One of the challenges in learning to read Latin is the intermediate stage between completing a first-year textbook study, like Wheelock's Latin, and reading real Latin texts, like Caesar's Commentaries on the Gallic Wars, a classic text for second-year Latin students. This challenge is made doubly difficult if you are trying to teach yourself the language without recourse to an instructor. I think the Vulgate Bible could fill that gap nicely: its grammar and word order is often closer to modern languages' grammar and word order than classical Latin, and if you are a Christian you are probably already familiar with the text in your native language. What I offer here is a Latin text of the Gospel of Luke with accompanying vocabulary helps and a grammatical commentary aimed at the intermediate student. I hope it is helpful to someone, even with its inevitable flaws and errors.

• Reading the Vulgate: The Gospel of Luke

Literal Translation of Chapter 1

         1 Since, indeed, many have tried to set down an account of the things which were fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us who from the beginning ourselves saw and were servants of the word, 3 it even seemed [good] to me, who has diligently acquired an understanding of all things from the beginning, to write in an orderly manner to you, dear Theophilus, 4 that you might know the truth of those words about which you are taught.

         5 There was, in the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, from the order of Abia, and his wife, [who was] of the descendants of Aaron, and her name [was] Elizabeth. 6 They were both, however, upright before God, walking along in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord without complaint. 7 And there was not for them a son, for the reason that Elizabeth was barren and both had advanced in their days.

         8 It happened, however, while he was performing the office of priest in the order of his course of duty before God, 9 according to the custom of the priest, by lot he went forth that he might offer incense, having entered into the temple of the Lord; 10 and a whole multitude of people were praying outside at the time of the incense offering. 11 Moreover, to that man appeared an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And Zacharias, seeing him, was troubled, and fear rushed over him. 13 However, the angel said to that man, “You ought not to fear, Zacharias, for your prayer has been heard; and your wife Elizabeth will beget for you a son, and you shall call his name John; 14 and he will be a delight to you, and a joy, and many will rejoice in his birth, 15 for he will be great before the Lord; and he will not drink either wine or strong drink, and he will be filled by the Holy Ghost even from his mother’s womb; 16 and he will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God; 17 and he himself will go forth before that one in the spirit and virtue of Elijah, such that the hearts of the fathers will turn into the sons and the unbelieving to the wisdom of the just, to prepare an excellent people for the Lord. 18 And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? for I am old, and my wife has advanced in her days.” 19 And answering, the angel said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands near before God; and I was sent to speak to you, and to preach these things to you. 20 And behold, you will be silent, and will not be able to speak, until the day in which these things should happen, for the reason that you have not believed my words, which will be fulfilled in their time. 21 And the people were awaiting Zachariah, and they were wondering at how that man was tarrying in the temple. 22 However, when he went out, he was not able to speak to those (waiting), and they understood that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he himself was giving a sign to them, and he remained mute. 23 And it happened that, as the days of his service were fulfilled, he went away to his home.

         24 After these days, however, Elizabeth, his wife, conceived, and she was hiding herself away for five months, saying, 25 “Because thus has the Lord done for me in the days when he looked to bear away my reproach among men.”

         26 In the sixth month, however, the angel Gabriel was sent by God into the city of Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a maiden espoused to a man called Joseph from the house of David; and the name of the maiden was Mary. 28 And having entered, the angel said to her, “Hail, [O woman] full with favor! The Lord be with you; blessed are you among women.” 29 When she heard these things, she was confused by his speech, and she was pondering what sort of greeting that might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “You should not fear, Mary; for you have found grace with God.” 31 Behold, you will conceive in (your) womb, and you will beget a son, and you will call his name Jesus. 32 This man will be great, and he will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to that man the seat of David, his father, and he will reign in the house of Jacob forever, 33 and there will not be an end of his kingdom. 34 Mary, however, said to the angel, “How will that thing happen, since I do not know a man?” 35 And answering, the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come over into you, and the power of the Most High will overcloud you. And therefore even that which will be born from you will be holy, will be called the Son of God. 36 And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth, even she herself has conceived a son in her old age, and this month is the sixth for that woman who is called barren: 37 because every word will not be impossible with God. 38 Mary, however, said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it happen to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from that woman.

         39 Mary, however, arising in those days, went away into the mountainous regions with haste, into a city of Judah, 40 and she entered into the home of Zacharias, and she greeted Elizabeth. 41 And it happened that when Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant in her womb leaped, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost, 42 and she shouted out with a great voice, and she said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed be the fruit of your belly. 43 And whence is this to me, such that the mother of my Lord comes to me? 44 For behold, when the voice of your greeting happened in my ears, the child in my womb leapt in joy. 45 And blessed are you who have believed, since those things which were said to you by the Lord are about to be accomplished.” 46 And Mary said, “My soul glorifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in my salutary God, 48 because he has looked upon the humility of his maidservant; for behold, from this all generations of men will say that I am blessed, 49 since he who is powerful has done great things for me; and holy is his name, 50 and his mercy is for those who fear him from generation into generations. 51 He brought about power in his arm; he scattered the proud by means of the thought of his heart. 52 He put down the powerful from their seat, and he raised up the humble. 53 He filled the hungry with good things, and he sent the wealthy away empty. 54 He has taken up Israel to be his own servant, mindful of his mercy, 55 just as it was spoken to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed in their generations.” 56 And Mary remained with that woman for about three months, and returned to her own home.

         57 For Elizabeth, however, the time of her begetting was completed, and she begat a son. 58 And her neighbors and kinsfolk heard that the Lord glorified his mercy with that woman, and they were congratulating her. 59 And it came to pass on the eighth day, they came to circumcise the boy, and they were calling him by the name of his father, Zachariah. 60 And his mother, when responding, said, “Nay; rather, he will be called John.” 61 And they said to that woman that “there is no one among your kindred who is called by this name.” 62 However, they were making a sign unto his father [to ask] what he would wish him to be called. 63 And asking for a writing tablet, he wrote, saying, “John is his name.” And everyone marveled at it. 64 Moreover, his mouth was immediately opened, and his tongue, and he was speaking, blessing God. 65 And fear was brought about over all their neighbors, and all these words were spread over all the mountainous regions of Judea, 66 and all who had heard them placed them in their heart, saying, “Who, do you think, that boy will be?” for truly the hand of the Lord was with that one.

         67 And Zachariah, his father, was full with the Holy Spirit, and he prophesied, saying, 68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, because He has visited and brought about the redemption of his people; 69 and He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of David, His son, 70 just as He spoke through the mouth of His holy prophets, who are from an age, 71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all those who hate us, 72 for rendering mercy with our fathers, and that his holy covenants be brought to remembrance, 73 the oath which he swore to Abraham, our father, to give himself to us 74 so that, without fear, being freed from the hand of our enemies, we might serve Him 75 in holiness and justice in his presence in all our days. 76 And you, boy, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go forth before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways, 77 for the purpose of offering to His people a knowledge of salvation unto the remission of their sins 78 through the bowels of our God’s mercy, in which He, as the morning sun from on high, visited us 79 to make it bright for those who are sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death, for the purpose of setting our feet straight on the path of peace.”

         80 The boy, indeed, was growing up, and was much strengthened by the Spirit; and he was in the deserts up until the day of his manifestation unto Israel.

Literal Translation of Chapter 2

         1 In those days, however, it came to pass that a proclamation went forth from Caesar Augustus with the result that the whole of the world was delineated. 2 The first delineation was done by Cyrinus, the governor of Syria, 3 and all were going so that each might report in his own city. 4 So, Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city Nazareth, into Judea, into the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 so that he, with Mary, his pregnant wife who was espoused to him, might report. 6 It came to pass, however, while they were there, the days were fulfilled such that she was giving birth. 7 And she gave birth to her first born son, and she wrapped him with cloths, and she laid him in a manger, because there was not a place for them in an inn.

         8 And shepherds were awake in that same district and keeping the watches of the night over their flock. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to them, and the brightness of God shined around those men, and they feared in great fear. 10 And the angel said to those men, “Do not fear! For behold, I preach to you all great joy, which will be for all people, 11 because today, in the city of David, is born to you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this is the sign for you: you will find the infant wrapped in cloths, and placed in a manger. 13 And suddenly with the angel was gathered a multitude of the soldiery of heaven praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest [places] and on earth peace to men of good will.”

         15 And it came to pass, when the angels departed from them into heaven, the shepherds were saying to each other, “Let us cross over to Bethlehem, and let us see this word, which has come to pass, which the Lord has shown to us.” 16 And hurrying, they came, and they found Mary and Joseph and the infant who was placed in a manger. 17 Moreover, those who were seeing understood concerning the word which had been spoken to them about this boy. 18 And all who heard, wondered, even concerning these things which had been spoken by the shepherds to them. 19 Mary, however, was preserving all these words, considering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God in all the things which they had heard and had seen, just as it was it was spoken to them.

         21 And after the eight days were accomplished, with the result that the boy was circumcised, his name was called Jesus, because he was called [thus] by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 22 And after the days of her purification, according to the law of Moses, were completed, they bore that boy into Jerusalem, so that they might present him to the Lord, 23 just as it was written in the law of the Lord: that every male opening the womb will be called holy to the Lord; 24 and that they might give a sacrifice according to that which is written in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young ones of pigeons.

         25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and that man was just and devout, waiting for the comfort of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was in him. 26 And he had received an answer from the Holy Spirit that he would not see death, except he should see the Anointed of the Lord before. 27 And he came in the spirit into the temple. And when his parents brought in the boy Jesus, so that they might do for him according to the usage of the law, 28 and that man received him in his arms; and he blessed God and said, 29 “Now you send away your servant, Lord, according to your word, in peace; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you prepared before the face of the whole people; 32 a light for the revelation of the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.” 33 And there was his father as well as his mother marveling over these things which were being said about that [boy]. 34 And Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, his mother, “Behold, this [boy] was appointed unto the falling and the rising again of many in Israel, and unto a sign towards whom it will be spoken against; 35 and a sword will pass through your soul of that very one such that thoughts are laid bare out of many hearts.”

         36 And there was Anna, the prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, from the tribe of Asher; this woman had advanced through many days, and had lived with her husband for seven years since her maidenhood. 37 And this [woman] [was] a widow all the way up to her eighty-four years, who was not departing from the temple, serving by fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And this woman, arriving at that very hour, was acknowledging the Lord; and she was speaking about that [boy] to all who were awaiting the redemption of Israel.

         39 And when all things were completed according to the law of the Lord, they returned unto Galilee, into Nazareth, their own city. 40 The boy, however, was growing, and he, being full with wisdom, was much strengthened; and the favor of God was in that [boy].

         41 And his parents were going to Jerusalem through all the years, on the established day of the Passover. 42 And when twelve years were passed, those having gone up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the festival day, 43 and having fulfilled the days, though they would go back, the boy Jesus remained in Jerusalem, and his parents did not know. 44 Thinking, rather, that that [boy] was amongst the company, they came to the journey of the day, and they were seeking him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances. 45 And not finding him, they went back to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46 And it came to pass, after three days they found that [boy] sitting in the temple in the midst of the teachers, listening to those men, and questioning them. 47 All who were listening to him, however, were amazed over his wisdom and answers. 48 And seeing him, they [his parents] were astonished. And his mother said to that [boy], “Son, why did you do thusly to us? Behold, your father and I, suffering, were seeking you.” 49 And he said to those, “Why is it that you were seeking me? Were you not knowing that it is necessary that I be in among these things which are my Father’s?” 50 And they themselves did not understand the word which he spoke to them.

         51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth; and he was subject to them. And his mother was preserving all these words in her heart. 52 And Jesus was increasing in wisdom, and in maturity, and in favor among God and men.

Literal Translation of Chapter 3

            1 Now, in the fifteenth year of the supreme power of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being procurator of Judaea, and also Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip his brother being tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias being tetrarch of Abilene, 2 under the chiefs of the priests, Annas and Caiphas, it came to pass that the word of the Lord was upon John, the son of Zacharias, in the desert. 3 And he came into the whole district of the Jordan, proclaiming the baptism of repentance unto the remission of one’s sins, 4 just as it was written in the book of the discourses of Isaiah the prophet: “The voice of one shouting in the desert, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight his footpaths. 5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and crooked things will be [made] into straight things, and rough things into flat roads. 6 And all flesh will see the salvation of God.’”

            7 He was saying, therefore, to the crowds which were going out so that they might be baptized by him, “O offspring of vipers! Who made known to you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Make, therefore, fruits worthy of repentance, and let not yourselves begin to say, ‘We have Father Abraham.’ For I say unto you that God is able to raise up sons to Abraham from these stones. 9 For the axe is now placed at the root of the trees. Every tree, therefore, not producing good fruit will be cut down and sent into the fire.”

            10 And the crowds were asking him, saying, “What, therefore, shall we do?”

11 And replying, he was saying to them, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who does not have one; and he who has food, let him do likewise.”

            10 12 And even publicans came so that they might be baptized, and they said to him, “Master, what shall we do?”

            10 13 Yet that man said to them, “Nothing more ought you to do, than what is appointed to you.”

            10 14 And even the soldiers were querying him, saying, “What shall we, even the likes of us, do?

And he said to them, “You should shake down no one, nor ought you to make a false accusation; and be satisfied with your salaries.”

            10 15 Since the people, however, were supposing, and everyone ruminating in their hearts concerning John, that perhaps that man himself were not the Christ, 16 John responded, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; a stronger one than me, however, shall come, whose latchet of his shoes I am not worthy to unfasten. That man shall baptize you in the Holy Ghost, and by fire; 17 his winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will cleanse his own threshing floor, and he will gather together the wheat in his storehouse, but the chaff he will consume by means of an inextinguishable fire.”

            18 Exhorting indeed even many other things, he was preaching the gospel to the people. 19 However, the tetrarch Herod, since he was reproached by that man concerning Herodias, the wife of his brother, and about all the wicked things which Herod did, 20 added even this above all, and he shut up John in prison.

            10 21 It came to pass, moreover, that as all the people were being baptized, even Jesus having been baptized and praying, heaven was opened; 22 and the Holy Ghost came down upon Him in bodily form just like a dove; and a voice was spoken from heaven: “You are my beloved son, and in you I am well pleased.”

            23 And Jesus himself was beginning at about thirty years, being, as it was thought, the son of Joseph, who was [the son] of Heli, 24 who was [the son] of Matthat, who was [the son] of Levi, who was [the son] of Melchi, who was [the son] of Janna, who was [the son] of Joseph, 25 who was [the son] of Matthathias, who was [the son] of Amos, who was [the son] of Nahum, who was [the son] of Esli, who was [the son] of Nagga, 26 who was [the son] of Maath, who was [the son] of Matthathias, who was [the son] of Semei, who was [the son] of Josech, who was [the son] of Juda, 27 who was [the son] of Joanna, who was [the son] of Resa, who was [the son] of Zerubbabel, who was [the son] of Salathiel, who was [the son] of Neri 28 who was [the son] of Melchi, who was [the son] of Addi, who was [the son] of Cosam, who was [the son] of Elmadam, who was [the son] of Er, 29 who was [the son] of Jesu, who was [the son] of Eliezer, who was [the son] of Jorim, who was [the son] of Matthat, who was [the son] of Levi, 30 who was [the son] of Simeon, who was [the son] of Judah, who was [the son] of Joseph, who was [the son] of Jona, who was [the son] of Eliachim, 31 who was [the son] of Melea, who was [the son] of Menna, who was [the son] of Mattatha, who was [the son] of Nathan, who was [the son] of David, 32 who was [the son] of Jesse, who was [the son] of Obed, who was [the son] of Boaz, who was [the son] of Salmon, who was [the son] of Nahshon, 33 who was [the son] of Aminadab, who was [the son] of Aram, who was [the son] of Esrom, who was [the son] of Phares, who was [the son] of Judah, 34 who was [the son] of Jacob, who was [the son] of Isaac, who was [the son] of Abraham, who was [the son] of Terah, who was [the son] of Nahor, 35 who was [the son] of Serug, who was [the son] of Ragau, who was [the son] of Peleg, who was [the son] of Eber, who was [the son] of Sala, 36 who was [the son] of Cainan, who was [the son] of Arphaxad, who was [the son] of Shem, who was [the son] of Noah, who was [the son] of Lamech, 37 who was [the son] of Methuselah, who was [the son] of Enoch, who was [the son] of Jared, who was [the son] of Malaleel, who was [the son] of Cainan, 38 who was [the son] of Enos, who was [the son] of Seth, who was [the son] of Adam, who was [the son] of God. 

Literal Translation of Chapter 4

         1 Jesus, however, full with the Holy Ghost, returned from Jordan; and he was led by the Spirit into the wilderness 2 for forty days, and he was put to the test by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days; and when those [days] were completed, he was hungry.

3 The devil, however, said to that man, “If you are the Son of God, speak to this rock with the result that it become bread.”

         4 And Jesus responded to that [devil], “It is written ‘that man shall not live on bread only, but on every word of God.’”

         5 And the devil led that man onto a high mountain and showed to that man all the kingdoms of the earth in an instant of time, 6 and he said to that man, “I will give to you all this power and the glory of them, because they have been given over to me, and I give those [kingdoms] to whomever I wish. 7 Therefore, if you would worship before me, all will be yours.”

         8 And Jesus, responding, said to that [devil], “It is written, ‘You shall worship your Lord God, and you shall serve that [God] alone'.”

         9 And he led that man unto Jerusalem, and caused him to stand above the pinnacle of the temple, and he said to that man, “If you are the Son of God, cause yourself to go downwards from this place; 10 for it is written that he will command his angels concerning you, so that they might preserve you, 11 and that they will raise you up in their hands, lest perchance you should hit your foot on a stone.”

         12 And responding, Jesus said to that [devil], “It is said, ‘You shall not tempt your Lord God.” 13 And all his temptation having been completed, the devil retired from that man, until [another] opportunity.

         14 And Jesus retired unto Galilee in the strength of the Spirit, and fame concerning that man went forth throughout the whole region. 15 And he himself was teaching in their synagogues, and he was praised by all.

         16 And he came to Nazareth, where he was had been brought up, and he entered into the synagogue on the day of the sabbath following his custom, and he got up to read. 17 And the book of Isaiah the prophet was handed over to that man. And as he unrolled the book, he found the passage where it had been written, 18  “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because of which it anointed me; it sent me to preach the gospel to the poor, to heal those bruised with respect to their heart, 19 to proclaim release for the prisoners and sight for the blind, to send away the crushed into release, to proclaim the received year of the Lord and the day of recompense.” 20 And when he had rolled up the book, he gave it back to the minister, and sat. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were stretching forth against him. 21 Then he began to speak to those people: “For today this scripture is fulfilled in your ears.”

22 And all those were giving witness, and they were marveling at the words of grace which were coming forth from that man’s mouth, and they were saying, “Is this not the son of Joseph?”

        23 And he said to those, “Surely you will speak this same analogy to me: ‘Physician, cure yourself! We have heard of such deeds in Capernaum; do them even here in your own country.”

         24 However, he said, “Verily I say unto you that no prophet is accepted in his own country. 25 In truth, I say unto you, ‘there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky was shut for three years and six months, when a great famine was occurring in the whole land, 26 and to none of them was Elias sent, except to Zarephath of Sidon, to the widow woman. 27 And there were many leprous people in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.’”

         28 And all in the synagogue who were hearing these things were filled with anger. 29 And they arose and drove that man out of the city; and they led that man up to the ridge of the hill upon which their city had been built, so that they might throw him down. 30 He himself, however, crossing through the midst of those people, was going.

         31 And he went down into Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and there he was teaching those people on the sabbaths. 32 And they were amazed at his teaching, because the discourse of that very man was according to [his own] power. 33 And in the synagogue there was a man having an unclean spirit, and he cried out with a great voice, 34 saying, “Well! What is there between us and you, O Jesus of Nazareth? Did you come to destroy us? I know who you are, Holy One of God.”

         35 And Jesus rebuked that evil spirit, saying, “Be silent, and go out from him!” And when he had expelled that spirit into their midst, it went out from that man, and nothing harmed that man.

         36 And awe was produced in all, and they were speaking together to one another, saying, “What is this speech, that with power and authority he gives orders to the unclean spirits, and they depart?” 37 And a report concerning that man was spread about into every place of the region.

           38 Jesus, however, getting up from the synagogue, entered into the home of Simon. Simon’s mother-in-law, moreover, was possessed by great fevers; and they asked for him on her behalf. 39 And standing over that woman, he commanded the fever, and he sent away that [illness]. And immediately arising, he was ministering to those.

         40 And when the sun had set, all who were having sick ones with various weaknesses were leading those to him. Yet that man, laying his hands upon each one, was healing them. 41 And the evil spirits were going out from many while shouting and saying, “You are the Son of God.” And rebuking them, he was not permitting them to speak, for they were knowing that man to be the Christ.

         42 And at the making of day, having gone forth, he was going into a deserted place, and the crowds were seeking him, and they came out to that man, and they were detaining that man lest he should depart from them. 43 That man said to them, “It is also necessary that I preach the kingdom of God to other cities, because for that reason am I sent.” 44 And he was preaching in the synagogues of Galilee.

Literal Translation of Chapter 5

         1 It happened, however, when the crowds pressed against him so that they might hear the word of God, and that man was standing beside Lake Gennesaret. 2 And he saw two boats standing beside the lake; and the fishermen had come down and were washing their nets. 3 But climbing into one boat, which was Simon’s, he asked him to withdraw a little from the land. And sitting, he was teaching the crowds from the little ship.

         4 And as he ceased to speak, he said to Simon, “Take us into the deep, and extend your nets for the catching.”

         5 And answering, Simon said to that man, “Teacher, working through the whole night we took nothing; but on your word I will extend the net.” 6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a copious multitude of fishes, and their net was being broken. 7 And they signaled to their companions, who were in another ship, that they might come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, such that they were almost sunk.

         8 When Simon Peter had seen that, he fell prostrate at the knees of Jesus, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinner-man, Lord.” 9 For wonder had encompassed him and all who were with that man in the catching of fishes, which they had taken; 10 likewise also James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were companions of Simon.

And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from this [time] now you will be catching men.” 11 And having hauled up their boats onto the land, leaving all behind, they followed him.

         12 And it happened that when he was in one of the cities, then behold there was a man full with leprosy, and seeing Jesus and falling prostrate onto his face, he asked him, saying, “Lord, if you wish, you are able to heal me.”

         13 And stretching out the hand, he touched him, saying, “I wish: be cleansed.” And immediately the leprosy fell away from that man.

         14 And that very man enjoined that man that he should tell it to no one, but, “Go, show yourself to the priest, and offer [i.e. make an offering] for your cleansing, just as Moses prescribed, in witness to those men.” 15 And a conversation was increasingly circulating concerning that man, and many crowds were gathering together in order to listen and be healed from their illnesses. 16 And he himself was withdrawing into the desert, and he was praying.

         17 And it happened, on one of the days, that he himself was sitting teaching. And there were Pharisees sitting, and teachers of the law, who had come from every stronghold of Galilee, and of Judea, and of Jerusalem; and there was the power of the Lord for healing them. 18 And behold, there [were] men carrying on a bed a man who was struck with palsy; and they were seeking to bear him in and to place [him] in front of him. 19 And not finding by what direction they could bear him in through the crowd, they climbed on top of the roof, and through the roof tiles they sent him down along with the bed into the middle [of the crowd] in front of Jesus. 20 When he saw the faith of those men, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”

         21 And the scribes and pharisees began to think, saying, “Who is this, who speaks [such] slanders? Who is able to forgive sins, except God alone?” 22 When, however, Jesus knew their thoughts, responding, he said to those men, “Why are you thinking [such things] in your hearts? 23 What is easier to say? ‘Your sins are forgiven’ or to say, ‘Arise, and walk’? 24 However, so you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth for forgiving sins…” He said to the man struck with the palsy, “I say unto you, ‘Arise, take up your bed, and go into your home.’” 25 And immediately raising himself up before the eyes of those men, he took up the bed on which he had been lying, and he went away into his home, glorifying God. 26 And an astonishment took hold of everyone, and they were glorifying God. And they were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen miracles today.”

         27 And after these things he departed, and he saw a tax-gatherer, Levi by name, sitting at the custom house, and he said to that man, “Follow me.” 28 And having left everything behind, getting up he followed him. 29 And Levi made a great banquet for him in his house, and there was a great crowd of tax-collectors and others who were reclining at table with them.

         30 And the Pharisees and their scribes were grumbling, saying to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax-collectors and sinners?”

         31 And answering, Jesus said to those men, “They who are healthy do not need a doctor, but they who are ill. 32 I have not come to call the righteous but rather sinners to repentance.”

         33 Yet, those men said to him, “Why do the disciples of John fast often and make public prayers, just like [the disciples] of the pharisees; yours, however, eat and drink?”

         34 To which that very man said, “Are you able to make the sons of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? 35 The days will come, however, when the bridegroom will have been taken away from them; then they will fast in those days.”

         36 However, he was even speaking an analogy to those men: “For no one grafts in a seam from new clothing into old clothing; otherwise, he is tearing the new and the seam from the new doesn’t accord to the old. 37 And no one puts new wine into old vessels; otherwise, the new wine bursts the vessels, and the stuff will pour out, and the vessels will be wasted; 38 but new wine ought to be put into new vessels, and each are preserved. 39 And no one while drinking the old immediately wants the new; for he says, “The old is better.”

Literal Translation of Chapter 6

         1 It happened, however, on the following sabbath, at first, while he was passing through the standing grain, his disciples were plucking the ears [of the grain], and they, rubbing them with their hands, were chewing them. 2 Yet certain of the Pharisees were saying to those men, “Why do you do that which is not permitted on sabbaths?” 3 And Jesus, responding to them, said, “Have you not read this thing which David did, while he himself, and those who were with him, was hungry? 4 how he entered into the house of God, and took the bread of presentation, and he did eat and gave to them who were with that very man that which it is not permitted to eat except only by the priests?” 5 And he was saying to those men, “The Son of Man is the Lord even of the Sabbath.”

         6 It happened, however, on another sabbath, that he was entering into the synagogue and was teaching. And there was a man there, and his right hand was shriveled. 7 The scribes and Pharisees, however, were watching if he were healing on the sabbath, so that they might find something of which they might reproach him. 8 He himself was truly knowing their thoughts, and he said to the man who was having the shriveled hand, “Arise, and stand in the middle.” And arising, he stood.

        9 Jesus, however, said to those men, “I ask you if it is permitted to do well on the sabbath, or (to do) evilly; to make a soul uninjured, or to ruin it?”

        10 And while all were looking about, he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored. 11 Those men themselves, however, were filled with folly, and they were conversing one with another what they should do with respect to Jesus.

        12 Moreover, it happened in those days that he went out onto a mountain to pray, and he was passing the night in prayer for God. 13 And when day happened, he called his disciples, and he chose out of those men twelve, whom he also called apostles: 14 Simon, whom he had surnamed Peter, and Andrew his brother, James, and John, Philip, and Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who is called Zelotes, 16 and Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot who was the betrayer. 17 And going down with those men, he stood on a flat place, and the crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judaea and Jerusalem and the coastal region, both of Tyre and of Sidon, 18 who had come so that they might hear him, and be healed from their weaknesses. And they who were being tormented by unclean spirits were being healed. 19 And the whole crowd was seeking to touch him, because power was going out from that man, and he was healing everyone.

        20 And he himself, his eyes being raised towards his disciples, was saying, “Poor men are blessed, for the kingdom of God is yours. 21 Blessed are you who now hunger, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who now weep, for you will laugh. 22 Blessed will you be even though men should hate you, and even though they should reject you, and should reproach, and should cast out your name as evil on account of the Son of Man. 23 Rejoice in that day and jump for joy! For behold, your salary is great in heaven; for after this [manner] were their fathers carrying on towards the prophets. 24 Nevertheless, wo to you the wealthy, for you have your comfort. 25 Wo to you who are glutted, for you will be hungry. Wo to you who are now laughing, for you will lament and weep. 26 Wo even if all men should bless you, for after this [manner] were their fathers doing to false prophets.

        27 “But I say to you who are listening, ‘Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; 28 speak good to those speaking ill to you; pray for those falsely accusing you.’ 29 And whoever strikes you on the jaw, offer [them] even the other. And from him who is taking away your clothing, do not even keep back your tunic. 30 However, to all who are petitioning you, render unto them; and whoever carries away what things are yours, let not you demand them back. 31 And just as you wish that men might do to you, do you even to them likewise. 32 And if you love those who love you, what reward is [owed] to you? for even sinners love those who are loving them. 33 And if you would do well to those who do well to you, what reward is [owed] to you? since, indeed, even sinners do this. 34 And if you would give a loan to those from whom you hope to receive back, what reward is [owed] to you? for even sinners loan on interest to sinners, so that they might receive back the same. 35 Nevertheless, love your enemies; do good; and give a loan, hoping for nothing thereafter; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He himself imparts freely upon the ungrateful and the wicked. 36 Therefore, be merciful just as even your Father is merciful.

        37 “Do not judge and you will not be judged; do not condemn and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you shall be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you: they will give into your bosom a good, full, shaken together, overflowing measure. Surely, according to the same proportion by which you will have meted out, it will be meted back to you.”

39 However, he was also speaking an analogy to those men: “Are the blind able to lead the blind? Won’t they both fall into the pit? 40 The student is not above the teacher; however, each will be brought to completion, if he would be just as his teacher.

        41 “Indeed, why do you see the mote in your brother’s eye, yet you do not inspect the beam which is in your own eye? 42 Or, how are you able to say to your brother, ‘Brother, permit that I might cast out the mote from your eye,’ you yourself not seeing the beam in your own eye? O hypocrite, first cast out the beam from your own eye, and then you will perceive (such) that you might draw out the mote from your brother’s eye. 43 For there is not a good tree which produces bad fruit; nor [is there] a bad tree producing good fruit. 44 For every tree will be known from its fruit. Indeed, they do not gather figs from thornbushes; nor do they gather grapes from a bramblebush. 45 The good man brings forth a good thing from the good treasure of his heart; and the bad man brings forth the bad thing from [his] bad treasure. For the mouth speaks out of the richness of the heart.

        46 “Moreover, why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord’, and you don’t do what I say? 47 Any who come to me and hear my words and do them, I would show to you to whom he be like: 48 He is like unto a man building a home, who dug into the deep and built the foundation upon a rock. Thus, when the flood came, the flowing water was crashed against that home, and it was not able to disturb it, for it had been founded upon a rock. 49 However, he who hears and does not do, is like unto a man building his home upon ground without a foundation, against which the running water was crashed and it immediately fell down; and a great ruin was made of that home.

Literal Translation of Chapter 7

         1 And since he had finished all his words in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. 2 And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear to that man, being in a bad way, was about to die. 3 And since he had heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to him, asking him that he might come and save his servant. 4 Yet those men, when they had come to Jesus, were asking him anxiously, saying to him, “He is deserving that you should perform this for him, 5 for he esteems our people, and he himself built a synagogue for us.” 6 And so Jesus was going with them. And when he was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying, “Lord, do not be angry; for I am not deserving that you should enter under my roof, 7 because I did not even judge myself worthy that I should come to you. But say the word, and my boy will be healed.  8 For even I am a man appointed under a power, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my servant, Do this, and he does it.”

         9 Having heard that, Jesus was amazed; and having turned around to the crowds following himself, said, “I say Amen to you; I have not found so much faith even in Israël.”  10 And having returned home, they, who had been sent, found the servant, who had been faint, healthy.

         11 And it came to pass that next he was passing into the city which is called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd were going with him. 12 However, as they were nearing the gate of the city, behold a dead man—the only son of his mother—was carried forth, and this woman was a widow, and a great crowd of the city was with that woman. 13 When the Lord had seen her, being moved by compassion concerning her, he said to that woman, “Do not weep.” 14 He both approached and touched the bier. (Those, however, who were carrying it, stood still.) And he said, “Young man, I say to you, ‘Arise.’” 15 And he who had died sat up and began to speak. And he gave that man to his mother. 16 Then, awe took possession of all, and they were glorifying God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen amongst us, and God has visited his people.” 17 And this saying concerning him went out into the whole of Judaea, and in all the region round about.

         18 And his disciples made known to John concerning all these things. 19 And John assembled two from among his disciples and sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are you he who is to come, or do we await another?” 20 When, moreover, the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you he who is to come, or do we await another?’”        21 (For at that time, he healed many from their infirmities, and injuries, and evil spirits, and to the many blind he gave sight.) 22 And replying, he said to those men, “You who are going, report back to John what you have heard and seen, that the blind see, the lame walk, the leprous are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead rise again, the poor are proclaimed the gospel; 23 and blessed is he who will not have been caused to stumble in me.”

         24 And when the messengers of John had departed, he began to speak about John to the crowd: “What did you go out into the desert to see? a reed shaken by the wind? 25 But what did you go out to see? a man clothed in delicate clothing? Behold, those who are in expensive clothing and luxury, are in the homes of kings. 26 But what did you go out to see? a prophet? Assuredly, I say unto you, even more than a prophet. 27 This man is (the one) of whom it is written, ‘Behold I send before your face my messenger, who will prepare your way before you.’ 28 For I say unto you, ‘No one is a greater prophet among those born of women than John the Baptist; however, he who is less in the kingdom of God is greater than that man.’” 29 And all the people who were hearing this, even the publicans, being baptized with the baptism of John, declared God to be righteous. 30 The Pharisees and the lawyers, however, not being baptized by him, rejected the counsel of God among themselves.

         31 However, the Lord said, “To whom, therefore, shall I say that men of this generation are likenesses? and to what are they likenesses? 32 They are likened to boys sitting in the marketplace and talking to each other, and saying, ‘We played for you with flutes, and you did not dance; we lamented and you did not weep.’ 33 For John the Baptist comes, neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has an evil spirit.’ 34 The Son of Man comes, eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Behold a man (who is) a devourer, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners.’ 35 And wisdom is made right by all her sons.”

         36 However, a certain one from among the Pharisees was asking that man that he might eat with that man. And having entered the house of the Pharisee, he reclined at table. 37 And behold, a woman, who was a sinner in the city, when she knew that he was reclining at table in the house of the Pharisee, brought a box of perfume; 38 and standing behind beside his feet, she began to moisten his feet with her tears, and she was wiping them off with the hairs of her head, and she was kissing his feet, and she was smearing them with ointment. 39 The watching Pharisee, however, who had summoned him, speaking within himself, said, “If this man were a prophet, he would surely know who and of what sort this woman who touches him is, for she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus, responding, said to that man, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And that man said, “Master, speak.” 41 There were two men in debt to a certain money-lender: one was owing five-hundred denarii and the other fifty. 42 Since those men were not having [the wherewithal] from which they could repay [him], he forgave each of them. Who, therefore, loves him more?” 43 Simon, responding, said, “I think that he to whom he forgave more.” And that man said to him, “You have judged correctly.” 44 And having turned around to the woman, he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered into your home, (but) you did not give me water for my feet; this woman, however, wetted my feet with her tears and cleansed them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss; this woman, however, from [the time] she entered, has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil; this woman, however, anointed my feet with ointment. 47 On account of which, I say unto you, “Her many sins are forgiven her, since she loved (me) much. To whom, however, little is forgiven, he loves (me) less.” 48 Moreover, he said to that woman, “Your sins are forgiven you.” 49 And they who were reclining at table together at the same time began to say among themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?” 50 However, he said to the woman, “Your faith has made you well; go in peace.”

Literal Translation of Chapter 8

          1 And then it came to pass, and he himself was making his way through the cities and towns, preaching and proclaiming the kingdom of God; and the twelve were with him, 2 and some women who had been cured from malign spirits and sicknesses: Mary, who is called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out; 3 and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward; and Susanna; and many others, who were ministering to him from their goods.

         4 When, however, a great crowd was gathering, and they were hastening to him from the cities, he spoke to them through a parable: 5 “He who sows went out to sow his seed. And while he is sowing, some fell by the road and was trampled, and the birds of the sky ate some. 6 And some fell upon stone; and having sprouted, they dried up, because they were not having moisture. 7 And some fell among the thorns, and having sprung forth at the same time the thorns choked them. 8 And some fell on good earth; and having grown, they produced a hundredfold of fruit. Saying these things, he was declaring, “He who has ears for hearing, let him hear.”

         9 However, his disciples were asking him what this parable was. 10 To whom he himself said, “To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; to the rest, however, [it is] in parables, so that while seeing they might not see, and while hearing they might not understand. 11 So, this is the parable: The seed is the word of God. 12 So, those which [fell] by the road, these are they who hear, but then the devil comes and takes up the word from their heart with the result that those who believe may not be saved. 13 But those which [fell] upon the stone [are] those who when they heard, took up the word with joy; and those have no roots: they are those who believe for a time and in a time of trial withdraw. 14 However, that which fell among the thorns: these are they who heard [the word], and proceeding by anxieties, and wealth, and the pleasures of life, they are choked and do not bear fruit. 15 However, that which [fell] into the good earth, these are they who, hearing it in a good and perfect heart, keep hold of the word, and bring forth fruit in patience.

         16 “No one, however, when lighting a lamp, covers it with a dish or puts it underneath a bed; rather, he places it upon a candle stick, so that those entering might see the light. 17 For there is not a secret thing which will not be disclosed; nor a concealed thing which may not be understood and may come into the open. 18 Watch, therefore, how you listen to it. For, he who has, it will be given to him; and whosoever does not have, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away from him.

         19 Then his mother and brothers came to that man, and they were not able to approach him in front of the crowd. 20 And it was announced to that man: “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” 21 Who, responding, said to them, “These are my mother and my brothers: they who hear and do the word of God.”

         22 Then it happened on one of those days that that man went up into a ship, along with his disciples, and he said to those, “Let us pass over across the water.” And they went up. 23 And while those men were sailing, he fell asleep, and a tempest of wind came down onto the water, and they were being filled up and put in danger. 24 Then, approaching, they woke him up, saying, “Teacher, we are perishing.” So, arising, that man rebuked the wind and the shower of water, and it ceased; and a stillness was made. 25 Then he said to those men, “Where is your faith?” They, fearing, marveled, saying to each other, “Who do you reckon this man is that he even commands the winds and the sea, and they obey him?”

         26 And they sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is over against Galilee. 27 And when he had gone out to land, a certain man, who was having an evil spirit by this time a long time, rushed up to that man [Jesus], and he was not clothed with a garment, and was he not staying in a house but rather among the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he appeared before that man; and calling out with a great voice, he said, “What is it to me and to you, O Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beseech you that you might not torture me.” 29 For he was ordering the unclean spirit that he might depart from the man. Indeed, in many periods it was taking possession of that man, and he was being subdued with chains, and held captive by shackles. And having broken his chains, he was driven by the evil spirit into the deserts.

         30 Then Jesus inquired of that man, saying, “What name do you bear?” Yet that man said, “Legion,” because many evil spirits had entered into him. 31 And they were asking that man that he not command them that they go into the abyss. 32 However, there was in that place a herd of many pigs grazing on a mountain; and they were asking him that he might allow them to enter into those creatures. And he let them. 33 Therefore, the evil spirits went out from the man and entered into the pigs; and the herd went away with vehemence down a steep incline into the lake, and it was drowned.

34 Which, when they saw the deed, those who were pasturing [the pigs] fled and announced it in the city and in the villages. 35 Then they went out to see what happened, and they came to Jesus, and they found sitting at his feet the man from whom the demons had gone out, clothed and in a sound mind, and they were afraid. 36 Then also those who had seen it announced to those [others] how he had been made whole from Legion; 37 and the whole multitude of the region of the Gerasenes begged that man that he might depart from them, because they were gripped by a great fear. And so that man himself, going up into the ship, went back.

         38 And the man from whom the demons had gone out was asking that man that he might be with him. However, Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return unto your home, and tell (them) how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for that man.

         40 Then it happened, when Jesus had returned, that a crowd caught that man; for all were awaiting him. 41 And behold, a man, whose name was Jairus, came, and he himself was the ruler of a synagogue; and he fell at the feet of Jesus, begging him that he might enter into his home, 42 because he had an only daughter of nearly twelve years, and this girl was dying.

         And, it happened, while he went, that he was pressed by the crowd. 43 And there was a certain woman with a flow of blood for the last twelve years, who had paid out to doctors her whole fortune, and she could not be cured by anyone; 44 she came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment; and immediately, her flow of blood stopped. 45 And Jesus said, “Who is it who has touched me?” However, with everyone denying it, Peter, and those who were with that man, said, “Master, the crowds have pressed in and struck you, and you say, ‘Who touched me?’” 46 And Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I discerned that power had gone out from me.” 47 Then, seeing that she had not escaped notice, the woman came trembling and fell before the feet of that man; and she declared before all the people for what reason she touched him and how she was immediately healed. 48 Yet he himself said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”

         49 While that man was still speaking, a certain man came to the chief of the synagogue, saying to him, “Your daughter has died, do not bother that man.” 50 However, Jesus, hearing this message, replied to the father of the girl, “Do not be afraid, just believe, and she shall be well.” 51 And when he had come to the home, he did not allow anyone to enter with him, except Peter, and James, and John, and the father, and the mother of the girl. 52 However, everyone was weeping and lamenting for that girl. Yet that man said, “Don’t weep; the girl has not died but sleeps.” 53 And they, knowing that she had died, were scoffing at him. 54 However, that man himself, holding her hand, called out, saying, “Girl, arise.” 55 And her spirit returned, and she arose straightaway. And he bade that [something] be given to that girl to eat. 56 And her parents, to whom he directed that they should not tell anyone what had been done, were amazed.

Literal Translation of Chapter 9

1 Then, having called together the twelve apostles, he gave to those men strength and power over all evil spirits, and so that they might heal infirmities. 2 And he sent those men to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. 3 And he said to those men, “You ought to carry nothing on your way; you should have neither a staff, nor a bag, nor bread, nor money, nor two tunics. 4 And into whatever house you will have entered, remain there, and you should not go out from there. 5 And whosoever might not receive you, while leaving from that city, shake off even the dust of your feet in witness upon those people.” 6 Then, having gone forth, they were circulating through the towns preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.

7 Then Herod the Tetrarch heard all that was being done by him, and he was uncertain because it was said by some that John arose from the dead; 8 or by some that Elias appeared; and yet by others that a prophet, one of the ancients, arose. 9 And Herod said, “I beheaded John; so, who is this man about whom I hear such things?” And he was seeking to see him.

10 And the apostles having returned, they related to that man what they did; and those men having been received, he withdrew separately into a desert place which is Bethsaida. 11 When the crowds had perceived which, they followed that man; and he received those and was speaking to those about the kingdom of God, and he was healing them who were in need of a cure. 12 Then the day began to wane, and the twelve, approaching, said to that man, “Send away the crowds so that, going into their towns and villages which lie about, they may go their separate ways and find food; for we are here in a desert place. 13 Then he said to those, “You yourselves give [something] for those to eat.” But those said, “We don’t have more than five loaves of bread and two fishes; unless perhaps we ourselves should go and purchase victuals for this whole crowd.” 14 There were, however, nearly five thousand men. Then he said to his disciples, “Make those lie at table as fifty each in meal groups. 15 And so they did it, and they made everyone to lie at table. 16 Then, with the five loaves and the two fishes being taken up, he gazed into heaven and blessed them; and he broke them into pieces and apportioned them to his disciples so that they might set it before the crowds. 17 And everyone ate and was filled. And that which remained to them, twelve baskets of remnants, was taken up.

18 And it happened when he was alone praying, and his disciples were with that man; and he asked those men, saying, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 Yet those men replied and said, “John the Baptist; however, some [say] Elias; on the other hand, others [say] that a prophet from our forefathers has arisen.” 20 However, he said to those men, “But you, who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter, responding, said, “The Christ of God.” 21 Yet that man, censuring those men, admonished them lest they should say this to anyone, 22 saying, “It is necessary that the Son of Man suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and the chiefs of the priests and the scribes, and be killed, and arise again on the third day.” 23 However, he was saying to everyone, “If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his own cross every day, and let him follow me. 24 For whoever would wish to make his soul safe, let him lose that [soul]; for whoever should lose his soul on account of me, he will make that [soul] safe. 25 For how does a man profit, if he should acquire the whole world, yet he should lose his very self and should make a loss of himself? 26 For whoever will have been ashamed of me and my discourses, the Son of Man will be ashamed of this man when he will have come in his own grandeur, and that of the Father, and that of His holy angels. 27 However, I say unto you, ‘Truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.’”

28 Then nearly eight days after these words it happened that he took Peter, and John, and James and went up onto a mountain so that he might pray. 29 And while he was praying, the appearance of his countenance was made altered; and his clothes were white and shining. 30 And behold, two men were speaking with that man. Moreover, they were Moses and Elias, 31 seen in their grandeur; and they were speaking about his going away, which he was about to fulfill in Jerusalem. 32 Indeed, Peter and those who were with that man, were weighed down with sleep. And awakening, they saw his grandeur, and the two men who were standing with that man. 33 And it came to pass when they departed from that man, Peter, not knowing what he was saying, said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tabernacles, one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.”

34 However, while that man was speaking these things, a cloud gathered and covered them; and when those men were entering into the cloud, they were afraid. 35 And a voice was produced from out of the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son; hear him.” 36 And as the voice was produced, Jesus was found (to be) alone. And they themselves were silent, and they told to no one in those days any of these things which they had seen.

37 Then it came to pass on the following day, as those men were coming down from the mountain, a great multitude rushed upon those men. 38 And behold, a man from the crowd shouted out, saying, “Master, I beseech you, (come) look upon my son, for I (only) have the one; 39 and behold, a spirit seizes him, and suddenly it cries out and strikes out and rends him with froth, and tearing him to pieces it (only) departs with difficulty; 40 and I asked your disciples that they might cast out that (spirit), and they were not able.”

41 But Jesus, answering, said, “O unfaithful and perverse generation, how long will I be among you and shall I endure you? Bring your son here.” 42 And when he was approaching, the evil spirit knocked and rent that [boy]. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the boy, and he returned that [boy] to his father. 43 However, everyone was astonished at the greatness of God.

And while all were marveling at all which he was doing, he said to his disciples, 44 “O you, place these conversations within your hearts; for it is about to be that the Son of Man be handed over into the hands of men.” 45 Yet, those men were not understanding that saying of his, and it had been hidden before them so that they were not perceiving that thing; and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

46 However, the thought entered into them, which of them was the greater. 47 Yet Jesus, seeing the thoughts of their heart, grabbed a boy, and caused that [boy] to stand beside himself, 48 and said to those men, “Whoever will have taken up that boy in my name, accepts me; and whoever will have accepted me, accepts him who sent me. For he who is the lesser amongst you all, this man is the greater.”

49 However, John answering, said, “Master, we saw a certain man casting out evil spirits in your name, and we forbade him, because he does not follow with us.” 50 And Jesus said to that man, “Do not forbid him; for he who is not against you is for you.”

51 However, it happened, as the days of his taking up were being fulfilled, that he himself made firm his countenance so that he might go unto Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers before his appearance; and going forth, they entered into a city of the Samaritans so that they might prepare for that man. 53 And they did not receive him, because his appearance was that of one going unto Jerusalem. 54 However, when his disciples James and John had seen this, they said, “Lord, do you wish that we speak with the result that fire should come down from heaven and consume those people?” 55 And having turned around, he chastised those men, saying, “You do not know whose spirit you are. 56 The Son of Man is not come to destroy souls but to save (them).” And they went away into another town.

57 However, it happened that while those men were traveling on the road, a certain man said to that man, “Let me follow you wherever you would go.” 58 Jesus said to that man, “Foxes have their holes, and the birds of the sky [have] their nests; the Son of Man, however, does not have [a place] where his head might recline.” 59 However, he said to another, “Follow me.” But that man said, “Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father.” 60 And Jesus said, “Let it be that the dead may bury their own dead; but you, go and make known the kingdom of God.” 61 And another said, “I would follow you, Lord, but allow me first to send back word to those who are at home.” 62 Jesus said to that man, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Literal Translation of Chapter 10

         1 After these things, however, the Lord also appointed seventy-two others, and sent those men in pairs before his appearance into every city and place where he himself was about to come. 2 And he was saying to those men, “The harvest is truly abundant; the laborers, however, are few. Therefore, ask the lord of the harvest that he send laborers unto his harvest. 3 Go! Behold, I send you as lambs among wolves. 4 Do not carry a purse, nor a wallet, nor shoes, and you should greet no one on the road.

         5 “Into whatever home you might enter, first say, ‘Peace [be] unto this home.’ 6 And if a son of peace should be there, your peace will rest upon that man; if not, however, it will return to you. 7 However, remain in that same house, eating and drinking what things are at their house; for the laborer is worthy of his salary. Do not pass over from house to house.

         8 “And into whatever city you will have entered, and they will have received you, eat what things are served to you; 9 and heal the sick who are in that [house], and say to those people, ‘The kingdom of God has come near unto you.’ 10 However, into whatever city you will have entered and they will not have received you, going out into its streets, say, 11 ‘Even the dust, which clung to us from your city, we wipe off against you; nevertheless, know this, that the kingdom of God is at hand.’ 12 I say unto you that on that day it will be gentler for the Sodomites than for that city.

         13 “Woe to you Corozain! Woe to you Bethsaida! Because if the mighty works which have been done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, then they, sitting in sackcloth and ashes, would have repented. 14 But it will yet be gentler in judgement for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 15 And you, Capernaum, having lifted [yourself] up to Heaven, you will be cast down all the way to Hell.

         16 “He who hears you, hears me; and he who rejects you, rejects me. However, he who rejects me, rejects him who sent me.”

         17 The seventy-two, however, returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the evil spirits are subject to us in your name.” 18 And he said to those men, “I was seeing Satan falling from heaven like lightning. 19 Behold, I gave to you power for treading upon snakes and scorpions, and upon every power of the enemy; and nothing will do harm to you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this that the spirits are subject to you; rather, rejoice because your names are written in the heavens.”

         21 At that hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and he said, “I avow to you, father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and experienced ones, and you have revealed these things to the little ones. Yes indeed, Father, since thus it seemed right before you. 22 All things have been handed over to me by my Father. And no one knows who is the Son, except the Father; and who is the father, except the Son, and him to whom the Son wished to reveal Him.

         23 And having turned to his disciples, he said, “Blessed are the eyes which see what you see. 24 For I say unto you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you are seeing, and they did not see it; and to hear what you are hearing, and they did not hear it.”

         25 And behold, a certain lawyer arose, tempting that man and saying, “Master, by doing what shall I possess eternal life?” 26 Yet that man said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” 27 That man, answering, said, “You should love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and [you should love] your neighbor just as yourself.” 28 And he said to that man, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you shall live.” 29 However, that man, wishing to make himself right, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

         30 Jesus, however, taking this up, said, “A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell amongst highwaymen, who indeed robbed him; and blows having been landed they went away, the half-alive man being left behind. 31 However, it happened that a certain priest came down by that same road; and having seen that man, he passed by. 32 Likewise also a Levite, when he was near the place and saw him, he passed by on the other side. 33 A certain Samaritan making a journey, however, came by him; and seeing him, he was stirred by pity. 34 And drawing nigh, he bound up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and placing that man in his own carriage, he led him into a public house and undertook his care. 35 And the next day he produced two denarii and gave them to the tavern keeper and said, ‘Have a care for that man, and whatever you will have spent over and above, I will pay back to you when I shall have returned.’ 36 Who of these three seems to you to have been a neighbor to that man who fell amongst the highwaymen?” 37 Yet that man said, “He who showed mercy unto that man.” And Jesus said to that man, “God, and you do likewise.”

         38 Then it came to pass while they were going, and he himself entered into a certain town; and a certain woman, Martha by name, received that man into her home, 39 and she had a sister, Mary by name, who, even yet sitting near the feet of the Lord, was listening to the word of that man. 40 Martha, however, was bustling about the usual work; who stood and said, “Lord, have you not cares that my sister has left me alone to work? Say therefore to that woman that she should help me.” 41 And answering, the Lord said to those women, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and you are troubled in relation to very many things; 42 henceforth, one thing is requisite. Mary has chosen the best portion, which will not be taken away from her.

Literal Translation of Chapter 11

         1 And it came to pass, when he was in a certain place praying, just as he stopped, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, even as John taught his disciples.” 2 And he said to those men, “When you pray, say, ‘Father, may your name be made holy. Let your kingdom come. 3 Give to us today our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins, inasmuch as we ourselves forgive all those who are owing us. And may you not lead us into temptation.”

         5 And he said to those men, “Who of you will have a friend and will go to that man in the middle of the night and will say to that man, ‘Friend, lend to me three loaves of bread, 6 since my friend has come to me from the road, and I do not have that which I might place before that man,’ 7 and that man, answering from the interior, should say, ‘Do not be bothersome to me; the door has already been closed, and my children are in bed with me; I cannot get up and give to.’ 8 And if that man should continue knocking, I say to you, although the arising man will not give to that man because he be his friend, on account of his impudence, nevertheless, he will get up, and he will give to that man however much he has of the requisite [loaves].

         9 “And I say unto you, ‘Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you.’ 10 For all who ask, receive; and he who seeks, finds; and it shall be opened to the one knocking. 11 Moreover, who of you asks your father for bread, will he give a stone to that man? or [asking for] a fish, will he give to that man a snake in place of the fish? 12 or if he will have asked for an egg, will he offer to that man a scorpion? 13 If, therefore, you, even though you are evil, have learned to give good gifts to your sons, how much more will your Father from heaven give a good spirit to those seeking him?”

         14 And he was casting out an evil spirit, and that thing was mute. And when he had cast out the evil spirit, the mute man spoke, and the crowds were astonished. 15 However, certain ones of them said, “He casts out evil spirits through Beelzebub, the prince of the evil spirits.” 16 And others tempting [him] were seeking a sign from heaven from him.

         17 However, when he himself perceived their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be forsaken, and house shall fall upon house. 18 If, however, even Satan is divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because you say that I cast out evil spirits through Beelzebub. 19 If, however, I cast out evil spirits through Beelzebub, through whom do your sons cast [them] out? Therefore, they themselves will be your judges. 20 Furthermore, if I cast out demons through the finger of God, truly the kingdom of God comes against you.

         21 “When a strong, armed man guards his own house, those things which he possesses are in tranquility. 22 If, however, a stronger man, coming upon him, should conquer him, he will carry away all his implements of war, in which he was trusting, and he will distribute his booty. 23 He who is not with me, is against me; and he who does not gather with me, scatters abroad.

         24 “When an unclean spirit will have departed from a man, it wanders through desert places, seeking peace; and not finding any, it says, ‘Let me go back unto my abode from which I departed.’ 25 And when it will have come, it finds that [abode] cleansed with a broom, and adorned. 26 Then it goes forth and obtains in addition seven other spirits, worse than himself; and having entered in, they live there. And the latest things of that man become worse than the earlier things.”

         27 It happened, however, while he was saying these things, [that] a certain woman, raising her voice from the crowd, said to that man, “Blessed be the womb which carried you and the breasts which you sucked.” 28 Yet that man said, “But truly, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.”

         29 However, as the crowds were assembling, he began to say, “This generation is a vile generation; it seeks a sign, and a sign will not be given to it, except the sign of Jonah the prophet. 30 For just as Jonah was a sign for the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be for that generation of yours. 31 The Queen of the South will stand up at the judgment with the men of this generation, and she will condemn those men; for she comes from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold greater than Solomon [is] here. 32 The Ninevite men will stand up at the judgment with this generation, and they will condemn it; for they performed repentance at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, greater than Jonah [is] here.

         33 “No one lights a lamp and puts it in a hidden [place] nor under a basket; but [he places it] upon a lampstand, so that they who enter might see the light. 34 The lamp of your body is your eye. If your eye be straightforward, your whole body will be bright; if, however, it be vile, then your body will be dark. 35 Watch, therefore, lest the light which is in you be darkness. 36 If, therefore, your whole body be bright, not having any part of darkness, it will be wholly bright, and just like a lamp of brightness will light you up.”

         37 And while he spoke, a certain Pharisee asked that man that he might eat at his house. And having entered, he reclined at table. 38 The Pharisee, however, pondering within himself, began to ask why he had not been washed before lunch. 39 And the Lord said to that man, “Now you Pharisees cleanse what is outside of the cup and the bowl; but what is inside of you is full with plundering and injustice. 40 Fools! Isn’t he who made what is outside [the one] who made that which is inside? 41 Nevertheless, what remains [inside], give as alms; and behold you have all clean things.

         42 “But, woe to you, Pharisees, because you pay tithes of mint and rue and all kitchen herbs, and you disregard the judgement and love of God; however, it was necessary to do these things, and to not pass over those things. 43 Woe to you, Pharisees, because you love the foremost seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplace. 44 Woe to you, because you are as tombs which are not visible, and men walking on top [of them] do not know [about them].”

         45 However, a certain man of the legal experts, responding, said to that man, “Master, in saying these things you are even making a reproach to us.”

         46 But that man said, “And woe to you, legal experts, for you burden men with burdens which they cannot bear, and you yourselves do not touch their loads with your one finger. 47 Woe to you who build the tombs of the prophets; moreover, your fathers killed those [prophets]. 48 Truly, you witness that you agree with the works of your fathers; seeing that, indeed, those very men killed those [prophets], and you build their tombs. 49 For that reason, the wisdom of God also said, ‘I will send to those men prophets and apostles, and they will kill and hunt down [some] of those men; 50 such that the blood of all the prophets which has been shed since the establishment of the world is sought for by that generation of yours, 51 from the blood of Abel all the way to the blood of Zacharias, who perished amidst the altar and the sanctuary. Thus, I say unto you, it will be demanded from this generation. 52 Woe to you, legal experts, for you have born away the key of knowledge; you yourselves have not entered, and you have held back those who were entering.”

53 However, when he had said these things to those men, the Pharisees and legal experts began to press heavily [upon him], and to press down upon his mouth about many things, 54 plotting against him and seeking to catch something out of his mouth so that they might find fault with him.

Literal Translation of Chapter 12

         1 However, while great crowds were encompassing [him], such that they trampled upon each other, he began to speak to his own disciples: “Take heed of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 However, nothing is covered that may not be uncovered; nor [is anything] concealed that may not be known. 3 Whereas what you have said in the darkness will be said in the light; and what you have spoken in the ear in bedrooms will be proclaimed on the rooftops.

         4 “However, I say unto you my friends, ‘You should not be frightened by those who kill the body, and after these things they don’t have more which they may do. 5 However, I will show to you whom you should fear: fear him who, after he will have killed [you], has the power to send [you] into Hell; thus, I say unto you, fear this one. 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pence, and one of them is not in loss of memory before God? 7 Yet even all the hairs of your head are numbered. Therefore, be not afraid: you are of more value than many sparrows.’

         8 “However, I say unto you, ‘Every one who will have acknowledged me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge that man before the angels of God; 9 however, he who will have denied me before men will be denied before the angels of God. 10 And every one who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven to that man; to him, however, who will have blasphemed against the Holy Ghost, it will not be forgiven.

         11 “‘When, however, they bring you into the synagogues, and before the magistrates and the authorities, do not be anxious as to either how you should answer or how you should speak. 12 For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what may be necessary for you to say.’”

         13 However, a certain man from the crowd said to him, “Master, tell my brother that he should divide his inheritance with me.” 14 Yet that man said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or partitioner over you?” 15 And he said to those men, “Watch out, and make yourself secure from all greed; because one’s life does not exist in the abundance of anything out of those things which he possesses.”

         16 However, he spoke a parable to those men, saying, “The field of a certain wealthy man brought forth abundant fruits; 17 and he was thinking within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do because I do not have where I may gather my fruits?’ 18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my storehouses and I will make greater ones; and I will gather thither all things which have been produced for me, and my goods,’ 19 and I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have many goods laid up for several years; rest, eat, drink, feast.’ 20 God, however, said to that man, ‘Fool! On this very night they are demanding back your soul from you; so, what things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 Thus is he who lays up treasure for himself and is not wealthy in God.”

         22 And he said to his disciples, “Wherefore, I say unto you, ‘do not be anxious [about] what you might eat with respect to your life, nor how you might be clothed with respect to your body. 23 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. 24 Look at the ravens, for they do not sow, nor do they reap, [and] for whom there is no pantry nor barn, and God feeds those. How much more are you of more value than those? 25 Who of you, moreover, is able, by thinking, to add one cubit to his height? 26 If therefore, you are not able [to do] what is very small, why are you concerned about the rest?

         27 Look at how the lilies grow: they do not toil, nor do they spin; yet, I say unto you, not even Solomon in all this glory was clothed like unto one of these. 28 If, however, God so dresses the hay, which is in the field today and is sent to the furnace tomorrow, how much more [will he clothe] [those of] you of very little faith? 29 And you, do not ask what you might eat, or what you might drink; and do not be lifted up in the air; 30 for all the people of the world seek these things. Your Father, however, knows that you need these things. 31 Nevertheless, seek first the kingdom of God, and his justice; and all these things will be added unto you.

         32 Do not be afraid, little flock, for it pleased your Father to give to you His kingdom. 33 Sell what you own and give alms. Make for yourselves purses which do not grow old, a treasure that does not fall short in the heavens, where a thief does not appropriate (it), nor does the moth destroy (it). 34 For where your treasure is, there even will your heart be.

         35 “May your loins be girded, and your lamps burning in your hands, 36 and may you be like unto men awaiting their lord when he returns from a wedding, with the result that, when he will have come and knocked, they immediately open [the door] for him. 37 Blessed are those servants whom, when the lord will have come, he will have found watchful; I say ‘amen’ to you, because he will gird himself, and will have them recline at table, and, crossing over, he will serve them. 38 And if he should have come during the second watch, and if he should have come in the third watch, and thus he would have found [them watchful], blessed are those servants. 39 But know this, that if the head of a household knew at what time a thief would come, he would surely keep watch, and he would not permit his house to be broken into. 40 And all of you, be prepared, for at an hour which you are not reckoning, the Son of man will come.”

         41 Then Peter said to him, “Lord, are you speaking this parable to us, or even to all?”

         42 However, the Lord said, “Who, do you think, is the faithful and wise steward whom the lord has appointed over his own household, so that he might give to those (members of the household) a measure of wheat at the (right) time? 43 Blessed is that servant whom, when the Lord will have come, He will have found him doing thus. 44 Truly, I say unto you, that he will appoint that man over all the things which he possesses. 45 Because if that servant should say in his heart, ‘My master makes a delay to come’; and he should begin to beat the boys and the maidservants, and to eat, and to drink, and to be intoxicated; 46 the master of that servant will come on a day which he was not expecting, and at an hour which he does not know, and he will apportion him, and will put his share with the unfaithful. 47 However, that servant who knew the will of his lord, and did not prepare, and did not do according to his will, will be flogged with many [lashes]. 48 However, he who did not know, and did things worthy of stripes, will be flogged with a few [lashes]. However, to all whom much is given, much will be demanded from him; and to whom they have entrusted much, they will ask more from him.

         49 “I have come to set a fire upon the earth, and what do I want except that it should be kindled? 50 However, I have to be baptized by a baptism; and how am I constrained until it might be achieved? 51 Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? I say unto you, not so, but rather division: 52 for, there will be from this [time] five divided in one house, three against two, and two against three. 53 They will be divided: the father against the son, and the son against his own father, the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother, the mother-in-law against his daughter-in-law, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”

         54 However, he was also saying to the crowds, “When you will have seen a cloud springing up from the west, immediately you say, ‘Rain is coming;’ and so it happens. 55 And when [you will have seen] the south wind blowing, you say that there will be heat; and it happens. 56 Hypocrites! You have known how to examine the appearance of heaven and earth; so, how come you do not examine this time? 57 Why, indeed, do you not judge for yourselves what is right? 58 However, when you go with your enemy to the chief [magistrate], on the way take pains to be set free from that man, lest perhaps he lead you to a judge, and the judge hand you over to the tax collector, and the tax collector send you into prison. 59 I say unto you, you shall not come out from there until you pay back even the last farthing.

Literal Translation of Chapter 13

         1 However, there were some present in that same period, (who were) announcing to those from among the Galileans, whose blood Pilate mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And responding to those men, he said, “Do you think that these Galileans were sinners before all Galileans because they have suffered such things? 3 No, I say unto you, ‘but unless you will have had penitence, you all will likewise perish.’ 4 Just like those eighteen, on top of whom the tower fell in Siloam and killed them; do you think that even those same debtors were above all the men living in Jerusalem? 5 No, I say unto you, ‘But if you will not have conducted repentance, all of you will likewise perish.’”

         6 Moreover, he was also speaking this parable: “A certain man was having a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came seeking the fruit on that (tree), and he did not find (any). 7 Moreover, he said to the tiller of the vineyard, ‘Behold, it is three years out of which I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I do not find (any); therefore, cut down that (tree); why should it even occupy the ground?’ 8 Yet, that man answering said to that man, ‘Lord, leave that (tree) even this year, while I dig around that (tree) and furnish manure, 9 and [to see] if indeed it might have produced fruit; but if on the contrary, however, in the future you will cut it down.’”

         10 He was, however, teaching in their synagogue on the sabbaths. 11 And behold [there was] a woman who was having a spirit of weakness for eighteen years; and she was bent over, and not at all able to look upward. 12 When Jesus had seen whom, he called her to him, and he said to that woman, “Woman, you have been released from your weakness.” 13 And he laid his hands onto that woman, and immediately she was raised up, and she was glorifying God.

         14 The leader of the synagogue, however, answering, indignant that Jesus had healed on the sabbath, was saying to the multitude, “There are six days on which it is proper to work; on these [days], therefore, come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.”

         15 The Lord, however, answering to that man, said, “Hypocrites! Do not each of you unfetter his cow or ass from the manger and lead it to drink water on the sabbath? 16 But, this daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound up, lo for eighteen years, was it not proper that she be freed from that fetter on the sabbath day?”

         17 And when he was saying these things, all of his opponents were blushing with shame; and all the people were rejoicing in all the renowned things which were being done by him.

         18 He was saying, therefore, “The kingdom of God is like unto what, and unto what shall I reckon that thing to be like? 19 It is like unto a grain of mustard, which having been received, a man sent into his garden; and it sprang up, and it was made into a great tree; and the fowls of the sky rested in its branches.”

         20 And again he said, “To what shall I reckon the kingdom of God to be like? 21 It is like unto yeast, which having been received, a woman hid in three measures of flour until it was all risen.

         22 And he was going through the cities and towns teaching, and making his way to Jerusalem. 23 However, somebody said to that man, “Lord, is it the case that there are a select few who are saved?”

That very man, however, said to those, 24 “Strive to enter through the narrow gate; for I say unto you, many will seek to enter and will not be able. 25 When, however, the head of the household has entered and has closed the door, you will begin to stand outside and to knock the door, saying, ‘Lord open for us’; and answering, he will say to you, ‘I do not know you [or] where you be from’; 26 then you will begin to say, ‘We ate in your presence, and we drank, and you have taught on our streets.’ 27 And he will say unto you, ‘I do not know you or where you be from; depart from me all you workers of iniquity.’

         28 There will be crying and gnashing of teeth there: although you have seen Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, you, however, [are] to be driven out. 29 And they shall come from the East and the West and the South and the North, and they shall lie at table in the kingdom of God. 30 And behold, the last are those who will be first, and the first are those who will be last.”

         31 On that very day, certain men of the Pharisees approached, saying to that man, “Depart and go from here, for Herod wants to kill you.”

         32 And he said to those men, “Go, and tell that fox, ‘Behold I cast out demons, and I bring about soundnesses of body today and tomorrow, and on the third day I am finished. 33 Nevertheless, it is proper that I wander today and tomorrow and on the following day, for it does not take into hand that a prophet perish outside Jerusalem. 34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which kills the prophets, and stone those who are sent to you! How many times have I wished to gather your sons like a bird [gathers] its young birds in a nest under its wing, and you did not want to? 35 Behold, your house is left to you deserted. I say unto you, however, that you will not see me until [the time] comes when you will say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”

Literal Translation of Chapter 14

       1 And it happened that when Jesus was entering into the house of a certain chief of the Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath, those very men were watching him. 2 And behold, a certain man with dropsy was before that man. 3 And Jesus, answering, spoke to the legal experts and the Pharisees, saying, “Is it permitted to heal on the sabbath?” 4 Yet, those men were silent. So, that man himself healed him whom he had taken hold of, and he sent [him] away.

       5 And answering to those men, he said, “An ass or an ox of which of you shall fall into a pit, and he will not immediately pull that [beast] out on the sabbath day?” 6 And they were not able to answer to these things to that man.

        7 However, he was also speaking a parable to the invitees, directing [his attention at] how they were the choosing the prime spots on the couch, saying to those men, 8 “When you have been invited to a wedding, let yourself not recline in the prime spot, lest perchance one more esteemed than you be invited by that man. 9 And coming, he who summoned you and that man, should say to you, ‘Give [your] place to this man’; and then you take in hand to occupy the last place with a blush. 10 But when you have been summoned, go, lie in the last place, so that when he who invited you will have come, he may say to you, ‘Friend, come up higher.’ Then you shall have glory before the eyes of those likewise lying at table. 11 For all who raise themselves up will be humbled; and [all] who humble themselves will be raised up.”

        12 However, he was also saying to the one who had invited [him], “When you do a luncheon, or a dinner, do not summon your friends, nor your brothers, nor [your] kinsfolk, nor your wealthy neighbors, lest perhaps those same people invite you in return, and recompense be done to you. 13 But when you make a feast, summon the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind; 14 and you will be blessed, because they do not have [the wherewithal] to repay you; indeed, it will be repaid to you in the resurrection of the righteous.

        15 When a certain man from among those lying together at table had heard these things, he said to that man, “Blessed is he who will eat bread in the kingdom of God.”

        16 But that very man said to him, “A certain man held a great meal, and he summoned many. 17 And he sent his servant at the hour of dinner to say to those who were invited that they should come, for everything was already prepared. 18 And everyone at the same time began to decline. The first said to him, ‘I bought a farm, and I have need to go out and see to that; I beg you, hold me excused.’ 19 And another said, ‘I bought five teams of oxen, and I go to examine those; I beg you, hold me excused.’ 20 And yet another said, ‘I have married, and so I am unable to come.’ 21 And the servant, having returned, announced these things to his lord. Then, the head of the household, having become angry, said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and the neighborhoods of the city; and bring the poor, and also the crippled, and the blind, and the lame here.’ 22 And the servant said, ‘Lord, it has been done as you commanded, and still there is room.’ 23 And the lord said to the servant, ‘Go out into the roads and hedges; and compel [them] to enter, so that my house might be made full. 24 However, I say unto you that no one of those men who were called will taste my meal.’”

        25 However, a great crowd was going with him; and having turned around, he said to those [people], 26 “If anyone comes to me, and he does not hate his own father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brothers, and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me, he is not able to be my disciple.

        28 “For who out of you, desiring to build a tower, does not, sitting down beforehand, reckon the costs which are necessary, [to see] whether he should have [enough] for completing [it]? 29 Lest, after he will have lain the foundation and will not have been able to complete [it], all who see [it] should begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man started to build and was unable to finish.’

        31 “Or, what king about to wage war against another king, does not think, while sitting down beforehand, whether he should be able with ten thousand to meet him who comes with twenty thousand against him? 32 If not, while that one is still far away leading [his army], he, sending an embassy, asks for those things which are of peace.

        33 “So, therefore, each of you who does not renounce everything that he possesses cannot be my disciple. 34 Salt is a good thing; if, however, the salt has passed away, in what [way] shall it be made savory? 35 It is suitable [to be sent] neither into the ground nor into the dung-hill, but it will be sent forth. He who has ears for hearing, let him hear.”

Literal Translation of Chapter 15

         1 There were, however, publicans and sinners drawing near to him, so that they might hear that man. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes were murmuring, saying, “This man takes in sinners, and he eats with those.”

         3 And he spoke this parable to those men, saying, 4 “What man of you who has one hundred sheep, and if he shall have lost one of them, does not leave behind the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and goes to that one which was lost, until he should find it? 5 And when he will have found it, he places it on his shoulders, rejoicing; 6 and coming home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to those, ‘Congratulate me, because I have found my sheep, which was lost.’ 7 I say to you that thus will be the joy in heaven concerning one sinner doing penance as concerning ninety-nine upright men, who do not need penance.

         8 “Or, what woman, having ten drachmas, if she will have lost one drachma, does she not light up a lamp and sweep out [her] home and seek carefully until she find [it]? 9 And when she will have found it, she calls together [her] friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Congratulate me, for I have found the drachma which I had lost.’ 10 In this same manner, I say to you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God concerning the one sinner doing penance.”

         11 He said, moreover, “A certain man had two sons. 12 And the younger of those [sons] said to [his] father, ‘Father, give to me the share of property which is coming to me.’ And he apportioned to those [sons] [his] property.

         13 “And after not many days, having gathered all together, the younger son set forth abroad into a faraway country, and there he squandered his property by living luxuriously. 14 And after he had finished everything, a mighty famine occurred in that country, and that man began to lack. 15 And he departed, and attached [himself] to one of the citizens of that country; and he sent that man into his farm so that he might feed the pigs. 16 And he was desiring to fill his own belly from the husks which the pigs were eating; and no one was giving to that man.

         17 “However, having returned to himself, he said, ‘How many hired workers in the home of my father are overflowing with bread, yet I am dying here with hunger! 18 I will arise and will go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and with you; 19 and I am now not worthy to be called your son; make me just as one of your hirelings.’

         20 “And arising, he came to his father. Yet, when he was still far away, that one’s father saw that [young] man, and was moved by pity, and rushing forth, he fell upon his neck, and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven, and with you; I am now not worthy to be called your son.’

         22 “However, the father said to his servants, ‘Quickly, bring forth an excellent long robe, and clothe that man, and put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet; 23 and lead forth the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and dine, 24 because this my son had died, and he has revived; he had been lost, and was found.’ And they began to feast.

         25 “However, his elder son was in the field; and when he was coming and approaching the house, he heard music and dancing; 26 and he summoned one of the servants, and asked what these things were. 27 And he said to that man, ‘Your brother has come, and your father killed the fattened calf because he received that one again safe and sound.’

         28 “However, he was angry, and he did not wish to enter. Therefore, the father of that man having come out, he began to question that man. 29 But that man, answering, said to his father, ‘Behold, I am a servant to you for so many years, and never did I disregard your order; and never did you give to me a young goat so that I might feast with my friends. 30 But when this your son, who consumed his fortune with prostitutes, came, you killed the fattened calf for that man.’

         31 Yet, he himself said to that man, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all my things are yours; 32 however, it is proper to feast and rejoice, for this your brother had died, and he has revived; he had been lost and was found.’”

Literal Translation of Chapter 16

              1 However, he was also saying to his disciples, “There was a certain rich man who was having a steward; and this man was made known to that man as [one who] had squandered the goods of that same man. 2 And he summoned that man, and he said to that man, ‘Why do I hear this about you? Render an account of your stewardship; for now you will not be able to be steward.’

         3 “So, the steward said within himself, ‘What shall I do, for my lord is removing the stewardship from me? I am not able to dig; I feel ashamed to beg. 4 I know what I shall do, so that, when I will have been removed from the stewardship, they might take me into their houses.’

         5 “And so, having summoned forth each of the debtors of his lord, he was saying to the first, ‘How much do you owe to my lord?’

         6 “And that man said, ‘One hundred bottles of oil.’

         “And he said to that man, ‘Take your bond and sit down quickly: write fifty.’

         7 “Then to another he said, ‘In truth, how much do you owe?’

         “Who said, ‘One hundred measures of wheat.’

         “He said to that man, ‘Take your document, and write eighty.’

         8 “And the lord praised the steward for his iniquity, because he had done intelligently; for the sons of this age are wiser than the sons of light among their own generation. 9 And I say to you, ‘Make for yourselves friends out of the riches of iniquity; so that, when you should be in want, they may receive you into [their] everlasting dwelling places.’

         10 “He who is trustworthy in the least [thing] is even trustworthy in a greater [thing]; and he who is dishonest in a small amount is even dishonest in a larger amount. 11 If, therefore, you have not been trustworthy in dishonest riches, who will entrust to you what is genuine? 12 And if you have not been trustworthy in another’s stuff, who will give to you what is yours?

         13 “No servant can be a servant to two lords: for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will cling to the one and disregard the other. You cannot be a servant to God and riches.”

         14 However, the Pharisees, who were greedy, were hearing all these things, and they were laughing at that man. 15 And he said to those men, “You are those who justify yourselves among men; God, however, has known your hearts, for that which is lofty to men, is an abomination before God.

         16 “There existed the law and the prophets up to John: from that [time] was the kingdom of God preached, and everyone gathers force against that. 17 It is easier, however, for heaven and earth to pass away than for one point from the law to fall down.

         18 “Every one who sends away their wife and takes another commits adultery; and he who takes one sent away by (her) husband commits adultery.

         19 “There was a certain wealthy man, who was clothed with purple and cotton, and was feasting nobly every day. 20 And there was a certain beggar, Lazarus by name, who was lying at his door, laden with sores, 21 desiring to be filled from the crumbs which were falling from the table of the wealthy man, and no one was giving to that man; but even dogs were coming and were licking his sores.

         22 It came to pass, however, that the beggar died, and he was carried by the angels into the bosom of Abraham. Moreover, the wealthy man also died, and he was buried in Hell. 23 But, lifting his eyes up, while he was in pains, he saw Abraham from afar and Lazarus in his bosom; 24 and crying out, that very man said, ‘Father Abraham, have compassion for me, and send Lazarus so that he might dip the end of his finger in water so that he might cool my tongue, because I am being tormented in this fire.’

         25 “And Abraham said to that man, “Son, remember that you did fully receive good things in your life, and Lazarus likewise bad things; now, however, this man is comforted, but you are tormented. 26 And amongst all these things a great void has been established between us and you, with the result that these who wish to pass through from here to you are not able, nor [is it possible] to go across from there to here.’

         27 “And he said, ‘I therefore ask you, father, that you send him to the home of my father, 28 for I have five brothers, so that witness might be born to those men, lest they themselves also come into this place of torment.’

         29 “And Abraham said to that man, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them listen to those men.’

         30 “Yet that man said, ‘Not so, Father Abraham; but if anyone should go from among the dead to them, they will repent.’

         31 However, he said to that man, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not believe if anyone should arise again from among the dead.’”

Literal Translation of Chapter 17

            1 And he said to his disciples, “It is impossible that temptations not come; but, wo to that man through whom they come. 2 It is more suitable to that man if a mill stone should be placed around his neck, and he be thrown into the sea than that he should cause one from among those little ones to stumble.

            3 “Give heed to yourselves: If your brother should sin against you, rebuke that man; and if he should repent, forgive that man. 4 And if he should sin against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day he should be turned back to you, saying, ‘It repents me,’ forgive that man.”

            5 And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase to us faith.”

            6 However, the Lord said, “If you were having faith like a seed of mustard, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted, and be transplanted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.

            7 However, who of you, having a servant ploughing or pasturing, is he who will say to that man having returned from the field, ‘Pass over immediately, recline at table’; 8 and will not say to him, ‘Prepare what I may eat, and gird yourself and attend upon me while I eat and drink, and after these things you will eat and drink’? 9 Does he show gratitude to that servant because he did what he had commanded him? 10 I don’t think so. Thus, even you, when you may have done all things which are enjoined upon you, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we should do.’”

            11 And it came to pass, while he was going to Jerusalem, he was crossing through the middle of Samaria and Galilee. 12 And when he was entering a certain town, ten leprous men, who had stood far off, rushed upon him; 13 and they raised their voice, saying, “Jesus, master, have compassion for us.” 14 As he saw whom, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And it came to pass, while they went, they were cleansed. 15 However, one out of those, as he saw that he was cleansed, returned, glorifying God with a great voice, 16 and he fell on his face before his feet, giving thanks; and this man was a Samaritan. 17 Jesus, however, answering, said, “Were there not ten cleansed? and where are the nine?” 18 There was not found [any] who was returning and giving glory to God except this foreigner. 19 And he said to that man, “Arise, go forth, because your faith has made you well.”

         20 However, he was asked by the Pharisees, “When is the kingdom of God coming?” Responding to them, he said, “The kingdom of God does not come with investigation; 21 nor will they say, ‘Behold here [it is] or behold there [it is].’ For behold, the kingdom of God is within you.”

         22 And he said to his disciples, “The days will come when you may long to see a day of the Son of Man, and you will not see [it]. 23 And they will say to you, ‘Behold here, and behold there. Do not go, nor should you run after [them]. 24 For, just as the lightning flashing from under heaven flashes into those [places] which are under heaven, so will the Son of Man be in his day. 25 However, first it is necessary that that man suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.

         26 “And just as it happened in the days of Noah, so will it be even in the days of the Son of Man: 27 they were eating and drinking; they were taking wives and were being given in marriage, up until the day in which Noah entered into the ark; and the flood came and destroyed everyone.

         28 “Likewise, just as it happened in the days of Lot: they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building; 29 on the day, however, when Lot went out from the Sodomites, it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and it destroyed everyone; 30 in accordance with these things will it be on the day when the Son of Man will be unveiled.

         31 “In that hour, he who would be on the roof, and his dishes in the home, let him not go down to bring those up; and likewise, he who [would be] in the field, let him not go back. 32 Be mindful of Lot’s wife! 33 Whosoever will have sought to make his soul saved, he will lose that [soul]; and whosoever will have lost that [soul], he will restore it to life. 34 I say unto you, “On that night, there will be two in one bed: one will be taken up, and the other will be left behind. 35 There will be two grinding in one [mill]: one will be taken up, and the other will be left behind; [there will be] two in the field: one will be taken up, and the other left behind.”

         36 Answering, they say to that man, “Where Lord?”

         37 He said to those men, “Wherever a body would be, to that place will eagles be gathered.”

Literal Translation of Chapter 18

            1 However, he was also speaking a parable to those men, seeing that it is necessary to always pray and not cease, 2 saying, “There was a certain judge in a certain city, who was not fearing God and not respecting man. 3 However, there was a certain widow in that city, and she was coming to him, saying, ‘Defend me from my opponent.’

            4 And he was not wishing to for a long time. After this, however, he said within himself, ‘Although I don’t fear God, nor do I respect man, 5 nevertheless, because this widow is bothersome to me, I will defend that woman, lest she, coming at the last, annoy me.’”

            6 However, the Lord said, “Hear what the judge of injustice says. 7 But won’t God perform vengeance for his chosen who are shouting to him day and night, and won’t he have forbearance among them? 8 I say unto you that he will quickly perform vengeance for those. Nevertheless, do you think the Son of Man, when he comes, will find faith on the earth?”

         9 He spoke this parable, however, even to certain of those who were trusting in themselves as if they were righteous and were disdaining the rest: 10 “Two men went up to the temple in order to pray: one was a Pharisee and the other a publican. 11 While standing, the Pharisee was praying these things at himself: “God, I give thanks to you that I am not like the rest of men: robbers, unjust men, adulterers, just as indeed this publican; 12 I fast twice in a week; I give tithes of all that I possess. 13 And while standing far off, the publican was not willing even to raise his eyes to heaven, but he was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be gracious towards me, a sinner.’ 14 I say unto you, this latter man has gone down to his home forgiven, rather than that former man; for all who lift themselves up shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall be lifted up.”

         15 However, they were also bringing children to that man, so that he might touch them. When his disciples saw which thing, they were rebuking those people. 16 Jesus, however, calling those together, said, “Let the children come to me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 17 Truly, I say unto you: Whosoever does not receive the kingdom of God just like a child, he will not enter into that [place].”

         18 And a certain prince asked him, saying, “Good master, doing what will I have eternal life?”

19 Jesus, however, said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 20 You have known the commandments: thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not commit adultery; though shalt not commit theft; thou shalt not bear false witness; honor your father and mother.”

            21 He said, “I have kept all these from my youth.”

            22 Hearing which, Jesus said to him, “Still, you lack one thing [i.e., there is one thing lacking to you]: sell all the things whatsoever you possess, and give to the poor, and you shall have a treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”

         23 Hearing these things, that man was saddened, for he was exceedingly wealthy. 24 However, Jesus, seeing that man made sad, said, “How difficultly will they who have money enter into the kingdom of God! 25 For it is easier that a camel pass through the hole of a needle than that a rich man enter into the kingdom of God.”

         26 And they who were hearing [this] said, “And who can become saved?”

         27 He said to those, “[Things] which are impossible with men are possible with God.”

         28 However, Peter said, “Behold, we have given up all things and have followed you.”

         29 Who said to them, “I say ‘so be it’ unto you; there is no one who has given up a home, or parents, or brothers, or a wife, or children on account of the kingdom of God, 30 and he should not receive much more in this time and eternal life in the age to come.”

         31 Jesus, however, received the Twelve and said to those men, “Behold, let us go up to Jerusalem, and all things which have been written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished. 32 For he shall be handed over by the people, and he will be mocked, and he will be scourged, and he will be spit upon; 33 and after they will have scourged [him], they will kill him; and on the third day, he will rise again.”

         34 And those very men understood nothing of these things, and that word of his was hidden from them, and they were not understanding what was being said.

         35 However, it happened that, when he was nearing Jericho, a certain blind man was sitting beside the road, begging. 36 And when he heard the passing crowd, he was asking why this was. 37 So they said to him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing through.

            38 And he shouted, saying, “O Jesus, Son of David, have compassion for me.” 39 And they who were going before were rebuking him so that he might be silent. That man, however, was shouting much more, “Son of David, have compassion for me.”

            40 Jesus, however, standing, ordered that that man be brought to him. And when he had approached, he asked him, 41 saying, “What would you that I should do for you?

But that man said, “Lord, [do] that I might see.”

         42 And Jesus said to that man, “Look about, your faith has made you well.” 43 And immediately, he saw, and glorifying God, he followed that man. And all the people, when it saw, gave praise to God.

Literal Translation of Chapter 19

  1 And having entered, he was traversing Jericho. 2 And behold [there was] a man, Zachaeus by name: and this man was a chief of the publicans, and that very man [was] wealthy; 3 and he was seeking to see Jesus, who he was; and he was not able [to see] in front of the crowd, because in size he was a very little man. 4 And running before, he climbed into a sycamore-fig tree so that he might see him, for he was about to pass thence.

  5 And when he had come to the place, Jesus, looking up, saw that man, and he said to him, “Zachaeus, hurry down, because it is necessary for me to stay at your house today. 6 And he hurried down, and rejoicing, he received that man.

  7 And when everyone saw, they were murmuring, saying that he had turned aside to a sinful man. 8 However, Zachaeus, standing firm, said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, I give the half of my goods to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I return four times as much. 

  9 Jesus said to him, “Today is salvation made for this house, because this man also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to make saved what had passed away.”

  11 To those hearing this, adding to [it], he spoke a parable, because he was near Jerusalem, and because they were reckoning that the kingdom of God should shortly be disclosed. 12 Therefore, he said, “A certain noble man went away into a far-off country to receive to himself a kingdom, and [then] to return. 13 However, his ten servants having been summoned, he gave to them ten minas, and said to those men, ‘You do business until I come.’

  14 “However, his subjects hated him, and they sent an embassy after that man, saying, ‘We do not wish this man to rule over us.’ 15 And it came to pass that he came back, having received the kingdom; and he ordered that his servants, to whom he had given money, be summoned, so that he might know how much each had done business.

  16 “So, the first came, saying, ‘Lord, your mina gained ten minas.’

  17 “And he said to that man, ‘Well done, good servant; because you have been faithful in a small thing, you will be having power over ten cities.’

  18 “And another came, saying, ‘Lord, your mina made five minas.’

  19 “And this man he said, ‘And you, be over five cities.’

  20 “And another came, saying, ‘Lord, behold your mina, which I have kept laid aside in a handkerchief. 21 for I feared you, because you are a stern man; you take up what you have not put down, and you reap what you have not sown.’

  22 “He says to him, ‘I judge you out of your own mouth, you worthless servant. You knew that I was a stern man, taking up that which I did not put down, and reaping that which I have not sown; 23 so why did you not give my money to the money-changer’s counter, so that, upon coming, I might have at least collected that [money] with interest?

      24 “And to those standing near he said, ‘Take away from that man the mina, and give [it] to that man who has ten minas.’

      25 “And they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten minas.’

      26 “But I say unto you, ‘It shall be given to all who are having, and he will have in large measure; however, from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 27 But, bring hence those enemies of mine who did not wish me to rule over them, and kill them in front of me.

      28 And having said these things, he was leading the way, going up to Jerusalem.

  29 And it came to pass, as he was getting near to Bethphage and Bethany, he sent two of his disciples to a mount which is called Olivet, 30 saying, “Go into the town which is over against [it]: entering into which, you will find the young of a she-ass tied up, on which no man has ever sat; loose that [animal], and lead it forth. 31 And if anyone should ask you, ‘Why are you loosing [that animal]?’ you will speak to him so: ‘Because the Lord desires the service of it.’”

    32 So those who had been sent went away, and they found, just as he had said to those men, a young animal standing by. 33 However, when those men were loosing the young animal, the masters of it said to those men, “Why are you loosing the young animal?”

     34 So those men said, “Because the Lord holds it requisite.”

  35 And they led it to Jesus. And throwing their clothing on top of the young animal, they placed Jesus [upon it]. 36 And while that man was going, they were spreading their clothing beneath [him] on the road.

  37 And now when he was nearing the descent of the Mount of Olives, all the rejoicing crowds of his disciples began to praise God with a loud voice concerning all the powers [i.e. the miracles, the powerful works], which they had seen, 38 saying, “Blessed be the king who comes in the name of the Lord; peace in heaven and glory in the high [places]!”

  39 And certain of the Pharisees from out of the crowds said to that man, “Master, rebuke your disciples.”

  40 To whom that very man said, “I say unto you that if these men should be quiet, the stones will shout out.”

  41 And as he got near, seeing the city, he wept over that [city], saying, 42 “If you had known, even you, and indeed on this your day, what [things] you [would have had] for peace! Now, however, they are hidden from your eyes. 43 Because the days will come against you: and your enemies will encompass you about by means of a wall, and they will surround you, and they will afflict you on all sides; 44 and they will prostrate to the ground you and your children who are within you, and they will not leave behind within you a stone upon a stone, because you will have not known the time of your punishment.”

  45 And having entered into the temple, he began to drive out those selling in that place, and those buying, 46 saying to those men, “It is written: ‘My house is a house of prayer; you, however, have made that [house] [to be] a den of robbers.’”

  47 And he was teaching daily in the temple. The leaders of the priests, however, and the scribes, and the chiefs of the people were seeking to destroy that man; 48 and they were not finding anything they might do to that man. For all the people were hanging upon [his words], listening to that man.

Literal Translation of Chapter 20

         1 And it came to pass, on one of the days, while that man was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, the leaders of the priests and the scribes gathered together with the elders, 2 and they said, speaking to that man, “Tell us: by what power do you do these things? or who is it who has given this power to you?”

         3 However, answering, Jesus said to those men, “I will also ask you a word. Answer me: 4 was the baptism of John of heaven, or of men?”

         5 Yet those men were thinking within themselves, saying, “If we should say, ‘From heaven’, he will say, ‘Why, therefore, do you not believe that man?’ 6 If, however, we should say, ‘Of men’, the whole populace will stone us; for they are certain that John was a prophet.” 7 And they answered that they did not know whence he was.

         8 And Jesus said to those men, “Neither do I say unto you by what power I do these things.”

         9 However, he began to speak this parable to the people: “A man planted a vineyard, and he farmed it out to peasants; and that same man was abroad for a good amount of time. 10 And in time he sent a servant to the cultivators, so that they might give of the fruit of the vineyard to that man. They sent him away, beaten up, empty-handed. 11 And he added another servant to send. Those men, however, beating up this man and oppressing him with an insult, also sent him away empty-handed. 12 And he added a third to send. And they, after wounding that man, threw him out.

         13 “However, the lord of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps, when they will have seen this man, they will respect [him].’

         14 “When the peasants had seen whom, they thought within themselves, saying, ‘This man is the heir; let us kill that man so that it might become our inheritance.’ 15 And they killed that man, having driven him out beyond the vineyard. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do to those men? 16 He shall come and destroy those peasants, and he shall give the vineyard to others.”

Which thing having been heard, they said to that man, “Let it not be so.”

         17 That man, however, looking at them, said, “What is therefore this which is written: ‘The stone, which they who are building condemned, this is made into the cornerstone’? 18 Each man who will have fallen down upon that stone will be dashed to pieces; upon whom, however, it will have fallen, it will crush that man.

         19 And the chiefs of the priests and the scribes were seeking to put hands on that man at that time, and they feared the people; for they understood that he had spoken this parable at them.

         20 And those watching [him] sent lurkers who were pretending that they were righteous men, so that they might catch him in a discourse and hand that man over to the sovereignty and power of the governor. 21 And they asked him, saying, “Master, we know that you speak and teach correctly; and you do not receive a person, but you teach the way of God in truth. 22 Is it permitted for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?”

         23 However, reflecting upon the deceit of those men, he said to them, “Why do you tempt me?” 24 Show a Roman silver coin to me. Whose image and legend does it have?”

         Answering, they said to him, “Caesar’s.”

         25 And he said to those men, “Give back, therefore, [those things] which are Caesar’s, to Caesar; and [those things] which are God’s, to God.” 26 And they were unable to censure his message among the people; and marveling at his response, they were silent.

         27 However, certain of the Sadducees, who deny that the resurrection exists, approached and asked him, 28 saying, “Master, Moses wrote for us, ‘If the brother of someone will have died, while having a wife, and this man will have been without children, (so that) his brother should take up that wife of his and raise up seed unto his brother.’ 29 So, there were seven brothers; and the first took a wife and died without sons. 30 And the next [brother] took that woman [as wife], and he himself died without a son. 31 And the third took that woman [to wife]. And likewise all seven, and they did not leave behind any seed, and they died. 32 Lastly of all, even the woman died. 33 So, in the resurrection, whose wife of them will she be? since indeed seven [men] had her as wife.”

         34 And Jesus said to those men: “The sons of this generation marry and are handed over to marriage; 35 however, those who will be held worthy by that generation, even in the resurrection from the dead, will neither marry nor will they take wives; 36 for they were no more able to die; for they are like unto the angels, and they are the sons of God, since they are sons of the resurrection. 37 That indeed the dead should rise again, even Moses showed beside the bush, as he says the Lord is the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 38 However, he is not the God of the dead, but of the living; for all are living to Him.

         39 Moreover, certain of the scribes, responding, said unto him, “Master, you have spoken well.” 40 And they were not daring further to ask him anything.

         41 However, he said to those men, “In what sense do they say that the Christ is the son of David? 42 Even David himself says in the book of Psalms, ‘The Lord said to my lord, “Sit by my right side, 43 while I establish your enemies as a footstool for your feet.”’ 44 David, therefore, calls that one Lord; so how is he his son?”

         45 However, while all the people were hearing, he said to his disciples, 46 “Beware the scribes, who wish to walk in gowns, and love greetings in the marketplace and the front seats in the synagogues and the best places at table at banquets, 47 who devour the homes of widows, feigning a long prayer; these shall receive greater condemnation.”

Literal Translation of Chapter 21

         1 But, looking around, he saw those wealthy men who were putting their tributes into the treasury. 2 He also saw, however, a certain poor little widow putting in two paltry coppers. 3 And he said, “Truly, I say unto you, that this poor widow has put in more than everyone. 4 For all these have put into the tributes of God out of their own abundance; this woman, however, out of that which is lacking to that woman, put in all of her own sustenance which she had.”

         5 And certain ones speaking about the temple, which was adorned with good stones and votive offerings, said, 6 “These things which you see, the days will come in which a stone will not be left remaining upon a stone, which should not be torn down.”

         7 However, they asked that man, saying, “Master, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when they will begin to happen?”

         8 Who said, “Observe lest you be led away; for many will come in my name, saying that I am [He], and the time approaches; therefore, do not go after those. 9 When, however, you shall have heard of battles and quarrels, do not be frightened; it is necessary that these things happen first, but this is not immediately the end.”

         10 Then he was saying to those men, “People will rise up against people, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 And there will be great earthquakes throughout the places, and plagues, and famines, and terrors from the sky, and there will be great signs. 12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands upon you, and they will hunt [you] down, handing [you] over to the synagogues and the prisons, dragging [you] before kings and governors for the sake of my name; 13 however, it will happen to you as a witness [of me]. 14 Therefore, set down in your hearts not to deliberate beforehand how you should respond: 15 for I will give to you a mouth and wisdom, to which all your adversaries will not be able to resist and speak against. 16 However, you will be handed over by parents and brothers and kinsfolk and friends, and they will oppress [some] of you with death; 17 and you will have hatred by all on account of my name; 18 and a hair from your head will not pass away. 19 In your endurance will you be masters of your own souls.

         20 “When, however, you shall see Jerusalem surrounded by an army, then know that its desolation is near. 21 At that time, those who are in Judaea, let them flee into the mountains; and those in its midst, let them depart; and those in the countries, let them not enter into it. 22 Because these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written be fulfilled. 23 But wo to pregnant and nursing women in those days! For there will be a great burden upon the earth and anger towards this people. 24 And they shall fall on the face [i.e. the edge] of the sword, and the prisoners will be led amongst all nations, and Jerusalem shall be trampled by the nations, until the times of the nations be fulfilled.

         25 And there will be signs in the sun and the moon and the stars, and on the earth [there will be] the pressing of the nations before the confusion of the sound of the sea and of the tides; 26 men [will] wither before the fear and expectation which will come upon the whole earth, for the powers of the heavens will be set in motion. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with great power and majesty. 28 However, when these things are beginning to come to pass, look and raise your heads, because your redemption approaches.

         29 And he spoke unto them a parable: Observe the fig tree and all the trees. 30 At the time when they bring forth fruit of themselves, you know that summer is near. 31 And so, when you have seen these things come to pass, know that the kingdom of God is near.

         32 I say ‘amen’ unto you, for this generation shall not pass by until all things are brought to pass. 33 Heaven and earth shall pass by; my words, however, shall not pass by.

         34 Give heed to yourselves, however, lest perhaps your hearts be oppressed by intoxication and drunkenness, and the cares of this life; and that unexpected day come over you. 35 For just like a snare, it will come over all who are sitting upon the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch, therefore, praying all the time, so that you may be held worthy to escape all those things which are about to come, and to stand before the Son of Man.

         37 During the days, moreover, he was teaching in the temple; but going out in the nights, he was tarrying on the mount which is called Olivet. 38 And all the people were coming in the morning to him in the temple to hear him.

Literal Translation of Chapter 22

         1 However, the festal day of unleavened bread, which is called Passover, was approaching. 2 And the chiefs of the priests and the scribes were seeking how they might kill Jesus, but they were fearing the common people.

         3 However, Satan entered into Judas, who was surnamed Iscariot, one of the twelve, 4 and he went away, and spoke with the chiefs of the priests and the magistrates [about] how he might hand over that man to them. 5 And they were delighted, and they were contracted to give money to that man. 6 And he vowed, and he was seeking an occasion that he might hand over that man without [any] commotions.

         7 However, the day of Passover came, in which it was requisite that the paschal lamb be killed. 8 And he sent Peter and John, saying, “Going forth, prepare for us the pascal meal, so that we may eat.

         9 Yet those men said, “Where do you wish that we should prepare?”

         10 And he said to them, “Behold, as you are entering the city, a certain man carrying a pitcher of water will rush to meet you; you follow him into the house into which he enters, 11 and you shall say to the house’s head of the household, ‘The Master says unto you, “Where is the  lodging house where I may eat the passover meal with my disciples?”’ 12 And he himself will show to you a large dining room spread out, and there, prepare.”

         13 However, while going forth they found [it] just as he had spoken to them, and they prepared the paschal meal.

         14 And when the hour was come to pass, he reclined at table, and the twelve apostles [were] with him. 15 And he said to those men, “With a longing I have desired to eat this paschal meal with you, before I should suffer. 16 For I say unto you that from this [day] I will not eat that [paschal meal] until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”

         17 And having taken up the cup, he gave thanks, and said, “Take and share it among yourselves. 18 For I say unto you that I shall not drink from the produce of the vine until the kingdom of God should come.”

         19 And having taken up the bread, he gave thanks, and he broke [it] into pieces, and he gave [it] to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given up for you; do this in my remembrance.”

         20 Likewise even the cup, after he ate, saying, “This cup is the new testament in my blood, which shall be shed for you. 21 However, behold the hand of the one betraying me is with me at the table. 22 And indeed, the Son of Man, according to that which is determined, goes forth; nevertheless, wo unto that man through whom he will be betrayed. 23 And they themselves began to ask among themselves who it should be out of them who would do this thing.

         24 Moreover, a dispute even happened among them, who of them was seen to be greater. 25 However, he said to them, “Rulers of the nations have dominion over them; and they who have power over them are called serviceable. 26 You, however, are not so; but he who is greater among you, let him become just as the lesser; and he who is the superior just as the servant. 27 For who is greater, he who reclines at table or he who serves? Is it not he who reclines at table? I, however, am in the midst of you, just as one who serves. 28 You, however, are the ones who remained with me during my trials. 29 And I arrange for you just as my Father arranged for me a kingdom, 30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you may sit upon thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

         31 The Lord, moreover, said, “Simon, Simon, behold Satan desired you [all] so that he might sift [you] like wheat; 32 however, I have requested for you that your faith might not fail; and once you have been converted, strengthen your brothers.”

         33 Who said to him, “Lord, I am prepared to go with you both into prison and into death.”

         34 Yet that man said, “I say unto you, Peter, the cock shall not make a sound today until you deny to have known me three times.”

         And he said to them, 35 “When I sent you without purse and wallet and shoes, was anything lacking to you?”

         36 Yet those men said, “Nothing.”

         Therefore, he said to them, “But now he who has a purse, let him take [it] up; likewise also a wallet; and he who does not have [one], let him sell his tunic, and let him buy a sword. 37 For I say unto you that even this which has been written must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was counted with the iniquitous.’ Truly, those things which are [written] about me have an end.”

         38 But those men said, “Lord, behold, here [are] two swords.”

         Yet that man said unto them, “It is enough.”

         39 And having gone out, he was going, according to his habit, into the Mount of Olives. However, the disciples also followed that man. 40 And when he had arrived at the place, he said unto those men, “Pray, lest you enter into temptation.” 41 And he himself was withdrawn from them how much a stone’s throw is; and with his knees set down, he was praying, 42 saying, “Father, if you will, put off that cup from me; nevertheless, let not my will but your [will] be done.” 43 However, an angel from heaven appeared to that man, strengthening him much. And having been brought into beasts for sacrifice [i.e. agonies], he was praying more copiously. 44 And his sweat was made just like drops of blood flowing onto the ground.

         45 And when he had arisen from prayer and had come to his disciples, he found them sleeping on account of [their] grief. 46 And he said to those men, “Why are you sleeping? Arise, pray, so that you enter not into temptation.”

         47 Even as he was speaking, behold there was a crowd; and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, was going before them, and he approached Jesus so that he might kiss him. 48 Jesus, however, said to that man, “Judas, do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”

         49 However, these men who were around that man, seeing what was about to happen, they said to him, “Lord, should we strike with the sword?” 50 And one of those men struck the servant of a chief of the priests, and cut off his right ear.

         51 Jesus, however, responding, said, “Let it be up to this point.” And when he had touched his ear, he healed him.

         52 Jesus, moreover, said to them who had come to him, the chiefs of the priests, and the public functionaries of the temple, and the elders, “Are you going out with swords and clubs as if against a robber? 53 When I was daily in the temple with you, you did not stretch your hands out against me; but this is your time and the power of darkness.”

         54 However, seizing him, they led (him) to the house of the chief of the priests; Peter was even following from afar. 55 Moreover, when a fire was kindled in the middle of the main hall, and those men were sitting around it, Peter was in the midst of them. 56 When a certain maidservant had seen whom sitting at the light and had looked closely at him, she said, “This man also was with that man.”

         57 Yet that man denied him, saying, “Woman, I did not know that man.”

         58 And after a very little [bit], another one, seeing him, said, “And you are of those men.”

In truth, Peter said, “O man, I am not.”

         59 And when an interval of about one hour was passed, a certain other man was positively asserting (it), saying, “Truly even this man was with that man, for he is also a Galilean.”

         60 And Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are saying.” And immediately, while that man was still speaking, the cock crowed.

         61 And the Lord, having turned around, regarded Peter, and Peter was reminded of the word of the Lord, just as he had said: “Before the cock should crow, you will deny me three times.” 62 And Peter, having gone outside, wept bitterly.

         63 And the men who were holding that man were mocking him, striking [him]. 64 And they veiled him, and they were striking his face; and they were asking him, saying, “Prophesy: who is [he] who struck you?” 65 And blaspheming, they were saying many other things against him.

         66 And when the day was come to pass, the elders of the people and the chiefs of the priests and the scribes gathered, and they led that man into their meeting, saying, “If you are the Christ, tell us.”

         67 And he said to those men, “If I should say (it) to you, you will not believe me. 68 If, however, I should even ask (you), you will not reply to me, nor will you release (me). 69 From this (time), however, will the Son of Man be sitting by the right hand of the power of God.”

         70 However, all those said, “Are you, therefore, the Son of God?”

Who said, “You say that I am.”

         71 Yet those men said, “Why do we still desire a witness? For we ourselves have heard (it) from his mouth.”

Literal Translation of Chapter 23

         1 And the whole multitude of them arising, they led that man to Pilate. 2 Moreover, they began to find fault with that man, saying, “We have found this man subverting our people, and forbidding (them) to give payments to Caesar, and saying that he is Christ the king.”

         3 Pilate, however, asked him, saying, “Are you the king of the Jews?”

         Yet that man, responding, says, “You are saying (so).”

         4 However, Pilate said to the chiefs of the priests and the multitudes, “I find no cause in this man.”

         5 Yet those men were prevailing, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all of Judea, starting from Galilee all the way hither.”

         6 Pilate, however, hearing ‘Galilee’, asked if the man was a Galilean. 7 And when he learned that he was from the dominion of Herod, he sent him back to Herod, who was himself also in Jerusalem in those days.

         8 Herod, however, having seen Jesus, was exceedingly happy; for he was desiring to see him for some time, because he had heard many things about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. 9 So, he was questioning him with many discourses; yet, that man himself was answering nothing to that man. 10 Furthermore, the chiefs of the priests and the scribes were standing firmly blaming him. 11 However, Herod, with his army, spurned and mocked that man, having been clothed with white clothes, and sent [him] back to Pilate. 12 And Herod and Pilate were made friends on that day; for previously they were enemies to each other.

         13 Pilate, however, the chiefs of the priests and the magistrates and the people having been called together, 14 said to those men, “You have presented this man to me as one diverting the people, and behold, seeking in your presence, I have discovered no motive in that man out of these things in which you have reproached him. 15 But not even Herod, for I have sent you (all) back to that man, and behold nothing worthy of death was pursued for him. 16 Therefore, I will release that man, having been chastised.

         17 Moreover, he was having the necessity to release one man to them on the festal day. 18 However, the whole crowd together cried out, saying, “Take up this man and release Barabbas to us.” 19 He had been sent to prison on account of a certain civil discord done in the city and murder.

         20 Again, however, Pilate spoke to them, wishing to release Jesus. 21 Yet those men were crying out in response, saying, “Crucify, crucify him.”

         22 However, that man a third time said to those men, “Really, what evil did that man do? I find no reason for death in him; therefore, I will reprove and release that man.”

         23 Yet those men were insisting with great voices, demanding that he be crucified; and their voices were growing strong. 24 And Pilate granted that their claim be done. 25 So, he released to those men him who had been sent to prison on account of murder and civil discord, whom they were seeking; but Jesus he handed over to their will.

         26 And while they were leading him, they seized Simon, a certain inhabitant of Cyrene, who was coming from [his] village; and they assigned that man to carry the cross after Jesus. 27 However, a great crowd of people, and of women who were bewailing and lamenting him, was following that man. 28 However, Jesus, having turned to those women, said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep over me, rather weep over yourselves and over your children. 29 Because behold, the days will come in which they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, and wombs which have not given birth, and breasts which have not given suck.’ 30 Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall down upon us’, and to the hills, ‘hide us.’ 31 Because if they do these things in the green wood, what shall be done in the dry [wood]?”

         32 However, two others, wretched men, were being led with him, so that they might be killed. 33 And when they came to the place which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the thieves, one on his right and the other on his left. 34 Jesus, however, was saying, “Father, forgive those men, for they do not know what they are doing.” Indeed, dividing up his clothes, they sent lots.

         35 And the people were standing, watching, and the chiefs were mocking him with them, saying, “He made others well, let him make himself well, if this man is the Christ of God, the chosen one.”

         36 However, even the soldiers were jeering at him, approaching and offering vinegar to him, 37 and saying, “If you are the king of the Jews, make yourself well.” 38 There was, however, also an inscription written above him in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew letters: This man is the king of the Jews.

         39 However, one of these thieves, who was suffering, was reproaching him, saying, “If you are the Christ, make well yourself and us.”

         40 However, the other, responding, was rebuking him, saying, “And do you not fear God, since you are under that same condemnation? 41 And we, indeed, [are condemned] justly, for we fully receive what is deserving with respect to our deeds; this man, truly, has done nothing bad.”

         42 And he was saying to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when you will have come into your kingdom.”

         43 And Jesus said to that man, “I say unto you, ‘So be it;’ today you shall be in paradise with me.”

         44 However, it was nearly the sixth hour [i.e. noon], and darkness was made on the whole earth until the ninth hour [i.e. 3pm]. 45 And the sun was darkened, and the middle of the veil of the temple was torn. 46 And crying out with a great voice, Jesus said, “Father, I commend my spirit into your hands.” And saying these things, he perished.

         47 The centurion, however, seeing what had happened, glorified God, saying, “Truly, this man was righteous.” 48 And the whole crowd of them who were present together at that sight and were seeing what was happening, they turned back beating their breasts. 49 However, all those known [to be] his were standing from afar, as well as the women who had followed him from Galilee, [who were] seeing these things.

         50 And behold, [there was] a man by the name of Joseph, who was a decurion, a good and righteous man; 51 this man had not consented to the council and their doings; [he was a man] from the city of Arimathaea, of Judaea, who was himself also awaiting the kingdom of God. 52 This man approached unto Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; 53 and [it] having been set down, he wrapped [it] with muslin and placed him in a hewn-out tomb in which not yet had anyone been placed. 54 And the day was the day of preparation, and the day of rest was dawning.

         55 However, the women who followed behind, who had come with him from Galilee, saw the tomb and how his body was placed. 56 And returning, they prepared spices and ointments; and on the sabbath day, in fact, they did rest according to the commandment.

Literal Translation of Chapter 24

         1 Now, on the first [day] of the week, very much at dawn, they came to the tomb, carrying the spices which they had prepared; 2 and they found the stone unrolled from the tomb. 3 And having entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 And it came to pass, while they were perplexed in the mind concerning that man, behold two men stood beside those women in shining garments. 5 Now, since they were fearing and were lowering the face onto the ground, they said to those women, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but he has arisen; do you remember how he spoke unto you, when he was still in Galilee, 7 saying, ‘It is necessary that the Son of Man be betrayed into the hands of men of sins, and be crucified, and rise again on the third day.’” 8 And they remembered his words.

         9 And having returned from the tomb, they made all these things known to those eleven and to all the rest. 10 However, it was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary [the mother] of James, and the rest [of the women] who were with them, who were saying these things to the apostles. 11 And those words were perceived as nonsense before those men, and they did not believe those women. 12 Peter, however, arising, ran to the tomb; and bending down, he saw the linen cloths set down, and he went away wondering within himself what had happened.

         13 And behold, two from among those men were going on that very day into a town, which was at a distance of sixty stades from Jerusalem, Emmaus by name. 14 And those very men were speaking to each other about all these things which had happened. 15 And it came to pass, while they were chatting and searching within themselves, that Jesus, approaching them, was even going with those men; 16 however, the eyes of those men were being held so that they were not recognizing him.

         17 And he said to those men, “What are these conversations which you are talking over to each other while walking, and are you downcast?”

         18 And one, to whom the name was Cleopas, answering, said to him, “Are you alone a stranger in Jerusalem, and have you not known what things are done in that [city] during these days?”

         19 To whom that man said, “What things?”

         And they said, “Jesus the Nazarene, who was a man, [even] a prophet, powerful in deed and word before the eyes of God and the whole people; 20 and how the high priests and our chiefs handed him over into a condemnation of death, and they crucified him. 21 We, however, were hoping that very man was about to redeem Israel; and now beyond all these things, today is the third day that these things were done. 22 But certain women from among us, who were at the tomb before light, also alarmed us, 23 and his body not having been found, they came, saying that they had even seen a vision of angels who said that he lives. 24 And certain from among us went away to the tomb, and thus they found it just as the women said: truly, they did not find that man.

         25 And that very man said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow with respect to the heart to believe in all the things which the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that Christ should suffer these things, and thus enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning from Moses and all the prophets, he was expounding to those men (in) all the scriptures which were about that very man.

         28 And they neared (to) the town to which they were going; and that man made to go farther. 29 And they constrained that man, saying, “Remain with us, since twilight is coming on, and the day is already lying down.” And he entered with those men.

         30 And it came to pass, while he was reclining at table with them, he took the bread and blessed (it) and also broke (it) and was offering (it) to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and that very man vanished from their eyes. 32 And they said to one another, “Was our heart not burning within us while he was speaking on the road and opening the scriptures unto us?”

         33 And arising at that same hour, they returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together, and them who were with those, 34 saying, “The Lord has truly arisen, and He appeared to Simon.” 35 And those very men were relating what things had been done on the way, and how they recognized Him in the breaking of the bread.

         36 However, while they were speaking these things, Jesus stood in their midst, and said to them, “Peace [be] unto you; it is I; don’t be afraid.”

         37 Verily, being disturbed and frightened, they were thinking that they were seeing a spirit. 38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and [why] do thoughts arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and feet, for it is I myself; touch and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see me to have.”

         40 And when he had said this, he showed to them (his) hands and feet. 41 However, to those who were still not believing, and wondering by reason of (their) joy, he said, “Do you have here something which might be eaten?” 42 So those men offered to him a portion of roasted fish and a honeycomb of honey. 43 And when he had eaten in their presence, taking up the remainders, he gave to them.

         44 And he said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you when I was still with you, since now it is necessary that all things be fulfilled which are written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the Psalms.”

         45 Then he opened a mode of thinking to those men so that they might understand the scriptures. 46 And he said unto them, “Since thus was it written, even so was it necessary that Christ should suffer and rise again from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance in his name should be proclaimed, and the remission of sins among all peoples, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You, moreover, are witnesses of these things. 49 And I am sending the promised thing of My Father among you; you, however, sit in the city, until you be clothed with power from on high.

         50 Then, he led them forth out into Bethany, and having raised his hands, he blessed them. 51 And it came to pass, while he was blessing those men, he withdrew from them, and he was carried into heaven. 52 And those very men, worshiping [Him], returned to Jerusalem with great delight; 53 and they were ever in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.