iesus Christ. No man
saw God at any time. The only begotten son, which is in the father's bosom,
hath declared him.
And this is the record of Ihon: When the
jewes sent priests, and levites from Ierusalem, to ask him, what art thou? And
he confessed, and denied not, and said plainly: I am not Christ. And they asked
him: what then? art thou Helias? And he said: I am not. Art thou a prophet? And
he answered no. Then said they unto him: what art thou? That we may give an
answer to them that sent us? what sayest thou of thy self? he said: I am the
voice of a crier in the wilderness, make straight the way of the lord, as said
the prophet Esayas.
And they which were sent, were of the
pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him: why baptisest thou then, if
thou be not Christ, nor Helias, neither a prophet? Ihon answered them saying: I
baptise with water: but one is come among you, whom ye know not, he it is that
cometh after me, which was before me, whose shoe latchet I am not worthy to
unloose. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Iordan, where Ihon did
baptise.
The next day, Ihon saw Iesus coming unto
him, and said: behold the lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
This is he of whom I spake: After me cometh a man, which was before me. For he
was ere then I, and I knew him not: but that he should be declared to Israhell,
therefore came I baptising with water.
And Ihon bare record, saying: I saw the
spirit descend from heaven, like unto a dove, and I abode upon him, and I knew
him not: But he that sent me to baptise in water, said unto me: Upon whom thou
shalt see the spirit descend, and tarry still on him, the same is he which
baptiseth with the holy ghost. And I saw it, and bare record, that this is the
son of God.
The next day after Ihon stood again, and
two of his disciples, and he beheld Iesus as he walked by, and said: behold the
lamb of God. And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Iesus.
Iesus turned about, and saw them follow, and said unto them: What seek ye? They
said unto him: Rabbi (which is to say by interpretation, Master) where dwellest
thou? He said unto them: come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt: and
abode with him that day. For it was about the tenth hour.
One of the two which heard Ihon speak, and
followed Iesus, was Andrew Simon Peter's brother. The same found his brother
Simon first, and said unto him: we have found Messias, which is by
interpretation anointed: And brought him to Iesus. And Iesus beheld him and
said: thou art Simon the son of Ionas, thou shalt be called Cephas: which is by
interpretation a stone.
The day following Iesus would go into
Galile, and found Philip, and said unto him, follow me. Philip was of Bethsaida
the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and said unto him: We
have found him of whom Moses wrote in the law, and the prophets: Iesus the son
of Ioseph of Nazareth. And Nathanael said unto him: Can there any good thing
come out of Nazareth? Philip said to him: Come and see.
Iesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said
of him: Behold a right Israelite, in whom is no guile. Nathanael said unto him:
From whence knewest thou me? Iesus answered and said unto him: Before that Philip
called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered
and said unto him: Rabbi, thou art the son of God, Thou art the king of
Israhel. Iesus answered and said unto him: Because I said unto thee, I saw thee
under the fig tree, thou believest. Thou shalt see greater things than these.
And he said unto him: Verily, verily, I say unto you: hereafter shall ye see
heaven open, and the angels of God ascending, and descending over the son of
man.
The
second Chapter.
And the third day, was there a marriage in
Cana a city of Galile. And Iesus mother was there. Iesus was called also and
his disciples unto the marriage. And when the wine failed, Iesus mother said
unto him: they have no wine. Iesus said unto her: woman, what have I to do with
thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother said unto the ministers: whatsoever
he sayeth unto you, do it. And there were standing six waterpots of stone after
the manner of the purifying of the jewes, containing two or three firkins
apiece.
Iesus said unto them: fill the water pots
with water, and they filled them up to the harde brim. And he said unto them:
Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When
the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was turned unto wine, nother
knew whence it was (But the ministers which drew the water knew). He called the
bridegroom, and said unto him: all men at the beginning set forth good wine,
And when men be drunk, then that which is worse: But thou hast kept back the
good wine hitherto.
This beginning of miracles did Iesus in
Cana of Galile, and shewed his glory, and his disciples believed on him. After
that descended he into Capernaum, and his mother, and his brethren, and his
disciples: But continued not long there.
And the jewes' ester was even at hand, And
Iesus went up to Ierusalem, and found sitting in the temple those that sold
oxen and sheep, and doves, and changers of money sitting. And he made a scourge
of small cords, and drave them all out of the temple, both sheep and oxen, and
poured down the changers' money, and overthrew their tables. And said unto them
that sold doves: Have these things hence, and make not my father's house, an
house of merchandise. His disciples remembered, how that it was written: The
zeal of thine house, hath even eaten me.
Then answered the jewes and said unto him:
what token shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou dost these things? Iesus
answered, and said unto them: destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise
it up again. Then said the jewes: In xlvj. years this temple was built: and
wilt thou raise it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. As
soon therefore as he was risen from death again, his disciples remembered that
he thus said unto them. And they believed the scripture, and the words which
Iesus had said.
When he was at Ierusalem, at ester in the
feast, many believed on his name: when they saw the signs which he did: but
Iesus put not himself in their hands, because he knew all men, and needed not,
that any man should testify of man. For he knew what was in man.
The .iij.
Chapter.
There was a man of the pharisees named
Nicodemus a ruler among the jewes. He to Iesus by night, and said unto him:
Master, we know that thou art, a teacher which art come from God. For no man
could do such miracles as thou doest, except God were with him: Iesus answered,
and said unto him: Verily verily I say unto thee: except a man be born a new,
he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Nicodemus said unto him: how can a man be
born, when he is old? can he enter into his mother's body and be born again?
Iesus answered: verily, verily I say unto thee: except that a man be born of
water, and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which
is born of the flesh, is flesh. And that which is born of the spirit, is
spirit. Marvel not that I said to thee, ye must be born a new. The wind bloweth
where he listeth, and thou hearest his sound: but canst not tell whence he
cometh and whither he goeth. So is every man that is born of the spirit. And
Nicodemus answered and said unto him: how can these things be? Iesus answered
and said unto him: Art thou a master in Israhell, and knowest not these things?
Verily verily, I say unto thee, we speak that we know, and testify that we have
seen: And ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things and ye
have not believe: How should ye believe if I shall tell you of heavenly things?
And no man ascendeth up to heaven, but he
that came down from heaven, that is to say, the son of man which is in heaven.
And as Moses lift up the serpent in the
wilderness, even so must the son of man be lift up, that none which believeth
in him perish: but have eternal life.
God so loved the world, that he gave his
only son for the intent, that none that believe in him, should perish: But
should have everlasting life. For God sent not his son into the world, to
condemn the world: But that the world through him, might be saved. He that believeth
on him shall not be condemned. But he that believeth not, is condemned all
ready, because he believeth not in the name of the only son of God. And this is
the condemnation: Light is come into the world, and the men have loved darkness
more than light, because their deeds were evil. For every man that evil doeth,
hateth the light: neither cometh to light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
But he that doth truth, cometh to the light, that his deeds might be known, how
that they are wrought in God.
After that came Iesus and his disciples
into the jewes land, and there abode with them and baptised, and Ihon also
baptised in Enon besides Salim, because there was much water there, and they
came, and were baptised. For Ihon was not yet cast into prison.
There arose a question between Ihon's
disciples and the jewes about purifying. And they came unto Ihon, and said unto
him: Master, behold he that was with thee beyond Iordan, to whom thou barest
witness, baptiseth, and all men come to him. Ihon answered, and said: A man can
receive nothing at all except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves are
witnesses, how that I said: I am not Christ: but am sent before him. He that
hath the bride is the bridegroom: But the friend of the bridegroom which standeth
by and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this
my joy is fulfilled. He must increase: and I must decrease.
He that cometh from on high is above all:
he that is of the earth is of the earth, and speaketh of the earth. He that
cometh from heaven, is above all: And testifieth that he hath seen, and heard:
and his testimony no man receiveth. Whosoever receiveth his witness, the same
hath sealed that God is true. For he whom God hath sent, speaketh the words of
God. For God giveth not the spirit by measure. The father loveth the son, and
hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the son, hath
everlasting life. And he that believeth not the son, shall not see life, but
the wrath of God abideth on him.
The
.iiij. Chapter.
As soon as the lord had knowledge, how that
it was come to the ears of the pharisees, that Iesus made and baptised more
disciples then Ihon (though that Iesus himself baptised not: but his disciples)
he left jewry, and departed again in to Galile. And it was so that he must
needs go thorow Samaria. Then came he to a city of Samaria called Sichar
besides the possession that Iacob gave to his son Ioseph, and there was Iacob's
well. Iesus then wearied in his journey, sat thus on the well.
It was about the sixth hour: There came a
woman of Samaria to draw water. Iesus said unto her: Give me drink. (for his
disciples were gone away unto the town to buy meat.) The woman of Samaria said
unto him: how is it, that thou being a jewe askest drink of me, which am a
Samaritan? (for the jewes meddle not with the Samaritans.) Iesus answered and
said unto her: if thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is, that sayeth to
thee give me drink: thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given
thee water of life. The woman said unto him: Sir thou hast no thing to draw it
withall, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that water of life?
Art thou greater then our father Iacob, which gave us the well, and he himself
drank thereof and his children and his cattle?
Iesus answered and said unto her: whosoever
drinketh of this water, shall thirst again. But whosoever shall drink of the
water that I shall give him, shall never be more a thirst: But the water that I
shall give him, shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting
life. The woman said unto him: Sir give me of that water, that I thirst not,
neither come hither to draw. Iesus said unto her: Go and call thy husband, and
come hither. The woman answered and said to him: I have no husband. Iesus said
to her: Thou hast well said, I have no husband. For thou hast had five
husbands, and he whom thou now hast, is not thy husband. That saidst thou
truly.
The woman said unto him: Sir I perceive
that thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain: and ye say
that in Ierusalem is the place where men ought to pray. Iesus said unto her:
woman trust me, The hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor
yet at Ierusalem, worship the father. Ye worship ye wot nere what: we know what
we worship. For salvation cometh of the jewes. But the hour cometh, and now is,
when the true worshippers shall worship the father in spirit, and in truth. For
verily such the father requireth to worship him. God is a spirit, and they that
worship him, must honour him, in spirit and verity.
The woman said unto him: I wot well Messias
shall come, which is called Christ. When he is once come, he will tell us all
things. Iesus said unto her: I that speak unto thee, am he. And even at that
point, came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman. Yet no
man said unto him: what meanest thou, or why talkest thou with her? The woman
left her water pot behind her, and went her way into the city, and said to the
men there: Come see a man which told me all things that ever I did. Is not he
Christ? Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.
In the meanwhile his disciples prayed him
saying: Master eat. He said unto them: I have meat to eat, that ye know not of.
Then said the disciples between themselves: hath any man brought him meat?
Iesus said unto them: My meat is to fulfill the will of him that sent me. And
to finish his work. Say not ye: There are yet four months, and then cometh
harvest? Behold I say unto you, lift up your eyes, and look on the regions: For
they are white already unto harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth reward, and
gathereth fruit unto life eternal: That both he that soweth, might rejoice
also, and he that reapeth. And herein is the saying true, that one soweth, And
another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labor. Other
men laboured, And ye are entered into their labors.
Many of the Samaritans of that city
believed on him, For the woman's saying, which testified: He told me all things
that ever I did. Then when the Samaritans were come unto him, They besought
him, that he would tarry with them. And he abode there two days. And many more
believed because of his own words. And said unto the woman: Now we believe not
because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is
even indeed Christ the saviour of the world.
After two days, he departed thence, and
went away into Galile. And Iesus himself testified, that a prophet hath none
honour in his own country. Then as soon as he was come into Galile, the
Galileans received him which had seen all things, that he did at Ierusalem on
the feast. For they went also unto the feast day. And Iesus came again into
Cana of Galile, where he turned water into wine.
And there was a certain ruler, whose son
was sick at Capernaum. As soon as the same heard that Iesus was come out of
jewry into Galilee he went unto him, and besought him, that he would descend,
and heal his son: For he was even ready to die. Then said Iesus unto him:
Except ye see signs and wonders, ye believe not. The ruler said unto him: Sir
come away or ever that my child die. Iesus said unto him go thy way, thy son
liveth. And the man believed the words that Iesus had spoken unto him, and went
his way. And anon as he went on his way, his servants met him, and told him,
saying: thy child liveth, Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to
amend. And they said unto him: Yesterday the seventh hour, the fever left him.
And the father knew that it was the same hour in which Iesus said unto him: Thy
son liveth. And he believed, and all his household. This is again the second
miracle, that Iesus did, after he was come out of jewry into Galilee.
The .v.
Chapter.
After that there was a feast of the jewes,
and Iesus went up to Ierusalem. There is at Ierusalem, by the slaughterhouse a
pool called in the Hebrew tongue, bethesda, having five porches, in them lay a
great multitude of sick folk, of blind, halt, and withered, waiting for the
moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool
and stirred the water. Whosoever then first after the stirring of the water
stepped in, was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. And a certain man was
there, which had been diseased xxxviij. years. When Iesus saw him lie, and knew
that he now long time had been diseased, he said unto him, Wilt thou be whole?
The sick answered him: Sir I have no man when the water is moved, to put me
into the pool. But in the mean time, while I am about to come, another steppeth
down before me.
Iesus said unto him: rise, take up thy bed,
and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and
went. And the same day was the saboth day. The jewes therefore said unto him
that was made whole: It is the saboth day, it is not lawful for thee to carry
thy bed. He answered them: he that made me whole, said unto me: Take up thy
bed, and get thee hence. Then asked they him: what man is that which said unto thee,
take up thy bed and walk? And he that was healed, wist not who it was. For
Iesus had gotten himself away, because that there was press of people in the
place.
After that, Iesus found him in the temple,
and said unto him: Behold thou art made whole, see thou sin no more, lest a
worse thing happen unto thee. The man departed, and told the jewes that it was
Iesus, the which had made him whole. And therefore the jewes did persecute
Iesus, and sought the means to slay him, because he had done these things on
the saboth day. Iesus answered them: My father worketh hitherto, and I work.
Therefore the jewes sought the more to kill him, not only because he had broken
the saboth: but said also that God was his father and made himself equal with
God.
Then answered Iesus and said unto them:
verily, verily, I say unto you: the son can do no thing of himself: but that he
seeth the father do. For whatsoever he doeth, that doeth the son also. For the
father loveth the son, and sheweth him all things, whatsoever he himself doeth.
And he will shew him greater works than these, because ye should marvel. For
likewise as the father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them, even so the
son quickeneth whom he will. Neither judgeth the father any man: but hath committed
all judgement unto the son, because that all men should honour the son, even as
they honour the father. He that honoureth not the son, the same honoureth not
the father which hath sent him. Verily verily I say unto you: He that heareth
my words, And believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall
not come into damnation: but is scaped from death unto life.
Verily, verily I say unto you: the time
shall come, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the son of God.
And they that hear, shall live. For as the father hath life in himself, so
likewise hath he given to the son to have life in himself. And hath given him
power also to judge in that he is the son of man. Marvel not at this, that the
hour shall come, in the which all that are in the graves, shall hear his voice,
and shall come forth, they that have done good unto the resurrection of life.
And they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
I can of mine own self do nothing at all.
As I hear I judge, and my judgement is just, because I seek not mine own will:
But the will of the father which hath sent me. If I bear witness of myself, my
witness is not true. There is another that beareth witness of me. And I am sure
that the witness which he beareth of me is true. Ye sent unto Ihon, and he bare
witness unto the truth: but I receive no record of man. Nevertheless, these
things I say, that ye might be safe. He was a burning, and a shining light, and
ye would for a season have rejoiced in his light. But I have greater witness,
than the witness of Ihon. For the works which my father hath given me to
finish: the same works which I do, bear witness of me, that the father sent me.
And my father himself, which hath sent me, beareth witness of me. Ye have not heard
his voice at any time, Nor yet have seen his shape. And his words have ye not
abiding in you: For ye believe not him whom he hath sent.
Search the scriptures, for in them, ye
think ye have eternal life: And they are they which testify of me. And yet will
ye not come to me that ye might have life. I receive not praise of men: But I
know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. I am come in my father's
name, and ye receive me not. If another shall come in his own name, him will ye
receive. How can ye believe, which receive praise one of another, and seek not
the praise which cometh of God only?
Suppose not, that I will accuse you to my
father. There is one that accuseth you, verily Moses in whom ye trust. For had
ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: For he wrote of me. But when ye
believe not his writing: how shall ye believe my words.
The .vj.
Chapter.
After that went Iesus his way over the sea
of Galile nigh to a city called Tiberias. And a great multitude followed him,
because they had seen his miracles that he did on them that were diseased.
Iesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. (And ester
a feast of the jewes, was nigh.) Then Iesus lift up his eyes, and saw a great
company come unto him, and said unto Philip: whence shall we buy bread that
these might eat: This he said to prove him. For he himself knew what he would
do.
Philip answered him, two hundred pennyworth
of bread are not sufficient for them, that every man have a little. Then said
unto him, one of his disciples (Andrew Simon Peter's brother.) There is a lad
here, which hath five barley loaves, and two fishes: but what is that among so
many? Iesus said: Make the people to sit down. (There was much grass in the
place.) And the men sat down, in number, about five thousand. Iesus took the
bread, and gave thanks, and gave to his disciples, and his disciples, to them
that were set down. And likewise of the fishes, as much as they would.
When they had eaten enough, he said unto
his disciples: gather up the broken meat that remaineth: that nothing be lost.
They gathered it together, and filled twelve baskets with the broken meat, of
the five barley loaves, which broken meat remained unto them that had eaten.
Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Iesus did, said: This is of
a truth the same prophet which shall come into the world. Iesus knew well
enough, that they would come, and take him up, to make him king: and therefore
departed he again, into a mountain, himself alone.
When even was come his disciples went unto
the sea, and entered into a ship. And went over the sea unto Capernaum. And
anon it was dark, and Iesus was not come to them. And the sea arose with a
great wind. When they had rowed about a xxv. or a xxx. furlongs, they saw Iesus
walk on the sea, and to draw nigh unto the ship, and they were afraid. And he
said unto them: It is I, be not afraid. Then would they have received him into
the ship, and the ship was by and by at the land whither they went.
The day following, the people which stood
on the other side of the sea, saw that there was none other ship there save
that one wherein his disciples were entered, and that Iesus went not in with
his disciples into the ship: but that his disciples were gone away alone.
(There came other ships from Tiberias nigh unto the place, where they ate
bread, when the lord had blessed.) Then when the people saw that Iesus was not
there neither his disciples, they also took shipping and came to Capernaum
seeking for Iesus.
And when they had found him on the other
side of the sea, they said unto him: Master when camest thou hither? Iesus
answered them and said: verily verily I say unto you: ye seek me, not because
ye saw the miracles: but because ye ate of the loaves, and were filled. Labor
not for the meat which perisheth, but for the meat that endureth unto
everlasting life, which meat the son of man shall give unto you. For him hath
God the father sealed.
Then said they unto him: what shall we do
that we might work the works of God? Iesus answered and said unto them: This is
the work of God, that ye believe on him, whom he hath sent. They said unto him:
what sign shewest thou then? that we may see and believe thee? What dost thou
work? our fathers did eat manna in the desert, as it is written: He gave them
bread from heaven to eat. Iesus said unto them: verily, verily I say unto you:
Moses gave you not bread from heaven: but my father giveth you the true bread
from heaven. For he is the bread of God, which cometh down from heaven, and
giveth life unto the world.
Then said they unto him: Master ever more
give us this bread. And Iesus said unto them: I am that bread of life. He that
cometh to me, shall not hunger: and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
But I said unto you: that ye have seen me, and yet believe ye not. All that my
father giveth me, cometh to me: and him that cometh to me, cast I not out at
the doors. For I came down from heaven: not to do mine own will: but his will
which hath sent me. And this is my father's will which hath sent me, that of
all which he hath given me, I shall loose no thing: but should raise it up
again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me: That every man
which seeth the son, And believeth on him, have everlasting life. And I will
raise him up at the last day.
The jewes murmured at it, because he said:
I am that bread which is come down from heaven. And they said: Is not this
Iesus the son of Ioseph, whose father, and mother we know? How is it then that
he sayeth, I came down from heaven? Iesus answered and said unto them. Murmur
not between yourselves. No man can come to me except my father which hath sent
me, draw him. And I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets:
And they shall all be taught of God. Every man which hath heard, and learned of
the father, cometh unto me, not that any man hath seen the father, save he
which is of God. The same hath seen the father.
Verily verily I say unto you, he that believeth
on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat
manna in the wilderness, and are dead? This is that bread which cometh from
heaven, that he which of it eateth, should also not die. I am that living bread
which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread, he shall live
forever. And the bread that I will give, is my flesh, which I will give for the
life of the world.
The jewes strove among themselves saying:
How can this fellow give us his flesh to eat? Iesus said unto them: Verily,
verily I say unto you, except ye eat the flesh of the son of man, and drink his
blood, ye shall not have life in you. Whosoever eateth my flesh, and drinketh
my blood, the same hath eternal life: And I will raise him up at the last day.
For my flesh is meat indeed: and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my
flesh and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me and I in him. As my living father
hath sent me, even so live I by my father: and he that eateth me, shall live by
me. This is the bread which came from heaven: not as your fathers have eaten
manna and are dead. He that eateth of this bread, shall live ever.
These things said he in the synagogue as he
taught in Capernaum. Many of his disciples, when they had heard this, said: this
is an hard saying. Who can abide the hearing of it? Iesus knew in himself, that
his disciples murmu red at it, and said unto them: Doth this offend you? what
and if ye shall see the son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the
spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing. The words that I speak
unto you are spirit and life. But there are some of you that believe not. For
Iesus knew from the beginning, which they were that believed not. And who
should betray him. And he said: Therefore said I unto you: that no man can come
unto me, except it were given unto him of my father.
From that time many of his disciples went
away from him, and companied no more with him. Then said Iesus to the twelve:
will ye also go away? Simon Peter answered him: Master to whom shall we go?
Thou hast the words of eternal life, And we have believed, and known, that thou
art Christ the son of the living God. Iesus answered them: Have not I chosen
you twelve? And yet one of you is the devil? He spake it of Iudas Iscariot the
son of Simon. For he it was that should betray him, and was one of the twelve.
The .vij.
Chapter.
After that Iesus went about into Galile,
and would not go about in jewry, for the jewes sought to kill him. The jewes'
tabernacle feast was at hand. His brethren therefore said unto him: Get thyself
hence and go into jewry that thy disciples may see thy works that thou doest.
There is no man that doeth any thing secretly, and he himself seeketh to be
known. If thou do such things, shew thyself to the world. For as yet his
brethren believed not in him.
Then Iesus said unto them: My time is not
yet come, your time is alway ready. The world cannot hate you. Me it hateth:
Because I testify of it, that the works of it are evil. Go ye up unto this
feast, I will not go up yet unto this feast, for my time is not yet full come.
These words he said unto them, and abode still in Galile. As soon as his
brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly: but as
it were privily. Then sought him the jewes at the feast, and said: Where is he?
And much murmuring was there of him among the people. Some said: He is good.
Other said nay, but he deceiveth the people. No man spake openly of him, for
fear of the jewes.
In the midst of the feast, Iesus went up
into the temple, and taught. And the jewes marvelled, saying: How knoweth he
the scriptures? seeing that he never learned. Iesus answered them, and said: My
doctrine is not mine: but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he
shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God: or whether I spake of myself.
He that speaketh of himself, seeketh his own praise. But he that seeketh his
praise that sent him, he is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.
Did not Moses give you a law? And yet none
of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me? The people answered and
said: Thou hast the devil. Who goeth about to kill thee? Iesus answered, and
said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel. Moses therefore gave unto
you circumcision, not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers. And yet ye on
the saboth day circumcise a man. If a man on the saboth day receive
circumcision without breaking of the law of Moses: Disdain ye at me, because I
have made a man every whit whole on the saboth day? Judge not after the utter
appearance: but judge righteous judgement.
Then said some of them of Ierusalem: Is not
this he whom they go about to kill? behold he speaketh boldly, and they say
nothing to him. Do not our rulers know indeed, that this is very Christ? But we
know this man whence he is, but when Christ cometh, no man shall know whence he
is.
Then cried Iesus in the temple as he taught
saying: And me ye know, and whence I am ye know: and I am not come of myself.
But he that sent me is true, whom ye know not. I know him: For I am of him, and
he hath sent me. Then sought the jews to take him, but no man laid hands on
him, because his time was not yet come. Many of the people believed on him, and
said: When Christ cometh: Will he do more miracles than this man hath done?
The pharisees heard that the people
murmured such things about him: and the pharisees and scribes sent ministers
forth to take him. Then said Iesus unto them: Yet am I a little while with you,
and then go I unto him that sent me. Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me:
And where I am, thither can ye not come. Then said the jewes between
themselves: Whither will he go? that we shall not find him. Will he go among
the gentiles, which are scattered all abroad, and teach the gentiles? What
manner of saying is this that he said: ye shall seek me, and shall not find me:
And where I am, thither can ye not come?
In the last day, that great day of the
feast: Iesus stood and cried saying: If any man thirst, let him come unto me
and drink. Whosoever believeth on me, as sayeth the scripture, out of his belly
shall flow rivers of water of life. This spake he of the spirit, which they
that believed on him should receive. For the holy ghost was not yet there,
because that Iesus was not yet glorified. Many of the people, when they heard
this saying said: This is, no doubt, a prophet. Other said: this is Christ.
Some said: shall Christ come out of Galilee? Saith not the scripture that
Christ shall come of the seed of David: and out of the town of Bethlehem where
David was? So was there dissension among the people for his sake. And some of
them would have taken him: but no man laid hands on him.
Then came the ministers to the high
priests, and pharisees. And they said unto them: why have ye not brought him?
The servants answered: never man spake as this man speaketh. Then answered them
the pharisees: are ye also deceived? Doth any of the rulers, or of the
pharisees believe on him? But the common people which know not the law are a
cursed. Nicodemus said unto them (He that came to Iesus by night which was one
of them.) Doth our law judge any man, before it be heard, and known, what he
hath done? They answered, and said unto him: Art thou also of Galile? Search
and look, for out of Galile ariseth no prophet. And every man went unto his own
house.
The
.viij. Chapter.
Iesus went unto mount olivet, and early in
the morning came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him, And
he sat down, and taught them. The scribes and pharisees brought unto him a
woman taken in advoutry, and set her in the midst and said unto him: Master
this woman was taken in advoutry, even as the deed was a doing. Moses in the
law commanded us that such should be stoned: What sayest thou therefore? And
this they said to tempt him: that they might have, whereof to accuse him. Iesus
stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground. And while they continued
asking him, he lifted himself up, And said unto them: let him that is among you
without sin, cast the first stone at her. And again he stooped down and wrote
on the ground. As soon as they heard that, they went out one by one the eldest
first. And Iesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Iesus
had lifted up himself again, and saw no man, but the woman, He said unto her:
Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee? She said:
Sir no man. Iesus said: Neither do I condemn thee. Go hence and sin no more.
Then spake Iesus again unto them saying: I
am the light of the world. He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness: but
shall have the light of life. The pharisees said unto him: thou bearest record
of thyself, thy record is not true. Iesus answered and said unto them: And if I
bear record of myself, my record is true for I know whence I come, and whither
I go. Ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. Ye judge after the flesh,
I judge no man, and if I judge, then is my judgement is true. For I am not
alone: but I and my father that sent me. It is also written in your law, that
the testimony of two men is true. I am one that bear witness of myself, and my
father that sent me beareth witness of me.
Then said they unto him: where is thy
father? Iesus answered: ye neither know me, nor yet my father. If ye had known
me, ye should have known my father also. These words spake Iesus in the
treasury, as he taught in the temple. And no man laid hands on him, For his
time was not yet come. Then said Iesus again unto them: I go my way, and ye
shall seek me, and shall die in your sins. Whither I go thither can ye not
come. Then spake the jewes: will he kill himself, because he saith: whither I
go, thither can ye not come? And he said unto them: ye are from beneath, I am from
above. Ye are of this world, I am not of this world. I said therefore unto you,
that ye shall die in your sins. For except ye believe that I am he, ye shall
die in your sins.
Then said they unto him, who art thou? And
Iesus said unto them: Even the very same thing that I say unto you. I have many
things to say, and to judge of you. But he that sent me is true. And I speak in
the world, those things which I have heard of him. They understood not that he
spake of his father.
Then said Iesus unto them: When ye have
lift up on high the son of man then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do
nothing of myself, But as my father hath taught me, even so I speak. And he
that sent me is with me. My father hath not left me alone, For I do always those
things that please him. As he spake these words, many believed on him.
Then said Iesus to those jewes which
believed on him: If ye continue in my saying, then are ye my very disciples:
and ye shall know the truth: And the truth shall make you free. They answered
him: We be Abraham's seed, and were never bond to any man: why sayest thou
then, ye shall be made free?
Iesus answered them: verily verily I say
unto you, that whosoever committeth sin, is the servant of sin. And the servant
abideth not in the house for ever: But the son abideth ever. If the son
therefore shall make you free, then are ye free in deed. I know that ye are
Abraham's seed: but ye seek means to kill me because my sayings have no place
in you. I speak that I have seen with my father: and ye do that which ye have
seen with your father.
They answered and said unto him: Abraham is
our father. Iesus said unto them. If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do
the deeds of Abraham. But now ye go about to kill me, a man that have told you
the truth, which I have heard of my father. This did not Abraham. Ye do the
deeds of your father. Then said they unto him: we were not born of fornication.
We have one father that is God. Iesus said unto them: if God were your father,
then would ye have loved me. For I proceeded forth and come from God. Neither
came I of myself, but he sent me. Why do ye not know my speech? Because ye
cannot abide the hearing of my words.
Ye are of your father the devil, and the
lusts of your father, ye will follow: He was a murderer from the beginning, And
abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a
lie, then speaketh he of his own. For he is a liar, and the father thereof. And
because I tell you the truth, therefore believe ye not me.
Which of you can rebuke me of sin? If I say
the truth, why do not ye believe me? He that is of God, heareth God's words. Ye
therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. Then answered the jewes and
said unto him: Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan and hast the devil?
Iesus answered: I have not the devil: but I honour my father, and ye have
dishonored me. I seek not mine own praise: There is one that seeketh it and
judgeth.
Verily verily I say unto you, if a man keep
my sayings, he shall never see death. Then said the jewes to him: Now know we
that thou hast the devil. Abraham is dead, and also the prophets, and yet thou
sayest: if a man keep my saying he shall never taste of death. Art thou greater
then our father Abraham? which is dead? and the prophets are dead. Whom makest
thou thyself?
Iesus answered: If I praise myself, mine
praise is nothing worth. It is my father that praiseth me, which ye say is your
God. And yet have ye not known him: but I know him. And if I should say, I know
him not, I should be a liar like unto you, But I know him, and keep his saying.
Your father Abraham was glad to see my day,
and he saw it and rejoiced. Then said the jewes unto him: Thou art not yet
fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Iesus said unto them: Verily
verily I say unto you: yer Abraham was I am. Then took they up stones, to cast
at him. But Iesus hid himself, and went out of the temple.
The .ix.
Chapter.
And as Iesus passed by, he saw a man which
was blind from his birth, And his disciples asked him saying. Master, who did
sin: this man, or his father and mother, that he was born blind? Iesus
answered: Neither this man hath sinned, nor yet his father and mother: but that
the works of God should be shewed on him. I must work the works of him that
sent me, while it is day. The night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I
am in the world, I am the light of the world.
As soon as he had thus spoken, he spat on
the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and rubbed the clay on the eyes of
the blind, and said unto him: Go wash thee in the pool of Siloe (which by
interpretation, signifieth sent.) He went his way and washed, and came again
seeing. The neighbours, and they that had seen him before how that he was a
beggar said: Is not this he that sat and begged? Some said: this is he. Other
said: he is like him. He himself said: I am even he. They said unto him: How
are thine eyes opened then? He answered and said: The man that is called Iesus,
made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me: Go to the pool Siloe, and
wash. I went and washed and received my sight. They said unto him: where is he?
He said: I cannot tell.
Then brought they to the pharisees, him
that a little before was blind. (It was the saboth day when Iesus made the
clay, and opened his eyes.) Then again the pharisees also asked him how he had
received his sight. He said unto them: He put clay upon mine eyes, And I
washed, and I see. Then said some of the pharisees: this man is not of God,
because he keepeth not the saboth day. Other said: how can a man that is a
sinner do such miracles? And there was strife among them. Then spake they unto
the blind again: What sayest thou of him, because he hath opened thine eyes?
And he said: He is a prophet.
The jewes did not believe of the fellow,
how that he was blind, and received his sight: until they had called the father
and mother of him that had received his sight. And they asked them saying: Is
this your son, whom ye say was born blind? How doth he now see then? His father
and mother answered them and said: we wot well that this is our son, and that
he was born blind: But by what means he now seeth, that can we not tell or who
hath opened his eyes can we not tell. He is old enough, ask him, let him answer
for himself, of things that pertain to himself. Such words spake his father,
and mother, because they feared the jewes, for the jewes had conspired already
that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be excommunicate out
of the Synagogue. Therefore said his father and mother: he is old enough, ask
him.
Then again called they the man that was
blind, and said unto him: Give God the praise, we know that this man is a
sinner. He answered and said: Whether he be a sinner or no, I cannot tell: One
thing I am sure of, that I was blind, and now I see. Then said they to him
again: What did he to thee? How opened he thine eyes? He answered them, I told
you yerwhile, And ye did not hear. Wherefore would ye hear it again? Will ye
also be his disciples? Then rated they him, and said: Thou art his disciple. We
are Moses' disciples. We are sure that God spake with Moses. This fellow we
know not from whence he is.
The man answered, and said unto them: this
is a marvelous thing that ye wot nere whence he is, and yet hath he opened mine
eyes. We know well enough that God heareth no sinners: But if any man be a
worshipper of God: and do what his will is, him heareth he. Since the world
began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.
If this man were not of God, he could have done no thing. They answered and
said unto him: thou art altogether born in sin: and dost thou teach us? And
they cast him out.
Iesus heard that they had excommunicated
him: and as soon as he had found him he said unto him: dost thou believe on the
son of God? He answered and said: And who is it lord, that I might believe on
him? And Iesus said unto him: Thou hast seen him, and he it is that talketh
with thee. And he said: lord I believe: And worshipped him. Iesus said: I am
come unto judgement, into this world: that they which see not, might see, and
they which see might be made blind. And some of the pharisees which were with
him, heard these words and said unto him: Are we then blind? Iesus said unto
them, if ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say we see, therefore
your sin remaineth.
The .x.
Chapter.
Verily verily I say unto you: Whosoever
entereth not in by the door, into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other
way: he is a thief and a robber. He that goeth in by the door, is the shepherd
of the sheep. To this man the porter openeth the door, and the sheep hear his
voice, And he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out, and when he
hath sent forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him:
For they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but will fly from
him. For they know not the voice of strangers. This manner of saying spake
Iesus unto them. And they understood not, what things they were, which he spake
unto them.
Then said Iesus unto them again: Verily
verily I say unto you: that I am the door of the sheep. All even as many as
came before me, are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am
the door: by me, if any man enter in, he shall be safe, and shall go in and
out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not but for to steal and kill, and
destroy. I am come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly.
I am a good shepherd, a good shepherd
giveth his life for his sheep. An hired servant which is not the shepherd,
neither the sheep are his own, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep,
and flyeth, and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hired servant
flyeth because he is an hired servant, and careth not for the sheep. I am that
good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As my father knoweth
me: even so know I my father. And I give my life for the sheep, and other sheep
I have, which are not of this fold. Them also must I bring, that they shall
hear my voice. And there shall be one flock, and one shepherd.
Therefore doth my father love me, because I
put my life from me, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me: but
I put it away of myself. I have power to put it from me, and power I have to
take it again. This commandment have I received of my father. Again there was
dissension among the jewes for these sayings, and many of them said: He hath
the devil, and is mad: why hear ye him? other said, these are not the words of
him that hath the devil: Can the devil open the eyes of the blind?
It was at Ierusalem the feast of the
dedication, and it was the winter: And Iesus walked in Solomon's hall. Then
came the jewes round about him, and said unto him: How long dost thou make us
doubt? If thou be Christ, tell us plainly. Iesus answered them: I told you and
ye believe not: The works that I do in my father's name, bear witness of me:
but ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep. As I said unto you: my
sheep, hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me, and I give unto them
eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out
of my hand. My father which gave them me, is greater then all men, and no man
is able to take them out of my father's hand. And I and my father are one.
Then the jewes again took up stones, to
stone him withall. Iesus answered them: many good works have I shewed you from
my father: for which of them will ye stone me? The jewes answered him saying:
For thy good works' sake we stone thee not: but for thy blasphemy, and because
that thou being a man, makest thyself God. Iesus answered them: Is it not
written in your law: I have said, ye are gods? If he called them gods unto whom
the word of God was spoken (and the scripture cannot be broken) say ye then to
him, whom the father hath sanctified, and sent into the world: Thou
blasphemest, because I said I am the son of God? If I do not the works of my
father, believe me not. But though ye believe not me, yet believe the works,
that ye may know and believe that the father is in me, and I in him.
Again they went about to take him, but he
escaped out of their hands, and went away again beyond Iordan, into the place
where Ihon before had baptised, and there abode. And many resorted unto him,
and said: Ihon did no miracle: But all things that Ihon spake of this man are
true.. And there many believed on him there.
The .xj.
Chapter.
A certain man was sick, named Lazarus of
Bethania the town of Mary and her sister Martha. It was that Mary which
anointed Iesus with ointment, and wept his feet with her hair, whose brother
Lazarus was sick, and his sister sent unto him saying: lord behold, he whom
thou lovest is sick. When Iesus that heard he said: this infirmity is not unto
death: But for the laud of God, that the son of God might be praised by the
reason of it. Iesus loved Martha and her sister, and Lazarus. After he heard
that he was sick, then abode he two days still in the same place where he was.
Then after that said he to his disciples:
let us go into jewry again. His disciples said unto him: Master, the jewes
lately sought means to stone thee, and wilt thou go thither again? Iesus
answered: are there not twelve hours in the day? If a man walk in the day he
stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. If a man walk in the
night he stumbleth, because there is no light in him. This said he. And after
that he said unto them: our friend Lazarus sleepeth, but I go to wake him out
of sleep. Then said his disciples: lord if he sleep, then shall he do well
enough. Iesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of the
natural sleep. Then said Iesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead, and I am
glad for your sakes, that I was not there, because ye may believe. Nevertheless
let us go unto him. Then said Thomas (which is called Didymus,) unto the
disciples: let us also go, that we may die with him.
Then went Iesus, and found, that he had
lain in his grave four days already. Bethanie was nigh unto Ierusalem, about
xv. furlongs off, And many of the jewes came to Martha and Mary, to comfort
them over their brother. Martha as soon as she heard that Iesus was coming,
went and met him. Mary sat still at home.
Then said Martha unto Iesus: lord if thou
hadst been here, my brother had not been dead: but nevertheless, I know that
whatsoever thou askest of God, God will give it thee. Iesus said unto her: Thy
brother shall rise again. Martha said unto him: I know well, he shall rise
again in the resurrection at the last day. Iesus said unto her: I am the
resurrection and the life. Whosoever believeth on me, Ye though he were dead,
yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth, and believeth on me, shall never die.
Believest thou this? She said unto him: ye lord: I believe that thou art Christ
the son of God, which shall come into the world. And as soon as she had so said
she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly saying: The master is come
and calleth for thee. She as soon as she heard that, arose quickly, and came
unto him. Iesus was not yet come into the town: but was in the place where
Martha met him. The jewes then which were with her in the house, and comforted
her (when they saw Mary that she rose up hastily, and went out) followed her
saying: She goeth unto the grave, to weep there. Then when Mary was come, where
Iesus was and saw him she fell down at his feet, saying unto him: lord if thou
hadst been here, my brother had not been dead. When Iesus saw her weep, and the
jewes also weep, which came with her. He groaned in the spirit, and vexed
himself and said: Where have ye laid him? They said unto him: lord come and
see. And Iesus wept. Then said the jewes: Behold how he loved him. Some of them
said: Could not he which opened the eyes of the blind, have made also, that
this man should not have died? Iesus again groaned in himself came to the
grave, it was a cave, and a stone laid on it.
Iesus said: Take ye away the stone. Martha
(the sister of him that was dead) said unto him: lord by this time he stinketh.
For he hath been dead four days. Iesus said unto her: Said I not unto thee,
that if thou didst believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God. Then they took
away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. Iesus lift up his eyes
and said: Father I give thee thanks because that thou hast heard me, I knew
well that thou hearest me always: but because of the people that stand by I
said it, that they might believe, that thou hast sent me.
And when he thus had spoken, he cried with
a loud voice, Lazarus come forth, and he that was dead, came forth bound hand
and foot, with bonds after the manner as they were wonte to bind their dead
with all. And his face was bound with a napkin. Iesus said unto them: loose
him, and let him go. Then many of the jewes which came to Mary, and had seen
the things which Iesus did, believed on him. But some of them went their ways
to the pharisees, and told them what Iesus had done.
Then gathered the high priests and the
pharisees a council and said: what do we? This man doeth many miracles. If we
let him scape thus all men will believe on him. And the Romans shall come and
take away our country and people. And one of them named Caiphas: which was the
high priest that same year, said unto them: Ye perceive nothing at all nor yet
consider that it is expedient for us, that one man die for the people, and not
that all the people perish. This spake he not of himself: but being high priest
that same year, prophesied he that Iesus should die for the people, and not for
the people only: but that he should gather together in one the children of God
which were scattered abroad. From that day kept they a counsel together for to
put him to death.
Iesus therefore walked no more openly among
the jewes: but went his way thence unto a country nigh to a wilderness into a
city called Ephraim, and there haunted with his disciples. The jewes' ester was
nigh at hand, and many went out of the country up to Ierusalem before the ester
to purify themselves. Then sought they for Iesus, and spake between themselves
as they stood in the temple: What think ye, seeing he cometh not to the feast.
The high priests and pharisees had given a commandment that if any man knew
where he were, he should shew it that they might take him.
The .xij.
Chapter.
Then Iesus before six days of ester, came
to Bethany where Lazarus (which was dead) was,
whom Iesus raised from death. There they made him a supper, and Martha
served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Then took
Mary a pound of ointment called nardus, perfect and precious, and anointed
Iesus' feet, and wept his feet with her hair, and all the house smelled of the
savour of the ointment. Then said one of his disciples named Iudas Iscarioth,
Simon's son, which afterward betrayed him: why was not this ointment sold for
three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This said he, not that he cared for
the poor: but because he was a thief, and kept the bag, and bare that which was
given. Then said Iesus: Let her alone, against the day of my burying she kept
it. The poor allways shall ye have with you, but me shall ye not allways have.
Much people of the jewes had knowledge that
he was there. And they came not for Iesus' sake only, but that they might see
Lazarus also whom he raised from death. The high priests therefore held a
council that they might put Lazarus to death also, because that for his sake
many of the jewes went away, and believed on Iesus.
On the morrow much people that were come to
the feast (when they heard that Iesus should come to Ierusalem,) took branches
of palm trees and went and met him, and cried: Hosanna, blessed is he that in
the name of the lord cometh, king of Israhell. Iesus got a young ass and sat
thereon, according to that which was written: fear not daughter of Sion: behold
thy king cometh sitting on an asse's colt. These things understood not his
disciples at the first: but when Iesus was glorified, then remembered they that
such things were written of him, and that such things they had done unto him.
The people that was with him, when he
called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from death, bare record.
Therefore met him the people, because they heard that he had done such a
miracle. The pharisees therefore said among themselves: Ye see that we prevail
nothing: lo all the world goeth away after him.
There were certain greeks among them, which
came to pray at the feast, the same came to Philip which was of Bethsaida a
city in Galile, and desired him saying: Sir we would fain see Iesus. Philip
came and told Andrew. And again Andrew and Philip told Iesus. And Iesus
answered them saying: the hour is come that the son of man must be glorified.
Verily verily I say unto you, except the
wheat corn fall into the ground and die, it bideth alone. If it die, it
bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall destroy it: And he
that hateth his life in this world, shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man
minister unto me, let him follow me and where I am there shall also my minister
be. And if any man minister unto me, him will my father honour.
Now is my soul troubled, and what shall I
say? Father deliver me from this hour: but therefore came I unto this hour.
Father glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, I have glorified
it, and will glorify it again. Then said the people that stood by and heard, it
thundereth. Other said: an angel spake to him. Iesus answered and said: this
voice came not because of me: but for your sakes.
Now is the judgement of this world: now
shall the prince of this world be cast out a doors. And I (if were lifted up
from the earth,) will draw all men unto me. This said Iesus signifying what death
he should die. The people answered him: We have heard of the law that Christ
bideth ever: and how sayest thou then that the son of man must be lifted up?
who is that son of man? Then Iesus said unto them: yet a little while is the
light with you: walk while ye have light, lest the darkness come on you. He
that walketh in the dark, wotteth not whither he goeth. While ye have light,
believe on the light that ye may be the children of light.
These things spake Iesus and departed, and
hid himself from them. And though he had done so many miracles before them, yet
believed not they on him, that the saying of Esaias the prophet might be
fulfilled, that he spake. lord who shall believe our saying? And to whom is the
arm of the lord declared? Therefore could they not believe, because that Esaias
saith again: He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their hearts, that they
should not see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, and should be
converted and I should heal them. Such things said Esaias when he saw his
glory, and spake of him. Nevertheless among the chief rulers many believed on
him, but because of the pharisees they would not be a known of it, lest they
should be excommunicated. For they loved the praise that is given of men, more
than the praise, that cometh of God.
Iesus cried and said: he that believeth on
me believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me, seeth
him that sent me. I am come a light into the world that whosoever believeth on
me should not bide in darkness, and if any man hear my words and believe not, I
judge him not. For I came not to judge the world: but to save the world. He
that putteth me away, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him.
The words that I have spoken shall judge him in the last day. For I have not
spoken of myself: but the father which sent me gave me a commandment what I
should say, and what I should speak. And I know well that his commandment is
life everlasting. Whatsoever I speak therefore, even as my father bade me, so I
speak.
The
.xiij. Chapter.
Before the feast of ester when Iesus knew
that his hour was come, that he should depart out of this world unto the
father. When he loved his which were in the world, unto the end he loved them.
And when supper was ended, after that the devil had put in the heart of Iudas
Iscariot Simon's son, to betray him. Iesus knowing that the father had given
all things into his hands: And that he was come from God, and went to God, he
rose from supper, and laid aside his upper garments, and took a towel, and girt
himself. After that poured he water into a basin, and began to wash his
disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel, wherewith he was gird.
Then came he to Simon Peter. And Peter said
to him: lord shalt thou wash my feet? Iesus answered and said unto him: what I
do thou wettest not now, thou shalt know here after. Peter said unto him: Thou
shalt not wash my feet while the world standeth. Iesus answered him: if I wash
not thy feet, thou shalt have no part with me. Simon Peter said unto him: lord
not my feet only: but also my hands and my head. Iesus said to him: he that is
washed, needeth not but to wash his feet, but is clean every whit. And ye are
clean: but not all. For he knew his betrayer. Therefore said he: ye are not all
clean.
After he had washed their feet, and
received his clothes, and was set down again, he said unto them: wot ye what I
have done to you? ye call me master and lord, and ye say well, for so am I. If
I then your lord and master have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one
another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have
done to you. Verily verily I say unto you, the servant is not greater than his
master. Neither the messenger greater than he that sent him.
If ye understand these things, happy are ye
if ye do them. I speak not of you all, I know whom I have chosen. But that the
scripture be fulfilled: he that eateth bread with me, Hath lifted up his heel
against me. Now tell I you before it come: that when it is come to pass ye
might believe that I am he. Verily verily I say unto you. He that receiveth
whomsoever I send, receiveth me. And he that receiveth me, receiveth him that
sent me.
When Iesus had thus said, he was troubled
in the spirit, and testified saying: verily verily I say unto you, that one of
you shall betray me. Then the disciples looked one on another doubting of whom
he spake. There was one of his disciples which leaned on Iesus' bosom, whom
Iesus loved. To him beckoned Simon Peter that he should ask who it was of whom
he spake. He then as he leaned on Iesus' breast said unto him: lord who is it?
Iesus answered, he it is to whom I give a sop, when I have dept it. And he wet
a sop, and gave it to Iudas Iscarioth Simon's son. And after the sop Satan
entered into him.
Then said Iesus unto him: that thou dost do
quickly. That wist no man at the table, for what intent he spake unto him. Some
of them thought, because Iudas had the bag, that Iesus had said unto him, buy those
things that we have need of against the feast: or that he should give something
to the poor. As soon then as he had received the sop, he went immediately out.
And it was night. When he was gone out, Iesus said: now is the son of man
glorified. And God is glorified by him. If God be glorified by him, God shall
also glorify him, in himself: and shall straightway glorify him.
Dear children, yet a little while am I with
you. Ye shall seek me, and as I said unto the jewes whither I go, thither can
ye not come. Also to you say I now. A new commandment give I unto you, that ye
love together, as I have loved you, that even so ye love one another. By this
shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye shall have love one to
another. Simon Peter said unto him: lord whither goest thou? Iesus answered
him: whither I go thou canst not follow me now, thou shalt follow me
afterwards. Peter said unto him lord why cannot I follow thee now? I will give
my life for thy sake. Iesus answered him: Wilt thou give thy life for my sake?
Verily verily I say unto thee, the cock shall not crow, till thou have denied
me thrice.
The
.xiiij. Chapter.
And he said unto his disciples: Let not
your hearts be troubled, believe in God, and believe in me. In my father's
house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to
prepare a place for you. I will come again, and receive you even unto myself,
that where I am, there may ye be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye
know.
Thomas said unto him: lord we know not
whither thou goest. Also how is it possible for us to know the way? Iesus said
unto him I am the way, the verity, and life. No man cometh unto the father, but
by me. If ye had known me ye had known my father also. And now ye know him. And
ye have seen him.
Philip said unto him: lord shew us the
father and it sufficeth us. Iesus said unto him: have I been so long time with
you: and yet hast thou not known me? Philip, he that hath seen me, hath seen
the father. And how sayest thou then: shew us the father? Believest thou not
that I am in the father, and the father in me? The words that I speak unto you,
I speak not of myself: but the father dwelling in me is he that doeth the
works. Believe that I am in the father, and the father in me. At the least
believe me for the very works' sake.
Verily verily I say unto you whosoever
believeth on me, the works that I do, the same shall he do, and greater works
then these shall he do, because I go unto my father. And whatsoever ye ask in
my name, that will I do, that the father might be glorified by the son. If ye
shall ask any thing in my name I will do it.
If ye love me keep my commandments, and I
will pray the father, and he shall give you another comforter, that he may bide
with you ever, which is the spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive,
because the world seeth him not, neither knoweth him. But ye know him. For he
dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I
will come unto you.
It is
yet a little while and the world seeth me no more: but ye shall see me. For I
live, and ye shall live. That day shall ye know that I am in my father, and my
father in me, and I in you.
He that hath my commandments and keepeth
them, the same is he that loveth me, and he that loveth me shall be loved of my
father, and I will love him, and will shew mine own self unto him. Iudas said
unto him (not Iudas Iscarioth) lord what is the cause that thou wilt shew
thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Iesus answered and said unto him: if a
man love me and will keep my sayings, my father also will love him, and we will
come unto him, and will dwell with him. He that loveth me not, keepeth not my
sayings. And the words which ye hear are not mine, but my father's, which sent
me.
This have I spoken unto you being yet
present with you. But that comforter which is the holy ghost (whom my father
will send in my name) shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your
remembrance whatsoever I have told you.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give
unto you. Not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your hearts be
grieved, neither fear ye. Ye have heard how I said unto you: I go and come
again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would verily rejoice, because I said, I go
unto the father. For the father is greater then I. And now have I shewed you,
before it come, that when it is come to pass, ye might believe.
Here after will I not talk many words unto
you. For the chief ruler of this world cometh, and hath nought in me. But that
the world may know that I love my father, And as the father gave me
commandment, even so do I. Rise let us go hence.
The .xv.
Chapter.
I am the true vine, and my father is an
husbandman. Every branch that beareth not fruit in me, He will take away. And
every branch that beareth fruit will he purge that it may bring more fruit. Now
are ye clean, be that means of the words which I have spoken unto you. Bide in
me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it bide in
the vine: no more can ye except ye abide in me.
I am the vine, and ye are the branches. He
that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit. For
without me can ye do nothing. If a man bide not in me, he is cast forth as a
branch, and is withered: and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and
they burneth. If ye bide in me, and my words also bide in you: ask what ye
will, and it shall be given you. Here in is my father glorified, that ye bear much
fruit, and be made my disciples.
As the father hath loved me, even so have I
loved you. Continue in my love. If ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall bide
in my love, even as I have kept my father's commandments, and bide in his love.
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that
your joy might be full. This is my commandment, that ye love together as I have
loved you. Greater love than this hath no man, than that a man bestow his life
for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
Henceforth call I you not servants: For the servant knoweth not what his lord
doeth. But you have I called friends: For all things that I have heard of my
father, I have opened to you.
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen
you and ordained you that ye go, and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit
remain, that whatsoever ye shall ask of my father in my name he should give it
you.
This command I you, that ye love together.
If the world hate you, ye know that he hated me before he hated you. If ye were
of the world, the world would love his own. Because ye are not of the world,
but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore hateth you the world.
Remember the saying, that I said unto you: the servant is not greater than the
lord. If they have persecuted me, so will they persecute you. If they have kept
my saying, so will they keep yours.
But all these things will they do unto you
for my name's sake, because they have not known him that sent me. If I had not
come and spoken unto them, they should have no sin: but now have they nothing
to cloak their sin with all. He that hateth me, hateth my father. If I had not
done works among them which none other man did, they should be without sin. But
now have they seen, and yet have hated both me and my father: Even that the
saying might be fulfilled that is written in their law: they hated me without a
cause. But when the comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the
father, which is the spirit of verity, which proceedeth of the father, he shall
testify of me. And ye shall bear witness also, because ye have been with me
from the beginning.
The .xvj.
Chapter.
These things have I said unto you because
ye should not be hurt in your faith. They shall excommunicate you: ye the time
shall come, that whosoever killeth you, will think that he doth God true
service. And such things will they do unto you, because they have not known the
father neither yet me. These things have I told you, that when that hour is
come, ye might remember then, that I told you so. These things said I not unto
you at the beginning, because I was present with you.
But now go I my way to him that sent me,
and none of you asketh me: whither goest thou? but because I have said such
things unto you, your hearts are full of sorrow. Nevertheless I tell you the
truth it is expedient for you that I go away. For if I go not away, that
comforter will not come unto you. But if I depart, I will send him unto you.
And when he is come, he will rebuke the world of sin, and of righteousness, and
of judgement. Of sin, because they believe not on me: Of righteousness, because
I go to my father, and ye shall see me no more: And of judgement, because the
chief ruler of this world, is judged all ready.
I have yet many things to say unto you: but
ye cannot bear them away now. When he is once come (I mean the spirit of
verity,) he will lead you into all truth. He shall not speak of himself: but
whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak, and he will shew you things to
come. He shall glorify me, for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew unto
you. All things that my father hath are mine. Therefore said I unto you that he
shall take of mine and shew unto you.
After a while ye shall not see me, and
again after a while ye shall see me: For I go to my father. Then said some of
his disciples between themselves: what is this that he saith unto us, after a
while ye shall not see me, and again after a while ye shall see me: and that I
go to my father. They said therefore: what is this that he saith after a while?
we cannot tell what he saith. Iesus perceived, that they would ask him, and
said unto them: This is it that ye enquire of between yourselves, that I said,
after a while ye shall not see me, and again after a while ye shall see me.
Verily verily I say unto you: ye shall weep and lament, and the world shall
rejoice. Ye shall sorrow: but your sorrow shall be turned to joy.
A woman when she travaileth hath sorrow,
because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of her child she
remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. And
ye now are in sorrow: but I will see you again, and your hearts shall rejoice,
and your joy shall no man take from you. And in that day shall ye ask me no
question. Verily verily I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the father in
my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name. Ask
and ye shall receive it: that your joy may be full.
These things have I spoken unto you in
proverbs. The time will come when I shall no more speak to you in proverbs: but
I shall shew you plainly from my father. At that day shall ye ask in mine name.
And I say not unto you that I will speak unto my father for you. For my father
himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out
from God. I went out from the father, and came into the world: and I leave the
world again, and go to the father.
His disciples said unto him: lo now speakest
thou plainly, and thou usest no proverb. Now know we that thou understandest
all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee any question.
Therefore believe we that thou camest from God. Iesus answered them: Now ye do
believe. Behold the hour draweth nigh, and is already come, that ye shall be
scattered every man his ways, and shall leave me alone. And yet am I not alone.
For my father is with me. These words have I spoken unto you that in me ye
might have peace. In the world shall ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer,
I have overcome the world.
The
.xvij. Chapter.
These words spake Iesus and lift up his
eyes to heaven, and said: father the hour is come glorify thy son that thy son
may glorify thee. As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should
give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. This is life eternal that
they might know thee that only very God: and whom thou hast sent Iesus Christ.
I have glorified thee on the earth. I have
finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now glorify me thou father
with thine own presence, with the glory which I had with thee yer the world
was. I have declared thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the
world. Thine they were, and thou gavest them me, and they have kept thy
sayings. Now have they known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me, are
of thee. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me, and they
have received them, and know surely that I came out from thee: and do believe
that thou didst send me.
I pray for them. I pray not for the world:
but for them which thou hast given me, for they are thine, and all mine are
thine, and thine are mine, and I am glorified in them. And now am I no more in
the world, but they are in the world, and I come to thee. Wholly father keep in
thine own name them which thou hast given me, that they may be one as we are.
While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name. Those that thou
gavest me, have I kept, and none of them is lost, but that lost child, that the
scripture might be fulfilled.
Now come I to thee, and these words speak I
in the world, that they might have my joy full in them. I have given them thy
doctrine, and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world,
even as I am not of the world. I desire not that thou shouldest take them out
of the world: but that thou keep them from evil. They are not of the world, as
I am not of the world. Sanctify them in thy truth. Thy saying is verity. As thou
didst sent me into the world, even so have I sent them into the world, And for
their sakes sanctify I myself, that they also might be sanctified thorow the
truth.
I pray not for them alone: but for them
also which shall believe on me thorow their preaching, that they all may be
one, as thou father art in me, and I in thee, that they may be also one in us,
that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And that glory that thou
gavest me, I have given them, that they may be one, as we are one. I am in them
and thou art in me, that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world
may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
Father I will that they which thou hast
given me, be with me where I am, that they may see my glory which thou hast
given me. For thou lovedest me before the making of the world. O righteous
father the very world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these
have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and
will declare it, that the love wherewith thou hast loved me, be in them, and
that I be in them.
The
.xviij. Chapter.
When Iesus had spoken these words, he went
forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden into the
which he entered with his disciples.
(Iudas also which betrayed him knew the
place, for Iesus oftentimes resorted thither with his disciples.) Iudas then
after he had received a bond of men, and ministers of the high priests, and of
the pharisees came thither with lanterns, and firebrands, and weapons. Then
Iesus knowing all things that should come on him, went forth and said unto
them: whom seek ye? They answered him: Iesus of Nazareth. Iesus said unto them:
I am he.
Iudas also which betrayed him, stood with
them. As soon as he had said unto them I am he, they went backwards and fell to
the ground. And he asked them again: whom seek ye? They said: Iesus of
Nazareth. Iesus answered, I said unto you, I am he. If ye seek me, let these go
their way. That the saying might be fulfilled which he spake: of them which
thou gavest have I not lost one.
Simon Peter had a sword, and drew him out,
and smote the high priests servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's
name was Malchus. Then said Iesus unto Peter: put up thy sword into the sheath:
shall I not drink of the cup which my father had given me? Then the company,
and the Captain, and the ministers of the jewes, took Iesus and bound him, and
led him away to Anna first: For he was father-in-law unto Caiphas, which was
the high priest that same year. Caiphas was he that gave counsel to the jewes
that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
Simon Peter followed Iesus, and another
disciple, that disciple was known of the high priest, and went in with Iesus
into the palace of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door without. Then
went out that other disciple which was known unto the high priest, and spake to
the damsel that kept the door, and brought in Peter. Then said the damsel that
kept the door unto Peter: Art not thou one of this man's disciples? He said: I
am not. The servants and the ministers stood there, and had made a fire of
coals. For it was cold, and they warmed themselves. Peter also stood among them
and warmed himself.
The high priest asked Iesus of his
disciples, and of his doctrine. Iesus answered him: I spake openly in the
world. I ever taught in the synagogue and in the temple whither all the jewes
resorted: and in secret have I said nothing: why askest thou me? Ask them which
heard me what I said unto them. Behold they can tell what I said. When he had
thus spoken, one of the ministers which stood by, smote Iesus on the face
saying: Answerest thou the high priest so? Iesus answered him: If I have evil spoken,
bear witness of the evil: if I have well spoken, why smitest thou me? Annas
sent him bound unto Caiphas the high priest.
Simon Peter stood and warmed himself, and
they said unto him: Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and
said: I am not. One of the servants of the high priest (his cousin whose ear
Peter smote off ) said unto him: did not I see thee in the garden with him?
Peter denied it again: and immediately the cock crew. Then led they Iesus from
Caiphas into the hall of judgement. It was in the morning, and they themselves
went not into the judgement house lest they should be defiled, but that they
might eat the Pascha. Pilate then went out unto them and said: What accusation
bring ye against this man? They answered and said unto him: If he were not an
evil doer, we would not have delivered him unto thee. Then said Pilate unto
them: take him unto you, and judge him after your own law. The jewes said unto
him. It is not lawful for us to put any man to death. That the words of Iesus
might be fulfilled which he spake, signifying what death he should die.
Then Pilate entered into the judgement
house again, and called Iesus, and said unto him: Art thou king of the jewes?
Iesus answered: sayest thou that of thyself, or did other tell it thee of me?
Pilate answered: Am I a jew? Thine own nation and high priests have delivered
thee unto me. What hast thou done? Iesus answered: my kingdom is not of this
world. If my kingdom were of this world then would my ministers surely fight,
that I should not be delivered to the jewes, but now is my kingdom not from
hence. Pilate said unto him: Art thou a king then? Iesus answered: Thou sayest
that I am a king. For this cause was I born, and for this cause came I into the
world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. And all that are of the truth
hear my voice. Pilate said unto him: what is truth? And when he had said that, he went out
again unto the jewes, and said unto them: I find in him no cause at all. Ye
have a custom among you, that I should deliver you one loose at ester. Will ye
that I loose unto you the king of the jewes. Then cried they all again saying:
Not him, but Barabas. Barabas was a robber.
The .xix.
Chapter.
Then Pilate took Iesus and scourged him.
And the soldiers wound a crown of thorns and put it on his head. And they did
on him a purple garment, and said: hail king of the jewes. And they smote him
on the face. Pilate went forth again, and said unto them: behold I bring him
forth to you, that ye may know, that I find no fault in him. Then came Iesus
forth wearing a crown of thorns and a robe of purple. And Pilate said unto
them: Behold the man. When the high priests and ministers saw him, they cried
saying: crucify him, crucify him. Pilate said unto them. Take ye him and
crucify him: For I find no cause in him. The jewes answered him. We have a law,
and by our law he ought to die: because he made himself the son of God.
When Pilate heard that saying, he was the
more afraid, and went again into the judgement house, and said unto Iesus:
whence art thou? Iesus gave him none answer. Then said Pilate unto him:
Speakest thou not unto me? Knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee,
and have power to loose thee? Iesus answered: Thou couldest have no power at
all against me, except it were given unto thee from above. Therefore he that
delivered me unto thee, is more in sin. And from thenceforth sought Pilate
means to loose him: but the jewes cried saying: if thou let him go, thou art
not Cesar's friend. Whosoever maketh himself a king, is against Cesar.
When Pilate heard that saying he brought
Iesus forth, and sat down to give sentence, in a place called the pavement: But
in the Hebrew tongue, Gabbatha. (It was the saboth even which falleth in the
ester feast, and about the sixth hour) And he said unto the jewes: Behold your
king. They cried, away with him, away with him, Crucify him. Pilate said unto
them: Shall I crucify your king? The high priests answered: We have no king but
Cesar. Then delivered he him unto them to be crucified.
And they took Iesus, and led him away. And
he bare his cross, and went forth into a place called the place of dead men's
skulls (which is named in hebrew, Golgotha) where they crucified him. And with
him two other, on either side one, and Iesus in the midst. Pilate wrote his
title, and put it on the cross: The writing was, Iesus of Nazareth, king of the
jewes. This title read many of the jewes. For the place where Iesus was
crucified, was nigh to the city. And it was written in hebrew, greek and latin.
Then said the high priests of the jewes to Pilate: write not, king of the
jewes, but that he said, I am king of the jewes. Pilate answered: what I have
written, that have I written.
The soldiers, when they had crucified
Iesus, took his garments and made four parts, to every soldier a part, and also
his coat. The coat was without seam woven upon thorow and thorow. And they said
one to another: Let us not divide it: but cast lots who shall have it. That the
scripture might be fulfilled which saith. They parted my raiment among them,
and on my coat did cast lots. And the soldiers did such things in deed.
There stood by the cross of Iesus his
mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.
When Iesus saw his mother, and the disciple standing whom he loved, he said
unto his mother: Woman behold thy son. Then said he to the disciple: behold thy
mother. And from that hour the disciple took her for his own.
After that when Iesus perceived that all
things were performed, that the scripture might be fulfilled: he said: I
thirst. There stood a vessel full of vinegar by. They filled a sponge with
vinegar, and wound it about with hyssop, and put it to his mouth. As soon as
Iesus had received of the vinegar, he said: It is finished, and bowed his head,
and gave up the ghost.
The jewes then because it was the saboth
even that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the saboth day (For
that saboth day was an high day) besought Pilate that their legs might be
broken and that they might be taken down. Then came the soldiers and brake the
legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with Iesus. When they
came to Iesus and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: but
one of the soldiers with a spear, thrust him into the side, and forthwith came
there out blood and water.
And he that saw it bare record, and his
record is true. And he knoweth that he saith true that ye might believe also.
These things were done that the scripture should be fulfilled: Ye shall not
break a bone of him. And again another scripture saith: They shall look on him,
whom they pierced.
After that, Ioseph of Arimathia (which was
a disciple of Iesus: but secretly for fear of the jewes) besought Pilate that
he might take down the body of Iesus. And Pilate gave him license. And there
came also Nicodemus which at the beginning came to Iesus by night, and brought
of myrrh and aloes mingled together about an hundred pound weight. Then took
they the body of Iesu and wound it in linen clothes with those confections as
the manner of the jewes is to bury. In the place where Iesus was crucified, was
a garden, and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man laid. There
laid they Iesus because of the jewes' saboth even, for the sepulchre was nigh
at hand.
The .xx.
Chapter.
The morrow after the saboth day came Mary
Magdalene early when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and saw the stone
rolled away from the tomb. Then she ran, and came to Simon Peter, and to the
other disciple whom Iesus loved, and said unto them: They have taken away the
lord out of the tomb and we cannot tell where they have laid him. Peter went
forth and that other disciple, and came unto the sepulchre. They ran both
together, and that other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the
sepulchre. And he stooped down and saw the linen clothes, yet went he not in.
Then came Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and saw the
linen clothes lie, and the napkin that was about his head not lying with the
linen cloth, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Then went in also that
other disciple which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw and believed. For
as yet they knew not the scriptures, that he should rise again from death. And
the disciples went away again unto their own home.
Mary stood without at the sepulchre
weeping: As she wept, she bowed herself into the sepulchre and saw two angels
clothed in white sitting the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where
they had laid the body of Iesus. They said unto her: woman why weepest thou?
She said unto them: They have taken away my lord, and I wot not where they have
laid him. When she had thus said, she turned herself back and saw Iesus
standing, and knew not that it was Iesus. Iesus said unto her: woman why
weepest thou? Whom seekest thou? She supposing that he had been the gardener,
said unto him: Sir if thou have borne him hence tell me where thou hast laid
him, that I will take him away. Iesus said unto her: Mary. She turned herself,
and said unto him: Rabboni which is to say master. Iesus said unto her: touch
me not, for I have not yet ascended to my father. But go to my brethren and say
unto them, I ascend unto my father, and your father: my God and your god. Mary
Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the lord, and that he
had spoken such things unto her.
The same day at night, which was the morrow
after the saboth day, when the doors were shut (where the disciples were
assembled to gether for fear of the jewes,) came Iesus and stood in the midst,
and said to them: peace be with you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto
them his hands and feet, and his side. Then were the disciples glad when they
saw the lord. He said unto them again: peace be with you. As my father sent me,
even so send I you. And when he had said that, he blew on them, and said unto
them: Receive the holy ghost. whosoevers sins ye remit, they are remitted unto
them: And whosoevers sins ye retain, they are retained.
Thomas one of the twelve, called Didymus,
was not with them when Iesus came. The other disciples said unto him: we have
seen the lord. And he said unto them: except I see in his hands the print of
the nails, and put my finger in the holes of the nails, and thrust my hand into
his side, I will not believe.
And after viij days again, his disciples
were with in, and Thomas was with them. Iesus came when the doors were shut,
and stood in the midst and said: peace be with you:
Than said he to Thomas: put in thy finger
here, and see my hands, and put forth thy hand and thrust him into my side, and
be not without faith: but believe. Thomas answered and said unto him: my lord,
and my God. Iesus said unto him: Thomas, because thou hast seen me, therefore
hast thou believed: Happy are they that have not seen, and yet believe.
And many other signs did Iesus in the
presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. These are
written that ye might believe that Iesus is Christ the son of God. And that ye
in believing ye might have life thorow his name.
The .xxj.
Chapter.
After that Iesus shewed himself again at
the sea of Tiberias. And on this wise shewed he himself. There were together
Simon Peter and Thomas, which is called Didymus: and Nathanael of Cana a city
of Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of the disciples, Simon
Peter said unto them: I go a fishing. They said unto him: we also will go with
thee. They went their way and entered into a ship straightway, and that night
caught they nothing. When the morning was now come, Iesus stood on the shore,
Nevertheless the disciples knew not that it was Iesus. Iesus said unto them:
Sirs, have ye any meat? They answered him no. And he said unto them: cast out
your net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast out, and
anon they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. Then said the
disciple whom Iesus loved unto Peter: It is the lord. When Simon Peter heard
that it was the lord, he gird his mantle to him (for he was naked) and sprang
into the sea. The other disciples came by ship: For they were not far from
land, but as it were two hundred cubits, And they drew the net with fishes. As
soon as they were come to land, they saw hot coals laid and fish laid thereon,
and bread. Iesus said unto them: bring of the fishes which ye have now caught.
Simon Peter stepped forth and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an
hundred and .liij. And for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.
Iesus said unto them: come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him:
what art thou? For they knew that it was the lord. Iesus then came and took
bread, and gave them, and fish likewise. And this is now the third time that
Iesus appeared to his disciples, after that he was risen again from death.
When they had dined, Iesus said to Simon
Peter: Simon Ioanna, lovest thou me more than these? He said unto him: ye lord,
thou knowest, that I love thee. He said unto him: feed my lambs. He said to him
again the second time: Simon Ioanna, lovest thou me? He said unto him: ye lord
thou knowest that I love thee. He said unto him: feed my sheep. He said unto
him the third time: Simon Ioanna, lovest thou me? Peter sorrowed because he
said to him the third time, lovest thou me, and said unto him: lord, thou
knowest all things, thou knowest that I love thee. Iesus said unto him: feed my
sheep.
Verily verily I say unto thee, when thou
wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when
thou art old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee,
and lead thee whither thou wouldest not. That spake he signifying by what death
he should glorify God.
And when he had said thus, he said to him:
Follow me. Peter turned about, and saw that disciple whom Iesus loved following
(which also leaned on his breast at supper) and said: lord which is he that
shall betray thee? When Peter saw him, he said to Iesus: lord what shall he
here do? Iesus said unto him: If I will have him to tarry till I come, what is
that to thee? follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren,
that that disciple should not die. And Iesus said not to him, he shall not die:
but if I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? The same
disciple is he, which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things. And
we know, that his testimony is true. There are also many other things which
Iesus did: the which if they should be written every one, I suppose the world
could not contain the books that should be written.
Here
endeth the Gospell off Sainct Ihon.
The acts
of the apostles written by S. Luke
The first
Chapter.
In my first treatise (Dear friend Theophilus)
I have written of all that Iesus began to do and teach, until the day in the
which he was taken up, after that he thorow the holy ghost, had given
commandments unto the Apostles, which he chose: to whom also he shewed himself
alive, after his passion by many tokens, appearing unto them forty days, and
spake of the kingdom of God, and gathered them together, and commanded them,
that they should not depart from Ierusalem: but to wait for the promise of the
father, whereof ye have heard of me. For Ihon baptised with water but ye shall
be baptised with the holy ghost, and that within this few days.
When they were come together, they asked of
him, saying: Master wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to
Israhel? He said unto them: It is not for you to know the times, or the seasons
which the father hath put in his own power: but ye shall receive power of the
holy ghost which shall come on you. And ye shall be witnesses unto me in
Ierusalem, and in all Iewery, and in Samary, and even unto the world's end.
And when he had spoken these things, while
they beheld he was taken up, and a cloud received him up out of their sight.
And as they fastened their eyes in heaven, as he went, lo two men stood by them
in white clothing, which also said: ye men of Galile, why stand ye gazing up
into heaven? This same Iesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so
come, even as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Then returned they unto Ierusalem from
mount Olivete, which is nigh to Ierusalem, containing a saboth day's journey.
And when they were come in, they went up into a parlour, where abode both Peter
and Iames, Ihon and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartlemew and Matthew, Iames the
son of Alpheus, and Simon Zelotes, and Iudas Iames' son. These all continued
with one accord, in prayer, and supplication with the women, and Mary the
mother of Iesu. And with his brethren.
And in those days Peter stood up in the
midst of the disciples and said (The number of names were about an hundred and
twenty) Ye men and brethren, this scripture must needs be fulfilled which the
holy ghost thorow the mouth of David spake before of Iudas, which was guide to
them that took Iesus. For he was now numbered with us and obtained fellowship
in this ministration. And the same hath now possessed a plot of ground with the
reward of iniquity. And when he was hanged, burst asunder in the midst, and all
his bowels gushed out. And it is known unto all the inhabiters of Ierusalem.
Insomuch that that field is called in their mother tongue, Acheldema, that is
to say the blood field.
It is written in the book of psalms: His
habitation be void, and no man be dwelling therein: and his bishopricke let
another take. Wherefore of these men which have companied with us (all the time
that the lord Iesus went out and in among us, beginning at the baptism of Ihon
unto that same day that he was taken up from us) must one be ordained to be a
witness with us of his resurrection.
And they appointed two, Ioseph called
Barsabas (whose surname was Iustus) and Matthias. And they prayed saying: Thou
lord which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether thou hast chosen of
these two, that the one may take the room of this ministration, and apostleship
from the which Iudas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
And they gave forth their lots, and the lot fell on Mathias. And he was counted
with the eleven apostles.
The
second Chapter.
When the fiftieth day was come, they were
all with one accord gathered together in one place. And suddenly there came a
sound from heaven as it had been the coming of a mighty wind, and it filled all
the house where they sat. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues, as they
had been fire, and it sat upon each of them: and they were all filled with the
holy ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, even as the spirit gave them
utterance.
There were dwelling at Ierusalem jewes,
devout men, which were of all nations under heaven. When this was noised about,
the multitude came together and were astonied, because that every man heard
them speak his own tongue. They wondered all, and marvelled saying among
themselves: Look, are not all these which speak of Galile? And how hear we
every man his own tongue wherein we were born? Parthians, Medes, and Elamites
and the inhabiters of Mesopotamia, of Iury, Capadocia, Ponthus, and of Asia,
Phrigia, Pamphlia, and of Egypt, and of the parts of Libia, which is beside
Syrene, And strangers of Rome, Iewes and Proselites, greeks and Arabians: We
have heard them speak with our own tongues the great works of God. They were
all amazed, and wondered saying one to another: what meaneth this? Other mocked
them saying: They are full of new wine.
Peter stepped forth with the eleven, and
lift up his voice, and said unto them: Ye men of Iewry, and all ye that inhabit
Ierusalem: be this known unto you, and with your ears hear my words. These are
not drunken, as ye wene: For it is yet but the third hour of the day: but this
is that which was spoken by the prophet Ioel: It shall be in the last days
(saith God) of my spirit I will pour out upon all flesh. And your sons, and
your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions. And your old
men shall dream dreams. And on my servants, and on my hand maidens I will pour
out of my spirit in those days, And they shall prophesy. And I will shew
wonders in heaven above, and tokens in the earth beneath, blood and fire, and
the vapour of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood,
before that great, and notable day of the lord come. And the time shall come
that whosoever shall call on the name of the lord, shall be saved. Ye men of
Israhel, hear these words. Iesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you
with miracles and wonders, and signs which God did by him in the midst of you,
as ye yourselves know: him have ye taken by the hands of unrighteous persons,
after he was delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, and
have crucified and slain him, whom God hath raised up and lowsed the sorrows of
death, because it was impossible that he should be holden of it. David speaketh
of him: Aforehand, saw I God always before me: For he is on my right hand, that
I should not be moved. Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad.
Moreover also, my flesh shall rest in hope because thou shalt not leave my soul
in hell, neither shalt suffer thy saint to see corruption. Thou hast shewed me
the ways of life, Thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto
you of the patriarch David: For he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre
remaineth with us unto his day. Therefore since he was a prophet, and knew that
God had sworn with an oath to him, that the fruit of his loins should sit on
his seat: He saw before, and spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul
should not be left in hell: neither his flesh should see corruption. This Iesus
hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
Since now that he by the right hand of God
exalted is, and hath received of the father the promise of the holy Ghost, he
hath shed forth that which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into
heaven, but he said: The lord said to my lord sit on my right hand, until I
make thy foes, thy foot stool. So therefore let all the house of Israhel know
for a surety, that God hath made the same Iesus whom ye have crucified, lord
and Christ.
When they heard this, they were pricked in
their hearts, and said unto Peter, and unto the other apostles: Ye men and
brethren, what shall we do? Peter said unto them: Repent and be baptised every
one of you in the name of Iesus Christ, For the remission of sins, and ye shall
receive the gift of the holy ghost. For the promise was made unto you, and to
your children, and to all that are afar, even as many as our lord God shall
call. And with many other words bare he witness, and exhorted them saying: Save
yourselves from this untoward generation. They that gladly received his preaching
were baptised, And the same day, there were added unto them about a three
thousand souls.
And they continued in the Apostles'
doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayer. And fear came
over every soul. And many wonders and signs were shewed by the Apostles. And
all that believed gathered then together, and had all things common. And sold
their possessions and goods, and departed them to all men, as every man had
need. And they continued daily with one accord in the temple, and brake bread
in every house, and ate their meat together with gladness, and singleness of
heart praising God, and had favour with all the people, and the lord added to
the congregation daily them that should be saved.
The .iij.
Chapter.
Peter and Ihon went up together into the
temple at the ninth hour of prayer: And there was a certain man halt from his
mother's womb, whom they brought and laid at the gate of the temple called
beautiful, to ask his alms of them that entered into the temple. When he saw
Peter and Ihon, that they would into the temple, he desired to receive an alms,
Peter fastened his eyes on him with Ihon and said: look on us, and he gave heed
unto them, trusting to receive something of them. Then said Peter: Silver and
gold have I none, such as I have give I thee. In the name of Iesus Christ of
Nazareth, rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him
up. And immediately his feet and anklebones received strength, and he sprang,
stood, and also walked, and entered with them into the temple walking, and
leaping, and lauding God.
And all the people saw him walk and laud
God. And they knew him, that it was he which sat and begged at the beautiful
gate of the temple. And they wondered, and were sore astonied at that which had
happened unto him. As the halt which was healed held Peter and Ihon, all the
people ran amazed unto them in Solomon's hall.
When Peter saw that, he answered unto the
people: Ye men of Israhell, why marvel ye at this? Or why look ye so
steadfastly on us, as though by our own power, or holiness we had made this man
go? God of Abraham, Isaac, and Iacob, the God of our fathers hath glorified his
son Iesus, whom ye betrayed, and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had
judged him to be lowsed: but ye denied the holy and just, and desired that he
should give you a murderer, and killed the lord of life whom God hath raised
from death, of the which we are witnesses: And his name thorow the faith of his
name hath made this man sound whom ye see and know. And the faith which is by
him, hath to this man given this health, in the presence of you all.
And now brethren I wot well that thorow
ignorance ye have done it, as did also your heads. But God which shewed before
by the mouth of all his prophets that Christ should suffer, hath thuswise
fulfilled it. Repent ye therefore and turn that your sins may be done away when
the time of comfort cometh, which we shall have of the presence of the lord,
and when God shall send him, which before was preached unto you, that is to wit
Iesus Christ, which must heaven receive until the time that all things be
restored again, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets
since the world began.
For Moses said unto the fathers: A prophet
shall your lord God raise up unto you, one of your brethren, like unto me, him
shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. For the time will
come, that every soul which shall not hear that same prophet, shall be exiled
from the people. Also all the prophets from Samuel, and thenceforth, as many as
have spoken, have in likewise told of these days. Ye are the children of the
prophets, and to you pertaineth the testament that God hath made unto our
fathers saying to Abraham: Even in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth
be blessed. First unto you hath God raised up his son Iesus, and him he hath
sent to bless you, that every one of you should turn from his wickedness.
The
.iiij. Chapter.
As they spake unto the people, the priests
and the ruler of the temple, and the saduces came upon them, taking grievously
that they taught the people and preached in the name of Iesus the resurrection
from death. And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold until the next
day. For it was now eventide. Many of them which heard the words believed, and
the number of the men was about five thousand.
It chanced on the morrow that their rulers,
and seniors, and scribes, as Annas the chief priest, and Caiaphas, and Ihon and
Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered
together at Ierusalem, and set them in the midst, and asked by what power, or
in what name have ye done this sirs? Then Peter full of the holy ghost said
unto them. Ye rulers of the people, and seniors of Israhel, if we this day are
examined of the good deed done to the sick man by what means he is made whole:
be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israhel, that in the name of
Iesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, and whom God raised from death
again, this man standeth here present before you whole. This is the stone cast
aside of you builders which is set in the chief place of the corner. Neither is
there health in any other. Nor yet also is there any other name given to men
wherein we must be saved.
When they saw the boldness of Peter and
Ihon, And knew that they were unlearned men and lay people, they marvelled, and
they knew them, that they were with Iesu: Seeing also the man which was healed
standing with them, they could not say against it, but commanded them to go
aside out of the council, And counselled among themselves saying: what shall we
do to these men? For a manifest sign is done by them, and is openly known to
all them that dwell in Ierusalem, and we cannot deny it: But that it be noised
no farther among the people, let us threaten and charge them that they speak
henceforth to no man in this name.
And they called them, and commanded them
that in no wise they should speak or teach in the name of Iesu. But Peter and
Ihon answered unto them and said: whether it be right in the sight of God to
obey you more than God judge ye. For we cannot but speak that which we have
seen and heard. So threatened they them and let them go, And found no thing how
to punish them, because of the people: For all men lauded God for the miracle
which was done. For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of
healing was shewed.
As soon as they were let go they came to
their fellows, and shewed all that the high priests and seniors had said. When
they heard that, with one mind they lift up their voices to God and said: lord,
thou art God which hast made heaven and earth, the sea and all that in them is,
which by the mouth of thy servant David hast said: Why did the heathen grudge,
and the people imagine vain things. The kings of the earth stood up and the
rulers came together against the lord, And against his Christ.
For of a truth against thy holy child
Iesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod and also Pontius Pilate with the
gentiles, and the people of Israhel, gathered themselves to gether for to do
whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. And now lord
behold their threatenings, and grant unto thy servants with all confidence to
speak thy word. So that thou stretch forth thy hand that healing, and signs,
and wonders be done by the name of thy holy child Iesus. And as soon as they
had prayed, the place moved where they were assembled together, and they were
all filled with the holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God boldly.
The multitude of them that believed, were
of one heart, And of one soul. Also none of them said, that any thing of those
which he possessed was his own: But had all things common. And with great power
gave the Apostles witness of the resurrection of the lord Iesu. And great grace
was with them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked. For as many as
were possessors of lands or houses, sold them and brought the price of the
things that were sold, and laid it down at the Apostles' feet. And distribution
was made unto every man according as he had need.
And Ioses which was also called of the
Apostles Barnabas (that is to say the son of consolation, being a Levite, and
of the country of Cipers) had land, and sold it, and laid the price down at the
Apostles' feet.
The .v.
Chapter.
A certain man named Ananias with Saphira
his wife sold a possession, and kept away part of the price (his wife also
being of counsel) and brought a certain part, and laid it down at the Apostles'
feet. Then said Peter: Ananias how is it that Satan hath filled thine heart,
that thou shouldest lie unto the holy ghost, and keep away part of the price of
thy livelihood: Pertained it not unto thee only? And after it was sold, was not
the price in thine own power? How is it that thou hast conceived this thing in
thine heart? Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. When Ananias heard
these words, he fell down and gave up the ghost. And great fear came on all them
that these things heard. And the young men rose up, and put him apart, and
carried him out, and buried him. It fortuned as it were about the space of iij.
hours after, that his wife came in ignorant of that which was done. Peter said
unto her: Tell me, sold ye the land for so much? And she said: ye for so much.
Peter said unto her: why have ye agreed together, to tempt the spirit of the
lord? Lo, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and
shall carry thee out, Then she fell down straightway at his feet and yielded up
the ghost. The young men came in and found her dead, and carried her out and
buried her by her husband. And great fear came on all the congregation. And on
as many as heard it.
By the hands of the Apostles were many
signs and wonders shewed among the people. And they were all together with one
accord in Solomon's hall. And of other durst no man join himself to them: but
the people magnified them. The number of them that believed in the lord both of
men and women grew more and more insomuch that they brought their sick into the
streets, and laid them on beds and pallets, that at the leastway the shadow of
Peter when he came by, might shadow some of them. There came also a multitude
out of the cities round about unto Ierusalem, bringing with them sick and them
which were vexed with unclean spirits. And they were healed every one.
The chief priest rose up and they that were
with him (which is the sect of the Saduces) and were full of indignation, and
laid hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison: but the angel of
the lord by night opened the prison door, and brought them forth, and said: go
step forth, and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.
When they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning and
taught.
The chief priest came and they that were
with him and called a council together, and all the seniors of the children of
Israhel, and sent to the prison to fetch them. When the ministers came and found
them not in the prison, they came again and told saying: The prison found we
shut with all diligence, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but
when we had opened we found no man within. When the chief priest of all and the
ruler of the temple, and the high priests heard these things, they doubted of
them, whereunto this would grow.
Then came one and shewed them: Lo the men
that ye put in prison stand in the temple, and preach to the people. Then went
the ruler of the temple with ministers, and brought them without violence. For
they feared the people lest they should have been stoned. And when they had
brought them, they set them before the council. And the chief priest asked them
saying: did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name?
and behold ye have filled Ierusalem with your doctrine, and ye intend to bring
this man's blood upon us.
Peter and the other Apostles answered, and
said: We ought more to obey God than men. The God of our fathers raised up Iesus,
whom ye slew and hanged on tree. Him being a ruler and a saviour hath God
exalted with his right hand, for to give repentance to Israhell and forgiveness
of sins. And we are his records as concerning these things: and also the holy
ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. When they heard that they
clave asunder, and sought means to slay them. Then stood there up one in the
council, a pharisee named Gamaliel, a doctor of law, had in authority among the
people and commanded to put the Apostles aside a little space, and said unto
them: Men of Israhell take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching
these men. Before these days rose up one Theudas boasting himself, to whom
resorted a number of men, about a four hundred, which was slain, and they all
which believed him were scattered abroad, and brought to nought. After this man
arose there up one Iudas of Galile, in the time when tribute began, and drew
away much people after him. He also perished: and all even as many as harkened
to him are scattered a broad.
And now I say unto you: refrain yourselves
from these men, let them alone: For if this counsel or work be of men, it will
come to nought: but and if it be of God, ye cannot destroy it, lest haply ye be
found to strive against God. And to him they agreed, and called the apostles,
and beat them, and commanded that they should not speak in the name of Iesu,
and let them go.
And they departed from the council
rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer rebuke for his name. And
daily in the temple, and in every house they ceased not, teaching and preaching
Iesus Christ.
The .vj.
Chapter.
In those days as the number of the
disciples grew, there arose a grudge among the greeks against the Hebrews,
because their widows were despised in the daily ministration. Then the twelve
called the multitude of the disciples together and said: it is not meet that we
should leave the word of God and serve at the tables, wherefore brethren look
ye out among you seven men of honest report, and full of the holy ghost and
wisdom, which we may appoint to this needful business: but we will give
ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministration of the word. And the
saying pleased the whole multitude well. And they chose Stephen a man full of
faith, and of the holy ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nichanor, and
Timon, and Permenas, and Nicholas a proselite of Antioch, which they set before
the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.
And the word of God increased, and the
number of the disciples multiplied in Ierusalem greatly. And a great company of
the priests were obedient to the faith. Stephen full of faith and power did
great wonders, and miracles among the people. Then there arose certain of the
Synagogue, which are called libertines, and Sirenens, and Alexandrians, and
Cilicilians, and Asians, and disputed with Steven. And they could not resist
the wisdom, and the spirit, with which he spake. Then sent they in men which
said: we have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God,
and they moved the people, and the seniors, and the scribes: and they came upon
him and caught him, and brought him to the council, and brought forth false
witnesses which said: This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against
this holy place and the law, for we heard him say: This Iesus of Nazareth shall
destroy this place, and shall change the ordinances which Moses gave unto us.
And all that sat in the council looked steadfastly on him, and saw his face as
it had been the face of an angel.
The .vij.
Chapter.
Then said the chief priest: is it even so?
And he said: ye men, brethren, and fathers, hearken to. The God of glory
appeared unto our father Abraham while he was yet in Mesopotamia, before he
dwelt in Charran, and said unto him: come out of thy country, and from thy
kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew unto thee. Then came he out
of the land of Caldey, and dwelt in Charran. And after that as soon as his
father was dead, he brought him into this land, wherein ye now dwell, and he
gave him none inheritance in it, no not one foot of ground. And promised that
he would give it to him and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.
God verily spake on this wise, thy seed
shall be a dweller in a strange land, and they shall put them in bondage, and
entreat them evil .iiij. C. years. And the nation to whom they shall be in
bondage, will I judge (said God) and after that shall they come forth, and
serve me in this place. And gave him the testament of circumcision, and he
begat Isaac, and circumcised him the viij. day, and Isaac begat Iacob, and
Iacob the twelve patriarchs.
And the patriarchs having indignation sold
Ioseph into Egypt, and God was with him, and delivered him out of all his
adversities, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharao king of
Egypt, And Pharao made him governor over Egypt, and over all his household.
Then came there a dearth over all the land
of Egypt, and Canaan, and great affliction, that our fathers found no
sustenance. When Iacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent our fathers
first, and when he had sent them the second time, Ioseph was known of his
brethren, and Ioseph's kindred was made known unto Pharao. Then sent Ioseph and
caused his father to be brought and all his kin, three score and xv. souls. And
Iacob descended into Egypt, and died both he and our fathers, and were
translated into Sichem, and were put in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for
money of the sons of Emor, at Sichem.
When the time of the promise drew nigh
(which God had promised with an oath to Abraham) the people grew and multiplied
in Egypt till another king arose which knew not of Ioseph. The same dealt
subtly with our kindred, and evil intreated our fathers, and made them to cast
out their children, that they should not remain alive. The same time was Moses
born, and was a proper child in the sight of God, which was nourished up in his
father's house three months. When he was cast out Pharaoh's daughter took him
up, and nourished him up for her own son. And Moses was learned in all manner
wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in deeds and in words.
When he was full forty year old, it came
into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israhel. And when he saw
one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged his quarrel that had the
harm done to him, and smote the Egyptian. For he supposed his brethren would
have understood how that God by his hands should give them health: but they
understood not.
And the next day he shewed himself unto
them as they strove, and would have set them at one again saying: Sirs ye are
brethren why hurt ye one another? But he that did his neighbour wrong, thrust
him away saying: Who made thee a ruler and a judge among us? What wilt thou
kill me, as thou didst the Egyptian yesterday? Then fled Moses at that word,
and was a stranger in the land of Madian, Where he begat two sons.
When xl. years were expired, there appeared
to him in the wilderness of mount Sina the angel of the lord in a flame of fire
in a bush. When Moses saw it he wondered at the sight, and as he drew near to
behold it. And the voice of the lord came unto him: I am the God of thy
fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Iacob. Moses
trembled and durst not behold. Then said the lord to him put off thy shoes from
thy feet, for the place where thou standest is holy ground. I have perfectly
seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their
groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come and I will send thee
into Egypt.
The same Moses whom they forsook saying:
who made the a ruler and a judge: God sent both a ruler and a deliverer, by the
hands of the angel which appeared to him in the bush. This man brought them out
shewing wonders and signs in Egypt, and in the reed sea, and in the wilderness
xl. years. This is that Moses which said unto the children of Israhell: A
prophet shall your lord God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me,
him shall ye hear.
This is he that was in the congregation, in
the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with
our fathers. This man received the word of life to give unto us, to whom our fathers
would not obey: But cast it from them, and in their hearts turned back again
into Egypt, saying unto Aaron: Make us gods to go before us. For we wot not
what is become of this Moses that brought us out of the land of Egypt. And they
made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the image, and rejoiced
in the works of their own hands.
Then God turned himself, and gave them up,
that they should worship the stars of the sky, as it is written in the book of
the prophets: O ye of the house of Israhell: have ye given unto me offerings or
sacrifice, by the space of xl. years in the wilderness? And ye took unto you
the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye
made to worship them. And I will translate you beyond Babylon.
Our fathers had the tabernacle of testimony
in the wilderness, as he had appointed them speaking unto Moses, that he should
make it according to the fashion that he had seen, which tabernacle our fathers
received, and brought it in with Iosue into the possession of the gentiles,
which gentiles God drave out before the face of our fathers unto the time of
David, which found favour before God, and desired that he might find a
tabernacle for the God of Iacob. And Solomon built him an house.
But
he that is highest of all dwelleth not in temples made with hands, as saith the
prophet: Heaven is my seat, and earth is my foot stool, what house will ye
build for me saith the lord? or what resting place? hath not my hand made all
these things? Ye stiffnecked and of uncircumcised hearts and ears: ye have
allways resisted the holy ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the
prophets have not your fathers persecuted? And they have slain them, which
shewed before of the coming of that Just, whom ye have betrayed and murdered.
And ye also have received a law by the ordinance of angels, and have not kept
it.
When they heard these things, their hearts
clave asunder, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. He being full of the
holy ghost looked up with his eyes into heaven and saw the majesty of God, and
Iesus standing on the right hand of God, and said: lo, I see the heavens open,
and the son of man stand on the right hand of God. Then they gave a shout with
a loud voice, and stopped their ears and all ran upon him at once, and cast him
out of the city, and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at a
young man's feet named Saul. And they stoned Steven calling on and saying: lord
Iesu receive my spirit. And he kneeled down and cried with a loud voice: lord
impute not this sin unto them, For they wote not what they do. And when he had
thus spoken he fell asleep.
The
.viij. Chapter.
Saul had pleasure in his death. At that
time there was a great persecution against the congregation which was at
Ierusalem, and they were all scattered abroad thorowout the regions of Iury and
Samaria, except the apostles. Then devout men dressed Steven, and made great
lamentation over him. Saul made havoc of the congregation entering into every
house, and drew out both man and woman, and thrust them into prison. They that
were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. Then came Philip
into a city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people gave heed
unto those things which Philip spake with one accord, in that they heard and
saw the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits crying with loud voice, came
out of many which were possessed of them. Many taken with palsies, and many
that halted were healed. And there was great joy in that city. And there was a
certain man called Simon, which beforetime in the same city, used witchcraft
and bewitched the people, saying that he was a man that could do great things.
Whom they regarded, from the least to the greatest saying: this fellow is that
power of God, which is called great. Him they set much by, because of long time
with sorcery he had deluded their wits. As soon as they believed Philips
preaching of the kingdom of God and of the name of Iesu Christ, they were
baptised both men and women. Then Simon himself believed and was baptised. And
continued with Philip, and wondered beholding the miracles and signs, which
were shewed.
When the Apostles which were at Ierusalem
heard say that Samaria had received the word of God: they sent unto them Peter
and Ihon, which when they were come, prayed for them, that they might receive
the holy ghost. For as yet he was come on none of them: But they were baptised
only in the name of Christ Iesu. Then laid they their hands on them, and they
received the holy ghost.
When Simon saw that thorow laying on of the
Apostles' hands on them, the holy ghost was given: he offered them money
saying: Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive
the holy ghost. Then said Peter unto him: Perish thou and thy money together.
For thou wenest that the gift of God may be obtained with money? thou hast
neither part nor fellowship in this business. For thy heart is not right in the
sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God that the
thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art full
of bitter gall, and wrapped in iniquity.
Then answered Simon and said: Pray ye to
the lord for me that none of these things which ye have spoken fall on me. And
they when they had testified, and preached the word of the lord returned to
Ierusalem and preached the gospel in many cities of the Samaritans.
Then the angel of the lord spake unto
Philip saying: Arise and go towards midday unto the way which leadeth from
Ierusalem unto Gaza, which is in the desert. He arose and went on, and behold a
man of Ethiopia which was gelded, and of great authority with Candace queen of
the Ethiophians, which had the rule of all her treasure, came to Ierusalem for
to pray. As he returned home again sitting in his chariot he read Esay the
prophet.
Then the spirit said unto Philip: Go near
and join thyself to yonder chariot. Philip ran to him, and heard him read Esay
the prophet and said: Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said: how
can I, except I had a guide? And he desired Philip that he would come up and
sit with him. The tenor of the scripture which he read was this. He was led as
a sheep to be slain: And like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not
his mouth, in that he submitted himself, his judgement was exalted: who shall
declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. The gelded man
answered Philip and said: I pray thee of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself?
or of some other man?
Philip opened his mouth, and began at the
same scripture, and preached unto him Iesus. And as they went on their way,
they came unto a certain water, and the gelded man said: See here is water,
what shall let me to be baptised? Philip said unto him: If thou believe with
all thine heart, thou mayst. He answered saying: I believe that Iesus Christ is
the son of God. And commanded the chariot to stand still. And they went down
both into the water: both Philip and also the gelded man. And he baptised him.
As soon as they were come out of the water the spirit of the lord caught away
Philip. And the gelded man saw him no more. And he went on his way rejoicing:
but Philip was found at Azotus. And he walked thorow out the country preaching
in their cities, till he came to Cesarea.
The .ix.
Chapter.
Saul yet breathing out threatenings and
slaughter against the disciples of the lord, went unto the high priest, and
desired of him letters to Damascus, to the synagogues: that if he found any of
this way whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto
Ierusalem. As he went on his journey, it fortuned that he drew nigh to
Damascus, and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven. And he
fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying to him: Saul, Saul, why persecutest
thou me? And he said what art thou lord? The lord said, I am Iesus whom thou
persecutest, it shall be hard for thee to kick against the prick. He both
trembling and astonied said: lord what wilt thou have me to do? And the lord
said unto him: Arise and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou
shalt do.
The men which accompanied him on his way
stood amazed, for they heard a voice, but saw no man. Saul arose from the
earth, And when he had opened his eyes he saw no man. Then led they him by the
hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was iij. days without sight, and
neither ate nor drank.
There was a certain disciple at Damascus
named Ananias, to him said the lord in a vision: Ananias. And he said: I am
here lord. And the lord said to him: arise and go into the street which is
called straight, and seek in the house of Iudas after one called Saul of the
city of Tharsus. For behold he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named
Ananias coming in unto him, And putting his hands on him, that he might receive
his sight.
Ananias answered: lord I have heard by many
of this man, how much hurt he hath done to thy saints at Ierusalem: and in this
place he hath authority of the high priests to bind all that call on thy name.
The lord said unto him: Go thy ways: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear
my name before the gentiles, and kings and the children of Israhel: For I will
shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
Ananias went his way and entered into the
house and put his hands on him and said: brother Saul, the lord that appeared
unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive
thy sight and be filled with the holy ghost. And immediately there fell from
his eyes as it had been scales and he received his sight, and arose and was
baptised. And received meat and was comforted.
Then was Saul a certain days with the
disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the
Synagogues how that he was the son of God. All that heard him were amazed and
said: is not this he that spoiled them which called on this name in Ierusalem?
And came hither for the intent that he should bring them bound unto the high
priests? Saul increased in strength, And confounded the jews which dwelt at
Damascus affirming that this was very Christ.
After a good while, the jews took counsel
together among themselves to kill him. But their layings wait were known of Saul.
And they watched at the gates day and night to kill him. Then the disciples
took him by night, and put him thorow the wall and let him down in a basket.
When Saul came to Ierusalem he assayed to
couple himself with the disciples, and they were all afraid of him and believed
not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the
apostles and told them how he had seen the lord in the way and had spoken with
him: and how he had done boldly at Damascus in the name of Iesu, And he had his
conversation with them at Ierusalem, and quit himself boldly in the name of the
lord Iesu. And he spake and disputed with the greeks and they went about to
slay him. When the brethren knew of that, they brought him to Cesarea, and sent
him forth to Tharsus. Then had the congregations rest thorowout all jewry and
Galile and Samary, and were edified, and walked in the fear of the lord, And
multiplied by the comfort of the holy ghost.
It chanced that as Peter walked throughout
all quarters, he came to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. And there he found a
certain man named Eneas, which had kept his bed viij. years sick of the palsy.
Then said Peter unto him: Eneas, the lord Iesus Christ make thee whole: Arise
and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. And all that dwelt at Lydda and
Assaron, saw him, and turned to the lord.
There was at Ioppa a certain woman (which
was a disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas) she was
full of good works and alms deeds, which she did. It chanced in those days that
she was sick and died. When they had washed her and laid her in a chamber:
Because Lydda was nigh to Ioppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was
there, they sent unto him, desiring him that he would not be grieved to come
unto them.
Peter arose and came with them: when he was
come, they brought him into the chamber, and all the widows stood round about
him weeping and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made while she was
with them. Peter put them all forth and kneeled down and prayed and turned him
to the body, and said: Tabitha, arise. She opened her eyes, and when she saw
Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and lift her up, and called the
saints and widows and shewed her alive. And it was known thorow out all Ioppa,
and many believed on the lord. And it fortuned that he tarried many days in
Ioppa with one Simon a tanner.
The .x.
Chapter.
There was a certain man in Cesarea called
Cornelius, a captain of the soldiers of Italy, a devout man, and one that
feared God with all his household, which gave much alms to the people, and
prayed God always. The same man saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour
of the day the angel of God coming in unto him, and saying unto him: Cornelius,
when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said: what is it lord? He said unto
him: Thy prayers and thy alms are come up into remembrance in the presence of
God. And now send men to Ioppa, and call for one Simon named also Peter. He
lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the seaside. He shall tell
thee, what thou oughtest to do. When the Angel which spake unto Cornelius was
departed, he called two of his household, and a devout soldier of them that
waited on him, to whom he told all the matter, and sent them to Ioppa.
On the morrow as they went on their journey
and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up into the uppermost part of the house
to pray, about the vj. hour. Then waxed he an hungered, and would have eaten.
while they made ready for him. He fell into a trance, and saw heaven opened,
and a certain vessel come down unto him, as it had been a great sheet, knit at
the iiij. corners, and was let down to the earth, wherein were all manner of
iiij. footed beasts of the earth and vermin and worms, and fouls of the air.
And a voice spake unto him from heaven: Rise Peter Kill and eat. Peter said:
God forbid lord, for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
And the voice spake unto him again the second time: What God hath cleansed that
make thou not common. This was done thrice, And the vessel was received up
again into heaven.
While Peter mused in himself what this
vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius,
had made inquirance for Simon's house, and stood before the door. And called
out one and asked whether Simon which was also called Peter, were lodged there.
While Peter thought on this vision, the spirit said unto him: Lo, men seek
thee: arise therefore, get thee down, and go with them, and doubt not. For I
have sent them. Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from
Cornelius, and said: Lo, I am he, whom ye seek, what is the cause wherefore ye
are come? They said unto him: Cornelius the captain a just man, and one that
feareth God, and of good report among all the people of the jews was warned by
an holy angel, to send for thee in to his house, and to hear words of thee.
Then called he them in, and lodged them.
On the morrow Peter went with them, and
certain brethren from Ioppa accompanied him. And the third day entered they
into Cesaria. Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen,
and special friends. And as it chanced Peter to come in, Cornelius met him, and
fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. Peter took him up, saying: Even I
myself am a man. And as he talked with him he came in, and found many that were
come together. And he said unto them: Ye do know how that it is an unlawful
thing for a man that is a jew to company or come unto an alien: But God hath
shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean: therefore came I
unto you without scruple, as soon as I was sent for. I ask therefore: for what
intent have ye sent for me?
And Cornelius said: This day now. iiij.
days I fasted, and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man
stood before me in bright clothing, and said: Cornelius, thy prayer is heard,
and thine alms deeds are had in remembrance in the sight of God. Send therefore
to Ioppa, and call for Simon which is also called Peter. He is lodged in the
house of one Simon a tanner by the seaside, the which as soon as he is come,
shall speak unto thee. Then sent I for thee immediately, and thou hast well
done for to come. Now are we all here, present before God to hear all things
that are commanded unto thee of God.
Peter opened his mouth and said: Of a truth
I perceive, that God is not partial, but in all people he that feareth him and
worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
Ye know the preaching that God sent unto
the children of Israhell, preaching peace by Iesus Christe (which is lord over
all things.) which preaching was published thorowout all Iewery, and began in
Galile, after the baptism preached by Ihon, After that God had anointed Iesus
of Nazareth with the holy ghost, and with power, he went about doing good, and
healing all that were oppressed with devils, for God was with him. And we are
witnesses of all things which he did in the land of the jewes and at Ierusalem,
whom they slew, and hung on tree. Him God raised up the third day, and shewed
him openly, not to all the people, but unto us witnesses chosen before of God,
which ate and drank with him, after he arose from death. And he commanded us to
preach unto the people and testify, that it is he that is ordained of God a
judge of quick and dead. To him giveth all the prophets witness, that thorow
his name shall receive remission of sins all that believe in him.
While Peter yet spake these words, the holy
ghost fell on all them which heard his preaching. And they of the circumcision
which believed were astonied, as many as came with Peter, because that on the
gentiles also was shed out the gift of the holy ghost. For they heard them
speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter: can any man forbid
water that these should not be baptised, which have received the holy ghost as
well as we? And he commanded them to be baptised in the name of the lord. Then
prayed they him, to tarry a few days.
The .xj.
Chapter.
It came to the ears of the Apostles and the
brethren which were in jewry, that the heathen also had received the word of
God. When Peter was come up to Ierusalem, they of the circumcision disputed
with him, saying: Thou wentest in unto men uncircumcised, and atest with them.
Peter began and expounded the thing in
order to them saying: I was in the city of Ioppa praying, and in a trance I saw
a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a large linen cloth, let
down from heaven by the four corners, And it came to me: into the which when I
had fastened mine eyes I considered and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and
vermin and worms, and fowls of the air. I heard also a voice saying unto me:
Arise Peter, slay and eat. And I said: God forbid lord, for nothing common or
unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. The voice answered me again
from heaven count not thou those things common, which God hath cleansed. And
this was done three times. And all were taken up again into heaven.
And behold immediately were there three men
come unto the house where I was, sent from Cesarea unto me. And the spirit said
unto me, that I should go with them, without doubting. Moreover the six
brethren accompanied me. And we entered into the man's house. And he shewed us,
how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said to him: Send men to
Ioppa, and call for Simon, named also Peter he shall tell thee words, whereby
both thou and all thine house shall be saved. And as I began to preach, the
holy ghost fell on them, as he did on us at the beginning. Then came to my
remembrance the words of the lord, how he said: Ihon baptised with water, but
ye shall be baptised with the holy ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them like
gifts, as he did unto us, when we believed on the lord Iesus Christ: what was I
that I should have withstood God? when they heard this, they held their peace
and glorified God, saying: Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted
repentance unto life.
They which were scattered abroad thorow the
affliction that arose about Steven, walked thorow out till they came unto
Phenice and Cypers and Antioche, preaching the word to no man, but unto the
jews only. Some of them were men of Cypers and of Syrene, which when they were
come into Antioch, spake unto the greeks, and preached the lord Iesus. And the
hand of the lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned unto the
lord.
Tidings of this came unto the ears of the
congregation, which was in Ierusalem, And they sent forth Barnabas that he
should go unto Antioche. Which when he was come, and had seen the grace of the
lord, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would
continually cleave unto the lord. For he was a perfect man, and full of the
holy ghost and of faith. And much people was added unto the lord. Then departed
Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him
unto Antioche. And it chanced that a whole year they had their conversation
with the congregation there, and taught much people insomuch that the disciples
of Antioche were the first that were called Christen.
In those days came prophets from Ierusalem
unto Antioche. There stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the
spirit, that there should be great dearth throughout all the world, which came
to pass in the Emperor Claudius days. Then the disciples every man according to
his ability, purposed to send succour unto the brethren which dwelt in jewry,
which thing they also did, and sent it to the seniors, by the hands of Barnabas
and Saul.
The .xij.
Chapter.
In that time Herod the king layed hands on
certain of the congregation, to vex them. And he killed Iames the brother of
Ihon with a sword: and because he saw that it pleased the jews, he proceeded
further, to take Peter also. Then were the days of unleavened bread, and when
he had caught him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to iiij. quaternions
of soldiers to be kept, intending after ester to bring him forth to the people.
Then was Peter kept in prison. But prayer was made without ceasing of the
congregation unto God for him. When Herod would have brought him out unto the
people, the same night slept Peter between ij. soldiers, bound with two chains,
And the keepers before the door kept the prison.
And behold the angel of the lord was there
present, and a light shined in the lodge. And he smote Peter on the side, and
stirred him up saying: arise up quickly. And the chains fell off from his
hands. And the Angel said unto him: gird thyself and bind on thy sandals, And
so he did. And he said unto him: cast on thy mantle about thee, and follow me.
And he came out and followed him, and wist not, that it was truth which was
done by the angel, but thought he had seen a vision. When they were past the
first and the second watch, they came unto the iron gate, that leadeth unto the
city, which opened to them by his own accord. And they went out and passed
thorow one street, and by and by the angel departed from him.
And when Peter was come to himself, he
said: now I know of a surety, that the lord hath sent his Angel, and hath
delivered me from the hand of Herod, and from all the waiting for of the people
of the jewes. And as he considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the
mother of one Ihon, which was called Mark also, where many were gathered
together in prayer. As Peter knocked at the entry door, a damsel came forth to
hearken, named Rhoda. And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the entry
for gladness, but ran in and told how Peter stood before the entry. And they
said unto her: thou art mad. And she bare them down that it was even so. Then
said they: it is his angel. Peter continued knocking: When they had opened the
door, and saw him, they were astonied. He beckoned unto them with his hand to
hold their peace, and told them by what means the lord had brought him out of
the prison. And said: go shew this unto Iames and to the brethren. And he
departed and went into another place.
As soon as it was day there was no little
ado among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. When Herod had called for
him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded to depart. And
he descended from Iewry to Cesarea, and there abode. Herod was displeased with
them of Tyre and Sidon. And they came all at once, and made intercession unto
Blastus the king's chamberlain, and desired peace, because their country was
nourished by the king's land. Upon a day appointed, the king arrayed him in
royal apparel, and set him in his seat, and made an oration unto them. And the
people gave a shout, saying: It is the voice of a God and not of a man. And
immediately the angel of the lord smote him, because he gave not God the
honour, and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
And the word of God grew and multiplied.
And Barnabas and Saul returned to Ierusalem, and fulfilled their office, and
took with them Ihon, which was also called Marcus.
The
.xiij. Chapter.
There
were at Antioche, in the congregation, prophets and doctors, as Barnabas and
Simeonb called Nyger, And Lucius of Cerene, and Manahen Herod the tetrarkes
nursefellow, and Saul. As they served God, and fasted, The holy ghost said:
separate me Barnabas and Saul, for the work whereunto I have called them. Then
fasted they and prayed, and put their hands on them, and let them go.
And they after they were sent of the holy
ghost, came unto Seleutia, and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. And when they
were come to Solamine, they shewed the word of God in the synagogues, unto the
jewes. And they had Ihon to their minister.
When they had gone over all the Isle unto
the city of Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet which was a
jewe, named Bariesu, which was with the ruler of the country one Sergius Paulus
a prudent man. The same ruler called unto him Barnabas and Saul, and desired to
hear the word of God. The sorcerer Elemas (for so was his name by
interpretation) withstood them, and sought to turn away the ruler from the
faith. Then Saul which also is called Paul being full of the holy ghost, set
his eyes on him, and said: O full of all subtlety and deceitfulness the child
of the devil, and the enemy of all righteousness thou ceasest not to pervert
the straight ways of the lord. And now behold the hand of the lord is upon
thee, and thou shalt be blind and not see the sun for a season. And immediately
fell on him a mist and a darkness, And he went about seeking, them that should
lead him by the hand. Then the ruler when he saw what had happened, believed,
and wondered at doctrine of the lord.
When Paul and they that were with him, had
shipped from Paphus, they came to Perga a city of Pamphilia. There departed
Ihon from them, and returned to Ierusalem. But they wandered thorow the
countries, from Perga to Antioche a city of the country of Pisidia, and went
into the synagoge on the saboth day, and sat down. After the lecture of the law
and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them saying: Ye men and
brethren, if ye have any sermon to exhort the people, say on.
Paul stood up and beckoned with his hand
and said: Men of Israhel, and ye that fear God, give audience. The God of this
people chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers
in the land of Egypt, and with a mighty arm brought them out of it, and about
the time of. xl. years, suffered he their manners in the wilderness. And he
destroyed vij. nations in the land of Canaan, and divided their land to them by
Lott. And afterward he gave unto them judges about the space of. iiij.C. and l.
years unto the time of Samuel the prophet. And after that they desired a king,
and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by
the space of xl. years. And after he had put him down, he set up David to be
their king, to whom he gave witness, saying: I have found David the son of
Iesse, a man after mine own heart, he shall fulfil all my will.
Of this man's seed hath God (according to
his promise) brought forth to the people of Israel a saviour, one Iesus, when
Ihon had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to Israhel.
When Ihon had fulfilled his course, he said: Whom ye think that I am? the same
am I not, but behold there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am
not worthy to lowse.
Ye men and brethren, children of the
generation off Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is this
word of health sent. The inhabiters of Ierusalem, and their rulers because they
knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every saboth
day, have fulfilled them in condemning him. And when they found no cause of
death in him, yet desired they Pilate to kill him. And when they had fulfilled
all that were written of him, they took him down from the tree and put him in a
sepulchre: But God raised him again from death, and he was seen many days of
them, which came with him from Galile to Ierusalem which are his witnesses unto
the people.
And we declare unto you, how that the
promise made unto the fathers, God hath fulfilled unto us the children, in that
he raised up Iesus again, even as it is written in the first {other second}
psalm: Thou art my son, this same day begat I thee. As concerning that he so
raised him up from death, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this
wise: The holy promises made to David I will keep faithfully. Wherefore he
saith also in another place: Thou shalt not suffer thy saincte to see
corruption. For David after he had in his time fulfilled the will of God, he
slept, and was laid with his fathers, and saw corruption. But he whom God
raised again, saw no corruption.
Be it known unto you therefore ye men and
brethren, that thorow this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins,
And by him are all that believe justified from all things from the which ye
could not be justified by the law of Moses. Beware therefore lest that fall on
you, which is spoken of in the prophets: Behold ye despisers, and wonder, and
perish ye: for I do a work in your days, which ye shall not believe, if a man
would declare it you.
When the jews were gone out of the
Synagogue, the gentiles besought them that they would preach the word to them
between the saboth days. When the congregation was broken up, many of the jews
and virtuous proselites followed Paul and Barnabas, which spake to them and
exhorted them to continue in the grace of God.
And the next saboth day came Almost the
whole city together to hear the word of God. When the jews saw the people, they
were full of indignation and spake against those things which were spoken of
Paul, They spake against it, and dispraised it, rayling on it. Then Paul and
Barnabas waxed bold, and said: it was meet that the word of God should first
have been preached to you. But seeing ye put it from you, and think yourselves
unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the gentiles. For so hath the lord
commanded us: I have made thee a light to the gentiles, that thou be health
unto the end of the world.
The gentiles heard, and were glad and
glorified the word of the lord, and believed even as many as were ordained unto
eternal life. And the word of the lord was published thorowout all the region.
But the jews moved the worshipful and honorable women, and the chief men of the
city. And raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out
of their coasts. But they shook off the dust off their feet against them, and
came unto Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the holy
ghost.
The
.xiiij. Chapter.
It fortuned in Iconium that they went both
together into the synagogue of the jewes, and so spake, that a great multitude
both of the jewes and also of the greeks believed. But the unbelieving jews,
stirred up and unquieted the minds of the gentiles against the brethren. Long
time abode they there and quit themselves boldly with the help of the lord, the
which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, And caused signs and wonders
to be done by their hands. The people of city were divided: and part held with
the jews, and part with the Apostles.
When there was a fault made both of the
gentiles and also of the jewes with their rulers, to put them to shame and to
stone them, they were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derba, cities of Licaonia,
and unto the region that lieth round about, and there preached the gospell. And
there sat a certain man at Lystra weak in his feet, being halt from his
mother's womb, and never walked. The same heard Paul preach, which beheld him
and perceived that he had faith to be whole, and said with a loud voice: stand
upright on thy feet. And he started up, and walked. When the people saw what
Paul had done, they lift up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia:
Goddes are come down to us in the likeness of men. And they called Barnabas,
Iupiter, and Paul Mercurius, because he was the preacher. Then Iupiters priest,
which dwelt before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the church porch,
and would have done sacrifice with the people. When the Apostles, Barnabas and
Paul heard that, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying
and saying: sirs, why do ye this? We are mortal men like unto you, and preach
unto you, that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made
heaven and earth and the sea and all that in them is, the which in times past
suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless he left not
himself without witness, in that he shewed his benefits, in giving us rain from
heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. And
with these sayings, scarce refrained they the people, that they had not done
sacrifice unto them.
Thither came certain jews from Antioche and
Iconium, and obtained the peoples' consent and stoned Paul, and drew him out of
the city, supposing he had been dead. As the disciples stood round about him,
he arose up and came into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas
to Derba. After they had preached to that city, and taught many, they returned
again to Lystra, and to Iconium and Antioche, and strengthened the disciples
souls, exhorting them to continue in the faith, affirming that we must thorow
much adversity enter into the kingdom of God. And when they had ordained them
seniors by election in every congregation, after they had prayed and fasted,
they commended them to God on whom they believed.
And they went over all Pisidia and came
into Pamphilia, and when they had preached the word of God in Perga, they
descended into Attalia, and thence departed by ship to Antioche, from whence
they were delivered unto the grace of God, to the work which they had
fulfilled. When they were come and had gathered the congregation together, they
rehearsed all that God had done by them, and how he had opened the door of
faith unto the Gentiles. And there they abode long time with the disciples.
The .xv.
Chapter.
And there came certain from jewry and
taught the brethren: except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses ye
cannot be saved. Then arose there dissension and disputing not a little unto
Paul and Barnabas against them. And they determined that Paul and Barnabas and
certain other of them should ascend to Ierusalem unto the Apostles and seniors
about this question. After they were brought on their way by the congregation,
they passed over Phenices and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the
Gentiles, and they brought great joy unto all the brethren. When they were come
to Ierusalem they were received of the congregation and of the apostles and
seniors. And they declared what things God had done by them. Then arose there
up certain of the sect of the pharisees, which did believe saying that it was
needful to circumcise them and to enjoin them to keep the law of Moses. The
Apostles and seniors came together to reason of this matter.
When there was much disputing, Peter rose
up and said unto them: Ye men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago,
God chose among us that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the
gospell and believe. And God which knoweth the heart, bare them witness, and
gave unto them the holy ghost, even as he did unto us, And he put no difference
between them and us, and with faith purified their hearts. Now therefore why
tempt ye God, that ye would put a yoke on the disciples necks which neither our
fathers nor we were able to bear: But we believe that thorow the grace of the
lord Iesu Christ we shall be saved as they do. Then all the multitude was
peaced and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul which told what signs and wonders
God had shewed among the gentiles by them. As soon as they held their peace,
Iames answered saying: Men and brethren hearken unto me, Simeon told how God at
the beginning did visit the gentiles, and received of them people unto his
name. And to this agreeth the words of the prophets, as it is written: After
this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David which is
fallen down, and that which is fallen in decay of it will I build again and I
will set it up, that the residue of men might seek after the lord, and also the
Gentiles upon whom my name is called saith the lord, which doth all these
things: known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them which of the gentiles are
turned to God: but that we write unto them, that they abstain themselves from
filthiness of images, from fornication, from strangled, and from blood. For
Moses of old time in every city hath them that preach him, and he is read in
the synagogues every saboth day.
Then pleased it the apostles and seniors
with the whole congregation to send chosen men of their own company to Antioche
with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Iudas called also Barsabas and Silas which
were chief men among the brethren and gave them letters in their hands after
this manner.
The Apostles, seniors and brethren send
greetings unto the brethren which are of the gentiles in Antioch, Syria and
Cilicia. Forasmuch as we have heard that certain which departed from us, have
troubled you with words, and cumbered your minds saying: Ye must be circumcised
and keep the law, to whom we gave no such commandment. It seemed therefore to
us a good thing, when we were come together with one accord, to send chosen men
unto you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men that have jeoparded their
lives, for the name of our lord Iesus Christ. We have sent therefore Iudas and
Sylas, which shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good
to the holy ghost and to us, to put no grievous thing to you more than these
necessary things, that is to say, that ye abstain from things offered unto
images, from blood, from strangled and fornication. From which if ye keep
yourselves, ye shall do well. So fare ye well.
When they were departed, they came to
Antioche and gathered the multitude together and delivered the pistel. When
they had read it, they rejoiced of that consolation. Iudas and Silas being
prophets, exhorted the people with much preaching, and strengthened them. After
they had tarried there a certain space, they were let go in peace of the
brethren unto the Apostles. Notwithstanding it pleased Sylas to abide there
still. Paul and Barnabas continued in Antioche teaching, and preaching the word
of the lord with other many.
But after a certain space Paul said unto
Barnabas: Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city, where we have
shewed the word of the lord, and see how they do. Barnabas gave counsel, to
take with them Ihon called also Marke: But Paul thought it not meet to take him
unto their company which departed from them at Pamphilia, and went not with
them to the worke. So sharp was the dissension between them, that they departed
asunder one from the other. And Barnabas took Mark and sailed unto Cypers. Paul
chose Sylas and departed delivered of the brethren unto the grace of God. And
he went thorow all Cyria and Cilicia, stablishing the congregations.
The .xvj.
Chapter.
Then came he to Derba and Listra. And
behold a certain disciple was there named Timotheus, a womans son which was a
jewess and believed, but his father was a greek. Of whom reported well, the
brethren of Listra and of Iconium. Paul would that he should go forth with him,
and took and circumcised him because of the jewes which were in those quarters,
for they knew all that his father was a greek. As they went thorow the cities,
they delivered them the decrees for to keep, ordained of the apostles and
seniors which were at Ierusalem. So were the congregations stablished in the
faith, and increased in number daily.
When they had gone thorowout Phrigia and
the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the holy ghost to preach the word
in Asia, they came to Misia, and sought to go into Bethinia, and the spirit
suffered them not. When they went over Misia, and came down to Troada and a
vision appeared to Paul in the night. There stood a man of Macedonia and prayed
him saying: Come into Macedonia and help us. After he had seen the vision
immediately we prepared to go into Macedonia certified that the lord had called
us for to preach the gospell unto them. Then loosed we forth from Troada, and
with a straight course came we to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolim,
and from thence to Philippos, which is the chiefest city in the parts of
Macedonia and a free city.
We were in that city abiding a certain
days. And on the saboth days we went out of the city besides a river where men
were wont to pray, and we sat down and spake unto the women which thither
resorted. And a certain woman named Lidia, a seller of purple, of the city of
Thyatira which worshipped God, gave us audience, whose heart God opened that
she attended unto those things which Paul spake. When she was baptised, and her
household, she besought us saying: If ye think that I believe on the lord come
into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
It fortuned as we went to prayer, a certain
damsel possessed with a spirit that prophesied met us, which brought her master
and masters much vantage with prophesying. The same followed Paul and us
saying: These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the
way of health. And this did she many days. But Paul not content turned about
and said to the spirit: I command thee in the name of Iesu Christ that thou
come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
When her master and masters saw that the
hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and brought them into
the market place unto the rulers, and delivered them to the officers saying:
These men trouble our city, which are jews and shew new decrees, which are not
lawful for us to receive, neither to observe seeing we are romans. And the
people ran on them, and the officers rent their clothes, and commanded them to
be beaten with rods, and when they had beaten them sore, they cast them into
prison commanding the jailer to keep them surely. Which when he had received
such commandment thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in
the stocks.
At midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and
lauded God. And the prisoners heard them. Suddenly there was a great
earthquake, so that the foundation of the prison was shaken, and by and by all
the doors opened, and every man's bonds were lowsed. When the keeper of the
prison waked out of his sleep, and saw the prison doors open, he drew out his
sword and would have killed himself, supposing the prisoners had been fled.
Paul cried with a loud voice saying: Do thyself no harm, for we are all here.
He called for a light and sprang in, and
came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out and
said, Sirs what must I do to be saved? And they said: believe on the lord
Iesus, and thou shalt be saved and thy household. And they preached unto him
the word of the lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the
same hour of the night and washed their wounds, and was baptised with all that
belonged unto him straight way. When he had brought them into his house, he set
meat before them, and joyed that he with all his household believed on God.
And when it was day the officers sent the
ministers saying: Let those men go. The keeper of the prison told this saying
to Paul: the officers have sent word to loose you. Now therefore get you hence
and go in peace. Then said Paul unto them: They have beaten us openly
uncondemned, for all that we are Romans, and have cast us into prison: and now
would they send us away privily? Nay not so, but let them come themselves and
fetch us out. The ministers told these words unto the officers and they feared
when they heard that they were Romans, and came and besought them, and brought
them out, and desired them to depart out of the city. They went out of the
prison and entered into the house of Lidia, and when they had seen the
brethren, they comforted them and departed.
The
.xvij. Chapter.
As they made their journey thorow
Amphipolis, and Apolonia, they came to Thessalonica where was a synagogue of
the jewes. Paul as his manner was went in unto them, and three saboth days
declared out of the scripture unto them, opening and alleging that Christ must
needs have suffered and risen again from death. And that this Iesus was Christ,
whom (said he) I preach to you. And some of them believed and came and
companied with Paul and Silas. Also of the honorable greeks a great multitude,
and of the chief women, not a few.
The jewes which believed not having
indignation took unto them evil men which were vagabonds, and gathered a
company, and set all the city on a roar, and made assault unto the house of
Iason, and sought to bring them out to the people. and when they found them
not, they drew Iason and certain brethren unto the heads of the city crying:
These that trouble the world are come hither also, which Iason hath received
privily. And these all do contrary to the ordinations of Cesar, affirming
another king, one Iesus. And they troubled the people and the officers of the
city when they heard these things. And when they were sufficiently answered of
Iason, and of the other they let them go.
The brethren immediately sent away Paul,
and Silas by night unto Berrea. When they were come thither they entered into
the Synagogue of the jews. These were the noblest among them of Thessalonia,
which received the word with all diligence of mind, and searched the scriptures
daily whether those things were even so. And many of them believed, and of
worshipful women which were greeks, and of men not a few. When the jews of
Thessalonia had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berrea,
they came thither and moved the people, and then by and by the brethren sent
away Paul to go unto the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still. They
that guided Paul brought him unto Athens, and received a commandment unto Silas
and Timotheus for to come to him at once. And came their way.
While Paul waited for them at Athens, his
spirit was moved in him to see the city given to worshipping of images. Then he
disputed in the synagogue with the jews, and with the devout persons, And in
the market daily with them that came unto him. Certain Philosophers of the
Epicures, and of the Stoyckes disputed with him. And some there were which
said: what will this babbler say. Other said: he seemeth to be a tidings
bringer of new devils, because he preached unto them Iesus, and the
resurrection, and they took him, and brought him into Marce street saying: may
we not know what is this new doctrine whereof thou speakest. For thou bringest
strange tidings to our ears. We would know therefore what these things mean.
For all the Athenians and strangers which were there gave themselves to nothing
else, but either to tell or to hear new tidings.
Paul stood in the midst of Marce street and
said, ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are somewhat
superstitious. For as I passed by and beheld the manner how ye worship your
gods, I found an altar wherein was written: unto the unknown God. Whom ye then
ignorantly worship, him shew I unto you: God that made the world, and all that
are in it, seeing that he is lord of heaven and earth, he dwelleth not in
temples made with hands neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he
needed of any thing. Forasmuch as he giveth to all men life and breath every
where, and hath made of one blood all nations of men, for to dwell on all the
face of the earth. And hath assigned times appointed before, And the ends of
their inhabitation, that they should seek God, if they might feel and find him,
though he be not far from every one of us. For in him we live, move, and have
our being, as certain of your own poets said. For we are also his generation.
Forasmuch then as we are the generation of God, we ought not to think that the
godhead is like unto gold, silver, or stone, graven by craft and imagination of
man.
And the time of this ignorance God regarded
not: but now he biddeth all men everywhere repent, because he hath appointed a
day, in the which he will judge the world according to righteousness, by that
man, whom he hath appointed, and hath given faith to all men, after that he had
raised him from death. When they heard of the resurrection from death, some
mocked, and other said: we will hear thee again of this matter. So Paul
departed from among them. Certain men clave unto Paul and believed, among the
which was Dionysius a senator, and a woman named Damaris, and other with them.
The
.xviij. Chapter.
After that, Paul departed from Athens, and
came to Corinthum, and found a certain jew named Aquila, born in Ponthus,
lately come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because that the Emperor
Claudius had commanded all jewes to depart from Rome) and he drew unto them.
And because he was of the same craft he abode with them and wrought (their
craft was to make tents.) and he preached in the synagogue every saboth day,
And exhorted the jewes and the gentiles.
When Silas and Timotheus were come from
Macedonia Paul was pained by the spirit, as he testified to the jewes that
Iesus was Christ. When they said contrary and blasphemed, he shook his raiment
and said unto them: your blood upon your own heads. For henceforth I go unto
the gentiles, and he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house
named Iustus which worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.
One Crispus a ruler of the synagogue believed on the lord with all his
household. And many of the Corinthians gave audience and believed, and were
baptised.
Then spake the lord to Paul in the night by
a vision: be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: for I am with thee,
and no man shall invade thee that shall hurt thee. For I have much people in
this city. And he rested there a year and six months, and taught them the word
of God.
When Gallio was ruler of the country of Acaia.
The jewes made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to
the judge's seat, saying: This man teacheth to worship God contrary to the law.
And as Paul was about to open his mouth Gallio said unto the jews: if it were a
matter of wrong, or an evil deed (o ye jews) reason would that I should hear
you: but if it be a question of words, or of names, or of your law, look ye to
it yourselves. For I will be no judge in such matters, and he drave them from
his seat. Then took all the greeks Sosthenes a ruler of the Synagogue and smote
him before the judge's seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.
Paul after this, tarried there yet a good
while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Ciria,
Priscilla and Aquila accompanying him after that he shore his head in Cenchrea.
For he had a vow. And he came to Ephesus and left them there: but he himself
entered into the Synagogue, and reasoned with the jewes. When they desired him
to tarry longer time with them, he consented not, but bade them fare well
saying: I must needs at this feast that cometh be in Ierusalem: but I will
return again unto you if God will. And departed from Ephesus and came unto
Cesarea: and ascended and saluted the congregation, and departed unto Antioche,
and when he had tarried there a while, he departed, and went over all the
country of Galatacia and Phrigia by order, strengthening all the disciples.
And a certain jewe named Apollos, born at
Alexandria came to Ephesus. An eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures. The
same was informed in the way of the lord, and he spake fervently in the spirit,
and taught diligently the things of the lord, and knew but the baptism of Ihon
only. And the same began to speak boldly in the Synagogue. When Priscilla and
Aquila had heard him: they took him unto them, And expounded unto him the way
of God more perfectly.
When he was disposed to go into Acaia, the
brethren exhorted him thereto, and wrote unto the disciples that they should
receive him. After he was come thither he helped them much, which had believed
thorow grace. And mightily he overcame the jews openly shewing by the
scriptures that Iesus was Christ.
The .xix.
Chapter.
It fortuned, while Apollos was at
Corinthum, that Paul passed over the upper coasts, and came to Ephesus, and
found certain disciples and said unto them: have ye received the holy ghost
after ye believed? And they said unto him: No, neither have we heard if there
be any holy ghost or no. And he said unto them: wherewith were ye then
baptised? And they said: with Ihon's baptism. Then said Paul: Ihon verily
baptised with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people that they
should believe on him, which should come after him. That is on Christ Iesus.
When they heard that, they were baptised in the name of the lord Iesu, and when
Paul laid his hands upon them, the holy ghost came on them. And they spake with
tongues and prophesied, All the men were about xij.
And he went into the synagogue, and behaved
himself boldly for the space of three months, disputing, and giving them
exhortations of the kingdom of God. When diverse waxed hard hearted, and
believed not, but spake evil of the way of the lord before the multitude: he
departed from them, And severed the disciples away, And taught daily in the
school of one called Tirannus. And this continued by the space of two years: So
that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the lord Iesu, both jewes
and greeks. And God wrought not small miracles by the hands of Paul. So that
from his body were brought unto the sick, napkins or partlets, and the diseases
and evil spirits departed from them.
Certain of the vagabond jewes exorcists,
took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the lord
Iesus saying: We adjure you by Iesu whom Paul preacheth.
There were seven sons of one Sceva a ruler
of the synagogue which did so: and the evil spirit answered and said: Iesus I
know, and Paul I know: but who are ye? And the man in whom the wicked devil
was, ran on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they
fled out of the house naked and wounded. This was known to all the jewes and
greeks also, which dwelt at Ephesus, and fear came on them all. And they
magnified the name of the lord Iesus.
And many that believed came, and confessed
and shewed their works. Many of them which used curious crafts, brought their
books and burned them before all men, and they counted the price of them, and
found it fifty thousand silverlings. So mightily grew the word of God, and
prevailed. After these things were ended Paul purposed in the spirit, to pass
over Macedonia and Acaia, and to go to Ierusalem saying: After I have been
there I must also see Rome. So sent he into Macedonia two of them that
ministered unto him: Timotheus and Erastus: but he himself remained in Asia.
For a season.
The same time there arose no little a do
about that way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a goldsmith, which made
silver shrines for Diana, was not a little beneficial unto the craftsmen: which
he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said: Sirs ye know
that by this craft we have vantage. Moreover ye see and hear that not alone at
Ephesus: but almost thorow out all Asia, this Paul entiseth, and turned away
much people saying: that they be not gods which are made with hands: so that
not only this our craft cometh into peril to be set at nought: but that also
the temple of great Diana should be despised. And her majesty should be destroyed,
which all Asia, and the world worshippeth.
When they heard these sayings, they were
full of wrath, and cried out saying: Great is Diana of the Ephesians. And all
the city was on a roar, and they rushed into the common hall with one assent,
and caught Gaius, and Aristarcus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions. When
Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.
Certain also of the chief of Asia which were his friends, sent unto him,
desiring him that he would not press into the common hall. Some cried one
thing, and some another and the congregation was all out of quiet, and the more
part knew not wherefore they were come together.
Some of the company drew forth Alexander
(the jewes thrusting him forwards) Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would
have given the people an answer. When they knew that he was a jewe, there arose
a shout almost for the space of two hours of all men crying, great is Diana of
the Ephesians.
When the town clerk had ceased the people
he said: ye men of Ephesus: what man is it that knoweth not how that the city
of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image
which came from heaven. Seeing then that no man saith here against, ye ought to
be content, and to do nothing rashly, For ye have brought hither these men,
which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet despisers of your goddess.
Wherefore if Demetrius and the craftsmen which are with him, have any saying to
any man, the law is open, and there are rulers, let them accuse one another. If
ye go about any other thing, it may be determined in a lawful congregation. For
we are in jeopardy to be accused of this day's business. For as much as there
is no cause whereby we may give a reckoning of this concourse of people. And
when he had thus spoken, he let the congregation depart.
The .xx.
Chapter.
After the rage was ceased, Paul called the
disciples unto him, and took his leave of them, and departed for to go into
Macedonia. And when he had gone over those parts, and given them large
exhortations, he came into Greece. And there abode .iij. months. When the jewes
laid wait for him as he was about to sail into Syria, He purposed to return
through Macedonia. There accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berrea: And of
Thessalonia Aristarcus and Secundus, and Gaius of Derba, and Timotheus: Out of
Asia Tychicus, and Trophimos. These went before, and tarried us at Troas. We
sailed away from Philippos after the ester holidays, and came unto them to Troas
in five days, where we abode seven days.
On a saboth day the disciples came together
for to break bread, and Paul preached unto them (ready to depart on the morrow)
and continued the preaching unto midnight. There were many lights in the
chamber where we were gathered together, and there sat in a window a certain
young man named Eutichus, fallen into a deep sleep. And as Paul declared he was
the more overcome with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken
up dead. Paul went down and fell on him, and embraced him, and said: Make
nothing ado. For his life is in him. When he was come up again, he brake bread,
and tasted, and communed a long while even till the morning, and so departed.
They brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.
Then took we shipping, and departed unto
Asson, there to receive Paul. For so had he appointed, and would himself go by
land. When he was come to us unto Asson, we took him in, and came to
Mittilenes. And sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios. And
the day following we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogilon. The next day we
came to Mileton. For Paul had determined to leave Ephesus as they sailed,
because he would not spend the time in Asia. For he hasted to be (if he were
possible) at Ierusalem at the day of Pentecost.
From Mileton he sent to Ephesus, and called
the seniors of the congregation. When they were come to him, he said to them:
Ye know from the first day that I came unto Asia, after what manner I have been
with you at all seasons, serving God with all humbleness of mind, and with many
tears, and temptations, which happened unto me by the layings wait of the
jewes, and how I kept back nothing that might be for your profit: but that I
have shewed you, and taught you openly and at home in your houses, witnessing
both to the jewes, and also to the greeks, the repentance toward God, and faith
toward our lord Iesu.
And now behold I go bound in the spirit
unto Ierusalem, and know not what shall come on me there, but that the holy
ghost witnesseth in every city saying: that bonds and trouble abide me: but
none of those things move me. Neither is my life dear unto myself, that I might
fulfil my course with joy, and the ministration which I have received of the
lord Iesu to testify the gospell of the grace of God.
And now behold, I am sure that henceforth
ye all (thorow whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God) shall see my face
no more. Wherefore I take you to record this same day, that I am pure from the
blood of all men. For I have kept nothing back: but have shewed you all the
counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock,
whereof the holy ghost hath made you overseers, to rule the congregation of
God, which he hath purchased with his blood. For I am sure of this, that after
my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, which will not spare the
flock. And of your ownselves shall men arise speaking perverse things, to draw
disciples after them. Therefore awake and remember, that by the space of iij.
years I ceased not to warn every one of you, both night and day with tears.
And now dear brethren I commend you to God
and to the word of his grace, which is able to build further, and to give you
an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. I have desired no man's
silver, gold, or vesture. Ye know well that these hands have ministered unto my
necessities, and to them that were with me. I have shewed you all things, how
that so laboring ye ought to receive the weak, and to remember the words of the
lord Iesu, how that he said: It is more blessed to give, than to receive.
When he had thus spoken, he kneeled down,
and prayed with them all. And they wept all abundantly, and fell on Paul's
neck, and kissed him sorrowing, most of all, for the words, which he spake,
that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
The .xxj.
Chapter.
And it chanced that as soon as we had
launched forth, and were departed from them, we came with a straight course
unto Choon, and the day following unto the Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara.
And we found a ship ready to sail unto Phenices, and went aboard and set forth.
Then appeared unto us Cyprus, and we left it on the left hand, and sailed unto
Syria, and came unto Tyre. For there the ship unladed her burden. And when we
had found brethren, we tarried there. vij. days. And they told Paul thorow the
spirit, that he should not go up to Ierusalem. And when the days were ended we
departed, and went our ways, and they all brought us on our way, with their
wives and children, till we were come out of the city. And we kneeled down in
the shore and prayed. And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took
ship, and they returned home again.
When we had full ended the course, from
Tyre, we arrived at Ptholomaida, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them
one day. The next day, we that were of Paulus company, came unto Cesarea. And
we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven,
and abode with him. The same man had four daughters virgins, which did
prophesy. And as we tarried there a good many days, there came a certain
prophet from jewry, named Agabus. When he was come unto us, he took Paul's
girdle, and bound his hands and feet and said: Thus saith the holy ghost: So
shall the jewes at Ierusalem, bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall
deliver him into the hands of the gentiles.
When we heard this, both we and other of
the same place, besought him, that he would not go up to Ierusalem. Then Paul
answered, and said: What do ye weeping, and breaking mine heart? I am ready not
to be bound only, but also to die at Ierusalem for the name of the lord Iesu.
When we could not turn his mind, we ceased saying: The will of the lord be
fulfilled. After those days we made ourselves ready, and went up to Ierusalem.
There went with us also certain of his disciples of Cesarea, and brought with
them one Mnason of Cyprus, an olde disciple, with whom we should lodge. And
when we were come to Ierusalem, the brethren received us gladly. On the morrow
Paul went in with us unto Iames. And all the seniors came together. And when he
had saluted them, he told by order, what things God had wrought among the
gentiles by his ministration. When they heard it, they glorified the lord, and
said unto him: Thou seest brother, how many thousand jewes there are which
believe, and they are all zealous over the law. And they are informed of thee
that thou teachest all the jewes which are among the gentiles to forsake Moses,
and sayest that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to live
after the customs. What is it therefore? The multitude must needs come
together. For they shall hear that thou art come. Do therefore this that we say
to thee.
We have iiij. men, which have a vow on
them. Them take and purify thyself with them, and do cost on them, that they
may shave their heads and all shall know that those things which they have
heard of thee are nothing: but that thou thyself also walkest and keepest the
law. As touching the gentiles which believe we have written and concluded, that
they observe no such things: but that they keep themselves from things offered
to idols, from blood, from strangled, and from fornication. Then the next day
Paul took the men and purified himself with them, and entered into the temple,
declaring the fulfilling of the days of purification, until that an oblation
should be offered for every one of them.
And as the seven days should have been
ended, the jewes which were of Asia when they saw him in the temple, they moved
all the people and laid hands on him crying: Men of Israhell help. This is the
man that teacheth all men everywhere against the people, and the law, and this
place. Moreover also he hath brought greeks into the temple, and hath polluted
this holy place. For they saw one Trophimus an Ephesian with him in the city.
Him they supposed Paul had brought into the temple. And all the city was moved,
and the people swarmed together. And they took Paul, and drew him out of the
temple, and forthwith the doors were shut to.
As they went about to kill him, tidings
came unto the high captain of the soldiers, that all Ierusalem was moved. Which
immediately took soldiers and undercaptains, and ran down unto them. When they
saw the uppercaptain and the soldiers, They left smiting of Paul. Then the
captain came near and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains,
and demanded what he was, and what he had done. One cried this, another that,
among the people. And when he could not know the certainty, for the rage: He
commanded him to be carried into the castle. When he came unto a grece, it
fortuned that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people. The multitude
of the people followed after crying: away with him.
And as Paul should have been carried into
the castle, He said unto the high captain: May I speak unto thee? Which said:
Canst thou speak greek? Art not thou that Egyptian which before these days,
made an uproar, and led out into the wilderness iiij. thousand men that were
murderers? Paul said: I am a man which am a jewe of Tharsus a city in Cicill, a
citizen of no vile city, I beseech thee suffer me to licence, Paul stood on the
steps, and beckoned with the hand unto the people, and there was made a great
silence. And he spake unto them in Hebrew saying:
The
.xxij. Chapter.
Ye men, brethren, and fathers, hear mine
answer which I make unto you. When they heard that he spake Hebrew unto them,
they kept the more silence. And he said: I am verily a man which am a jewe,
born in Tharsus, a city in Cicill, nevertheless yet brought up in this city, at
the feet of Gamaliel, and informed diligently in the law of the fathers, and
was fervent minded to Godward, as ye all are this same day, and I persecuted
this way unto the death binding, and delivering into prison both men and women,
as the chief priest doth bear me witness, and all the seniors: of whom also I
received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus to bring them which
were there bound unto Ierusalem for to be punished.
And it fortuned that as I made my journey,
and was come nigh unto Damascus, about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a
great light round about me, and I fell unto the earth, and heard a voice saying
unto me. Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And I answered: what art thou
lord? and he said unto me? I am Iesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. And
they that were with me saw verily a light and were afraid: but they heard not
the voice of him that spake with me. And I said: what shall I do lord? And the
lord said unto me: Arise and go into Damascus and there it shall be told thee
of all things which are appointed for thee to do. And when I saw nothing for
the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand of them that were with me,
and came into Damascus. One Ananias a perfect man, and as pertaining to the law
having good report of all the jewes which there dwelt, came unto me, and stood
and said unto me: Brother Saul receive thy sight. And that same hour I received
my sight and saw him. And he said unto me, the God of our fathers hath ordained
thee before, that thou shouldest know his will, and shouldest see that which is
rightful, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth: for thou shalt be his
witness unto all men of those things which thou hast seen and heard. And now:
why tarriest thou? Arise and be baptised, and wash away thy sins, in calling on
the name of the lord.
And it fortuned, when I was come again to
Ierusalem and prayed in the temple, that I was in a trance, And saw him saying
unto me: Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Ierusalem: for they will not
receive the witness that thou bearest of me. And I said: lord they know that I
prisoned, and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee. And when the
blood of thy witness Stephen was shed, I also stood by, and consented unto his
death and kept the raiment of them that slew him. And he said unto me: depart
for I will send thee afar hence unto the gentiles.
They gave him audience unto this word, and
lifted up their voices and said: away with such a fellow from the earth: it is
pity that he should live. And they cried and cast off their clothes, and threw
dust into the air. The captain bade him to be brought into the castle, and
commanded him to be scourged, and to be examined, that he might know wherefore
they cried on him. And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto an
undercaptain: Is it lawful for you to scourge a Roman uncondemned? When the
centurion heard that, he went to the uppercaptain, and told him saying: What
intendest thou to do? This man is a Roman.
The uppercaptain came to him, and said:
Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said: Yee. And the captain answered: With much
money obtained I this freedom. And Paul said: I was freeborn. Then straightway
departed from him they which should have examined him. And the captain also was
afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman: because he had bound him.
On the morrow he lowsed him from his bonds
desiring to know the certainty for what cause he was accused of the jewes, and
commanded the high priests and all the council to come together, and brought
Paul, and set him before them.
The
.xxiij. Chapter.
Paul beheld the council and said: Men and
brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day. The
high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by, to smite him on the mouth.
Then said Paul to him: God shall smite thee thou painted wall. Sittest thou and
judgest me after the law: and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?
And they that stood by said: Revilest thou god's high priest? Then said Paul: I
wist not brethren, that he was the high priest. For it is written thou shalt not
speak evil to the ruler of thy people.
When Paul perceived that the one part were
Saduces, and the other Pharises: He cried out in the council. Men and brethren
I am a pharisaye, the son of a pharisaye. Of hope, and of resurrection from
death I am judged. And when he had so said, there arose a debate between the
pharises and the saduces, and the multitude was divided. For the Saduces say
that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit. But the Pharises
grant both. And there arose a great cry, and the scribes which were of the
Pharises' part strove saying: We find none evil in this man. Though a spirit,
or an angel hath appeared to him, let us not strive against God.
And when there arose great debate, the
captain fearing lest Paul should have been plucked asunder of them, commanded
the soldiers to go down, and to take him from among them, and to bring him into
the castle. The night following God stood by him and said: Be of good cheer
Paul: For as thou hast testified of me in Ierusalem, so must thou bear witness
at Rome.
When day was come, certain of the jewes
gathered themselves together, and made a vow saying: that they would neither
eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. They were about. xl. which had made
this conspiration. And they came to the chief priest and seniors, and said: we
have bound ourselves with a vow, that we will eat nothing until we have slain
Paul. Now therefore give ye knowledge to the upper captain, and to the council
that he bring him forth unto us tomorrow, as though we would know some thing
more perfectly of him. But we (or ever he come near) are ready in the mean
season to kill him.
When Paul's sister's son heard of their
laying await, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul. And Paul
called one of the under captains unto him, and said: Bring this young man unto
the captain: for he hath a certain thing to shew him. And he took him, and led
him to the high captain, and said: Paul the prisoner called me unto him and
prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, which hath a certain matter to
shew thee.
The high captain took him by the hand, and
went apart with him out of the way: and asked him: what hast thou to say unto
me? And he said: the jewes are determined to desire thee that thou wouldest
bring forth Paul tomorrow into the council, as though they would enquire
somewhat of him more perfectly. But follow not their minds: for there lay await
for him of them, more than xl. men, which have bound themselves with a vow,
that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him. And now are
they ready, and look for thy promise.
The upper captain let the young man depart
and charged him: See thou tell no man that thou hast told me this. And he
called unto him two under captains, saying: make ready two hundred soldiers to
go to Cesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten. And spearmen two hundred, at
the third hour of the night. And deliver them beasts that they may put Paul on,
and bring him safe unto Felix the high debite, and wrote a letter in this
manner.
Claudius Lisias unto the most mighty ruler
Felix sendeth greetings. This man was taken of the jewes, and should have been
killed of them: Then came I with soldiers, and rescued him, and perceived that
he was a Roman. And when I would have known the cause, wherefore they accused
him, I brought him forth into their council. There perceived I that he was
accused of questions of their law: but was not guilty of any thing worthy of
death, or of bonds. Afterward when it was shewed me how that the jews laid wait
for the man, I sent him straight way to thee, and gave commandment to his
accusers, if they had ought against him, to tell it unto thee: fare well.
The soldiers as it was commanded them, took
Paul and brought him by night to Antipatras. On the morrow they left horsemen
to go with him, and returned unto the castle. When they came to Cesarea, they
delivered the pistel to the debite, and presented Paul before him. When the
debite had read the letter, he asked of what country he was. And when he
understood that he was of Cicill, I will hear thee (said he) when thine
accusers are come also: And commanded him to be kept in Herod's palace.
The
.xxiiij. Chapter.
After v. days, Ananias the high priest
descended, with seniors, and with a certain orator named Tartullus, and
enformed the ruler against Paul. When Paul was called forth, Tartullus began to
accuse him saying: Seeing that we live in great quietness by the means of thee
and that many good things are done unto this nation thorow thy providence: that
allow we ever and in all places, most mighty Felix with all thanks.
Notwithstanding, lest I be not tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou
wouldest hear us of thy courtesy a few words.
We have found this man a pestilent fellow,
and a mover of debate among all the jewes thorow out the world, And a
maintainer of the sect of the Nazarens: Which also hath enforced to pollute the
temple, whom we took and would have judged according to our law: but the high
captain Lisias came upon us, and with great violence took him out of our hands,
commanding his accusers to come unto thee, of whom thou mayest (if thou wilt
enquire) know the certain of all these things where of we accuse him. The jewes
likewise affirmed, saying that it was even so.
Then Paul (after that the ruler himself had
beckoned unto him that he should speak) answered: I shall with a more quiet
mind answer for myself, forasmuch as I understand that thou hast been of many
years a judge unto this people, because that thou mayest know that there are
yet but xij. days since I went up to Ierusalem for to pray. And that they
neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, either raising up the
people, neither in the synagogues nor in the city. Neither can they prove the
things whereof they accuse me.
But this I confess unto thee, that after
that way (which they call heresy) so worship I the God of my fathers, believing
all things which are written in the law and the prophets, and have hope towards
God, that the same resurrection from death (which they themselves look for
also) shall be both of just and unjust. And therefore study I to have a clear
conscience toward God, and toward man also.
Many years ago I came and brought alms to
my people and offerings, in the which they found me purified in the temple,
neither with multitude, nor yet with unquietness. There were certain jewes out
of Asia which ought to be here present before thee, and accuse me, if they had
ought against me: or else let these same here say, if they have found any
evildoing in me, while I stand here in the council, except it be for this one
voice, that I cried standing among them of the resurrection from death am I
judged of you this day.
When Felix heard that he deferred them, for
he knew very well of that way and said: when Lisias the captain is come, I will
know the utmost of your matters. And he commanded an undercaptain to keep Paul,
and that he should have rest, and that he should forbid none of his
acquaintance to minister unto him, or to come unto him.
After a certain days came Felix, and his
wife Drusilla which was a jewess, and called forth Paul, and heard him of the
faith which is toward Christ. And as he preached of Justice, temperance, and
Judgement to come, Felix trembled, and answered: thou hast done enough at this
time, depart, when I have a convenient time, I will send for thee. He hoped
also that money should have been given him of Paul that he might loose him,
wherefore he called him the oftener, and communed with him. After two years
came Festus Porcius into Felix room, and Felix willing to shew the jewes a
pleasure left Paul in prison bound.
The .xxv.
Chapter.
When Festus was come into the province,
after three days, he ascended from Cesarea unto Ierusalem. Then informed him
the high priests, and the chief of the jews against Paul. And they entreated
him, and desired favour against him that he would send for him to Ierusalem,
and laid wait for him in the way to kill him. Festus answered that Paul should
be kept at Cesarea: but that he himself would shortly depart thither. Let them
therefore (said he) which among you are able to do it come down with us and
accuse him, if there be any fault in the man.
When he had tarried there more then ten
days he departed unto Cesarea, and the next day sat down in the judgement seat,
and commanded Paul to be brought. When he was come the jewes which were come
from Ierusalem, came about him and laid many and grievous complaints against
Paul, which they could not prove as long as he answered for himself, that he
had neither against the law of the jewes, neither against the temple, nor yet
against Cesar offended any thing at all.
Festus willing to do the jewes a pleasure,
answered Paul, and said: Wilt thou go to Ierusalem, and there be judged of
these things before me? Then said Paul: I stand at Cesar's judgement seat,
where I ought to be judged. To the jewes have I no harm done, as thou verily
well knowest. If I have hurt them, or committed any thing worthy of death, I
refuse not to die. If none of these things are, where of they accuse me, no man
ought to deliver me to them. I appeal unto Cesar. Then spake Festus with
deliberation, and answered: Thou hast appealed unto Cesar: unto Cesar shalt
thou go.
After a certain days king Agrippa and
Bernice came unto Cesarea to salute Festus. And when they had been there a good
season, Festus rehearsed Paul's cause unto the king saying: There is a certain
man left in prison of Felix about whom when I came to Ierusalem the high
priests, and seniors of the jewes informed me, and desired to have judgement
against him. To whom I answered: It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver
any man that he should perish, before that he which is accused, have the accusers
before him, and have license to answer for himself, as pertaining to the crime
whereof he is accused: when they were come hither, without delay on the morrow
I sat to give judgement, and commanded the man to be brought forth. Against
whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as
I supposed: But had certain questions against him of their own superstition,
and of one Iesus which was dead. whom Paul affirmed to be alive. Because I
doubted of the questions, I asked him whither he would go to Ierusalem, and
there be judged of these matters. Then when Paul had appealed to be kept unto
the knowledge of Cesar. I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to
Cesar.
Agrippa said unto Festus: I would also hear
the man myself. Tomorrow (said he) thou shalt hear him. On the morrow when
Agrippa was come and Bernice with great pomp, and were entered into the council
house with the captains and chief men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul
was brought forth, and Festus said: King Agrippa, and all men which are here
present with us: Ye see this man about whom all the multitude of jewes have
been with me, both at Ierusalem and also here, crying that he ought not to live
any longer. Yet found I nothing worthy of death that he had committed.
Nevertheless seeing that he hath appealed to Cesar, I have determined to send
him. Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have
brought him unto you, and specially unto thee, king Agrippa, that after
examination had, I might have somewhat to write. For me thinketh it
unreasonable for to send a prisoner, and not to shew the causes, which are laid
against him.
The
.xxvj. Chapter.
Agrippa said unto Paul: Thou art permitted
to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth his hand, and answered for
himself: I think myself happy King Agrippa, because I shall answer this day
before thee of all the things whereof I am accused of the jewes, namely because
thou art expert in all customs, and questions, which are among the jewes.
Wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.
My living of a child, which was at the
first among mine own nation at Ierusalem know all the jewes which knew me from
the beginning, if they would testify it. For after the most straitest sect of
our lay, lived I a pharisaye and now I stand and am judged for the hope of the
promise made of God unto our fathers unto which promise, our xij. tribes
instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king
Agrippa am I accused of the jewes. Why should it be thought a thing incredible
unto you, if God raise again the dead?
I also verily thought in myself, that I
ought to do many contrary things, clean against the name of Iesus of Nazareth:
which things I also did in Ierusalem. And many of the saints shut I in prison,
moreover I received authority of the high priests: And when they were put to
death I gave the sentence. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and
compelled them to blaspheme: and was yet more mad upon them, even unto strange
cities. About the which things as I went to Damascus with authority, and
commission from the high priests, even at mid day (king Agrippa) I saw in the
way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shine round about me
and them, which journeyed with me.
When we were all fallen to the earth, I
heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue: Saul, Saul,
why persecutest thou me? It is hard for thee to kick against the prick. And I
said: Who art thou lord? And he said: I am Iesus whom thou persecutest: But
rise and stand up on thy feet. For I have appeared unto thee for this purpose,
to make thee a minister, and a witness both of those things which thou hast
seen, and of those things in thee which I will appear unto thee, delivering
thee from the people, and from the gentiles, unto thee which now I send thee,
to open their eyes that they might turn from darkness unto light, and from the
power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance
among them which are sanctified by faith in me.
Wherefore king Agrippa, I was not
disobedient unto the heavenly vision: but shewed first unto them of Damascus,
and at Ierusalem, and thorowout all the coasts of Iewry, and to the gentiles, that
they should repent, and turn to God, and do the right works of repentance. For
this cause the jewes caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.
Nevertheless I obtained help of God, and stood unto this day witnessing both to
small and to great, saying none other things, than those which the prophets and
Moses did say should come, that Christ should suffer, and that he should be the
first that should rise from death, and should shew light unto the people, and
to the gentiles.
As he thus answered for himself: Festus
said with a loud voice: Paul, thou art besides thyself. Much learning hath made
thee mad. And Paul said: I am not mad most dear Festus: but speak the words of
truth and soberness. The king knoweth of these things, before whom I speak
freely: neither think I that any of these things are hidden from him. For this
thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa believest thou the prophets? I wot
well thou believest. Agrippa said unto Paul: Somewhat thou bringest me in mind
for to become a christen. And Paul said: I would to God that not only thou: but
also all that hear me today, were not somewhat only, but altogether such as I
am except these bonds. And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the
debite, and Bernice, and they that sat with them. And when they were gone
apart, they talked between themselves saying: This man doth nothing worthy of
death, nor of bonds. Then said Agrippa unto Festus: This man might have been
lowsed if he had not appealed unto Cesar.
The
.xxvij. Chapter.
When it was concluded that we should sail
into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named
Iulius, an undercaptain of Cesar's soldiers. And we entered into a ship of
Adramicium, and lowsed from land, appointed to sail by the coasts of Asia, one
Aristarcus out of Macedonia, of the country of Thessalia, being with us. The
next day came we to Sidon, and Iulius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him
liberty to go unto his friends, and to refresh himself. And from thence
launched we and sailed hard by Cypers, because the winds were contrary. Then
sailed we over the sea of Cicill, and Pamphylia, and came to Myra a city in
Lycia.
And there the undercaptain found a ship of
Alexandry ready to sail into Italy, and put us therein, and when we had sailed
slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Gnydon (because the wind
withstood us) we sailed hard by the coast of Candy, over against Salmo, and
with much work sailed beyond it, and came unto a place called Goode port. Nigh
whereunto was a city called Lasea. When much time was spent and sailing was now
jeopardous, because also that we had overlong fasted, Paul put them in
remembrance, and said unto them: Sirs I perceive that this voyage will be with
hurt and damage, not of the lading and ship only: but also of our lives. But
the undercaptain believed the governor, and the master, better than those
things which were spoken of Paul. And because the haven was not commodious to
winter in, many took counsel to depart thence, if by any means they might
attain to Phenices and there to winter, which haven pertaineth to Candy, and
serveth to the southwest, and northwest wind. When the south wind blew, they
supposing to obtain their purpose lowsed unto Asson, and sailed past all Candy.
But anon after there arose (against their
purpose) a flaw of wind out of the northeast. When the ship was caught, and
could not resist the wind, we let her go and drave with the weather. We came
unto an isle named Clauda, And had much work to come by a boat, which they took
up, and used help undergirding the ship, fearing lest we should have fallen
into Syrtes, and we let down a vessel and so were carried. The next day when we
were tossed with an exceeding tempest, they lightened the ship, and the third
day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. When at the last
neither sun nor star in many days appeared, And no small tempest lay upon us,
all hope that we should be saved, was taken away.
Then after long abstinence Paul stood forth
in the midst of them and said: Sirs ye should have heard me, and not have
departed from Candy, neither to have brought unto us this harm and loss. And
now I exhort you to be of good cheer, for there shall be no loss of any man's
life among you: But of the ship only. For there stood by me this night the
angel of God whose I am, and whom I serve, saying: fear not Paul, for thou must
be brought before Cesar. And lo, God hath given unto thee all that are in the
ship with thee, wherefore sirs be of good cheer, for I believe God that so it
shall be even as it was told me, and we must be cast into a certain island.
But when the fourteenth night was come as
we were carried in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that there appeared
some country unto them, and they sounded, and found it xx. fathoms. they went a
little further and sounded again, and found xv. fathoms. Then fearing lest they
should have fallen on some Rocke, they cast iiij. anchors out of the stern, and
wished for the day. As the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, and had
let down the boat into the sea, under a colour as though they would have cast
anchors out of the foreship: Paul said unto the undercaptain and the soldiers:
except these abide in the ship ye cannot be safe. Then the soldiers cut off the
rope of the boat, and let it fall away.
And in the meantime, betwixt that and day,
Paul besought them all to take meat, saying: this is the fourteenth day that ye
have tarried and continued fasting receiving nothing at all, wherefore I pray
you to take meat: for this no doubt is for your health, for there shall not an
hair fall from the head of any of you. And when he had thus spoken he took
bread and gave thanks to God in presence of them all, and brake it, and began to
eat. Then were they all of Good cheer, and they also took meat. We were all
together in the ship, two hundred and three score and sixteen souls. When they
had eaten enough, they lightened the ship and cast out the wheat into the sea.
When it was day they knew not the land, but
they spied a certain reach with a bank, into the which they were minded (if it
were possible) to thrust in the ship. And when they had taken up the anchors,
they committed themselves unto the sea, and lowsed the rudder bonds and hoised
up the main sail to the wind and drew to land, but they fell into a place,
which had the sea on both the sides, and thrust in the ship. And the fore part
stuck fast, and moved not, but the hinderpart brake with the violence of the
waves.
The soldiers' counsel was to kill the
prisoners lest any of them, when he had swum out should flee away: but the
undercaptain willing to save Paul kept them from their purpose, and commanded
that they that could swim should cast themselves first in to the sea, and scape
to land. And the other he commanded to go, some on boards, and some on broken
pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they came all safe to land.
The
.xxviij. Chapter.
And when they were scaped they knew that
the isle was called Mileta. The people of the country shewed us no little
kindness, for they kindled a fire and received us every one because of the
present rain, and because of cold. When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks,
And put them into the fire, a viper (because of the heat) crept out leapt on
his hand. When the men of the country saw the worm hang on his hand, they said
among themselves: this man must needs be a murderer: Whom (though he have
escaped the sea) yet vengeance suffereth not to live. and he shook off the
vermin into the fire, and felt no harm. They waited when he should have
swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly. But after they had looked a great while,
and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a
God.
In the same quarters, the chief man of the
isle whose name was Publius, had a lordship: which received us, and lodged us
three days courteously. It fortuned that the father of Publius lay sick of a
fever, and of a bloody flux to whom Paul entered in and prayed, and laid his
hands on him and healed him. When this was done, other also which had diseases
in the isle, came and were healed: And they did us great honour. And when we
departed, they laded us with things necessary.
After three months we departed in a ship of
Alexandry, which had wintered in the isle, whose badge was Castor and Pollux.
And when we came to Ciracusa, we tarried there iij. days, from whence we sailed
about and came to Regium. And after one day the south wind blew, and we came
the next day to Putiolus where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry
with them seven days, and so came we to Rome. and from thence, when the
brethren heard of us, they came to Apiphorum, and three taverns, and met us.
When Paul saw them he thanked God, and waxed bold. When he came to Rome, the
undercaptain delivered the prisoners to the chief captain of the host: but Paul
was suffered to dwell alone with one Soldier that kept him.
It fortuned after three days Paul called
the chief of the jewes to gether. When they were come, he said unto them: Men
and brethren, though I have committed no thing against the people, or laws of
our fathers: yet was I delivered prisoner from Ierusalem into the hands of the
romans. Which when they had examined me, would have let me go, because they
found no cause of death in me: but when the jewes cried contrary: I was
constrained to appeal unto Cesar. Not because I had ought to accuse my people
of. For this cause have I called for you to see you, and to speak with you. For
I because of the hope of Israhel, am bound with this chain.
And they said unto him: We neither received
letters out of Iewry pertaining unto thee, neither came any of the brethren
that shewed or spake any harm of thee. But we will hear of thee what thou thinkest.
For we have heard of this sect, that everywhere it is spoken against. When they
had appointed him a day, there came many unto him into his lodging: to whom he
expounded and testified the kingdom of God. and preached unto them of Iesu:
both by the law of Moses, and also out by the prophets from morning to night.
And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
When they agreed not among themselves, they
departed, after that Paul had spoken one word: well spake the holy ghost by
Esay the prophet unto our fathers, saying: Go unto this people and say: with
your ears shall ye hear, and shall not understand: and with your eyes shall ye
see and shall not perceive. For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and
their ears were thick of hearing, and their eyes have they closed, lest they
should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their
hearts, and should be converted, and I should heal them. Be it known therefore
unto you, that this consolation of God is sent to the gentiles, and they shall
hear it. And when he had said that, the jewes departed from him, and had great
despicions among themselves.
But Paul dwelt two years in his lodging.
And received all that came to him, preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching
those things which concerned the lord Iesus with all confidence, no man
forbidding him.
Here
endeth the Actes off the Apostles.
The
epistle of S. Paul to the Romans
The first
Chapter.
Paul the servant of Iesus Christ, called
unto the office of an apostle, put apart to preach the gospell of God, which he
promised afore by his prophets, in the holy scriptures that make mention of his
son, the which was begotten of the seed of David, as pertaining to the flesh:
and declared to be the son of God with power of the holy ghost, that
sanctifieth, since the time that Iesus Christ our lord rose again from death,
by whom we have received grace and apostleship, that all gentiles should obey
to the faith which is in his name, of the which number are ye also, which are
Iesus Christe's by vocation.
To all you of Rome beloved of God, and
saints by calling. Grace be with you and peace from God our father, and from
the lord Iesus Christ.
First verily I thank my God thorow Iesus
Christ for you all, because your faith is published throughout all the worlde.
For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit, in the gospell of his son
that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, beseeching
that at one time or another, a prosperous journey (by the will of God) might
fortune me to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I might bestow among
you some spiritual gift, to strengthen you with all (that is) that I might have
consolation together with you, through the common faith, which both ye and I
have.
I would that ye should know, brethren, how
that I have oftentimes purposed to come unto you (but have been let hitherto)
to have some fruit among you, as I have among other of the gentiles. For I am
debtor both to the greeks, and to them which are no greeks, unto the learned
and also unto the unlearned. Likewise, as much as in me is, I am ready to
preach the gospell to you of Rome also.
For I am not ashamed of the gospell of
Christ, because it is the power of God unto salvation to all that believe,
namely to the jewe, and also to the gentile. For by it the righteousness which
cometh of God is opened, from faith to faith. As it is written: The just shall
live by faith.
For the wrath of God of heaven appeareth
against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men which withhold the truth in
unrighteousness, seeing that that, which may be known of God, is manifest among
them. For God did shew it unto them. For his invisible things (that is to say,
his eternal power and godhead) are understood and seen, by the works from the
creation of the world. So that they are without excuse, in as much as when they
knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful, but waxed full
of vanities in their imaginations. And their foolish hearts were blinded. When
they counted themselves wise, they became fools and turned the glory of the
immortal God, unto the similitude of the image of mortal man, and of birds, and
four footed beasts and serpents.
For this cause God gave them up unto their
hearts' lusts, unto uncleanness to defile their own bodies between themselves:
which turned his truth unto a lie, and worshipped and served the creatures more
then the maker, which is blessed forever Amen. For this cause God gave them up
unto shameful lusts. For even their women did change the natural use unto the
unnatural. And likewise also the men left the natural use of the woman, and
brent in lust one on another among themselves. And man with man wrought
filthiness, and received in themselves the reward of their error as it was
according.
And as it seemed not good unto them to be
aknown of God, even so God delivered them up unto a leawde mind, that they
should do those things which were not comely, being full of all unrighteous
doing, of fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness, full of envy,
murder, debate, deceit, evil conditioned whisperers, backbiters, haters of God,
doers of wrong, proude, boasters, bringers up of evil things, disobedient to
fathers and mothers, without understanding, covenant breakers, unloving,
stubborn and merciless. Which men, though they knew the righteousness of God,
how that they which such things commit are worthy of death, yet not only do the
same, but also had pleasure in them that did them.
The
Second Chapter.
Therefore art thou inexcusable o man
whosoever thou be that judgest. For in the same wherein thou judgest another,
thou condemnest thyself. For thou that judgest doest even the same self things.
But we are sure that the judgement of God is according to truth, against them
which commit such things. Thinkest thou O thou man that judgest them which do
such things and yet doest even the very same, that thou shalt escape the
judgement of God? Other despisest thou the riches of his goodness and patience,
and long sufferance? and rememberest not how that the kindness of God leadeth
thee to repentance?
But thou after thine hard heart that cannot
repent, heapest thee together the treasure of wrath against the day of
vengeance, when shall be opened the righteous judgement of God, which will
reward every man according to his deeds, that is to say praise, honour, and
immortality, to them which continue in good doing, and seek eternal life: But
unto them that are rebellious, and disobey the truth, yet follow iniquity,
shall come indignation, and wrath, tribulation and anguish upon the soul of
every man that doth evil. Of the jewe first And also of the gentile. To every
man that doth good shall come praise, honour and peace, to the jewe first, and
also to the gentile. For there is no partiality with God: But whosoever hath
sinned without law, shall perish without law. And as many as have sinned under
the law, shall be judged by the law. For before God they are not righteous
which hear the law: but they which do the law shall be justified. For if the
gentiles which have no law, do of nature the things contained in the law: then
they having no law, are a law unto themselves, which shew the deed of the law
written in their hearts: While their conscience beareth witness unto them, and
also their thoughts, accusing one another, or excusing at the day when God
shall judge the secrets of men, by Iesus Christ according to my Gospell.
Behold, thou art called a Iewe, and trustest
in the law and rejoicest in God, and knowest his will, and hast experience of
good and bad, in that thou art informed by the law: And believest that thou
thyself art a guide unto the blind, a light to them which are in darkness, an
informer of them which lack discretion, a teacher of the unlearned, which hast
the ensample of that which ought to be known, and of the truth in the law. Now
teachest thou another: but teachest not thyself. Thou preachest, a man should
not steal: and yet thou stealest. Thou sayest, a man should not commit advoutry
and thou breakest wedlock. Thou abhorrest images, and robbest God of his
honour. Thou rejoicest in the law, and thorow breaking the law dishonourest
God. For the name of God is evil spoken of among the gentiles thorow you as it
is written.
Circumcision verily availeth if thou keep
the law: But if thou break the law thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
Therefore if the uncircumcised keep the right things contained in the law:
shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? And shall not
uncircumcision which is by nature (if it keep the law) judge thee, which being
under the letter and circumcision, dost transgress the law? For he is not a
Iewe, which is a Iewe outward. Neither is that thing circumcision, which is
outward in the flesh: But he is a Iewe which is hid within, and the
circumcision of the heart is the true circumcision, which is in the spirit, and
not in the letter: whose praise is not of men but of God.
The Third
Chapter.
What preferment than hath the Iewe? other
what advantageth circumcision? Surely very much. First unto them was committed
the word of God. What then though some of them did not believe? shall their
unbelief make the promise of God without effect? God forbid. Let God be true,
and all men liars, as it is written: That thou mightest be justified in thy
sayings and shouldest overcome when thou art judged. If our unrighteousness
make the righteousness of God more excellent: what shall we say? Is God
unrighteous which taketh vengeance? (I speak after the manner of men.) God
forbid. For how then shall God judge the world? if the verity of God appear
more excellent thorow my lie, unto his praise, why am I hence forth judged as a
sinner? and say not rather (as men evil speak of us, and as some affirm that we
say) let us do evil, that good may come thereof. Whose damnation is just.
What say we then? Are we better than they?
no, in no wise. For we have all ready proved how that both jewes and gentiles
are all under sin, as it is written: There is none righteous, no not one: There
is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God, they are all
gone out of the way, they are all made unprofitable, there is none that doeth
good, no not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre, with their tongues they
have deceived: the poison of Aspes is under their lips. whose mouths are full
of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood. Destruction and
wretchedness are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known. There
is no fear of God before their eyes.
Ye and we know that whatsoever the law
saith, he saith it to them which are under the law: That all mouths may be
stopped, and all the world be subdued to God, because that by the deeds of the
law, shall no flesh be justified in the sight of God. For by the law cometh the
knowledge of sin.
Now verily is the righteousness that cometh
of God declared with out the fulfilling of the law having witness yet of the
law, and of the prophets. The righteousness no doubt which is good before God
cometh by the faith of Iesus Christ unto all, and upon all them that believe.
For there is no difference, all have
sinned, and lack the praise that is of valour before God: but are justified
freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Iesu, whom God
hath made a seat of mercy thorow faith in his blood, to shew the righteousness
which before him is of valour, in that he forgiveth the sins that are passed,
which God did suffer to shew at this time: the righteousness that is allowed of
him, that he might be counted just, and a justifier of him which believeth on
Iesus.
Where is then thy rejoicing? It is
excluded. By what law? by the law of workes? Nay: but by the law of faith.
We
suppose therefore that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the
law. Is he the God of the jewes only? Is he not also the God of the gentiles?
He is no doubt, God also of the gentiles. For it is God only which justifieth
circumcision, which is of faith: and uncircumcision thorow faith. Do we then
destroy the law thorow faith? God forbid. We rather maintain the law.
The
.iiij. Chapter.
What shall we say then, that Abraham our
father as pertaining to the flesh did find? If Abraham were justified by deeds,
then hath he wherein to rejoice: but not with God. For what saith the
scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
To him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of favour: but of duty. To him
that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, is faith
counted for righteousness. Even as David describeth the blessedfulness of the
man, unto whom God ascribeth righteousness without deeds: Blessed are they,
whose unrighteousnesses are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is
that man to whom the lord imputeth not sin.
Came this blessedness then upon the
circumcised or upon the uncircumcised? We say verily how that faith was
reckoned to Abraham, for righteousness. How was it reckoned? in the time of
circumcision? or in the time before he was circumcised? Not in time of
circumcision: but when he was yet uncircumcised. And he received the sign of
circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness which is by faith, which faith he
had yet being uncircumcised, that he should be the father of all them that
believe, though they be not circumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to
them also, And that he might be the father of the circumcised: not because they
are circumcised only: but because they walk also in the steps of that faith,
which was in our father Abraham before the time of circumcision.
For the promise that he should be heir of
the world was not given to Abraham, or to his seed thorow the law: but thorow
the righteousness which cometh of faith. For if they which are of the law be
heirs, then is faith but vain, and the promise of none effect. Because the law
causeth wrath. For where no law is, there is no transgression. Therefore by
faith is the inheritance given, that it might come of favour: and that the
promise might be sure to all the seed. Not to them only which are of the law:
but also to them which are of the faith of Abraham, which is the father of us
all. As it is written: I have ordained thee a father to many nations, before
God whom thou hast believed, which quickeneth the dead and calleth those things
which be not as though they were.
Which Abraham, contrary to hope, believed
in hope, that he should be the father of many nations, according to that which
was spoken: So shall thy seed be. And he fainted not in the faith, nor yet
considered his own body, which was now dead, even when he was almost an hundred
year old. Neither considered he the barrenness of Sara. He staggered not at the
promise of God thorow unbelief: But was made strong in the faith, and gave
honour to God and steadfastly believed, that he which had made the promised was
able also to make it good. And therefore was it reckoned to him for
righteousness.
It is not written for him only, that it was
reckoned to him for righteousness: but also for us, to whom it shall be counted
for righteousness so we believe on him that raised, up Iesus our lord from
death. Which was delivered for our sins, and rose again for to justify us.
The .v.
Chapter.
Because therefore that we are justified by
faith we are at peace with God thorow our lord Iesus Christ: by whom we have a
way in thorow faith unto this faveour wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of
the praise that shall be given of God. Neither do we so only: but also we
rejoice in tribulation: For we know that tribulation bringeth patience,
patience bringeth feeling, feeling bringeth hope. and hope maketh not ashamed,
because the love that God hath unto us, is shed abroad in our hearts, by the
holy ghost, which is given unto us.
For when we were yet weak according to the
time: Christ died for us which were ungodly. Yet scarce will any man die for a
righteous man. Peradventure for a good man durst a man die. But God setteth out
his love that he hath to us, Seeing that while we were yet sinners, Christ died
for us. Much more then now (seeing we are justified in his blood) shall we be
preserved from wrath thorow him.
For if when we were enemies, we were
reconciled to God by the death of his son: much more, seeing we are reconciled,
we shall be preserved by his life. Not only so, but we also joy in God by the
means of our lord Iesus Christ, by whom we have received this atonement.
Wherefore as by one man sin entered into
the worlde, and death by the means of sin. And so death went over all men,
insomuch that all men sinned. For even unto the time of the law was sin in the
worlde: but sin was not regarded, as long as there was no law: nevertheless
death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them also that sinned not, with
like transgression as did Adam: which is the similitude of him that is to come.
But the gift is not like as the sin. For if
thorow the sin of one, many be dead: much more plenteous upon many was the
faveour of God and gift by faveour: which faveour was given by one man Iesus
Christ.
And the gift is not over one sin, as death
came thorow one sin of one that sinned. For damnation came of one sin unto
condemnation: But the gift came to justify from many sins. For if by the sin of
one, death reigned by the means of one, much more shall they which receive
abundance of faveour and of the gift of righteousness reign in life by the
means of one (that is to say) Iesus Christe.
Likewise then as by the sin of one,
condemnation came on all men: even so by the justifying of one cometh the
righteousness that bringeth life, upon all men. For as by one man's
disobedience many became sinners: so by the obedience of one shall many be made
righteous.
The law in the mean time entered in that
sin should increase. And where abundance of sin was, there was more
plenteousness of grace. That as sin had reigned unto death, even so might grace
reign thorow righteousness unto eternal life, by the help of Iesu Christ.
The .vj.
Chapter.
What shall we say then? shall we continue
in sin, that there may be abundance of grace? God forbid. How shall we that are
dead as touching sin live any longer therein? Remember ye not that all we which
are baptised in the name of Christ Iesu, are baptised to die with him? We are
buried with him by baptism for to die: That as Christ was raised up from death
by the glory of the father: even so we also should walk in a new life. For if
we be graft in death like unto him: even so must we be in the resurrection.
This we must remember, that our old man is crucified with him also, that the
body of sin might utterly be destroyed, that henceforth we should not be
servants of sin. For he that is dead, is justified from sin.
Wherefore if we be dead with Christ, we
believe that we shall live with him: remembering that Christ once raised from
death, dieth no more. Death hath no more power over him. For as touching that
he died, he died as concerning sin once. And as touching that he liveth, he
liveth unto God. Likewise imagine ye also, that ye are dead concerning sin: but
are alive unto God thorow Iesus Christ our lord. Let not sin reign therefore in
your mortal bodies, that ye should thereunto obey in the lusts of it. Neither
give ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: But give
yourselves unto God, as they that are alive from death. And give your members
as instruments of righteousness unto God. Sin shall not have power over you.
For ye are not under the law, but under grace.
What then? Shall we sin, because we are not
under the law: but under grace? God forbid. Remember ye not how that to
whomsoever ye commit yourselves as servants to obey, his servants ye are to
whom ye obey: whether it be of sin unto death, or of obedience unto
righteousness? God be thanked. Ye were once the servants of sin: But now have
obeyed with your hearts unto the form of doctrine where unto ye were delivered.
Ye are then made free from sin, and are become the servants of righteousness.
I
will speak grossly because of the infirmity of your flesh. As ye have given
your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity, from iniquity unto
iniquity: even so now give your members servants unto righteousness, that ye
may be sanctified. For when ye were servants of sin, ye were not under
righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things, where of ye are now
ashamed. For the end of those things is death. But now are ye delivered from
sin, and made the servants of God, and have your fruit that ye should be
sanctified, and the end everlasting life. For the reward of sin is death: but
eternal life is the gift of God, thorow Iesus Christ our lord.
The .vij.
Chapter.
Remember ye not brethren (I speak to them
that know the law) how that the law hath power over a man as long as it
endureth: For the woman which is in subjection to a man, is bound by the law to
the man, as long as he liveth. If the man be dead, she is lowsed from the law
of the man. So then if while the man liveth she couple herself with another
man, she shall be counted a wedlock breaker. But if the man be dead she is free
from the law: so that she is no wedlock breaker, though she couple herself with
another man.
Even so ye my brethren, ye also are made
dead as concerning the law by the body of Christ, that ye should be coupled to
another (I mean to him that is risen again from death) that we should bring
forth fruit unto God. When we were in the flesh, the lusts of sin which were
stirred up by the law, reigned in our members, to bring forth fruit unto death.
But now are we delivered from the law, and dead from it, whereunto we were in
bondage, that we should serve in a new conversation of the spirit, and not in
the old conversation of the letter.
What shall we say then? is the law sin? God
forbid: but I knew not what sin meant but by the law. For I had not known what
lust had meant, except the law had said, thou shalt not lust. But sin took an
occasion by the means of the commandment, and wrought in me all manner of
concupiscence. For verily without the law sin was dead. I once lived without
law: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I was dead. And the very
same commandment which was ordained unto life, was found to be unto me an
occasion of death. For sin took occasion by the means of the commandment and so
deceived me, and by the self commandment slew me. Wherefore the law is holy,
and the commandment holy, just, and good.
Was that then which is good made death unto
me? God forbid. Nay sin was death unto me, that it might appear how that sin by
the means of that which is good, had wrought death in me: that sin which is
under the commandment, might be out of measure sinful. For we know that the law
is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin: because I wot not what I do. For
what I would, that do I not: but what I hate, that do I. If I do now that which
I would not, I grant to the law that it is good. So then now it is not I that
do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is to say in my
flesh) dwelleth no good thing. To will is present with me: but I find no means
to perform that which is good. For I do not that good thing which I would: but
that evil do I, which I would not. Finally, if I do that I would not, then is
it not I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me doeth it. I find then by the
law that when I would do good, evil is present with me. I delight in the law of
God, as concerning the inner man. But I see another law in my members rebelling
against the law of my mind, and subduing me unto the law of sin, which is in my
members. O wretched man that I am: who shall deliver me from this body of
death? I thank God by Iesus Christ our lord: So then I myself in my mind serve
the law of God, and in my flesh the law of sin.
The
.viij. Chapter.
There is then no damnation to them which
are in Christ Iesu, which walk not after the flesh: but after the spirit. For
the law of the spirit, wherein is life thorow Iesus Christ hath delivered me
from the law of sin, and death. For what the law could not do in as much as it
was weak because of the flesh: that performed God, and sent his son in the
similitude of sinful flesh, and by sin damned sin in the flesh: that the
righteousness required of the law, might be fulfilled in us, which walk not
after the flesh: but after the spirit.
For they that are carnal, are carnally
minded. and they that are spiritual are ghostly minded. To be carnally minded
is death. and to be spiritually minded is life, and peace: because that the fleshly
mind is emnity against God: For it is not obedient to the law of God, neither
can be. So then they that are given to the flesh, cannot please God.
But ye are not given to the flesh, But to
the spirit: If so be that the spirit of God dwell in you. If there be any man
that hath not the spirit of Christ, the same is none of his. If Christ be in
you, the body is dead because of sin: But the spirit is life for righteousness'
sake. Wherefore if the spirit of him that raised up Iesus from death, dwell in
you: even he that raised up Christ from death, shall quicken your mortal
bodies, because that his spirit dwelleth in you.
Therefore brethren we are now debtors, not
to the flesh, to live after the flesh: For if ye live after the flesh, ye must
die. But if ye mortify the deeds of the body, by the help of the spirit, ye
shall live, for as many as are led by the spirit of God, are the sons of God.
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage to fear any more, but ye have
received the spirit of adoption whereby we cry Abba father. The same spirit
certifieth our spirit that we are the sons of God. If we be sons, we are also
heirs (the heirs I mean of God) and heirs annexed with Christ, if so be that we
suffer together, that we may be glorified together.
For I suppose that the afflictions of this
life, are not worthy of the glory which shall be shewed upon us. Also the
fervent desire of the creatures abideth looking when the sons of God shall
appear because the creatures are subdued to vanity against their will: but for
his will which subdued them in hope. For the very creatures shall be delivered
from the bondage of corruption, into the glorious liberty of the sons of God.
For we know that every creature groaneth with us also, and travaileth in pain
even unto this time.
Not they only, but even we also which have
the first fruits of the spirit mourn in ourselves and wait for the adoption,
and look for the deliverance of our bodies. For we are saved by hope. But hope
that is seen is no hope. For how can a man hope for that which he seeth? but
and if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience abide for it.
Likewise the spirit also helpeth our
infirmities. For we know not, what to desire as we ought: but the spirit maketh
intercession mightily for us with groanings which cannot be expressed with
tongue. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the meaning of the
spirit: for he maketh intercession for the saints according to the pleasure of
God. For we know well that all things work for the best unto them that love
God, which also are called of purpose. For those which he knew before, he also
ordained before, that they should be like fashioned unto the shape of his son,
that he might be the first begotten son among many brethren. Moreover which he
appointed before, them he also called. And which he called, them also he
justified. which he justified, them he also glorified.
What shall we then say unto these things?
if God be on our side: who can be against us? which spared not his own son, but
gave him for us all: How shall he not with him give us all things also? Who
shall lay anything to the charge of God's chosen? It is God that justifieth:
who then shall condemn? it is Christ which is dead, Ye rather which is risen again,
which is also on the right hand of God and maketh intercession for us.
Who shall separate us from God's love?
shall tribulation? or anguish? or persecution, other hunger? other nakedness?
other peril? other sword? As it is written: For thy sake are we killed all day
long, and are counted as sheep appointed to be slain. Nevertheless in all these
things we overcome strongly thorow his help that loved us. Ye and I am sure
that neither death, neither life, neither angell, nor rule, neither power, neither
things present, neither things to come, neither heyth, neither lowth, neither
any other creature shall be able to depart us from God's love, which is in
Christ Iesu our lord.
The .ix.
Chapter.
I Say the truth in Christ and lie not, in
that whereof my conscience beareth me witness in the holy ghost, that I have
great heaviness, and continual sorrow in my heart. For I have wished myself to
be cursed from Christ for my brethren, which are my kinsmen as pertaining to
the flesh. Which are the Israelites, to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the
glory, and the testaments, and the ordinance of the law, and the service of
God, and the promises, whose also are the fathers, and they of whom (as
concerning the flesh) Christ came: which is God over all things blessed forever
Amen.
I speak not these things as though the
words of God had took none effect. For they are not all Israelites which came
of Israhel, Neither are they all children straightway because they are the seed
of Abraham: But in Isaac shall thy seed be called, that is to say, They which
are the children of the flesh, are not the children of God. But the children of
promise are counted the seed. For this is a word of promise, about this time
will I come, and Sara shall have a son.
Neither was it to with her only: but also
when Rebecca was with child by one, I mean by our father Isaac, yer the
children were born, when they had neither done good neither bad (that the
purpose of God which is by election, might stand) it was said unto her, not by
the reason of works, but by grace of the caller, the elder shall serve the
younger. As it is written: Iacob he loved, but Esau he hated.
What shall we say then? is there any
unrighteousness with God? God forbid. For he saith to Moses: I will shew mercy
to whom I shew mercy: And will have compassion on whom I have compassion. So
lieth it not then in a man's will, or running, but in the mercy of God. For the
scripture saith unto Pharaoh: Even for this same purpose have I stirred thee
up, to shew my power on thee, and that my name might be declared thorowout all
the world. So hath he mercy on whom he will. And whom he will he maketh hard
hearted.
Thou wilt say then unto me: why then
blameth he us yet? For who can resist his will? But o man what art thou, which
disputest with God? shall the work say to the workman: why hast thou made me on
this fashion? Hath not the potter power over the clay, even of the same lump to
make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? Even so, God willing
to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, suffered with long patience the
vessels of wrath, ordained to damnation, that he might declare the riches of
his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had prepared unto glory: that is to
say, us which he called, not of the jewes only, but also of the gentiles. As he
saith in Osee: I will call them my people which were not my people: and her
beloved which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass in the place where it
was said unto them: Ye are not my people, that there shall be called the sons
of the living God.
But Esaias crieth for Israhel, though the
number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet shall a remnant
be saved. He finisheth the work verily and maketh it short in righteousness.
For a short word will God make on earth. And as Esaias said before: Except the
lord of saboth had left us seed, we had been made as Zodoma, and had been
likened to Gomorra.
What shall we say then? we say that the
gentiles which followed not righteousness, have overtaken righteousness I mean
the righteousness which cometh of faith. But Israel which followed the law of
righteousness, could not attain unto the law of righteousness. And wherefore?
Because they sought it not by faith: but as it were by the works of the law.
For they have stumbled at the stumbling stone. As it is written: Behold I put
in Syon a stumbling stone, and a rock which shall make men fall. And none that
believe on him, shall be ashamed.
The .x.
Chapter.
Brethren my heart's desire, and prayer to
God for Israel is that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they
have a fervent mind to Godward, but not according to knowledge. For they are
ignorant of the righteousness which is allowed before God, and go about to
establish their own righteousness and therefore are not obedient unto the
righteousness which is of value before God. For Christ is the end of the law to
justify all that believe.
Moses descibeth the righteousness which
cometh of the law, how that the man which doth the things of the law shall live
therein. But the righteousness which cometh of faith, speaketh on this wise:
Say not in thine heart: who shall ascend into heaven? (That is nothing else
than to fetch Christ down.) Other who shall descend into the deep? That is
nothing else but to fetch up Christ from death. But what saith the scripture?
The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth and in thine heart.
This word is the word of faith which we
preach. For if thou shalt knowledge with thy mouth that Iesus is the lord, and
shalt believe with thine heart that God raised him up from death, thou shalt be
safe. For the belief of the heart justifieth: and to knowledge with the mouth
maketh a man safe. For the scripture saith: whosoever believeth on him, shall
not be ashamed.
There is no difference between the jewe and
the gentile. For one is lord of all, which is rich unto all that call on him.
For whosoever shall call on the name of the lord shall be safe. How shall they
call on him, on whom they believed not? how shall they believe on him of whom
they have not heard? how shall they hear with out a preacher? And how shall
they preach except they be sent? As it is written: how beautiful are the feet
of them which bring glad tidings of peace, and bring glad tidings of good
things. But they have not all obeyed to the gospell. For Esaias saith: lord who
shall believe our sayings? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing cometh
by the word of God. But I ask: have they not heard? No doubt, their sound went
out into all lands: and their words into the ends of the world.
But I demand whether Israhel did know or
not? First Moses saith: I will provoke you for to envy by them that are no
people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. Esaias after that is bold and
saith. I am found of them that sought me not, and have appeared to them that
asked not after me. And against Israhel he saith: All day long have I stretched
forth my hands unto a people that believeth not, but speaketh against me.
The .xj.
Chapter.
I say then: hath God cast away his people?
God forbid. For even I verily am an Israelite of the seed of Abraham, and of
the tribe of Benjamin, God hath not cast away his people which he knew before.
Other wot ye not what the scripture saith by the mouth of Helias, how he spake
to God against Israhel, saying: lord they have killed thy prophets and digged
down thine altars: and I am left only, and they seek my death. But what saith
the answer of God to him again? I have reserved unto me seven thousand men
which have not bowed their knees to baal. Even so at this time is there a
remnant left thorow the election of grace. If it be of grace then is it not by
the deserving of works. For then were faveour no more faveour. If it be by the
deserving of works, then is there no faveour. For then were deserving no
deserving.
What then? Israhel hath not obtained that
that he sought. No but yet the election hath obtained it. The remnant are
blinded, according as it is written: God hath given them the spirit of
unquietness: eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear,
even unto this day. And David saith: Let their table be made a snare to take
them with all, and an occasion to fall, and a reward unto them. Let their eyes
be blinded that they see not: and ever bow down their backs.
I say then: Have they therefore stumbled
that they should but fall only? God forbid: but thorow their fall is health
happened unto the gentiles for to provoke them with all. Wherefore if the fall
of them, be the riches of the world: and the minishing of them the riches of
the gentiles: How much more should it be so if they all believed. I speak to
you gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the gentiles I will magnify mine
office that might provoke them which are my flesh: and might save some of them.
For if the casting away of them, be the reconciling of the worlde: what shall
the receiving of them be, but life again from death? For if one piece be holy,
the whole heap is holy. And if the root be holy, the branches are holy also.
Though some of the branches be broken off,
and thou being a wild olive tree art graft in among them, and made part taker
of the root, and fatness of the olive tree, boast not thyself against the
branches. For if thou boast thyself, remember that thou bearest not the root,
but the root thee. Thou wilt say then: the branches are broken off, that I
might be graft in. Thou sayest well: because of unbelief they are broken off,
and thou standest steadfast in faith. Be not high minded, but fear: seeing that
God spared not the natural branches, lest haply he also spare not thee.
Behold the kindness and rigorousness of
God: on them which fell, rigorousness: but towards thee kindness, if thou
continue in his kindness. Or else thou shalt be hewn off, and they if they bide
not still in unbelief shall be grafted in again. For God is of power to graft
them in again. For if thou wast cut out of a natural wild olive tree, and wast
graffed contrary to nature in a true olive tree: how much more shall the
natural branches be graffed in their own olive tree again.
I would not that this secret should be hid
from you my brethren (lest ye should be wise in your own conceits) that partly
blindness is happened in Israhell, until the fullness of the gentiles be come
in. And so all Israhell shall be saved. As it is written: There shall come out
of Sion he that doth deliver, and shall turn away the ungodliness of Iacob. And
this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. As concerning
the gospell, They are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election,
they are loved for the fathers' sakes.
For verily the gifts and calling of God are
such, that it cannot repent him of them, for look, as ye in time passed have
not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy thorow their unbelief: even so
now have they not believed the mercy which is happened unto you, That they also
may obtain mercy. God hath wrapped all nations in unbelief, that he might have
mercy on all. O the deepness of the abundant wisdom and knowledge off God: how
incomprehensible are his judgements, and his ways unsearchable. For who hath
known the mind of the lord? or who was his counsellor? other who hath given
unto him first, that he might be recompensed again? For of him, and thorow him,
and unto him are all things. To him be glory forever Amen.
The .xij.
Chapter.
I beseech you therefore brethren by the
mercifulness of God that ye make your bodies a quick sacrifice, holy and acceptable
unto God which is your reasonable serving of God. and fashion not yourselves
like unto this worlde: But be ye changed in your shape, by the renewing of your
wits, that ye may feel what thing that good, that acceptable, and perfect will
of God is. For I say (thorow the grace that unto me given is) to every man
among you, that no man esteem of himself more than it becometh him to esteem:
But that he discreetly judge of himself according as God hath dealt to every
man the measure of faith.
As we have many members in one body: and
all members have not one office: So we being many are one body in Christ: and
every man (among ourselves) one another's members. Seeing that we have divers
gifts according to the grace that is given unto us, if any man have the gift of
prophecy, let him have it that it be agreeing unto the faith. Let him that hath
an office, wait on his office. Let him that teacheth take heed to his doctrine.
Let him that exhorteth give attendance to his exhortation. If any man give, let
him do it with singleness. Let him that ruleth do it with diligence. If any man
shew mercy let him do it with cheerfulness.
Let love be without dissimulation. Hate
that which is evil, and cleave unto that which is good. Be kind one to another,
with brotherly love. In giving honour go one before another. Let not that
business which ye have in hand be tedious to you. Be fervent in the spirit.
Apply yourselves to the time. Rejoice in hope. Be patient in tribulation,
continue in prayer. Distribute unto the necessity of the saints. Bless them
which persecute you: bless but curse not. Be merry with them that are merry.
Weep with them that weep. Be of like affection one towards another. Be not high
minded, but make yourselves equal to them of the lower sort. Be not wise in
your own opinions. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide aforehand things
honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, yet on your part have peace
with all men.
Derly beloved avenge not yourselves but
give room unto the wrath of God. For it is written: vengeance is mine, and I
will reward saith the lord.
Therefore if thine enemy hunger feed him:
if he thirst, give him drink. For in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on
his head: Be not overcome of evil: But overcome evil with goodness.
The
.xiij. Chapter.
Let every soul submit himself unto the
authority of the higher powers. There is no power but of God. The powers that
be, are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth power, resisteth the
ordinance of God. They that resist, shall receive to themselves damnation. For
rulers are not to be feared for good works but for evil. Wilt thou be without
fear of the power? Do well then: and so shalt thou be praised of the same. For
he is the minister of God, for thy wealth. But and if thou do evil, then fear:
for he beareth not a sword for nought. for he is the minister of God, to take
vengeance on them that do evil. Wherefore ye must needs obey, not for fear of
vengeance only: but also because of conscience. Even for this cause pay ye
tribute. For they are God's ministers, serving for the same purpose.
Give to every man therefore his duetie:
Tribute to whom tribute belongeth: Custom to whom custom is due: fear to whom
fear belongeth: Honour to whom honour pertaineth. Owe no thing to any man: but
to love one another. For he that loveth another, fulfilleth the law. For these
commandments: Thou shalt not commit advoutry: Thou shalt not kill: Thou shalt
not steal: Thou shalt not bear false witness: Thou shalt not desire: and so
forth if there be any other commandment, are all comprehended in this saying:
Love thine neighbor as thyself. Love hurteth not his neighbor: Therefore is
love the fulfilling of the law.
This also we know, I mean the season, how
that it is time that we should now awake out of sleep. For now is our salvation
nearer than when we believed. The night is passed and the day is come nigh. Let
us therefore cast away the deeds of darkness, and let us put on the armour of
light. Let us walk honestly as it were in the daylight: not in eating and
drinking: neither in chambering and wantonness: neither in strife and envying:
but put ye on the lord Iesus Christ. And make not provision for the flesh, to
fulfill the lusts of it.
The
.xiiij. Chapter.
Him that
is weak in the faith, receive unto you, not in disputing and troubling his
conscience. One believeth that he may eat all things. Another which is weak
eateth herbs, Let not him that eateth, despise him that eateth not. And let not
him which eateth not judge him that eateth. For God hath received him. What art
thou that judgest another man's servant? Whether he stand or fall, that
pertaineth unto his master. Yee, he shall stand. For God is able to make him
stand.
This man putteth difference between day and
day: another man counteth all days alike. See that no man waver in his own
mind. He that observeth one day more than another, doth it for the lord's
pleasure. And he that observeth not one day more than another, doth it to
please the lord, for he giveth God thanks. and he that eateth not, eateth not
to please the lord with all, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth his
own servant: and also none of us dieth his own servant. If we live, we live to
be at the lord's will. And if we die, we die at the lord's will. Whether we
live therefore or die, we are the lord's. For Christ therefore died and rose
again, and revived, that he might be lord both of dead and quick.
But why doest thou then judge thy brother?
other why dost thou despise thy brother? We shall all be brought before the
judgement seat of Christ. For it is written: As truly as I live saith the lord,
all knees shall bow to me, and all tongues shall give a knowledge to God. So
shall every one of us give accounts of himself to God. Let us not therefore,
judge one another any more.
But judge this rather, that no man put a
stumbling block, or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. For I know, and
surely believe in the lord Iesus, that there is nothing common of itself: but
unto him that judgeth it to be common, to him it is common. If thy brother be
grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with
thy meat, for whom Christ died. Suffer ye not that your treasure be evil spoken
of. For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, peace and
joy, in the holy ghost. For whosoever in these things serveth Christ, pleaseth
well God: and is commended of men.
Let us follow those things which make for
peace: and things wherewith one may edify another. Destroy not the work of God
for a little meat's sake. All things are pure: but it is evil for that man,
which eateth with hurt of his conscience. It is good neither to eat flesh,
neither to drink wine, neither anything, whereby thy brother stumbleth, other
falleth, or is made weak. Hast thou faith? have it with thyself before God.
Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. For he
that maketh conscience, is damned if he eat: Because he doth it not of faith.
For whatsoever is not of faith, that same is sin.
The .xv.
Chapter.
We which are strong ought to bear the
frailness of them which are weak, and not to stand in our own conceits. Let
every man please his neighbor unto his wealth and edifying. For Christ pleased
not himself: but as it is written: The rebukes of them which rebuked thee, fell
on me. Whatsoever things are written aforetime, are written for our learning
that we thorow patience and comfort of the scripture should have hope.
God which is lord of patience and
consolation, give unto every one of you, that ye be like likeminded one towards
another after the ensample of Iesu Christ, that ye all agreeing together, may
with one mouth praise God the father of our lord Iesus. Wherefore receive ye
one another as Christ received us, to the praise of God.
And I say that Iesus Christ was a minister
of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the
fathers. And let the gentiles praise God for his mercy. As it is written: For
this cause I will praise thee among the gentiles, and sing in thy name. And
again he saith: ye gentiles rejoice with his people. Again, praise the lord all
ye gentiles, and laud him all nations. And in another place Esaias saith: there
shall be the root of Iesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the gentiles:
in him shall the gentiles trust. The God of hope fill you with all joy and
peace in believing, that ye may be rich in hope thorow the power of the holy
ghost.
I myself am full certified of you my
brethren that ye yourselves are full of goodness, and filled with all
knowledge, and are able to counsel one another. Nevertheless brethren I have
somewhat boldly written unto you, as one that putteth you in remembrance, for
the grace which is given me of God for this purpose that I should be the
minister of Iesu Christ among the gentiles, and should minister the glad
tidings of God, that the gentiles might be an acceptable offering, sanctified
by the holy ghost. I have therefore whereof I may rejoice in Christ Iesu, in
those things which pertain to God. For I dare not speak of any of those things
which Christ hath not wrought by me (to make the gentiles obedient) with word
and deed, in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the spirit of God, so
that from Ierusalem and the coasts round about, unto Illiricum, I have filled
all countries with glad tidings of Christ.
So have I enforced myself to preach the
gospell, not where Christ was named, lest I should have built on another man's
foundation: but as it is written: To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see:
and they that heard not, shall understand. For this cause I have been ofte let
to come unto you: but now seeing I have no more to do in these countries, and
also have been desirous many years to come unto you, when I shall take my
journey into Spayne, I will come to you. I trust to see you in my journey, and
to be brought on my way thitherward by you after that I have somewhat enjoyed
you.
Now go I unto Ierusalem, and minister unto
the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia, to make a certain
distribution upon the poor saints which are at Ierusalem. It hath pleased them
verily, and their debtors are they. For if the gentiles be made partakers of
their spiritual things, their duty is to minister unto them in carnal things.
When I have performed this, and have shewed them this fruit, I will come back
again by you into Spayne. And I am sure when I come, that I shall come with
abundance of the blessing of the gospell of Christ.
I beseech you brethren for our lord Iesu
Christe's sake, and for the love of the spirit, that ye help me in my business,
with your prayers to God for me, that I may be delivered from them which
believe not in Iewry. and that this my service, which I have to Ierusalem, may
be accepted of the saints, that I may come unto you with joy, by the will of
God, and may with you be refreshed. The God of peace be with all you Amen.
The .xvj.
Chapter.
I commend unto you Phebe our sister (which
is a minister of the congregation of Cencrea) that ye receive her in the lord
as it becometh saints, and that ye assist her, in whatsoever business she
needeth of your aid. For she hath succoured many, and mine own self also. Greet
Prisca and Aquila my helpers in Christ Iesu, which have for my life laid down
their own necks. Unto whom not I only give thanks: but also the congregations
of the gentiles. Likewise greet all the company that is in their house. Salute
my well beloved Epenetes, which is the firstfruit among them of Achaia. Greet
Mary which bestowed much labour on us. Salute Andronicus, and Iunia my cousins,
which were prisoners with me also, which are well taken among the apostles, and
were in Christ before me. Greet Amplias my beloved in the lord. Salute Urban
our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. Salute Apellas approved in
Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobolus' household. Salute Herodion my
kinsman. Greet them of the household of Narcissus which are in the lord. Salute
Triphena and Triphosa, which women did labour in the lord. Salute the beloved
Persis, which laboured much in the lord. Salute Rufus chosen in the lord, and
his mother and mine. Greet Asincritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Mercurius,
and the brethren which are with them. Salute Philologus and Iulia, Nereus and
his sister, and Olimpha, and all the saints which are with them. Salute one
another among yourselves with an holy kiss. The congregations of Christ salute
you.
I beseech you brethren mark them which
cause division, and give occasions of evil contrary to the doctrine which ye
have learned: and avoid them. For they that are such serve not the lord Iesus
Christ: but their own bellies. And with sweet preachings and flattering words
deceive the hearts of the innocents: for your obedience is spoken of among all
men. I am glad no doubt of you. But yet I would have you wise unto that which
is good. And to be innocent as concerning evil. The God of peace tread Satan
under your feet in short time. The grace of our lord Iesu Christ be with you.
Timotheus my work fellow, and Lucius, and
Iason, and Sopater, my kinsmen salute you. I Tercius salute you, which wrote
this epistle in the lord. Gaius mine host and the host of all the
congregations, saluteth you. Erastus saluteth you, the chamberlain of the city.
And Quartus a brother, saluteth you. The grace of our lord Iesu Christ be with
you all Amen.
To him that is of power to establish you
according to my gospell, wherewith I preach Iesus Christ, in opening of the
mystery which was kept close since the world began, and now is opened at this
time and declared in the scriptures of prophecy, at the commandment of the
everlasting God, to stir up obedience to the faith published among all nations:
To the same God, which alone is wise, be praise thorow Iesus Christ for ever
Amen.
To the
Romayns. Sent from Corrinthum by Phebe, she that was the minister unto the
congregacion at Chenchrea.
The first
pistel of S. Paul to the Corrinthians
The first
Chapter.
Paul by vocation an Apostle of Iesus Christ
thorow the will of God, and brother Sostenes. Unto the congregation of God
which is at Corinthum. To them that are sanctified in Iesus Christ, saints by
calling, with all that call on the name of our lord Iesus Christ in every
place, both of theirs and of ours.
Grace be with you and peace from God our
father, and from the lord Iesus Christ.
I thank my God always on your behalf for
the faveour of God which is given you by Iesus Christ, that in all things ye
are made rich by him, in all speach and in all knowledge (even as the testimony
of Iesus Christ was confirmed in you,) so that ye are behind in no gift, and
wait for the appearing of our lord Iesus Christ which shall strength you unto
the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our lord Iesus Christ.
God is faithful, by whom ye are called unto
the fellowship of his son Iesus Christ our lord.
I beseech you brethren in the name of our
lord Iesus Christ, that ye all speak one thing, and that there be no dissension
among you: but be ye perfect in one mind, and one meaning: It is shewed unto me
(my brethren) of you by them that are of the house of Cloe, that there is
strife among you, I speak of that which everyone of you sayth: I hold of Paul,
Another sayth: I hold of apollo: Another saith: I hold of Cephas: and another
saith I hold of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? other
were ye baptised in the name of Paul? I thank God that I christened none of you,
but Crispus and Gaius, lest any should say that I in mine own name had
baptised. I baptised also the house of Stephana. Furthermore know I not whether
I baptised any man or no.
For Christ sent me not to baptise, but to
preach the gospell, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should
have been made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that
perish foolishness: but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God. For it
is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and will cast away the
understanding of the prudent.
Where is the wise man? where is the scribe?
where is the searcher of this world? Hath not God made the wisdom of this world
foolishness?
For when the world thorow wisdom knew not
God, in the wisdom of God: it pleased God thorow foolishness of preaching to
save them that believe. For the jews require a sign, and the greeks seek after
wisdom. But we preach Christ crucified, unto the jews an occasion of falling
and unto the greeks foolishness: but unto them which are called both of Iews
and greeks we preach Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
For Godly foolishness is wiser than men:
And Godly weakness is stronger than are men.
Brethren look on your calling how that not
many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many of high degree are
called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world, to confound the
wise. And hath chosen the weak things of the world, to confound things which
are mighty. And vile things of the world, and things which are despised, hath
God chosen yee and things of no reputation, for to bring to nought things of
reputation, that no flesh should rejoice in his presence. And unto him pertain
ye, in Christ Iesu, which of God is made unto us wisdom, and also
righteousness, and sanctifying, and redemption. That according as it is
written: he which rejoiceth, should rejoice in the lord.
The .ij.
Chapter.
And I brethren when I came to you, came not
in gloriousness of words or of wisdom, shewing unto you the testimony of God.
Neither shewed I myself that I knew any thing among you save Iesus Christ, even
the same that was crucified. And I was among you in weakness, and in fear, and
in much trembling. And my words, and my preaching were not with enticing words
of man's wisdom: but in shewing of the spirit and of power, that your faith
should not stand in the wisdom of men: but in the power of God.
We speak that which is wisdom among them
that are perfect: not the wisdom of this world neither of the rulers of this
world (which goeth to nought,) but we speak the wisdom of God, which is in
secret and lieth hid, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: which
wisdom none of the rulers of the world knew. For had they known it, they would
not have crucified the lord of glory: but as it is written: The eye hath not
seen, and the ear hath not heard, neither have entered into the heart of man,
the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
But God hath opened them unto us by his
spirit. For the spirit searcheth all things, yee the bottom of God's secrets.
For what man knoweth the things of a man: save the spirit of a man which is
within him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the spirit of God.
And we have not received the spirit of the world: but the spirit which cometh
of God, for to know the things that are given to us of God, which things also
we speak, not in the cunning words of man's wisdom, but with the cunning words
of the holy ghost, making spiritual comparisons of spiritual things. For the
natural man perceiveth not the things of the spirit of God: For they are but
foolishness unto him. Neither can he perceive them because he is spiritually
examined: but he that is spiritual discusseth all things: yet he himself is
judged of no man. For who knoweth the mind of the lord, other who shall inform
him? but we understand the mind of Christ.
The .iij.
Chapter.
And I could not speak unto you brethren as
unto spiritual: but as unto carnal, even as it were unto babes in Christ. I
gave you milk to drink and not meat. For ye then were not strong, no neither
yet are strong. For ye are yet carnal. As long verily as there is among you
envying, strife and dissension: are ye not carnal, and walk after the manner of
men? As long as one saith: I hold of Paul, and another, I am of apollo, are ye
not carnal? What is Paul? what thing is apollo? but ministers by whom ye
believed even as the lord gave every man grace. I have planted: Apollo watered:
but God gave increase. So then, neither is he that planteth any thing, neither
he that watereth: but God which gave the increase.
He that planteth, and he that watereth, are
neither better than the other. Every man yet shall receive his reward according
to his labour. We are God's laborers: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's
building. According to the grace of God given unto me, as a wise builder have I
laid the foundation, another hath built theron: but let every man take heed how
he buildeth upon. For other foundation can no man lay, than that which is laid,
which is Iesus Christ. If any man build on this foundation, gold, silver,
precious stones, timber, hay, or stubble: every man's work shall appear. For
the day shall declare it, and it shall be shewed in fire, and the fire shall
try every man's work what it is. If any man's work that he hath built upon,
bide, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work burn, he shall suffer loss:
but he shall be safe himself: nevertheless yet as it were thorow fire.
Are ye not ware that ye are the temple of
God, and how that the spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the
temple of God, him shall God destroy. For the temple of God is holy, which
temple are ye. Let no man deceive himself. If any man seem wise among you, let
him be a fool in this world, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world
is foolishness with God. For it is written: he compasseth the wise in their
craftiness. And again, God knoweth the thoughts of the wise that they be vain.
Therefore let no man rejoice in men. For all things are yours, whether it be
Paul, other Apollo, either Cephas: whether it be the world, either life, either
death, whether they be present things or things to come: all are yours, and ye
are Christe's, and Christ is God's.
The
.iiij. Chapter.
Let men this wise esteem us, even as the
ministers of Christ, and disposers of the secrets of God. Furthermore it is
required of the disposers that they be found faithful. With me is it but a very
small thing, that I should be judged of you, either of man's day. No I judge
not mine own self. I know nought by myself: yet am I not thereby justified. It
is the lord that judgeth me. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the
lord come, which will lighten things that are hid in darkness: and open the
counsels of the hearts. And then shall every man have praise of God.
These things brethren I have described in
mine own person, and Apollos: for your sakes, that ye might learn by us that no
man count of himself beyond that which is above written: that one swell not
against another for any man's cause. For who preferreth thee? What hast thou,
that thou hast not received? if thou have received it: why rejoicest thou as
though thou haddest not received it? Now ye are full: now ye are made rich: ye
reign as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we might reign
with you.
Me thinketh that God hath shewed us which
are apostles, for the hindmost of all, as it were men appointed to death. For
we are a gazingstock unto the world, and to the angels, and to men, we are
fools for Christe's sake, and ye are wise thorow Christ: we are weak, and ye
are strong. Ye are honorable, and we are despised. Even unto this day we hunger
and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted with fists, and have no certain
dwelling place, and labour working with our own hands. We are reviled, and yet
we bless. We are persecuted, and suffer it. We are evil spoken of, and we pray.
We are made as it were the filthiness of the world, the offscouring of all
things, even unto this time.
I write not these things to shame you: but
as my beloved sons I warn you. For though ye have ten thousand instructors in
Christ: yet have ye not many fathers. In Christ Iesu, I have begotten you
thorow the gospell. Wherefore I desire you to counterfeit me. For this cause
have I sent unto you Timotheus, which is my dear son, and faithful in the lord,
which shall put you in remembrance of my ways which I have in Christ, even as I
teach everywhere in all congregations. Some swell as though I would come no
more at you: but I will come to you shortly, if God will, and will know, not
the words of them which swell, but the power. For the Kingdom of God is not in
words, but in power. What will ye? Shall I come unto you with a rod, or else in
love, and in the spirit of meekness?
The .v.
Chapter.
There goeth a common saying that there is
fornication among you, and such fornication as is not once named among the
gentiles: that one should have his father's wife. And ye swell and have not
rather sorrowed, that he which hath done this deed might be put from among you.
For I verily as absent in body, even so present in spirit, have determined
already (as though I were present) of him that hath done this deed, in the name
of our lord Iesu Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the
power of the lord Iesus Christ, to deliver him unto Satan, for the destruction
of the flesh that the spirit may be saved in the day of the lord Iesus.
Your rejoicing is not good. Know ye not
that a little leaven sowereth the whole lump of dough? Purge therefore the old
leaven, that ye may be new dough as ye are sweet bread. For Christ our ester
lamb is offered up for us. Therefore let us keep holyday, not with old leaven,
neither with the leaven of maliciousness and wickedness but with the sweet
bread of pureness and truth.
I wrote unto you in the pistel that ye
should not company with fornicators. And I meant not at all of the fornicators
of this world, either of the covetous, or of extortioners, either of idolaters:
for then must ye needs have gone out of the world: but now I have written unto
you that ye company not together. If any that is called a brother, be a
fornicator, or covetous, or a worshipper of images, either a railer, either a
drunkard, or an extortioner: with him that is such see ye eat not. For what
have I to do to judge them which are without? Do ye not judge them that are
within? Them that are without, God shall judge. Put away from among you that
evil person.
The .vj.
Chapter.
How dare one of you having business with
another, go to law under the wicked? and not rather under the saints? Do ye not
know that the saints shall judge the world? If the world shall be judged by
you: are ye not good enough to judge small trifles. Know ye not how that we
shall judge the angels? How much more may we judge things that pertain to the
life? If ye have judgements of worldly matters, take them which are despised in
the congregation, and make them judges. This I say to your shame. Is there
utterly no wise man among you? what not one at all? that can judge between
brother and brother? but one brother goeth to law with another: and that under
the unbelievers?
Now therefore there is utterly a fault
among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why rather suffer ye not
wrong? why rather suffer ye not yourselves to be robbed? Nay ye yourselves do
wrong, and rob: and that the brethren. Do ye not remember how that the
unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived. For neither
fornicators, neither worshippers of images, neither whoremongers, neither
weaklings, neither abusers of themselves with mankind, neither thieves, neither
the covetous, neither drunkards, neither cursed speakers, neither pillers,
shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were ye verily: but ye are washed:
ye are sanctified: ye are justified by the name of the lord Iesus: And by the
spirit of our God.
All things are lawful unto me: but all
things are not profitable. I may do all things: but I will be brought under no
man's power. Meats are ordained for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God
shall destroy both him and them. Let not the body be applied unto fornication,
but unto the lord, and the lord unto the body. God hath raised up the lord, and
shall raise us up by his power. Either remember ye not, that your bodies are
the members of Christe? Shall I now take the members of Christ, and make them
the members of an harlot? God forbid. Do ye not understand that he which
coupleth himself with an harlot, is become one body? For two (saith he) shall
be one flesh: but he that is joined unto the lord is one spirit.
Flee fornication. All sins that a man doth,
are without the body. But he that is a fornicator, sinneth against his own
body. Know ye not how that your bodies are the temple of the holy ghost, which
is in you, whom he have of God, and how that ye are not your own? For ye are
dearly bought. Therefore glorify ye God in your bodies and in your spirits, for
they are God's.
The .vij.
Chapter.
As concerning the things whereof ye wrote
unto me: It is good for a man, not to touch a woman. Nevertheless to avoid
fornication, let every man have his wife: and let every woman have her husband.
Let the man give unto the wife due benevolence. Likewise also the wife unto the
man. The wife hath not power over her own body: but the husband: And likewise
the man hath not power over his own body: but the wife. Withdraw not your
selves one from another except it be with consent for a time, for to give
yourselves to fasting and prayer, and afterward come again to the same thing,
lest Satan tempt you for your incontinency.
This I say of favour, not of commandment.
For I would that all men were as I my self am: but every man hath his proper
gift of God, one after this manner, another after that. I say unto the
unmarried men, and widows: it is good for them if they abide even as I do: but
and if they cannot abstain, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to
burn.
Unto the married command not I, but the
lord: that the wife separate not herself from the man. If she separate herself,
let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled unto her husband again. And let not
the husband put away his wife from him.
To the remnant speak I, and not the lord:
if any brother have a wife that believeth not, if she be content to dwell with
him, let him not put her away. And the woman which hath to her husband an
infidel, if he consent to dwell with her, let her not put him away. For the
unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife: and the unbelieving wife is
sanctified by the husband. Or else were your children unclean: but now are they
pure. But and if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister
is not in subjection to such. God hath called us in peace. For how knowest thou
o woman, whether thou shalt save thy husband or not? Other how knowest thou o
man, whether thou shalt save the wife or not? but even as God hath distributed
to every man.
As the lord hath called every person, so
let him walk: and so ordain I in all congregations. If any man be called being
circumcised, let him add nothing thereto. If any be called uncircumcised: let
him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, uncircumcision is nothing: but
the keeping of the commandments of God is altogether. Let every man abide in
the same state wherein he was called. Art thou called a servant? care not for
it. Nevertheless if thou mayst be free, use it rather. For he that is called in
the lord being a servant, is the lord's freeman. Likewise he that is called
being free, is Christe's servant. Ye are dearly bought, be not men's servants.
Brethren let every man wherein he is called, therein abide with God.
As concerning virgins, I have no
commandment of the lord: yet give I counsel as one that hath obtained of the
lord to be faithful. I suppose that it is good for the present necessity. For
it is good for a man so to be. Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be lowsed.
Art thou lowsed from a wife? seek not a wife. But and if thou take a wife, thou
hast not sinned. Likewise if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned: nevertheless
such shall have trouble in their flesh: but I favor you.
This say I brethren, the time is short. It
remaineth that they which have wives, be as though they had none: and they that
weep, be as though they wept not: and they that rejoice, be as though they
rejoiced not: And they that buy, be as though they possessed not: And they that
use this world, be as though they used it not: For the fashion of this world
goeth away.
I would have you without care, the single
man careth for the things of the lord, how he may please the lord: but he that
hath married, careth for the things of the world, how he may please his wife.
There is difference between a virgin and a wife. The single woman careth for
the things of the lord, that she may be pure both in body and also in spirit:
but she that is married, careth for the things of the world, how she may please
her husband. This speak I for your profit, not to tangle you in a snare: but
for that which is honest and comely unto you And that ye may quietly cleave
unto the lord without separation.
If any man think that it is uncomely for
his virgin if she pass the time of marriage, and if so need require, let him do
what he listeth, he sinneth not: let them be coupled in marriage. Nevertheless,
he that purposeth surely in his heart, having none need: but hath power over
his own will: and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin,
doth well. So then he that joineth his virgin in marriage doth well. And he
that joineth not his virgin in marriage doth better. The wife is bound to the
law as long as her husband liveth. If her husband sleep, she is at liberty to
marry with whom she will only in the lord. But she is happier if she so abide,
in my judgement. And I think verily that I have the spirit of God.
The
.viij. Chapter.
To speak of things dedicate unto idols, we
are sure that we all have knowledge. Knowledge maketh a man swell: but love
edifieth. If any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as
he ought to know. But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
To speak of meat dedicat unto idols, we are
sure that there is none idol in the world: and that there is none other God but
one. And though there be that are called goddes, whether in heaven or in earth
(as there be goddes many and lords many) but unto us is there one God, which is
the father, of whom are all things, and we in him: and one lord Iesus Christ,
by whom are all things, and we by him.
But every man hath not knowledge. For some
suppose that there is an idol, until this hour, and eat as of a thing offered
unto the idol, and so their consciences being yet weak are defiled. Meat maketh
us not acceptable to God: Neither if we eat are we the better: Neither if we
eat not are we the worse.
But take heed that your liberty cause not
the weak to fall. For if some man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in
the idol's temple shall not the conscience of him which is weak be boldened to
eat those things which are offered unto the idol? And so thorow thy knowledge
shall the weak brother perish for whom Christ died. When we sin so against the
brethren and wound their weak consciences, we sin against Christ. Wherefore if
meat hurt my brother, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, because I
will not hurt my brother.
The .ix.
Chapter.
Am I not an Apostle? am I not free? have I
not seen Iesus Christ our lord? Are not ye my work in the lord. If I be not an
Apostle unto other, yet am I unto you. For the seal of mine Apostleship are ye
in the lord. Mine answer to them that ask me, is this: Have we not power to eat
and to drink? Either have we not power to lead about a sister to wife as well
as other Apostles, and as the brethren of the lord, and Cephas? Either only I
and Barnabas have not power this to do? Who goeth a warfare any time at his own
cost? who planteth a vineyard and eateth not of the fruit? or who feedeth a
flock and eateth not of the milk?
Say I these things after the manner of men?
or sayth not the law the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses: Thou
shall not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take
thought for oxen? Either saith he it not all together for our sakes? For our
sakes no doubt this is written: that he which eareth should ear in hope: and
that he which throsheth in hope, should be part taker of his hope. If we sow
unto you spiritual things: is it a great thing if we reap your carnal things?
If other be part takers of this power over you? wherefore are not we rather.
Nevertheless we have not used this power:
but suffer all things lest we should hinder the gospell of Christ. Do ye not
understand how that they which minister in the temple: have their finding of
the temple? And they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even
so also did the lord ordain, that they which preach the gospell, should live of
the gospell: But I have used none of these things.
Neither wrote I these things that it should
be so done unto me. It were better for me to die than any man should take this
rejoicing from me. In that I preach the gospell I have nothing to rejoice of.
For necessity is put unto me. Woe is it unto me if I preach not the gospell. If
I do it with a good will, I have a reward. If I do it against my will, an
office is committed unto me. What is my reward then? Verily that when I preach
the gospell, I make the gospell of Christ free, that I misuse not mine
authority in the gospell.
For though I be free from all men, yet have
I made myself servant unto all men, that I might win the more. And unto the
jewes, I became as a jewe, to win the jewes. To them that were under the law,
was I made as though I had been under the law, to win them that were under the
law. To them that were without law, became I as though I had been without law
(when I was not without law as pertaining to God, but under a law as concerning
Christ) to win them that were without law. To the weak became I as weak, to win
the weak. In all thing I fashioned myself to all men, to save at the leastway
some. And this I do for the gospell's sake, that I might have my part thereof.
Perceive ye not how that they which run in
a course, run all, yet but one receiveth the reward? So run that ye may obtain.
Every man that proveth masteries abstaineth from all things. And they do it to
obtain a corruptible crown: but we to obtain an everlasting crown: I therefore
so run, not as at an uncertain thing. So fight I, not as one that beateth the
air: but I tame my body and bring him into subjection, lest after that I have
preached to other, I myself should be a castaway.
The .x.
Chapter.
Brethren I would not that ye should be
ignorant of this, how that our fathers were all under a cloud, and all passed
thorow the sea, and were all baptised under Moses in the cloud and in the sea:
and did all eat of one spiritual meat, and did all drink of one manner of
spiritual drink. And they drank of that spiritual rock that followed them,
which rock was Christ. But in many of them had God no delight. For they were
overthrown in the wilderness.
These are examples to us that we should not
lust after evil things, as they lusted. Neither be ye worshippers of images as
were some of them according as it is written: The people sat down to eat and
drink, and rose up again to play. Neither let us commit fornication as some of
them committed fornication, and were destroyed in one day xxiij. thousand.
Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them tempted and were destroyed of
serpents. Neither murmur ye as some of them murmured, and were destroyed of the
destroyer.
All these things happened upon them for
ensamples, and were written to put us in remembrance, whom the ends of the
world are come upon. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed
lest he fall. There hath none other temptation taken you, but such as followeth
the nature of man. God is faithful, which shall not suffer you to be tempted
above your strength: but shall in the midst of the temptation make a way to
escape out. Wherefore my dear beloved, flee from worshipping of idols.
I speak as unto them which have discretion,
judge ye what I say. Is not the cup of blessing which we bless, partaking of
the blood of Christ? is not the bread which we break, partaking of the body of
Christ? because that we (though we be many) yet are one bread, and one body in
as much as we all are partakers of one bread. Behold Israhell which walketh
carnally. Are not they which eat of the sacrifice, partakers of the altar?
What say I then? that the image is
anything? or that it which is offered to images is anything? Nay, but I say,
that those things which the gentiles offer, they offer to devils, and not to
God. And I would not that ye should have fellowship with the devils. Ye cannot
drink of the cup of the lord, and of the cup of the devils. Ye can not be
partakers of the lord's table, and of the table of devils. Other shall we
provoke the lord? other are we stronger then he? All things are lawful unto me,
but all things are not expedient. All things are lawful, but all things edify
not. Let no man seek his own profit: but let every man seek his neighbors
wealth.
Whatsoever is sold in the market, that eat,
and ask no questions for conscience sake. For the earth is the lord's, and all
that therein is. If any of them which believe not bid you to a feast, and if ye
be disposed to go, whatsoever is set before you eat, asking no question for
conscience sake. but and if any man say unto you: this is dedicate unto idols,
eat not of it for his sake that shewed it, and for hurting of conscience: the
earth is the lord's and all that therein is. Conscience I say, not thine: but
the conscience of that other. Why should my liberty be judged of another man's
conscience? For if I take my part with thanks: why am I evil spoken of for that
thing wherefore I give thanks?
Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or
whatsoever ye do, do all to the praise of God. See that ye give none occasion
of evil, neither to the jewes, nor yet to the gentiles, neither to the
congregation of God: even as I please all men in all things not seeking mine
own profit, but the profit of many, that they might be saved.
The .xj.
Chapter.
Follow me
as I do Christ.
I commend you brethren that ye remember me
in all things, and keep the ordinances which I gave to you. I would ye knew
that Christ is the head of every man. and the womans head is the man. and
Christe's head is God. Every man praying or prophesying having any thing on his
head, shameth his head. Every woman that prayeth or prophesieth bare headed,
dishonesteth her head. For it is even all one, and the very same thing even as
though she were shaven. If the woman be not covered, let her also be shaven. If
it be shame for a woman to be shaven or shorn, let her cover her head.
A man ought not to cover his head,
forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God. The woman is the glory of the
man. For the man is not of the woman, but the woman of the man. Neither was the
man created for the woman's sake: but the woman for the man's sake. For this
cause ought the woman to have power on her head, for the angels' sake.
Nevertheless, neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without
the man in the lord. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man by the
woman: but all is of God.
Judge in yourselves whether it be comely
that a woman pray unto God bareheaded. Or else doth not nature teach you, that
it is a shame for a man, if he have long hair: and a praise to a woman if she
have long hair? For her hair is given her to cover her with all. If there be
any man among you that lusteth to strive, let him know that we have no such
customes, neither the congregations of God.
This I warn you of, and commend not that ye
come together after a worse manner, and not after a better. First of all when
ye come together in the congregation, I hear that there is dissension among
you: And I partly believe it. For there must be sects among you, that they
which among you are perfect might be known. When ye come together in one place,
a man cannot eat the lord's supper. For every man beginneth afore to eat his own
supper. And one is hungry, and another is drunken. Have ye not houses to eat
and to drink in? Or else despise ye the congregation of God? and shame them
that have not? what shall I say unto you? shall I praise you? in this praise I
you not.
That which I gave unto you I received of
the lord. For the lord Iesus the same night in the which he was betrayed, took
bread: and thanked and brake, and said. Take ye, and eat ye this is my body
which is broken for you. This do ye in the remembrance of me. After the same
manner he took the cup when supper was done saying: This cup is the new
testament in my blood, this do as oft as ye drink it, in the remembrance of me.
For as often as ye shall eat this bread,
and drink this cup, ye shall shew the lord's death, till he come. Wherefore
whosoever shall eat of this bread, or drink of the cup unworthily, shall be
guilty of the body and blood of the lord. Let a man therefore examine himself,
and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he that eateth or
drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh his own damnation, because he maketh
no difference of the lord's body.
For this cause many are weak and sick among
you, and many sleep. If we had truly judged ourselves, we should not have been
judged. When we are judged of the lord we are chastened, because we should not
be damned with the world. Wherefore my brethren, when ye come to gether to eat,
tarry one for another. If any man hunger, let him eat at home, that ye come not
together unto condemnation. Other things will I set in order when I come.
The .xij.
Chapter.
In spiritual things brethren I would not
have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were gentiles, and went your ways unto dumb
idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I declare unto you that no man speaking
in the spirit of God defieth Iesus. Also no man can say that Iesus is the lord:
but by the holy ghost.
There are diversities of gifts verily, yet
but one spirit. And there are differences of administrations, and yet but one
lord. And there are divers manners of operations, and yet but one God, which
worketh all things that are wrought in all creatures. The gifts of the spirit
are given to every man to profit the congregation. To one is given the
utterance of wisdom: to another is given the utterance of knowledge by the same
spirit: to another is given faith, by the same spirit. To another the gifts of
healing, by the same spirit. To another power to do miracles: To another
prophecy, To another judgement of spirits, To another diverse tongues: To
another the interpretation of tongues: and these all worketh even the self same
spirit, dividing to every man several gifts even as he will.
For as the body is one, and hath many
members, and all the members of one body though they be many, yet are but one
body: even so is Christ. For in one spirit are we all baptised to make one
body, whether we be jewes or gentiles: whether we be bond or free, and have all
drunk of one spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot say:
I am not the hand, therefore I am not of the body: is he therefore not of the
body? and if the ear say I am not the eye: therefore I am not of the body: is
he therefore not of the body? if all the body were an eye: where were then the
ear? if all were hearing: where were the smelling?
But now hath God disposed the members,
every one of them in the body, at his own pleasure. If they were all one
member: where were the body? Now are there many members, yet but one body. And
the eye cannot say unto the hand: I have no need of thee: nor the head also to
the feet: I have no need of you. Ye rather a great deal those members of the
body which seem to be most feeble, are most necessary. And upon those members
of that body which we think least honest, put we most honesty on. And our
ungodly parts have most beauty on. For our honest members need it not: but God
hath so disposed the body, and hath given most honour to that part which
lacked, lest there should be any strife in the body: but that the members
should indifferently care for one another. And if one member suffer all suffer
with him: if one member be had in honour, all members be glad also.
Ye are the body of Christ, and members one
of another. And God hath also ordained in the congregation, first the Apostles,
secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, then them that do miracles, after that,
the gifts of healing, helpers, governors, diversity of tongues.
Are all Apostles? are all prophets? Are all
teachers? are all doers of miracles? have all the gifts of healing? Do all
speak with tongues? do all interpret? Covet after the best gifts. And yet shew
I unto you a more excellent way.
The
.xiij. Chapter.
Though I spake with the tongues of men and
angels, and yet had no love, I were even as sounding brass: and as a tinkling
cymbal. And though I could prophesy, and understood all secrets, and all
knowledge: yee, if I had all faith so that I could move mountains out of their
places, and yet had no love, I were nothing. And though I bestowed all my goods
to feed the poor, and though I gave my body even that I burned, and yet had no
love, it profiteth me nothing.
Love suffereth long, and is courteous. Love
envieth not. Love doth not frowardly, swelleth not, dealeth not dishonestly,
seeketh not her own, is not provoked to anger, thinketh not evil rejoiceth not
in iniquity: but rejoiceth in the truth, suffereth all things, believeth all
things hopeth all things, endureth in all things. Though that prophesying fail,
or tongues shall cease, or knowledge vanish away: yet love falleth never away.
For our knowledge is unperfect, and our
prophesying is unperfect: but when that which is perfect is come: then that
which is unperfect shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child,
I understood as a child, I imagined as a child: but as soon as I was a man I
put away childishness. Now we see in a glass even in a dark speaking: but then
shall we see face to face. Now I know unperfectly: but then shall I know even
as I am known. Now abideth faith, hope, and love, even these three: but the
chief of these is love.
The
.xiiij. Chapter.
Labour for love, and covet spiritual gifts:
and most chiefly for to prophesy. For he that speaketh with tongues speaketh
not unto men, but unto God. No man heareth him: For in the spirit he speaketh
mysteries. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men, for their edifying, and
comfort. He that speaketh with tongues, profiteth himself: he that prophesieth
edifieth the congregation. I would that ye all spake with tongues: but rather
that ye prophesied. For greater is he that prophesieth, than he that speaketh
with tongues, except he expound it also, that the congregation may have
edifying. Now brethren if I come unto you speaking with tongues: what shall I profit
you? except I speak unto you, either by revelation, or knowledge, or
prophesying, or doctrine.
Moreover when things without life give
sound: whether it be a pipe, or an harp: except they make a distinction in the
sounds: how shall it be known what is piped or harped? And also if the trumpet
give an uncertain voice, who shall prepare himself to fight? Even so likewise
when ye speak with tongues, except ye speak words that have signification, how
shall it be understood what is spoken? For ye shall but speak in the air.
Many kinds of voices are in the world, and
none of them are without signification. If I know not what the voice meaneth, I
shall be unto him that speaketh an alien: and he that speaketh shall be an
alien unto me. Even so ye (for a much as ye covet spiritual gifts) seek that ye
may have plenty unto the edifying of the congregation.
Wherefore let him that speaketh with
tongues, pray that he may interpret also. If I pray with tongues, my spirit
prayeth: but my mind is without fruit. What is it then? I will pray with my
spirit, and will pray with my mind also. I will sing with my spirit, and will
sing with my mind also.
For else when thou blessest with the
spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say amen at thy
giving of thanks? seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? Thou verily
givest thanks well: but the other is not edified. I thank my God, I speak with
tongues more then ye all. Yet had I lever in the congregation to speak five
words with my mind to the information of other, rather than ten thousand words
with the tongue.
Brethren, be not children in wit: as
concerning maliciousness be children: but in wit be perfect. In the law it is
written, with other tongues, and with other lips will I speak unto this people,
and yet for all that will they not hear me saith the lord. Wherefore tongues
are for a sign, not to them that believe: but to them that believe not.
Contrariwise prophesying serveth not for them that believe not: but for them which
believe.
If therefore when all the congregation is
come together, and all speak with tongues, there come in they that are
unlearned, or they which believe not: will they not say that ye are out of your
wits? But and if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one
unlearned, he is reproved of all men, and is judged of every man: and so are
the secrets of his heart opened: and then falleth he down on his face, and
worshippeth God, and saith that God is with you indeed.
How is it then brethren? when ye come
together every man hath his song, hath his doctrine, hath his tongue, hath his
revelation, hath his interpretation: Let all things be unto edifying. If any
man speak with tongues, let it be two at once: or at the most three at once:
and that by course, and let another interpret it: But if there be no
interpreter, let him keep silence in the congregation, and let him speak to
himself, and to God.
Let the prophets speak two at once, or
three at once, and let other judge. If any revelation be made to another that
sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one,
that all may learn, and all may have comfort. For the spirits of the prophets
are in the power of the prophets. For God is not causer of strife: but of
peace, as he is in all other congregations of the saints.
Let your wives keep silence in the
congregations. For it is not permitted unto them to speak: but let them be
under obedience, as saith the law: if they will learn any thing, let them ask
their husbands at home. For it is a shame for women to speak in the
congregation. Sprang the word of God from you? Either came it unto you only? If
any man think himself a prophet either spiritual: let him understand, what
things I write unto you. For they are the commandments of the lord. But and if
any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore brethren covet to prophesy,
and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done honestly and in
order.
The .xv.
Chapter.
Brethren as pertaining to the gospell which
I preached unto you, which ye have also accepted, and in the which ye continue:
by the which also ye are saved, I do you to wit after what manner I preached
unto you, if ye keep it, except ye have believed in vain.
For first of all I delivered unto you that
which I received: how that Christ died for our sins, agreeing to the
scriptures: and that he was buried, and that he arose again the third day
according to the scriptures: and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the
twelve, After that he was seen of more than five hundred brethren at once: of
which many remain unto this day, and many are fallen asleep. After that
appeared he to Iames, then to all the Apostles.
And last of all he was seen of me, as of one
that was born out of due time. For I am the least of all the Apostles, which am
not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the congregation of
God: But by the faveour of God I am that I am. And his faveour which is in me
was not in vain: but I laboured more abundantly than they all, not I, but the
faveour of God which is with me. Whether it were I or they, so have we preach,
and so have ye believed.
If Christ be preached how that he rose from
death: how say some that are among you, that there is no resurrection of the
dead? If there be no rising again of death: then is Christ not risen. If Christ
be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also in vain. Yee,
and we are found false witnesses of God. For we have testified God how that he
raised up Christ, whom he raised not up, if it be so that the dead rise not up
again. For if the dead rise not again, then is Christ not risen again. If it be
so that Christ rose not, then is your faith in vain, and yet are ye in your sins.
And they which are fallen asleep in Christ, are perished. If in this life only
we believe on Christ, then are we of all men the miserablest.
Now is Christ risen from death, and is
become the first fruits of them that slept. For by a man came death, and by a
man came resurrection of death. For as by Adam all die: even so by Christ,
shall all be made alive, and every man in his own order: The first is Christ,
then they that are Christi's at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he hath
delivered up the kingdom to God the father, when he hath put down all rule,
authority, and power. For he must rule till he have put all his enemies under
his feet.
The last enemy that shall be destroyed is
death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things
are put under him, it is manifest, that he is excepted, which did put all
things under him. When all things are subdued unto him: then shall the son also
himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all
in all things. Other else what do they which are baptised over the dead, if the
dead rise not at all? why are they baptised over the dead? And why stand we in
jeopardy every hour? by our rejoicing which I have in Christ Iesu our lord, I
die daily. That I have fought with beasts at Ephesus after the manner of men,
what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not again? Let us eat and drink,
tomorrow we shall die. Be not deceived: malicious speakings corrupt good
manners. Awake truly out of sleep, and sin not. For some have not the knowledge
of God. I speak this unto your rebuke.
But some man will say: how shall the dead
arise? with what body shall they come? Thou fool, that which thou sowest, is
not quickened except it die. And what sowest thou? Thou sowest not that body
that shall be: but bare corn (I mean either of wheat, or of some other) and God
giveth it a body at his pleasure, to every seed a several body.
All flesh is not one manner of flesh: but
there is one manner flesh of men, another manner flesh of beasts, another
manner flesh of fishes, and another of birds. There are celestial bodies, and
there are bodies terrestrial: But the glory of the celestial is one, and the
glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one manner glory of the sun, and another
glory of the moon, an another glory of the stars. For one star differeth from
another in glory. So is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption,
and riseth in incorruption. It is sown in dishonour, and riseth in honour. It
is sown in weakness, and riseth in power. It is sown a natural body, and riseth
a spiritual body.
There is a natural body and there is a
spiritual body. as it is written: The first man Adam was made a living soul:
and the last Adam was made a quickening spirit: but that is not first which is
spiritual: but that which is natural, and then that which is spiritual. The
first man is of the earth, earthy: The second man is from heaven, heavenly. As
is the earthy, such are they that are earthy: And as is the heavenly, such are
they that are heavenly. And as we have born the image of the earthy, so shall
we bear the image of the heavenly.
This say I brethren, that flesh and blood
cannot inherit the kingdom of God. Neither doth corruption inherit
uncorruption. Behold I shew a mystery unto you: we shall not all sleep: but we
shall all be changed, and that in a moment, and in the twinkling of an eye, at
the sound of the last trumpet. For the trumpet shall blow, and the dead shall
rise incorruptible: And we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on
incorruptibility: and this mortal must put on immortality.
When this corruptible hath put on
incorruptibility: and this mortal hath put on immortality: then shall be
brought to pass the saying that is written: Death is consumed into victory.
Death where is thy sting? Hell where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin.
The strength of sin is the law: But thanks
be unto God, which hath given us victory thorow our lord Iesus Christ.
Therefore my dear brethren, be ye steadfast and unmoveable, always rich in the
works of the lord, forasmuch as ye know how that your labour is not in vain in
the lord.
The .xvj.
Chapter.
Of the gathering for the saints, as I have
ordained in the congregations of Galacia, even so do ye. In some saboth day let
every one of you put aside at home, and lay up whatsoever he thinketh meet,
that there be no gatherings when I come. When I am come, whosoever ye shall
allow by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto
Ierusalem. And if it be meet that I go, they shall go with me. I will come unto
you after I have gone over Macedonia. For I will go thorowout Macedonia. With
you peradventure I will abide a while: or else winter, that ye may bring me on
my way whithersoever I go.
I will not see you now in my passage: but I
trust to abide a while with you, if God shall suffer me. I will tarry at
Ephesus until witsontide: For a great door and a fruitful is opened unto me:
and there are many adversaries. If Timotheus come, see that he be without fear
with you. For he worketh the work of the lord as I do. Let no man despise him:
but convey him forth in peace, that he may come unto me. For I look for him
with the brethren.
To speak of brother Apollo: I greatly desired
him to come unto you with the brethren, but his mind was not at all to come at
this time. He will come when he shall have convenient time. Watch ye, stand
fast in the faith, quit you like men, and be strong. Let all your business be
done in love.
Brethren (ye know the house of Stephana how
that they are the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have appointed
themselves to minister unto the saints:) I beseech you that ye be obedient unto
such, and to all that help and labour. I am glad of the coming of Stephana,
Fortunatus, and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have
supplied. They have comforted my spirit and yours. Look therefore that ye know
them that are such.
The congregations of Asia salute you.
Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the lord, and so doeth the congregation
that is in their house. All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with
an holy kiss. The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand: If any man love not
the lord Iesus Christ, the same be anathema maranatha. The faveour of the lord
Iesus Christ be with you all. My love be with you all in Christ Iesu,
Amen.
The
pistle unto the Corrinthyans sent from Philippos, By Stephana, and Fortunatus,
and Acaichus, and Timotheus.
The
second pistel of S. Paul to the Corrinthians
The first
Chapter.
Paul an apostle of Iesus Christ by the will
of God, and brother Timotheus.
Unto the congregation of God, which is at
Corinthum, with all the saints which are in all Achaia: Grace be with you and
peace from God our father, and from the lord Iesus Christ.
Blessed be God the father of our lord Iesus
Christ the, father of mercy, and the God of all comfort, which comforteth us in
all our tribulation, insomuch that we are able to comfort them which are
troubled, in whatsoever tribulation it be, with the same comfort wherewith we
our selves are comforted of God. For as the afflictions of Christ are plenteous
in us: even so is our consolation plenteous by Christ.
Whether we be troubled for your
consolation, and health, which health sheweth her power in that ye suffer the
same afflictions which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted for your
consolation and health: yet our hope is steadfast for you inasmuch as we know
how that as ye have your part in afflictions, so shall ye be part takers of
consolation.
Brethren I would not have you ignorant of
our trouble, which happened unto us in Asia. For we were grieved out of measure
passing strength, so greatly that we despaired even of life. Also we received
an answer of death in ourselves, and that was done because we should not put
our trust in ourselves: but in God, which raiseth the dead to life again: Which
delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver, on whom we trust, that
yet hereafter he will deliver us, by the help of your prayer for us: That by
the means of many occasions, thanks may be given of many on our behalf, For the
grace given unto us.
Our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our
conscience, that we with out doubleness, but with godly pureness: not in
fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, have had our conversation in the
world, and most of all to youwards. We write no other things unto you, than
that ye read and also know. Yee and I trust ye shall find us unto the end even
as ye have found us partly, for we are your rejoicing, even as ye are ours in
the day of the lord Iesus.
And in this confidence was I minded the
other time to have come unto you (that ye might have had yet a double
pleasure,) and to have passed by you into Macedonia, and to have come again out
of Macedonia unto you, and to have been led forth to Iewryward of you.
When I thuswise was minded: Did I use
lightness? Or think I carnally those things which I think? that with me should
be ye ye, and nay nay. God is faithful: For our preaching unto you, was not ye
and nay. For God's son Iesus Christ which was preached among you by us (that is
to say by me and Silvanus and Thimotheus) was not ye and nay: but in him it was
Ye: For all the promises of God, in him are Ye: and are in him Amen, unto the
laud of God thorow us. It is God which stablisheth us and you in Christ, and
hath anointed us, which hath also sealed us, and hath given the earnest of the
spirit into our hearts.
I call God for a record unto my soul, that
for to favor you with all, I came not any more unto Corinthum. Not that we be
lords over your faith: but helpers of your joy. For by faith ye stand.
The .ij.
Chapter.
But I
determined this in myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. For
if I make you sorry: who is it that should make me glad, but the same which is
made sorry by me? And I wrote this same pistel unto you, lest if I came, I
should take heaviness of them, of whom I ought to rejoice. Certainly this
confidence have I in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all. For in great
affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears: not to make
you sorry, but that ye might perceive the love which I have most specially unto
you.
If any man hath caused sorrow, the same
hath not made me sorry: but partly, lest I should grieve you all. It is
sufficient unto the same man that he was rebuked of many. So that now
contrarywise ye ought to forgive him and comfort him: lest that same should be
swallowed up with overmuch heaviness. Wherefore I exhort you, that love may
have strength over him. For this cause verily did I write, that I might know
the proof of you, whether ye should be obedient in all things. To whom ye
forgive any thing, I forgive also. And verily if I forgive any thing, to whom I
forgave it for your sakes forgave I it, in the room of Christ, lest Satan
should prevent us. For his thoughts are not unknown unto us.
When I was come to Troada for Christ's
Gospel's sake (and a great door was opened unto me of the lord) I had no rest
in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but took my leave of them
and went away into Macedonia. Thanks be unto God which always giveth us the
victory in Christ, and openeth the savor of his knowledge by us in every place.
For we are unto God the sweet savor of Christ, both among them that are saved,
and also among them which perish: to the one part are we the savor of death
unto death: unto the other part are we the savor of life unto life. And who is
meet unto these things? For we are not as many are which chop and change with
the word of God: but as they which speak of pureness, and as they which speak
off God in the sight of God, so speak we in Christ.
The .iij.
Chapter.
We
begin to praise ourselves again. Need we as some other of pistels of
recommendation unto you? or letters of recommendation from you? Ye are our
pistel written in our hearts, which is understood and read of all men, in that
ye are known, how that ye are the pistel of Christ, ministered by us and
written, not with ink: but with the spirit of the living God, not in tables of
stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart. Such trust have we thorow Christ to
Godward, not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as it were
of ourselves: but our ableness cometh of God, which hath made us able to
minister the new testament, not of the letter, but of the spirit: For the
letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
If the ministration of death thorow the
letters figured in stones was glorious, so that the children of Israel could
not behold the face of Moses for the glory of countenance (which glory
nevertheless is done away) why shall not the ministration of the spirit be much
more glorious? For if the ministering of condemnation be glorious: much more
doth the administration of righteousness exceed in glory. For no doubt that
which was there glorified is not once glorified in respect of this exceeding
glory. Then if that which is destroyed was glorious, much more shall that which
remaineth be glorious.
Seeing then that we have such trust we use
great boldness, and do not as Moses, which put a veil over his face that the
children of Israell should not see for what purpose that served which is put
away. But their minds were blinded. For until this day remaineth the same
covering untaken away in the old testament when they read it, which in Christ
is put away: But even unto this day, when Moses is read the veil hangeth before
their hearts. Nevertheless when they turn to the lord, the veil shall be taken
away. The lord no doubt is a spirit. And where the spirit of the lord is, there
is liberty. And now the lordis glory appeareth in us all, as in a glass: and we
are changed unto the same similitude, from glory to glory, even of the lord
which is a spirit.
The
.iiij. Chapter.
Therefore seeing that we have such an
office, even as mercy is come on us, we faint not: but have cast from us the
cloaks of unhonesty, and walk not in craftiness, neither corrupt we the word of
God: but walk in open truth, and report ourselves to every man's conscience in
the sight of God.
If our gospel be yet hid, it is hid among
them that are lost, in whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of
them which believe not, lest should shine unto them the light of the glorious
gospel of Christ, which is the image of God, for we preach not ourselves, but
Christ Iesus the lord, and preach ourselves your servants for Iesus' sake. For
it is God that commanded the light to shine out of darkness, which hath shined
in our hearts, for to give the light of the knowledge of the glorious God, in
the face of Iesus Christ.
But we have this treasure in earthen
vessels that the excellent power of it might appear to be of God, and not of
us. We are troubled on every side, yet are we not without shift. We are in
poverty: but not utterly without somewhat. We are persecuted: but are not
forsaken. We are cast down: nevertheless we perish not. And we always bear in
our bodies the dying of the lord Iesus, that the life of Iesu might appear in
our bodies. For we which live, are always delivered unto death for Iesus' sake,
that the life also of Iesu might appear in our mortal flesh. So then death
worketh in us, and life in you. Seeing then that we have the same spirit of
faith, according as it is written (I believed and therefore have I spoken) we
also believe, and therefore speak. For we know that he which raised up the lord
Iesus, shall raise up us also by the means of Iesus, and shall set us with you,
for all things I do for your sakes, that the plenteous grace by thanks given of
many, may redound to the praise of God.
Wherefore we are not wearied, but though
our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our
exceeding tribulation, which is momentary and light, prepareth an exceeding,
and eternal weight of glory unto us, while we look not on the things which are
seen, but on the things which are not seen. For things which are seen, are
temporal: but things which are not seen are eternal.
The .v.
Chapter.
We know surely if our earthy mansion
wherein we now dwell were destroyed, that we have a building ordained of God,
an habitation not made with hands, but eternal in heaven: And herefore sigh we,
desiring to be clothed with our mansion which is from heaven: if it happen that
we be found clothed, and not naked. For as long as we are in this tabernacle,
we sigh and are grieved: for we would not be unclothed: but would be clothed
upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. He that hath ordained us
for this thing, is God: which very same hath given unto us the earnest of the
spirit.
We are always of good cheer, and know well
that as long as we are at home in the body we are absent from God. For we walk
in faith and see not. Nevertheless we are of good comfort, and had lever to be
absent from the body and to be present with God. Wherefore we endeavor
ourselves, whether we be at home or from home, to please God. For we must all
be brought before the judgement seat of Christ that every man may receive the
works of his body according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad?
Seeing then that we know how the lord is to be feared, we fare fair with men.
For we are known well enough unto God. I trust also that we are known in your
consciences.
We praise not ourselves again unto you, but
give you an occasion to rejoice of us, that ye may have somewhat against them,
which rejoice in the face, and not in the heart. For if we be too fervent, to
God are we to fervent: if we keep measure, for your cause keep we measure. For
the love of Christ constraineth us, because we thus judge, if one be dead for
all, that then are all dead, and that he died for all, because that they which
live, should not henceforth live unto themselves: but unto him which died for
them and rose again.
Wherefore henceforth know we no man after
the flesh. Insomuch that though we have known Christ after the flesh, now
henceforth know we him so no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a
new creature. Old things are passed away, behold all things are become new.
Nevertheless all things are of God, which hath reconciled us unto himself by
Iesus Christ, and hath given unto us the office to preach the atonement. For
God was in Christ, and made agreement between the world and him self, and
imputed not their sins unto them: and hath committed to us the preaching of the
atonement.
Now then are we messengers in the room of
Christ: even as though God did beseech you thorow us: So pray we you in
Christe's stead, that ye be at one with God: for he hath made him to be sin for
us, which knew no sin, that we by his means should be that righteousness which
before God is allowed.
The .vj.
Chapter.
We as helpers therefore exhort you, that ye
receive not the grace of God in vain. For he saith: I have heard thee in a time
accepted: and in the day of health, have I succoured thee. Behold now is that
well accepted time: behold now is the day of health. Let us give no man
occasion of evil, that in our office be found no fault: but in all things let
us behave ourselves as the ministers of God.
In much patience, in afflictions, in
necessity, in anguish, in stripes, in prisonment, in strife, in labour, in watch,
in fasting, in pureness, in knowledge, in longsuffering, in kindness, in the
holy ghost, in love unfeigned, in the words of truth, in the power of God, by
the armour of righteousness of the right hand and on the left hand, in honour
and dishonour, in evil report and good report, as deceivers and yet true, as
unknown, and yet known: as dying and behold we yet live: as chastened and not
killed: as sorrowing and yet alwaye merry: as poor and yet make many rich: as
having no thing and yet possessing all things.
O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto
you. Our heart is made large: ye are not brought into cumbrance by us, though
that ye vex yourselves of a true meaning. I speake unto you as unto children,
which have like reward with us: Stretch yourselves therefore out. bear not the
yoke with the unbelievers. For what fellowship hath righteousness with
unrighteousness? What company hath light with darkness? What concord hath
Christ with beliall? Either what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? how
agreeth the temple of God with images? And ye are the temple of the living God,
as said God: I will dwell among them, and walk among them, and will be their
God: and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and
separate yourselves (saith the lord) and touch none unclean thing: so will I
receive you, and will be a father unto you, and ye shall be unto me sons and
daughters, saith the lord almighty.
The .vij.
Chapter.
Seeing that we have such promises derely
beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit,
and grow up to full holiness in the fear of God. Understand us: we have hurt no
man: we have corrupted no man: we have defrauded no man. I speak not this to
condemn you: for I have shewed you before that ye are in our hearts to die and
live with you. I am very bold over you, and rejoice greatly in you. I am filled
with comfort, my joy exceeding in all our tribulations. For when we were come
into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side:
Outward was fighting, inward was fear. Nevertheless he that comforteth the
abject, comforted us at the coming of Titus.
And not with his coming only: but also with
the consolation wherewith he was comforted of you. For he told us your desire,
your mourning, your fervent mind to meward: So that I now rejoice the more.
Wherefore though I made you sorry with a letter I repent not: though I did
repent. For I perceive that that same Epistle made you sorry though it were but
for a season. But I now rejoice, not that ye were sorry, but that ye so
sorrowed, that ye repented. For ye sorrowed godly: so that in nothing were ye
hurt by us. For godly sorrow causeth repentance unto health, not to be repented
of: when worldly sorrow causeth death.
Behold what diligence this godly sorrow
that ye took hath wrought in you: yee it caused you to clear yourselves. It
caused indignation, it caused fear, it caused desire, it caused a fervent mind,
it caused punishment. For in all things ye have shewed yourselves that ye were
clear in that business. Wherefore though I have written unto you, I did it not
for his cause that did hurt, neither for his cause that was hurt: but that our
good mind which we have toward you in the sight of God, might appear unto you.
Therefore we are comforted, because ye are
comforted: yee and exceedingly the more joyed we, for the joy that Titus had:
because his spirit was refreshed of you all. I am therefore not now ashamed,
though I boasted myself to him of you. For as all things which I preached unto
you are true, even so is our boasting, that I boasted myself to Titus with all,
found true. And now is his inward affection more abundant toward you, when he
remembereth the obedience of every one of you: how with fear and trembling ye
received him. I rejoice that I may be bold over you in all things.
The
.viij. Chapter.
I do you to wit brethren of the grace of
God, which is given in the congregations of Macedonia, how that the abundance
of their rejoicing is, that they are tried with much tribulation. And how that
their poverty, though it be deep, yet hath followed over, and is be come unto
them riches in singleness. For to their powers (I bear them record) yee and
beyond their power, they were willing of their own accord, and prayed us with
great instance, that we would receive their benefit, and suffer them to be part
takers with other in ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we
looked for: but gave their own selves first to the lord, and after unto us by
the will of God: so that we could not but desire Titus to accomplish the same
benevolence among you also, even as he had begun.
Now therefore, as ye are rich in all parts,
in faith, in word, in knowledge, in all ferventness, and in love, which ye have
to us: even so see that ye be plenteous in this benevolence. This say I not as
commanding: but because other are so fervent, therefore prove I your love,
whether it be perfect or no. Ye know the liberality of our lord Iesus Christ,
which though he were rich, yet for your sakes became poor: that ye thorow his
poverty might be made rich.
And I give counsel hereto: For this is
expedient for you, which began, not to do only: but also to will, a year ago.
Now therefore perform the deed, that as there was in you a readiness to will,
even so ye may perform the deed, of that which ye have. For if there be first a
willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to
that he hath not.
It is not my mind that other be set at
ease, and ye brought into cumbrance: but that there be egalness. Let your
abundance succour their lack at this present time of dearth: that their
abundance may supply your lack: that there may be equality, agreeing to that
which is written: He that gathered much had never the more abundance, and he
that gathered little, had nevertheless. Thanks be unto God, which put in the
heart of Titus the same good mind toward you. For he accepted our request. yee
rather he was so well willing, that of his own accord came unto you.
We have sent with him that brother whose
laud is in the gospel thorow out all the congregations: and not so only, but is
also chosen of the congregations to be a fellow with us in our journey, as
concerning this benevolence that is ministered by us unto the praise of the
lord, and to stir up your prompt mind. And this we eschew that any man should
rebuke us in this abundance, that is ministered by us, and make provision for
honest things, not in the sight of God only, but also in the sight of men.
We have sent with them a brother of ours
whom we have oft times proved diligent in many things, but now much more
diligent. The great confidence which I have in you hath caused me this to do:
partly for Titus' sake which is my fellow, and helper as concerning you: partly
because of other which are our brethren, and the messengers of the
congregations, and the glory of Christ. Wherefore shew unto them the proof of
your love, and of the rejoicing that we have of you, that the congregations may
see it.
The .ix.
Chapter.
Of the ministering to the saints, it is but
superfluous for me to write unto you: for I know your readiness of mind,
whereof I boast myself unto them of Macedonia, and say that Achaia was prepared
a year ago, and your ferventness hath provoked many. Nevertheless yet have I
sent these brethren, lest our rejoicing over you should be in vain in this
behalf, and that ye (as I have said) prepare yourselves, lest peradventure if
they of Macedonia come with me and find you unprepared, the boast that I made
in this matter should be a shame to us: I say not unto you.
Wherefore I thought it necessary to exhort
the brethren, to come before hand unto you, for to prepare your good blessing
promised afore, that it might be ready: so that it be a blessing, and not a
defrauding. This yet remember, how that he which soweth little, shall reap
little: and he that soweth plenteously shall reap plenteously. And let every
man do according as he hath purposed in his heart, not grudgingly, or of
necessity. For God loveth a cheerful giver.
God is able to make you rich in all grace,
that ye in all things having sufficient unto the utmost, may be rich unto all
manner good works, as it is written: He that sparse abroad and hath given to
the poor, his righteousness remaineth for ever. He that findeth the sower seed,
shall minister bread for food, and shall multiply your seed, and increase the
fruits of your righteousness that on all parts, ye may be made rich in all
singleness, which causeth thorow us, thanks giving unto God.
For the office of this ministration, not
only supplieth the need of the saints: but also is abundant herein, that for
this laudable ministering, thanks might be given to God of many, which praise
God for the obedience in knowledging the gospel of Christ, and for your
singleness, in distributing to them, and to all men. and in their prayers to
God for you, long after you, for the abundant grace of God given unto you.
Thanks be unto God for his ineffable gift.
The .x.
Chapter.
I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness
and softness of Christ, which when I am present among you, am of no reputation,
but am bold toward you being absent. I beseech you that I need not to be bold
when I am present (with that same confidence, wherewith I am supposed to be
bold) against some which repute us as though we walked carnally. Nevertheless
though we walk compassed with the flesh, yet we war not fleshly. For the
weapons of our war are not carnal things, but things mighty in God to cast down
strongholds, wherewith we overthrow imaginations, and every high thing that
exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bring into captivity all
understanding to the obedience of Christ, and are ready to take vengeance on all
disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. Look ye on things after the
utter appearance.
If any man trust in himself that he is
Christi's, let the same also consider of himself, that as he is Christi's, even
so are we Christe's. And though I should boast myself somewhat more of our
authority which the lord hath given us to edify and not to destroy you, it
should not be to my shame. This say I, lest I should seem as though I went
about to make you afraid with letters. For the pistels (saith he) are sore and
strong: but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech homely. Let him that is
such think on this wise, that as we are in words by letters when we are absent,
such are we in deeds when we are present.
For we cannot find in our hearts to make
ourselves of the number of them, or to compare ourselves to them, which laud
themselves: but while they measure themselves with themselves, and compare
themselves with themselves, they understand nought. But we will not rejoice
above measure: but according to the quantity of the measure which God hath
distributed unto us, a measure that reacheth even unto you. For we stretch not
out ourselves beyond measure as though we had not reached unto you. For even
unto you have we come with the gospel of Christ, and we boast not ourselves out
of measure in other men's labors: yee and we hope, When your faith is increased
among you, to be magnified according to our measure more largely: And to preach
the gospel in those regions which are beyond you: and not to rejoice of that
which is by another man's measure prepared all ready. Let him that rejoiceth,
rejoice in the lord. For he that praiseth himself, is not allowed: but he whom
the lord praiseth.
The .xj.
Chapter.
Would to God, ye could suffer me a little
in my foolishness: yee, and I pray you forbear me. For I am jealous over you
with godly jealousy. For I coupled you to one man, to make you a chaste virgin
to Christ: But I fear lest as the serpent beguiled Eve, thorow his subtlety,
even so your wits should be corrupt from the singleness that is in Christ. For
if he that cometh to you preach another Iesus than him whom we preached: or if
ye receive another spirit than that which ye have received: either another
gospel than that ye have received, ye might right well have been content.
I suppose that I was not behind the chief
Apostles. Though I be rude in speaking, yet I am not so in knowledge. How be it
among you we are known to the utmost what we are in all things. Did I therein
sin, because I submitted myself, that ye might be exalted? and because I
preached to you the gospel to you free? I robbed other congregations, and took
wages of them, to do you service with all. And when I was present with you and
had need, I was grievous to no man. For that which was lacking unto me, the
brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I kept myself
that I should not be grievous to you: and so will I keep myself.
If the truth of Christ be in me, this
rejoicing shall not be taken from me in the regions of Achaia. Wherefore?
because I love you not? God knoweth. Nevertheless what I do, that will I do to
cut away occasion from them which desire occasion, that they might be found
like unto us in that wherein they rejoice: For these false apostles are
deceitful workers, and fashion them selves like unto the Apostles of Christ.
And no marvel, for Satan himself is changed into the fashion of an angel of
light. Therefore it is no great thing, though his ministers fashion themselves
as though they were the ministers of righteousness: whose end shall be
according to their deeds.
I say again lest any man think that I am
foolish: or else even now take me as a fool, that I may boast myself a little.
That I speak, I speak it not after the ways of the lord: but as it were
foolishly, while we are now come to boasting. Seeing that many rejoice after
the flesh I will rejoice also. For ye suffer fools gladly because that ye
yourselves are wise. For ye suffer even if a man bring you into bondage: if a
man devour: if a man take: if a man exalt himself: if a man smite you on the
face. I speak as concerning rebuke, as though we had been weak.
Whereinsoever any man dare be bold (I speak
foolishly) I dare be bold also. They are Hebrews, so am I: They are Israelites,
even so am I: They are the seed of Abraham, even so am I. They are the
ministers of Christ (I speak as a fool) I am more: In labors more abundant: In
stripes above measure: In prison more plenteously: In death often. Of the Iewes
five times received I every time xl.
stripes, one except. Thrice was I beaten with rods. I was once stoned. I
suffered thrice shipwreck. Night and day have I been in the deep of the sea. In
journeying often: In perils of waters In perils of robbers. In jeopardies of
mine own nation: In jeopardies among the heathen. I have been in perils in
cities, in perils in wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false
brethren, in labour and travail, in watching often, in hunger, in thirst, in
fastings often, in cold and in nakedness.
Beside the things which outwardly happen
unto me, I am cumbered daily and do care for all congregations. Who is sick:
and I am not sick? Who is hurt in the faith: and my heart burneth not? If I
must needs rejoice, I will rejoice of mine infirmities.
God the father of our lord Iesus Christ,
which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not. In the city of
Damaschon, the governor of the people under king Aretas, laid watch in the city
of the Damascens, and would have caught me, and at a window was I let down in a
basket thorow the wall, and so escaped his hands.
The .xij.
Chapter.
It is not expedient for me no doubt to
rejoice, Nevertheless I will come to visions and revelations of the lord. I
know a man in Christ above xiiij years agone (whether he were in the body I
cannot tell, or whether he were out of the body I cannot tell, God knoweth)
which was taken up into the third heaven. And I know the same man (whether in
the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell, God knoweth) how that he was taken
up into paradise, and heard words not to be spoken, which no man can utter. Of
this man will I rejoice, of myself will I not rejoice, except it be of mine
infirmities: and yet though I would rejoice I should not be a fool: for I would
say the truth. Nevertheless I spare, lest any man should think of me above that
he seeth me to be, or heareth of me.
And lest I should be exalted out of measure
thorow the abundance of revelations, there was given unto me of God unquietness
of the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me: because I should not be
exalted out of measure. For this thing besought I the lord thrice, that it
might depart from me: and he said unto me: my grace is sufficient for thee. For
my strength is made perfect thorow weakness. Very gladly therefore will I
rejoice of my weakness, that the strength of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore
have I delectation in infirmities, in rebukes, in need, in persecutions, in
anguish, for Christi's sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.
I am made a fool in boasting myself. Ye
have compelled me: I ought to have been commended of you. For in nothing was I
inferior unto the chief apostles, though I be nothing, yet the tokens of an
apostle were wrought among you with all patience: with signs, and wonders, and
mighty deeds. For what is it wherein ye were inferiors unto other
congregations? except it be therein that I was not grievous unto you. Forgive
me this wrong done unto you. Behold now the third time I am ready to come unto
you, neither will I be grievous unto you. For I seek not yours but you. Also
the children ought not to lay up for the fathers and mothers: but the fathers
and mothers for the children.
I will very gladly bestow, and will be
bestowed for your souls: though the more I love you, the less I am loved again.
But be it that I grieved you not: nevertheless I was crafty and took you with
guile. Did I pill you by any of them which I sent unto you? I desired Titus,
and with him I sent a brother: Did Titus defraud you of any thing? walked we
not in one spirit? walked we not in like steps? Again, think ye that we excuse
ourselves? we speak in Christ in the sight of God.
But we do all things dearly beloved for
your edifying. For I fear lest it come to pass, that when I come, I shall not
find you such as I would: and I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: I
fear lest there be found among you lawynge, envying, wrath, strife,
backbitings, whisperings, swellings, and debate. I fear lest when I come again,
God bring me low among you, and I be constrained to bewail many of them which
have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness, and fornication,
and wantonness which they have committed.
The
.xiij. Chapter.
Now come I the third time unto you: in the
mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word stand. I told you before, and
tell you before, as I said when I was present with you the second time, so
write I now being absent to them which in time past have sinned, and to all other:
If I come again, I will not spare seeing that ye seek experience of Christ
which speaketh in me, which among you is not weak, but is mighty in you. And
verily though it came of weakness that he was crucified, yet liveth he thorow
the power of God: and we no doubt are weak in him: but we shall live with him,
by the might that God gave us to youward.
Prove yourselves whether ye are in the
faith or not. Examine your own selves: know ye not your own selves, how that
Iesus Christ is in you? except ye be castaways. I trust that ye shall know that
we are not castaways. I desire before God that ye do none evil, not that we
should seem commendable: but that ye should do, that which is honest: and let
us be counted as lewd persons. We can do nothing against the truth, but for the
truth. We are glad when we are weak, and ye strong. This also we wish for, even
that ye were perfect. Therefore write I these things being absent, lest when I
am present I should use sharpness according to the power which the lord hath
given me, to edify, and not to destroy.
Furthermore brethren fare ye well, be
perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of love
and peace, shall be with you. Greet one another in an holy kiss. All the saints
salute you. The faveour of our lord Iesus Christ, and the love of God, and the
fellowship of the holy ghost, be with you all Amen
The
second pistle to the Corinthians. Sent from Phillippos a citie in Macedonia by
Titus and Lucas.
The
pistel of S. Paul to the Galathians.
The first
Chapter.
Paul an Apostle, not of men, neither by
man, but by Iesus Christ, and by God the father which raised him from death,
and all the brethren which are with me.
Unto the congregations of Galacia. Grace be
with you and peace from God the father, and from our lord Iesus Christ, which
gave himself for our sins, to deliver us from this present evil world, thorow
the will of God our father, to whom be praise for ever and ever Amen.
I marvel that ye are so soon turned from
him that called you in the grace of Christ, unto another gospell, which is
nothing else, but that there be some which trouble you, and intend to pervert
the gospell of Christ. Nevertheless though we ourselves, or an angel from
heaven, preach any other gospell unto you than that which we have preached unto
you, hold him as accursed. As I said before, so say I now again, if any man
preach any other thing unto you, than that ye have received, hold him accursed.
Seek I now the faveour {or doctrine} of men, or of God? Other go I about to
please men? If I studied to please men, I were not the servant of Christ.
I certify you brethren, that the gospell
which was preached of me, was not after the manner of men, neither received I
it of man, neither was I taught it: but received it by the revelation of Iesus
Christ. Ye have heard of my conversation in times past in the Iewes' ways, how
that beyond measure I persecuted the congregation of God, and spoiled it: and
prevailed in the jewes' law, above many of my companions, which were of mine
own nation, and was a much more fervently maintained the traditions of the
elders.
But when it pleased God, which separated me
from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, for to declare his son by
me, that I should preach him among the heathen: Immediately I commended not of
the matter with flesh and blood, neither returned to Ierusalem to them which
were Apostles before me: but went my ways into Arabia, and came again unto
Damascus. Then after three years, I returned to Ierusalem unto Peter and abode
with him xv days, no other of the Apostles saw I, save Iames the lord's
brother. The things which I write, behold, God knoweth I lie not.
After that I went into the coasts of Siria
and Cicill: and was unknown as touching my person unto the congregations of
Iewry, which were in Christ. But they heard only, that he which persecuted us
in time past, now preacheth the faith, which before he destroyed. And they
glorified God in me.
The
second Chapter.
Then xiiij. years there after, I went up
again to Ierusalem with Barnabas, and took with me Titus also. Yee, and I went
up by revelation, and commended with them of the gospell, which I preach among
the gentiles: but apart with them that are counted chief, lest it should have
been thought that I should run, or had run in vain. Also Titus which was with
me, though he were a greek, yet was not compelled to be circumcised, and that
because of incomers being false brethren, which came in among others to spy out
our liberty which we have in Christ Iesus, that they might bring us into
bondage. To whom we gave no room, no not for the space of an hour, as
concerning to be brought into subjection: and that because that the truth of
the gospell might continue with you.
Of them which seemed to be great (what they
were in time passed it maketh no matter to me: God looketh on no man's person)
nevertheless they which seem great, added nothing to me: But contrariwise, when
they saw that the gospell over the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the
gospell over circumcision was unto Peter (For he that was mighty in Peter in
the Apostleship over the circumcision, the same was mighty in me among the
gentiles:) and as soon as Iames, Cephas, and Ihon, which seemed to be pillars,
perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas their
hands, and agreed with us that we should preach among the heathen, and they
among the Iewes: warning only that we should remember the poor, which thing
also I was diligent to do.
When Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood
him in the face, for he was worthy to be blamed. For yer that certain came from
Iames, he ate with the gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and
separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision, and the other
Iewes dissembled likewise, In so much that Barnabas was brought into their
simulation also. But when I saw that they went not the right way after the
truth of the gospell, I said unto Peter, before all men, if thou being a Iewe,
livest after the manner of the gentiles, and not as do the Iewes: why causest
thou the gentiles to follow the Iewes? we which are Iewes by nature and not
sinners of the gentiles, know that a man is not justified by the deeds of the
law: but by the faith of Iesus Christ: and we have believed on Iesus Christ,
that we might be justified by the faith of Christ and not by the deeds of the
law: because that law no flesh shall be justified by the deeds of the law: If
then while we seek to be made righteous by Christ, we ourselves are found
sinners, is not then Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build
again that which I destroyed, then make I my self a trespasser. But I thorow
the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with
Christ. I live verily, yet now not I, but Christ liveth in me. The life which I
now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the son of God, which loved me,
and gave himself for me. I despise not the grace of God: For if righteousness come
of the law, then is Christ dead in vain.
The .iij.
Chapter.
O foolish Galatians: who hath bewitched
you, that ye should not believe the truth? to whom Iesus Christ was described
before the eyes, and among you crucified? This only would I learn of you,
received ye the spirit by the deeds of the law? or else by preaching of the
faith? Are ye so unwise, that after ye have begun in the spirit, ye would now
end in the flesh? So many things ye have suffered in vain. If it be so that ye
have suffered in vain. Which ministered to you the spirit, and worketh miracles
among you doth he it thorow the deeds of the law? or by preaching of the faith?
Even as Abraham believed God, and it was ascribed to him for righteousness.
Understand therefore, that they which are of faith, are the children of
Abraham.
The scripture saw aforehand, that God would
justify the heathen thorow faith, and shewed beforehand glad tidings unto
Abraham: In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith,
are blessed with faithful Abraham. For as many as are under the deeds of the
law, are under malediction. For it is written: cursed is every man that
continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to fulfil
them. That no man is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident. For
the just shall live by faith. The law is not of faith: but the man that
fulfilleth the things contained in the law, shall live in them. Christ hath
delivered us from the curse of the law, and was made a cursed for us (for it is
written: Cursed is everyone that hangeth on tree) that the blessing of Abraham
might come on the gentiles thorow Iesus Christ, that we might receive the
promise of the spirit thorow faith.
Brethren I will speak after the manner of men.
Though it be but a man's testament, yet no man despiseth it, or addeth any
thing thereto when it is once allowed. To Abraham and his seed were the
promises made. He saith not, in the seeds as in many: But in thy seed, as in
one, which is Christ. This I say that the law which began afterward, beyond
iiij. C. and xxx. years, doth not disannul the testament, that was confirmed of
God unto Christward, to make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance
come of the law, it cometh not of promise: but God gave it unto Abraham by
promise.
Wherefore then serveth the law? The law was
added because of transgression (till the seed came to which the promise was
made) and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. A mediator is
not a mediator of one. But God is one. Is the law then against the promise of
God? God forbid. If there had been a law given which could have given life:
then no doubt righteousness should have come by the law: but the scripture
concluded all things under sin, that the promise by the faith of Iesus Christ,
should be given unto them that believe. Before that faith came, we were kept
and shut up under the law, unto the faith which should afterward be declared.
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster unto
the time of Christ, that we might be made righteous by faith. But after that
faith is come, now are we no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the
sons of God, by the faith which is in Christ Iesus. For all ye that are
baptised, have put Christ on you. Now is there no Iewe, neither greek: there is
neither bond, neither free: there is neither man, neither woman: for all are
one thing in Christ Iesu. If ye be Christe's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and
heirs by promise.
The
.iiij. Chapter.
And I say that the heir as long as he is a
child differeth not from a servant, though he be lord of all, but is under
tutors and governors, until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, as
long as we were children, were in bondage under the ordinances of the world: But
when the time was full come, God sent his son born of a woman, and made bond
unto the law, to redeem them which were under the law: that we thorow election
should receive the inheritance that belongeth unto the natural sons. Because ye
are sons, God hath sent the spirit of his son into our hearts, which crieth
Abba father. Wherefore now art thou not a servant, but a son. If thou be the
son, thou art also the heir of God thorow Christ.
Notwithstanding, when ye knew not God, ye
did service unto them, which by nature were no goddes: But now seeing ye know
God (yee rather are known of God) how is it that ye turn again unto the weak
and beggarly ceremonies, whereunto again ye desire afresh to be in bondage? Ye
observe the days, and months, and times, and years. I fear of you, lest I have
bestowed on you labour in vain.
Brethren I beseech you, be ye as I am: for
I am as ye are. Ye have not hurt me. Ye know well how that thorow infirmity of
the flesh, I preached the gospell unto you at the first: and my temptation
which I suffered by reason of my flesh, ye despised not, neither abhorred: but
received me as an Angel of God: yee as Christ Iesus. How happy were ye then?
for I bear you record that if it had been possible, ye would have digged out
your own eyes, and have given them to me. Am I so greatly become your enemy,
because I tell you the truth?
They are jealous over you amiss. Yee they
intend to exclude you that ye should be fervent to themward. It is good always
to be fervent, so it be in a good thing, and not only when I am present with
you.
My little children (of whom I travail in
birth again until Christ be fashioned in you) I would I were with you now, and
could change my voice, for I stand in a doubt of you. Tell me ye that desire to
be under the law: have ye not heard of the law? For it is written that Abraham
had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a free woman. Yee and he
which was of the bondwoman, was born was born after the flesh: but he which was
of the freewoman, was born by promise. Which things betoken mystery. For these
women are two testaments, the one from the mount Sina, which gendreth unto
bondage, which is Agar. (For mount Sinai is called Agar in Arabia, and
bordereth upon the city which is now Ierusalem) and is in bondage with her
children.
But Ierusalem, which is above, is free:
which is the mother of us all. For it is written: rejoice thou barren, that
bearest no children: break forth and cry, thou that travailest not. For the
desolate hath many more children, than she which hath an husband. Brethren we
are after the manner of Isaac children of promise: But as then he that was born
carnally, persecuted him that was born spiritually, Even so is it now.
Nevertheless what saith the scripture: Cast a way the bondwoman and her son.
For the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the free woman.
So then brethren we are not children of the bondwoman: but of the freewoman.
The .v.
Chapter.
Stand
fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and wrap not
yourselves again in the yoke of bondage. Be hold I Paul say unto you, that if
ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing at all. I testify again to
every man which is circumcised that he is bound to keep the whole law. Ye are
gone quite from Christ as many as are justified by the law, and are fallen from
grace. We look for and hope to be justified by the spirit which commeth of
faith. For in Iesu Christ, neither is circumcision anything worth, neither yet
uncircumcision, but faith which by love is mighty in operation. Ye did run
well. Who was a lett unto you, that ye should not obey the truth? Even that
counsel that is not of him that called you. A little leaven doth leaven the
whole lump of dough.
I have trust toward you in God, that ye
will be none otherwise minded. He that troubleth you shall bear his judgement,
whatsoever he be. Brethren if I yet preach circumcision: why do I then yet
suffer persecution? For then had the offense which the cross giveth ceased. I
would to God they were sundered from you which trouble you. Brethren ye were
called into liberty, only let not your liberty be an occasion unto the flesh
but in love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, which
is this: Thou shalt love thine neighbour as thyself. If ye bite and devour one
another: take heed lest ye be consumed one of another.
I say walk in the spirit, and fulfil not
the lusts of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth contrary to the spirit, and the
spirit contrary to the flesh. These are contrary one to the other, so that ye
cannot do that which ye would. But and if ye be led of the spirit, then are ye
not under the law. The deeds of the flesh are manifest, which are these,
advoutry, fornication, uncleanness, wantonness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred,
lawyinge, zeal, wrath, strife, sedition, parte takings, envying, murder,
drunkenness, gluttony, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have
told you in time past, that they which commit such things shall not be
inheritors the kingdom of God: but the fruit of spirit is, love, joy, peace,
longsuffering gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, temperancy: Against
such there is no law. They that are Christi's, have crucified the flesh with
the appetites and lusts. If we live in the spirit let us walk in the spirit.
Let us not be vain glorious, provoking one another, and envying one another.
The .vj.
Chapter.
Brethren, if any man be fallen by chance
into any fault: ye which are spiritual, help to amend him, in the spirit of
meekness: considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's
burden: and so fulfil the law of Christ. If a man seem to himself that he is
somewhat when indeed he is nothing, the same deceiveth himself in his imagination.
Let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in his own
self, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden.
Let him that is taught in the word,
minister unto him that teacheth him in all good things. Be not deceived, God is
not mocked. For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he reap. He that soweth in
his flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption: but he that soweth in the spirit
shall, of the spirit reap life everlasting. Let us do good, and let us not faint.
For when the time is come we shall reap without weariness. While we have
therefore time let us do good unto all men, and specially, unto them which are
of the household of faith.
Behold how large a letter I have written
unto you with mine own hand. As many as desire with utward appearance to please
carnally, they constrain you to be circumcised, only because they would not
suffer persecution with the cross of Christ. For they them selves which are
circumcised keep not the law: but desire to have you circumcised that they
might rejoice in your flesh. God forbid that I should rejoice but in the cross
of our lord Iesu Christ, whereby the world is crucified as touching me, and I
as concerning the world. For in Christ Iesu nether circumcision availeth any
thing at all nor uncircumcision: but a new creature. And as many as walk
according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon Israhel that
pertaineth to God. From hence forth, let no man put me to business. For I bear
in my body the marks of the lord Iesu. Brethren the grace of our lord Iesu
Christe be with your spirit, Amen.
Unto the
Galathyans written from Rome.
The
pistel of S. Paul to the Ephesians.
The first
Chapter.
Paul an apostle of Iesu Christ, by the will
of God.
To the saints at Ephesus, and to them which
believe on Iesus Christ.
Grace be with you and peace from God our
father, and from the lord Iesus Christ.
Blessed be God the father of our lord Iesus
Christ, which hath blessed us with all manner of spiritual blessings in
heavenly things by Christ, according as he had chosen us in him thorow love,
before the foundation of the world was laid, that we should be saints, and
without blame in his sight. And ordained us before unto him self that we should
be chosen to heirs thorow Iesus Christ, according to the pleasure of his will,
to the praise his glorious grace, where with he hath made us accepted in the
beloved.
By whom we have redemption thorow his
blood, that is to say the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his
grace, which grace he shed on us abundantly in all wisdom, and prudency. And
hath opened unto us the mystery of his will according to his pleasure, and
purposed the same in himself to have it declared when the time were full come,
that all things, both the things which are in heaven, and also the things which
are in earth, should be gathered together, even in Christ: that is to say in
him in whom we are made heirs, and were thereto predestinate according to the
purpose of him which worketh all things after the purpose of his own will: that
we should be unto the praise of his glory, which before hoped in Christ.
In whom also ye (after that ye heard the
word of truth, I mean the gospell of your health, wherein ye believed) were
sealed with the holy spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our
inheritance, to redeem the possession purchased unto the laud of his glory.
Wherefore even I (after that I heard of the
faith which ye have in the lord Iesu, and love unto all the saints) cease not
to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers, that the God of
our lord Iesus Christ, and the father of glory, might give unto you the spirit
of wisdom, and open to you the knowledge of himself, and lighten the eyes of
your minds, that ye might know what thing that hope is, whereunto he hath
called you, and how glorious the riches of his inheritance is upon the saints,
and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward, which believe
according to the working of that his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ,
when he raised him from death, and set him on his right hand in heavenly
things, above all rule, power, and might, and domination, and above all names
that are named, not in this world only, but also in the world to come. And hath
put all things under his feet, and hath made him above all things, the head of
the congregation, which is his body, and fullness of him, that filleth all in
all things.
The .ij.
Chapter.
And hath quickened you also that were dead
in trespass and sin, in the which in time passed ye walked, according to the
course of this world, and after the governor, that ruleth in the air, the
spirit that now worketh in the children of unbelief, among which we also had
our conversation in time past, in the lusts of our flesh, and fulfilled the
will of the flesh, and of the mind: and were naturally the children of wrath,
even as well as other.
But God which is rich in mercy thorow his
great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead by sin, hath quickened
us with Christ (For by grace are ye saved) and with him hath raised us up, and
with him hath made us sit in heavenly things, thorow Iesus Christ, For to shew
in times to come the exceeding riches of his grace, in kindness to usward,
thorow Christ Iesus. For by grace are ye made safe thorow faith, and that not
of your selves: For it is the gift of God, and cometh not of works, lest any
man should boast himself. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Iesu
unto good works, unto the which God ordained us before, that we should walk in
them.
Wherefore remember that ye being in time
past gentiles in the flesh, and were called uncircumcision of them which are
called circumcision in the flesh, which circumcision is made by hands: Remember
I say, that ye were at that time without Christ, and were reputed aliens from
the common wealth of Israhel, and were fremed from the testaments of promise,
and had no hope, and were without God in this world. But now in Christ Iesu, ye
which a while ago were far off, are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
For he is our peace, which hath made of
both one, and hath broken down the wall in the midst, that was a stop between
us, and hath also put away thorow his flesh, the cause of hatred (that is to
say, the law of commandments contained in the law written,) for to make of
twain one new man in himself, so making peace: and to reconcile both unto God
in one body thorow his cross, and slew hatred thereby: and came and preached
peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For thorow him we
both have an open way in, in one spirit unto the father.
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and
foreigners: but citizens with the saints, and of the household of God: and are
built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Iesus Christ being the
head cornerstone, in whom every building coupled together, groweth unto an holy
temple in the lord, in whom ye also are built together, and made an habitation
for God in the spirit.
The .iij.
Chapter.
For this cause I Paul the servant of Iesus
am in bonds, For your sakes which are gentiles. If ye have heard of the
ministration of the grace of God which is given me to youward: For by
revelation shewed he this mystery unto me, as I wrote above in few words,
whereby, when ye read ye may know mine understanding in the ministry of Christ,
which mystery in times passed was not opened unto the sons of men as it is now
declared unto his holy apostles and prophets by the spirit: that the gentiles
should be inheritors also, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise
that is in Christ, by the means of the gospell, whereof I am made a minister,
by the gift of the grace of God given unto me, after the working of his power.
Unto me the least of all saints is this
grace given, that I should preach among the gentiles the unsearchable riches of
Christ, and to give light to all men, that they might know what is the
fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid
in God which made all things thorow Iesus Christ, to the intent, that now unto
the rulers and powers in heaven might be known by the congregation the manyfold
wisdom of God, according to that eternal purpose, which he purposed in Christ
Iesu our lord, by whom we are bold to draw nigh in that trust, which we have by
faith on him. Wherefore I desire, that ye faint not because of mine
tribulations which I suffer for you: which is your praise.
For this cause I bow my knees unto the father
of our lord Iesus Christ, which is father over all that is called father In
heaven and in earth, that he would grant you according to the riches of his
glory, that ye may be strengthened with might by his spirit in the inner man,
that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, that ye being rooted and
grounded in love, might be able to comprehend with all saints, what is that
breadth and length, depth and height: and to know what is the love of Christ,
which love passeth knowledge: that ye might be fulfilled with all manner of
fullness which cometh of God.
Unto him that is able to do exceeding
abundantly, above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh
in us, be praise in the congregation by Iesus Christ, thorow out all generations
from time to time. Amen.
The
.iiij. Chapter.
I therefore which am in bonds for the
lord's sake exhort you, that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are
called, in all humbleness of mind, and meekness, and long suffering, forbearing
one another thorow love, and that ye be diligent to keep the unity of the
spirit in the bond of peace, being one body, and one spirit, even as ye are
called in one hope of your calling. Let there be but one lord, one faith, one
baptism: one God and father of all, which is above all, thorow all, and in you
all.
Unto every one of us is given grace
according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith: He is gone
up on high, and hath led captivity captive, and hath given gifts unto men. That
he ascended: what meaneth it, but that he also descended first into the lowest
parts of the earth? He that descended, is even the same also that ascended up,
even above all heavens, to fulfil all things.
And the very same, made some Apostles, some
prophets, some Evangelists, some Shepherds, some Teachers: that the saints
might have all things necessary to work and minister withall, to the edifying
of the body of Christ, till we everyone (in the unity of faith, and knowledge
of the son of God) grow up unto a perfect man, after the measure of age which
is in the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children wavering
and carried with every wind of doctrine, by the wiliness of men and craftiness,
whereby they lay a wait for us to deceive us.
But let us follow the truth in love, and in
all things grow in him which is the head, that is to say Christ, in whom all
the body is coupled and knit together, in every joint, wherewith one
ministereth to another (according to the operation as every part hath his
measure) and increaseth the body, unto the edifying of itself in love.
This I say herefore, and testify in the
lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other gentiles walk, in vanities of their
mind, blinded in their understanding, being strangers from the life which is in
God, thorow the ignorancy that is in them, because of the blindness of their
hearts: which being past repentance have given themselves unto wantonness, to
work all manner of uncleanness even with greediness. But ye have not so learned
Christ, If so be ye have heard of him, and are taught in him, even as the truth
is in Iesu: so then as concerning the conversation in time past, lay from you
that old man, which is corrupt thorow the deceivable lusts, and be ye renewed
in the spirit of your minds, and put on that new man, which after a godly wise,
is shapen in righteousness, and true holiness. Wherefore put away lying, and
speak every man truth unto his neighbor, for as much as we are members one of
another. Be angry, but sin not: let not the son go down upon your wrath, give
no place unto the backbiter, let him that stole steal no more, but let him
rather labour with his hands some good thing, that he may have to give unto him
that needeth.
Let no filthy communication proceed out of
your mouths: but that which is good to edify withall, when need is: that it may
have favour with the hearers. And grieve not the holy spirit of God, by whom ye
are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, fierceness and
wrath, roaring and cursed speaking, be put away from you, with all
maliciousness. Be ye courteous one to another, be merciful forgiving one
another, even as God for Christe's sake forgave you.
The .v.
Chapter.
Be ye followers of God as dear children,
and walk in love even as Christ loved us, and gave himself for us, an offering
and a sacrifice of a sweet savour to God. So that fornication, and all
uncleanness, or covetousness, be not once, named among you, as it becometh
saints: neither filthiness, neither foolish talking, neither jestings, which
are not comely: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no
whoremonger, either unclean person, or covetous person (which is the worshipper
of images) hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ, and of God.
Let no man deceive you with vain words. For
thorow such things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of unbelief. Be
not therefore companions with them. Ye were once darkness, but are now light in
the lord.
Walk as children of light. For the fruit of
the spirit is, in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. Accept that which is
pleasing to the lord: and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of
darkness: but rather rebuke them. For it is shame even to name those things
which are done of them in secret: but all things, when they are rebuked of the
light, are manifest. For whatsoever is manifest, that same is light. Wherefore
he saith: awake thou that sleepest, and stand up from death, and Christ shall
give thee light.
Take heed therefore that ye walk
circumspectly: not as fools: but as wise, redeeming the time: for the days are
evil: wherefore, be ye not unwise, but understand what the will of the lord is,
and be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess: but be fulfilled with the
spirit, speaking unto yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs,
singing and playing to the lord in your hearts, giving thanks allways for all
things in the name of our lord Iesu Christ to God the father: submitting
yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
Women submit yourselves unto your own
husbands, as unto the lord. For the husband is the wife's head, even as Christ
is the head of the congregation, and the same is the saviour of the body.
Therefore as the congregation is in subjection to Christ, likewise let the
wives be in subjection to their husbands in all things. Husbands love your
wives, even as Christ loved the congregation, and gave himself for it, to
sanctify it, and cleansed it in the fountain of water thorow the word, to make
it unto himself, a glorious congregation without spot, or wrinkle, or any such
thing: but that it should be holy and without blame.
So ought men to love their wives, as their
own bodies. He that loveth his wife, loveth himself. For no man ever yet, hated
his own flesh: But nourisheth, and cherisheth it: even as the lord doth the
congregation: for we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall continue with his
wife, and two shall be made one flesh. This is a great secret, but I speak
between Christ and the congregation. Nevertheless do ye so that every one of
you love his wife truly even as himself: And let the wife see that she fear her
husband.
The .vj.
Chapter.
Children obey your fathers and mothers in
the lord: for so is it right. Honour father and mother, that is the first
commandment that hath any promise, that thou mayst be in good estate, and live
long on the earth. Fathers, move not your children to wrath: but bring them up
with the nurture and information of the lord. Servants be obedient unto your
carnal masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your hearts, as unto
Christ: not with service in the eye sight, as men pleasers: but as the servants
of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart with good will, even as though
ye served the lord, and not men. And remember that whatsoever good thing any
man doeth, that shall he receive again of the lord, whether he be bond or free.
And ye masters, do even the same things unto them, putting away threatenings:
and remember that even your master also is in heaven, neither is there any
respect of person with him.
Finally, my brethren be strong in the lord,
and in the power of his might. Put on the armour of God, that ye may stand
steadfast against the crafty assaults of the devil. For we wrestle not against
flesh and blood: but against rule, against power, and against worldly rulers of
the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in heavenly things.
For this cause take unto you the armour of
God, that ye may be able to resist in the evil day, and to stand perfect in all
things.
Stand therefore and your loins gird about
with verity, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and shod with shoes
prepared by the gospell of peace. Above all take to you the shield of faith,
wherewith ye may quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet
of health, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God, and pray always
with all manner prayer and supplication: and that in the spirit: and watch
thereunto with all instance and supplication for all saints, and for me, that
utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to utter the
secrets of the gospell, whereof I am a messenger in bonds, that therein I may
speak freely, as it becometh me to speak.
But that ye may also know that condition I
am in, and what I do, Tichicus my dear brother and faithful minister in the
lord, shall shew you of all things, whom I sent unto you for the same purpose,
that ye might know what case I stand in, and that he might comfort your hearts.
Peace be with the brethren, and love with
faith from God the father, and from the lord Iesu Christ. Grace be with all
them which love our lord Iesus Christ in pureness, Amen.
Sent from
Rome unto the Ephesyans by Tichicus.
The
pistel of S. Paul to the Philippians
The first
Chapter.
Paul and
Timotheus the servants of Iesu Christ. To all the saints in Christ Iesu which
are at Philippos, with the bishops and deacons.
Grace be with you and peace from God our
father, and from the lord Iesus Christe.
I thank my God with all remembrance of you,
always in all my prayers for you all, and pray with gladness, because of the
fellowship which ye have in the gospell from the first day unto now, and am
surely certified of this, that he which began a good work in you shall perform
it until the day of Iesus Christ, as it becometh me so to judge of you all,
because I have you in my heart, and have you also every one companions of grace
with me, even in my bonds as I defend, and stablish the gospell.
God beareth me record how greatly I long
after you all from the very heart root in Iesus Christ. And this I pray, that
your love may increase more and more in knowledge, and in all fealing, that ye
might accept things most excellent, that ye might be pure and such as should
hurt no man's conscience, until the day of Christ, filled with the fruits of
righteousness, which fruits come by Iesus Christ unto the glory and laud of
God.
I would ye understood brethren that my
business is happened unto the greater furthering of the gospell. So that my
bonds in Christ are manifest thorow out all the judgement hall: and in all other
places, In so much that many of the brethren in the lord are boldened thorow my
bonds, and dare more largely speak the word without fear. Some there are which
preach Christ of envy and strife, and some of goodwill. The one part preacheth
Christ of strife, and not purely, supposing to add more adversity to my bonds.
The other part of love, because they see that I am set to defend to gospell.
What thing is this? Notwithstanding by all
manner ways, whether it be by occasion or of truth, yet Christ is preached: and
therefore I joy. Yee and will joy. For I know that this shall be for my health,
thorow your prayer, and ministering of the spirit of Iesu Christ, as I heartily
look for and hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed: but that with all confidence,
as always in times past, even so now Christ shall be magnified in my body,
whether it be thorow life, or else death. For Christ is to me life, and death
is to me advantage.
If it chance me to live in the flesh, that
is to me fruitful for to work, and what to choose I wot not. I am constrained
of two things: I desire to be lowsed, and to be with Christ, which thing is
best of all: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And
this am I sure of, that I shall abide, and with you all continue, for the
furtherance and joy of your faith, that ye may more abundantly rejoice in Iesus
Christ thorow me, by my coming to you again.
Only let your conversation be, as it
becometh the gospell of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be
absent, I may yet hear of you, that ye continue in one spirit, and in one soul
laboring as we do to maintain the faith of the gospell, and in nothing fearing
your adversaries: which is to them a token of perdition, and to you a sign of
health, and that of God. For unto you it is given, that not only ye should
believe on Christ: but also suffer for his sake, and have even the same fight
which ye saw me have and now hear of me.
The .ij.
Chapter.
If there be among you any consolation in
Christ, if there be any comfortable love, if there be any fellowship of the
spirit, if there be any compassion of mercy: fulfil my joy, that ye draw one
way, having one love, being of one accord, and of one mind, that nothing be
done thorow strife or vain glory, but in meekness of mind. Let every person
think every other man better than himself, so that ye consider every man, not
what is in himself: But what is in other men.
Let the same mind be in you the which was
in Christ Iesu: Which being in the shape of God, and thought it not robbery to
be equal with God. Nevertheless he made himself of no reputation, and took on
him the shape of a servant, and became like unto men, and was found in his
apparel as a man. He humbled himself and became obedient unto the death, even
the death of the cross. Wherefore God hath exalted him, and given him a name
above all names: that in the name of Iesus should every knee bow, both of
things in heaven, and things in earth and things under earth, and that all
tongues should confess that Iesus Christ is the lord unto the praise of God the
father.
Wherefore my dearly beloved, as ye have
always obeyed, not when I was present only, but now much more in mine absence,
even so perform your own health with fear and trembling. For it is God which
worketh in you, both the will and also the deed, even of good will.
Do all thinge without murmuring and
disputing, that ye may be faultless, and pure, and the sons of God, without
rebuke, in the midst of a crooked, and a perverse nation, among which see that
ye shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, unto my
rejoicing in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither have
laboured in vain. Yee and though I be offered up on your sacrifice and of your serving
of God in the faith: I rejoice and rejoice with you all. For the same cause
also, rejoice ye, and rejoice ye with me.
I trust in the lord Iesus for to send
Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know
what case ye stand in. For I have no man that is so like minded to me, which
with so pure affection careth for your matters. For all others seek their own,
and not that which is Iesus Christe's. Ye know the proof of him, how that as a
son with the father, so with me bestowed he his labour upon the gospell. Him I
hope to send as soon as I know how it will go with me. I trust in the lord that
I also myself shall come shortly.
I supposed it necessary to send brother
Epaphreditus unto you, my companion in labour and fellowsoldier, your Apostle,
and my minister at my needs. For he longed after you, and was full of
heaviness, because that ye had heard say that he should be sick, and no doubt
he was sick, and that nigh unto death, but God had mercy on him: not on him only,
but on me also, lest I should have had sorrow upon sorrow.
I sent him therefore the diligentlier, that
when ye should see him, ye might rejoice again, and I might be the less
sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the lord with all gladness, and make much
of such: because that for the work of Christ he went so far, that he was nigh
unto death, and regarded not his life, to fulfil that service which was lacking
on your part toward me.
The .iij.
Chapter.
Moreover brethren mine, rejoice in the
lord. It grieveth me not to write the very same things unto you. For to you it
is a sure thing. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers. Beware of dissension:
For we are circumcision which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ
Iesu, and have no confidence in the flesh: though I have whereof I might
rejoice in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might
trust in the flesh: much more I: circumcised the eighth day, of the kindred of
Israhell, of the tribe of Benjamin an Hebrew born of the Hebrews: as concerning
the law, a Pharisee, and as concerning ferventness I persecuted the
congregation, and as touching the righteousness which is in the law I was such
a one as no man could complain on.
But the things that were winning unto me I
counted loss for Christe's sake. Yee I think all things but loss for that
excellent knowledge's sake of Christ Iesu my lord. For whom I have counted all
thing loss, and do judge them but dung, that I might win Christ, and might be
found in him, not having mine own righteousness which is of the law: But that
which springeth of the faith which is in Christ. I mean the righteousness which
cometh of God thorow faith in knowing him, and the virtue of his resurrection,
and the fellowship of his passions, that I might be conformable unto his death,
if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection from death.
Not as though I had all ready received it,
either were all ready perfect: but I follow, if that I may comprehend that,
wherein I am comprehended of Christ Iesu. Brethren I count not myself that I
have gotten it: but one thing I say: I forget that which is behind me, and
stretch myself unto that which is before me and press unto that mark appointed,
to obtain the reward of the high calling of God in Christ Iesu. Let us
therefore as many as be perfect be thus wise minded: and if ye be other wise
minded, I pray God open even this unto you. Nevertheless in that whereunto we
are come, let us proceed by one rule, that we may be of one accord.
Brethren be followers of me, and look on them
which walk even so, as ye have us for an ensample. For many walk (of whom I
have told you often, and now tell you weeping) that they are the enemies of the
cross of Christ, whose end is damnation, whose God is their belly and glory to
their shame, which are worldly minded. But our conversation is in heaven, from
whence we look for the saviour Iesus Christ, which shall change into another
fashion our vile bodies, that they may be fashioned like unto his glorious
body, according to the working whereby he is able to subdue all things unto
himself.
The
.iiij. Chapter.
Herefore brethren dearly beloved and longed
for, my joy and crown, so continue beloved in the lord. I pray Euodias, and
beseech Sintiches that they be of one accord in the lord. Yee and I beseech
thee faithful yokefellow, help the women which laboured with me in the gospell,
and with Clement also, and with other my labourfellows, whose names are in the
book of life. Rejoice in the lord alway, and again I say rejoice. Let your
softness be known unto all men. The lord is even at hand. Be not carefull: but
in all things shew your petition unto God in prayer and supplication with
giving of thanks. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding keep
your hearts, and minds in Christ Iesu.
Furthermore brethren, whatsoever things are
true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever
things are pure, whatsoever things pertain to love, whatsoever things are of
honest report, if there be any virtuous thing, if there be any laudable thing,
those same have ye in your mind, which ye have both learned and received, heard
and also seen in me: those things do, and the God of peace shall be with you. I
rejoice in the lord greatly, that now at the last ye are revived, and are waxed
mindfull of me again in that wherein ye were also mindfull, but ye lacked
opportunity. I speak not because of necessity. For I have learned in whatsoever
estate I am, therewith to be content. I can both cast down myself, I can also
exceed. Everywhere, and in all things I am instructed, both to be full, and to
be hungry: to have plenty, and to suffer need. I can do all things thorow the
help of Christ, which strengtheneth me. Notwithstanding ye have well done, that
ye bare part with me in my tribulation.
Ye of Philippos know that in the beginning
of the gospell, when I departed from Macedonia, no congregation bare part with
me as concerning giving and receiving but ye only. For when I was in Thessalonica,
ye sent once, and afterward again, unto my needs: not that I desire gifts: but
I desire abundant fruit on your part. I received all, and have plenty. I was
even filled after that I had received of Epaphroditus, that which came from
you, an odor that smelleth sweet, a sacrifice accepted and pleasant to God. My
God fulfil all your needs thorow his glorious riches in Iesu Christ.
Unto God and our father be praise for ever
more Amen. Salute all the saints in Christ Iesu. The brethren which are with me
greet you. All the saints salute you: and most of all they which are of the
emperors household. The grace of our lord Iesu Christ be with you all
Amen.
Sent from
Rome by Epaphroditus.
The
pistel of S. Paul to the Collossians
The first
Chapter.
Paul an apostle of Iesu Christ by the will
of God, and brother Timotheus.
To the saints which are at Colossa, and
brethren that believe in Christ.
Grace be with you and peace from God our
father, and from the lord Iesu Christ.
We give thanks to God the father of our
lord Iesus Christ always praying for you in our prayers, since we heard of your
faith which ye have in Christ Iesu: and of the love which ye bear to all saints
for the hope's sake which is laid up in store for you in heaven, of which hope
ye have heard by the true word of the gospell, which is come unto you, even as
it is into all the world, and is fruitful as it is among you, from the first
day in the which ye heard of it, and had experience in the grace of God in the
truth, as ye learned of Epaphra our dear fellow servant, which is for you a
faithful minister in Christ, which also declared unto us your love, which ye
have in the spirit.
For this cause we also, since the day we
heard of it have not ceased praying for you, and desiring that ye might be
fulfilled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual
understanding, that ye might walk worthy of the lord in all things that please,
being fruitful in all good works and increasing in the knowledge of God
strengthed with all might, thorow his glorious power, unto all patience, and
long suffering, with joyfulness, giving thanks into the father which hath made
us meet to be part takers of the inheritance of saints in light.
Which hath delivered us from the power of
darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear son, in whom we
have redemption thorow his blood, that is to say, forgiveness of sins, which is
the image of the invisible God, first begotten before all creatures: for by him
were all things created, things that are in heaven, and things that are in
earth: things visible, and things invisible: whether they be majesty or
lordship, either rule or power. All things are created by him, and in him, and
he is before all things, and in him all things have their being.
And he is the head of the body, that is to
wit of the congregation, he is the beginning and first begotten of the dead,
that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the father
that in him should all fullness dwell, and by him to reconcile all thinge unto
himself, and to set at peace by him thorow the blood of his cross both things
in heaven and things in earth.
And you (which were in times past strangers
and enemies, because your minds were set in evil works) hath he now reconciled
in the body of his flesh thorow death, to make you holy, and such as no man
could complain on, and without fault in his own sight, if ye continue grounded
and stablished in the faith, and be not moved away from the hope of the
gospell, whereof ye have heard, how that it is preached among all creatures,
which are under heaven, whereof I Paul am made a minister.
Now joy I in my passions which I suffer for
you, and fulfil that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh
for his body's sake, which is the congregation, whereof am I made a minister
according to the ordinance of God, which ordinance was given me unto you ward,
to fulfil the word of God, that mystery hid since the world began, and since
the beginning of generations: But now is opened to his saints, to whom God
would make known the glorious riches of this mystery among the gentiles, which
riches is Christ in you, the hope of glory, whom we preach warning all men, and
teaching all men in all wisdom, to make all men perfect in Christ Iesu: Wherein
I also labour and strive, even as far forth as his working worketh in me
mightily.
The
second Chapter.
I would ye knew what fighting I have for
your sakes and for them of Laodicia, and for as many as have not seen my person
in the flesh, that their hearts might be comforted and knit together in love,
and in all riches of full understanding, for to know the mystery of God the
father and of Christ in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
This I say lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. For though I be
absent in the flesh, yet am I present with you in the spirit joying and
beholding the order that ye keep, and your steadfast faith in Christ. As ye have
therefore received Christ Iesu the lord, even so walk rooted and built in him,
and steadfast in the faith, as ye have learned: and therin be plenteous in
giving thanks.
Beware lest any man come and spoil you
thorow philosophy and deceitful vanity, thorow the traditions of men, and
ordinances after the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the
fullness of the Godhead bodily, and ye are full in him, which is the head of
all rule and power, in whom also ye are circumcised with circumcision made
without hands, by putting off the sinful body off the flesh, thorow the
circumcision that is in Christ, in that ye are buried with him thorow baptism,
in whom ye are also risen again thorow faith, that is wrought by the operation
of God which raised him from death.
And hath with him quickened you also which
were dead in sin in the uncircumcision of your flesh, and hath forgiven our
trespasses, and hath put out the obligation that was against us, made in the
law written, and that hath he taken out of the way, and hath fastened it on his
cross, and hath spoiled rule and power, and hath made a shew of them openly,
and hath triumphed over them in his own person.
Let no man therefore trouble your
consciences about meat and drink: or for a piece of an holyday, as the holyday
of the new moon or of the saboth daye, which are nothing but shadows of things
to come: but the body is in Christ. Let no man make you shoot at a wrong mark,
which after his own imagination walketh in the humbleness and holiness of
angels, things which he never saw: causeless puffed up with his fleshly mind,
and holdeth not the head, whereof all the body by joints and couples receiveth
nourishment, and is knit together, and increaseth with the increasing that
cometh of God.
Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from doctrine of the world: Why as