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Chapter IV

, "Luke's Method of Research" in my _Luke the Historian in the Light of Research_.]

[Footnote b: Luke alone follows the method of ancient historians in dedicating his Gospel, as also the Acts (1:1), to a patron who probably met the expense of publication. So Luke as a Gentile Christian writes an historical introduction in literary (_Koine_) Greek after the fashion of Thucydides and Plutarch. Mark had no formal introduction. Matthew's introduction is genealogical because he is writing for Jewish readers to prove that Jesus is the Messiah of Jewish hope. John, writing last of all, has a theological introduction to meet the Gnostic and philosophical misconceptions concerning the Person of Christ. Thus he pictures Christ as the Eternal Logos, with God in his pre-incarnate state, who became flesh and thus revealed the Father to men.]

## PART II

THE PRE-EXISTENT STATE OF CHRIST AND HIS INCARNATION

Sect. 2. IN HIS INTRODUCTION JOHN PICTURES CHRIST AS THE WORD (LOGOS)

John 1:1-18

1 In the beginning was the Word,[a] and the Word was with God, and 2 the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All 3 things were made [1]by him; and without him [2]was not anything 4 made that hath been made. In him was life; and the life was the 5 light of men. And the light shineth in the darkness; and the 6 darkness [3]apprehended it not. There came a man, sent from God, 7 whose name was John. The same came for witness, that he might bear 8 witness of the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but _came_ that he might bear witness of the light. 9 [4]There was the true light, _even the light_ which lighteth 10 [5]every man, coming into the world. He was in the world, and the 11 world was made [1]by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto 12 [6]his own, and they that were his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children 13 of God, _even_ to them that believe on his name: which were [7]born, not of [8]blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the 14 will of man, but of God. And the Word[a] became flesh, and [9]dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, glory as of [10]the only 15 begotten from the Father), full of grace and truth. John beareth witness of him, and crieth, saying, [11]This was he of whom I said, He that cometh after me is become before me: for he was [12]before 16 me. For of his fulness we all received, and grace for grace. For 17 the law was given [1]by Moses; grace and truth came [1]by Jesus 18 Christ. No man hath seen God at any time; [13]the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared _him_.

[Footnote 1: Or, _through_.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _was not anything made. That which hath been made was life in him; and the life &c._]

[Footnote 3: Or, _overcame_.]

[Footnote 4: Or, _The true light, which lighteth every man, was coming_.]

[Footnote 5: Or, _every man as he cometh_.]

[Footnote 6: Gr. _his own things_.]

[Footnote 7: Or, _begotten_.]

[Footnote 8: Gr. _bloods_.]

[Footnote 9: Gr. _tabernacled_.]

[Footnote 10: Or, _an only begotten from a father_.]

[Footnote 11: Some ancient authorities read _this was he that said_.]

[Footnote 12: Gr. _first in regard of me_.]

[Footnote 13: Many very ancient authorities read _God only begotten_.]

[Footnote a: The Fourth Gospel makes no further use of the term Logos (Word) for Christ. No other Gospel employs the term, but in 1 John 1:1 we find "the Word of life" in this sense and in Rev. 19:14 we have: "and his name is called the Word of God." The Greek word has a double sense (reason and speech) and John seems to have both ideas in mind (1:18). Christ is the Idea of God and the Expression of God. The Stoics followed Plato in the philosophical use of Logos. Philo took it up and made it familiar to Jewish readers who were already used to the Hebrew _Memra_ (Word) in a personal sense. But John carried the term further than any of his predecessors and placed it on a par with Messiah, Son of God, Son of Man, and other phrases that portray aspects of the Person of Christ. John writes his Gospel to prove the deity of Jesus (John 20:31) against Gnostics (Cerinthian) who denied it, as he wrote his First Epistle (1 John 1:1-4) to prove the humanity of Jesus against Docetic Gnostics who disclaimed it. See note 3 at end of Harmony.]

## PART III

THE TWO GENEALOGIES IN MATTHEW AND LUKE

Sect. 3. APPARENTLY JOSEPH'S GENEALOGY IN MATTHEW AND MARY'S IN LUKE[a]

Matt. 1:1-17. (_Cf._ 1 Chron. |Luke 3:23-38. (_Cf._ 1 Chron. 1:1-4, 1:34; 2:1-25; 3:1-19.) |24-28; 2:1-15; 3:17; Ruth 4:18-22.) | 1 [1]The book of the | Being the son (as was supposed) [2]generation of Jesus Christ,| of Joseph, the _son_ of Heli, the son of David, the son of |24 the _son_ of Matthat, the _son_ Abraham. | of Levi, the _son_ of Melchi, the 2 Abraham begat Isaac; and | _son_ of Jannai, the _son_ of Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob |25 Joseph, the _son_ of Mattathias, begat Judah and his brethren; | the _son_ of Amos, the _son_ of 3 and Judah begat Perez and | Nahum, the _son_ of Esli, the Zerah of Tamar; and Perez |26 _son_ of Naggai, the _son_ of begat Hezron; and Hezron begat| Maath, the _son_ of Mattathias, 4 [3]Ram; and [3]Ram begat | the _son_ of Semein, the _son_ of Amminadab; and Amminadab begat|27 Josech, the _son_ of Joda, the Nahshon; and Nahshon begat | _son_ of Joanan, the _son_ of 5 Salmon; and Salmon begat Boaz | Rhesa, the _son_ of Zerubbabel, of Rahab; and Boaz begat Obed | the _son_ of [7]Shealtiel, the of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;|28 _son_ of Neri, the _son_ of 6 and Jesse begat David the | Melchi, the _son_ of Addi, the king. | _son_ of Cosam, the _son_ of And David begat Solomon of |29 Elmadam, the _son_ of Er, the her _that had been the wife_ | _son_ of Jesus, the _son_ of 7 of Uriah; and Solomon begat | Eliezer, the _son_ of Jorim, the Rehoboam; and Rehoboam begat | _son_ of Matthat, the _son_ of Abijah; and Abijah begat |30 Levi, the _son_ of Symeon, the 8 [4]Asa; and [4]Asa begat | _son_ of Judas, the _son_ of Jehoshaphat; and Jehoshaphat | Joseph, the _son_ of Jonam, the begat Joram; and Joram begat |31 _son_ of Eliakim, the _son_ of 9 Uzziah; and Uzziah begat | Melea, the _son_ of Menna, the Jotham; and Jotham begat Ahaz;| _son_ of Mattatha, the _son_ of 10 and Ahaz begat Hezekiah; and |32 Nathan, the _son_ of David, the Hezekiah begat Manasseh; and | _son_ of Jesse, the _son_ of Manasseh begat [5]Amon; and | Obed, the _son_ of Boaz, the 11 [5]Amon begat Josiah; and | _son_ of [8]Salmon, the _son_ of Josiah begat Jechoniah and his|33 Nahshon, the _son_ of Amminadab, brethren, at the time of the | [9]the _son_ of [10]Arni, the [6]carrying away to Bablyon. | _son_ of Hezron, the _son_ of 12 And after the [6]carrying |34 Perez, the _son_ of Judah, the away to Babylon, Jechoniah | _son_ of Jacob, the _son_ of begat [7]Shealtiel; and | Isaac, the _son_ of Abraham, the [7]Shealtiel begat Zerubbabel;| _son_ of Terah, the _son_ of 13 and Zerubbabel begat Abiud; |35 Nahor, the _son_ of Serug, the and Abiud begat Eliakim; and | _son_ of Reu, the _son_ of Peleg, 14 Eliakim begat Azor; and Azor | the _son_ of Eber, the _son_ of begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat |36 Shelah, the _son_ of Cainan, the Achim; and Achim begat Eliud; | _son_ of Arphaxad, the _son_ of 15 and Eliud begat Eleazar; and | Shem, the _son_ of Noah, the Eleazar begat Matthan; and |37 _son_ of Lamech, the _son_ of 16 Matthan begat Jacob; and Jacob| Methuselah, the _son_ of Enoch, begat Joseph the husband of | the _son_ of Jared, the _son_ of Mary, of whom was born[b] | Mahalaleel, the _son_ of Cainan, Jesus, who is called Christ. |38 the _son_ of Enos, the _son_ of 17 So all the generations from | Seth, the _son_ of Adam, the Abraham unto David are | _son_ of God. fourteen generations; and from| David unto the [6]carrying | away to Babylon fourteen | generations; and from the | [6]carrying away to Babylon | unto the Christ fourteen | generations.[c] |

[Footnote 1: Or, _The genealogy of Jesus Christ_.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _birth_: as in ver. 18.]

[Footnote 3: Gr. _Aram_.]

[Footnote 4: Gr. _Asaph_.]

[Footnote 5: Gr. _Amos_.]

[Footnote 6: Or, _removal to Babylon_.]

[Footnote 7: Gr. _Salathiel_.]

[Footnote 8: Some ancient authorities write _Sala_.]

[Footnote 9: Many ancient authorities insert _the son of Admin_; and one writes _Admin_ for _Amminadab_.]

[Footnote 10: Some ancient authorities write _Aram_.]

[Footnote a: This view is not accepted by all scholars, though it is found as early as Eusebius (_Hist. Eccl._ i, 7). See note 5 at end of Harmony.]

[Footnote b: The Sinaitic Syriac, against all the early Greek manuscripts, reads in Matt. 1:16: "But Joseph, to whom the Virgin Mary was betrothed, begat Jesus." This ancient Ebionitic text is followed by Von Soden in his _Griechisches Neues Testament_ and by Moffatt in his _New Translation of the New Testament_, but it is difficult to believe it genuine, for in Matt. 1:18-22 the writer pictures Joseph as on the point of putting Mary away privily. The two reports in the Sinaitic Syriac flatly contradict each other. Those who accept it say that the writer of the Virgin Birth view in 1:18-20 overlooked 1:16 (certainly a serious oversight). It is easier to think that an Ebionitic scribe in copying altered 1:16, but passed by 1:18-20. The Ebionites denied the deity of Jesus. Both Matthew and Luke (1:26-38) give the Virgin Birth of Jesus, but they preserve separate traditions on the subject.]

[Footnote c: Observe that Matthew's three divisions of the genealogy represent three great periods in the history of Israel. See note 5 at end of Harmony for discussion of the differences between the genealogies in Matthew and in Luke.]

## PART IV

THE BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD OF THE BAPTIST AND OF JESUS

Probably B.C. 7 to A.D. 7

_Sects. 4-19. These sections include the annunciations, the birth, infancy, and childhood of both John and Jesus._

Sect. 4. THE ANNUNCIATION[a] OF THE BIRTH OF THE BAPTIST TO ZACHARIAS

Jerusalem, in the Temple. Probably B.C. 7

Luke 1:5-25[b]

5 There was in the days of Herod, king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abijah: and he had a wife of the 6 daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and 7 ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were _now_ [1]well stricken in years. 8 Now it came to pass, while he executed the priest's office before 9 God in the order of his course, according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to enter into the [2]temple of the 10 Lord and burn incense. And the whole multitude of the people were 11 praying without at the hour of incense. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar 12 of incense. And Zacharias was troubled when he saw _him_, and fear 13 fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: because thy supplication is heard, and thy wife Elisabeth shall 14 bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt 15 have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and he shall drink no wine nor [3]strong drink [_see Num. 6:3; Judg. 13:4-6; 1 Sam. 1:11_]; and he shall be filled with the [4]Holy Ghost, even from 16 his mother's womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he 17 turn unto the Lord their God. And he shall [5]go before his face in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children [_see Mal. 3:1; 4:5-6_], and the disobedient _to walk_ in the wisdom of the just; to make ready for 18 the Lord a people prepared _for him_. And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife 19 [6]well stricken in years. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God [_see Dan. 8:16; 9:21_]; and I was sent to speak unto thee, and to bring thee these 20 good tidings. And behold, thou shalt be silent and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall come to pass, because thou believedst not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their 21 season. And the people were waiting for Zacharias, and they 22 marvelled [7]while he tarried in the [2]temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the [2]temple: and he continued making signs unto 23 them, and remained dumb. And it came to pass, when the days of his ministration were fulfilled, he departed unto his house. 24 And after these days Elisabeth his wife conceived; and she hid 25 herself five months, saying, Thus hath the Lord done unto me in the days wherein he looked upon _me_, to take away my reproach among men.

[Footnote 1: Gr. _advanced in their days_.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _sanctuary_.]

[Footnote 3: Gr. _sikera_.]

[Footnote 4: Or, _Holy Spirit_: and so throughout all the Gospels.]

[Footnote 5: Some ancient authorities read _come nigh before his face_.]

[Footnote 6: Gr. _advanced in her days_.]

[Footnote 7: Or, _at his tarrying_.]

[Footnote a: There are three annunciations: (1) to Zacharias Sect. 4, (2) to Mary Sect. 5, (3) to Joseph Sect. 9. Luke gives the first two and Matthew the third. The Angel Gabriel is named by Luke (1:19, 26), but Matthew simply has "an angel of the Lord" (1:20).]

[Footnote b: It is certain that Luke tells the infancy stories from the standpoint of Mary while Matthew writes from the standpoint of Joseph. Matthew gives the public account while Luke tells the private story from Mary herself (Ramsay, _Was Christ Born at Bethlehem?_ p. 79). Luke could have seen Mary, if still alive, or could have obtained it from one of Mary's circle either orally or in manuscript form. Some scholars even suggest "Gospel of Mary" and even, "Gospel of the Baptist" as a written source for Luke in 1:5-2:52. Sanday (_The Life of Christ in Recent Research_, p. 166) says: "These two chapters--whatever the date at which they were first committed to writing--are essentially the most archaic thing in the whole New Testament." Certainly Luke reveals the use of Aramaic or Hebrew sources by the sudden changes in his style from 1:1-4. Luke, if familiar with the current account as seen in Matthew, apparently felt that he owed it to Mary to record her story of her great experience.]

Sect. 5. THE ANNUNCIATION TO THE VIRGIN MARY OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS

Nazareth. Probably B.C. 7 or 6

Luke 1:26-38

26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a 27 city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's 28 name was Mary. And he came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that 29 art [1]highly favoured, the Lord _is_ with thee.[2] But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and cast in her mind what manner 30 of salutation this might be. And the angel said unto her, Fear 31 not, Mary: for thou hast found [3]favour with God. And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt 32 call his name JESUS [_see Isa. 7:14_]. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David [_see 2 Sam. 33 7:12-17_]: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob [4]for ever; 34 and of his kingdom there shall be no end. And Mary said unto the 35 angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee: wherefore also [5]that which [6]is to be born [7]shall be called holy [_see 36 Ex. 13:12_], the Son of God. And behold, Elisabeth thy kinswoman, she also hath conceived a son in her old age: and this is the 37 sixth month with her that [8]was called barren. For no word from 38 God shall be void of power [_see Gen. 18:14_]. And Mary said, Behold, the [9]handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

[Footnote 1: Or, _endued with grace_.]

[Footnote 2: Many ancient authorities add _blessed_ art _thou among women_. (See ver. 42.)]

[Footnote 3: Or, _grace_.]

[Footnote 4: Gr. _unto the ages_.]

[Footnote 5: Or, _the holy thing which is to be born shall be called the son of God_.]

[Footnote 6: Or, _is begotten_.]

[Footnote 7: Some ancient authorities insert _of thee_.]

[Footnote 8: Or, _is_.]

[Footnote 9: Gr. _bondmaid_.]

Sect. 6. THE SONG[a] OF ELISABETH TO MARY UPON HER VISIT

Hill Country of Judea

Luke 1:39-45

39 And Mary arose in these days and went into the hill country with 40 haste, into a city of Judah; and entered into the house of 41 Zacharias and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her 42 womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost; and she lifted up her voice with a loud cry, and said, Blessed _art_ thou among 43 women, and blessed _is_ the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this 44 to me, that the mother of my Lord should come unto me? For behold, when the voice of thy salutation came into mine ears, the babe 45 leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed _is_ she that [1]believed; for there shall be a fulfilment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord.

[Footnote 1: Or, _believed that there shall be_.]

[Footnote a: This hymn or psalm springs from the omen to Elisabeth.]

Sect. 7. THE MAGNIFICAT OF MARY

Hill Country of Judea

Luke 1:46-56

46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord [_see 1 Sam. 2:1-10_], 47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. 48 For he hath looked upon the low estate of his [1]handmaiden: For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed [_see 1 Sam 1:11_]. 49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; And holy is his name [_see 1 Sam. 2:2_]. 50 And his mercy is unto generations and generations On them that fear him [_see Ps. 103:17_]. 51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; He hath scattered the proud [2]in the imagination of their heart [_see 1 Sam. 2:4; Ps. 89:10_]. 52 He hath put down princes from _their_ thrones, And hath exalted them of low degree [_see Job 5:11; 12:19_]. 53 The hungry he hath filled with good things; And the rich he hath sent empty away [_see Ps. 107:9_]. 54 He hath holpen Israel his servant, That he might remember mercy [_see Isa. 41:8-9_] 55 (As he spake unto our fathers) Toward Abraham and his seed for ever [_see Gen. 17:7; Mic. 7:20_]. 56 And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned unto her house.

[Footnote 1: Gr. _bondmaiden_.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _by_.]

Sect. 8. THE BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD OF THE BAPTIST, AND HIS DESERT LIFE

Hill Country of Judea. B.C. 7 or 6

Luke 1:57-80

57 Now Elisabeth's time was fulfilled that she should be delivered; 58 and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her kinsfolk heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy toward her; and they 59 rejoiced with her. And it came to pass on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him 60 Zacharias, after the name of his father. And his mother answered 61 and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. And they said unto 62 her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. And 63 they made signs to his father, what he would have him called. And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, His name is John. 64 And they marvelled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and 65 his tongue _loosed_, and he spake, blessing God. And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised 66 abroad throughout all the hill country of Judea. And all that heard them laid them up in their heart, saying, What then shall this child be? For the hand of the Lord was with him. 67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, 68 Blessed _be_ the Lord, the God of Israel; For he hath visited and wrought redemption for his people [_see Ps. 72:18; 111:9_], 69 And hath raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of his servant David [_see 1 Sam. 2:10; Ps. 18:3_] 70 (As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets which have been since the world began), 71 Salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us [_see Ps. 106:10_]; 72 To shew mercy towards our fathers, And to remember his holy covenant; 73 The oath which he sware unto Abraham our father [_see Gen. 17:7; Lev. 26:42; Ps. 105:8; Mic. 7:20_], 74 To grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies Should serve him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 76 Yea and thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Most High: For thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to make ready his ways [_see Mal. 3:1_]; 77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people In the remission of their sins, 78 Because of the [1]tender mercy of our God, [2]Whereby the dayspring from on high [3]shall visit us [_see Mal. 4:2_], 79 To shine upon them that sit in darkness and the shadow of death; To guide our feet into the way of peace [_see Isa. 8:22; 9:2_]. 80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.[a]

[Footnote 1: Or, _heart of mercy_.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _Wherein_.]

[Footnote 3: Many ancient authorities read _hath visited us_.]

[Footnote a: Dwell on this summary statement as to John's retired life in the wild regions of Judea, whence he will come forth thirty years later.]

Sect. 9. THE ANNUNCIATION TO JOSEPH OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS

Nazareth

Matt. 1:18-25

18 Now the [1]birth [2]of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came 19 together she was found with child of the [3]Holy Ghost. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a 20 public example, was minded to put her away privily. But when he thought on these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is [4]conceived in 21 her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for it is he that shall save his 22 people from their sins. Now all this is come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son [_see Isa. 7:14_], And they shall call his name [5]Immanuel; 24 which is, being interpreted, God with us. And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and 25 took unto him his wife; and knew her not till she had brought forth a son: and he called his name JESUS.

[Footnote 1: Or, _generation_: as in ver. 1 in Sect. 3.]

[Footnote 2: Some ancient authorities read _of the Christ_.]

[Footnote 3: Or, _Holy Spirit_.]

[Footnote 4: Gr. _begotten_.]

[Footnote 5: Gr. _Emmanuel_.]

Sect. 10. THE BIRTH OF JESUS

Bethlehem. Probably B.C. 6 or 5

Luke 2:1-7

1 Now it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from 2 Caesar Augustus, that all the [1]world should be enrolled. This was 3 the first enrolment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And 4 all went to enrol themselves, every one to his own city.[a] And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, 5 because he was of the house and family of David; to enrol himself 6 with Mary, who was betrothed to him, being great with child. And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled 7 that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

[Footnote 1: Gr. _inhabited earth_.]

[Footnote a: Observe how the ruler of the civilized world is unconsciously bringing it about that the Messiah, the son of David, shall be born at Bethlehem, though his mother's home was Nazareth. All the previous history of Rome and of Israel gathers about this manger. As to Quirinius, and as to the probable time of the Saviour's birth, see note 6 at the end of the book. The vindication of Luke's historical statements in these verses is one of the triumphs of modern research, as is shown in that note.]

Sect. 11. THE PRAISE OF THE ANGELS AND THE HOMAGE OF THE SHEPHERDS

Near Bethlehem

Luke 2:8-20

8 And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the 9 field, and keeping [1]watch by night over their flock. And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round 10 about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great 11 joy which shall be to all the people: for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is [2]Christ the 12 Lord. And this _is_ the sign unto you; Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger. And suddenly 13 there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising[a] God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, And on earth [3]peace among [4]men in whom he is well pleased. 15 And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this [5]thing that is come to pass, which the 16 Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found 17 both Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger. And when they saw it, they made known concerning the saying which was 18 spoken to them about this child. And all that heard it wondered at 19 the things which were spoken unto them by the shepherds. But Mary 20 kept all these [6]sayings, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them.

[Footnote 1: Or, _night-watches_.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _Anointed Lord_.]

[Footnote 3: Many ancient authorities read _peace, good pleasure among men_.]

[Footnote 4: Gr. _men of good pleasure_.]

[Footnote 5: Or, _saying_.]

[Footnote 6: Or, _things_.]

[Footnote a: The Gloria in Excelsis.]

Sect. 12. THE CIRCUMCISION OF JESUS

Bethlehem

Luke 2:21

21 And when eight days were fulfilled for circumcising him [_see Gen. 17:12; Lev. 12:3_], his name was called JESUS, which was so called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Sect. 13. THE PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE WITH THE HOMAGE OF SIMEON AND ANNA

Jerusalem

Luke 2:22-38

22 And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present 23 him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord) 24 [_see Ex. 13:2, 12, 15; Lev. 12:1-8_], and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of 25 turtledoves, or two young pigeons. And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Spirit 26 was upon him. And it had been revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death, before he had seen the 27 Lord's Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, that they might do 28 concerning him after the custom of the law, then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,[a] 29 Now lettest thou thy [1]servant depart, O [2]Lord, According to thy word, in peace; 30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation [_see Isa. 52:10_], 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples; 32 A light for [3]revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of thy people Israel [_see Isa. 42:6; 49:6_]. 33 And his father and his mother were marvelling at the things which 34 were spoken concerning him; and Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this _child_ is set for the falling and rising up of many in Israel; and for a sign which is spoken 35 against; yea and a sword shall pierce through thine own soul; that 36 thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed. And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was [4]of a great age, having lived with a husband seven 37 years from her virginity, and she had been a widow even for fourscore and four years), which departed not from the temple, 38 worshipping with fastings and supplications night and day. And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks unto God, and spake of him to all them that were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

[Footnote 1: Gr. _bondservant_.]

[Footnote 2: Gr. _Master_.]

[Footnote 3: Or, _the unveiling of the Gentiles_.]

[Footnote 4: Gr. _advanced in many days_.]

[Footnote a: The four New Testament psalms, given by Luke, breathe the atmosphere of Old Testament piety, quite in contrast to the formalism of the Pharisees and yet thoroughly Jewish in background and Christian in sentiment. But it is primitive Christian feeling. Section 7 gives the Magnificat of Mary in response to the song of Elisabeth in Sect. 6. In Sect. 8 we have the _Benedictus_ of Zacharias and in Sect. 13 The _Nunc Dimittis_ of Simeon.]

Sect. 14. MAGI VISIT THE NEW-BORN KING OF THE JEWS

Jerusalem and Bethlehem

Matt. 2:1-12

1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, [1]wise men from the east [_see Num. 2 24:17_] came to Jerusalem, saying, [2]Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we saw his star in the east, and are come to 3 worship him. And when Herod the king heard it, he was troubled, and 4 all Jerusalem with him. And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the 5 Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written [3]by the prophet, 6 And thou Bethlehem, land of Judah, Art in no wise least among the princes of Judah: For out of thee shall come forth a governor [_see Mic. 5:1-2_], Which shall be shepherd of my people Israel. 7 Then Herod privily called the [1]wise men, and learned of them 8 carefully [4]what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search out carefully concerning the young child; and when ye have found _him_, bring me word, that I 9 also may come and worship him. And they, having heard the king, went their way; and lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child 10 was. And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding 11 great joy. And they came into the house and saw the young child with Mary his mother; and they fell down and worshipped him; and opening their treasures they offered unto him gifts, gold and 12 frankincense and myrrh. And being warned _of God_ in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

[Footnote 1: Gr. _Magi_. Compare Esther 1:13; Dan. 2:12.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _Where is the King of the Jews that is born?_]

[Footnote 3: Or, _through_.]

[Footnote 4: Or, _the time of the star that appeared_.]

Sect. 15. THE CHILD JESUS CARRIED TO EGYPT, AND THE CHILDREN AT BETHLEHEM SLAIN

Probably B.C. 5

Matt. 2:13-18

13 Now when they were departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I tell thee: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. 14 And he arose and took the young child and his mother by night, and 15 departed into Egypt; and was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt did I call my son [_see Hos. 11:1_]. 16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the [1]wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the male children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had carefully 17 learned of the [1]wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken [2]by Jeremiah the prophet, saying [_see Jer. 31:15_], 18 A voice was heard in Ramah, Weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; And she would not be comforted, because they are not.

[Footnote 1: Gr. _Magi_.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _through_.]

Sect. 16. THE CHILD BROUGHT FROM EGYPT TO NAZARETH

Probably B.C. 4

Matt. 2:19-23 |Luke 2:39 | 19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel| of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph | 20 in Egypt, saying, Arise and take the young |39 And when they child and his mother, and go into the land | had accomplished of Israel: for they are dead that sought | all things that were 21 the young child's life. And he arose and | according to the law took the young child and his mother, and | of the Lord, they 22 came into the land of Israel. But when he | returned into heard that Archelaus was reigning over | Galilee, to their Judea in the room of his father Herod, he | own city Nazareth. was afraid to go thither; and being warned | _of God_ in a dream, he withdrew into the | 23 parts of Galilee, and came and dwelt in a | city called Nazareth: that it might be | fulfilled which was spoken [1]by the | prophets,[a] that he should be called a | Nazarene. |

[Footnote 1: Or, _through_.]

[Footnote a: _Cf._ Isa. 11:1 where the Messiah is called _Netzer_, a Branch, though Nazareth is not mentioned in the Old Testament.]

Sect. 17. THE CHILDHOOD OF JESUS AT NAZARETH

Probably B.C. 4 to A.D. 7

Luke 2:40

40 And the child grew, and waxed strong, [1]filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.[a]

[Footnote 1: Gr. _becoming full of wisdom_.]

[Footnote a: This simple statement of Luke tells more in one sentence than all the apocryphal Gospels of the Infancy, with their silly legends about the miraculous prowess of the child Jesus.]

Sect. 18. THE VISIT OF THE BOY JESUS TO JERUSALEM WHEN TWELVE YEARS OLD

Probably A.D. 7 or 8

Luke 2:41-50

41 And his parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the 42 passover [_see Ex. 23:14-17; Deut. 16:1-8_]. And when he was 43 twelve years old, they went up after the custom of the feast; and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not; 44 but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day's journey; 45 and they sought for him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance: and when they found him not, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking for 46 him. And it came to pass, after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the [1]doctors, both hearing them, 47 and asking them questions: and all that heard him were amazed at 48 his understanding and his answers. And when they saw him, they were astonished: and his mother said unto him, [2]Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I sought thee 49 sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? 50 wist ye not that I must be [3]in my Father's house? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

[Footnote 1: Or, _teachers_.]

[Footnote 2: Gr. _Child_.]

[Footnote 3: Or, _about my Father's business_.]

Sect. 19. THE EIGHTEEN YEARS[a] AT NAZARETH

Probably A.D. 7 to A.D. 26 (or 6 to 25)

Luke 2:51-52

51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth; and he was subject unto them: and his mother kept all _these_ [1]sayings in her heart. 52 And Jesus advanced in wisdom and [2]stature, and in [3]favour with God and men [_see 1 Sam. 2:26_].

[Footnote 1: Or, _things_.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _age_.]

[Footnote 3: Or, _grace_.]

[Footnote a: After the return to Nazareth, we know nothing of Jesus' life at that place beyond the general statements of Luke 2:52, with the knowledge and dispositions indicated in the narrative of Sect. 18 and the fact that he was a carpenter, until he comes forth to be baptized by John, his forerunner. The social and political conditions of this period in Galilee are described by Edersheim, D. Smith, and other writers on the Life of Jesus, and briefly stated in Broadus's Commentary on Matthew, p. 30 f. Dwell on the general statement of Luke 2:52. Other passages throw light on the life in Nazareth as to habits of worship (Luke 4:16), the family group of brothers and sisters (Mark 6:3 = Matt. 13:55 f.), work as carpenter (_ibid._). A helpful book on this obscure period is Ramsay's _The Education of Christ_.]

## PART V

THE BEGINNING OF THE BAPTIST'S MINISTRY

Probably six months and in A.D. 25. In the Wilderness of Judea and beside the Jordan, Sects. 20-23

Sect. 20. THE TIME OF THE BEGINNING

[Footnote 1: Some ancient authorities omit _the son of God_.]

[Footnote a: See note 6 at end of Harmony.]

[Footnote b: See note 6. Luke follows the custom of ancient historians in dating events by the names of the rulers. As the son of a priest John was probably thirty years old when he came forth.]

Sect. 21. THE MESSAGE AND THE MESSENGER

[Footnote 1: Some ancient authorities read _in the prophets_.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _through_.]

[Footnote a: See Mark 1:15 (= Matt. 4:17); Matt. 10:7; Acts 2:38.]

Sect. 22. A SPECIMEN[a] OF JOHN'S PREACHING

Matt. 3:7-10 |Luke 3:7-14 | 7 But when he saw many of the | 7 He said therefore to the Pharisees and Sadducees | multitudes that went out to be coming to his baptism, he | baptized of him, Ye offspring of said unto them, Ye offspring| vipers, who warned you to flee from of vipers, who warned you to| 8 the wrath to come? Bring forth flee from the wrath to come?| therefore fruits worthy of 8 Bring forth therefore fruit | [1]repentance, and begin not to say 9 worthy of [1]repentance: and| within yourselves, We have Abraham think not to say within | to our father: for I say unto you, yourselves, We have Abraham | that God is able of these stones to to our father: for I say | raise up children unto Abraham. unto you, that God is able | 9 And even now is the axe also laid of these stones to raise up | unto the root of the trees: every 10 children unto Abraham. And | tree therefore that bringeth not even now is the axe laid | forth good fruit is hewn down, and unto the root of the trees: |10 cast into the fire. And the every tree therefore that | multitudes asked him, saying, What bringeth not forth good |11 then must we do? And he answered fruit is hewn down, and cast| and said unto them, He that hath into the fire. | two coats, let him impart to him | that hath none; and he that hath 12 food, let him do likewise. And there came also [2]publicans to be 13 baptized, and they said unto him, [3]Master, what must we do? And 14 he said unto them, Extort no more than that which is appointed you. And [4]soldiers also asked him, saying, And we, what must we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither [5]exact _anything_ wrongfully; and be content with your wages.

[Footnote 1: Or, _your repentance_.]

[Footnote 2: That is, _collectors or renters of Roman taxes_.]

[Footnote 3: Or, _Teacher_.]

[Footnote 4: Gr. _soldiers on service_.]

[Footnote 5: Or, _accuse_ any one.]

[Footnote a: Here we see Matthew and Luke preserving a non-Markan section, as so frequently hereafter, an example of the so-called Logia (Discourses).]

Sect. 23. THE FORERUNNER'S PICTURE OF THE MESSIAH BEFORE SEEING HIM

[Footnote 1: Or, _in_.]

[Footnote 2: Gr. _sufficient_.]

[Footnote 3: Or, _Holy Spirit_.]

[Footnote 4: Or, _the gospel_.]

[Footnote a: One can easily put together all that we are told of John the Baptist in John 1:6-15 and in Sections 4, 6, 8, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 33, 34, 49, 57, 71, 86, 132. See also Acts 1:5, 22; 10:37; 13:24; 18:25; 19:1-7. For a full discussion of the Baptist see my _John the Loyal_. These months of John's ministry prepared the way for the Messiah.]

## PART VI

THE BEGINNING OF CHRIST'S PUBLIC MINISTRY

THE YEAR OF OBSCURITY[a]

Probably Part of A.D. 26 and 27

_In all parts of the Holy Land (the first Perean Ministry, the first Galilean Ministry, the first Judean Ministry, the first Samaritan Ministry). Sects. 24-36. This early ministry includes the baptism, the temptation, John's witness to Jesus, the first disciples, the first miracle and work in Galilee, the first work in Judea, the arrest of John, the work in Samaria, and the return to Galilee._

[Footnote a: The precise duration of this early ministry cannot be determined. Our Lord's baptism must have been at least two months _before_ the Passover, and may have been some weeks or months earlier. Then the highly successful ministry in Judea _after_ the Passover must have lasted several months (John 3:22; 4:1-3). If the "yet four months" in John 4:35 be understood to be not a common saying as to the usual interval between seedtime and harvest, but a statement that it was _then_ just four months before harvest, that would make the Judean ministry extend eight months after the Passover. But this interpretation is upon the whole improbable, and we can only say that the opening ministry lasted several months. The time occupied makes very little difference for our understanding the events and discourses. All of the incidents during this period after the temptation are given in John's Gospel. But for the Fourth Gospel we should not know that Jesus did not plunge at once into the great Galilean Ministry.]

Sect. 24. JESUS BAPTIZED BY JOHN IN THE JORDAN

Bethany beyond Jordan. Probably A.D. 26

[Footnote 1: Or, me.]

[Footnote 2: Some ancient authorities omit _unto him_.]

[Footnote 3: Or, _This is my son; my beloved in whom I am well pleased._]

[Footnote 4: Gr. _into_.]

[Footnote a: The Gospel of the Hebrews (one of the apocryphal gospels) is quoted by Jerome (_adv. Pelag._ iii, 2) as having the following: "Behold, the Lord's mother and His brethren were saying to Him, John the Baptist baptizes unto the remission of sins; let us go and be baptized by him. But he said unto them, What sin have I done, that I should go and be baptized by him? unless perchance this very thing which I have said is an ignorance."]

[Footnote b: The Gospel of John does not describe the baptism of Jesus, but refers to the event in a way that shows knowledge of the Synoptic Gospels.]

[Footnote c: Codex Bezae (D) reads in Luke: "Thou art my beloved son, to-day have I begotten thee." The Gospel of the Ebionites has: "Thou art my beloved son, in thee I am well pleased, to-day I have begotten thee."

See Sect. 85 for similar language at the Transfiguration.]

Sect. 25. THE THREE TEMPTATIONS[a] OF JESUS

The Wilderness of Judea. Probably A.D. 26

[Footnote 1: Gr. _loaves_.]

[Footnote 2: Gr. _wing_.]

[Footnote 3: Or, _in_.]

[Footnote 4: Or, _a loaf_.]

[Footnote 5: Gr. _the inhabited earth_.]

[Footnote 6: Or, _until_.]

[Footnote a: Mark gives only a summary account while the Logia (the oldest known record) tells the temptations in detail. This early document reveals the Messianic consciousness of Jesus as distinctly as it appears in the Gospel of John. The record of the baptism in Sect. 24 and of the temptation in Sect. 25 goes back to the two oldest strata of the Gospel sources (Mark or the Memoirs of Peter and the Logia of Matthew) and shows that Jesus enters upon his Messianic work knowing that he had his Father's approval and the power of the Holy Spirit upon him.]

Sect. 26. THE TESTIMONY OF THE BAPTIST TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE SANHEDRIN

At Bethany beyond Jordan

John 1:19-28

19 And this is the witness of John, when the Jews sent unto him from 20 Jerusalem priests and Levites to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; and he confessed, I am not the Christ. 21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elijah? And he saith, I am 22 not. Art thou the prophet? And he answered, No. They said therefore unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to 23 them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the 24 Lord, as said Isaiah the prophet [_see Isa. 40:3_]. [1]And they 25 had been sent from the Pharisees.[a] And they asked him, and said unto him, Why then baptizest thou, if thou art not the Christ, 26 neither Elijah, neither the prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize [2]with water: in the midst of you standeth one whom ye 27 know not, _even_ he that cometh after me, the latchet of whose 28 shoe I am not worthy to unloose. These things were done in [3]Bethany beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

[Footnote 1: Or, _And_ certain _had been sent from among the Pharisees_.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _in_.]

[Footnote 3: Many ancient authorities read _Bethabarah_, some _Betharabah_.]

[Footnote a: In 1:19 the priests and Levites are Sadducees. The idea seems to be that the Pharisees had the Sadducees sent on this embassy (_cf._ Sect. 22). Later Jesus will say that John was Elijah that was to come; some will even take Jesus to be Elijah.]

Sect. 27. JOHN'S IDENTIFICATION OF JESUS AS THE MESSIAH

At Bethany beyond the Jordan

John 1:29-34

29 On the morrow he seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God, which [1]taketh away the sin of the world [_see 30 Isa. 53:7_]! This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man 31 which is become before me: for he was [2]before me. And I knew him not; but that he should be made manifest to Israel, for this cause 32 came I baptizing [3]with water. And John bare witness, saying, I have beheld the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven; and it 33 abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize [3]with water, he said unto me, Upon whomsoever thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and abiding upon him, the same is he that 34 baptizeth [3]with the Holy Spirit. And I have seen, and have borne witness that this is the son of God.[a]

[Footnote 1: Or, _beareth the sin._]

[Footnote 2: Gr. _first in regard of me_.]

[Footnote 3: Or, _in_.]

[Footnote a: Put together the Baptist's testimonies to Jesus in sections 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 33, 57. Add John 1:6-15. Note also the four testimonies of Jesus to John, sections 49, 57, 86, 132. Observe the four successive days here in John 1:19, 29, 35, 43, and the third day from the last in John 2:1, making a week that is covered in detail (_cf._ the Passion Week at the close). We have other glimpses of special days in the ministry, as the Busy Day of the blasphemous accusation and the parables (Matt. 12 and 13). In John 1:39 the very hour is preserved, probably Roman time (ten in the morning), as John writes long after the destruction of Jerusalem and outside of Palestine and uses the Roman reckoning (midnight to midnight) in John 20:19. But see note 11 at end of Harmony for Ramsay's objections to this view.]

Sect. 28. JESUS MAKES HIS FIRST[a] DISCIPLES

At Bethany beyond the Jordan

John 1:35-51

35 Again on the morrow John was standing, and two of his disciples; 36 and he looked upon Jesus as he walked, and saith, Behold, the Lamb 37 of God [_see Isa. 53:7_]! And the two disciples heard him speak, 38 and they followed Jesus. And Jesus turned, and beheld them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? And they said unto him, Rabbi (which is to say, being interpreted, [1]Master), where 39 abidest thou? He saith unto them, Come, and ye shall see. They came therefore and saw where he abode; and they abode with him 40 that day: it was about the tenth hour. One of the two that heard John _speak_, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He findeth first his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messiah (which is, being interpreted, [2]Christ). 42 He brought him unto Jesus. Jesus looked upon him, and said, thou art Simon the son of [3]John: thou shalt be called Cephas (which is by interpretation, [4]Peter). 43 On the morrow he was minded to go forth into Galilee, and he 44 findeth Philip: and Jesus saith unto him, Follow me. Now Philip 45 was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, 46 the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can any good thing 47 come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold, an 48 Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. 49 Nathanael answered him, Rabbi, thou art the son of God; thou art 50 King of Israel[b] [_see 2 Sam. 7:14; Ps. 2:7_]. Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee underneath the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than 51 these. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye shall see the heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man[c] [_see Gen. 28:12_].

[Footnote 1: Or, _Teacher_.]

[Footnote 2: That is, _Anointed_.]

[Footnote 3: Gr. _Joanes_: called in Matt. 16:17, _Jonah_.]

[Footnote 4: That is, _Rock_ or _Stone_.]

[Footnote a: Notice here a series of First Things; first testimony of John, first disciples, first miracle, first residence at Capernaum, first passover during his ministry, first extended discourse.]

[Footnote b: Notice that these first disciples at once believed that Jesus was the Messiah (ver. 41, 45, 49). Compare the confession of Jesus (Sect. 35) to the Woman at Jacob's well and the confessions of Peter in Matt. 14:33; John 6:69; Matt. 16:16 (Sects. 74, 76, 82).]

[Footnote c: _Cf._ the close of the temptation in the wilderness and the experience in the Garden of Gethsemane.]

Sect. 29. JESUS WORKS HIS FIRST MIRACLE

At Cana in Galilee

John 2:1-11

1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and 2 the mother of Jesus was there: and Jesus also was bidden, and his 3 disciples, to the marriage. And when the wine failed, the mother 4 of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. And Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet 5 come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto 6 you, do it. Now there were six waterpots of stone set there after the Jews' manner of purifying, containing two or three firkins 7 apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And 8 they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the [1]ruler of the feast. And they bare it. 9 And when the ruler of the feast tasted the water [2]now become wine, and knew not whence it was (but the servants which had drawn the water knew), the ruler of the feast calleth the bridegroom, 10 and saith unto him, Every man setteth on first the good wine; and when _men_ have drunk freely, _then_ that which is worse: thou 11 hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of his signs did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

[Footnote 1: Or, _steward_.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _that it had become_.]

Sect. 30. JESUS MAKES A FIRST SOJOURN AT CAPERNAUM, ACCOMPANIED BY HIS KINDRED AND HIS EARLY DISCIPLES

(Later Capernaum will become his home)

John 2:12

12 After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and _his_ brethren, and his disciples: and there they abode not many days.

Sect. 31. THE FIRST[a] CLEANSING OF THE TEMPLE AT THE PASSOVER

Jerusalem.[b] Probably A.D. 27

John 2:13-22

13 And the passover[c] of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to 14 Jerusalem. And he found in the temple those that sold oxen and 15 sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: and he made a scourge of cords, and cast all out of the temple, both the sheep and the oxen; and he poured out the changers' money, and overthrew 16 their tables; and to them that sold the doves he said, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house a house of merchandise. 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine 18 house shall eat me up [_see Ps. 69:9_]. The Jews therefore answered and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing 19 thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, 20 Destroy this [1]temple, and in three days I will raise it up. The Jews therefore said, Forty and six years was this [1]temple in 21 building, and wilt thou raise it up in three days? But he spake of 22 the [1]temple of his body. When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he spake this; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

[Footnote 1: Or, _sanctuary_.]

[Footnote a: Many scholars consider this the same incident as that in the Synoptic Gospels and placed by them in Passion Week (Sect. 129) probably on Monday. It is urged that Jesus would not have repeated such an act and hence one must follow either the order of John or of the Synoptics. But there is no inherent difficulty in the repetition of such an act when one reflects on the natural indignation of Jesus at the desecration of the temple on his visit during his ministry and considers that Jesus may have wished to make one last protest at the close of his ministry. Certainty, of course, is not possible in such an argument one way or the other.]

[Footnote b: Observe the successive _scenes_ of this early ministry--beside the Jordan, on the eastern side, at Cana of Galilee, at Capernaum, at Jerusalem, in Judea, in Samaria.]

[Footnote c: This is the first of the passovers in John's Gospel (2:13; 6:4; 13:1). There may have been another.]

Sect. 32. THE INTERVIEW OF NICODEMUS WITH JESUS

At Jerusalem during the Passover

John 2:23 to 3:21

23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, during the feast, 24 many believed on his name, beholding his signs which he did. But 25 Jesus did not trust himself unto them, for that he knew all men, and because he needed not that any one should bear witness concerning [1]man; for he himself knew what was in man. 1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus,[a] a ruler 2 of the Jews: the same came unto him by night, and said to him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man 3 can do these signs that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born [2]anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter a second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of 6 God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is 7 born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye 8 must be born [2]anew. [3]The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the voice thereof, but knowest not whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. 9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? 10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou the teacher of Israel, 11 and understandest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and bear witness of that we have 12 seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you 13 heavenly things? And no man hath ascended into heaven, but he that descended out of heaven, _even_ the Son of man, [4]which is in 14 heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness [_see 15 Num. 21:8-9_], even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever [5]believeth may in him have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have 17 eternal life. For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the 18 world; but that the world should be saved through him. He that believeth on him is not judged: he that believeth not has been judged already, because he hath not believed on the name of the 19 only begotten Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the 20 light; for their works were evil. For every one that [6]doeth ill hateth the light, and cometh not to the light, lest his works 21 should be [7]reproved. But he that doeth the truth cometh to the light, that his works may be made manifest, [8]that they have been wrought in God.

[Footnote 1: Or, _a man; for ... the man_.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _from above_.]

[Footnote 3: Or, _The Spirit breatheth_.]

[Footnote 4: Many ancient authorities omit _which is in heaven_.]

[Footnote 5: Or, _believeth in him may have_.]

[Footnote 6: Or, _practiseth_.]

[Footnote 7: Or, _convicted_.]

[Footnote 8: Or, _because_.]

[Footnote a: Nicodemus appears as an exception to the statement of 2:24, as one whom Jesus did trust, and who amid all difficulties of temperament and station proved not unworthy of the trust.]

Sect. 33. THE PARALLEL MINISTRY OF JESUS AND JOHN WITH JOHN'S LOYALTY TO JESUS[a]

John 3:22-36

22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of 23 Judea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there [1]was much 24 water there: and they came, and were baptized. For John was not 25 yet cast into prison. There arose therefore a questioning on the 26 part of John's disciples with a Jew about purifying. And they came unto John, and said to him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou hast borne witness, behold, the same 27 baptizeth, and all men come to him. John answered and said, A man 28 can receive nothing, except it have been given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but, 29 that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: 30 this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease. 31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is of the earth, and of the earth he speaketh: [2]he that cometh 32 from heaven is above all. What he hath seen and heard, of that he 33 beareth witness; and no man receiveth his witness. He that hath received his witness hath set his seal to _this_, that God is 34 true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for he 35 giveth not the Spirit by measure. The Father loveth the Son, and 36 hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life; but he that [3]obeyeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him.

[Footnote 1: Gr. _were many waters_.]

[Footnote 2: Some ancient authorities read _he that cometh from heaven beareth witness of what he hath seen and heard_.]

[Footnote 3: Or, _believeth not_.]

[Footnote a: Jesus gained his first disciples from John at Bethany beyond Jordan and many in Jerusalem. Now he is surpassing John. On John's loyalty to Jesus see my _John the Loyal_.]

Sect. 34. CHRIST'S REASONS FOR LEAVING JUDEA

John 4:1-4

1 When therefore the Lord knew how that the Pharisees had heard 2 that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 3 (although Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples), he left 4 Judea, and departed again into Galilee. And he must needs pass through Samaria.

Luke 3:19, 20

19 But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother's wife, and for all the evil things which Herod had done, 20 added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.[a]

[Footnote a: The place of John's imprisonment was Machaerus, east of the Dead Sea. See Josephus. _War_, Ch. VII, vi. In _Antiquities_, Ch. XVIII, v, 2 Josephus gives the public and political reason for John's imprisonment because of Herod's fear of a revolution. He "feared lest the great influences John had over the people might put it into his power and inclination to raise a rebellion."]

Sect. 35. JESUS IN SAMARIA.[a]

At Jacob's Well and in Sychar

John 4:5-42

5 So he cometh to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near to the 6 parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph: and Jacob's [1]well was there [_see Josh. 24:32_]. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat [2]thus by the [1]well. It was about 7 the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: 8 Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. For his disciples were 9 gone away into the city to buy food. The Samaritan woman therefore saith unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a Samaritan woman? ([3]For Jews have no dealings with 10 Samaritans.) Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee 11 living water. The woman saith unto him, [4]Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou 12 that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his sons, and his 13 cattle? Jesus answered and said unto her, Every one that drinketh 14 of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up 15 unto eternal life. The woman saith unto him, [4]Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come all the way hither to draw. 16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. The 17 woman answered and said unto him, I have no husband. Jesus saith 18 unto her, Thou saidst well, I have no husband: for thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: this 19 hast thou said truly. The woman saith unto him, [4]Sir, I perceive 20 that thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to 21 worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, shall ye worship 22 the Father. Ye worship that which ye know not: we worship that 23 which we know: for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth: [5]for such doth the Father seek to be 24 his worshippers. [6]God is a Spirit: and they that worship him 25 must worship in spirit and truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messiah cometh (which is called Christ): when he is come, he 26 will declare unto us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am _he_. 27 And upon this came his disciples; and they marvelled that he was speaking with a woman; yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why 28 speakest thou with her? So the woman left her waterpot, and went 29 away into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which 30 told me all things that _ever_ I did: can this be the Christ? They 31 went out of the city, and were coming to him. In the mean while 32 the disciples prayed him, saying, Rabbi, eat. But he said to them, 33 I have meat to eat that ye know not. The disciples therefore said 34 one to another, Hath any man brought him _aught_ to eat? Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, 35 and to accomplish his work. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and _then_ cometh the harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, that they are [7]white already 36 unto harvest. He that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal; that he that soweth and he that reapeth may 37 rejoice together. For herein is the saying true, One soweth, and 38 another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye have not laboured: others have laboured, and ye are entered into their labour. 39 And from that city many of the Samaritans believed on him [a]because of the word of the woman, who testified, He told me all 40 things that _ever_ I did. So when the Samaritans came unto him, they besought him to abide with them: and he abode there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his word; and they said to the 42 woman, Now we believe, not because of thy speaking: for we have heard for ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Saviour of the world.[b]

[Footnote 1: Gr. _spring_: and so in ver. 14; but not in ver. 11, 12.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _as he was_.]

[Footnote 3: Some ancient authorities omit _For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans._]

[Footnote 4: Or, _Lord_.]

[Footnote 5: Or, _for such the Father also seeketh_.]

[Footnote 6: Or, _God is spirit_.]

[Footnote 7: Or, _white unto harvest. Already he that reapeth &c._]

[Footnote a: Notice that John also had recently been preaching to Samaritans (Sect. 33) and compare hereafter Philip's work in the city of Samaria (Acts 8:5 ff.)]

[Footnote b: In this early ministry Jesus allowed himself to be regarded as the Messiah by his first disciples (Sect. 28), and personally declared that he was the Messiah to the woman at the well (Sect. 35) (John 4:26), which many other Samaritans also personally believed (John 4:39, 42). He never declared this to the Jewish rulers at Jerusalem till the very end (Sect. 155), doubtless because such an avowal would lead them to kill him, and so must not be made till his work in teaching the people and training his disciples should be completed. Compare what he says later to Peter in Matt. 16:17-20 (Sect. 82). At the baptism and the temptation of Jesus it was clear that Jesus knew that he was the Son of God, the Messiah, and was so regarded by the Baptist. Events in Judea and Galilee change the early policy of Jesus and lead to silence on his part in the use of the word Messiah, though many of the people know that he makes Messianic claims and the rulers in Jerusalem come to suspect him and to fear him. See my volume on _The Pharisees and Jesus_.]

Sect. 36. THE ARRIVAL OF JESUS IN GALILEE

John 4:43-45

43 And after the two days he went forth from thence into Galilee. 44 For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his 45 own country [_see Luke 4:24; Mark 6:4; Matt. 13:57_]. So when he came into Galilee, the Galileans received him, having seen all the things that he did in Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.

## PART VII

THE GREAT GALILEAN MINISTRY

Probably[a] Autumn of A.D. 27 to Spring of 29

(Apparently about a year and a half)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sect. 37. GENERAL ACCOUNT OF HIS TEACHING IN GALILEE

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

Sect. 38. THE HEALING AT CANA OF THE SON OF A COURTIER OF CAPERNAUM

John 4:46-54

46 He came therefore again unto Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain [1]nobleman, whose son was 47 sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought _him_ that he would come down, and heal his son; for he was at the point of death. 48 Jesus therefore said unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye 49 will in no wise believe. The [1]nobleman saith unto him. [2]Sir, 50 come down ere my child die. Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. The man believed the word that Jesus spake unto him, 51 and he went his way. And as he was now going down, his [3]servants 52 met him, saying, that his son lived. So he inquired of them the hour when he began to amend. They said therefore unto him, 53 Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. So the father knew that _it was_ at that hour in which Jesus said unto him, Thy 54 son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house. This is again the second sign that Jesus did, having come out of Judea into Galilee.

[Footnote 1: Or, _king's officer_.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _Lord_.]

[Footnote 3: Gr. _bondservants_.]

Sect. 39. THE FIRST REJECTION AT NAZARETH

Luke 4:16-31

16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and he entered, as his custom was, into the synagogue on the sabbath day, 17 and stood up to read. And there was delivered unto him [1]the book of the prophet Isaiah. And he opened the [2]book, and found the place where it was written, 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, [3]Because he anointed me to preach [4]good tidings to the poor: He hath sent me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovering of sight to the blind, To set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord [_see Isa. 58:6; 61:1-2_]. 20 And he closed the [2]book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down: and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on 21 him. And he began to say unto them, To-day hath this scripture 22 been fulfilled in your ears. And all bare him witness, and wondered at the words of grace which proceeded out of his mouth: 23 and they said, Is not this Joseph's son? And he said unto them, Doubtless ye will say unto me this parable, Physician, heal thyself [_see John 6:42; 7:15_]: whatsoever we have heard done at 24 Capernaum, do also here in thine own country. And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is acceptable in his own country [_see 25 John 4:44_]. But of a truth I say unto you, There were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when there came a great famine over all the 26 land [_see 1 Kings 17:1; 18:1-2_]; and unto none of them was Elijah sent, but only to [5]Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, unto 27 a woman that was a widow [_see 1 Kings 17:8-9_]. And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian [_see 2 Kings 28 5:1-14_]. And they were all filled with wrath in the synagogue, as 29 they heard these things; and they rose up, and cast him forth out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their 30 city was built, that they might throw him down headlong. But he 31 passing through the midst of them went his way. And he came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee.

[Footnote 1: Or, _a roll_.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _roll_.]

[Footnote 3: Or, _Wherefore_.]

[Footnote 4: Or, _the gospel_.]

[Footnote 5: Gr. _Sarepta_.]

Sect. 40. THE NEW HOME IN CAPERNAUM

Matt. 4:13-16

13 And leaving Nazareth,[a] he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is 14 by the sea, in the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken [1]by Isaiah the prophet [_see Isa. 8:23; 9:1-2_], saying, 15 The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, [2]Toward the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the [3]Gentiles, 16 The people which sat in darkness Saw a great light, And to them which sat in the region and shadow of death, To them did light spring up.

[Footnote 1: Or, _through_.]

[Footnote 2: Gr. _The way of the sea_.]

[Footnote 3: Gr. _nations_: and so elsewhere.]

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

Sect. 41. JESUS FINDS FOUR FISHERS OF MEN IN FOUR FISHERMEN[a]

By the Sea of Galilee, near Capernaum

[Footnote 1: Or, _Jacob_: and so elsewhere.]

[Footnote 2: Gr. _take alive_.]

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

Sect. 42. THE EXCITEMENT IN THE SYNAGOGUE BECAUSE OF THE TEACHING OF JESUS AND THE HEALING OF A DEMONIAC ON THE SABBATH

Mark 1:21-28 |Luke 4:31-37 | 21 And they go into Capernaum; |31 [And he came down to Capernaum, and straightway on the sabbath| a city of Galilee.] And he was day he entered into the | teaching them on the sabbath 22 synagogue and taught. And they|32 day: and they were astonished at were astonished at his | his teaching; for his word was teaching: for he taught them |33 with authority. And in the as having authority, and not | synagogue there was a man, which 23 as the scribes. And | had a spirit of an unclean straightway there was in their| [3]devil; and he cried out with synagogue a man with an |34 a loud voice, [4]Ah! what have 24 unclean spirit; and he cried | we to do with thee, thou Jesus out, saying, What have we to | of Nazareth? art thou come to do with thee, thou Jesus of | destroy us? I know thee who thou Nazareth? art thou come to | art [_see Ps. 16:10_], the Holy destroy us? I know thee who | One of God. thou art, the Holy One of God.|35 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, 25 And Jesus rebuked [1]him, | Hold thy peace, and come out of saying, Hold thy peace, and | him. And when the [3]devil had 26 come out of him. And the | thrown him down in the midst, he unclean spirit, [2]tearing him| came out of him, having done him and crying with a loud voice, |36 no hurt. And amazement came upon 27 came out of him. And they were| all, and they spake together, all amazed, insomuch that they| one with another, saying, What questioned among themselves, | is [5]this word? for with saying, What is this? a new | authority and power he teaching! with authority he | commandeth the unclean spirits, commandeth even the unclean |37 and they come out. And there spirits, and they obey him. | went forth a rumour concerning 28 And the report of him went out| him into every place of the straightway everywhere into | region round about. all the region of Galilee | round about. |

[Footnote 1: Or, _it_.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _convulsing_.]

[Footnote 3: Gr. _demon_.]

[Footnote 4: Or, _Let alone_.]

[Footnote 5: Or, _this word, that with authority ... come out?_]

Sect. 43. HE HEALS PETER'S MOTHER-IN-LAW AND MANY OTHERS

At Capernaum, in Peter's Home

[Footnote 1: Or, _demoniacs_.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _through_.]

[Footnote 3: Some ancient authorities read _when he was come out of the synagogue, he came &c._]

[Footnote 4: Gr. _demons_.]

[Footnote 5: Many ancient authorities add _to be Christ_. See Luke 4:41.]

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

Sect. 44. THE FIRST TOUR OF GALILEE WITH THE FOUR FISHERMEN

[Footnote 1: Some ancient authorities read _he_.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _good tidings_: and so elsewhere.]

[Footnote 3: Or, _demoniacs_.]

[Footnote 4: Gr. _demons_.]

[Footnote 5: Or, _gospel_.]

[Footnote 6: Very many ancient authorities read _Judea_.]

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

Sect. 45. A LEPER HEALED, AND MUCH POPULAR EXCITEMENT

[Footnote 1: Some ancient authorities omit _and kneeling down to him_.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _sternly_.]

[Footnote 3: Gr. _word_.]

[Footnote 4: Gr. _he_.]

[Footnote 5: Or, _the city_.]

Sect. 46. THRONGED IN CAPERNAUM, HE HEALS A PARALYTIC LOWERED THROUGH THE ROOF OF PETER'S HOUSE

[Footnote 1: Gr. _Child_.]

[Footnote 2: Many ancient authorities read _seeing_.]

[Footnote 3: Or, _authority_.]

[Footnote 4: Or, _at home_.]

[Footnote 5: Many ancient authorities read _bring him unto him_.]

[Footnote 6: Gr. _that he should heal_. Many ancient authorities read _that_ he _should heal them_.]

[Footnote 7: Or, _Why_.]

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

Sect. 47. THE CALL OF MATTHEW (LEVI) AND HIS RECEPTION IN HONOR OF JESUS

Capernaum

[Footnote 1: Gr. _reclined_: and so always.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _Teacher_.]

[Footnote 3: Gr. _strong_.]

[Footnote 4: That is, _collectors or renters of Roman taxes_: and so elsewhere.]

[Footnote 5: Some ancient authorities read _and the Pharisees_.]

[Footnote 6: Or, How is it _that he eateth ... sinners?_]

[Footnote 7: Some ancient authorities omit _and drinketh_.]

[Footnote 8: Or, _the Pharisees and the scribes among them_.]

[Footnote a: Hos. 6:6.]

Sect. 48. JESUS IN THREE PARABLES DEFENDS HIS DISCIPLES FOR FEASTING[a] INSTEAD OF FASTING

[Footnote 1: Some ancient authorities omit _oft_.]

[Footnote 2: That is, _skins used as bottles_.]

[Footnote 3: Many ancient authorities read _better_.]

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

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

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

Sect. 49. AT A FEAST IN JERUSALEM (POSSIBLY THE PASSOVER) JESUS HEALS A LAME MAN ON THE SABBATH AND DEFENDS THIS ACTION TO THE PHARISEES IN A GREAT DISCOURSE

John 5:1-47

1 After these things there was [1]a feast[a] of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.[b] 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep _gate_ a pool, which is 3 called in Hebrew [2]Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a 5 multitude of them that were sick, blind, halt, withered[3]. And a certain man was there, which had been thirty and eight years in 6 his infirmity. When Jesus saw him lying, and knew that he had been now a long time _in that case_, he saith unto him, Wouldst thou be 7 made whole? The sick man answered him, [4]Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am 8 coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, 9 Arise, take up thy bed, and walk. And straightway the man was made whole, and took up his bed and walked. 10 Now it was the sabbath on that day. So the Jews said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath, and it is not lawful for thee to 11 take up thy bed [_see Ex. 20:10; Deut. 5:14_]. But he answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy 12 bed, and walk. They asked him, Who is the man that said unto thee, 13 Take up _thy bed_, and walk? But he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in 14 the place. Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse 15 thing befall thee. The man went away, and told the Jews that it 16 was Jesus which had made him whole. And for this cause did the Jews persecute Jesus, because he did these things on the sabbath. 17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh even until now, and I 18 work. For this cause therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only brake the sabbath, but also called God his own Father, making himself equal with God. 19 Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father doing: for what things soever 20 he doeth, these the Son also doeth in like manner. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and 21 greater works than these will he shew him, that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth the dead and quickeneth them, even so the 22 Son also quickeneth whom he will. For neither doth the Father 23 judge any man, but he hath given all judgement unto the Son; that all may honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which sent him. 24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth him that sent me, hath eternal life, and cometh not into 25 judgement, but hath passed out of death into life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour cometh, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God; and they that hear shall live. 26 For as the Father hath life in himself, even so gave he to the Son 27 also to have life in himself: and he gave him authority to execute 28 judgement, because he is [5]the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour cometh, in which all that are in the tombs shall hear 29 his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have [6]done ill, unto the resurrection of judgement. 30 I can of myself do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgement is righteous; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of 31 him that sent me. If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not 32 true. It is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that 33 the witness which he witnesseth of me is true. Ye have sent unto 34 John, and he hath borne witness unto the truth. But the witness which I receive is not from man: howbeit I say these things, that 35 ye may be saved. He was the lamp that burneth and shineth: and ye 36 were willing to rejoice for a season in his light. But the witness which I have is greater than _that of_ John: for the works which the Father hath given me to accomplish, the very works that I do, 37 bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. And the Father which sent me, he hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard 38 his voice at any time, nor seen his form. And ye have not his word 39 abiding in you: for whom he sent, him ye believe not. [7]Ye search the scriptures, because ye think that in them ye have eternal 40 life; and these are they which bear witness of me; and ye will not 41 come to me, that ye may have life. I receive not glory from men. 42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in yourselves. I 43 am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another 44 shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How can ye believe, which receive glory one of another, and the glory that 45 _cometh_ from [8]the only God ye seek not? Think not that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, _even_ 46 Moses, on whom ye have set your hope. For if ye believed Moses, ye 47 would believe me; for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?[c]

[Footnote 1: Many ancient authorities read _the feast_.]

[Footnote 2: Some ancient authorities read _Bethsaida_, others _Bethzatha_.]

[Footnote 3: Many ancient authorities insert, wholly or in part, _waiting for the moving of the water: 4 for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole, with whatsoever disease he was holden._]

[Footnote 4: Or, _Lord_.]

[Footnote 5: Or, _a son of man_.]

[Footnote 6: Or, _practised_.]

[Footnote 7: Or, _Search the scriptures_.]

[Footnote 8: Some ancient authorities read _the only one_.]

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

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

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

Sect. 50. ANOTHER SABBATH CONTROVERSY WITH THE PHARISEES WHEN THE DISCIPLES PLUCK EARS OF GRAIN IN THE FIELDS

Probably in Galilee on the Way Back from Jerusalem[a]

[Footnote 1: Some ancient authorities read _they did eat_.]

[Footnote 2: Gr. _a greater thing_.]

[Footnote 3: Gr. _began to make_ their _way plucking_.]

[Footnote 4: Some ancient authorities read _in the days of Abiathar the high priest_.]

[Footnote 5: Many ancient authorities insert _second-first_.]

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

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

Sect. 51. A THIRD[a] SABBATH CONTROVERSY WITH THE PHARISEES OVER THE HEALING OF A MAN WITH A WITHERED HAND IN A SYNAGOGUE

In Galilee

[Footnote 1: Gr. _Arise into the midst_.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _foolishness_.]

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

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

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

Sect. 52. JESUS TEACHES AND HEALS GREAT MULTITUDES BY THE SEA OF GALILEE

[Footnote 1: Or, _through_.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _all the things that he did_.]

[Footnote 3: Gr. _scourges_.]

[Footnote 4: Gr. _fell_.]

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

[Footnote b: Isaiah 42:1-4.]

Sect. 53. AFTER A NIGHT OF PRAYER, JESUS SELECTS TWELVE APOSTLES

Mark 3:13-19 |Luke 6:12-16 | 13 And he goeth up into the |12 And it came to pass in these mountain, and calleth unto him | days, that he went out into the whom he himself would: and they| mountain to pray; and he 14 went unto him. And he appointed| continued all night in prayer twelve[1], that they might be |13 to God. And when it was day, with him, and that he might | he called his disciples: and he 15 send them forth to preach, and | chose from them twelve, whom to have authority to cast out | also he names apostles;[a] 16 [2]devils; [3]and Simon he |14 Simon, whom he also named 17 surnamed Peter; and James the | Peter, and Andrew his brother, _son_ of Zebedee, and John the | and James and John, and Philip brother of James; and them he | and Bartholomew, surnamed Boanerges, which is, | 18 Sons of thunder: and Andrew, | and Philip, and Bartholomew, |15 and Matthew and Matthew, and Thomas, and | and Thomas, and James _the son_ James the _son_ of Alphaeus, | of Alphaeus, and Simon which was and Thaddaeus, and Simon the |16 called the Zealot, and Judas, 19 [4]Cananaean, and Judas | _the [5]son_ of James, and Iscariot, which also betrayed | Judas Iscariot, which was the him. | traitor.

[Footnote 1: Some ancient authorities add _whom also he named apostles_. See Luke 6:13.]

[Footnote 2: Gr. _demons_.]

[Footnote 3: Some ancient authorities insert _and he appointed twelve_.]

[Footnote 4: Or, _Zealot_. See Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13.]

[Footnote 5: Or, brother. See Jude 1.]

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

Sect. 54. THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT. PRIVILEGES AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MESSIANIC REIGN. CHRIST'S STANDARD OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

_Matthew, chapters 5-7. Luke 6:17-49._[a]

A level place on a mountain, not far from Capernaum

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

_The Place and the Audience_

_1. The Introduction: The Beatitudes and the Woes. Privileges of the Messiah's Subjects_

Matt. 5:3-12 |Luke 6:20-26 | 3 Blessed are the poor in |20 And he lifted up his eyes on spirit: for theirs is the | his disciples, and said, 4 kingdom of heaven. [1]Blessed | Blessed _are_ ye poor: for are they that mourn [_see Isa. | yours is the kingdom of God. 61:3_]: for they shall be |21 Blessed _are_ ye that hunger 5 comforted. Blessed are the | now: for ye shall be filled. meek: for they shall inherit | Blessed _are_ ye that weep now: the earth [_see Ps. 37:11_]. |22 for ye shall laugh. Blessed are 6 Blessed are they that hunger | ye, when men shall hate you, and thirst after righteousness:| and when they shall separate for they shall be filled [_see | you _from their company_, and 7 Ps. 55_]. Blessed are the | reproach you, and cast out your merciful: for they shall obtain| name as evil, for the Son of mercy [_see Ps. 18:25; Prov. |23 man's sake. Rejoice in that 8 11:17_]. Blessed are the pure | day, and leap _for joy_: for in heart: for they shall see | behold, your reward is great in 9 God [_see Ps. 24:3-5_]. Blessed| heaven: for in the same manner are the peacemakers: for they | did their fathers unto the shall be called sons of God. |24 prophets. But woe unto you that 10 Blessed are they that have been| are rich! for ye have received persecuted for righteousness' |25 your consolation. Woe unto you, sake: for theirs is the kingdom| ye that are full now! for ye 11 of heaven. Blessed are ye when | shall hunger. Woe _unto you_, _men_ shall reproach you, and | ye that laugh now! for ye shall persecute you, and say all |26 mourn and weep. Woe _unto you_, manner of evil against you | when all men shall speak well 12 falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, | of you! for in the same manner and be exceeding glad: for | did their fathers to the false great is your reward in heaven:| prophets. for so persecuted they the | prophets which were before you.|

[Footnote 1: Some ancient authorities transpose verses 4 and 5.]

_2. The Theme of the Sermon: Christ's Standard of Righteousness in Contrast with that of the Scribes and Pharisees_

Matt. 5:13-20

13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men [_see 14 Mark 9:50; Jesus often repeated his sayings_]. Ye are the light of 15 the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do _men_ light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house [_see Mark 4:21; Luke 16 8:16_]. Even so let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. 17 Think not that I came to destroy the law or the prophets: I came 18 not to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise 19 pass away from the law, till all things be accomplished. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, he shall be called great in the 20 kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed _the righteousness_ of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.

_3. Christ's Ethical Teaching Superior to that of the Scribes (both the Old Testament and the Oral Law) in Six Items or Illustrations (Murder, Adultery, Divorce, Oaths, Retaliation, Love of Enemies)_

Matt. 5:21-48

21 Ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the 22 judgement [_see Ex. 20:13; Deut. 5:17_]: but I say unto you, that every one who is angry with his brother[1] shall be in danger of the judgement; and whosoever shall say to his brother, [2]Raca, shall be in danger of the council; and whosoever shall say, [3]Thou 23 fool, shall be in danger [4]of the [5]hell of fire. If therefore thou art offering thy gift at the altar, and there rememberest 24 that thy brother hath aught against thee, leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way, first be reconciled to thy 25 brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art with him in the way; lest haply the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge [6]deliver 26 thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou have paid the last farthing. 27 Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt not commit adultery 28 [_see Ex. 20:14; Deut. 5:18_]: but I say unto you, that every one that looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery 29 with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye causeth thee to stumble, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not 30 thy whole body be cast into [7]hell. And if thy right hand causeth thee to stumble, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not 31 thy whole body go into [7]hell. It was said also, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement [_see 32 Deut. 24:1_]: but I say unto you, that every one that putteth away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, maketh her an adulteress: and whosoever shall marry her when she is put away committeth adultery.[a] 33 Again, ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths [_see Lev. 19:12; Num. 30:2; Ex. 20:7; Deut. 5:11; 23:21_]: 34 but I say unto you, Swear not at all [_see Matt. 26:63-64_]; 35 neither by the heaven, for it is the throne of God; nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor [8]by Jerusalem, 36 for it is the city of the great King [_see Isa. 66:1_]. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, for thou canst not make one hair 37 white or black [_see Ps. 48:2_]. [9]But let your speech be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: and whatsoever is more than these is of [10]the evil _one_. 38 Ye have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth 39 for a tooth [_see Ex. 21:24; Lev. 24:20; Deut. 19:21_]: but I say unto you, Resist not [11]him that is evil: but whosoever smiteth thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also [_see John 40 18:23_]. And if any man would go to law with thee, and take away 41 the coat, let him have thy cloke also. And whosoever shall 42 [12]compel thee to go one mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. 43 Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour [_see Lev. 19:18; Deut. 23:6; 25:19_], and hate thine enemy:

|Luke 6:27-30, 32-36 | 44 but I say unto you [_see Luke |27 But I say unto you which hear, 23:34_], Love your enemies, and| Love your enemies, do good to pray for them that persecute |28 them that hate you, bless them 45 you; that ye may be sons of | that curse you, pray for them your Father which is in heaven:|29 that despitefully use you. To for he maketh his sun to rise | him that smiteth thee on the on the evil and the good, and | _one_ cheek offer also the sendeth rain on the just and | other; and from him that taketh the unjust. | away thy cloke withhold not thy |30 coat also. Give to every one | that asketh thee; and of him | that taketh away thy goods ask 46 For if ye love them|32 them not again. And if ye love that love you, what reward have| them that love you, what thank ye? do not even the | have ye? for even sinners love 47 [13]publicans the same? And if |33 those that love them. And if ye ye salute your brethren only, | do good to them that do good to what do ye more _than others_? | you, what thank have ye? for do not even the Gentiles the |34 even sinners do the same. And 48 same? Ye therefore shall be | if ye lend to them of whom ye perfect, as your heavenly | hope to receive, what thank Father is perfect. | have ye? even sinners lend to | sinners, to receive again as |35 much. But love your enemies, | and do _them_ good, and lend, | [14]never despairing; and your | reward shall be great, and ye | shall be sons of the Most High: | for he is kind toward the |36 unthankful and evil. Be ye | merciful, even as your Father | is merciful.

[Footnote 1: Many ancient authorities insert _without cause_.]

[Footnote 2: An expression of contempt.]

[Footnote 3: Or, _Moreh_, a Hebrew expression of condemnation.]

[Footnote 4: Gr. _unto_ or _into_.]

[Footnote 5: Gr. _Gehenna of fire_.]

[Footnote 6: Some ancient authorities omit _deliver thee_.]

[Footnote 7: Gr. _Gehenna_.]

[Footnote 8: Or, _toward_.]

[Footnote 9: Some ancient authorities read _But your speech shall be_.]

[Footnote 10: Or, _evil_: as in ver. 39; 6:13.]

[Footnote 11: Or, _evil_.]

[Footnote 12: Gr. _impress_.]

[Footnote 13: That is, _collectors or renters of Roman taxes_: and so elsewhere.]

[Footnote 14: Some ancient authorities read _despairing of no man_.]

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

_4. The Practice of Real Righteousness unlike the Ostentatious Hypocrisy of the Pharisees, as in Almsgiving, Prayer, Fasting_

Matt. 6:1-18

1 Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men, to be seen of them: else ye have no reward with your Father which is in heaven. 2 When therefore thou doest alms, sound not a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have 3 received their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left 4 hand know what thy right hand doeth: that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret shall recompense thee. 5 And when ye pray, ye shall not be as the hypocrites: for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They 6 have received their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thine inner chamber, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret, and thy Father which seeth in secret 7 shall recompense thee. And in praying use not vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do: for they think that they shall be heard for their 8 much speaking. Be not therefore like unto them: for [1]your Father 9 knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed 10 by thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so 11 on earth. Give us this day [2]our daily bread. And forgive us our 12 debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And bring us not into 13 temptation, but deliver us from [3]the evil _one_.[4] For if ye 14 forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also 15 forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. 16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen of men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have received their 17 reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy 18 face; that thou be not seen of men to fast, but of thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall recompense thee.

[Footnote 1: Some ancient authorities read _God your Father_.]

[Footnote 2: Gr. _our bread for the coming day_.]

[Footnote 3: Or, _evil_.]

[Footnote 4: Many authorities, some ancient, but with variations, add _For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen._]

_5. Single-hearted Devotion to God, as Opposed to Worldly Aims and Anxieties_

Matt. 6:19-34

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust doth consume, and where thieves [1]break through and 20 steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not [1]break 21 through nor steal: for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart 22 be also. The lamp of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be 23 single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the 24 light that is in thee be darkness, how great is the darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the 25 other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the 26 life more than the food, and the body than the raiment? Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are 27 not ye of much more value than they? And which of you by being 28 anxious can add one cubit unto his [2]stature? And why are ye anxious concerning raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how 29 they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one 30 of these. But if God doth so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, _shall he_ not 31 much more _clothe_ you, O ye of little faith? Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, 32 Wherewithal shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need 33 of all these things. But seek ye first his kingdom, and his 34 righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

[Footnote 1: Gr. _dig through_.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _age_.]

_6. Captious Criticism, or Judging Others_

Matt. 7:1-6 |Luke 6:37-42 | 1 Judge not, that ye be not |37 And judge not, and ye shall not 2 judged. For with what judgement| be judged: and condemn not, and ye judge, ye shall be judged: | ye shall not be condemned: and with what measure ye mete, | release, and ye shall be it shall be measured unto you. |38 released: give, and it shall be | given unto you; good measure, | pressed down, shaken together, | running over, shall they give | into your bosom. For with what | measure ye mete it shall be | measured to you again. |39 And he spake also a parable | unto them, Can the blind guide | the blind? shall they not both |40 fall into a pit? The disciple | is not above his [1]master: but | every one when he is perfected |41 shall be as his [1]master. And 3 And why beholdest thou the | why beholdest thou the mote mote that is in thy brother's | that is in thy brother's eye, eye, but considerest not the | but considerest not the beam beam that is in thine own eye? |42 that is in thine own eye? Or 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy | how canst thou say to thy brother, Let me cast out the | brother, Brother, let me cast mote out of thine eye; and lo, | out the mote that is in thine the beam is in thine own eye? | eye, when thou thyself 5 Thou hypocrite, cast out first | beholdest not the beam that is the beam out of thine own eye; | in thine own eye? Thou and then shalt thou see clearly| hypocrite, cast out first the to cast out the mote out of thy| beam out of thine own eye, and brother's eye. | then shalt thou see clearly to 6 Give not that which is holy | cast out the mote that is in unto the dogs, neither cast | thy brother's eye. your pearls before the swine, | lest haply they trample them | under their feet, and turn and | rend you. |

[Footnote 1: Or, _teacher_.]

_7. Prayer, and the Golden Rule_

Matt. 7:7-12

7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, 8 and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh 9 it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, who, if his son 10 shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone; or if he shall 11 ask for a fish, will give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven | give good things to them that | 12 ask him? All things therefore |Luke 6:31 whatsoever ye would that men | should do unto you, even so do |31 And as ye would that men ye also unto them: for this is | should do to you, do ye also to the law and the prophets. | them likewise.

_8. The Conclusion of the Sermon. The Lesson of Personal Righteousness Driven Home by Powerful Parables_

Matt. 7:13 to 8:1

13 Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide [1]is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many be they 14 that enter in thereby. [2]For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few be they that find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, 16 but inwardly are ravening wolves. By their fruits ye shall know 17 them. Do _men_ gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth | forth good fruit: but the |Luke 6:43-49 corrupt tree bringeth forth | 18 evil fruit. A good tree cannot |43 For there is no good tree that bring forth evil fruit, neither| bringeth forth corrupt fruit; can a corrupt tree bring forth | nor again a corrupt tree that 19 good fruit. Every tree that |44 bringeth forth good fruit. For bringeth not forth good fruit | each tree is known by its own is hewn down, and cast into the| fruit. For of thorns men do not 20 fire. Therefore by their fruits| gather figs, nor of a bramble 21 ye shall know them. Not every |45 bush gather they grapes. The one that saith unto me, Lord, | good man out of the good Lord, shall enter the kingdom | treasure of his heart bringeth of heaven; but he that doeth | forth that which is good; and the will of my Father which is | the evil _man_ out of the evil 22 in heaven. Many will say to me | _treasure_ bringeth forth that in that day, Lord, Lord, did we| which is evil: for out of the not prophesy by thy name, and | abundance of the heart his mouth by thy name cast out [3]devils,| speaketh. and by thy name do many |46 And why call ye me, Lord, 23 [4]mighty works? And then will | Lord, and do not the things I profess unto them, I never | which I say? knew you: depart from me, ye | 24 that work iniquity. Every one |47 Every one that cometh unto me, therefore which heareth these | and heareth my words, and doeth words of mine, and doeth them, | them, I will shew you to whom shall be likened unto a wise |48 he is like: he is like a man man, which built his house upon| building a house, who digged 25 the rock: and the rain | and went deep, and laid a descended, and the floods came,| foundation upon a rock: and and the winds blew, and beat | when a flood arose, the stream upon that house; and it fell | brake against that house, and not: for it was founded upon | could not shake it: [5]because 26 the rock. And every one that |49 it had been well builded. But heareth these words of mine, | he that heareth, and doeth not, and doeth them not, shall be | is like a man that built a likened unto a foolish man, | house upon the earth without a which built his house upon the | foundation; against which the 27 sand: and the rain descended, | stream brake, and straightway and the floods came, and the | it fell in; and the ruin of winds blew, and smote upon that| that house was great. house; and it fell: and great | was the fall thereof. | 28 And it came to pass, when Jesus ended these words, the multitudes 29 were astonished at his teaching: for he taught them as _one_ having authority, and not as their scribes. 1 And when he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.

[Footnote 1: Some ancient authorities omit _is the gate_.]

[Footnote 2: Many ancient authorities read _How narrow is the gate, &c._]

[Footnote 3: Gr. _demons_.]

[Footnote 4: Gr. _powers_.]

[Footnote 5: Many ancient authorities read _for it had been founded upon the rock:_ as in Matt. 7:25.]

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

[Footnote a: Here we have only Matthew and Luke, a block from the Logia of Matthew.]

Sect. 55. JESUS HEALS A CENTURION'S SERVANT AT CAPERNAUM

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

[Footnote 1: Or, _boy_.]

[Footnote 2: Gr. _sufficient_.]

[Footnote 3: Gr. _with a word_.]

[Footnote 4: Some ancient authorities insert _set_: as in Luke 7:8.]

[Footnote 5: Gr. _bondservant_.]

[Footnote 6: Many ancient authorities read _With no man in Israel have I found so great faith_.]

[Footnote 7: Gr. _recline_.]

[Footnote 8: Or, _precious to him_; or, _honourable with him_.]

Sect. 56. HE RAISES A WIDOW'S SON AT NAIN

Luke 7:11-17

11 And it came to pass [1]soon afterwards, that he went to a city called Nain; and his disciples went with him, and a great 12 multitude. Now when he drew near to the gate of the city, behold, there was carried out one that was dead, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with 13 her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said 14 unto her, Weep not. And he came nigh and touched the bier: and the bearers stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, 15 Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he 16 gave him to his mother. And fear took hold on all: and they glorified God, saying, A great prophet is arisen among us: and, 17 God hath visited his people. And this report went forth concerning him in the whole of Judea, and the region round about.

[Footnote 1: Many ancient authorities read _on the next day_.]

Sect. 57. THE MESSAGE[a] FROM THE BAPTIST AND THE EULOGY OF JESUS

Galilee

Matt. 11:2-19 |Luke 7:18-35 | 2 Now when John heard in the |18 And the disciples of John told prison[b] the works of the |19 him of all these things. And Christ, he sent by his | John calling unto him [10]two 3 disciples, and said unto him, | of his disciples sent them to Art thou he that cometh, or | the Lord, saying, Art thou he 4 look we for another? | that cometh, or look we for |20 another? And when the men were | come unto him, they said, John | the Baptist hath sent us unto | thee, saying, Art thou he that | cometh, or look we for another? |21 In that hour he cured many of | diseases and [11]plagues and | evil spirits; and on many that And Jesus | were blind he bestowed sight. answered and said unto them, Go|22 And he answered and said unto your way and tell John the | them, Go your way, and tell things which ye do hear and | John what things ye have seen 5 see: the blind receive their | and heard [_see Isa. 29:18-19; sight, and the lame walk, the | 35:5-6; 61:1_]; the blind lepers are cleansed, and the | receive their sight, the lame deaf hear, and the dead are | walk, the lepers are cleansed, raised up, and the poor have | and the deaf hear, the dead are [1]good tidings preached to | raised up, the poor have 6 them. And blessed is he, | [1]good tidings preached to whosoever shall find none |23 them. And blessed is he, occasion of stumbling in me. | whosoever shall find none | occasion of stumbling in me. 7 And as these went their way, |24 And when the messengers of Jesus began to say unto the | John were departed, he began to multitudes concerning John, | say unto the multitudes What went ye out into the | concerning John, What went ye wilderness to behold? a reed | out into the wilderness to 8 shaken with the wind? But what | behold? a reed shaken with the went ye out for to see? a man |25 wind? But what went ye out to clothed in soft _raiment_? | see? a man clothed in soft Behold, they that wear soft | raiment? Behold, they which are _raiment_ are in kings' houses.| gorgeously apparelled, and live 9 [2]But wherefore went ye out? | delicately, are in kings' to see a prophet? Yea, I say |26 courts. But what went ye out to unto you, and much more than a | see? a prophet? Yea, I say unto 10 prophet. This is he, of whom it| you, and much more than a is written, |27 prophet. This is he of whom it Behold, I send my messenger | is written, before thy face, | Behold, I send my messenger Who shall prepare thy way | before thy face, before thee. | Who shall prepare thy way 11 Verily I say unto you, Among | before thee [_see Mal. them that are born of women | 3:1_]. there hath not arisen a greater|28 I say unto you, Among them that than John the Baptist: yet he | are born of women there is none that is [3]but little in the | greater than John: yet he that kingdom of heaven is greater | is [3]but little in the kingdom 12 than he. And from the days of | of God is greater than he. John the Baptist until now the | kingdom of heaven suffereth | violence, and men of violence | take it by force [_see Luke | 13 16:17_]. For all the prophets | and the law prophesied until | 14 John. And if ye are willing to | receive [4]it, this is Elijah, | which is to come [_see Mal. | 15 4:5_]. He that hath ears [5]to | hear, let him hear. | |29 And | all the people when they heard, | and the publicans, justified | God, [12]being baptized with |30 the baptism of John. But the | Pharisees and the lawyers | rejected for themselves the | counsel of God, [13]being not |31 baptized of him. Whereunto then 16 But whereunto shall I liken | shall I liken the men of this this generation? It is like[c] | generation, and to what are unto children sitting in the |32 they like? They are like unto marketplaces, which call unto | children that sit in the 17 their fellows, and say, We | marketplace, and call one to piped unto you, and ye did not | another; which say, We piped dance; we wailed, and ye did | unto you, and ye did not dance; 18 not [6]mourn. | we wailed, and ye did not weep. For John came |33 For John the Baptist is come neither eating nor drinking, | eating no bread nor drinking and they say, He hath a | wine; and ye say, He hath a 19 [7]devil. The Son of man came |34 [7]devil. The Son of man is eating and drinking, and they | come eating and drinking; and say, Behold, a gluttonous man, | ye say, Behold, a gluttonous and a winebibber, a friend of | man, and a winebibber, a friend publicans and sinners! And |35 of publicans and sinners! And wisdom [8]is justified by her | wisdom [8]is justified of all [9]works. | her children.

[Footnote 1: Or, _the gospel_.]

[Footnote 2: Many ancient authorities read _But what went ye out to see? a prophet?_]

[Footnote 3: Gr. _lesser_.]

[Footnote 4: Or, him.]

[Footnote 5: Some ancient authorities omit _to hear_.]

[Footnote 6: Gr. _beat the breast_.]

[Footnote 7: Gr. _demon_.]

[Footnote 8: Or, _was_.]

[Footnote 9: Many ancient authorities read _children_: as in Luke 7:35.]

[Footnote 10: Gr. _certain two_.]

[Footnote 11: Gr. _scourges_.]

[Footnote 12: Or, _having been_.]

[Footnote 13: Or, _not having been_.]

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

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

[Footnote c: Parable of the Children Playing in the Market Place.]

Sect. 58. WOES UPON THE CITIES OF OPPORTUNITY. THE CLAIMS OF CHRIST AS THE TEACHER ABOUT THE FATHER.

Galilee

Matt. 11:20-30

20 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his [1]mighty 21 works were done, because they repented not. Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the [1]mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you, they would 22 have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. Howbeit I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of 23 judgement, than for you [_see Isa. 14:13-15_]. And thou, Capernaum, shalt thou be exalted unto heaven? thou shalt [2]go down unto Hades: for if the [1]mighty works had been done in Sodom which were done in thee, it would have remained until this day. 24 Howbeit I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgement, than for thee [_see Gen. 19:24_]. 25 At that season Jesus answered and said, I [3]thank thee, O Father [_see John 3:35; 17:2_], Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst 26 reveal them unto babes: yea, Father, [4]for so it was 27 well-pleasing in thy sight. All things have been delivered unto me of my Father: and no one knoweth the Son, save the Father; neither doth any know the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the 28 Son willeth to reveal _him_. Come unto me, all ye that labour and 29 are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke[a] upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye 30 shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light [_see Jer. 6:16; Sirach 51:23_].

[Footnote 1: Gr. _powers_.]

[Footnote 2: Many ancient authorities read _be brought down_.]

[Footnote 3: Or, _praise_.]

[Footnote 4: Or, _that_.]

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

Sect. 59. THE ANOINTING[a] OF CHRIST'S FEET BY A SINFUL WOMAN IN THE HOUSE OF SIMON A PHARISEE. THE PARABLE OF THE TWO DEBTORS

Galilee

Luke 7:36-50

36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he entered into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. 37 And behold, a woman which was in the city, a sinner; and when she knew that he was sitting at meat in the Pharisee's house, she 38 brought [1]an alabaster cruse of ointment, and standing behind at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and [2]kissed his feet, and 39 anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were [3]a prophet, would have perceived who and what manner of 40 woman this is which toucheth him, that she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. 41 And he saith, [4]Master, say on. A certain lender had two debtors: 42 the one owed five hundred [5]pence, and the other fifty. When they had not _wherewith_ to pay, he forgave them both. Which of them 43 therefore will love him most? Simon answered and said, He, I suppose, to whom he forgave the most. And he said unto him, Thou 44 hast rightly judged. And turning to the woman, he said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath wetted my feet with her tears, 45 and wiped them with her hair. Thou gavest me no kiss: but she, 46 since the time I came in, hath not ceased to [6]kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but she hath anointed my feet 47 with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is 48 forgiven, _the same_ loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins 49 are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say 50 [7]within themselves, Who is this that even forgiveth sins? And he said unto the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

[Footnote 1: Or, _a flask_.]

[Footnote 2: Gr. _kissed much_.]

[Footnote 3: Some ancient authorities read _the prophet_. See John 1:21, 25.]

[Footnote 4: Or, _Teacher_.]

[Footnote 5: The word in the Greek denotes a coin worth about seventeen cents.]

[Footnote 6: Gr. _kiss much_.]

[Footnote 7: Or, _among_.]

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

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

Sect. 60. THE SECOND TOUR OF GALILEE

Luke 8:1-3

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

[Footnote 1: Or, _gospel_.]

[Footnote 2: Gr. _demons_.]

[Footnote 3: Many ancient authorities read _him_.]

_Notice that the events of Sects. 61-66 all occurred on the same day, called the Busy Day._[a]

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

Sect. 61. BLASPHEMOUS ACCUSATION OF LEAGUE WITH BEELZEBUB

Galilee

Mark 3:19-30 |Matt. 12:22-37 | 19 And he cometh into a house. | 20 And the multitude cometh | together again, so that they | could not so much as eat bread.| 21 And when his friends heard it, | they went out to lay hold on | him: for they said, He is | beside himself. | |22 Then was brought unto him | [1]one possessed with a devil, 22 And the scribes which came | blind and dumb: and he healed down from Jerusalem said, He | him, insomuch that the dumb man hath Beelzebub, and, [3]By the |23 spake and saw. And all the prince of the [2]devils casteth| multitudes were amazed, and 23 he out the [2]devils. And he | said, Is this the son of David? called them unto him, and said |24 But when the Pharisees heard unto them in parables, How can | it, they said, This man doth 24 Satan cast out Satan? And if a | cast out [2]devils, but [3]by kingdom be divided against | Beelzebub the prince of the itself, that kingdom cannot | [2]devils [_see John 7:20; 25 stand. And if a house be |25 8:48, 52; 10:20_].[a] And divided against itself, that | knowing their thoughts he said house will not be able to | unto them, Every kingdom 26 stand. And if Satan hath risen | divided against itself is up against himself, and is | brought to desolation; and divided, he cannot stand, but | every city or house divided hath an end. | against itself shall not stand: |26 and if Satan casteth out Satan, | he is divided against himself; | how then shall his kingdom |27 stand? And if I [3]by Beelzebub | cast out [2]devils, [3]by whom | do your sons cast them out? 27 But no one can | therefore shall they be your enter into the house of the |28 judges. But if I [3]by the strong _man_, and spoil his | Spirit of God cast out goods, except he first bind the| [2]devils, then is the kingdom strong _man_; and then he will |29 of God come upon you. Or how 28 spoil his house. | can one enter into the house of | the strong _man_, and spoil his | goods, except he first bind the | strong _man_? and then he will Verily I say |30 spoil his house. He that is not unto you, All their sins shall | with me is against me; and he be forgiven unto the sons of | that gathereth not with me men, and their blasphemies |31 scattereth. Therefore I say wherewith soever they shall | unto you, Every sin and 29 blaspheme: but whosoever shall | blasphemy shall be forgiven blaspheme against the Holy | [4]unto men; but the blasphemy Spirit hath never forgiveness, | against the Spirit shall not be but is guilty of an eternal |32 forgiven. And whosoever shall 30 sin: because they said, He hath| speak a word against the Son of an unclean spirit. | man, it shall be forgiven him; | but whosoever shall speak | against the Holy Spirit, it | shall not be forgiven him, 33 neither in this [5]world, nor in that which is to come. Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree corrupt, and 34 its fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by its fruit. Ye offspring of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of 35 the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. The good man out of his good treasure bringeth forth good things: and the evil man 36 out of his evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. And I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give 37 account thereof in the day of judgement. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

[Footnote 1: Or, _a demoniac_.]

[Footnote 2: Gr. _demons_.]

[Footnote 3: Or, _in_.]

[Footnote 4: Some ancient authorities read _unto you men_.]

[Footnote 5: Or, _age_.]

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

Sect. 62. SCRIBES AND PHARISEES DEMAND A SIGN

Same day. Galilee

Matt. 12:38-45

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

[Footnote 1: Or, _Teacher_.]

[Footnote 2: Gr. _sea-monster_.]

[Footnote 3: Gr. _more than_.]

[Footnote 4: Or, _it_.]

[Footnote 5: Or, _itself_.]

Sect. 63. CHRIST'S MOTHER AND BRETHREN SEEK TO TAKE HIM HOME

Same day. Galilee

[Footnote 1: Some ancient authorities omit ver. 47.]

_In Sects. 64 to 69 we have the first great group of Parables with the visit to Gerasa and the return to Nazareth._

Sect. 64. THE FIRST GREAT GROUP OF PARABLES[a]

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

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

_1. To the Crowds by the Sea_

(a) Parable of the Sower

21 And he said unto them, Is the |16 And no man, when he hath lamp[b] brought to be put under | lighted a lamp, covereth it the bushel, or under the bed, | with a vessel, or putteth it _and_ not to be put on the | under a bed; but putteth it on 22 stand? For there is nothing hid,| a stand, that they which enter save that it should be |17 in may see the light. For manifested; neither was | nothing is hid, that shall not _anything_ made secret, but that| be made manifest; nor 23 it should come to light. If any | _anything_ secret, that shall man hath ears to hear, let him | not be known and come to light. 24 hear. And he said unto them, | Take heed what ye hear: with |18 Take heed therefore how ye what measure ye mete it shall be| hear: for whosoever hath, to measured unto you: and more | him shall be given; and 25 shall be given unto you. For he | whosoever hath not, from him that hath, to him shall be | shall be taken away even that given: and he that hath not, | which he [3]thinketh he hath. from him shall be taken away | even that which he hath. |

[Footnote 1: Some ancient authorities add here, and in ver. 43, _to hear_: as in Mark 4:9; Luke 8:8.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _age_.]

[Footnote 3: Or, _seemeth to have_.]

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

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

(b) Parable of the Seed Growing of Itself

Mark 4:26-29

26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast 27 seed upon the earth; and should sleep and rise night and day, and 28 the seed should spring up and grow, he knoweth not how. The earth [1]beareth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, then 29 the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit [2]is ripe, straightway he [3]putteth forth the sickle, because the harvest is come [_see Joel 3:13_].

[Footnote 1: Or, _yieldeth_.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _alloweth_.]

[Footnote 3: Or, _sendeth forth_.]

Matt. 13:24-30

24 Another parable set he before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven 25 is likened unto a man that sowed good seed in his field: but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed [1]tares also among the wheat, 26 and went away. But when the blade sprang up, and brought forth 27 fruit, then appeared the tares also. And the [2]servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst thou not sow good 28 seed in thy field? whence then hath it tares? And he said unto them, [3]An enemy hath done this. And the [2]servants say unto 29 him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he saith, Nay; lest haply while ye gather up the tares, ye root up the wheat 30 with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather up first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

[Footnote 1: Or, _darnel_.]

[Footnote 2: Gr. _bondservants_.]

[Footnote 3: Gr. _A man_ that is _an enemy_.]

(d) Parable of the Mustard Seed

Mark 4:30-32 |Matt. 13:31-32 | 30 And he said, How shall we liken|31 Another parable set he before the kingdom of God? or in what | them, saying, The kingdom of parable shall we set it forth? | heaven is like unto a grain of [1]It is like a grain of | mustard seed, which a man took, mustard seed, which, when it is| and sowed in his field: which sown upon the earth, though it | indeed is less than all seeds; be less than all the seeds that| but when it is grown, it is are upon the earth, yet when it| greater than the herbs, and is sown, groweth up, and | becometh a tree [_see Dan. becometh greater than all the | 4:12, 21_], so that the birds herbs, and putteth out great | of the heaven come and lodge in branches; so that the birds of | the branches thereof. the heaven can lodge under the | shadow thereof. |

[Footnote 1: Gr. _As unto_.]

(e) Parable of the Leaven and many such Parables

[Footnote 1: The word in the Greek denotes the Hebrew seah, a measure containing nearly a peck and a half.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _through_.]

[Footnote 3: Many ancient authorities omit _of the world_.]

[Footnote a: Note the expression. Matthew gives nine in