Part VII. The Great Galilean Ministry

Probablya Autumn of A.D. 27 to Spring of 29

(Apparently about a year and a half)

§§ 37-71. Great fulness of detail in Mark for this period and condensed report in Luke while Matthew is chiefly topical in this portion. Mark's Gospel plunges at once into the Great Galilean Ministry (cf. Peter's summary of Christ's life in Acts 10:36-43 to the household of Cornelius). The mass of material makes clear grouping difficult, but there is progressb in the development of events.

1. The Rejection at Nazareth and the New Home in Capernaum, §§ 37-43.

2. The First Tour of Galilee with the Four Fishermen and the Call of Matthew (Levi) on the Return with the Growing Fame of Jesus, §§ 44-48.

3. The Sabbath Controversy in Jerusalem and in Galilee, §§ 49-51.

4. The Choice of the Twelve and the Sermon on the Mount, §§ 52-54.

5. The Spread of Christ's Influence and the Inquiry from John in Prison, §§ 55-59.

6. The Second Tour of Galilee (now with the Twelve) and the Intense Hostility of the Pharisees, §§ 60-63.

7. The First Great Group of Parables with the Visit to Gerasa (Khersa) and to Nazareth (final one), §§ 64-69.

8. The Third Tour of Galilee (Following the Twelve) and the Effect on Herod Antipas, §§ 70-71.

a We cannot confidently determine the length of the ministry in Galilee. We are not sure whether it began in summer or late autumn (see footnote 7 in Explanatory Notes at end of Harmony). If the feast of John 5:1 was a passover or there is an unknown passover, the Galilean ministry lasted at least sixteen months, for it ended when another passover was near (John 6:4). Otherwise we should not certainly know that it lasted more than some six or eight months. About the two subsequent periods of our Lord's ministry we shall find no room to question that each lasted six months; but here we have to admit much uncertainty as to the time. After all, a determination of the time employed would be a matter of very little importance to our study of this period. But the immense amount of material in this period argues for a length of over a year.

b Throughout this great ministry in Galilee, and the periods that will follow after, the reader ought to trace carefully the progress of the history along several lines: (1) the Saviour's progressive self-manifestation; (2) the gradual training of the Twelve who are to carry on his teaching and work after his death; (3) the deepening and spreading hostility of the Jewish influential classes and official rulers. By constantly observing these parallel lines of progress, it will be seen that the history and teachings of our Lord exhibit a vital growth, moving on to an end by him foreseen (Luke 12:50), when the hostility of the rulers will culminate as he before the Sanhedrin avows himself to be the Messiah, and the Twelve will be almost prepared to succeed him.

§ 37. General Account of His Teaching in Galilee

Mark 1:14-15 Matt. 4:17 Luke 4:14-15

14 [Now after that
John was delivered
up, Jesus came into
Galilee], preaching
the gospel of God,
15 and saying, The
time is fulfilled, and
the kingdom of God
is at hand: repent
ye, and believe in
the gospel. 17 From that time
began Jesus to preach,
and to say, Repent
ye; for the kingdom
of heaven is at hand. 14 [And Jesus returned
in the power of
[see John 4:3, ] the
Spirit into Galilee]:
and a fame went out
concerning him
through all the region
round about. 15 And
he taught in their
synagogues, being
glorified of all.

In sections 38-43 (the Rejection at Nazareth and the New Home in Capernaum) Jesus revisits Cana and Nazareth, recalls the four fishermen by the Sea of Galilee, and begins his ministry of teaching and healing in Capernaum.

§ 38. The Healing at Cana of the Son of a Courtier of Capernaum

John 4:46-54

46 He came therefore again unto Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son; for he was at the point of death. 48 Jesus therefore said unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will in no wise believe. 49 The nobleman saith unto him. Sir, come down ere my child die. 50 Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. The man believed the word that Jesus spake unto him, and he went his way. 51 And as he was now going down, his servants met him, saying, that his son lived. 52 So he inquired of them the hour when he began to amend. They said therefore unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. 53 So the father knew that it was at that hour in which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house. 54 This is again the second sign that Jesus did, having come out of Judea into Galilee.

Or, king's officer.

Or, Lord.

Gr. bondservants.

§ 39. The First Rejection at Nazareth

Luke 4:16-31

16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and he entered, as his custom was, into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up to read. 17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Isaiah. And he opened the book, and found the place where it was written,

18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,

Because he anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor:

He hath sent me to proclaim release to the captives,

And recovering of sight to the blind,

To set at liberty them that are bruised,

19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord [see Isa. 58:6; 61:1-2].

20 And he closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down: and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 And he began to say unto them, To-day hath this scripture been fulfilled in your ears. 22 And all bare him witness, and wondered at the words of grace which proceeded out of his mouth: and they said, Is not this Joseph's son? 23 And he said unto them, Doubtless ye will say unto me this parable, Physician, heal thyself [see John 6:42; 7:15]: whatsoever we have heard done at Capernaum, do also here in thine own country. 24 And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is acceptable in his own country [see John 4:44]. 25 But of a truth I say unto you, There were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when there came a great famine over all the land [see 1 Kings 17:1; 18:1-2]; 26 and unto none of them was Elijah sent, but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow [see 1 Kings 17:8-9]. 27 And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian [see 2 Kings 5:1-14]. 28 And they were all filled with wrath in the synagogue, as they heard these things; 29 and they rose up, and cast him forth out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might throw him down headlong. 30 But he passing through the midst of them went his way. 31 And he came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee.

Or, a roll.

Or, roll.

Or, Wherefore.

Or, the gospel.

Gr. Sarepta.

§ 40. The New Home in Capernaum

Matt. 4:13-16

13 And leaving Nazareth,a he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali: 14 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet [see Isa. 8:23; 9:1-2], saying,

15 The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,

Toward the sea, beyond Jordan,

Galilee of the Gentiles,

16 The people which sat in darkness

Saw a great light,

And to them which sat in the region and shadow of death,

To them did light spring up.

Or, through.

Gr. The way of the sea.

Gr. nations: and so elsewhere.

a Nazareth was never the Saviour's residence during his public ministry. After the wedding at Cana he lived a short time at Capernaum, and henceforth that city will be his abode, till he leaves Galilee six months before the crucifixion—most of the time, however, being actually spent in several journeys throughout Galilee, together with a trip to Jerusalem, and retirement to districts around Galilee.

§ 41. Jesus Finds Four Fishers of Men in Four FISHERMENa

By the Sea of Galilee, near Capernaum

Mark 1:16-20 Matt. 4:18-22 Luke 5:1-11

16 And passing along
by the sea of Galilee,
he saw Simon and
Andrew the brother
of Simon casting a
net in the sea: for
they were fishers.
17 And Jesus said unto
them, Come ye after
me, and I will make
you to become fishers
of men. 18 And
straightway they left the
nets, and followed
him. 19 And going on
a little further, he
saw James the son of
Zebedee, and John
his brother, who also
were in the boat mending
the nets. 20 And
straightway he called
them: and they left
their father Zebedee
in the boat with the
hired servants, and
went after him. 18 And walking by
the sea of Galilee, he
saw two brethren,
Simon who is called
Peter, and Andrew
his brother, casting
a net into the sea;
for they were fishers.
19 And he saith unto
them, Come ye after
me, and I will make
you fishers of men.
20 And they straightway
left the nets, and
followed him. 21 And
going on from thence
he saw other two
brethren, James the
son of Zebedee, and
John his brother, in
the boat with Zebedee
their father, mending
their nets; and he
called them. 22 And they
straightway left the
boat and their father,
and followed him.a 1 Now it came to
pass, while the multitude
pressed upon
him and heard the
word of God, that he
was standing by the
lake of Gennesaret;
2 and he saw two boats
standing by the lake:
but the fishermen had
gone out of them, and
were washing their
nets. 3 And he entered
into one of the boats,
which was Simon's
and asked him to
put out a little from
the land. And he
sat down and taught
the multitudes out of
the boat. 4 And when
he had left speaking,
he said unto Simon,
Put out into the
deep, and let down
your nets for a
draught. 5 And Simon
answered and said,
Master, we toiled all
night, and took nothing:
but at thy word I will
let down the nets. 6 And
when they had this
done, they inclosed a
great multitude of
fishes; and their nets
were breaking; 7 and
they beckoned unto their
partners in the other
boat, that they should
come and help them.
And they came, and
filled both the boats, so
that they began to sink.
8 But Simon Peter, when
he saw it, fell down at
Jesus' knees, saying,
Depart from me; for I
am a sinful man, O
Lord. 9 For he was
amazed, and all that were
with him, at the draught
of the fishes which they
had taken; 10 and so were
also James and John,
sons of Zebedee, which
were partners with
Simon. And Jesus said
unto Simon, Fear not;
from henceforth thou
shalt catch men. 11 And
when they had brought
their boats to land, they
left all, and followed him.

Or, Jacob: and so elsewhere.

Gr. take alive.

a Three of these two pairs of brothers (Andrew and Peter, John and James) had already become disciples of Jesus at Bethany beyond Jordan (James probably soon afterwards), but now they leave their prosperous fish business and follow Jesus continuously as many business men since have given up a lucrative business for the ministry. They, along with Philip and Nathaniel, had been with Jesus in the early ministry (the year of obscurity).

§ 42. The Excitement in the Synagogue Because of the Teaching of Jesus and the Healing of a Demoniac on the Sabbath

Mark 1:21-28 Luke 4:31-37

21 And they go into Capernaum;
and straightway on the sabbath
day he entered into the synagogue
and taught. 22 And they
were astonished at his teaching:
for he taught them as having
authority, and not as the scribes.
23 And straightway there was in
their synagogue a man with an
unclean spirit; 24 and he cried out,
saying, What have we to do with
thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth?
art thou come to destroy us? I
know thee who thou art, the
Holy One of God. 25 And Jesus
rebuked him, saying, Hold thy
peace, and come out of him.
26 And the unclean spirit, tearing
him and crying with a loud voice,
came out of him. 27 And they were
all amazed, insomuch that they
questioned among themselves,
saying, What is this? a new teaching!
with authority he commandeth
even the unclean spirits, and
they obey him. 28 And the report of
him went out straightway
everywhere into all the region of
Galilee round about. 31 [And he came down to
Capernaum, a city of Galilee.] And
he was teaching them on the
sabbath day: 32 and they were
astonished at his teaching; for his
word was with authority. 33 And
in the synagogue there was a
man, which had a spirit of an
unclean devil; and he cried out
with a loud voice, 34 Ah! what
have we to do with thee, thou Jesus
of Nazareth? art thou come to
destroy us? I know thee who thou
art [see Ps. 16:10], the Holy One
of God.
35 And Jesus rebuked him, saying,
Hold thy peace, and come out of
him. And when the devil had
thrown him down in the midst, he
came out of him, having done him
no hurt. 36 And amazement came
upon all, and they spake together,
one with another, saying, What
is this word? for with authority
and power he commandeth the
unclean spirits, and they come
out. 37 And there went forth a
rumour concerning him into every
place of the region round about.

Or, it.

Or, convulsing.

Gr. demon.

Or, Let alone.

Or, this word, that with authority ... come out?

§ 43. He Heals Peter's Mother-in-Law and Many Others

At Capernaum, in Peter's Home

Mark 1:29-34 Matt. 8:14-17 Luke 4:38-41

29 And straightway
when they were come
out of the synagogue,
they came into the
house of Simon and
Andrew, with James
and John. 30 Now
Simon's wife's mother
lay sick of a fever;
and straightway they
tell him of her: 31 and
he came and took
her by the hand, and
raised her up; and
the fever left her,
and she ministered
unto them.
32 And at even, when
the sun did set,
they brought unto
him all that were
sick, and them that
were possessed with
devils. 33 And all the
city was gathered
together at the door.
34 And he healed many
that were sick with
divers diseases, and
cast out many devils;
and he suffered not
the devils to speak,
because they knew
him.

14 And when Jesus
was come into
Peter's house, he saw
his wife's mother
lying sick of a fever.
15 And he touched her
hand, and the fever
left her; and she
arose, and ministered
unto him.
16 And when even was
come, they brought
unto him many
possessed with devils:
and he cast out the
spirits with a word,
and healed all that
were sick: 17 that it
might be fulfilled
which was spoken
by Isaiah the prophet
[see Isa. 53:4], saying,
Himself took our
infirmities, and bare
our diseases.
38 And he rose up
from the synagogue,
and entered into the
house of Simon. And
Simon's wife's mother
was holden with a
great fever; and they
besought him for
her. 39 And he stood
over her, and rebuked
the fever; and it left
her: and immediately
she rose up and
ministered unto them.

40 And when the sun
was setting, all they
that had any sick
with divers diseases
brought them unto
him; and he laid his
hands on every one
of them, and healed
them. 41 And devils
also came out from
many, crying out, and
saying, Thou art the
Son of God. And
rebuking them, he
suffered them not to
speak, because they
knew that he was
the Christ.

Or, demoniacs.

Or, through.

Some ancient authorities read when he was come out of the synagogue, he came &c.

Gr. demons.

Many ancient authorities add to be Christ. See Luke 4:41.

In sections 44-52 Jesus makes his first tour of Galilee with the Four Fishermen whom he has now called to follow him continuously. On the return to Capernaum Matthew is called and various miracles arouse the enthusiasm of the multitudes and the hostility of the Pharisees to Christ's teachings.

§ 44. The First Tour of Galilee with the Four Fishermen

Mark 1:35-39 Matt. 4:23-25 Luke 4:42-44

35 And in the
morning, a great while
before day, he rose
up and went out,
and departed into a
desert place, and
there prayed. 36 And
Simon and they that
were with him followed
after him; 37 and
they found him, and
say unto him, All
are seeking thee.
38 And he saith unto
them, Let us go
elsewhere into the next
towns, that I may
preach there also; for
to this end came I
forth. 39 And he went
into their synagogues
throughout all
Galilee, preaching
and casting out devils.

23 And Jesus went
about in all Galilee,a
teaching in their
synagogues, and
preaching the gospel
of the kingdom,
and healing all manner
of disease and all
manner of sickness
among the the people.
24 And the report of him
went forth into all Syria:
and they brought unto
him all that were sick,
holden with divers
diseases and torments,
possessed with devils,
and epileptic, and
palsied; and he healed
them. 25 And there
followed him great
multitudes from Galilee
and Decapolis and
Jerusalem and Judea and
from beyond Jordan. 42 And when it was
day, he came out and
went into a desert place:
and the multitudes
sought after
him, and came unto
him, and would have
stayed him, that he
should not go from
them. 43 But he said
unto them, I must
preach the good
tidings of the kingdom
of God to the
other cities also: for
therefore was I sent.

44 And he was
preaching in the
synagogues of Galilee.

Some ancient authorities read he.

Or, good tidings: and so elsewhere.

Or, demoniacs.

Gr. demons.

Or, gospel.

Very many ancient authorities read Judea.

a This journey about all Galilee included a great mass of teaching and healing (dwell on Matt. 4:23-25), of which only a few specimens are recorded, and these apparently occurred at Capernaum, his headquarters. The journey given by Luke only (8:1-3) is probably distinct from this, and if so it would be a second, while that of Luke 9:1-6 (= Mark 6:6-13 = Matt. 9:35-11:1), which is quite certainly distinct, would then be a third journey about Galilee. The reader ought to expand his imagination and take in these extended labors.

§ 45. A Leper Healed, and Much Popular Excitement

Mark 1:40-45 Matt. 8:2-4 Luke 5:12-16

40 And there cometh to
him a leper, beseeching
him, and kneeling
down to him,
and saying unto him,
If thou wilt, thou
canst make me clean.
41 And being moved
with compassion, he
stretched forth his
hand, and touched
him, and saith unto
him, I will; be thou
made clean. 42 And
straightway the
leprosy departed from
him, and he was
made clean. 43 And he
strictly charged him,
and straightway sent
him out, 44 and saith
unto him, See thou
say nothing to any
man: but go thy way,
shew thyself to the
priest, and offer for
thy cleansing the
things which Moses
commanded, for a
testimony unto them.

45 But he went out, and
began to publish it
much, and to spread
abroad the matter,
insomuch that Jesus
could no more openly
enter into a city,
but was without in
desert places: and
they came to him
from every quarter. 2 And behold, there
came to him a leper
and worshipped him,
saying, Lord, if thou
wilt, thou canst make
me clean.

3 And he stretched
forth his hand, and
touched him, saying,
I will; be thou made
clean. And straightway
his leprosy was
cleansed.

4 And Jesus saith unto
him, See thou tell
no man; but go thy
way, shew thyself to
the priest, and offer
the gift that Moses
commanded, for a
testimony unto them. 12 And it came to
pass, while he was
in one of the cities,
behold, a man full of
leprosy: and when
he saw Jesus, he fell
on his face, and
besought him, saying,
Lord, if thou wilt,
thou canst make me
clean. 13 And he
stretched forth his
hand, and touched him,
saying, I will; be thou
made clean. And
straightway the
leprosy departed from
him.
14 And
he charged him to
tell no man: but go
thy way, and shew
thyself to the priest,
and offer for thy

cleansing, according
as Moses commanded,
for a testimony
unto them [see Lev.
13:49; 14:2-32].
15 But so much the
more went abroad the
report concerning him:
and great multitudes
came together
to hear, and to be
healed of their
infirmities. 16 But he
withdrew himself in
the deserts, and
prayed.

Some ancient authorities omit and kneeling down to him.

Or, sternly.

Gr. word.

Gr. he.

Or, the city.

§ 46. Thronged in Capernaum, He Heals a Paralytic Lowered Through the Roof of Peter's House

Mark 2:1-12 Matt. 9:1-8 Luke 5:17-26

1 And when he
entered again into
Capernaum after some
days, it was noised
that he was in the
house. 2 And many
were gathered
together, so that there
was no longer room
for them, no, not even
about the door: and
he spake the word
unto them. 3 And they
come, bringing unto
him a man sick of the
palsy, borne of four.
4 And when they could
not come nigh unto
him for the crowd,
they uncovered the
roof where he was:
and when they had
broken it up, they let
down the bed whereon
the sick of the

palsy lay. 5 And Jesus
seeing their faith
saith unto the sick of
the palsy, Son, thy
sins are forgiven. 6 But
there were certain
of the scribes sitting
there, and reasoning
in their hearts,
7 Why doth this man
thus speak? he
blasphemeth: who can
forgive sins but one,
even God? 8 And
straightway Jesus,
perceiving in his spirit
that they so reasoned
within themselves,
saith unto them, Why
reason ye these things
in your hearts?
9 Whether is easier, to
say to the sick of the
palsy, Thy sins are
forgiven; or to say,
Arise, and take up
thy bed, and walk?
10 But that ye may
know that the Son
of man hath power
on earth to forgive
sins (he saith to the
sick of the palsy),a 11 I
say unto thee, Arise,
take up thy bed, and
go unto thy house.

12 And he arose, and
straightway took up
the bed, and went
forth before them all;
insomuch that they
were all amazed, and
glorified God, saying,
We never saw it on
this fashion. 1 And he entered into
a boat, and crossed
over, and came into
his own city.

2 And behold, they
brought to him a man
sick of the palsy,
lying on a bed:

and Jesus seeing their
faith said unto the
sick of the palsy,
Son, be of good
cheer; thy sins are
forgiven. 3 And
behold, certain of the
scribes said within
themselves, This man
blasphemeth.

4 And Jesus knowing
their thoughts said,

Wherefore think ye
evil in your hearts?
5 For whether is easier,
to say, Thy sins are
forgiven; or to say,
Arise, and walk? 6 But

that ye may know
that the Son of man
hath power on earth
to forgive sins (then
saith he to the sick
of the palsy), Arise,
and take up thy bed,
and go unto thy

house. 7 And he arose,
and departed to his
house.

8 But
when the multitudes
saw it, they were
afraid, and glorified
God, which had given
such power unto
men. 17 And it came to
pass on one of those
days, that he was
teaching; and there
were Pharisees and
doctors of the law
sitting by, which were
come out of every
village of Galilee and
Judea and Jerusalem:
and the power of the
Lord was with him
to heal. 18 And behold,
men bring on a
bed a man that was
palsied: and they
sought to bring him
in, and to lay him
before him. 19 And not
finding by what way
they might bring him
in because of the
multitude, they went
up to the housetop,
and let him down
through the tiles with
his couch into the
midst before Jesus.
20 And seeing their
faith, he said, Man,
thy sins are forgiven
thee. 21 And the scribes
and the Pharisees began
to reason, saying,
Who is this that
speaketh blasphemies?
Who can forgive
sins, but God alone?

22 But Jesus perceiving
their reasonings,
answered and
said unto them, What
reason ye in your
hearts?

23 Whether
is easier, to say, Thy
sins are forgiven thee;
or to say, Arise and
walk?

24 But that ye may
know that the Son
of man hath power
on earth to forgive
sins (he said unto
him that was palsied),
I say unto thee,
Arise, and take up
thy couch, and go
unto thy house. 25 And
immediately he rose
up before them, and
took up that whereon
he lay, and departed
to his house,
glorifying God. 26 And
amazement took hold
on all, and they
glorified God; and they
were filled with fear,
saying, We have seen
strange things to-day.

Gr. Child.

Many ancient authorities read seeing.

Or, authority.

Or, at home.

Many ancient authorities read bring him unto him.

Gr. that he should heal. Many ancient authorities read that he should heal them.

Or, Why.

a Note the parenthetic explanation of the writers in the middle of the saying of Jesus. It is proof that each of the Gospels had the same written source here or rather, as we know otherwise, that Matthew and Luke had Mark before them.

§ 47. The Call of Matthew (Levi) and His Reception in Honor of Jesus

Capernaum

Mark 2:13-17 Matt. 9:9-13 Luke 5:27-32

13 And he went forth
again by the sea side;
and all the multitude
resorted unto him,
and he taught them.
14 And as he passed
by, he saw Levi the son
of Alphæus sitting
at the place of toll,
and he saith unto
him, Follow me. And
he arose and followed

him. 15 And it came
to pass, that he was
sitting at meat in his
house, and many
publicans and sinners
sat down with Jesus
and his disciples: for
there were many, and
they followed him.
16 And the scribes of
the Pharisees, when
they saw that he was
eating with the sinners
and publicans,
said unto his disciples,
He eateth and
drinketh with publicans
and sinners.
17 And when Jesus
heard it, he saith
unto them, They that
are whole have no
need of a physician,
but they that are
sick: I came not to
call the righteous, but
sinners.

9 And as Jesus
passed by from thence,
he saw a man, called
Matthew, sitting at
the place of toll: and
he saith unto him,
Follow me. And he
arose, and followed
him.
10 And it came to
pass, as he sat at
meat in the house,
behold, many
publicans and sinners
came and sat down
with Jesus and his
disciples.

11 And when
the Pharisees saw it,
they said unto his
disciples, Why eateth
your Master with
the publicans and
sinners?

12 But when he heard
it, he said, They that
are whole have no
need of a physician,
but they that are sick.
13 But go ye and learn
what this meaneth,a
I desire mercy,
and not sacrifice: for
I came not to call the
righteous, but sinners. 27 And after these
things he went forth,
and beheld a publican,
named Levi,
sitting at the place of
toll, and said unto
him, Follow me.

28 And he forsook all,
and rose up and
followed him.

29 And
Levi made him a
great feast in his
house: and there was
a great multitude of
publicans and of
others that were sitting
at meat with them.

30 And the Pharisees
and their scribes
murmured against his
disciples, saying, Why
do ye eat and drink
with the publicans
and sinners?

31 And Jesus
answering said unto
them, They that are
whole have no need
of a physician; but
they that are sick.

32 I am
not come to call the
righteous but sinners
to repentance.

Gr. reclined: and so always.

Or, Teacher.

Gr. strong.

That is, collectors or renters of Roman taxes: and so elsewhere.

Some ancient authorities read and the Pharisees.

Or, How is it that he eateth ... sinners?

Some ancient authorities omit and drinketh.

Or, the Pharisees and the scribes among them.

a Hos. 6:6.

§ 48. Jesus in Three Parables Defends His Disciples for FEASTINGa Instead of Fasting

Mark 2:18-22 Matt. 9:14-17 Luke 5:33-39

18 And John's
disciples and the
Pharisees were fasting:
and they come and say
unto him, Why do
John's disciples and
the disciples of the
Pharisees fast, but
thy disciples fast not?
19 And Jesus said unto
them, Can the sons of
the bride-chamber fast,
while the bridegroom
is with them?
as long as they have
the bridegroom with
them, they cannot
fast. 20 But the days
will come, when the
bridegroom shall be
taken away from
them, and then they
will fast in that day.

21 No
man seweth a piece
of undressed cloth on
an old garment: else
that which should
fill it up taketh from
it, the new from the
old, and a worse rent
is made. 22 And no
man putteth new wine
into old wine-skins:
else the wine
will burst the skins,
and the wine perisheth,
and the skins:
but they put new wine
into fresh wine-skins. 14 Then come to him
the disciples of John,
saying, Why do we
and the Pharisees fast
oft, but thy disciples

fast not? 15 And Jesus
said unto them, Can
the sons of the bride-
chamber mourn, as
long as the bridegroom
is with them?

but the days will come,
when the bridegroom
shall be taken
away from them, and
then will they fast.

16 And no
man putteth a piece
of undressed cloth
upon an old garment;
for that which should
fill it up taketh from
the garment, and a
worse rent is made.
17 Neither do men put
new wine into old
wine-skins: else the
skins burst, and the
wine is spilled, and
the skins perish: but
they put new wine
into fresh wine-skins,
and both are
preserved. 33 And they said unto
him, The disciples
of John fast often, and
make supplications;
likewise also
the disciples of the
Pharisees; but thine
eat and drink. 34 And
Jesus said unto them,
Can ye make the sons
of the bride-chamber
fast while
the bridegroom is
with them?

35 But the days will
come; and when the
bridegroom shall be
taken away from
them, then will they
fast in those days.
36 And he spake
also a parableb unto
them; No man rendeth
a piece from a new
garment and putteth
it upon an old
garment; else he will
rend the new, and
also the piece from
the new will not agree
with the old. 37 And
no man putteth new
wine into old wine-
skins; else the new
wine will burst the
skins, and itself will
be spilled, and the
skins will perish.
38 But new wine must
be put into fresh
wine-skins. 39 And no
man having drunk
old wine desireth new:
for he saith, The old
is good.

Some ancient authorities omit oft.

That is, skins used as bottles.

Many ancient authorities read better.

a It was probably the presence of the disciples of Christ at Matthew's feast on one of the Jewish fast days that occasioned the complaint of John's disciples and the Pharisees. It is sad to see disciples of John aligned with the Pharisees against Jesus.

b Note the use of the term parable in Luke. There are three parables (the sons of the bride-chamber, the new patch on an old garment, the new wine in old wine-skins) here together. A few isolated ones have already occurred as in John 2:19.

In sections 49 to 51 we see the Pharisees attacking Jesus both in Jerusalem and in Galilee with great hostility and with the purpose of killing him because of violation of the Pharisaic regulations about the Sabbath. Jesus defends himself and his disciples by various arguments and personal claims.

§ 49. At a Feast in Jerusalem (Possibly the Passover) Jesus Heals a Lame Man on the Sabbath and Defends This Action to the Pharisees in a Great Discourse

John 5:1-47

1 After these things there was a feasta of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.b

2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porches. 3 In these lay a multitude of them that were sick, blind, halt, withered. 5 And a certain man was there, which had been thirty and eight years in his infirmity. 6 When Jesus saw him lying, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wouldst thou be made whole? 7 The sick man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. 8 Jesus saith unto him, Arise, take up thy bed, and walk. 9 And straightway the man was made whole, and took up his bed and walked.

Now it was the sabbath on that day. 10 So the Jews said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath, and it is not lawful for thee to take up thy bed [see Ex. 20:10; Deut. 5:14]. 11 But he answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk. 12 They asked him, Who is the man that said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk? 13 But he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in the place. 14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing befall thee. 15 The man went away, and told the Jews that it was Jesus which had made him whole. 16 And for this cause did the Jews persecute Jesus, because he did these things on the sabbath. 17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh even until now, and I work. 18 For this cause therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only brake the sabbath, but also called God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

19 Jesus therefore answered and said unto them,

Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father doing: for what things soever he doeth, these the Son also doeth in like manner. 20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and greater works than these will he shew him, that ye may marvel. 21 For as the Father raiseth the dead and quickeneth them, even so the Son also quickeneth whom he will. 22 For neither doth the Father judge any man, but he hath given all judgement unto the Son; 23 that all may honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which sent him. 24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth him that sent me, hath eternal life, and cometh not into judgement, but hath passed out of death into life. 25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour cometh, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God; and they that hear shall live. 26 For as the Father hath life in himself, even so gave he to the Son also to have life in himself: 27 and he gave him authority to execute judgement, because he is the Son of man. 28 Marvel not at this: for the hour cometh, in which all that are in the tombs shall hear his voice, 29 and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done ill, unto the resurrection of judgement.

30 I can of myself do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgement is righteous; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. 31 If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. 32 It is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true. 33 Ye have sent unto John, and he hath borne witness unto the truth. 34 But the witness which I receive is not from man: howbeit I say these things, that ye may be saved. 35 He was the lamp that burneth and shineth: and ye were willing to rejoice for a season in his light. 36 But the witness which I have is greater than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to accomplish, the very works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. 37 And the Father which sent me, he hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his form. 38 And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he sent, him ye believe not. 39 Ye search the scriptures, because ye think that in them ye have eternal life; and these are they which bear witness of me; 40 and ye will not come to me, that ye may have life. 41 I receive not glory from men. 42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in yourselves. 43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. 44 How can ye believe, which receive glory one of another, and the glory that cometh from the only God ye seek not? 45 Think not that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, on whom ye have set your hope. 46 For if ye believed Moses, ye would believe me; for he wrote of me. 47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?c

Many ancient authorities read the feast.

Some ancient authorities read Bethsaida, others Bethzatha.

Many ancient authorities insert, wholly or in part, waiting for the moving of the water: 4 for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole, with whatsoever disease he was holden.

Or, Lord.

Or, a son of man.

Or, practised.

Or, Search the scriptures.

Some ancient authorities read the only one.

a This feast of John 5:1 was most probably a Passover (see note at end of volume, note 7). If so, we should know that our Lord's public ministry lasted three years and a fraction, and that the great ministry in Galilee lasted some 18 to 20 months. Otherwise, we should know of only two years and a fraction for the former, and 6 to 8 months for the latter; as John gives three passovers beyond question (John 2:13; 6:4; 12:1), and our Lord's ministry began some time before the first of these. If the feast of 5:1 was not a passover, it is quite impossible to determine what other feast it was. While one would be glad to settle these questions, if it were possible, yet it really does not matter as regards understanding our Lord's recorded history and teachings during the great ministry in Galilee, the only point of difference being that if this feast was a Passover (or if there is an unmentioned Passover) we should conceive of the three journeys about Galilee as occupying a longer time, and including more extensive unrecorded labors in preaching and healing.

b It is to be noted that John's Gospel gives the Jerusalem Ministry of Jesus almost entirely except Galilee in ch. 2, Samaria and Galilee in ch. 4, Galilee in ch. 6 and again in ch. 21. It seems clear that John wrote with full knowledge of the Synoptic Gospels and supplements them at certain points. Both Luke and John were thus critics of the Gospel records.

c Observe that here more than a year before the crucifixion, and probably two years (i.e. if the feast of 5:1 was a passover or if an unnamed passover is granted), the hostility of the Jews at Jerusalem (comp. John 4:1) has reached the point of a desire to kill him, as a sabbath breaker and a blasphemer (5:16-18). So we shall find him staying away from Jerusalem at the passover of John 6:4, and until the Tabernacles six months before the crucifixion (John 7:1-10). Meantime, the hostility will go on increasing in other parts of the country (Mark 3:6, etc.).—Notice also that in this discourse at Jerusalem our Lord repeatedly declares himself in a high sense the Son of God, and the appointed judge of mankind (ver. 27), and says that Moses wrote concerning him (ver. 46). All this indicated that he was the Messiah, but he did not here expressly assert it as he did in Samaria (John 4:26). That would have precipitated the collision, for to claim to be the Messiah would in the view of the Jewish rulers involve political consequences. Comp. John 11:48.

§ 50. Another Sabbath Controversy with the Pharisees When the Disciples Pluck Ears of Grain in the Fields

Probably in Galilee on the Way Back from Jerusalema

Mark 2:23-28 Matt. 12:1-8 Luke 6:1-5

23 And it came to
pass, that he was
going on the sabbath
day through the
cornfields; and his
disciples began, as
they went, to pluck the
ears of corn. 24 And
the Pharisees said
unto him, Behold,
why do they on the
sabbath day that
which is not lawful?
25 And he said
unto them, Did ye
never read what David
did, when he had
need, and was an
hungred, he, and
they that were with
him? 26 How he
entered into the house
of God when Abiathar
was high priest, and
did eat the shewbread,
which is not
lawful to eat, save
for the priests, and
gave also to them
that were with him?

27 And he said
unto them, The
sabbath was made for
man, and not man for
the sabbath: 28 so that
the Son of man is
lord even of the
sabbath.b 1 At that season Jesus
went on the sabbath
day through the
cornfields; and his
disciples were an
hungred, and began to
pluck ears of corn,
and to eat. 2 But the
Pharisees, when they
saw it, said unto
him, Behold, thy
disciples do that which
it is not lawful to do
upon the sabbath.
3 But he said unto
them, Have ye not
read what David did,
when he was an
hungred, and they that
were with him; 4 how
he entered into the
house of God, and
did eat the shewbread,
which it was
not lawful for him
to eat, neither for
them that were with
him, but only for
the priests? 5 Or have
ye not read in the
law, how that on
the sabbath day the
priests in the temple
profane the sabbath
[see Num. 28:9-10],
and are guiltless?
6 But I say unto you,
that one greater than
the temple is here.
7 But if ye had known
what this meaneth
[see Hos. 6:6], I
desire mercy, and not
sacrifice, ye would not
have condemned the
guiltless. 8 For the
Son of man is lord of
the sabbath. 1 Now it came to
pass on a sabbath,
that he was going
through the cornfields
[see Deut. 23:25];
and his disciples
plucked the ears of
corn, and did eat,
rubbing them in their
hands. 2 But certain
of the Pharisees said,
Why do ye that which
is not lawful to do
on the sabbath day [see
John 5:10; Ex. 20:10;
Deut. 5:14]? 3 And
Jesus answering them
said, Have ye not
read even this, what
David did, when he
was an hungred, he,
and they that were
with him [see Lev.
24:9; 1 Sam. 21:1-6];
4 how he entered into
the house of God, and
did take and eat the
shewbread, and gave
also to them that
were with him; which
it is not lawful to eat
save for the priests
alone?

5 And he said
unto them, The Son
of man is lord of the
sabbath.

Some ancient authorities read they did eat.

Gr. a greater thing.

Gr. began to make their way plucking.

Some ancient authorities read in the days of Abiathar the high priest.

Many ancient authorities insert second-first.

a Because in Mark 3:7 Jesus withdraws to the Sea of Galilee.

b Note the five arguments made by Jesus in defence of the conduct of the disciples on the Sabbath (the historical appeal in the conduct of David, the appeal to the law about the temple service, the voice of prophecy, the purpose of God in the Sabbath, and the lordship of the Messiah over the Sabbath). Jesus had already (John 5:17) argued that he was equal to the Father and hence had the right to do certain things (acts of mercy) on the Sabbath.

§ 51. A THIRDa Sabbath Controversy with the Pharisees Over the Healing of A Man with A Withered Hand in A Synagogue

In Galilee

Mark 3:1-6 Matt. 12:9-14 Luke 6:6-11

1 And he entered
again into the
synagogue; and there
was a man there which
had his hand withered.

2 And they watched
him, whether he
would heal him on
the sabbath day; that
they might accuse
him.
3 And he
saith unto the man
that had his hand
withered, Stand
forth. 4 And he saith
unto them, Is it
lawful on the sabbath
day to do good, or
to do harm? to save
a life, or to kill? But
they held their peace.
5 And when he had
looked round about
on them with anger,
being grieved at the
hardening of their
heart, he saith unto
the man, Stretch
forth thy hand. And
he stretched it forth:
and his hand was
restored.

6 And the
Pharisees went out,
and straightway with
the Herodians took
counsel against him,
how they might
destroy him.b 9 And he departed
thence, and went into
their synagogue: 10 and
behold, a man having
a withered hand.

And
they asked him,
saying, Is it lawful to
heal on the sabbath
day? that they might
accuse him.
11 And he
said unto them, What
man shall there be
of you, that shall
have one sheep, and
if this fall into a pit
on the sabbath day,
will he not lay hold
on it, and lift it out?
12 How much then is a
man of more value
than a sheep!
Wherefore it is lawful
to do good on the
sabbath day.

13 Then saith he to the
man, Stretch forth
thy hand. And he
stretched it forth; and
it was restored whole,

as the other. 14 But
the Pharisees went
out, and took counsel
against him, how they
might destroy him. 6 And it came to
pass on another sab-
bath, that he entered
into the synagogue
and taught: and there
was a man there,
and his right hand
was withered. 7 And
the scribes and the
Pharisees watched
him, whether he
would heal on the
sabbath; that they
might find how to
accuse him. 8 But he
knew their thoughts;
and he said to the
man that had his
hand withered, Rise
up, and stand forth
in the midst. And
he arose and stood
forth. 9 And Jesus
said unto them, I ask
you, Is it lawful on
the sabbath to do
good, or to do harm?
to save a life, or to
destroy it? 10 And he
looked round about
on them all, and said
unto him, Stretch
forth thy hand. And
he did so: and his
hand was restored.

11 But they were filled
with madness; and
communed one with
another what they
might do to Jesus.

Gr. Arise into the midst.

Or, foolishness.

a On three other later occasions controversies arise with the Pharisees concerning Sabbath observance (John 9:1-34; Luke 13:10-21; 14:1-24). In John 7:20-24 Jesus refers to the miracle in John 5 and adds another argument (circumcision on the Sabbath) for his conduct on the Sabbath.

b Here at some point near the sea of Galilee, there is already a plot to kill him, as some had wished to do in Jerusalem (comp. on § 49).

In sections 52 to 54 we see Christ choosing the Twelve Apostles and delivering the Sermon on the Mount to them and to the multitudes.

§ 52. Jesus Teaches and Heals Great Multitudes by the Sea of Galilee

Mark 3:7-12 Matt. 12:15-21

7 And Jesus with his disciples
withdrew to the sea: and a great
multitude from Galilee followed:
and from Judea, 8 and from
Jerusalem, and from Idumæa, and
beyond Jordan, and about Tyre
and Sidon,a a great multitude,
hearing what great things he
did, came unto him. 9 And he
spake to his disciples, that a
little boat should wait on him
because of the crowd, lest they
should throng him: 10 for he had
healed many; insomuch that as
many as had plagues pressed
upon him that they might touch
him. 11 And the unclean spirits,
whensoever they beheld him, fell
down before him, and cried,
saying, Thou art the Son of God.
12 And he charged them much
that they should not make him
known. 15 And Jesus perceiving it
withdrew from thence: and many
followed him;

and he healed them all,

16 and
charged them that they should
not make him known: 17 that it
might be fulfilled which was spoken
by Isaiahb the prophet, saying,
18 Behold, my servant whom I
have chosen;
My beloved in whom my soul
is well pleased:
I will put my Spirit upon him,
And he shall declare judgement
to the Gentiles.
19 He shall not strive, nor cry
aloud;
Neither shall any one hear his
voice in the streets.
20 A bruised reed shall he not
break,
And smoking flax shall he not
quench,
Till he send forth judgement
unto victory.
21 And in his name shall the
Gentiles hope.

Or, through.

Or, all the things that he did.

Gr. scourges.

Gr. fell.

a Note the wide territory from which the crowds now come, from Idumea in the south to Phoenicia in the north and from Perea in the east.

b Isaiah 42:1-4.

§ 53. After a Night of Prayer, Jesus Selects Twelve Apostles

Mark 3:13-19 Luke 6:12-16

13 And he goeth up into the
mountain, and calleth unto him
whom he himself would: and they
went unto him. 14 And he appointed
twelve, that they might be with
him, and that he might send
them forth to preach, 15 and to have
authority to cast out devils; 16 and
Simon he surnamed Peter; 17 and
James the son of Zebedee, and
John the brother of James; and
them he surnamed Boanerges,
which is, Sons of thunder: 18 and
Andrew, and Philip, and
Bartholomew, and Matthew, and
Thomas, and James the son of
Alphæus, and Thaddæus, and
Simon the Cananæan,
19 and Judas
Iscariot, which also betrayed
him. 12 And it came to pass in these
days, that he went out into the
mountain to pray; and he
continued all night in prayer to
God. 13 And when it was day, he
called his disciples: and he chose
from them twelve, whom also
he names apostles;a
14 Simon,
whom he also named Peter, and
Andrew his brother, and James
and John, and Philip and
Bartholomew,

15 and Matthew and
Thomas, and James the son of
Alphæus, and Simon which was
called the Zealot, 16 and Judas, the
son of James, and Judas Iscariot,
which was the traitor.

Some ancient authorities add whom also he named apostles. See Luke 6:13.

Gr. demons.

Some ancient authorities insert and he appointed twelve.

Or, Zealot. See Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13.

Or, brother. See Jude 1.

a Matthew postpones giving the names of the Twelve till they are sent out to preach in Galilee (Matt. 10:1-4. § 70). There is a fourth list in Acts 1:13. See the four compared in note at the end of this volume, note 8.

§ 54. The Sermon on the Mount. Privileges and Requirements of the Messianic Reign. Christ's Standard of Righteousness

Matthew, chapters 5-7. Luke 6:17-49.a

A level place on a mountain, not far from Capernaum

a There is little doubt that the discourses given by Matthew and Luke are the same, Matthew locating it on "the mountain," and Luke "on a level place," which might easily be a level spot on a mountain. (See note at end of this book, note 9.) Observe that they begin and end alike, and pursue the same general order. Luke omits various matters of special interest to Matthew's Jewish readers (e.g. Matt. 5:17-42), and other matters that he himself will give elsewhere (e.g. Luke 11:1-4; 12:22-31); while Luke has a few sentences (as ver. 24-26, 38-40), which are not given by Matthew.

The Place and the Audience

Matt. 5:1-2 Luke 6:17-19

1 And seeing the multitudes, he
went up into the mountain: and
when he had sat down, his
disciples came unto him: 2 and
he opened his mouth and taught
them, saying, 17 And he came down with them,
and stood on a level place, and a
great multitude of his disciples,
and a great number of the people
from all Judea and Jerusalem,
and the sea coast of Tyre and
Sidon, which came to hear him,
and to be healed of their diseases;
18 and they that were troubled
with unclean spirits were healed.
19 And all the multitude sought to
touch him: for power came forth
from him, and healed them all.

1. The Introduction: The Beatitudes and the Woes. Privileges of the Messiah's Subjects

Matt. 5:3-12 Luke 6:20-26

3 Blessed are the poor in spirit:
for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven. 4 Blessed are they that
mourn [see Isa. 61:3]: for they shall
be comforted. 5 Blessed are the
meek: for they shall inherit the
earth [see Ps. 37:11]. 6 Blessed are
they that hunger and thirst after
righteousness: for they shall be
filled [see Ps. 55]. 7 Blessed are the
merciful: for they shall obtain
mercy [see Ps. 18:25; Prov. 11:17].
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for
they shall see God [see Ps. 24:3-5].
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for
they shall be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are they that have been
persecuted for righteousness' sake:
for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven. 11 Blessed are ye when
men shall reproach you, and
persecute you, and say all manner
of evil against you falsely, for my
sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding
glad: for great is your reward in
heaven: for so persecuted they the
prophets which were before you. 20 And he lifted up his eyes on
his disciples, and said, Blessed
are ye poor: for yours is the
kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are
ye that hunger now: for ye shall
be filled. Blessed are ye that
weep now: for ye shall laugh.
22 Blessed are ye, when men shall
hate you, and when they shall
separate you from their company,
and reproach you, and cast out
your name as evil, for the Son of
man's sake. 23 Rejoice in that day,
and leap for joy: for behold, your
reward is great in heaven: for in
the same manner did their fathers
unto the prophets. 24 But woe
unto you that are rich! for ye
have received your consolation.
25 Woe unto you, ye that are full
now! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto
you, ye that laugh now! for ye
shall mourn and weep. 26 Woe
unto you, when all men shall
speak well of you! for in the same
manner did their fathers to the
false prophets.

Some ancient authorities transpose verses 4 and 5.

2. The Theme of the Sermon: Christ's Standard of Righteousness in Contrast with that of the Scribes and Pharisees

Matt. 5:13-20

13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men [see Mark 9:50; Jesus often repeated his sayings]. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house [see Mark 4:21; Luke 8:16]. 16 Even so let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

17 Think not that I came to destroy the law or the prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass away from the law, till all things be accomplished. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.

3. Christ's Ethical Teaching Superior to that of the Scribes (both the Old Testament and the Oral Law) in Six Items or Illustrations (Murder, Adultery, Divorce, Oaths, Retaliation, Love of Enemies)

Matt. 5:21-48

21 Ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgement [see Ex. 20:13; Deut. 5:17]: 22 but I say unto you, that every one who is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgement; and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council; and whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of the hell of fire. 23 If therefore thou art offering thy gift at the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee, 24 leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way, first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. 25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art with him in the way; lest haply the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. 26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou have paid the last farthing.

27 Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt not commit adultery [see Ex. 20:14; Deut. 5:18]: 28 but I say unto you, that every one that looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. 29 And if thy right eye causeth thee to stumble, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not thy whole body be cast into hell. 30 And if thy right hand causeth thee to stumble, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not thy whole body go into hell. 31 It was said also, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement [see Deut. 24:1]: 32 but I say unto you, that every one that putteth away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, maketh her an adulteress: and whosoever shall marry her when she is put away committeth adultery.a

33 Again, ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths [see Lev. 19:12; Num. 30:2; Ex. 20:7; Deut. 5:11; 23:21]: 34 but I say unto you, Swear not at all [see Matt. 26:63-64]; neither by the heaven, for it is the throne of God; 35 nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King [see Isa. 66:1]. 36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, for thou canst not make one hair white or black [see Ps. 48:2]. 37 But let your speech be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: and whatsoever is more than these is of the evil one.

38 Ye have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth [see Ex. 21:24; Lev. 24:20; Deut. 19:21]: 39 but I say unto you, Resist not him that is evil: but whosoever smiteth thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also [see John 18:23]. 40 And if any man would go to law with thee, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. 41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go one mile, go with him twain. 42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

43 Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour [see Lev. 19:18; Deut. 23:6; 25:19],

Matt. 5:21-48 Luke 6:27-30, 32-36

and hate thine enemy: 44 but I say
unto you [see Luke 23:34], Love
your enemies, and pray for them that
persecute you; 45 that ye may be sons
of your Father which is in heaven:
for he maketh his sun to rise on the
evil and the good, and sendeth
rain on the just and the unjust.

46 For if ye love them that love
you, what reward have ye? do
not even the publicans the
same? 47 And if ye salute your
brethren only, what do ye more
than others? do not even the
Gentiles the same? 48 Ye therefore
shall be perfect, as your heavenly
Father is perfect. 27 But I say
unto you which hear, Love your
enemies, do good to them that
hate you, 28 bless them that curse
you, pray for them that despitefully
use you. 29 To him that
smiteth thee on the one cheek
offer also the other; and from
him that taketh away thy cloke
withhold not thy coat also.
30 Give to every one that asketh
thee; and of him that taketh
away thy goods ask them not
again. 32 And if ye love them
that love you, what thank have
ye? for even sinners love those
that love them. 33 And if ye do
good to them that do good to
you, what thank have ye? for
even sinners do the same. 34 And
if ye lend to them of whom ye
hope to receive, what thank have
ye? even sinners lend to sinners,
to receive again as much. 35 But
love your enemies, and do them
good, and lend, never despairing;
and your reward shall be
great, and ye shall be sons of the
Most High: for he is kind toward
the unthankful and evil. 36 Be ye
merciful, even as your Father is
merciful.

Many ancient authorities insert without cause.

An expression of contempt.

Or, Moreh, a Hebrew expression of condemnation.

Gr. unto or into.

Gr. Gehenna of fire.

Some ancient authorities omit deliver thee.

Gr. Gehenna.

Or, toward.

Some ancient authorities read But your speech shall be.

Or, evil: as in ver. 39; 6:13.

Or, evil.

Gr. impress.

That is, collectors or renters of Roman taxes: and so elsewhere.

Some ancient authorities read despairing of no man.

a See further Mark 9:43-47; 10:11-12; Matt. 18:8-9; 19:9.

4. The Practice of Real Righteousness unlike the Ostentatious Hypocrisy of the Pharisees, as in Almsgiving, Prayer, Fasting

Matt. 6:1-18

1 Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men, to be seen of them: else ye have no reward with your Father which is in heaven.

2 When therefore thou doest alms, sound not a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward. 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret shall recompense thee.

5 And when ye pray, ye shall not be as the hypocrites: for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward. 6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thine inner chamber, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret, and thy Father which seeth in secret shall recompense thee. 7 And in praying use not vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8 Be not therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed by thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. 14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen of men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward. 17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face; 18 that thou be not seen of men to fast, but of thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall recompense thee.

Some ancient authorities read God your Father.

Gr. our bread for the coming day.

Or, evil.

Many authorities, some ancient, but with variations, add For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

5. Single-hearted Devotion to God, as Opposed to Worldly Aims and Anxieties

Matt. 6:19-34

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust doth consume, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also. 22 The lamp of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 25 Therefore I say unto you, Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than the food, and the body than the raiment? 26 Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye of much more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why are ye anxious concerning raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God doth so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Gr. dig through.

Or, age.

6. Captious Criticism, or Judging Others

Matt. 7:1-6 Luke 6:37-42

1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
2 For with what judgement ye
judge, ye shall be judged: and
with what measure ye mete, it
shall be measured unto you.

3 And why beholdest thou the
mote that is in thy brother's eye,
but considerest not the beam that
is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt
thou say to thy brother, Let me
cast out the mote out of thine
eye; and lo, the beam is in thine
own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, cast
out first the beam out of thine
own eye; and then shalt thou see
clearly to cast out the mote out
of thy brother's eye.
6 Give not that which is holy
unto the dogs, neither cast your
pearls before the swine, lest haply
they trample them under their
feet, and turn and rend you. 37 And judge not, and ye shall not
be judged: and condemn not, and
ye shall not be condemned:
release, and ye shall be released:
38 give, and it shall be given unto
you; good measure, pressed down,
shaken together, running over,
shall they give into your bosom.
For with what measure ye mete
it shall be measured to you again.
39 And he spake also a parable
unto them, Can the blind guide
the blind? shall they not both
fall into a pit? 40 The disciple is
not above his master: but every
one when he is perfected shall
be as his master. 41 And why
beholdest thou the mote that is in
thy brother's eye, but considerest
not the beam that is in thine
own eye? 42 Or how canst thou
say to thy brother, Brother, let me
cast out the mote that is in thine
eye, when thou thyself beholdest
not the beam that is in thine own
eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out
first the beam out of thine own
eye, and then shalt thou see
clearly to cast out the mote that
is in thy brother's eye.

Or, teacher.

7. Prayer, and the Golden Rule

Matt. 7:7-12 Luke 6:31

7 Ask, and it shall be given you;
seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it
shall be opened unto you: 8 for every
one that asketh receiveth; and he
that seeketh findeth; and to him
that knocketh it shall be opened. 9 Or
what man is there of you, who, if his
son shall ask him for a loaf, will give
him a stone; 10 or if he shall ask for a
fish, will give him a serpent?
11 If ye then, being evil, know how
to give good gifts unto your children,
how much more shall your Father
which is in heaven give good things
to them that ask him? 12 All things
therefore whatsoever ye would
that men should do unto you,
even so do ye also unto them: for
this is the law and the prophets.

31 And as ye would that men
should do to you, do ye also to
them likewise.

8. The Conclusion of the Sermon. The Lesson of Personal Righteousness Driven Home by Powerful Parables

Matt. 7:13 to 8:1 Luke 6:43-49

13 Enter ye in by the narrow gate:
for wide is the gate, and broad is
the way, that leadeth to destruction,
and many be they that enter in
thereby. 14 For narrow is the gate,
and straitened the way, that leadeth
unto life, and few be they that find it.
15 Beware of false prophets,
which come to you in sheep's
clothing, but inwardly are ravening
wolves. 16 By their fruits ye shall
know them. Do men gather grapes
of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even
so every good tree bringeth forth
good fruit: but the corrupt tree
bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good
tree cannot bring forth evil fruit,
neither can a corrupt tree bring
forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that
bringeth not forth good fruit is
hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Therefore by their fruits ye shall
know them. 21 Not every one that
saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall
enter the kingdom of heaven; but
he that doeth the will of my Father
which is in heaven. 22 Many will say
to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did
we not prophesy by thy name, and
by thy name cast out devils, and
by thy name do many mighty
works? 23 And then will I profess
unto them, I never knew you: depart
from me, ye that work iniquity.
24 Every one therefore which
heareth these words of mine, and
doeth them, shall be likened unto
a wise man, which built his
house upon the rock: 25 and the
rain descended, and the floods
came, and the winds blew, and
beat upon that house; and it fell
not: for it was founded upon
the rock. 26 And every one that
heareth these words of mine,
and doeth them not, shall be
likened unto a foolish man,
which built his house upon the
sand: 27 and the rain descended,
and the floods came, and the
winds blew, and smote upon that
house; and it fell: and great was
the fall thereof.
28 And it came to pass, when
Jesus ended these words, the
multitudes were astonished at his
teaching: 29 for he taught them as
one having authority, and not as
their scribes.
1 And when he was come down
from the mountain, great multitudes
followed him.

43 For there is no good tree that
bringeth forth corrupt fruit; nor
again a corrupt tree that bringeth
forth good fruit. 44 For each
tree is known by its own fruit.
For of thorns men do not gather
figs, nor of a bramble bush gather
they grapes. 45 The 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 bringeth forth that which
is evil: for out of the abundance of
the heart his mouth speaketh.
46 And why call ye me, Lord,
Lord, and do not the things which
I say?

47 Every one that cometh unto
me, and heareth my words, and
doeth them, I will shew you to
whom he is like: 48 he is like a man
building a house, who digged and
went deep, and laid a foundation
upon a rock: and when a flood
arose, the stream brake against
that house, and could not shake
it: because it had been well
builded. 49 But he that heareth,
and doeth not, is like a man that
built a house upon the earth
without a foundation; against
which the stream brake, and
straightway it fell in; and the
ruin of that house was great.

Some ancient authorities omit is the gate.

Many ancient authorities read How narrow is the gate, &c.

Gr. demons.

Gr. powers.

Many ancient authorities read for it had been founded upon the rock: as in Matt. 7:25.

In sections 55 to 58 we see the rapid spread of Christ's influence and the inquiry from the Baptist in prison.a

a Here we have only Matthew and Luke, a block from the Logia of Matthew.

§ 55. Jesus Heals a Centurion's Servant at Capernaum

Matt. 8:5-13 Luke 7:1-10

5 And when he was entered into
Capernaum, there came unto him
a centurion,

beseeching him, 6 and
saying, Lord, my servant lieth
in the house sick of the palsy,
grievously tormented.

7 And he saith
unto him, I will come and heal
him.

8 And the centurion answered
and said, Lord, I am not worthy
that thou shouldest come under
my roof: but only say the word,
and my servant shall be healed.

9 For I also am a man under
authority, having under myself
soldiers: and I say to this one, Go,
and he goeth; and to another, Come,
and he cometh; and to my servant,
Do this, and he doeth it.
10 And when Jesus heard it,
he marvelled, and said to them
that followed, Verily I say unto
you, I have not found so great
faith, no, not in Israel. 11 And I
say unto you, that many shall come
from the east and the west, and
shall sit down with Abraham, and
Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of
heaven [see Ps. 107:3; Isa. 49:12]:
12 but the sons of the kingdom
shall be cast forth into the outer
darkness: there shall be weeping
and gnashing of teeth. 13 And Jesus
said unto the centurion, Go thy
way; as thou hast believed so be
it done unto thee. And the
servant was healed in that hour. 1 After he had ended all his
sayings in the ears of the people,
he entered into Capernaum.
2 And a certain centurion's
servant, who was dear unto him,
was sick and at the point of
death. 3 And when he heard
concerning Jesus, he sent unto
him elders of the Jews, asking
him that he would come and
save his servant. 4 And they,
when they came to Jesus,
besought him earnestly, saying,
He is worthy that thou shouldest
do this for him: 5 for he loveth
our nation, and himself built us
our synagogue. 6 And Jesus went
with them. And when he was
now not far from the house, the
centurion sent friends to him,
saying unto him, Lord, trouble
not thyself: for I am not worthy
that thou shouldest come under
my roof: 7 wherefore neither
thought I myself worthy to come
unto thee: but say the word,
and my servant shall be healed.
8 For I also am a man set under
authority, having under myself
soldiers: and I say to this one,
Go, and he goeth; and to another,
Come, and he cometh; and to my
servant, Do this, and he doeth
it. 9 And when Jesus heard these
things, he marvelled at him, and
turned and said unto the multitude
that followed him, I say
unto you, I have not found so
great faith, no, not in Israel.

10 And they that were sent,
returning to the house, found the
servant whole.

Or, boy.

Gr. sufficient.

Gr. with a word.

Some ancient authorities insert set: as in Luke 7:8.

Gr. bondservant.

Many ancient authorities read With no man in Israel have I found so great faith.

Gr. recline.

Or, precious to him; or, honourable with him.

§ 56. He Raises a Widow's Son at Nain

Luke 7:11-17

11 And it came to pass soon afterwards, that he went to a city called Nain; and his disciples went with him, and a great multitude. 12 Now when he drew near to the gate of the city, behold, there was carried out one that was dead, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. 14 And he came nigh and touched the bier: and the bearers stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. 15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother. 16 And fear took hold on all: and they glorified God, saying, A great prophet is arisen among us: and, God hath visited his people. 17 And this report went forth concerning him in the whole of Judea, and the region round about.

Many ancient authorities read on the next day.

§ 57. The MESSAGEa from the Baptist and the Eulogy of Jesus

Galilee

Matt. 11:2-19 Luke 7:18-35

2 Now when John heard in the
prisonb the works of the Christ,
he sent by his disciples, 3 and said
unto him, Art thou he that cometh,
or look we for another?

4 And Jesus answered and said
unto them, Go your way and tell
John the things which ye do
hear and see: 5 the blind receive
their sight, and the lame walk,
the lepers are cleansed, and the
deaf hear, and the dead are
raised up, and the poor have
good tidings preached to them.
6 And blessed is he, whosoever
shall find none occasion of
stumbling in me.
7 And as these went their way,
Jesus began to say unto the
multitudes concerning John, What
went ye out into the wilderness
to behold? a reed shaken with
the wind? 8 But what went ye
out for to see? a man clothed
in soft raiment? Behold, they
that wear soft raiment are in
kings' houses. 9 But wherefore
went ye out? to see a prophet?
Yea, I say unto you, and much
more than a prophet. 10 This is he,
of whom it is written,
Behold, I send my messenger
before thy face,
Who shall prepare thy way
before thee.
11 Verily I say unto you, Among
them that are born of women
there hath not arisen a greater
than John the Baptist: yet he
that is but little in the kingdom
of heaven is greater than he.
12 And from the days of John the
Baptist until now the kingdom of
heaven suffereth violence, and men
of violence take it by force [see
Luke 16:17]. 13 For all the prophets
and the law prophesied until
John. 14 And if ye are willing to
receive it, this is Elijah, which is to
come [see Mal. 4:5]. 15 He that
hath ears to hear, let him hear.

16 But whereunto
shall I liken this generation? It
is likec unto children sitting in
the marketplaces, which call unto
their fellows, and say, 17 We
piped unto you, and ye did not
dance; we wailed, and ye did not
mourn.
18 For John came
neither eating nor drinking, and
they say, He hath a devil. 19 The
Son of man came eating and
drinking, and they say, Behold, a
gluttonous man, and a winebibber,
a friend of publicans and sinners!

And wisdom is justified by her
works. 18 And the disciples of John told
him of all these things. 19 And
John calling unto him two of
his disciples sent them to the
Lord, saying, Art thou he that
cometh, or look we for another?
20 And when the men were come
unto him, they said, John the
Baptist hath sent us unto thee,
saying, Art thou he that cometh,
or look we for another? 21 In that
hour he cured many of diseases
and plagues and evil spirits;
and on many that were blind he
bestowed sight. 22 And he answered
and said unto them, Go your
way, and tell John what things
ye have seen and heard [see Isa.
29:18-19; 35:5-6; 61:1]; the blind
receive their sight, the lame
walk, the lepers are cleansed,
and the deaf hear, the dead are
raised up, the poor have good
tidings preached to them. 23 And
blessed is he, whosoever shall find
none occasion of stumbling in me.
24 And when the messengers of
John were departed, he began
to say unto the multitudes
concerning John, What went ye out
into the wilderness to behold? a
reed shaken with the wind? 25 But
what went ye out to see? a man
clothed in soft raiment? Behold,
they which are gorgeously
apparelled, and live delicately, are
in kings' courts. 26 But what went
ye out to see? a prophet? Yea,
I say unto you, and much more
than a prophet. 27 This is he of
whom it is written,
Behold, I send my messenger
before thy face,
Who shall prepare thy way
before thee [see Mal. 3:1].
28 I say unto you, Among them
that are born of women there is
none greater than John: yet he
that is but little in the kingdom
of God is greater than he.

29 And all the
people when they heard, and the
publicans, justified God, being
baptized with the baptism of
John. 30 But the Pharisees and
the lawyers rejected for themselves
the counsel of God, being
not baptized of him. 31 Whereunto
then shall I liken the men of
this generation, and to what are
they like? 32 They are like unto
children that sit in the marketplace,
and call one to another;
which say, We piped unto you,
and ye did not dance; we wailed,
and ye did not weep. 33 For John
the Baptist is come eating no
bread nor drinking wine; and ye
say, He hath a devil. 34 The Son
of man is come eating and drinking;
and ye say, Behold, a gluttonous
man, and a winebibber, a
friend of publicans and sinners!
35 And wisdom is justified of all
her children.

Or, the gospel.

Many ancient authorities read But what went ye out to see? a prophet?

Gr. lesser.

Or, him.

Some ancient authorities omit to hear.

Gr. beat the breast.

Gr. demon.

Or, was.

Many ancient authorities read children: as in Luke 7:35.

Gr. certain two.

Gr. scourges.

Or, having been.

Or, not having been.

a Observe that his fame as having raised the dead, and as being "a great prophet," spread widely, and reaching John, led to his message of inquiry (connect Luke 7:17 and 18).

b John's prison was at Machærus, east of the Dead Sea. Jesus was somewhere in Galilee, probably near Nain, which was in the southern part of Galilee.

c Parable of the Children Playing in the Market Place.

§ 58. Woes Upon the Cities of Opportunity. The Claims of Christ as the Teacher About the Father.

Galilee

Matt. 11:20-30

20 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not. 21 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 Howbeit I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgement, than for you [see Isa. 14:13-15]. 23 And thou, Capernaum, shalt thou be exalted unto heaven? thou shalt go down unto Hades: for if the mighty works had been done in Sodom which were done in thee, it would have remained until this day. 24 Howbeit I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgement, than for thee [see Gen. 19:24].

25 At that season Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father [see John 3:35; 17:2], Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes: 26 yea, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in thy sight. 27 All things have been delivered unto me of my Father: and no one knoweth the Son, save the Father; neither doth any know the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son willeth to reveal him. 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yokea upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light [see Jer. 6:16; Sirach 51:23].

Gr. powers.

Many ancient authorities read be brought down.

Or, praise.

Or, that.

a Rabbinical figure for going to school. Jesus thus definitely pictures himself as the expert on God in a Johannean passage (cf. Luke 10:21-24). He conceives himself as the Teacher who alone is able to interpret the Father.

§ 59. The ANOINTINGa of Christ's Feet by A Sinful Woman in the House of Simon A Pharisee. The Parable of the Two Debtors

Galilee

Luke 7:36-50

36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he entered into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. 37 And behold, a woman which was in the city, a sinner; and when she knew that he was sitting at meat in the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster cruse of ointment, 38 and standing behind at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have perceived who and what manner of woman this is which toucheth him, that she is a sinner. 40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. 41 A certain lender had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. 42 When they had not wherewith to pay, he forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love him most? 43 Simon answered and said, He, I suppose, to whom he forgave the most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. 44 And turning to the woman, he said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath wetted my feet with her tears, and wiped them with her hair. 45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but she, since the time I came in, hath not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but she hath anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. 48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. 49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that even forgiveth sins? 50 And he said unto the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

Or, a flask.

Gr. kissed much.

Some ancient authorities read the prophet. See John 1:21, 25.

Or, Teacher.

The word in the Greek denotes a coin worth about seventeen cents.

Gr. kiss much.

Or, among.

a This anointing in Galilee must be distinct from the anointing at Bethany, near Jerusalem, more than a year later. This sinful and penitent woman is represented by a very late tradition as being Mary Magdalene, and hence all the popular uses of the term Magdalen. But that notion has no historical support whatever, and it becomes violently improbable when we find that in the very next paragraph Luke introduces Mary Magdalene as a new figure in the history. Some men even identify Mary of Bethany with this woman that was a sinner and also with Mary Magdalene, a medley of medieval mysticism.

In sections 60 to 63 Jesus makes a second (three in all) tour of Galilee, this time with all the Twelve. Intense hostility of the Pharisees is aroused by the work. They make the blasphemous accusation that Jesus is in league with Satan. Even the kindred of Jesus fear that he is beside himself because of the excitement and the charges.

§ 60. The Second Tour of Galilee

Luke 8:1-3

1 And it came to pass soon afterwards, that he went about through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good tidings of the kingdom of God, and with him the twelve, 2 and certain women which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary that was called Magdalene, from whom seven devils had gone out, 3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto them of their substance.

Or, gospel.

Gr. demons.

Many ancient authorities read him.

Notice that the events of §§ 61-66 all occurred on the same day, called the Busy Day.a

a This "Busy Day" is just one of many such days in the Master's Ministry. See, for instance, the last day of his public ministry in the temple in Jerusalem. Observe Jesus in the forenoon teaching a crowded audience (Mark 3:19), some of whom insult and blaspheme him, and others demand a sign, and at length his mother and brethren try to carry him off as insane (comp. Mark 3:21); in the afternoon giving a group of most remarkable parables, several of which he interprets; towards night crossing the Lake in a boat, so tired and worn that he sleeps soundly amid the alarming storm; then healing the Gadarene demoniacs, and returning by boat, apparently the same evening. What a day of toil and trial.

§ 61. Blasphemous Accusation of League with Beelzebub

Galilee

Mark 3:19-30 Matt. 12:22-37

19 And he cometh into a house.
20 And the multitude cometh
together again, so that they could
not so much as eat bread. 21 And
when his friends heard it, they
went out to lay hold on him: for
they said, He is beside himself.

22 And the scribes which came
down from Jerusalem said, He
hath Beelzebub, and, By the
prince of the devils casteth he
out the devils. 23 And he called
them unto him, and said unto
them in parables, How can Satan
cast out Satan? 24 And if a
kingdom be divided against itself,
that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And
if a house be divided against
itself, that house will not be able
to stand. 26 And if Satan hath
risen up against himself, and is
divided, he cannot stand, but
hath an end.

27 But no one can
enter into the house of the strong
man, and spoil his goods, except he
first bind the strong man; and then
he will spoil his house.

28 Verily I say unto
you, All their sins shall be
forgiven unto the sons of men, and
their blasphemies wherewith
soever they shall blaspheme: 29 but
whosoever shall blaspheme
against the Holy Spirit hath
never forgiveness, but is guilty
of an eternal sin: 30 because they
said, He hath an unclean spirit.

22 Then was brought unto him
one possessed with a devil, blind
and dumb: and he healed him,
insomuch that the dumb man
spake and saw. 23 And all the
multitudes were amazed, and said,
Is this the son of David? 24 But
when the Pharisees heard it,
they said, This man doth not
cast out devils, but by Beelzebub
the prince of the devils
[see John 7:20; 8:48, 52; 10:20].a
25 And knowing their thoughts he
said unto them, Every kingdom
divided against itself is brought
to desolation; and every city or
house divided against itself shall
not stand: 26 and if Satan casteth
out Satan, he is divided against
himself; how then shall his kingdom
stand? 27 And if I by Beelzebub
cast out devils, by whom
do your sons cast them out?
therefore shall they be your judges.
28 But if I by the Spirit of God cast
out devils, then is the kingdom of
God come upon you. 29 Or how
can one enter into the house of the
strong man, and spoil his goods,
except he first bind the strong
man? and then he will spoil his
house. 30 He that is not with me
is against me; and he that gathereth
not with me scattereth. 31 Therefore
I say unto you, Every sin and
blasphemy shall be forgiven unto
men; but the blasphemy against
the Spirit shall not be forgiven.
32 And whosoever shall speak a
word against the Son of man, it
shall be forgiven him; but whosoever
shall speak against the Holy
Spirit, it shall not be forgiven
him, neither in this world, nor
in that which is to come. 33 Either
make the tree good, and its fruit
good; or make the tree corrupt, and
its fruit corrupt: for the tree is known
by its fruit. 34 Ye offspring of
vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak
good things? for out of the abundance
of the heart the mouth speaketh.
35 The good man out of his
good treasure bringeth forth good
things: and the evil man out of his
evil treasure bringeth forth evil
things. 36 And I say unto you, that
every idle word that men shall speak,
they shall give account thereof in the
day of judgement. 37 For by thy
words thou shalt be justified, and by
thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Or, a demoniac.

Gr. demons.

Or, in.

Some ancient authorities read unto you men.

Or, age.

a Luke (11:14-36) gives another blasphemous accusation later in Judea. Matthew (9:27-34) also has another blasphemous accusation. Note Christ's use of parables in replying to the accusations.

§ 62. Scribes and Pharisees Demand a Sign

Same day. Galilee

Matt. 12:38-45

38 Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. 39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet: 40 for as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth [see Jonah 1:17; 2:1-2; 3:5; 4:3; 1 Kings 10:1-10]. 41 The men of Nineveh shall stand up in the judgement with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, a greater than Jonah is here. 42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgement with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, a greater than Solomon is here. 43 But the unclean spirit, when he is gone out of the man, passeth through waterless places, seeking rest, and findeth it not. 44 Then he saith, I will return into my house whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man becometh worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this evil generation.

Or, Teacher.

Gr. sea-monster.

Gr. more than.

Or, it.

Or, itself.

§ 63. Christ's Mother and Brethren Seek to Take Him Home

Same day. Galilee

Mark 3:31-35 Matt. 12:46-50 Luke 8:19-21

31 And there come
his mother and his
brethren; and, standing
without, they sent
unto him, calling him.
32 And a multitude
was sitting about him;
and they say unto
him, Behold, thy
mother and thy
brethren without seek
for thee.
33 And he
answereth them, and
saith, Who is my
mother and my
brethren?
34 And
looking round on
them which sat round
about him, he saith,
Behold, my mother
and my brethren!
35 For whosoever shall
do the will of God,
the same
is my brother, and
sister, and mother. 46 While he was yet
speaking to the
multitudes, behold,
his mother and his
brethren stood without,
seeking to speak to
him. 47 And one said
unto him, Behold,
thy mother and thy
brethren stand without,
seeking to speak
to thee.

48 But he
answered and said
unto him that told him,
Who is my mother?
and who are my
brethren? 49 And he
stretched forth his
hand towards his
disciples, and said,
Behold, my mother and
my brethren! 50 For
whosoever shall do
the will of my Father
which is in heaven, he
is my brother, and
sister, and mother.
19 And there came
to him his mother and
brethren, and they
could not come at
him for the crowd.
20 And it was told him,
Thy mother and thy
brethren stand without,
desiring to see thee.

21 But he
answered and said
unto them,

My mother
and my brethren are
these which hear the
word of God, and do
it [see John 15:14].

Some ancient authorities omit ver. 47.

In §§ 64 to 69 we have the first great group of Parables with the visit to Gerasa and the return to Nazareth.

§ 64. The First Great Group of PARABLESa

Same day. Beside the Sea of Galilee. Introduction to the Group

Mark 4:1, 2 Matt. 13:1-3 Luke 8:4

1 And again he
began to teach by the
sea side. And there
is gathered unto him
a very great multitude,
so that he entered
a boat, and
sat in the sea; and all
the multitude were by
the sea on the land.
2 And he taught them
many things in
parables, and said unto
them in his teaching,
Hearken: 1 On that day went
Jesus out of the
house, and sat by the
sea side. 2 And there
were gathered unto
him great multitudes,
so that he entered
into a boat, and sat;
and all the multitude
stood on the beach.
3 And he spake to them
many things in
parables, saying,

4 And when a great
multitude came
together, and they of
every city resorted
unto him,

he spake
by a parable:

a We have met various separate parables heretofore, but here is a group of at least ten. Two other great groups will occur hereafter, one group given in Luke only, and the last group during the last week of our Lord's public ministry.

1. To the Crowds by the Sea

(a) Parable of the Sower

Mark 4:3-25 Matt. 13:3-23 Luke 8:5-18

3 Behold, the sower
went forth to sow:
4 and it came to pass,
as he sowed, some
seed fell by the way
side, and the birds
came and devoured
it. 5 And other fell
on the rocky ground,
where it had not
much earth; and
straightway it sprang
up, because it had no
deepness of earth: 6 and
when the sun was
risen, it was scorched;
and because it
had no root, it
withered away. 7 And
other fell among the
thorns, and the thorns
grew up, and choked
it, and it yielded no
fruit. 8 And others fell
into the good ground,
and yielded fruit,
growing up and
increasing; and brought
forth, thirtyfold, and
sixtyfold, and a
hundredfold. 9 And he
said, Who hath ears
to hear, let him hear.
10 And when he was
alone, they that were
about him with the
twelve asked of him
the parables.
11 And he
said unto them,
Unto you is given the
mystery of the kingdom
of God: but unto
them that are without,
all things are
done in parables: 12 that

seeing they may see,
and not perceive; and
hearing they may
hear, and not under-
stand; lest haply they
should turn again,
and it should be
forgivena them. 13 And
he saith unto them,
Know ye not this
parable? and how
shall ye know all the
parables? 14 The sower
soweth the word.
15 And these are they
by the way side,
where the word is
sown; and when they
have heard, straightway
cometh Satan,
and taketh away the
word which hath been
sown in them. 16 And
these in like manner
are they that are

sown upon the rocky
places, who, when
they have heard the
word, straightway
receive it with joy; 17 and
they have no root in
themselves, but
endure for a while;
then, when tribulation
or persecution
ariseth because of the
word, straightway
they stumble. 18 And
others are they that
are sown among the
thorns; these are they
that have heard the
word, 19 and the cares
of the world, and the
deceitfulness of riches,
and the lusts of other
things entering in,
choke the word, and
it becometh unfruitful.
20 And those are
they that were sown
upon the good
ground; such as hear
the word, and accept

it, and bear fruit,
thirtyfold, and sixtyfold,
and a hundredfold.

21 And he said unto
them, Is the lampb
brought to be put under
the bushel, or under
the bed, and not to be
put on the stand?
22 For there is nothing
hid, save that it should
be manifested; neither
was anything made
secret, but that it
should come to light.
23 If any man hath ears
to hear, let him hear.
24 And he said unto
them, Take heed what
ye hear: with what
measure ye mete it
shall be measured unto
you: and more shall be
given unto you. 25 For
he that hath, to him
shall be given: and he
that hath not, from him
shall be taken away
even that which he hath. 3 Behold, the sower
went forth to sow;
4 and as he sowed,
some seeds fell by the
way side, and the
birds came and
devoured them: 5 and
others fell upon the
rocky places, where
they had not much
earth: and straightway
they sprang up,
because they had no
deepness of earth:
6 and when the sun
was risen, they were
scorched; and because
they had no root,
they withered away.
7 And others fell upon
the thorns; and the
thorns grew up, and
choked them: 8 and
others fell upon the
good ground, and
yielded fruit, some a
hundredfold, some
sixty, some thirty.

9 He that hath ears,
let him hear.
10 And the disciples
came, and said unto
him, Why speakest
thou unto them in
parables?
11 And he
answered and said
unto them, Unto you
it is given to know
the mysteries of the
kingdom of heaven,
but to them it is not
given. 12 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 which he hath.
13 Therefore speak I to
them in parables;
because seeing they see
not, and hearing they
hear not, neither do
they understand. 14 And
unto them is fulfilled
the prophecy of
Isaiah, which saith,
By hearing ye shall
hear, and shall
in no wise
understand;
And seeing ye shall
see, and shall
in no wise
perceive:
15 For this people's
heart is waxed
gross,
And their ears are
dull of hearing,
And their eyes they
have closed;
Lest haply they
should perceive
with their eyes,
And hear with their
ears,
And understand with
their heart,
And should turn
again,
And I should heal them
[see Isa. 6:9-10].
16 But blessed are
your eyes, for they see;
and your ears, for they
hear. 17 For verily I say
unto you, that many
prophets and righteous
men desired to see the
things which ye see, and
saw them not; and to
hear the things which ye
hear, and heard them
not. 18 Hear then ye the
parable of the sower.
19 When any one
heareth the word of the
kingdom, and
understandeth it not,
then cometh the evil one,
and snatcheth away that
which hath been sown
in his heart. This is he
that was sown by the
way side. 20 And he
that was sown upon
the rocky places, this
is he that heareth the
word, and straightway
with joy receiveth
it; 21 yet hath he
not root in himself,
but endureth for a while;
and when tribulation
or persecution
ariseth because of the
word, straightway he

stumbleth. 22 And he
that was sown among
the thorns, this is he
that heareth the
word; and the care
of the world, and the
deceitfulness of riches,

choke the
word, and he becometh
unfruitful. 23 And
he that was sown upon
the good ground,
this is he that heareth
the word, and
understandeth it; who
verily beareth fruit,
and bringeth forth,
some a hundredfold,
some sixty, some
thirty. 5 The sower went
forth to sow his seed:
and as he sowed, some
fell by the way side;
and it was trodden
under foot, and the
birds of the heaven
devoured it. 6 And
other fell on the rock;
and as soon as it
grew, it withered
away, because it had
no moisture.

7 And
other fell amidst the
thorns; and the thorns
grew with it, and
choked it. 8 And other
fell into the good
ground, and grew,
and brought forth
fruit a hundredfold.
As he said these
things, he cried,

He that hath
ears to hear, let him
hear.

9 And his disciples
asked him what this
parable might be.

10 And he said, Unto
you it is given to
know the mysteries
of the kingdom of
God: but to the rest

in parables; that seeing
they may not see,
and hearing they may
not understand. 11 Now
the parable is this:
The seed is the word
of God. 12 And those
by the way side are
they that have heard;
then cometh the devil,
and taketh away
the word from their
heart, that they may
not believe and be
saved.

13 And
those on the rock are
they which, when
they have heard,
receive the word with
joy; and these have
no root, which for a
while believe, and in

time of temptation
fall away.

14 And that which fell
among the thorns,
these are they that
have heard, and as
they go on their way
they are choked with
cares and riches and
pleasures of this life,
and bring no fruit to
perfection.

15 And that in the good
ground, these are
such as in an honest
and good heart, having
heard the word,
hold it fast, and bring
forth fruit with patience.

16 And no man, when
he hath lighted a lamp,
covereth it with a vessel,
or putteth it under a bed;
but putteth it on a
stand, that they which
enter in may see the
light. 17 For nothing is
hid, that shall not be
made manifest; nor
anything secret, that
shall not be known and
come to light. 18 Take

heed therefore how ye
hear: for whosoever
hath, to him shall be
given; and whosoever
hath not, from him
shall be taken away
even that which he
thinketh he hath.

Some ancient authorities add here, and in ver. 43, to hear: as in Mark 4:9; Luke 8:8.

Or, age.

Or, seemeth to have.

a Observe that Jesus spoke these words just after the blasphemous accusation and on the same day (Matt. 13:1).

b Note here another brief parable of the lamp to enforce the lesson of the parable of the Sower. Preachers to-day sometimes tell one story to illustrate another.

(b) Parable of the Seed Growing of Itself

Mark 4:26-29

26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed upon the earth; 27 and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should spring up and grow, he knoweth not how. 28 The earth beareth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear. 29 But when the fruit is ripe, straightway he putteth forth the sickle, because the harvest is come [see Joel 3:13].

Or, yieldeth.

Or, alloweth.

Or, sendeth forth.

(c) Parable of the Tares

Matt. 13:24-30

24 Another parable set he before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man that sowed good seed in his field: 25 but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares also among the wheat, and went away. 26 But when the blade sprang up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. 27 And the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst thou not sow good seed in thy field? whence then hath it tares? 28 And he said unto them, An enemy hath done this. And the servants say unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? 29 But he saith, Nay; lest haply while ye gather up the tares, ye root up the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather up first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

Or, darnel.

Gr. bondservants.

Gr. A man that is an enemy.

(d) Parable of the Mustard Seed

Mark 4:30-32 Matt. 13:31-32

30 And he said, How shall we liken
the kingdom of God? or in what
parable shall we set it forth? 31 It
is like a grain of mustard seed,
which, when it is sown upon the
earth, though it be less than all
the seeds that are upon the earth,
32 yet when it is sown, groweth
up, and becometh greater than all
the herbs, and putteth out great
branches; so that the birds of
the heaven can lodge under the
shadow thereof. 31 Another parable set he before
them, saying, The kingdom of
heaven is like unto a grain of
mustard seed, which a man took,
and sowed in his field: 32 which
indeed is less than all seeds; but
when it is grown, it is greater
than the herbs, and becometh a
tree [see Dan. 4:12, 21], so that
the birds of the heaven come and
lodge in the branches thereof.

Gr. As unto.

(e) Parable of the Leaven and many such Parables

Mark 4:33-34 Matt. 13:33-35

33 And with manya such parables
spake he the word unto them, as
they were able to hear it: 34 and
without a parable spake he not
unto them: but privately to his
disciples he expounded all things. 33 Another parable spake he unto
them; The kingdom of heaven is
like unto leaven, which a woman
took, and hid in three measures
of meal, till it was all leavened.
34 All these things spake Jesus
in parables unto the multitudes;
and withouta a parable spake he
nothing unto them: 35 that it might
be fulfilled which was spoken by
the prophet, saying,
I will open my mouth in parables;
I will utter things hidden from
the foundation of the world
[see Ps. 78:2].

The word in the Greek denotes the Hebrew seah, a measure containing nearly a peck and a half.

Or, through.

Many ancient authorities omit of the world.

a Note the expression. Matthew gives nine in Chapter 13 and Mark another. There may have been still others on this day.

2. To the Disciples in the House

(a) Explanation of the Parable of the Tares

Matt. 13:36-43

36 Then he left the multitudes, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Explain unto us the parable of the tares of the field. 37 And he answered and said, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; 38 and the field is the world; and the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the tares are the sons of the evil one; 39 and the enemy that sowed them is the devil: and the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are angels. 40 As therefore the tares are gathered up and burned with fire; so shall it be in the end of the world. 41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that cause stumbling, and them that do iniquity, 42 and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be the weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father [see Dan. 12:3]. He that hath ears, let him hear.

Or, the consummation of the age.

(b) The Parable of the Hid Treasure

Matt. 13:44

44 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in the field; which a man found, and hid; and in his joy he goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

Or, for joy thereof.

(c) The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price

Matt. 13:45-46

45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a merchant seeking goodly pearls: 46 and having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

(d) The Parable of the Net

Matt. 13:47-50

47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: 48 which, when it was filled, they drew up on the beach; and they sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but the bad they cast away. 49 So shall it be in the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the righteous, 50 and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be the weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Gr. dragnet.

Or, consummation of the age.

(e) The Parable of the Householder

Matt. 13:51-53

51 Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea. 52 And he said unto them, Therefore every scribe who hath been made a disciple to the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.

53 And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these parables,a he departed thence.

a Eight of these ten parables go in pairs (the sower and the seed growing of itself, the tares and the net, the mustard seed and the leaven, the hid treasure and the pearl of great price). But nothing can be made out of the number of the parables spoken on this day. We do not even know what the number was. Jesus had spoken various shorter and more or less isolated parables before this occasion. An immediate occasion for the use of so many and such extended parables at this point was the hostility of the Pharisees and the need of special instruction for the disciples who were taught by Jesus how to interpret parables, though they had much difficulty later in applying the instruction about the parabolic teaching.

§ 65. In Crossing the Lake, Jesus Stills the Tempest

Same day. Sea of Galilee

Mark 4:35-41 Matt. 8:18, 23-27 Luke 8:22-25

35 And on that day,
when even was come,
he saith unto them,
Let us go over unto
the other side.

36 And leaving the
multitude, they take
him with them, even
as he was, in the
boat. And other
boats were with him.

37 And there ariseth a
great storm of wind,
and the waves beat
into the boat, insomuch
that the boat was
now filling. 38 And
he himself was in the
stern, asleep on the
cushion: and they
awake him, and say
unto him, Master,
carest thou not that
we perish? 39 And he
awoke, and rebuked
the wind, and said
unto the sea, Peace,
be still. And the
wind ceased, and
there was a great
calm. 40 And he said
unto them, Why are
ye fearful? have ye
not yet faith?
41 And they
feared exceedingly,
and said one
to another, Who then
is this, that even the
wind and the sea
obey him? 18 Now when Jesus
saw great multitudes
about him, he gave
commandment to
depart unto the other
side.
23 And when he was
entered into a boat,
his disciples followed
him.

24 And behold,
there arose a great
tempest in the sea,
insomuch that the
boat was covered
with the waves: but
he was asleep. 25 And
they came to him,
and awoke him,
saying, Save, Lord;
we perish.

26 And he
saith unto them, Why
are ye fearful, O ye
of little faith? Then
he arose, and rebuked
the winds and
the sea; and there
was a great calm.

27 And the men
marvelled, saying,
What manner of man
is this, that even the
winds and the sea
obey him?

22 Now it came to
pass on one of those
days, that he entered
into a boat, himself
and his disciples; and
he said unto them,
Let us go over to the
other side of the lake:
and they launched
forth. 23 But as they
sailed he fell asleep:
and there came down
a storm of wind on
the lake; and they
were filling with water,
and were in jeopardy.

24 And
they came to him, and
awoke him, saying,
Master, master,
we perish. And he
awoke, and rebuked
the wind and the
raging of the water:
and they ceased, and
there was a calm.

25 And he said unto
them, Where is your
faith?
And being
afraid they marvelled,
saying one to
another, Who then is
this, that he
commandeth even the
winds and the water,
and they obey him?

§ 66. Beyond the Lake Jesus Heals the GERASENEa DEMONIACb

Gerasa (Khersa). Same day

Mark 5:1-20 Matt. 8:28-34 Luke 8:26-39

1 And they came to
the other side of the
sea, into the country
of the Gerasenes.
2 And when he was
come out of the boat,
straightway there
met him out of the
tombs a man with
an unclean spirit, 3 who
had his dwelling in
the tombs: and no
man could any more
bind him, no, not
with a chain; 4 because
that he had been
often bound with
fetters and chains, and
the chains had been
rent asunder by him,
and the fetters broken
in pieces: and no man
had strength to tame
him. 5 And always,
night and day, in the
tombs and in the
mountains, he was
crying out, and
cutting himself with
stones. 6 And when
he saw Jesus from
afar, he ran and
worshipped him; 7 and
crying out with a loud
voice, he saith, What
have I to do with
thee, Jesus, thou Son
of the Most High
God? I adjure thee
by God, torment me
not. 8 For he said
unto him, Come forth,
thou unclean spirit,
out of the man.

9 And he asked
him, What is thy
name? And he saith
unto him, My name
is Legion; for we are
many. 10 And he
be sought him much
that he would not send
them away out of
the country. 11 Now
there was there on
the mountain side a
great herd of swine
feeding. 12 And they
besought him, saying,
Send us into the
swine, that we may
enter into them.
13 And he gave them
leave. And the
unclean spirits came
out, and entered into
the swine: and the
herd rushed down the
steep into the sea,
in number about two
thousand; and they
were choked in the
sea. 14 And they that
fed them fled, and
told it in the city,
and in the country.
And they came to see
what it was that had
come to pass. 15 And
they come to Jesus,
and behold him that
was possessed with
devils sitting, clothed
and in his right mind,
even him that had the
legion: and they were
afraid. 16 And they
that saw it declared
unto them how it
befell him that was
possessed with devils,
and concerning the
swine. 17 And they
began to beseech him
to depart from their
borders. 18 And as he
was entering into the
boat, he that had
been possessed with
devils besought him
that he might be with
him. 19 And he suffered
him not, but saith
unto him, Go to thy
house unto thy
friends, and tell them
how great things the
Lord hath done for
thee, and how he had
mercy on thee. 20 And
he went his way, and
began to publish in
Decapolis how great
things Jesus had done
for him: and all men
did marvel.c 28 And when he was
come to the other
side into the country
of the Gadarenes,
there met him two
possessed with devils,
coming forth out of
the tombs, exceeding
fierce, so that no
man could pass by
that way.

29 And behold,
they cried out,
saying, What have we
to do with thee, thou
Son of God? art thou
come hither to
torment us before the
time?

30 Now there
was afar off from
them a herd of many
swine feeding. 31 And
the devils besought
him, saying, If thou
cast us out, send us
away into the herd
of swine. 32 And he
said unto them, Go.
And they came out,
and went into the
swine: and behold,
the whole herd rushed
down the steep
into the sea, and
perished in the waters.

33 And they that fed
them fled, and went
away into the city,
and told everything,
and what was befallen
to them that
were possessed with
devils. 34 And behold,
all the city came out
to meet Jesus:

and
when they saw him,
they besought him
that he would depart
from their borders.
26 And they arrived
at the country of the
Gerasenes, which is
over against Galilee.
27 And when he was
come forth upon the
land, there met him
a certain man out of
the city, who had
devils; and for a long
time he had worn no
clothes, and abode
not in any house, but
in the tombs.

28 And
when he saw Jesus,
he cried out, and fell
down before him,
and with a loud voice
said, What have I to
do with thee, Jesus,
thou Son of the Most
High God? I
beseech thee, torment
me not. 29 For he
commanded the unclean
spirit to come out
of the man. For
oftentimes it had seized
him: and he was kept
under guard, and
bound with chains
and fetters; and
breaking the bands
asunder, he was driven
of the devil into
the deserts. 30 And
Jesus asked him,
What is thy name?
And he said, Legion;
for many devils were
entered into him.
31 And they intreated
him that he would
not command them
to depart into the
abyss. 32 Now there was
there a herd of many
swine feeding on the
mountain: and they
intreated him that
he would give them
leave to enter into
them. And he gave
them leave. 33 And the
devils came out from
the man, and entered
into the swine: and
the herd rushed down
the steep into the
lake, and were choked.
34 And when they that
fed them saw what
had come to pass,
they fled, and told it
in the city and in the
country. 35 And they
went out to see what
had come to pass; and
they came to Jesus,
and found the man,
from whom the devils
were gone out, sitting,
clothed and in
his right mind, at
the feet of Jesus: and
they were afraid.

36 And they that saw
it told them how he
that was possessed
with devils was
made whole. 37 And
all the people of the
country of the
Gerasenes round about
asked him to depart
from them; for they
were holden with
great fear: and he
entered into a boat,
and returned. 38 But
the man from whom
the devils were gone
out prayed him that
he might be with
him: but he sent him
away, saying, 39 Return
to thy house, and
declare how great
things God hath
done for thee. And
he went his way,
publishing throughout
the whole city how
great things Jesus had
done for him.

Or, demoniacs.

Gr. demons.

Or, the demoniac.

Many ancient authorities read Gergesenes; others Gadarenes.

Or, of a long time.

Gr. demon.

Or, saved.

a The long famous instance of "discrepancy" as to the place in this narrative has been cleared up in recent years by the decision of textual critics that the correct text in Luke is Gerasenes, as well as in Mark, and by Dr. Thomson's discovery of a ruin on the lake shore, named Khersa (Gerasa). If this village was included (a very natural supposition) in the district belonging to the city of Gadara, some miles south-eastward, then the locality could be described as either in the country of the Gadarenes, or in the country of the Gerasenes.

b Matthew mentions two demoniacs, Mark and Luke describe one, who was probably the prominent and leading one.

c Note in Mark the numerous vivid details and fulness of narrative.

§ 67. The Return and the Healing of Jairus' Daughter and of the Woman Who Only Touched Christ's Garment

Probably Capernaum

Mark 5:21-43 Matt. 9:18-26 Luke 8:40-56

21 And when Jesus
had crossed over
again in the boat unto
the other side, a great
multitude was gathered
unto him: and he
was by the sea.
22 And there cometh
one of the rulers of
the synagogue, Jairus
by name; and seeing
him, he falleth at his
feet, 23 and beseecheth
him much, saying,
My little daughter is
at the point of death:
I pray thee, that thou
come and lay thy
hands on her, that
she may be made
whole, and live. 24 And
he went with him;
and a great multitude
followed him, and
they thronged him.
25 And a woman,
which had an issue
of blood twelve years,
26 and had suffered
many things of many
physicians, and had
spent all that she
had, and was nothing
bettered, but rather
grew worse, 27 having
heard the things
concerning Jesus, came
in the crowd behind,
and touched his garment.
28 For she said,
If I touch but his
garments, I shall be
made whole. 29 And
straightway the fountain
of her blood was
dried up; and she felt
in her body that she was
healed of her plague.
30 And straightway
Jesus, perceiving
in himself that the
power proceeding from
him had gone forth,
turned him about in
the crowd, and said,
Who touched my
garments? 31 And his
disciples said unto him,
Thou seest the multitude
thronging thee,
and sayest thou, Who
touched me? 32 And he
looked round about
to see her that had
done this thing. 33 But
the woman fearing
and trembling, knowing
what had been
done to her, came
and fell down before
him, and told him
all the truth. 34 And
he said unto her,
Daughter, thy faith
hath made thee
whole; go in peace,
and be whole of thy
plague.
35 While he yet spake,
they come from the
ruler of the synagogue's
house, saying,
Thy daughter is dead:
why troublest thou
the Master any further?
36 But Jesus,
not heeding the word
spoken, saith unto
the ruler of the
synagogue, Fear not,
only believe. 37 And he
suffered no man to
follow with him, save
Peter, and James, and
John the brother of
James. 38 And they
come to the house
of the ruler of the
synagogue; and he
beholdeth a tumult,
and many weeping
and wailing greatly.
39 And when he was
entered in, he saith
unto them, Why
make ye a tumult,
and weep? the child
is not dead, but sleepeth.
40 And they laughed
him to scorn. But
he, having put them
all forth, taketh the
father of the child
and her mother and
them that were with
him, and goeth in
where the child was.
41 And taking the child
by the hand, he saith
unto her, Talitha cumi;
which is, being
interpreted, Damsel,
I say unto thee, Arise.
42 And straightway the
damsel rose up, and
walked; for she was
twelve years old.
And they were amazed
straightway with
a great amazement.
43 And he charged them
much that no man
should know this: and
he commanded that
something should be
given her to eat.

18 While he spake
these things unto
them,a behold, there
came a ruler, and
worshipped him, saying,
My daughter is
even now dead: but
come and lay thy
hand upon her, and
she shall live. 19 And
Jesus arose, and
followed him, and so
did his disciples.

20 And behold, a
woman, who had an
issue of blood twelve
years, came behind
him, and touched the
border of his garment:
21 for she said
within herself, If I do
but touch his
garment, I shall be made
whole.

22 But
Jesus turning and seeing
her said, Daughter,
be of good cheer;
thy faith hath made
thee whole. And the
woman was made
whole from that hour.

23 And when Jesus came
into the ruler's house,
and saw the flute-
players, and the
crowd making a
tumult, 24 he said, Give
place: for the damsel
is not dead, but sleepeth.
And they laughed
him to scorn. 25 But
when the crowd was
put forth, he entered

in, and took her by
the hand; and the
damsel arose. 26 And
the fame hereof went
forth into all that
land. 40 And as Jesus
returned, the multitude
welcomed him;
for they were all
waiting for him.

41 And behold, there
came a man named
Jairus, and he was
a ruler of the
synagogue: and he fell
down at Jesus' feet,
and besought him to
come into his house;
42 for he had an only
daughter, about
twelve years of age,
and she lay a dying.
But as he went the
multitudes thronged
him.

43 And a woman
having an issue of blood
twelve years, which
had spent all her
living upon physicians,
and could not
be healed of any, came
behind him, 44 and
touched the border of
his garment: and
immediately the issue of
her blood stanched.

45 And Jesus said, Who
is it that touched
me? And when all
denied, Peter said,
and they that were
with him, Master,
the multitudes press
thee and crush thee.
46 But Jesus said, Some
one did touch me:
for I perceived that
power had gone forth
from me. 47 And when
the woman saw that
she was not hid, she
came trembling, and
falling down before
him declared in the
presence of all the
people for what cause
she touched him, and
how she was healed
immediately. 48 And
he said unto her,
Daughter, thy faith
hath made thee
whole; go in peace.

49 While he yet spake,
there cometh one
from the ruler of the
synagogue's house,
saying, Thy daughter
is dead; trouble not
the Master. 50 But
Jesus hearing it,
answered him, Fear not:
only believe, and she
shall be made whole.
51 And when he came
to the house, he
suffered not any man to
enter in with him,
save Peter, and John,
and James, and the
father of the maiden
and her mother.
52 And all were weeping,
and bewailing her:
but he said, Weep
not; for she is not
dead, but sleepeth.
53 And they laughed
him to scorn, knowing
that she was dead.
54 But he, taking her by
the hand, called, saying,
Maiden, arise.
55 And her spirit
returned, and she rose
up immediately: and
he commanded that
something be given
her to eat. 56 And her
parents were amazed:
but he charged them
to tell no man what
had been done.

Gr. one ruler.

Or, saved.

Or saved thee.

Gr. this fame.

Gr. scourge.

Or, Teacher.

Or, overhearing.

Some ancient authorities omit had spent all her living upon physicians, and.

Some ancient authorities omit and they that were with him.

a Broadus felt that the language in Matt. 9:18 compelled him to place 9:18 after 9:17. I do not think so, for "while he spake" may be merely an introductory phrase for a new paragraph. It is best to follow Mark's order, as Luke does, for Matthew is not chronological in this part of his Gospel.

§ 68. He Heals Two Blind Men, and a Dumb Demoniac. A Blasphemous Accusation

Matt. 9:27-34

27 And as Jesus passed by from thence, two blind men followed him, crying out, and saying, Have mercy on us, thou son of David. 28 And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They say unto him, Yea, Lord. 29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it done unto you. 30 And their eyes were opened. And Jesus strictly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. 31 But they went forth, and spread abroad his fame in all that land.

32 And as they went forth, behold, there was brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil. 33 And when the devil was cast out, the dumb man spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel. 34 But the Pharisees said, By the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.

Or, sternly.

Gr. demon.

Or, In.

Gr. demons.

§ 69. The LASTa Visit to Nazareth

Mark 6:1-6 Matt. 13:54-58

1 And he went out from thence;
and he cometh into his own
country; and his disciples follow
him. 2 And when the sabbath
was come, he began to teach in
the synagogue: and many hearing
him were astonished, saying,
Whence hath this man these
things? and, What is the wisdom
that is given unto this man, and
what mean such mighty works
wrought by his hands? 3 Is not
this the carpenter, the son of
Mary, and brother of James, and
Joses, and Judas, and Simon?
and are not his sisters here with
us? And they were offended in
him. 4 And Jesus said unto them,
A prophet is not without honour,
save in his own country, and
among his own kin, and in his
own house. 5 And he could there
do no mighty work, save that
he laid his hands upon a few
sick folk, and healed them. 6 And
he marvelled because of their
unbelief.
54 And coming into his own
country he taught them in their
synagogue, insomuch that they
were astonished, and said,
Whence hath this man this wisdom,
and these mighty works?

55 Is not this
the carpenter's son? is not his
mother called Mary? and his
brethren, James, and Joseph, and
Simon, and Judas? 56 And his
sisters, are they not all with us?
Whence then hath this man all
these things? 57 And they were
offended in him. But Jesus said
unto them, A prophet is not
without honour, save in his own
country, and in his own house.
58 And he did not many mighty
works there because of their
unbelief.

Gr. powers.

Gr. caused to stumble.

Some ancient authorities insert the.

Gr. power.

a There is no sufficient occasion to identify this visit to Nazareth with that described by Luke. That was at the very beginning of the great ministry in Galilee, and this is near its close. The details are quite different. It is perfectly natural that after a long interval he should give the Nazarenes another opportunity to hear his teaching, and to witness miracles, which he would not work for them when demanded, but now voluntarily works in a few cases, so far as their now wonderful unbelief left it appropriate.

In Sections 70 to 71 we have the Third Tour of Galilee (Jesus following the Twelve) and the effect on Herod Antipas.

§ 70. The Third Tour of Galilee After Instructing the Twelve and Sending Them Forth by Twos

Mark 6:6-13 Matt. 9:35 to 11:1 Luke 9:1-6

6 And he went round
about the villages
teaching.

7 And he called unto
him the twelve, and
began to send them
forth by two and
two; and he gave
them authority over
the unclean spirits;
8 and he charged them

that they
should take nothing
for their journey, save
a staff only; no bread,
no wallet, no money
in their purse; 9 but
to go shod with sandals:
and, said he,
put not on two coats.

10 And he said
unto them,
Wheresoever ye enter
into a house, there abide
till ye depart thence.
11 And whatsoever place

shall not
receive you, and they
hear you not, as ye
go forth thence, shake
off the dust that is
under your feet for a
testimony unto them. 35 And Jesus went
about all the cities and
the villages,a teaching
in their synagogues,
and preaching
the gospel of the
kingdom, and healing
all manner of disease
and all manner of
sickness. 36 But when
he saw the multitudes,
he was moved with
compassion for them,
because they were
distressed and scattered,
as sheep not having a
shepherd [see Num.
27:17; Ezek. 34:5].
37 Then saith he unto his
disciples, The harvest
truly is plenteous, but
the labourers are few.
38 Pray ye therefore the
Lord of the harvest,
that he send forth
labourers into his
harvest.
1 And he called unto
him his twelve
disciples, and gave them
authority over unclean
spirits, to cast
them out, and to heal
all manner of disease
and all manner of
sickness.
2 Now the names of
the twelve apostles
are these: The first,
Simon, who is called
Peter, and Andrew his
brother; James the son
of Zebedee, and John
his brother; 3 Philip,
and Bartholomew;
Thomas, and
Matthew the publican;
James the son
of Alphæus, and
Thaddæus; 4 Simon the
Cananæan, and Judas
Iscariot, who also
betrayed him. 5 These
twelve Jesus sent
forth, and charged
them, saying, Go not
into any way of the
Gentiles, and enter
not into any city of
the Samaritans: 6 but
go rather to the lost
sheep of the house of
Israel. 7 And as ye go,
preach, saying, The
kingdom of heaven is
at hand. 8 Heal the
sick, raise the dead,
cleanse the lepers,
cast out devils: freely
ye received, freely
give. 9 Get you no
gold, nor silver, nor
brass in your purses;
10 no wallet for your
journey, neither two
coats, nor shoes, nor
staff: for the labourer
is worthy of his food.
11 And into whatsoever
city or village ye
shall enter, search
out who in it is
worthy; and there
abide till ye go forth.
12 And as ye enter into
the house, salute it.
13 And if the house be
worthy, let your
peace come upon it:
but if it be not
worthy, let your
peace return to you.
14 And whosoever shall
not receive you, nor
hear your words, as
ye go forth out of
that house or that
city, shake off the
dust of your feet.
15 Verily I say unto
you, It shall be more
tolerable for the land
of Sodom and
Gomorrah in the day of
judgement, than for
that city.

1 And he called the
twelve together, and
gave them power and
authority over all
devils, and to cure
diseases. 2 And he
sent them forth to
preach the kingdom
of God, and to heal
the sick. 3 And he
said unto them,

Take nothing
for your journey,
neither staff, nor
wallet, nor bread, nor
money; neither have
two coats.

4 And
into whatsoever
house ye enter, there
abide, and thence
depart. 5 And as many

as receive you not,
when ye depart from
that city,

shake off
the dust from your
feet for a testimony
against them.

16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye
therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. 17 But beware of men:
for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will
scourge you; 18 yea and before governors and kings shall ye be brought
for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they
deliver you up, be not anxious how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be
given you in that hour what ye shall speak. 20 For it is not ye that speak,
but the Spirit of your Father that speaketh in you. 21 And brother shall
deliver up brother to death, and the father his child: and children shall rise
up against parents, and cause them to be put to death. 22 And ye shall be
hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end, the
same shall be saved. 23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee
into the next: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone through the
cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

24 A disciple is not above his master, nor a servant above his lord.
25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant
as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how
much more shall they call them of his household! 26 Fear them not
therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid,
that shall not be known. 27 What I tell you in the darkness, speak ye in
the light: and what ye hear in the ear, proclaim upon the housetops. 28 And
be not afraid of them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul:
but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and not one of them shall
fall on the ground without your Father: 30 but the very hairs of your head
are all numbered. 31 Fear not therefore; ye are of more value than many
sparrows. 32 Every one therefore who shall confess me before men,
him will I also confess before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But
whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my
Father which is in heaven.

34 Think not that I came to send peace on the earth: I came not to
send peace, but a sword. 35 For I came 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: 36 and a man's foes shall be they of his own
household [see Micah 7:6]. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than
me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me
is not worthy of me. 38 And he that doth not take his cross and follow
after me, is not worthy of me. 39 He that findeth his life shall lose it;
and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it [see John 12:25].

40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me
receiveth him that sent me [see John 13:20]. 41 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
a righteous man's reward. 42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one
of these little ones a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple,
verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

Mark 6:6-13 Matt. 9:35 to 11:1 Luke 9:1-6

12 And they went out,
and preached that
men should repent.
13 And they cast out
many devils, and
anointed with oil
many that were sick,
and healed them. 1 And it came to pass,
when Jesus had made
an end of commanding
his twelve disciples,
he departed
thence to teach and
preach in their cities.

6 And they departed,
and went throughout
the villages, preaching
the gospel, and
healing everywhere.

Or, Zealot. See Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13.

Or, delivered him up: and so always.

Gr. demons.

Gr. girdles.

Or, simple.

Or, put them to death.

Or, teacher.

Gr. bondservant.

Gr. Beelzebul: and so elsewhere.

Gr. Gehenna.

Gr. in me.

Gr. in him.

Gr. cast.

Or, found.

Or, soul.

Or, lost.

Gr. brass.

Gr. girdle.

Some ancient authorities omit the sick.

a This is certainly a second, and probably a third journey about Galilee. Dwell on Matt. 9:35 and 11:1 (end of this section), and try to realize the extent of the Saviour's work in teaching and healing. He "crowded into three short years actions and labours of love that might have adorned a century." (Ro. Hall.)

§ 71. The Guilty Fears of Herod Antipas in Tiberias About Jesus Because He Had Beheaded the Baptist in Machærus

Mark 6:14-29 Matt. 14:1-12 Luke 9:7-9

14 And king Herod
hearda thereof; for his
name had become
known: and he said,
John the Baptist is
risen from the dead,
and therefore do these
powers work in him.
15 But others said, It is
Elijah. And others
said, It is a prophet,
even as one of the
prophets. 16 But
Herod, when he heard
thereof, said, John,
whom I beheaded, he
is risen. 17 For Herod
himself had sent forth
and laid hold upon
John, and bound him
in prison for the sake
of Herodias, his
brother Philip's wife:
for he had married
her. 18 For John said
unto Herod,b It is
not lawful for thee to
have thy brother's wife
[see Lev. 18:16; 20:21].
19 And Herodias
set herself against
him, and desired to
kill him; and she
could not; 20 for Herod
feared John, knowing
that he was a righteous
man and a holy,
and kept him safe.
And when he heard
him, he was much
perplexed; and he
heard him gladly.
21 And when a
convenient day was
come, that Herod on
his birthday made a
supper to his lords,
and the high
captains, and the chief
men of Galilee; 22 and
when the daughter of
Herodias herself came
in and danced, she
pleased Herod and
them that sat at meat
with him; and the
king said unto the
damsel, Ask of me
whatsoever thou wilt,
and I will give it thee.
23 And he sware unto
her, Whatsoever thou
shalt ask of me, I will
give it thee, unto
the half of my kingdom.
24 And she went
out, and said unto
her mother, What
shall I ask? And she
said, The head of
John the Baptist.
25 And she came in
straightway with
haste unto the king,
and asked, saying, I
will that thou forthwith
give me in a
charger the head of
John the Baptist. 26 And
the king was exceeding
sorry; but for the
sake of his oaths, and
of them that sat at
meat, he would not
reject her. 27 And
straightway the king
sent forth a soldier
of his guard, and
commanded to bring his
head: and he went
and beheaded him in
the prison, 28 and
brought his head in a
charger, and gave it
to the damsel; and
the damsel gave it to
her mother. 29 And
when his disciples
heard thereof, they
came and took up his
corpse, and laid it in a
tomb. 1 At that season
Herod the tetrarch
heard the report
concerning Jesus,
2 and said unto his
servants, This is John
the Baptist; he is
risen from the dead;
and therefore do these
powers work in him.
3 For Herod had laid
hold on John, and
bound him, and put
him in prison for the
sake of Herodias, his
brother Philip's wife.

4 For John said unto
him, It is not lawful
for thee to have her.
5 And when he would
have put him to
death, he feared the
multitude, because
they counted him as
a prophet.

6 But when Herod's
birthday came, the
daughter of Herodias
danced in the midst,
and pleased Herod.

7 Whereupon he
promised with an oath
to give her whatsoever
she should ask. 8 And
she, being put forward
by her mother,

saith, Give me here
in a charger the head
of John the Baptist.
9 And the king was
grieved; but for the
sake of his oaths, and
of them which sat at
meat with him, he
commanded it to be
given; 10 and he sent,
and beheaded John
in the prison. 11 And
his head was brought
in a charger, and
given to the damsel:
and she brought it to

her mother. 12 And
his disciples came,
and took up the
corpse, and buried
him; and they went
and told Jesus. 7 Now Herod the
tetrarch heard of all
that was done: and he
was much perplexed,
because that
it was said by some,
that John was risen
from the dead; 8 and
by some, that Elijah
had appeared; and
by others, that one
of the old prophets
was risen again. 9 And
Herod said, John I
beheaded: but who is
this, about whom I
hear such things?
And he sought to see
him.

Some ancient authorities read they.

Gr. the Baptizer.

Many ancient authorities read did many things.

Or, military tribunes. Gr. chiliarchs.

Some ancient authorities read his daughter Herodias.

Or, it.

a Mark's connection shows that Herod Antipas was impressed by the account of miracles which the disciples had wrought, as well as by those of Jesus himself.

b Josephus (Antiquities, Book XVIII, v., 2) says of John that Herod "thought it best, by putting him to death, to prevent any mischief he might cause, and not bring himself into difficulties, by sparing a man who might make him repent of it when it should be too late." Josephus in no wise controverts the picture in Mark where Herodias appears as the one who prods Antipas to put John out of the way to satisfy her resentment against him for his rebuke of her adulterous marriage. Josephus merely presents the public and political aspects of the imprisonment and death of John.