Part VIII. The Special Training of the Twelve in Districts Around Galilee

Probably Passover in A.D. 29a to near Tabernacles in A.D. 29 or a year earlier (six months from spring to autumn). Just a year from the beginning of this Period till the Crucifixion. Emphasis now on the King of the Kingdom (the Person of the Messiah).

§§ 72-95. Four separate withdrawalsb from Galilee are given, in §§ , , , . Notice that in every case he keeps out of Herod's territory, and in every case he goes to the mountains.

a If the ministry of Jesus was three and a half years in length. If there were only three passovers in the ministry, then the year would be A.D. 28. This period begins just before a passover (John 6:4).

b There are five reasons for the withdrawals from Galilee. He withdraws from the jealousy of Herod Antipas (§ 71), from the fanaticism of would-be followers in Galilee (John 6:15), and the hostility of the Jewish rulers; and leaving the hot shores of the Lake of Galilee, he spent the summer in mountain districts around, resting, and instructing the Twelve.

§ 72. The First Retirement. The Twelve Return, and Jesus Retires with Them Beyond the Lake to Rest. Feeding of the Five Thousand

Mark 6:30-44 Matt. 14:13-21 Luke 9:10-17 John 6:1-13

30 And the
apostles gather
themselves
together unto
Jesus; and they
told him all things,
whatsoever
they had done,
and whatsoever
they had
taught. 31 And
he saith unto
them, Come ye
yourselves
apart into a
desert place,
and rest a
while. For
there were
many coming
and going, and
they had no
leisure so
much as to eat.
32 And they went
away in the
boat to a desert
place apart.
33 And the people
saw them going,
and many
knew them,
and they ran
there together
on foot from
all the cities,
and outwent
them. 34 And he
came forth and
saw a great
multitude, and
he had
compassion on
them, because
they were as
sheep not having
a shepherd:
and he began
to teach them
many things.
35 And when the
day was now
far spent, his
disciples came
unto him, and
said, The place
is desert, and
the day is now
far spent: 36 send
them away,
that they may
go into the
country and
villages round
about, and
buy themselves
somewhat to
eat. 37 But he
answered and
said unto them,
Give ye them
to eat. And
they say unto
him, Shall we
go and buy
two hundred
pennyworth
of bread, and
give them to
eat? 38 And he
saith unto them,
How many
loaves have
ye? go and see.
And when
they knew,
they say, Five,
and two fishes.

39 And
he commanded
them that all
should sit
down by
companies upon
the green
grass. 40 And
they sat down
in ranks, by
hundreds, and
by fifties. 41 And
he took the
five loaves and
the two fishes,
and looking up
to heaven, he
blessed, and
brake the
loaves; and he
gave to the
disciples to set
before them;
and the two
fishes divided
he among
them all. 42 And
they did all
eat, and were
filled. 43 And
they took up
broken pieces,
twelve basketfuls,
and also
of the fishes.
44 And they that
ate the loaves
were five thousand
men.

13 Now when
Jesus heard it,
he withdrew
from thence in
a boat, to a
desert place
apart: and
when the
multitudes heard
thereof, they
followed him
on foot from
the cities. 14 And
he came forth,
and saw a great
multitude,
and he had
compassion
on them, and
healed their sick.

15 And when
even was come,
the disciples
came to
him, saying,

The place is
desert, and the
time is already
past; send the
multitudes
away, that they
may go into
the villages,
and buy
themselves food.

16 But Jesus said
unto them,
They have no
need to go
away; give ye
them to eat.

17 And they say
unto him, We
have here but
five loaves, and
two fishes. 18 And
he said, Bring
them hither

to me. 19 And
he commanded
the multitudes
to sit down on
the grass;

and
he took the
five loaves, and
the two fishes,
and looking up
to heaven, he
blessed, and
brake and
gave the
loaves to the
disciples, and
the disciples to
the multitudes.
20 And
they did all
eat, and were
filled: and they
took up that
which remained
over of the
broken pieces,
twelve baskets

full. 21 And they
that did eat
were about
five thousand
men, beside
women and
children. 10 And the
apostles, when
they were
returned,
declared unto
him what things
they had done.

And he took
them, and
withdrew
apart to a city
called Bethsaida.a

11 But the
multitudes
perceiving it
followed him:
and he welcomed
them, and
spake to them
of the kingdom
of God,
and them that
had need of
healing he
healed.

12 And
the day began
to wear away;
and the twelve
came, and said
unto him, Send
the multitude
away, that
they may go
into the
villages and
country round
about, and
lodge, and
get victuals:
for we are here
in a desert

place. 13 But he
said unto
them, Give ye
them to eat.

And they said,
We have no
more than five
loaves and two
fishes; except
we should go
and buy food for
all this people.
14 For they were
about five
thousand men.
And he said unto
his disciples,
Make them sit
down in
companies, about
fifty each. 15 And
they did so, and
made them all
sit down. 16 And
he took the
five loaves and
the two fishes,
and looking up
to heaven, he
blessed them,
and brake; and
gave to the
disciples to set
before the
multitude.
17 And they did
eat, and were
all filled: and
there was taken
up that
which remained
over to
them of broken
pieces,
twelve baskets.

1 After these
things Jesus
went away to
the other side
of the sea of
Galilee, which
is the sea of
Tiberias.
2 And a
great multitude
followed
him, because
they beheld
the signs
which he did
on them that
were sick. 3 And
Jesus went up
into the
mountain, and
there he sat with
his disciples.

4 Now the pass-
over, the feast
of the Jews
was at hand.
5 Jesus therefore
lifting up his
eyes, and seeing
that a
great multitude
cometh
unto him, saith
unto Philip,
Whence are
we to buy
bread, that
these may eat?

6 And this he
said to prove
him: for he
himself knew
what he would
do. 7 Philip
answered him,
Two hundred
pennyworth
of bread is not
sufficient for
them, that every
one may take a
little. 8 One
of his disciples,
Andrew,
Simon Peter's
brother, saith
unto him,
9 There is a lad
here, which
hath five barley
loaves, and
two fishes: but
what are these
among so
many? 10 Jesus
said, Make the
people sit
down. Now
there was
much grass in
the place. So
the men sat
down, in number
about five
thousand.
11 Jesus therefore
took the
loaves; and
having given
thanks,
distributed to
them that
were set down;
likewise also of
the fishes as
much as they
would. 12 And
when they
were filled, he
saith unto his
disciples,
Gather up the
broken pieces
which remain
over, that
nothing be
lost. 13 So they
gathered them
up, and filled
twelve baskets
with broken
pieces from
the five barley
loaves, which
remained over
unto them
that had eaten.b

Or, by land.

Gr. recline.

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

Gr. loaves.

a The Bethsaida of Luke 9:10 was evidently the eastern Bethsaida, which the Tetrarch Philip had named Bethsaida Julias, while that of Mark 6:45 was the western Bethsaida, near Capernaum. The territory belonging to Bethsaida Julias would naturally extend some distance down the lake.

b Note that here for the first time John runs parallel with all the synoptic gospels. All four report this incident. See Passion Week.

§ 73. The Prevention of the Revolutionary Purpose to Proclaim Jesus King (a Political Messiah)

Mark 6:45-46 Matt. 14:22-23 John 6:14-15

45 And straightway
he constrained his
disciples to enter into
the boat, and to go
before him unto the
other side to
Bethsaida, while he
himself sendeth the
multitude away.
46 And after he had
taken leave of them,
he departed into
the mountain to pray. 22 And straightway
he constrained the
disciples to enter
into the boat, and to
go before him unto
the other side, till
he should send the
multitudes away.
23 And after he had
sent the multitudes
away, he went up
into the mountain
apart to pray:
and
when even was come,
he was there alone. 14 When therefore
the people saw the sign
which he did, they said,
This is of a truth the
prophet that cometh
into the world [see
Deut. 18:15].

15 Jesus therefore
perceiving that they
were about to come
and take him by
force, to make him
king, withdrew again
into the mountain
himself alone.

Some ancient authorities read signs.

§ 74. The Peril to the Twelve in the Storm at Sea and Christ's Coming to Them on the Water in the Darkness

Mark 6:47-52 Matt. 14:24-33 John 6:16-21

47 And when even was
come, the boat was
in the midst of the
sea, and he alone on
the land. 48 And seeing
them distressed
in rowing, for the
wind was contrary
unto them, about the
fourth watch of the
night he cometh unto
them, walking on
the sea; and he would
have passed by them:
49 but they, when they
saw him walking on
the sea, supposed that
it was an apparition, and
cried out: 50 for they
all saw him, and were
troubled. But he
straightway spake
with them, and saith
unto them, Be of good
cheer: it is I; be not
afraid.

51 And he went up unto
them into the boat;
and the wind ceased:
and they were sore
amazed in themselves;
52 for they understood
not concerning the
loaves, but their heart
was hardened. 24 But the boat was
now in the midst of
the sea, distressed by
the waves; for the
wind was contrary.

25 And in the fourth
watch of the night
he came unto them,
walking upon the sea.

26 And when the
disciples saw him
walking on the sea,
they were troubled,
saying, It is an appa-
rition; and they cried
out for fear. 27 But
straightway Jesus
spake unto them,
saying, Be of good
cheer; it is I; be not
afraid. 28 And Peter
answered him and
said, Lord, if it be
thou, bid me come
unto thee upon the
waters. 29 And he said,
Come. And Peter
went down from the
boat, and walked
upon the waters, to
come to Jesus. 30 But
when he saw the
wind, he was afraid;
and beginning to sink,
he cried out, saying,
Lord, save me. 31 And
immediately Jesus
stretched forth his
hand, and took hold
of him, and saith unto
him, O thou of little
faith, wherefore
didst thou doubt?
32 And when they were
gone up into the
boat, the wind ceased.
33 And they that were
in the boat worshipped
him, saying, Of
a truth thou art the
Son of God. 16 And when evening
came, his disciples
went down unto the
sea; 17 and they entered
into a boat, and were
going over the sea
unto Capernaum.
And it was now dark,
and Jesus had not
yet come to them.
18 And the sea was
rising by reason of a
great wind that blew.
19 When therefore they
had rowed about five
and twenty or thirty
furlongs, they behold
Jesus walking on the
sea, and drawing nigh
unto the boat: and
they were afraid.

20 But he saith unto
them, It is I; be not
afraid.

21 They were
willing therefore to
receive him into the
boat:
and straightway
the boat was at the
land whither they
were going.

Some ancient authorities read was many furlongs distant from the land.

Some ancient authorities read and came.

Many ancient authorities add strong.

§ 75. The Reception at Gennesaret

Mark 6:53-56 Matt. 14:34-36

53 And when they had crossed
over, they came to the land unto
Gennesaret, and moored to the
shore. 54 And when they were come
out of the boat, straightway the
people knew him, 55 and ran about
that whole region, and began to
carry about on their beds those
that were sick, where they heard
he was. 56 And wheresoevera he
entered, into villages, or into
cities, or into the country, they
laid the sick in the marketplaces,
and besought him that they might
touch if it were but the border of
his garment: and as many as
touched him were made whole. 34 And when they had crossed
over, they came to the land, unto
Gennesaret.

35 And
when the men of that place knew
him, they sent unto all that region
round about, and brought unto
him all that were sick; 36 and they
besought him that they might
only touch the border of his
garment: and as many as touched
were made whole.

Or, crossed over to the land, they came unto Gennesaret.

Or, it.

a This general characterization applies to the Galilean work as a whole in Part VII rather than to the precise time at this juncture. But one must allow his imagination to enlarge upon the scope of Christ's work.

§ 76. The Collapse of the Galilean Campaign Because Jesus Will Not Conform to Popular Messianic Expectations

The next day in the Synagogue in Capernaum. The same crowd that had eaten the Loaves and the Fishes leave Christ in disgust on learning that He is the Bread of Life and not a Political Messiah.

John 6:22-71

22 On the morrow the multitude which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save one, and that Jesus entered not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples went away alone 23 (howbeit there came boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they ate the bread after the Lord had given thanks): 24 when the multitude therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they themselves got into the boats, and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. 25 And when they found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither? 26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw signs, but because ye ate of the loaves, and were filled. 27 Work not for the meat which perisheth, but for the meat which abideth unto eternal life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him the Father, even God, hath sealed. 28 They said therefore unto him, What must we do, that we may work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. 30 They said therefore unto him, What then doest thou for a sign, that we may see, and believe thee? what workest thou? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, He gave them bread out of heaven to eat [see Ex. 16:4, 15; Ps. 78:24; Neh. 9:15]. 32 Jesus therefore said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, It was not Moses that gave you the bread out of heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread out of heaven. 33 For the bread of God is that which cometh down out of heaven, and giveth life unto the world. 34 They said therefore unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. 35 Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall not hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. 36 But I said unto you, that ye have seen me, and yet believe not. 37 All that which the Father giveth me shall come unto me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. 38 For I am come down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. 39 And this is the will of him that sent me, that of all that which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. 40 For this is the will of my Father, that every one that beholdeth the Son, and believeth on him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

41 The Jews therefore murmured concerning him, because he said, I am the bread which came down out of heaven. 42 And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how doth he now say, I am come down out of heaven? 43 Jesus answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. 44 No man can come to me, except the Father which sent me draw him: and I will raise him up in the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets [see Isa. 54:13], And they shall all be taught of God. Every one that hath heard from the Father, and hath learned, cometh unto me. 46 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is from God, he hath seen the Father. 47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth hath eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers did eat the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread which cometh down out of heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. 51 I am the living bread which came down out of heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: yea and the bread which I will give is my flesh, for the life of the world.

52 The Jews therefore strove one with another, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? 53 Jesus therefore said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, ye have not life in yourselves. 54 He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 56 He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood abideth in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father; so he that eateth me, he also shall live because of me. 58 This is the bread which came down out of heaven: not as the fathers did eat, and died: he that eateth this bread shall live for ever. 59 These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.

60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they heard this, said, This is a hard saying; who can hear it? 61 But Jesus knowing in himself that his disciples murmured at this, said unto them, Doth this cause you to stumble? 62 What then if ye should behold the Son of man ascending where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, and are life. 64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who it was that should betray him. 65 And he said, For this cause have I said unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it be given unto him of the Father.

66 Upon this many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67 Jesus said therefore unto the twelve, Would ye also go away? 68 Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69 And we have believed and know that thou art the Holy One of God. 70 Jesus answered them, Did not I choose you the twelve, and one of you is a devil? 71 Now he spake of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

Gr. little boat.

Gr. little boats.

Or, he sent.

Or, that I should raise him up.

Gr. true meat.

Gr. true drink.

Or, a synagogue.

Or, him.

Or, hast words.

§ 77. Pharisees from Jerusalem Reproach Jesus for Allowing His Disciples to Disregard Their Traditions About Ceremonial Defilement of the Hands. A Puzzling Parable in Reply

Probably in Capernaum

Mark 7:1-23 Matt. 15:1-20 John 7:1

1 And there are gathered together
unto him the Pharisees, and certain
of the scribes, which had come
from Jerusalem, 2 and had seen that
some of his disciples ate their
bread with defiled, that is, unwashen,
hands. 3 For the Pharisees,
and all the Jews, except
they wash their hands diligently,
eat not, holding the tradition of
the elders: 4 and when they come
from the marketplace, except they
wash themselves, they eat not:
and many other things there be,
which they have received to hold,
washings of cups, and pots, and
brasen vessels. 5 And the Pharisees
and the scribes ask him, Why
walk not thy disciples according
to the tradition of the elders, but
eat their bread with defiled
hands? 6 And he said unto them,
Well did Isaiah prophesy of you
hypocrites, as it is written,
This people honoureth me with
their lips,
But their heart is far from me.
7 But in vain do they worship me,
Teaching as their doctrines the
precepts of men.
8 Ye leave the commandment of
God, and hold fast the tradition
of men. 9 And he said unto them,
Full well do ye reject the
commandment of God, that ye may
keep your tradition. 10 For Moses
[see Ex. 20:12; Deut. 5:16] said,
Honour thy father and thy mother;
and, He that speaketh evil of
father or mother, let him die the
death: 11 but ye say, If a man shall
say to his father or his mother,
That wherewith thou mightest
have been profited by me is Corban,
that is to say, Given to God
[see Ex. 21:17; Lev. 20:9]; 12 ye
no longer suffer him to do aught for
his father or his mother; 13 making
void the word of God by your
tradition, which ye have
delivered: and many such like things
ye do. 14 And he called to him the
multitude again, and said unto
them, Hear me all of you, and
understand: 15 there is nothing from
without the man, that going into
him can defile him: but the things
which proceed out of the man
are those that defile the man.
17 And when he was entered into
the house from the multitude, his
disciples asked of him the parable.

18 And
he saith unto them, Are ye so
without understanding also?
Perceive ye not, that whatsoever
from without goeth into the man,
it cannot defile him; 19 because it
goeth not into his heart, but into
his belly, and goeth out into the
draught? This he said, making
all meats clean. 20 And he said,
That which proceedeth out of
the man, that defileth the man.
21 For from within, out of the heart
of men, evil thoughts proceed,
fornications, thefts, murders, adul-
teries, 22 covetings, wickednesses,
deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye,
railing, pride, foolishness: 23 all
these evil things proceed from
within, and defile the man. 1 Then there
come to Jesus
from Jerusalem
Pharisees
and scribes, 1 And after
these things
Jesus walked
in Galilee: for
he would not
walk in Judea,
because the
Jews sought
to kill him.

saying, 2 Why do thy disciples
transgress the tradition of the
elders? for they wash not their
hands when they eat bread. 3 And
he answered and said unto them,
7 Ye hypocrites, well did Isaiah
prophesy of you, saying [see Isa.
29:13],
8 This people honoureth me with
their lips;
But their heart is far from me.
9 But in vain do they worship me,
Teaching as their doctrines the
precepts of men.
3 Why do ye also transgress the
commandment of God because
of your tradition?

4 For God
said, Honour thy father and thy
mother: and, He that speaketh
evil of father or mother, let him
die the death. 5 But ye say,
Whosoever shall say to his father or
his mother, That wherewith thou
mightest have been profited by
me is given to God; he shall not
honour his father. 6 And ye have

made void the word of God
because of your tradition.

10 And he
called to him the multitude, and
said unto them, Hear, and under-
stand: 11 Not that which entereth

into the mouth defileth the man;
but that which proceedeth out of
the mouth, this defileth the man.

12 Then came the disciples, and said
unto him, Knowest thou that the
Pharisees were offended, when
they heard this saying? 13 But he
answered and said, Every plant
which my heavenly Father planted
not, shall be rooted up. 14 Let
them alone: they are blind guides.
And if the blind guide the blind,
both shall fall into a pit. 15 And
Peter answered and said unto
him, Declare unto us the parable.
16 And he said, Are ye also even yet
without understanding? 17 Perceive
ye not, that whatsoever goeth
into the mouth passeth into the
belly, and is cast out into
the draught? 18 But the things
which proceed out of the mouth
come forth out of the heart; and
they defile the man. 19 For out of
the heart come forth evil thoughts,
murders, adulteries, fornications,
thefts, false witness, railings:

20 these are the things
which defile the man:
but to eat
with unwashen hands defileth
not the man.

Or, surely die.

Some ancient authorities add or his mother.

Some ancient authorities read law.

Gr. caused to stumble.

Gr. planting.

Or, common.

Or, up to the elbow. Gr. with the fist.

Gr. baptize. Some ancient authorities read sprinkle themselves.

Gr. baptizings.

Many ancient authorities add and couches.

Many ancient authorities insert ver. 16 If any man hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Gr. thoughts that are evil.

§ 78. The Second Withdrawal to the Region of Tyre and Sidon and the Healing of the Daughter of a Syro-Phoenician Woman

Mark 7:24-30 Matt. 15:21-28

24 And from thence he arose,
and went away into the borders of
Tyre and Sidon. And he entered
into a house, and would have
no man know it: and he could
not be hid. 25 But straightway a
woman, whose little daughter
had an unclean spirit, having
heard of him, came and fell down
at his feet. 26 Now the woman was
a Greek, a Syrophoenician by
race. And she besought him that
he would cast forth the devil out
of her daughter.

27 And
he said unto her, Let the children
first be filled: for it is not meet
to take the children's bread and
cast it to the dogs. 28 But she
answered and saith unto him, Yea,
Lord: even the dogs under the
table eat of the children's crumbs.
29 And he said unto her, For this
saying go thy way; the devil is
gone out of thy daughter. 30 And
she went away unto her house,
and found the child laid upon the
bed, and the devil gone out. 21 And Jesus went out thence,
and withdrew into the parts of
Tyre and Sidon.a
22 And behold, a
Canaanitish woman came out
from those borders, and cried,
saying, Have mercy on me, O
Lord, thou son of David; my
daughter is grievously vexed with
a devil. 23 But he answered her
not a word. And his disciples
came and besought him, saying,
Send her away; for she crieth
after us. 24 But he answered
and said, I was not sent but unto
the lost sheep of the house of
Israel. 25 But she came and
worshipped him, saying, Lord,
help me. 26 And he answered and
said, It is not meet to take the
children's bread and cast it to the

dogs. 27 But she said, Yea, Lord:
for even the dogs eat of the
crumbs which fall from their
masters' table. 28 Then Jesus
answered and said unto her, O
woman, great is thy faith: be it
done unto thee even as thou wilt.

And her daughter
was healed from that hour.

Gr. demon.

Or, loaf.

Some ancient authorities omit and Sidon.

Or, Gentile.

a It used to be questioned whether he actually left the land of Israel. Matthew's expression ought to have settled the question, and the corrected text of Mark 7:31 leaves no doubt.

§ 79. The Third Withdrawal North Through Phoenicia and East Towards Hermon and South Into Decapolis (Keeping Out of the Territory of Herod Antipas) with the Healing of the Deaf and Dumb Man and the Feeding of the Four Thousand

Mark 7:31-8:9 Matt. 15:29-38

31 And again he went out from
the borders of Tyre, and came
through Sidon unto the sea of
Galilee, through the midst of the
borders of Decapolis.a 32 And they
bring unto him one that was deaf,
and had an impediment in his
speech; and they beseech him to
lay his hand upon him. 33 And he
took him aside from the multitude
privately, and put his fingers into
his ears, and he spat, and touched
his tongue; 34 and looking up to
heaven, he sighed, and saith unto
him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.
35 And his ears were opened,
and the bond of his tongue was
loosed, and he spake plain. 36 And
he charged them that they should
tell no man: but the more he
charged them, so much the more a
great deal they published it. 37 And
they were beyond measure
astonished, saying, He hath done
all things well: he maketh even
the deaf to hear, and the dumb
to speak.
1 In those days, when there was
againb a great multitude, and
they had nothing to eat, he called
unto him his disciples, and saith
unto them, 2 I have compassion
on the multitude, because they
continue with me now three days,
and have nothing to eat: 3 and
if I send them away fasting to
their home, they will faint in
the way; and some of them are
come from far. 4 And his disciples
answered him, Whence shall
one be able to fill these men
with bread here in a desert place?
5 And he asked them, How many
loaves have ye? And they said,
Seven. 6 And he commandeth the
multitude to sit down on the
ground: and he took the seven
loaves, and having given thanks,
he brake, and gave to his disciples,
to set before them; and they set
them before the multitude. 7 And
they had a few small fishes: and
having blessed them, he
commanded to set these also before
them. 8 And they did eat, and
were filled: and they took up, of
broken pieces that remained over,
seven baskets. 9 And they were
about four thousand: and he sent
them away. 29 And Jesus departed thence,
and came nigh unto the sea of
Galilee; and he went up into the
mountain, and sat there.

30 And there came unto him
great multitudes, having with them
the lame, blind, dumb, maimed,
and many others, and they cast
them down at his feet; and he
healed them: 31 insomuch that the
multitude wondered, when they
saw the dumb speaking, the
maimed whole, and the lame
walking, and the blind seeing: and
they glorified the God of Israel.
32 And Jesus called unto him his
disciples, and said, I have
compassion on the multitude,
because they continue with me now
three days and have nothing to eat:
and I would not send them away
fasting, lest haply they faint in
the way.
33 And the disciples say
unto him, Whence should we
have so many loaves in a desert
place, as to fill so great a multitude?
34 And Jesus saith unto them,
How many loaves have ye? And
they said, Seven, and a few small
fishes. 35 And he commanded the
multitude to sit down on the
ground; 36 and he took the seven
loaves and the fishes; and he
gave thanks and brake, and gave
to the disciples, and the disciples
to the multitudes.

37 And
they did all eat, and were filled:
and they took up that which
remained over of the broken pieces,
seven baskets full. 38 And they
that did eat were four thousand
men, beside women and children.

Gr. loaves.

a Observe how carefully he keeps away from the territory ruled by Herod Antipas. The tetrarch Philip, who governed the districts east of the Lake of Galilee and of the upper Jordan, was a better man than Antipas, and moreover had no cause to feel uneasy about Jesus.

b It is to be noted that Mark and Matthew give the feeding of the five thousand and of the four thousand. Mark and Matthew likewise report Jesus as referring to both incidents (Mark 8:19-20 = Matt. 16:9-10). Hence, it is hard to think of a mere confusion in the use of the data. There is no real reason why both incidents could not be true.

§ 80. The Brief Visit to Magadan (Dalmanutha) in Galilee and the Sharp Attack by the Pharisees and the Sadducees (Note Their Appearance Now Against Jesus)

Mark 8:10-12 Matt. 15:39-16:4

10 And straightway he entered into
the boat with his disciples, and
came into the parts of
Dalmanutha.
11 And the Pharisees came forth,
began to question with him,
seeking of him a sign from heaven,
tempting him.

12 And he
sighed deeply in his spirit, and
saith, Why doth this generation
seek a sign? verily I say unto
you, There shall no sign be given
unto this generation. 39 And he sent away the multitudes,
and entered into the boat, and
came into the borders of
Magadan.a
1 And the Pharisees and
Sadducees came, and tempting
himb asked him to shew them a sign
from heaven. 2 But he answered
and said unto them, When it is
evening, ye say, It will be fair
weather: for the heaven is red.
3 And in the morning, It will be foul
weather to-day: for the heaven is
red and lowring. Ye know how
to discern the face of the heaven;
but ye cannot discern the signs of
the times. 4 An evil and adulterous
generation seeketh after a
sign; and there shall no sign be
given unto it, but the sign of
Jonah [see Jonah 3:4]. And he
left them, and departed.

The following words, to the end of ver. 3, are omitted by some of the most ancient and other important authorities.

a The situation of Magadan was unknown to some early students or copyists, as it is to us, and so they changed it to the familiar Magdala, found in our common texts.

b The moment he returns to Galilee the Jewish leaders begin to attack him.

§ 81. The Fourth Retirement to Bethsaida Julias in the Tetrarchy of Herod Philip with Sharp Rebuke of the Dulness of the Disciples on the Way Across and the Healing of a Blind Man in Bethsaida

Mark 8:13-26 Matt. 16:5-12

13 And
he left them, and again entering
into the boat departed to the other
side.
14 And they forgot to take bread;
and they had not in the boat
with them more than one loaf.
15 And he charged them, saying,
Take heed, beware of the leaven
of the Pharisees and the leaven
of Herod. 16 And they reasoned
one with another, saying. We
have no bread. 17 And Jesus
perceiving it saith unto them, Why
reason ye, because ye have no
bread? do ye not yet perceive,
neither understand? have ye your
heart hardened? 18 Having eyes, see
ye not? and having ears, hear
ye not? and do ye not remember
[see Jer. 5:21; Ezek. 12:2]? 19 When
I brake the five loaves among the
five thousand, how many baskets
full of broken pieces took ye up?
They say unto him, Twelve. 20 And
when the seven among the four
thousand, how many basketfuls
of broken pieces took ye up?
And they say unto him, Seven.
21 And he said unto them, Do ye
not yet understand?
22 And they come unto Bethsaida.a
And they bring to him a blind
man, and beseech him to touch
him. 23 And he took hold of the
blind man by the hand, and
brought him out of the village;
and when he had spit on his eyes,
and laid his hands upon him, he
asked him, Seest thou aught?
24 And he looked up, and said, I see
men; for I behold them as trees,
walking. 25 Then again he laid his
hands upon his eyes; and he
looked stedfastly, and was
restored, and saw all things clearly.
26 And he sent him away to his
home, saying, Do not even enter
into the village.

5 And the disciples came to the
other side and forgot to take
bread. 6 And Jesus said unto
them, Take heed and beware of
the leaven of the Pharisees and
Sadducees. 7 And they reasoned
among themselves, saying, We
took no bread. 8 And Jesus
perceiving it said, O ye of little faith,
why reason ye among yourselves,
because ye have no bread? 9 Do
ye not yet perceive, neither
remember the five loaves of the five
thousand, and how many baskets
ye took up? 10 Neither the seven
loaves of the four thousand, and
how many baskets ye took up?
11 How is it that ye do not perceive
that I spake not to you concerning
bread? But beware of the leaven
of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
12 Then understood they how that
he bade them not beware of the
leaven of bread, but of the
teaching of the Pharisees and
Sadducees.

Gr. loaves.

Or, It is because we took no bread.

Basket in ver. 9 and 10 represents different Greek words.

Some ancient authorities read because they had no bread.

Or, It is because we have no bread.

Basket in ver. 19 and 20 represents different Greek words.

a Jesus goes on to the region of Cæsarea Philippi on Mount Hermon, where no hostility had been aroused, and he could quietly instruct the Twelve. He probably remained in that vicinity several months, as this whole period of retirement lasted six months. He was near Bethsaida Julias in the First Retirement and now he stops here again on his way to Cæsarea Philippi. Each of the four retirements is into heathen territory (Ituræa twice, Phoenicia, Decapolis), where Greek influence prevails, and where the Greek language is dominant.

§ 82. Near Cæsarea Philippi Jesus Tests the Faith of the Twelve in His Messiahship

Mark 8:27-30 Matt. 16:13-20 Luke 9:18-21

27 And Jesus went
forth, and his disciples,
into the villages
of Cæsarea Philippi:
and in the way he
asked his disciples,
saying unto them,
Who do men say that
I am? 28 And they
told him, saying, John
the Baptist: and
others, Elijah: but
others, One of the
prophets. 29 And he
asked them, But who
say ye that I am?
Peter answereth and
saith unto him, Thou
art the Christ.

30 And he
charged them that
they should tell no
man of him. 13 Now when Jesus
came into the parts
of Cæsarea Philippi,
he asked his disciples,
saying, Who do
men say that the
Son of man is? 14 And
they said, Some say
John the Baptist;
some, Elijah: and
others, Jeremiah, or
one of the prophets.
15 He saith unto them,
But who say ye that
I am? 16 And Simon
Peter answered and
said, Thou art the
Christ,a the Son of
the living God. 17 And
Jesus answered and
said unto him, Blessed
art thou, Simon
Bar-Jonah: for flesh
and blood hath not
revealed it unto thee,
but my Father which
is in heaven. 18 And I
also say unto thee,
that thou art Peter,
and upon this rock
I will buildb my
church [see Ps. 89:4,
26, 38, 48]; and the
gates of Hades shall
not prevail against it.
19 I will give unto thee
the keys of the kingdom
of heaven: and
whatsoever thou shalt
bind on earth shall be
bound in heaven: and
whatsoever thou shalt
loose on earth shall
be loosed in heaven.
20 Then charged he the
disciples that they
should tell no man
that he was the Christ. 18 And it came to
pass, as he was praying
alone, the disciples
were with him: and
he asked them, saying,
Who do the multitudes
say that I am?
19 And they answering
said, John the Baptist;
but others say,
Elijah; and others,
that one of the old
prophets is risen
again. 20 And he said
unto them, But who
say ye that I am?
And Peter answering
said, The Christ of
God.

21 But he charged
them, and commanded
them to tell this to
no man;

Many ancient authorities read that I the Son of man am. See Mark 8:27; Luke 9:18.

Gr. Petros.

Gr. petra.

a Some understand ver. 16f. as showing that they had never before believed him to be the Messiah, and so hold that the other Gospels here utterly conflict with John, who represents the first disciples (§§ , ) as believing Jesus to be the Messiah. But it is easy to suppose that their early faith in his Messiahship was shaken by his continued failure to gather armies and set up the expected temporal kingdom, and while still believing him to have a divine mission they had questioned whether he was the Messiah, as John the Baptist did in prison (§ 57). Observe that in Matthew and Luke he long before this time distinctively implied that he was the Messiah, in response to the Forerunner's inquiries (§ 57). Besides, at the Baptism and the Temptation, the Synoptic Gospels represent Jesus as the Son of God.

b It is interesting to note that the imagery employed by Jesus here all appears in Ps. 89, a Messianic Psalm built on 2 Sam. 7. Thus note "build" in Ps. 89:4, "rock" in 89:26, "anointed" in 89:38, "the power of Sheol" in 89:48, and the Psalm discusses the perpetuity of the Davidic throne (Kingdom). Jesus applies this imagery to the spiritual Kingdom that He is building.

§ 83. Jesus Distinctly Foretells That He, the Messiah, Will Be Rejected and Killed, and Will Rise the Third Day

Mark 8:31-37 Matt. 16:21-26 Luke 9:22-25

31 And he began to
teach them, that the
Son of man must
suffer many things,
and be rejected by the
elders, and the chief
priests, and the
scribes, and be killed,
and after three days
rise again. 32 And he
spake the saying
openly. And Peter
took him, and began
to rebuke him. 33 But
he turning about, and
seeing his disciples,
rebuked Peter, and
saith, Get thee behind
me, Satan: for thou
mindest not the
things of God, but
the things of men.
34 And he called unto
him the multitude
with his disciples, and
said unto them, If
any man would come
after me, let him
deny himself, and
take up his cross,
and follow me. 35 For
whosoever would save
his life shall lose it;
and whosoever shall
lose his life for my
sake and the gospel's
shall save it. 36 For
what doth it profit a
man, to gain the
whole world, and
forfeit his life? 37 For
what should a man
give in exchange for
his life? 21 From that time
began Jesus to shew
unto his disciples,
how that he must go
unto Jerusalem, and
suffer many things of
the elders and chief
priests and scribes,
and be killed, and
the third day be
raised up.
22 And
Peter took him, and
began to rebuke him,
saying, Be it far
from thee, Lord: this
shall never be unto
thee. 23 But he turned,
and said unto Peter,
Get thee behind me,
Satan: thou art a
stumbling-block unto
me: for thou mindest
not the things of
God, but the things
of men. 24 Then said
Jesus unto his
disciples, If any man
would come after me,
let him deny himself,
and take up his cross,
and follow me. 25 For
whosoever would save
his life shall lose it:
and whosoever shall
lose his life for my
sake shall find it.
26 For what shall a man
be profited, if he shall
gain the whole world,
and forfeit his life?
or what shall a man
give in exchange for
his life?

22 saying, The Son
of man must suffer
many things, and be
rejected of the elders
and chief priests and
scribes, and be killed,
and the third day be
raised up.

23 And he
said unto all, If any
man would come
after me, let him deny
himself, and take up
his cross daily, and
follow me. 24 For
whosoever would save
his life shall lose it;
but whosoever shall
lose his life for my
sake, the same shall
save it. 25 For what is
a man profited, if he
gain the whole
world, and lose or
forfeit his own self?

Some ancient authorities read Jesus Christ.

Or, God have mercy on thee.

Or, soul.

§ 84. The Coming of the Son of Man in That Generation

Mark 8:38-9:1 Matt. 16:27-28 Luke 9:26-27

38 For whosoever
shall be ashamed of
me and of my words
in this adulterous and
sinful generation, the
Son of man also shall
be ashamed of him,
when he cometh in
the glory of his Father
with the holy angels.
1 And he said unto
them, Verily I say
unto you, There be
some here of them
that stand by, which
shall in no wise taste
of death, till they
see the kingdom of
God come with power.

27 For the
Son of man shall
come in the glory of
his Father with his
angels; and then shall
he render unto every
man according to his
deeds [see Ps. 62:12;
Prov. 24:12]. 28 Verily
I say unto you, There
be some of them that
stand here, which
shall in no wise taste
of death, till they
see the Son of man
coming in his kingdom. 26 For whosoever
shall be ashamed of me
and of my words, of
him shall the Son of
man be ashamed, when
he cometh in his own
glory, and the glory
of the Father, and of
the holy angels. 27 But
I tell you of a truth,
There be some of
them that stand here,
which shall in no
wise taste of death,
till they see the
kingdom of God.

Gr. doing.

§ 85. The Transfiguration of Jesus on A Mountain (Probably HERMONa) Near Cæsarea Philippi

Mark 9:2-8 Matt. 17:1-8 Luke 9:28-36

2 And after six days
Jesus taketh with him
Peter, and James, and
John, and bringeth
them up into a high
mountain apart by
themselves: and he
was transfigured
before them: 3 and
his garments became
glistering, exceeding
white; so as no fuller
on earth can whiten
them. 4 And there
appeared unto them
Elijah with Moses:
and they were talking
with Jesus.

5 And Peter
answereth and saith
to Jesus, Rabbi, it
is good for us to be
here: and let us make
three tabernacles,b
one for thee, and one
for Moses, and one for
Elijah. 6 For he wist
not what to answer;
for they became sore
afraid. 7 And there
came a cloud
overshadowing them:
and there came a voice
out of the cloud, This
is my beloved Son:
hear ye him [see Deut.
18:15; Isa. 42:1;
Ps. 2:7].c

8 And
suddenly looking
round about, they
saw no one any more,
save Jesus only with
themselves. 1 And after six days
Jesus taketh with him
Peter, and James, and
John his brother, and
bringeth them up into
a high mountain
apart: 2 and he was
transfigured before
them: and his face did
shine as the sun, and
his garments became
white as the light.
3 And behold, there
appeared unto them
Moses and Elijah
talking with him.

4 And Peter
answered, and said unto
Jesus, Lord, it is good
for us to be here: if
thou wilt, I will make
here three tabernacles;
one for thee, and
one for Moses, and
one for Elijah.
5 While he was yet
speaking, behold, a
bright cloud
overshadowed them:
and behold, a voice out
of the cloud, saying,
This is my beloved
Son, in whom I am
well pleased; hear ye
him. 6 And when the
disciples heard it,
they fell on their
face, and were sore
afraid. 7 And Jesus
came and touched
them and said, Arise,
and be not afraid.
8 And lifting up their
eyes, they saw no
one, save Jesus only. 28 And it came to
pass about eight days
after these sayings, he
took with him Peter
and John and James,
and went up into the
mountain to pray.
29 And as he was
praying, the fashion
of his countenance was
altered, and his raiment
became white
and dazzling. 30 And
behold, there talked
with him two men,
which were Moses
and Elijah; 31 who
appeared in glory, and
spake of his decease
which he was about
to accomplish at
Jerusalem. 32 Now
Peter and they that
were with him, were
heavy with sleep: but
when they were fully
awake, they saw his
glory, and the two
men that stood with
him. 33 And it came
to pass, as they were
parting from him,
Peter said unto Jesus,
Master, it is good for
us to be here: and let us
make three tabernacles;
one for thee,
and one for Moses,
and one for Elijah:
not knowing what he
said. 34 And while he
said these things,
there came a cloud,
and overshadowed
them: and they feared
as they entered into
the cloud. 35 And
a voice came out of
the cloud, saying,
This is my Son, my
chosen: hear ye him.

36 And when the
voice came, Jesus
was found alone.

Or, booths.

Or, departure.

Or, having remained awake.

Many ancient authorities read my beloved Son. See Matt. 17:5; Mark 9:7.

Or, was past.

a The tradition which places the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor is beyond question false.

b Probably not long before the feast of tabernacles (near end of September) and Peter may have meant that they celebrate the feast on the mountains instead of going to Jerusalem.

c See § 24 for similar language at the Baptism of Jesus.

§ 86. The Puzzle of the Three Disciples About the Resurrection and About Elijah on Their Way Down the Mountain

Mark 9:9-13 Matt. 17:9-13 Luke 9:36

9 And as they were
coming down from
the mountain, he
charged them that
they should tell no
man what things
they had seen, save
when the Son of man
should have risen
again from the dead.
10 And they kept the
saying, questioning
among themselves
what the rising again
from the dead should
mean. 11 And they
asked him, saying,
The scribes say that
Elijah must first come.
12 And he said unto
them, Elijah indeed
cometh first, and
restoreth all things:
and how is it written
of the Son of man,
that he should suffer
many things and be
set at nought? 13 But
I say unto you, that
Elijah is come, and
they have also done
unto him whatsoever
they listed, even as it
is written of him. 9 And as they were
coming down from
the mountain, Jesus
commanded them,
saying, Tell the vision
to no man, until
the Son of man be
risen from the dead.

10 And his disciples
asked him, saying,
Why then say the
scribes that Elijah
must first come [see
Mal. 4:5-6]? 11 And
he answered and said,
Elijah indeed cometh,
and shall restore all
things: 12 but I say
unto you, that Elijah is
come already,a and
they knew him not,
but did unto him
whatsoever they listed
[see 1 Kings 19:2,
10]. Even so shall the
Son of man also suffer
of them. 13 Then
understood the
disciples that he spake
unto them of John the
Baptist.

36 And
they held their peace,
and told no man in
those days any of the
things which they had
seen.

Or, How is it that the scribes say ... come?

a The Baptist's disclaimer about being Elijah (John 1:21) means only that he was not Elijah in person come back to earth according to popular expectation.

§ 87. The Demoniac Boy, Whom the Disciples Could Not Heal

In the region of Cæsarea Philippi

Mark 9:14-29 Matt. 17:14-20 Luke 9:37-43

14 And when they came
to the disciples, they
saw a great multitude
about them, and
scribes questioning
with them. 15 And
straightway all the
multitude, when
they saw him, were
greatly amazed, and
running to him
saluted him. 16 And he
asked them, What
question ye with
them? 17 And one of
the multitude
answered him, Master,
I brought unto thee
my son, which hath
a dumb spirit; 18 and
wheresoever it taketh
him, it dasheth him
down: and he foameth,
and grindeth his
teeth, and pineth
away: and I spake to
thy disciples that
they should cast it
out; and they were
not able. 19 And he
answereth them and
saith, O faithless
generation, how long
shall I be with you?
how long shall I bear
with you? bring him
unto me. 20 And they
brought him unto
him: and when he
saw him, straightway
the spirit tare him
grievously; and he
fell on the ground,
and wallowed foaming.
21 And he asked
his father, How long
time is it since this
hath come unto him?
And he said, From
a child. 22 And
oft-times it hath cast
him both into the fire
and into the waters,
to destroy him: but if
thou canst do anything,
have compassion
on us, and help
us. 23 And Jesus said
unto him, If thou
canst! All things are
possible to him that
believeth. 24 Straightway
the father of the
child cried out, and
said, I believe; help
thou mine unbelief.
25 And when Jesus
saw that a multitude
came running
together, he rebuked
the unclean spirit,
saying unto him,
Thou dumb and deaf
spirit, I command
thee, come out of
him, and enter no
more into him. 26 And
having cried out, and
torn him much, he
came out: and the
child became as one
dead; insomuch that
the more part said,
He is dead. 27 But
Jesus took him by the
hand, and raised him
up; and he arose.
28 And when he was
come into the house,
his disciples asked
him privately, saying,
We could not cast
it out. 29 And he said
unto them, This kind
can come out by
nothing, save by
prayer.

14 And when they were
come to the multitude,
there came to
him a man, kneeling
to him, and saying,
15 Lord, have mercy
on my son: for he is
epileptic, and suffereth
grievously: for oft-times
he falleth into
the fire, and oft-times
into the water.
16 And I brought him
to thy disciples, and
they could not cure
him.

17 And Jesus
answered and said, O
faithless and perverse
generation, how long
shall I be with you?
how long shall I bear
with you? bring him
hither to me.

18 And Jesus rebuked
him; and the devil
went out from him:
and the boy was
cured from that hour.

19 Then came the
disciples to Jesus apart,
and said, Why could
not we cast it out?
20 And he saith unto
them, Because of
your little faith: for
verily I say unto you,
If ye have faith as a
grain of mustard seed,
ye shall say unto
this mountain, Remove
hence to yonder
place; and it shall
remove; and nothing
shall be impossible
unto you.

37 And it came to
pass, on the next day,
when they were
come down from the
mountain, a great
multitude met him.

38 And behold, a man
from the multitude
cried, saying, Master,
I beseech thee
to look upon my son;
for he is mine only
child: 39 and behold, a
spirit taketh him, and
he suddenly crieth
out; and it teareth
him that he foameth,
and it hardly departeth
from him, bruising
him sorely. 40 And
I besought thy
disciples to cast it out;
and they could not.
41 And Jesus answered
and said, O faithless
and perverse generation,
how long shall
I be with you, and
bear with you? bring
hither thy son. 42 And
as he was yet a com-
ing, the devil dashed
him down, and tare
him grievously.

But Jesus rebuked
the unclean spirit,
and healed the boy,
and gave him back
to his father. 43 And
they were all
astonished at the
majesty of God.

Gr. demon.

Many authorities, some ancient, insert ver. 21 But this kind goeth not out save by prayer and fasting. See Mark 9:29.

Or, Teacher.

Or, rendeth him.

Or, convulsed.

Many ancient authorities add with tears.

Or, How is it that we could not cast it out?

Many ancient authorities add and fasting.

Or, convulseth.

Or, rent him.

§ 88. Returning Privately Through Galilee, He Again Foretells His Death and Resurrection

Mark 9:30-32 Matt. 17:22-23 Luke 9:43-45

30 And they went
forth from thence,
and passed through
Galilee; and he would
not that any man
should know it. 31 For
he taught his disciples,
and said unto
them, The Son of
man is delivered up
into the hands of
men, and they shall
kill him; and when
he is killed, after
three days he shall
rise again. 32 But they
understood not the
saying,

and
were afraid to ask
him.

22 And while they
abode in Galilee,
Jesus said unto them,
The Son of man shall
be delivered up into
the hands of men;
23 and they shall kill
him, and the third
day he shall be raised
up. And they were
exceeding sorry.
43 But while all
were marvelling at
all the things which he
did, he said unto his
disciples, 44 Let these
words sink into your
ears: for the Son of
man shall be
delivered up into the
hands of men.

45 But
they understood not
this saying, and it
was concealed from
them, that they
should not perceive
it: and they were
afraid to ask him
about this saying.

Some ancient authorities read were gathering themselves together.

The season of retirement from Galilee is now ended (§§ 72-88). The remaining events at this time (§§ 89-95) probably occupied only a few days.

§ 89. Jesus, the Messiah, Pays the Half-Shekel for the Temple

Capernaum

Matt. 17:24-27

24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received the half-shekel came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay the half-shekel [see Ex. 30:11-15]? 25 He saith, Yea. And when he came into the house, Jesus spake first to him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? the kings of the earth, from whom do they receive toll or tribute? from their sons, or from strangers? 26 And when he said, From strangers, Jesus said unto him, Therefore the sons are free. 27 But, lest we cause them to stumble, go thou to the sea, and cast a hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a shekel: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

Gr. didrachma.

Or, teacher.

Gr. stater.

§ 90. The Twelve Contend as to Who Shall Be the Greatest Under the Messiah's Reign. His Subjects Must Be Childlike

Capernaum

Mark 9:33-37 Matt. 18:1-5 Luke 9:46-48

33 And they came
to Capernaum: and
when he was in the
house he asked them,
What were ye
reasoning in the way?
34 But they held their
peace: for they had
disputed one with
another in the way,
who was the greatest.
35 And he sat down,
and called the twelve;
and he saith unto them,
If any man would be
first, he shall be last
of all, and minister
of all. 36 And he took
a little child, and
set him in the midst
of them: and taking
him in his arms, he
said unto them,

37 Whosoever shall
receive one of such
little children in my
name, receiveth me:
and whosoever
receiveth me, receiveth
not me, but him
that sent me. 1 In that hour came
the disciples unto
Jesus, saying, Who
then is greatest in the
kingdom of heaven?

2 And he called to him
a little child, and set
him in the midst of
them, 3 and said,
Verily I say unto you,
Except ye turn, and
become as little
children, ye shall in no
wise enter into the
kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore
shall humble himself
as this little child,
the same is the
greatest in the kingdom
of heaven. 5 And
whoso shall receive
one such little child
in my name receiveth
me: 46 And there arose a
reasoning among
them, which of them
should be greatest.

47 But when Jesus saw
the reasoning of their
heart, he took a little
child, and set him by
his side, 48 and said
unto them,

Whosoever shall
receive this little child
in my name receiveth
me: and whosoever
shall receive me
receiveth him that sent
me: for he that is
least among you all,
the same is great.

Gr. greater.

Gr. lesser.

§ 91. The Mistaken Zeal of the Apostle John Rebuked by Jesus in Pertinent Parables

Capernaum

Mark 9:38-50 Matt. 18:6-14 Luke 9:49-50

38 John said unto him,
Master, we saw one
casting out devils
in thy name: and we
forbade him, because
he followed not us.
39 But Jesus said,
Forbid him not: for there
is no man which shall
do a mighty work in
my name, and be able
quickly to speak evil
of me. 40 For he that
is not against us is for
us. 41 For whosoever
shall give you a
cup of water to drink,
because ye are
Christ's, verily I say
unto you, he shall in
no wise lose his reward.
42 And whosoever
shall cause one of
these little ones that
believe on me to
stumble, it were better
for him if a great
millstone were hanged
about his neck, and he
were cast into the sea.

43 And if
thy hand cause thee
to stumble, cut it off:
it is good for thee
to enter into life
maimed, rather than
having thy two hands
to go into hell, into
the unquenchable
fire. 45 And if thy
foot cause thee to
stumble, cut it off:
it is good for thee to
enter into life halt,
rather than having
thy two feet to be
cast into hell. 47 And
if thine eye cause
thee to stumble, cast
it out: it is good for
thee to enter into the
kingdom of God with
one eye, rather than
having two eyes to
be cast into hell;
48 where their worm
dieth not, and the
fire is not quenched
[see Isa. 66:24]. 49 For
every one shall be
salted with fire [see
Lev. 2:13]. 50 Salt is
good: but if the salt
have lost its saltness,
wherewith will ye
season it? Have salt in
yourselves, and be at
peace one with
another.

6 but whoso
shall cause one of
these little ones which
believe on me to
stumble, it is profitable
for him that
a great millstone
should be hanged
about his neck, and
that he should be
sunk in the depth of
the sea. 7 Woe unto
the world because of
occasions of
stumbling! for it must
needs be that the
occasions come; but
woe to that man through
whom the occasion
cometh! 8 And if thy
hand or thy foot
causeth thee to stumble,
cut it off, and
cast it from thee: it
is good for thee to
enter into life maimed
or halt, rather than
having two hands or
two feet to be cast
into the eternal fire.

9 And if thine
eye causeth thee to
stumble, pluck it out,
and cast it from thee:
it is good for thee to
enter into life with
one eye, rather than
having two eyes to
be cast into the hell
of fire.
10 See that ye despise
not one of these little
ones; for I say unto
you, that in heaven
their angels do always
behold the face
of my Father which
is in heaven. 12 How
think ye? if any man
have a hundred
sheep,a and one of
them be gone astray,
doth he not leave the
ninety and nine, and
go unto the mountains,
and seek that
which goeth astray?
13 And if so be that he
find it, verily I say unto
you, he rejoiceth over
it more than over the
ninety and nine which
have not gone astray.
14 Even so it is not
the will of your Father
which is in heaven, that
one of these little ones
should perish. 49 And John answered
and said, Master,
we saw one casting
out devils in thy
name; and we forbade
him, because he
followeth not with
us. 50 But Jesus said
unto him, Forbid him
not: for he that is
not against you is for
you.

Gr. greater.

Gr. a millstone turned by an ass.

Gr. Gehenna of fire.

Many authorities, some ancient, insert ver. 11 For the Son of man came to save that which was lost. See Luke 19:10.

Gr. a thing willed before your father.

Some ancient authorities read my.

Or, Teacher.

Gr. demons.

Gr. power.

Gr. in name that ye are.

Many ancient authorities omit on me.

Gr. Gehenna.

Ver. 44 and 46 (which are identical with ver. 48) are omitted by the best ancient authorities.

Many ancient authorities add and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. See Lev. 2:13.

Gr. lesser.

a Parable of the Lost Sheep.

§ 92. Right Treatment of a Brother Who Has Sinned Against One, and Duty of Patiently Forgiving a Brother (Parable of the Unmerciful Servant)

Matt. 18:15-35

15 And if thy brother sin against thee, go, shew him his fault between thee and him alone: if he hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he hear thee not, take with thee one or two more, that at the mouth of two witnesses or three every word may be established [see Deut. 19:15]. 17 And if he refuse to hear them, tell it unto the church: and if he refuse to hear the church also, let him be unto thee as the Gentile and the publican. 18 Verily I say unto you, What things soever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and what things soever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

21 Then came Peter, and said to him, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? until seven times? 22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times; but, Until seventy times seven. 23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likeneda unto a certain king, which would make a reckoning with his servants. 24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But forasmuch as he had not wherewith to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27 And the lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. 28 But that servant went out, and found one of his fellow-servants, which owed him a hundred pence: and he laid hold on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay what thou owest. 29 So his fellow-servant fell down and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee. 30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay that which was due. 31 So when his fellow-servants saw what was done, they were exceeding sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32 Then his lord called him unto him, and saith unto him, Thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou besoughtest me: 33 shouldest not thou also have had mercy on thy fellow-servant, even as I had mercy on thee?b 34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due. 35 So shall also my heavenly Father do unto you, if ye forgive not every one his brother from your hearts.

Some ancient authorities omit against thee.

Or, congregation.

Or, seventy times and seven.

Gr. bondservants.

This talent was probably worth about $1200.

Gr. bondservant.

Or, loan.

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

a Parable of the Unforgiving Servant.

b The king forgave the servant $1,200,000; the servant refused to forgive $17. We might say in round numbers, a million, and ten dollars.

§ 93. The Messiah's Followers Must Give Up Everything for His Service

Matt. 8:19-22 Luke 9:57-62

19 And there came a scribe,
and said unto him, Master, I will
follow thee whithersoever thou
goest. 20 And Jesus saith unto
him, The foxes have holes, and the
birds of the heaven have nests;
but the Son of man hath not
where to lay his head. 21 And
another of the disciples saith unto
him, Lord, suffer me first to go
and bury my father. 22 But Jesus
saith unto him, Follow me; and
leave the dead to bury their own
dead. 57 And as they went in the way,
a certain man said unto him, I will
follow thee whithersoever thou
goest. 58 And Jesus said unto
him, The foxes have holes, and the
birds of the heaven have nests;
but the Son of man hath not
where to lay his head. 59 And he
said unto another, Follow me.
But he said, Lord, suffer me first
to go and bury my father. 60 But
he said unto him, Leave the
dead to bury their own dead; but
go thou and publish abroad the
kingdom of God. 61 And another
also said, I will follow thee, Lord;
but first suffer me to bid farewell to
them that are at my house. 62 But
Jesus said unto him, No man,
having put his hand to the plough,
and looking back, is fit for the
kingdom of God.

Gr. one scribe.

Or, Teacher.

Gr. lodging-places.

§ 94. The Unbelieving Brothers of Jesus Counsel Him to Exhibit Himself in Judea, and He Rejects the Advice

John 7:2-9

2 Now the feast of the Jews, the feast of tabernacles, was at hand. 3 His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judea, that thy disciples also may behold thy works which thou doest. 4 For no man doeth anything in secret, and himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou doest these things, manifest thyself to the world. 5 For even his brethren did not believe on him. 6 Jesus therefore saith unto them, My time is not yet come; but your time is alway ready. 7 The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that its works are evil. 8 Go ye up unto the feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; because my time is not yet fulfilled. 9 And having said these things unto them, he abode still in Galilee.

Some ancient authorities read and seeketh it to be known openly.

Many ancient authorities omit yet.

§ 95. He Goes Privately to Jerusalem Through Samaria

Luke 9:51-56 John 7:10

51 And it came to pass, when the
days were well-nigh come that
he should be received up, he
stedfastly set his face to go to
Jerusalem,a 52 and sent messengers
before his face: and they went, and
entered into a village of the
Samaritans, to make ready for him.
53 And they did not receive him,
because his face was as though he
were going to Jerusalem. 54 And
when his disciples James and
John saw this, they said, Lord,
wilt thou that we bid fire to come
down from heaven, and consume
them [see 2 Kings 1:10-12]? 55 But
he turned, and rebuked them.
56 And they went to another village. 10 But when his brethren were
gone up unto the feast, then
went he also up, not publicly,
but as it were in secret.

Gr. were being fulfilled.

Many ancient authorities add, even as Elijah did.

Some ancient authorities add, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. Some, but fewer, add also For the Son of man came not to destroy men's lives, but to save them.

a See note 10 at end of Harmony for the combination of Luke and John and the three journeyings in Luke toward Jerusalem.