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TO
new ^i
cnenr
%^^. I
^
inenglish
t Anew Translation by
RONAO) KNOX -f
I
Ronald Knox was requested
make ture
this
new
to
translation of Scrip-
by Cardinal Hinsley and the
English hierarchy.
He
left
Oxford
in 1939 to devote himself to the task,
and parts of the translation ap-
peared week by week in the London Tablet thus giving him an opportunity to improve
and revise his work.
He still requests that readers should "be at the pains of writing to him, to express in general their approval or
disapproval of the lines he has
fol-
lowed, and to point out any passage
which, in their opinion, specially calls
Knox
for
correction."
Monsignor
follows the Vulgate; where the
meaning of the Vulgate
is
ambigu-
ous he consults the Greek text; where the Vulgate reading differs from the
Greek, the meaning of the Greek
is
given in a footnote. In his translation
he aims
at clarity
using no expression that rent in
modem
English.
above is
all,
not cur-
Digitized by tine Internet Arciiive in
2010
littp://www.archive.org/details/newtestamentofouOOknox
THE NEW TESTAMENT OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST
THE
NEW TESTAMENT OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST
A New
Translation
SHEED & WARD NEW YORK
•
1950
Copyright, 1944, by Sheed
&
Ward,
Inc.
NIHIL OBSTAT Arthur
J.
Scanlan, S.T.D. Censor Librorum
IMPRIMATUR Francis
New
York, February
J.
10,
Spellman, D.D. Archbishop, New York 1944
Eleventh Printing
PRINTED
IN
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
PREFACE Ncw
TRANSLATION o£ the
THIS
Testament was undertaken
at the
request of the Hierarchy of England and Wales, in 1939.
The
translator will be grateful,
if
the readers of this edition will be at
the pains of writing to him, to express in general their approval or
disapproval of the lines he has followed, and to point out any passage
which, in their opinion, specially
calls for correction.
be excused the duty of acknowledging such
He must
ask to
but he will be
weigh whatever suggestions are made.
careful to
In
letters,
this edition, the old principle of
new
with each
however, given
beginning a
verse has been abandoned.
The
new
line of print
verse references are,
at the side of the page.
The translator's thanks are due, not only to the Hierarchy, who have made it possible for the work to be carried through, but to many others who have taken a friendly interest in it. Above all to his Lord-
Hugh
ship the Bishop of Lancaster, Father the Revd. T. Bird, D.D., Ph.D., the L.S.S.,
Pope, O.P., S.T.M., D.S.S.,
Very Revd. Mgr. Barton, D.D.,
Consultor of the Pontifical Biblical Commission, the Revd.
W. Brown,
D.D., the Revd.
J.
A. O'Flynn,
L.S.S.,
and Fathers
Martindale and Corbishley, of the Society of Jesus; their criticisms, throughout, have been of the utmost value, and have had a greater influence
on the present form of the
induced to
realize.
Revd. H. Cogan, D.D., to
the Revd. Ivo
text
than they themselves can be
Further acknowledgements are due to the Right
who
Thomas,
contributed to the expenses of re-typing,
O.P.,
who gave an
extra revision to the
Mr. Laurence Eyres, of Ampleforth, who was consulted on
proofs, to
various classical points.
In omnibus glorificetur Deus.
R. A.
Aldenham Feast of
Park, Bridgnorth,
St.
Jerome, 1943.
Knox
CONTENTS PAGE
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW
I
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MARK
69
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE
III
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN
I79
THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
237
THE EPISTLE OF THE BLESSED APOSTLE PAUL TO THE ROMANS
307
THE
34I
FIRST EPISTLE OF
THE BLESSED APOSTLE PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS
THE SECOND EPISTLE OF THE BLESSED APOSTLE PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS
375
THE EPISTLE OF THE BLESSED APOSTLE PAUL TO THE GALATIANS
397
THE EPISTLE OF THE BLESSED APOSTLE PAUL TO THE EPHESIANS
409
THE EPISTLE OF THE BLESSED APOSTLE PAUL TO THE PHILIPPIANS
42
THE EPISTLE OF THE BLESSED APOSTLE PAUL TO THE COLOSSIANS
429
THE
FIRST EPISTLE OF
THE BLESSED APOSTLE PAUL TO THE THESSALO-
NIANS
437
THE SECOND EPISTLE OF THE BLESSED APOSTLE PAUL TO THE THESSALONIANS
445
THE FIRST EPISTLE OF THE BLESSED APOSTLE PAUL TO TIMOTHY
THE SECOND EPISTLE OF THE BLESSED
APOST^.E
PAUL TO TIMOTHY
449 459
THE EPISTLE OF THE BLESSED APOSTLE PAUL TO TITUS
465
THE EPISTLE OF THE BLESSED APOSTLE PAUL TO PHILEMON
469
THE EPISTLE OF THE BLESSED APOSTLE PAUL TO THE HEBREWS
47I
PAGE
THE UNIVERSAL EPISTLE OF THE BLESSED APOSTLE JAMES
THE
FIRST EPISTLE OF
THE BLESSED APOSTLE PETER
497 505
THE SECOND EPISTLE OF THE BLESSED APOSTLE PETER
515
THE FIRST EPISTLE OF THE BLESSED APOSTLE JOHN
52I
THE SECOND EPISTLE OF THE BLESSED APOSTLE JOHN
53I
THE THIRD EPISTLE OF THE BLESSED APOSTLE JOHN
533
THE UNIVERSAL EPISTLE OF THE BLESSED APOSTLE JUDE
535
APOCALYPSE OF THE BLESSED APOSTLE JOHN
539
THii
THE HOLY GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO MATTHEW CHAPTER ONE
A
how
RECORD of
Jesus Christ, the son of David, son of
Abraham was
was born.
Abraham,
the father of Isaac, Isaac of Jacob,
Judas of Phares and Zara, by
Jacob of Judas and his brethren;
Thamar; Phares of Esron, Esron of Aram, Aram of Aminadab, Aminadab of Naasson, Naasson of Salmon; Salmon of Booz, by Rahab; Booz of Obed, by Ruth; Obed of Jesse; and Jesse was the father of king David. And king David was the father of Solomon, by her that had been the wife of Urias. Solomon was the father of Roboam, Roboam of Abia, Abia of Asa, Asa of Josaphat, ^osaphat of Joram,
Joram of Ozias,
Joatham of Achaz, Achaz of Ezechias, Manasses of Amon,
Amon
of Josias;
and
Ozias of Joatham,
Ezechias of Manasses, Josias
was the
father of
Jechonias and his brethren, at the time of the removal to Babylon.
And
after the
removal
to
Babylon, Jechonias was the father of
Zorobabel of Abiud, Abiud of
Salathiel, Salathiel of Zorobabel,
Azor
Eliacim, Eliacim of Azor, of Eliud,
of Sadoc, Sadoc of
Achim, Achim
Eliud of Eleazar, Eleazar of Mathan, Mathan of Jacob,
and Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary; of her that Jesus
was born, who
fourteen generations in
David
all
to the captivity in
is
called Christ.
from Abraham
Thus
it
was
there are
to David, fourteen
from
Babylon, and fourteen from the captivity
in Babylon to Christ.
And this was the manner of Christ's birth. His mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, but they had not yet come together, when she was found to be with child, by the power of the Holy Ghost. compared with that given by St. Luke, ill. 23 one at least of the two Evangelists must have reckoned descent by adoption as sufficient to make our Lord the legal inheritor of Abraham's blessing and of David's Kingdom. It is therefore not V. i6. If this
and following,
genealogy
it is
is
clear that
surprising that both have traced his ancestry through his foster-father. It is a common opinion, derived from the Fathers, that St. Joseph and the Blessed Virgin were closely related.
[i]
MATTHEW
T^he Virgin Birth
2
her husband Joseph (for he was a right-minded man, and would not have her put to open shame), was for sending her away in secret. But hardly had this thought come to his mind, when an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, and said,
Whereupon
19
20
Joseph, son of David, thyself, for
it is
by the
21
ceived this child;
22
Jesus, for
he
ordained to 23
24
is
will bear a son,
and she
to save his people
fulfil
from
word which
the
the
whom
thou shalt
call
All this was so
their sins.
Lord spoke by
his prophet:
and Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a son, us). And they shall call him Emmanuel, (which means God with Joseph awoke from
25
do not be afraid to take thy wife Mary to power of the Holy Ghost that she has con-
sleep,
and did
bidden him, taking his wife her
when
as the angel of the
she bore a son, her first-born, to
Lord had
and he had not known
to himself;
whom
he gave the
name
Jesus.
CHAPTER TWO JESUS WAS born
And
Bethlehem, in Juda, in the days of King Herod.
at
thereupon certain wise
men came
out of the east to Jeru-
4
he that has been born, the king of salem, have seen his star out in the east, and we have come the Jews ? he heard it and to worship him. King Herod was troubled when so that he assembled all the chief priests all Jerusalem with him;
5
and learned men among the people, and enquired of them where And they told him. At Bethit was that Christ would be born.
6
lehem in Juda; so
2
who
Where
asked.
is
We
3
it
V. 23. Isaias vii. 14.
has been written by the prophet:
'The virgin'
is
a
literal translation
of the
And
diou,
Hebrew; a
would equally express the sense of the original prophecy. 'he knew her not till she V. 2$. The text here is more literally rendered not imply that bore a son'; but the Hebrew word represented by 'till' does place afterwards. (Cf. the event which might have been expected did take So that this Genesis viii. 7, Psalm cix. 2, Daniel vi. 24, I Machabees v. 54.) Nor is any phrase does not impugn the perpetual virginity of our Lady. her 'first-born Son, such inference to be drawn when our Lord is called (Luke 11. 23). law old which refers to his position as redeemable under die
virgin'
V.
6.
Micheas
v. 2.
[2]
The Wise Men;
MATTHEW
Flight into Egypt
from the
least
among
princes of Juda, for out of thee will arise a leader
who
is
Bethlehem, of the land of Juda,
7
my
shepherd of
people
Israel.
art far
2
the
to be the
men
Then, summoning the wise
Herod questioned them closely upon the time of the appearing. And he sent them on their way to Bethlehem,
in secret, 8
star's
saying to them. Go, and enquire carefully for the child, and
me
you have found him, bring 9
They obeyed
come and worship him. their journey;
east
and
all at
once the
was there going before them,
place
11
glad beyond measure;
found the child
there,
star till
and
so,
too
I
when may
and went on
the king
which they had seen in the at last
it
stood
over the
still
They, when they saw the
where the child was.
10
back word, so that
were
star,
going into the dwelling, they
with his mother Mary, and
fell
down
to
worship him; and, opening their store of treasures, they offered 12
him
gifts,
and frankincense and myrrh.
of gold
Afterwards,
because they had received a warning in a dream forbidding them to
go back
different
As soon
13
to
Herod, they returned
own
to their
country by a
way. as they
had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared
Joseph in a dream, and
and
his mother,
said, Rise up, take
to Egypt; there remain, until
flee
give thee
I
word. For Herod will soon be making search for the 14
He
destroy him.
rose
up
tlierefore,
to
with thee the child and
while
it
was
still
child, to
night,
and
took the child and his mother with him, and withdrew into 15
Egypt, where he remained until the death of Herod,
ment 16
my
of the
son out of Egypt.
men had sent in
word which
played
him
Lord spoke by
false,
18
19
I
called
Herod was angry beyond measure; he all
the male children in Bethlehem
neighbourhood, of two years old and
less,
and
reckoning the
made of the wise men. word spoken by the prophet Jeremy was fulfilled: A voice was heard in Rama, lamentation and great mourning; it was Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be comforted, because none is left. But as soon as Herod
time by the careful enquiry which he had 17
in fulfil-
his prophet,
Meanwhile, when he found that the wise
and made away with
all its
the
It
was then
that the
V. 75.
Osee
V. 18.
Jeremias xxxi. 15
xi.
i
[3]
MATTHEW
3
John the Baptist
was dead, an angel of the Lord appeared and
dream,
a
21
child's life are dead.
22
mother with him, and came
mother, and return to the land of
So he
to Joseph in
Egypt
in
with thee the child and his
said: Rise up, take
20
Israel; for those
who
sought the
and took the child and
arose,
into the land of Israel.
But,
his
when
he heard that Archelaus was king in Judaea in the place of his
Herod, he was afraid
father
warning 23
in
where he came and filment of
settled
what was
to return there;
withdrew into
a dream, he
down
and
receiving a
so,
the region of Galilee;
in a city called Nazareth, in ful-
said by the prophets,
He
be called a
shall
Nazarene.
CHAPTER THREE
r
Repent, he
ness of Judaea;
said, the
ment and
of
that the prophet Isaias spoke,
and
of camel's hair,
locusts all
at
way
of the Lord, straighten out his paths.
5
is
a voice of one crying In the wilderness, Prepare the
4
It is
of heaven
said.
him
hand.
There
kingdom
when he
was
3
he, John,
wore
a gar-
a leather girdle about his loins,
and wild honey were
his
food.
and
Thereupon Jerusalem
who
dwelt round Jordan, went out to
and he baptized them
in the Jordan, while they con-
Judaea, and
him,
And
6
see
7
fessed their sins.
all
those
Many
came
to his baptizing;
Who
was
it
of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees
and when he saw
he asked them.
these,
that taught you, brood of vipers, to flee
from the
Come,
acceptable
8
vengeance that draws near?
9
fruit of repentance;
do not presume
then, yield to say in
the
your hearts,
We
r. 23. No such prophecy has survived to us. But an obscure village is often regarded by its more important neighbours as typical of an unfashionable or provincial outlook; cf. John i. 46. The prophecy (Is. liii. 3) that our Lord would be despised by men was fulfilled when his contemporaries
spoke of him scornfully as 'a prophet from Nazareth' (like our 'wise men of Gotham'). Some think the word should be, not Nazarene, but Nazirite; cf. Gen. xlix. 26. vv. I sqq.
Mark
i.
1-8,
Luke
iii.
1-22.
V. 3. Is. xl. 3.
£4]
Jesus
is
Abraham
have 10
MATTHEW
baptized
up children
for our father; \
Abraham
to
tell
As
me,
for
ance; but one
am
I
12
am
I
Already the
every tree which cast into the
baptizing you with water, for your repent-
come
to
is
trees, so that
hewn down and
does not shew good fruit will be fire.
has power to raise
out of these very stones.
axe has been put to the root of the
11
God
you,
4
me who
after
is
mightier than
so that
I,
not worthy even to carry his shoes for him; he will baptize
you with the Holy Ghost, and with
He
fire.
holds his
winnow-
ing-fan ready, to sweep his threshing-floor clean; he will gather the
wheat
into his barn, but the chafif he will
consume with
fire
that can never be quenched.
Then
13
Jesus
came from
14
15
come
he
It is I,
to
present; 16
said, that
me
well that
straight
up out
and he saw the
which
said,
This
is
by
thus
thee,
fulfil all
And
my
it
and dost thou be so for the
due observance.
So Jesus was baptized, and
him.
of the water, suddenly
Spirit of
upon him.
resting
to be baptized
we should
to
at the
John would have restrained him;
But Jesus answered, Let
Then John gave way came
17
ought
instead?
is
it
and stood before John
Galilee
Jordan, to be baptized by him.
God coming down
with
that,
a voice
beloved Son, in
as
he
heaven was opened, like
a
dove and
came from heaven,
whom
I
am
well pleased.
CHAPTER FOUR A
ND
NOW
Jesus
was
led
by the
Spirit
2
/V to
3
nights he spent fasting, and at the end of the tempter approached,
4
5
and
God, bid these stones turn written,
is
all
the
V. II.
Man
them was hungry.
into loaves of bread.
cannot live by bread only; there
He
The baptism
3.
[5]
of It
him
in
is life
of John did not confer sanctifying grace;
Luke iv. i. Deuteronomy viii.
Then Son
answered,
words which proceed from the mouth of God.
vv. i-ii. 4.
into the wilderness,
Forty days and forty
said to him, If thou art the
[-6.
t/.
away
be tempted there by the devil.
for
Next, the cf.
Acts xix.
MATTHEW
him
devil took
6
The Devil tempts
4
into the holy city,
down
cast thyself
and there
set
begins to preach
him down on
the
saying to him. If thou art the Son of
pinnacle of the temple,
God,
He
Jesus;
to earth; for
He
written,
is
it
has given
charge to his angels concerning thee, and they will hold thee up
with their hands, 7
Jesus said to him.
8
Lord thy God
thou shouldst chance to
lest
But
Once more,
to the proof.
the top of an exceedingly high mountain,
9
him
all
said,
I
kingdoms of
the
Then
10
me.
11
Thou Then
Jesus said to him.
if
him
the devil took
to
from which he shewed
thou wilt
Away
stone.
put the
shalt not
and the glory of them,
the world
will give thee all these
on a
trip
Thou
further written,
it is
fall
and
down and worship
with thee, Satan;
it is
written,
worship the Lord thy God, and serve none but him.
shalt
the devil left
him
alone;
and thereupon angels came and
ministered to him. 12
After
13
Galilee. settled
hearing of John's imprisonment, he withdrew into
this,
And now, down
forsaking the city of Nazareth, he came and
Capharnaum, which
in
14
country of Zabulon and Nephthalim,
15
said by the prophet Isaias:
16
on the
The land
is
by the sea shore, in the
in fulfilment of
of Zabulon
what was
and Nephthalim,
beyond Jordan, the Galilee of the Gentiles!
sea road,
people that abode in darkness has seen a great light; for
The
men
abiding in a land where death overshadowed them, light has 17
From
dawned.
that time onwards, Jesus
pent, he said, the
And
18
as
kingdom
of heaven
is
at
began
to preach; Re-
hand.
he walked by the sea of Galilee, Jesus saw two brethren,
Simon who
is
called Peter,
and
his brother
were fishermen)
Andrew, and he
casting a net said to them,
19
into the sea, (for they
20
Come and
21
they dropped their nets immediately, and followed him.
follow
me;
I
will
make you
;
into fishers of
men.
And Then
he went further on, and saw two others that were brethren, James the son of Zebedee
and
his brother John; they
were in the boat
p. 6. Ps. xc. II, 12. V.
Deut.
7.
vi.
16.
would have been as
we
If
our Lord had consented to
testing God's loving care of
V. 10.
Deut.
vi.
13.
v. 75. Is. ix. I, 2.
vv. iy-22.
Mark
i.
14.
[6]
cast himself
him ('tempting
say) by putting himself deliberately in danger.
down, he
Providence,'
The Sermon on
the
MATTHEW
Mount
with their father Zebedee, repairing their 22
whereupon they dropped the
him;
to
and he
nets,
nets
and
5
them
called
father
left their
immediately, and followed him.
So Jesus went about the whole of
23
Galilee, teaching in
their
synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and curing
24
among
every kind of disease and infirmity
fame spread throughout the whole
his
to
him
who were
those
all
the people;
so that
and they brought
of Syria,
in affliction, distressed
with pain and
and
sickness of every sort, the possessed, the lunatics, the palsied;
25
And
he healed them. Galilee
a
from
great multitude followed him,
and Decapolis, Jerusalem and Judaea, and the country
beyond Jordan.
CHAPTER FIVE Esus,
T> I
the
WHEN
great
side; there
And
2
about him.
3
ing he gave.
4
heaven
5
land.
6
Blessed are those
7
have
he
was sat
their
number, went up on
down, and
he began speaking to them;
this
was the
teach-
kingdom
of
Blessed are the patient; they shall inherit the
who mourn; they shall be comforted. who hunger and thirst for holiness; they shall
Blessed are those
their
Blessed are the merciful; they shall obtain mercy.
fill.
8,9 Blessed are the clean of heart; they shall see God. the peace-makers; 10
Blessed are those
11
kingdom falsely,
Blessed are
they shall be counted the children of God.
who
of heaven
is
suffer persecution in the cause of right; the
Blessed are you,
theirs.
you, and persecute you, and speak 12
to
came
his disciples
Blessed arc the poor in spirit; the
theirs.
is
how
he saw
mountain
because of me.
all
manner
when men
revile
of evil against
Be glad and hght-hearted,
for
a
you rich
reward awaits you in heaven; so they persecuted the prophets 13
who went its taste,
before you.
what
vv. 5 sqq.
be found in
is
Many St.
You
are the salt of the earth;
there left to give taste to it?
There
is
if salt
loses
no more
to
of the sayings recorded in these three chapters are also to
Luke, especially in
his \'\th
[7]
and
xiith chapters.
MATTHEW
be done with 14 15
under
it,
but throw
You
foot.
hidden
The new Law;
5
on
mountain
a
and
men who
glorify your Father
Do
not think that
prophets; 18
I
19
is
and your
to set
law and the
to set aside the
them
aside,
Whoever, then, were the
it
must
light
good works,
in heaven.
but to bring them to
must disappear sooner
and teaches men
kingdom
must
it
one of these
aside
sets
least,
the like, will be of least account in the
man who
it
not lighted to
is
one flourish should disappear from the law;
commandments, though the
lamp
Believe me, heaven and earth
jot,
accomplished.
be
all
to tread
put on the lamp-stand,
that they can see your
have come
I
have not come
perfection.
than one
it is
people of the house;
to give light to all the
shine so brightly before
17
A
top.
be put away under a bushel measure; 16
men
Anger
are the light of the world; a city cannot be
built
if it is
out of doors for
it
against
to
dc
of heaven; but
keeps them and teaches others to keep them will be
accounted in the kingdom of heaven as the greatest. 20
And
you, that
tell
I
if
your
justice does not give fuller
measure
than the justice of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter 21
to the
22
kingdom of heaven.
into the
men
answer for
man who
Thou
of old.
brother.
that
leave
man who
Thou
fool,
gift,
gift.
must answer
26
Raca
for
it
was
it
kills,
you that any
I tell
it
before the
to his brother
man who
in hell
said
he must
If
lire.
must
says to his
thou art
and rememberest there
thy brother has some ground of complaint against thee, thy gift lying there before the
If
any
man
altar,
art
and go home; be
and then come back
first,
has a claim against thee,
and then, while thou
may
says
then, before the altar,
reconciled with thy brother
25
But
before the Council; and any
it
bringing thy
24
man
a
angry with his brother must answer for
court of justice, and any
23
heard that if
before the court of justice.
it
is
answer for
You have
shalt not kill;
walking
in the
come
to oflFer thy
to terms there
road with him; or
else it
be that the claimant will hand thee over to the judge, and the
judge to the
me, thou
officer,
and so thou
wilt be cast into prison.
Believe
shalt not be set at liberty until thou hast paid the last
farthing.
27 28
You have heard tery.
But
I tell
that
it
was
you that he
said.
who [8]
Thou
shalt not
casts his eyes
on
a
commit
adul-
woman
so as
MATTHEW
Against Adultery and Perjury
committed adultery with her in
to lust after her has already
29
heart.
pluck 30
thy right eye
If
out and cast
it
thee; better to lose
limbs than to have thy whole body cast into
hand
right
is
an occasion of
falling, cut it ofl
cast into hell.
32
must
was
It
man who
puts
away
makes an
fulness)
Whoever
said, too,
give her a writ of separation.
first
one of thy
And
hell.
thy
if
away from have thy whole body
and
thee; better to lose one of thy limbs than to
31
his
the occasion of thy falling into sin,
is
away from
it
5
cast
will put
But
it
away
I tell
his wife
you that the
his wife (setting aside the matter of unfaith-
and whoever marries her
adulteress of her,
after
she has been put away, commits adultery.
33
Again, you have heard that shalt not perjure thyself;
34
was
men
said to the
of old.
But
I tell
yourselves by any oath at
all;
not by heaven, for heaven
nor by earth, for earth
throne;
36
Jerusalem, for
37
hair of
38
for
it
But
it
was
you
And
thou shalt not
Let your word be Yes for Yes, and
white or black.
I tell
God's
head, for thou hast no power to turn a single
No; whatever goes beyond
heard that
is
the footstool of his feet; nor by
is
the city of the great king.
it is
own
swear by thy
Thou
you that you should not bind
in the sight of the Lord.
35
39
it
thou shalt perform what thou hast sworn
said,
that
An
this,
comes of
evil.
No
You have
eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
you should not
offer resistance to injury;
if
a
rnan strikes thee on thy right cheek, turn the other cheek also
ready to go to law with thee over thy
40
towards him;
J}
him have it and thy cloak with it; if he compels attend him on a mile's journey, go two miles with him
if
he
is
coat, let
thee to
of thy
i. By the law of Moses, a husband might no*: turn wife out of doors without giving her a certificate of freedom, which
vu. 3/, 32. Deut. xxiv. his
had no further claim on
Even
our Lord teaches, would be tempted to remarry, and thus become, in God's sight, an adulteress. The Greek word here translated 'setting aside' has commonly been taken as meaning, 'unless she is unfaithful,' but it can also be interpreted as meaning, 'whether she is
shewed
that he
the husband's behaviour
is selfish,
unfaithful or not.' See further f. 33.
make in the
it
Our Lord
her.
MatL
xix, 7-9,
and
note.
here condemns those Pharisaical evasions, which might
lawful to perjure oneself as long as the oath was not taken directly of God. Cf. Matt, xxiii. 16-22.
name
v. 35.
so,
since the dismissed wife
Ex. xxi. 24, Leviticus xxiv.
20,
[93
Deut. xix. 21.
MATTHEW 42
own
accord.
from
thee,
Generosity to
6
Give
to
43
You have heard
and hate thy enemy.
who
to those
you,
who makes
publicans do as
just
was
it
But
a
man would borrow
said.
Thou
you,
I tell
shalt love thy
neighbour
Love your enemies, do good
evil
and equally on the good,
and equally on the unjust.
what
love you,
his
you love those
have you to a reward? Will not the
title
much?
If
If
you greet none but your brethren,
you doing more than others? Will not the very heathen
what
are
do
much ?
as
that
sun shine on the
his
on the
47
is
if
who persecute and insult you may be true sons of your Father in heaven,
rain fall
48
and
hate you, pray for those
that so
46
who
asks,
Men; Against Hypocrisy
do not turn away.
44
45
him who
all
But you are
to
be perfect, as your heavenly Father
perfect.
CHAPTER
SIX
SURE you do not perform your of piety before men, for BE them watch; you do you have no tide a reward acts
to
2
that,
if
from your Father who
is
to
in heaven.
Thus, when thou givest
alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in
win
synagogues and in
streets,
3
me, they have
reward already.
4
hand
5
Father,
their
thou shalt not so is
doing,
much
to
the esteem of
as let thy left
so secret
is
men.
hand know what thy
who sees what is done in secret, when you pray, you are not to be like
will
reward
thee.
who
hypocrites,
upon
Father,
7
art praying,
thyself,
who
Moreover,
and sees
mark
when you
for
But
go into thy inner room and shut the door
so pray to thy Father in secret;
what
And
love to
men's eyes; beHeve me, they have their reward already.
when thou
right
thy almsgiving to be; and then thy
stand praying in synagogues or at street corners, to be a
6
Believe
But when thou givest alms,
is
done
in secret, will
and then thy
reward
are at prayer, do not use
thee.
many
phrases,
Lev. xix. 18; where, however, nothing Is said about hating enemies. This must have been a gloss put upon the text of the commandment. V. 7. The very rare verb which our Lord uses here probably means 'to stammer', to 'hesitate'. The heathens used to address their gods by a series of titles, with the superstitious idea that the prayer would not be heard unless the right title was hit upon. V. 4S.
[10}
The Our
MATTHEW
God
Father; serving
who
like the heathens,
think to
8
eloquence.
You
9
knows
what your needs
is
10
11,12 13
is
name;
thy
them; your heavenly Father
are not to be like
are before
you ask him.
Our Father, who art in kingdom come, thy will be
our trespasses,
as
we
them
forgive
done, on earth as
Your heavenly Father
15
forgive your
you your
will forgive
fellow-men
theirs;
if
from
when you
Again,
hypocrites do.
fast,
transgressions,
17
But do thou,
18
face,
who
is
19
20
done
Do
22
23
known
as the
men
can
reward already.
head and wash thy
to
men, but
who
to thy
what
sees
thee.
not lay up treasure for yourselves on earth, where there
and
it;
steal is
consume up
lay
it,
where there are thieves
it,
no
steal.
Where your
eye
the light of the whole body, so that
is
whole of thy body
treasure-house
will be
whole of thy body
deep will that be!
lit
is,
up;
darkness,
A man
if
whereas
will be in darkness.
is itself
where and
thieves to break in
there your heart
is
thy eye
if
if
The
too.
is clear,
thy eye
And
is
to break in
treasure for yourselves in heaven,
no moth or rust to consume
thou hast in thee 24
not be
reward
in secret, will
rust to
the
their
dwells in secret; and then thy Father,
moth and there 21,
me, they have
may
either,
by gloomy looks,
at thy times of fasting, anoint thy
so that thy fast
Father
it
their faces unsightly, so that
see they are fasting; believe
you
if
you do not forgive them,
do not shew
They make
and
Amen.
evil.
your heavenly Father will not forgive your transgressions 16
it
and forgive us
that trespass against us;
lead us not into temptation, but deliver us 14
This, then,
heaven, hallowed be
give us this day our daily bread;
in heaven;
6
themselves heard by their
be your prayer.
to
thy
well
make
is
the
diseased,
the light
which
what of thy darkness?
How
cannot be the slave of two masters at
once; either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will devote himself to the one and despise the other.
God 25
I
or
money; you cannot
say to you, then,
do not
fret
over your
with food and drink, over your body, 26
not
life itself
how V.
You must
serve
serve both.
how
a greater gift than food, the
life,
to
how keep
to it
support
it
clothed. Is
body than clothing ?
See
the birds of the air never sow, or reap, or gather grain into II.
'Daily';
supersubstantialis ,
the Latin here (but not in Luke xi. 3) coins the word which has sometimes been understood as a direct refer-
ence to the Holy Eucharist.
MATTHEW
Trust in God; against judging
7
and yet your heavenly Father feeds them; have you not an
barns,
27
excellence
28
add
29
do not
30
his glory
beyond
Can any one
theirs ?
growth
a cubit's
how
anxious over clothing? See toil
and yet
or spin;
was not arrayed
the
of the field grow; they
lilies
one of
these.
which to-day
clothes the grasses of the field,
If
men
of
What
eat? or
32
Do
faith?
little
are
we
to
not
Make
your
it
first
approval, and
34
Do its
will feed the
to clothe
not
own
all
How
drink? or
shall
who knows
care to find the
that
you need them
kingdom
of
God, and
you all.
his
these things shall be yours without the asking.
to-morrow
then, over to-morrow; leave
fret,
you,
What are we to we find clothing?
then, asking,
for the heathen to busy themselves over such things;
It is
have a Father in heaven 33
fret,
all
God, then, so
and
live
oven to-morrow, will he not be much more ready 31
anxiety,
all his
should you be
you that even Solomon in
I tell
like
of you, for
And why
to his height?
to fret over
needs; for to-day, to-day's troubles are enough.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Do NOT award
shall
measure.
be
How
in thy let
me
own?
is it
you as
will be judged,
By what
eye
own?
first,
and
by the same rule;
you have made award, in the same
that thou canst see the speck of dust
and
art not
Thou so
which
aware of the beam which
is
right wilt thou say to thy brother, Wait,
rid thy eye of that speck,
while in thy
own
so
made you
in thy brother's eye,
is
As
judge others, or you yourselves will be judged.
you have judged,
when
there
hypocrite, take the
a beam beam out
is
all
the
of thy
thou shalt have clear sight to rid thy
brother's of the speck.
You must
not give that which
is
holy to dogs.
your pearls before swine, or the swine foot,
and then turn on you and
tear
may
you
Do
not cast
trample them under
to pieces.
V. 2j. 'Height'; the Greek word here used can also mean 'length of Hfe'; and some have thought that 'cubit' is used, by a metaphor, for a short space
of time.
ri2]
The
Ask, and the
7 8
and the door
9
opened
him.
to
bread, will he give
11
give
him
well enough
them,
is
13
15 16
17
who
gifts to those
men
to other
Make your way many
are
in
or good
your children what
much more
good
is
for
ready to give
to you; that
It is a
broad gate and a
and those who go
to perdition,
in that
but
from
a
withered
20
fire.
21
The kingdom
22
Father
calls
I
say therefore,
me
when
it is
tree,
cut
is
by their
is
impossible.
is
fruit that
you
is
a sound tree,
Any
down, and thrown
in heaven.
man
will
tree
into the
know them. man who
Was
it
not in thy
Whereupon
friends of mine; depart
Whoever, then, hears
I
that does the will of
There are many
will
name
tell
was
my me,
it
traffic
commandments
man who
will say to
that
from me, you that these
who
not in thy name we we performed many them openly. You were never
that day comes. Master, Master,
miracles?
come from
of heaven will not give entrance to every
Master, Master; only to the
who
prophesied?
them
fruit
tree will bear
withered will bear fruit that
is
that worthless fruit should fruit
any sound
So, indeed,
thistles?
which does not bear good
of
in wrong-doing.
mine and
carries
and came and the winds blew and beat upon that house, but it did not fall; it was founded upon rock. But whoever hears these commandments of mine and does not carry them out is like a fool, who built his house upon sand; and the out,
the rain
27
he
fish, will
you, evil as you are,
if
ask him?
while any tree that
fruit,
19
26
then,
by the narrow gate.
indeed;
from
briers, or figs
worthless;
25
asked by his son for
is
asked for a
is
how small is the gate, how narrow the road that leads on to life, and how few there are that find it! Be on your guard against false prophets, men who come to you in sheep's clothing, but are ravenous wolves within. You will know them by the fruit they yield. Can grapes be plucked from way
18
24
he
you would have them do
that
all
knock
asks, will
law and the prophets.
the
good
23
Why,
to give
wide road that leads on 14
If
not your Father in heaven
wholesome
is
how
7
that knocks, will have the door
a stone?
a serpent instead?
shall find;
Everyone that
any one of yourselves
him
know
and you
seek,
be opened to you.
If
10
Do
come;
gift will
shall
that seeks, will find;
receive;
12
MATTHEW
Practical Christian
is
fell
hke a wise
and the
floods
[13]
built his
house upon rock;
MATTHEW ^
rain
and the
fell
that house,
29
and
came and
floods
it
fell;
when
Afterwards,
i8
A
8
the winds blew and beat
and great was the
had finished amazed at his
fall
of
upon
it.
these sayings, the multi-
Jesus
tudes found themselves
them, not like
Leper healed; a Centurion's Faith
For he taught
teaching.
and Pharisees, but Uke one who had
their scribes
authority.
CHAPTER EIGHT
A
and now, a leper came and knelt
from the mountain;
before him, and said, Lord,
make me
clean.
said, It is
my
any
man
thy will, thou hast power to
is
cleansed.
it;
hand and touched him, and
made clean. Whereupon his leprosy Then Jesus said. Be sure thou dost not
rather go
and shew
which Moses ordained,
the gift
it
be thou
will;
of
if
Jesus held out his
was immediately tell
him when he had come down
GREAT multitude followed
to
heal him.
healed
Go,
to
comes,
heard I
is
to
at
my
I
will
But the centurion answered. Lord,
I
am
obey authority;
I
my
or,
Do
this,
to
my
or,
servant,
Come,
and
faith like this,
many who
will
servant will be
Isaac
even in
and Jacob,
Mark
vv. 5-/J.
40,
i.
Luke
v. 12.
2.
Luke
vii.
i.
[14]
to
too
know say.
I
another, and he it.
Israel.
And
the east
When
he
kingdom
this I tell
where there
you,
and from the of
while that kingdom's
are cast into the darkness without,
Lev. xiv.
I
amazement, Believe me,
come from
will take their places in the
Abraham and
vv. 2^4.
my
and he does
that, Jesus said to his followers in
have not found
V. 4.
roof;
have soldiers under me, and
one man, and he goes,
that there are
west,
him, asking
thou wilt only speak a word of command.
if
it
to
have a servant lying sick
said, I
not worthy to receive thee under
what
came
offer
to them.
Jesus said to him,
Lord, he
house, cruelly tormented with the palsy.
come and
known
the truth
entered Capharnaum, a centurion
As he
for his aid;
and
thyself to the priest,
make
God with own sons
will be
weep-
More Cures; 13
ing,
then;
And
And
teeth.
was
went into
Jesus
Peter's house,
lying sick there with a fever.
16
fever left her, so that she rose
when evening came,
Isaias
that
all
were
He
and found
cast
sick,
up and ministered
out the
mother
his wife's
touched her hand, and the
they brought to
were possessed; and he healed
hour
at that
healed.
15
17
And
8
Go
centurion Jesus said,
to the
be done to thee as thy faith foretold.
let it
his servant
14
MATTHEW
the Storm
and gnashing of
to
him many
And who
them. persons
with his word, and
evil spirits
word spoken by
in fulfilment of the
He
took our infirmities upon himself, and
how
great were the multitudes about him, he
the prophet,
bore our sicknesses.
And now,
18
19
the scribes
20
seeing
gave the word for crossing to the other
came
him, and
to
wherever thou art going.
and the birds of the 21
nowhere
him, Lord, give
But
come.
I
23
dead
24
followed him.
25
that the
ing.
28
told him.
Jesus said,
And
Foxes have
Son of
the
to
Then he
Do
them,
and there was deep calm.
man
is this,
who
is
has
my
father before
thou follow me, and leave the
So he took
rose up,
holes,
Man
ship,
and
his
disciples
suddenly a great storm arose on the
came and roused him,
of
thee
another of his disciples said to
go home and bury
leave to
But Jesus said
kind of
And
will follow
I
waves rose high over the ship; but he lay
litde faith?
27
me him
bury their dead.
to
disciples
26
to
But Jesus
Whereupon one
side.
Master,
air their resting-places;
to lay his head.
22
said.
crying, Lord, save us,
Why
are
you
we
sea, so
And
asleep.
faint-hearted,
men
and checked the winds, and the
So that
all
his
are sink-
asked in amazement.
of
sea,
What
obeyed even by the winds and the sea?
So he reached the other shore, in the country of the Gerasenes;
and here he was met by two possessed creatures who came out of the rock tombs, so exceedingly fierce that vv. 14-1"]. V. ly. Is.
Mark
liii.
i.
30,
Luke
none could pass along
iv. 38.
4.
Luke ix. 57. Some think that
vv. ig-22.
V. 22. the father was still ahve, and the son wanted to defer his following of Christ until his father's death. Our Lord's answer is perhaps simply meant to imply, that true life can only be found in following him. VV. 28-^4. Mark v. i, Luke viii. 26. Only St. Matthew mentions the second demoniac, who may have been a woman.
[53
MATTHEW 29
that road.
with
The Devils
9
And
at
30
before the appointed time?
31
swine was feeding;
32
mind
swine.
He
Some
and the
down
the
swineherds 34
and the all
dost thou
distance away, a great herd of
Away
cliif
into
the sea,
fled to the city,
story of those
the townspeople
who had
him, they entreated him
thou
herd rushed
that, all the
and perished
to
If
with you; and they came out and
and there
went out
him;
send us into the herd of
to cast us out, they said,
said to them.
meddle
torment us
to
devils asked a favour of
went into the herd of swine; and with 33
Why
once they cried aloud,
Son of God? Hast thou come here
us, Jesus,
hast a
of Gerasa; the Palsy cured
told
in
all
that
had happened
And
been possessed.
The
waters.
its
thereupon
meet Jesus; and when they found
to leave their country.
CHAPTER NINE
s
now
they brought before
him
man who was
a
palsied
and
bed-ridden; whereupon Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the pal3
sied
man, Son, take courage, thy
sins are forgiven.
some of
the scribes said to themselves,
4
mously.
Jesus read their minds,
5
wicked thoughts in your hearts?
more 6
say.
lightly given, to say to a
Rise up, and walk?
Son of
Man
and
He
said.
And now,
And
at this,
talking blasphe-
Why
Tell me,
man, Thy
is
do you cherish
which command
is
sins are forgiven, or to
convince you that the
to
has authority to forgive sins while he
is
on earth
(here he spoke to the palsied man). Rise up, take thy bed with
7
thee,
8
house,
and go home.
and praised God 9
And
he rose up, and went back
so that the multitudes
As he passed work
sitting at
were
for giving such
powers
further on his way, Jesus in the customs-house,
with awe
filled
to
saw
and
a
to
at seeing
his it,
men.
man
called
said to him.
Matthew
Follow me;
V. 5. 'Is more lightly given', in the sense that one who falsely claims to cure disease will (unlike the pretender to spiritual powers) be exposed by
failure.
[16]
He
Jesus criticized;
and Matthew rose from
when he was
wards,
and sinners were
The
ciples.
MATTHEW
wor\s miracles
and followed him.
his place
and
it,
found
to be
saw
Pharisees
sitting
and asked
this,
physician,
the words mean.
It is
have come
fice. I
Then
who
those
it is
his disciples,
and sinners?
How comes Jesus heard
are in health that have need of the
Go home and
find out
what
mercy that wins favour with me, not
sacri-
are sick.
to call sinners, not the just.
came
John's disciples
thy disciples do not
To them
who
not those
said, It is
after-
many publicans down with him and his dis-
sitting at table in the house,
that your master eats with publicans
it
And
9
Can you
Jesus said.
him, and asked,
to
when we and
fast,
How
is
it
that
the Pharisees fast so often
men
expect the
?
of the bridegroom's
company to go mourning, while the bridegroom is still with them? No, the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them; then they will fast. Nobody uses a piece of new cloth to patch an old cloak; that would take away from the cloak
Nor
burst,
pattern,
and make the rent
in
new wine put
into old wine-skins;
if
all its
is
and there
new,
is
it is
is
the
wine
spilt
it
worse than before.
that
and the skins
is
done, the skins
spoiled. If the
put into fresh wine-skins, and so both are kept
wine
safe.
While he thus spoke to them, it chanced that one of the rulers came and knelt before him, and said, Lord, my daugh\:er is this moment dead; come now and lay thy hand on her, and she will live. So Jesus rose up and went after him, and so did his disciples.
And now an
a
woman who
issue of blood,
his cloak;
cloak,
I
and he
she said to herself. If
shall said,
thee healing.
hour.
And
Osee 'AH
had been troubled with
can even touch the
flute,
and caught
hem of hem of his
the
sight of her;
daughter, thy faith has brought recovered her health from that
So Jesus came into the
vv. 14-17. V. 16.
my woman
fear,
the
I
Jesus turned
be healed.
Have no
mourners playing the V. /J.
for twelve years
came up behind him and touched
ruler's
house, where he found
and the multitude thronging
noisily;
vi. 6.
Mark its
ii.
18,
Luke
pattern', this
is
v. 33.
probably the sense of the Latin; the Greek
new piece draws away threads from the old'. vv. 18-26. Mark v. 22, Luke viii. 41. It seems likely that St. Matthew here combined two separate appeals made by the ruler of the synagogue. has, 'the
[17]
has
MATTHEW
Make room
24
and he
25
and they laughed aloud
26
she rose up.
said,
there; the child
is
not dead, she
all
And
30
31
was passing further on
Jesus
men came
These blind
Jesus said to
this?
And
cried aloud,
Your
and
said.
And
33
chanced
and the dumb filled
laid a strict charge
him
man found
The
devil.
38
this,
all
their cities
was moved with
to his disciples.
labourers are few; to
cast out,
they said, was ever seen
and
Yet
The
harvest
villages,
teaching in
kingdom, and curing
still,
when he
looked
pity for them, seeing
harried and abject, like sheep that have
belongs
was
said. It is the prince of the devils that
every kind of disease and infirmity.
he said
dumb man was
devil
to cast the devils out.
So Jesus went about
the multitudes, he
37
Then
on them,
But they had no
this.
their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the
36
can do
speech; at which the multitudes were
But the Pharisees
him
us.
in all the country round.
they were going, a
as
with amazement; Nothing Hke
in Israel.
enables
35
that,
him, possessed with a
to
I
faith shall not be disappointed.
them. Be sure nobody hears of
it
on
lodging,
Thereupon, he touched
they said to him. Yes, Lord.
were opened; and Jesus
brought
pity
him when he had gone into his them. Have you the faith to believe that
their eyes,
32
way, he was followed by
to
their eyes telling
his
Son of David, have
sooner gone out than they talked of
34
by the hand, and
girl
the country round.
As
and 29
asleep;
the story of these doings spread abroad through
two blind men, who 28
is
But when the multitude had
him.
at
been turned away, he went in and took the
27
dumb
Sickness, death, the blind, the
10
is
no shepherd. plentiful
you must ask the Lord
to
at
them
Thereupon
enough, but the
whom
the harvest
send labourers out for the harvesting.
CHAPTER TEN
So HE
called his twelve disciples to him,
to cast
2
and /.
out unclean
infirmity. 1-4.
Mark
spirits,
and
and gave them authority
to heal every
kind of disease
These are the names of the twelve iii.
13,
Luke
vi.
13.
[18]
apostles;
first.
MATTHEW
Mission oj the Apostles; Courage in Persecution 3
Simon,
Andrew,
also called Peter, then his brother
10
James the
son of Zebedee and his brother John, Philip and Bartholomew,
4
Thomas and Matthew the publican, James the son Simon the Cananean, and Judas
of Alphaeus,
and Thaddaeus,
the
Iscariot,
traitor.
These twelve Jesus sent out; but first gave them their instrucDo not go, he said, into the walks of the Gentiles, or enter
5
tions;
go rather
Samaria;
6
any
7
the house of Israel.
8
kingdom
9
gift,
city of
And
of heaven
Heal the
hand.
at
is
cleanse the lepers, cast out devils: give as
10
to
Whenever you
staff;
12
When
you enter
the house if
14
is
you have received the
make your lodging
this house,
you
who
wish
are to
let
them come back
to
promise you,
I
worthy
to
go away. and
well;
it
so, if
down upon it; way they went.
you the
wherever they will not receive you or
house;
is
there until you
listen to
shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that 15
coat,
the labourer has a right to his maintenance.
worthy, your good wishes shall come
unworthy,
And
The dead,
not provide gold or silver or copper
enter a city or a village, find out
be your host, and
raise the
sick,
nor a wallet for the journey, no second
your purses,
fill
no spare shoes or 11
Do
without payment.
sheep that belong to
to the lost
preach as you go, telling them.
Sodom and Gomorrha
it
go
shall
at the
less
your words, city or that
hard with the land of
day of judgment, than with that
city.
17
Remember, I am sending you out to be Hke sheep among wolves; you must be wary, then, as serpents, and yet innocent as doves. Do not put your trust in men; they will hand you over
18
yes,
16
of judgment,
courts
to
and you
will be
and scourge you in
their
synagogues;
brought before governors and kings on
my
account, so that you can bear witness before them, and before the 19
when
Gentiles.
Only,
anxiously
what you
20
will be given
21
speak,
it is
they
hand you over
are to say or
you when the time comes;
do not consider it; words
are to say it
is
not you
the Spirit of your Father that speaks in you.
will be given
up
to execution
by
their fathers; children will rise
vv. ^-42.
thus,
how you
Luke
ix. i
and
their brothers,
up against
x, 3.
[19]
who
Brothers
and children by
their parents
and
will
MATTHEW 22
23
Great Sacrifices and small
10
,
compass
their deaths,
you bear
my name;
Only,
last.
another;
I
man
promise you, the Son of
task with the cities of Israel
A
24 25
disciple
enough
is
no
one
Man
by
men
all
who
refuge in
take
city,
come
will
because
endures to the
before your
ended.
is
better than his master, a servant than his lord;
that the disciple should fare like his master, the servant
have cried Beelzebub
like his lord. If they
house, they will do
Do
much more
it
hold.
27
be revealed, what
hidden will
is
be
all
men
What
known;
you under cover of darkness, you are
master of the
at the
readily to the
not, then, be afraid of them.
26
to
will be hated
will be saved,
persecute you in
they
if
and you
that
of his house-
veiled will
is
what
all
have said
I
to utter in the light of
day; what has been whispered in your ears, you are to proclaim 28
29
on the house-tops.
And
the body, but have
no means
who
there
to fall to the
30
And
31
ing.
32
sparrows.
as for you,
Do
heaven
Do
35
I
And
yet
it is
impossible for one of
And now, whoever
acknowledges
me
my
Father
me
not imagine that to
at variance
I
have come
bring peace
to
bring a sword, not peace.
with
his father,
will
38
that loves son or daughter
39
does not take up his cross and follow me.
own
be the people of his
He
house.
me, that loves father or mother more; he
41
will lose
that will secure
that
too;
sent
Father
in
it;
it.
it
is
more;
the
He who
and he who gives me.
He who
to the earth; set a
and the daughter with her mother,
and the daughter-in-law with her mother-in-law;
come
I
in heaven;
have come to
I
37
40
my
men, before
before
is
too will disown him.
I
life
will.
before men,
who
36
own
kill
not be afraid, then; you count for more than a host of
have come
man
who
him more, hell. Are not
he takes every hair of your head into his reckon-
and whoever disowns
34
to fear those
ground without your heavenly Father's
acknowledge him before
too will
33
no need
has the power to ruin body and soul in
sparrows sold two for a penny?
them
is
of kilUng the soul; fear
he
is
man who gives
man's enemies
not worthy of
not worthy of me,
not worthy of me, that
He who
secures his
loses his life for
you welcome, gives
me welcome
welcomes
is
a is
a
gives
my me
welcome
to
prophet because he
sake wel-
him is
a
by denying his faith under persecution, or otherwise making terms with the world at the expense of his own conscience. V. 39.
'Secures his
life',
[20]
MATTHEW
Praise of John the Baptist
11
who man shall receive the man gives so much as a
prophet shall receive the reward given to prophets; and he
welcomes
man
a just
reward given
because he
is
And
men.
to just
draught of cold water a disciple of mine,
I
a
if
one of the
to
a just
is
because he
least of these here,
promise you, he
shall not
miss his reward.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
WHEN
Jesus had done giving instructions to his twelve dis-
ciples,
2 3
their
in
doings,
sent
foretold,
John had heard in
two of
his disciples to
Jesus answered them,
5
eyes have witnessed;
Go and how the
and
how
and the deaf hear, how the dead are
and the poor have the gospel preached
Blessed
As
is
they
the
clean,
man who
went
wind?
the a
out, Jesus took occasion to speak of
What was
man
No, not
it,
he asked, that you expected
that;
what was
You must What was it,
clad in silk?
go clad in
silk.
This
is
the
man
of
thee.
whom
BeHeve me,
them.
John
to the
to see
Was it
it
God
it
when
a reed trembling in
you went out
then, that
was
I
you went out
tell
is
to see?
A
you, than a prophet.
written. Behold,
who
Was it men that
to see?
look in kings' palaces for
before thy face that angel of mine, fore
to
does not lose confidence in me.
prophet? Yes, and something more,
ll
own
ears
John what your
made
life,
coming
thy
blind see, and the lame walk,
tell
you went out into the wilderness?
10
Is it
raised to
miJtitudes;
9
him;
and preach
prison of Christ's
the lepers are
7
8
to teach
his
he asked, or are we yet waiting for some other ?
4
6
where he was,
the place
left
Now
and he
was
that
he
cities.
I
am
to prepare thy
sending
way
be-
has raised up no greater son of
V. 5. Is. XXXV. 5. V. 10. Mai. iii. i; where, however, our text reads, 'I am sending my messenger (or angel), who is to prepare the way before me'. V. II. St. John the Baptist, as the final product of the old Dispensation, is less than the least of those who enjoy the blessings of the new. Like the Patriarchs, he only looked forward to the world's redemption as something that lay in the future (verse 13) by the light of hope (Hebrews xi. 13), and died before its accomplishment (Matthew xiii. 17), instead of being able to press into the Kingdom of heaven like the common sort of Christians
(verse 12).
C21}
MATTHEW woman 12
A
11
than John the Baptist; and yet to be
of heaven
is
least in the
Ever since John the
be greater than he.
to
Warning
kingdom Baptist's
kingdom of heaven has opened to force; and the forceful even now making it their prize; whereas all the prophets
time, the 13
are
14
and the law, before John's time, could only speak of things that were to come. And this I tell you, if you will make room for it in
5,
your minds, that he
16 Listen, to
you that have
what
shall
is
compare
I
that Elias
whose coming was prophesied.
As
ears to hear with. it? It
reminds
out to their companions as they
me
for this generation,
of those children
call
18
You would not dance when we piped to breast when we wept to you. When John came,
19
eat nor drink,
sit
20 21
Man
he would neither
and they say of him that he is possessed. When the came, he ate and drank with them, and of him they
say.
Here
and
sinners. It
is
a glutton;
he loves wine; he
by her
is
own
is
children that
a friend of publicans
wisdom
done in you had been done there go
shall
23
less
up high
the miracles
if
And
At and
thou,
Sodom
I
low
shalt fall
say this, that
at the
it
earth, I give thee praise that
the wise
27
so.
as hell.
Sodom
who
go
art
it
Lord
be
itself,
all
thee.
of
My
heaven
this
to litde children.
Father, since this finds favour in thy sight.
to
hard with
less
thou hast hidden
and the prudent, and revealed
it
might have
there,
shall
day of judgment than with
that time Jesus said openly. Father,
26
the miracles
say this, that
day of judgment
at the
done in thee had been done
And
if
I
Capharnaum, dost thou hope
heaven ? Thou
stood to this day. the country of
25
as
And
instead.
hard with Tyre and Sidon
than with you. lifted
24
vindicated.
is
Thereupon he took occasion to reproach for their impenitence the cities in which he had done most of his miracles: Woe to thee, Corozain, woe to thee, Bethsaida: Tyre and Sidon would have repented in sackcloth and ashes long ago,
22
and
you, or beat the
say.
Son of
who
in the market-place,
17
from Be
it
Father has
In John i. 21, St. John the Baptist says that he is not the prophet but evidently he is speaking of his personal identity, whereas our Lord here is speaking of the office which he fulfilled. V. ig. 'Her children'; that is, those who are enlightened by the Divine wisdom. The meaning may be, that both our Lord and St. John proved themselves, in different ways, 'children of wisdom', or in the sense that the common people were wiser, in this matter, than the scribes and Pharisees. V. 14.
Elias;
[22}
MATTHEW
A Rebu\e to Legalism my
entrusted everything into
and those
GDme you
whom
me,
to
gentle and
my
For
souls.
you
my
that labour
to reveal
and are burdened;
I
him. will give
yoke upon yourselves, and learn from me;
humble
yoke
the Father truly except the Son,
good pleasure
the Son's
it is
all
Take
rest.
am
I
to
hands; none knows the Son truly
knows
except the Father, and none
12
and you
of heart;
easy,
is
and
my
shall find rest for
burden
your
light.
is
CHAPTER TWELVE AT THIS TIME, Jesus was walking through ±\. sabbath day. And his disciples, who 2
and
this,
said to
him, Look, thy
Have you never
read of
4
were hungry.?
How
loaves
disciples are
to
Pharisees saw
doing a thing which
Whereupon he said to them. what David did, when he and his followers
he went into the tabernacle, and ate the
out there before God, although neither he nor his
set
anyone
had a right
to eat
them? Or again, have you not read in the law that the
priests
followers, nor
else except the priests
violate the sabbath rest in the temple,
6
And
7
temple.
you there
tell
I
not
If
is
passed judgment on the guikless.
sabbath at his disposal.
work
have a charge
to
1-14.
7.
And
his
of
It is
Mark
of healing
on the sabbath,
that has a sheep,
ii.
Kings xxi. Osee vi. 6.
mercy,
Man
has even the
way, and afterwards
here there was a
bring against him.
man among you
J. I
greater than the
man who had
hands withered; and they asked Jesus whether
lawful to do a
'.
The Son
So he went on
into their synagogue. his
is
wins favour with me, you would not have
that
8
one of
who
you had found out what the words mean.
sacrifice,
came
and none blames them?
one standing here
9
11
fell
The
not lawful to do on the sabbath.
it is
10
on the
plucking the ears of corn and eating them.
3
5
the corn-fields
were hungry,
23,
Luke
vi.
i.
6.
[^3]
so that they
But he answered,
who would
Is
it
was
might there a
not take hold of
it
MATTHEW 12
and pull
haias
12
out,
it
of what value
should
if it
a sheep
is
work
unlawful, then, in doing a 13
And
man? There
to a
And
on the sabbath?
a pit
fall into
compared
Satan and Christ
fulfilled;
of mercy
on
is
nothing
the sabbath day.
with that he said to the man, Stretch out thy hand; and
when
he stretched
out,
it
was restored
it
him
to
sound
as
as the
other.
Thereupon the Pharisees
14 15
gether to
16
healed
withdrew from the
but he laid a
17
they should not
make him known.
18
word spoken by
the prophet Isaias,
I
have chosen,
I
will lay
my
my
elect,
He
19
among
hear his voice in the
the Gentiles.
This he did Behold,
whom my
with
He
when he crowns
his
to fulfil
servant,
the
whom
well pleased.
is
proclaim judgment shall
will not snap the staff that still
is
smoulders, until the
judgment with
the Gentiles will put their trust in his
22
to-
and
and he
and cry out; none
will not protest
streets.
my
soul
shall
already crushed, or put out the wick that
time comes
plotted of this,
charge on them that
strict
upon him, and he
spirit
20
21
was aware
Jesus
place; great multitudes followed him,
their diseases;
all
and
the synagogue,
left
make away with him.
And
victory.
name.
him a man possessed, who was both dumb; whom he cured, giving him both speech and The multitudes were filled with amazement; Can this,
Then
they brought to
blind and
23
sight.
24
they asked, be no other than the Son of David?
when
sees said,
they heard of
it.
It is
But the Phari-
only through the power of
Beelzebub, the prince of the devils, that he casts the devils out. 25
Whereupon Jesus, who knew what was in their thoughts, said to No kingdom can be at war with itself without being laid waste; no city or household that is at war with itself can stand
them.
26
firm.
27
himself,
If
it is
Satan
and how
who
is
through Beelzebub that
own 28
sons cast
ment on Spirit of
you.
kingdom I
them out? But
if,
God, then
to stand
is
at
war with
Again,
firm?
if
it
is
cast
out devils, by what means do your
It is
for these, then, to
when
it
Satan out, then Satan
casts
his
I
cast out devils, I
must be
that the
pronounce judg-
do
it
kingdom
through the of
God
has
V. 16. Is. xlii. I. Our Lord went into retirement, lest it should seem that he was deliberately provoking the Pharisees to a conflict.
vv. 2/j.-^2.
Mark
iii.
22,
Luke
xi.
15.
C24]
MATTHEW
Incredulity of the Pharisees
among
already appeared
How
you.
anyone
is
to gain entrance
man and plunder his goods strong man his prisoner? Then he can He who is not with me, is against me;
into the house of a strong
making
first
his
house
the
at will.
does not gather his store with me, scatters
And now
you
tell
I
without plunder
he
who
abroad.
it
pardon
this; there is
12
for all the other sins
and blasphemies of men, but not for blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. There is no one who blasphemes against the Son of Man but
may
the
Holy
Spirit there is
the world to come.
no
forgiveness, either in this
Either
fruit sound, or that the tree test
of the tree
speak to good
in
is
effect,
its
tell
us that the tree
withered and
is
Brood of
fruit.
wicked
mouth
overflow that the
from
him who blasphemes
find forgiveness; but for
as
will be
condemn
of the scribes
is
sea-beast,
and the Son of
Man
brought
to
I
Thy words
He
behold, a greater than Jonas
up with it
will
be
answered them. The
it is
the sign of the prophel
of
Nineve
and three nights will rise
generation at the day of judgment, and will leave
leave
say this,
account for
thee.
will be three days
The men
excuse; for they did penance
this
is
when here.
it
up with without
Jonas preached to them, and
The queen
of the south will
generation at the day of judgment, and will
without excuse; for she came from the ends of the earth
hear the is
And
Jonas was three days and three nights in the belly of the
in the heart of the earth.
rise
heart's
a wicked and unfaithful genera-
tion; the only sign that will be given
this
could you
and Pharisees answered him.
from thee?
generation that asks for a sign
Jonas.
is evil.
they have spoken.
see a sign
how
from the
his store of
word
may we
is
wicked man, from
every thoughtless
Hereupon some
its
good words
judgment men to
sound and
utters
that in the day of
Master,
It
man
a good
wickedness, can utter nothing but what
matter to acquit, or matter
is
fruit withered; the
vipers,
you are?
speaks;
his store of goodness, the
its
against
world or in
wisdom
of Solomon, and behold, a greater than
to
Solomon
here. V.
^2.
Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost
as resisting the
vv. 38-4^.
known
Luke
truth.
xi. 24.
[25]
is
most commonly understood
MATTHEW 43
The
Our Lord's
13
unclean
which has possessed
spirit,
a
Family
spiritual
man and
then goes
out of him, walks about the desert looking for a resting-place, and
44
and it says, I will go back to my own dwelling, from came out. And it comes back, to find that dwelling empty, and swept out, and neatly set in order. Thereupon, it goes away, and brings in seven other spirits more wicked than itself to bear it company, and together they enter in and settle finds none;
which
45
down first.
46
I
man
there; so that the last state of that
So
with
shall fare
it
While he was mother and
this
worse than the
is
wicked generation.
still
speaking
to the multitude, it
his
brethren
were standing without, desiring
his
And someone
47
speech with him.
48
and thy brethren standing without, looking for
made answer 49
50
mother,
who
to the
man
told him,
me?
and
said,
his disciples,
anyone does the will of
is
my
mother
thee.
But he
him the news. Who is a Then he stretched out his
brethren!
heaven, he
are thy
that brought
are brethren, to
hand towards If
Here
chanced that
and
brother,
Here
sister,
are
my
my
mother and
Father
who
is
my in
and mother.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN down by
the sea
and great multitudes gathered about him, so
that he
iHAT DAY, leaving the house, Jesus had sat 2
t:
J. shore,
went on board a ship and 3
sat there instead,
tude remained standing on the beach. vv. 43-4^.
law and yet
Lx)rd perhaps
resisted the gospel,
means were
he spoke
to
them
who had received the an even more unhappy state than
that the Jews, in
hitherto found no remedy against sin. He seems to us, that the soul which has received great graces and does not cor-
the Gentiles,
warn
Our
while the whole muld-
And
who had
respond with them will vf. 46-^0.
Mark
iii.
make
31,
the worst shipwreck of its fortunes. viii. 19. Since it is impossible for anyone
Luke
who
holds the Catholic tradition to suppose that our Lord had brothers by blood, the most common opinion is that these "brethren' were his cousins; a relationship for which the Jews had no separate name (cf. Gen. xxix. 12). Our Lord here warns his fellow-countrymen that they will not be reckoned as his 'brothers' unless they obey the will of their Father and his (cf. Matt. xxi. 28).
vf. 1-2}.
Mark
iv.
i,
Luke
viii. 4.
[26]
MATTHEW
Parable of the Sower long, in parables; Here, he began,
4
And
5
that all the birds
6
he sowed, there were grains that
as
13
the sower gone out to sow.
is
beside the path, so
fell
came and ate them up. And others fell on rocky land, where the soil was shallow; they sprang up all at once, because they had not sunk deep in the ground; but as soon as the sun rose they were parched; they had taken no
7
withered away.
8
up,
Some
among
fell
and smothered them.
and
root,
so they
briers, so that the briers
But others
where the
fell
soil
grew was
good, and these yielded a harvest, some a hundredfold, some 9
some
sixtyfold,
you
Listen,
thirtyfold.
have ears
that
hear
to
with.
And
[0 [I
[3
if a
others,
will
abound;
him.
And
man if
if I
he
is is
and
said,
poor, even the
them
talk to
hear or understand.
You
fulfilled,
see,
made
be
rich, gifts will
have eyes, they cannot [4
to him,
Why
Because, he answered,
in parables.''
dost thou speak
it is
granted to you
understand the secrets of God's kingdom, but not to these
to [2
came
his disciples
them
to
little
in parables,
to him,
and
it is
because, though they
and though they have
they cannot
ears,
Indeed, in them the prophecy of Isaias
will listen
and
listen,
but for you there
is
standing; you will watch and watch, but for you there [5
The
ceiving.
slow see
to listen,
that heart,
and they keep eyes, or
ears, for they
been
you
many see,
become
to
ears,
is
no underis
no
per-
dull, their ears are
their eyes shut, so that they
hear with those
and turn back
But blessed are your
[6 [7
heart of this people has
with those
his riches
he has will be taken from
may
never
or understand with
me, and win healing from me.
eyes, for they
have sight; blessed are your
And I tell you truthfully, there have and just men who have longed to see what
have hearing.
prophets
and never saw
it,
to
hear what you hear, and never heard
it.
,
The
19 a
man
parable of the sower, then,
hears the
does not grasp
it,
word by which
is
for
the
your hearing.
kingdom
is
Wherever
preached, but
the evil one comes and carries off
what was
vv. 14, 75. Is. vi. 9. Our Lord seems to tone down the language of this prophecy, perhaps for fear it might seem tliat the failure of the Jews to grasp his message was due to some arbitrary decree of heaven, not to their
own
fault.
[27]
MATTHEW 20
sown
The
13
was
in his heart; his
the wayside sowing.
took in the seed in rocky ground 21
and
at
once entertains
he does not 22
word, but allows the cares of riches to
who
24
And field
27
28
So,
too,
of heaven.
came and
it.
And
Leave them
to
time comes
I
in
a
man
an image, he
is
man who sowed
the world
all
scattered tares
his
men
among
was
his
an
asleep,
the wheat,
and was
grow
asked him, Wouldst thou then have us
But he
you
them
tie
till
word
or perhaps while you
up the wheat with them. and when harvest-
harvest,
to the reapers.
is
grows up
like a grain of
it is
mustard
of
all
The kingdom
seed, that a
seeds,
none
so
is
greater than any garden herb;
all
still
it
man little,
grows
of
has
but into
the birds
another parable.
34
of meal, enough to leaven the whole batch.
35
the multitude in parables, fulfilling the
store the
come and settle in its branches. And The kingdom of heaven is like woman has taken and buried away in three measures
a tree, so that
leaven, that a
and
barn.
put before them another parable.
he told them
Gather up the
in bundles to be burned,
taken and sowed in his ground; it
No;
said.
will root
side by side
will give the
and
my
Then he
when 33
the
both hears and
when
heaven, he said,
^
There was
but while
go and gather them up?
wheat
32
charms of
the blade had sprung up and come into ear, the came to light; and the farmer's men went to him and said, Sir, was it not clean seed thou didst sow in thy field.? How comes it, then, that there are tares in it? He said, An enemy
gone.
tares,
tares first,
31
man who
the
soil is
false
Whereas
fruitless.
are fruitful, one grain yielding a hundredfold,
are gathering the tares
30
world and the
this
remains
it
thirtyfold.
kingdom
of his
word
him, and
in
And the man who man who hears the
the
is
he put before them another parable; Here
has done 29
one
with clean seed;
enemy 26
men
such
it;
sixtyfold,
said, of the
25
so that
it,
took in the seed in good
grasps
one
stifle
hears the
no root
shaken.
is
took in the seed in the midst of briers
23
is
The man who
long; no sooner does tribulation or persecution
last
over the word, than his faith
arise
man who
the
is
but there
gladly;
it
Tares, the Mustard, the Leaven
and would say
word which was spoken by
V. 55. Ps. Ixxvii. 2.
[28}
it
All this Jesus said to in parables only,
the prophet,
I
so
will speak
The
my mind
in parables,
been kept
secret
Then he There
the beginning of the world.
sent the multitude away,
came
his disciples
kingdom
He
The
good
are the
The enemy
tares.
the world
said,
answered,
the world
is
the
seed; the sons of the
sowed them
that
kingdom,
in the fire,
brought to an end;
them
into the furnace of
gnashing of
who do
those
all
the
Then,
teeth.
the sun, in their Father's
that
and the end
The
and so
Son of all
wickedly in
where there
fire,
Man
of
wicked one are the
the devil,
is
charge to his angels, and they will gather up in his
Son
reaped by the angels.
is
it
were gathered together and burned
when
Explain to us the parable
It is
world, and the sons of the
field is the
the harvest;
is
and went back into the house.
him, and
to
of the tares in the field.
sows the good seed.
13
which have
will give utterance to things
I
from
MATTHEW
Net
Treasure, the Pearl, the
it
Man
of
tares
will be
will give
that gives offence
and
it,
will cast
and
will be weeping,
at last, the just will shine out, clear as
kingdom. Listen, you
that have ears to
hear with.
The kingdom
man him,
has found
going
is
it
of heaven
is
and hidden
home
to
like a treasure it
all
sell
Again, the kingdom of heaven
has sold
heaven
all
is
that he
down on
sat
is
was
when
and buy
was
it
were looking
when
the world
is
and enclosed
fish of
drew it up, that was worth
the fishermen
full,
where they stored
brought
to
all
of teeth.
And the
fire,
where there
Have you grasped
just,
and
will cast
will be weeping,
all this ?
to bring
both
Afterwards,
of heaven
must be
them
Yes, Lord, they said to him.
like a rich
new and old things out when he had finished
it
and gnashing
he said to them, Every scholar, then, whose learning
kingdom
So
an end; the angels will go
out and separate the wicked from the into the furnace of
for
and
Again, the kingdom of
keeping in their buckets, and threw the useless kind away. will be
gives
that field.
pearl of great cost,
cast into the sea,
it
the beach,
it.
a field; a
for the joy
as if a trader
had and bought
like a net that
every kind at once;
and
that he has
and now he has found one
rare pearls:
hidden in
and now,
again,
is
of
man, who knows how
of his treasure-house.
these parables, Jesus jour-
Perhaps in the sense that he must learn, on the principles laid down the foregoing parables, the difference between the old Church of the Jews and the new Church of Christ. V. ^2.
in
MATTHEW 54
them 55
Death of John the Baptist
14
and came
neyed on,
where he taught
country-side,
How
in their synagogue; so that they said in astonishment,
did he
come by
wisdom, and these strange powers?
this
this the carpenter's
56
own
to his
whose mother
son,
How
his sisters, all of them, live near us?
And
him?
57
58
prophet goes unhonoured.
is
not
Mary, and
his
And
is
it
that
all
do not this
has
they had no confidence in him. But Jesus
come
told them. It
called
Simon and Judas?
brethren James and Joseph and
to
is
Is
only in his
own
own home, many miracles
country, in his
Nor
did he do
that a there,
because of their unbelief.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
A
was
And
told of Jesus.
he said to his men, This
is
no other
than John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead, and that 3
these powers are active in him.
is
why
For Herod himself had arrested
John and put him in chains and thrown him into prison, for love 4
of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife,
5
is
6
because John told him,
It
wrong for thee to take her. And he would willingly have put him to death, but was prevented by fear of the multitude, who looked upon John as a prophet. Then, at the celebration of Herod's birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and Herod was
so well pleased
with her
that he promised,
7
all,
8
on oath, to grant her whatever request she made.
She had been
prompted beforehand by her mother; Give me, she
said, the
9
of
John the Baptist; give
it
me
here on a dish.
And
stricken with remorse; but, out of respect for his oath
10
who
11
John beheaded in
sat
dish,
12
But
with him at
and given
table,
his
he granted her request,
prison.
to the girl,
and she
vt/.
1-12.
to tell the
Mark vi. i, Luke iv. Mark vi. 14, Luke ix.
vv. $4-58.
16,
and
head
was
for those
and
so
had
His head was brought in on a carried
his disciples gained access to the body,
and buried, and came
the king
news John
7.
[30]
it
to Jesus.
vi. 42.
off to her
mother.
which they took away
The i3
five
Jesus,
MATTHEW
thousand; Jesus wal\s on the Sea
when he had heard
14
took ship from the place where he
it,
was, and withdrew into desert country, to be alone; but the multitudes from the towns heard of 14
and he took
there,
15
And now This
and followed him there by
it
a great multitude
on them, and healed those
pity
was evening, and
a lonely place,
is
it,
when he disembarked, he found
So,
land.
and
his disciples
came
who were
sick.
him and
said,
to
past the accustomed hour; give the
it is
multitudes leave to go into the villages and buy themselves food
But Jesus
16
there.
17
away;
We 18, 19
down on
to
21
here,
the grass,
to eat.
for them to go They answered.
except five loaves and two fishes.
us,
he
no need
is
then he told the multitudes to
said;
and when the
five loaves
and the two
baskets
as this
men had
about five thousand
women and
As soon
22
to
with them;
reckoning
was done, he prevailed upon
When
home.
24
had come, and he remained there
alone.
was already half-way across the
hard put to
25
for the
he went up by himself on
sea.
to
send
to the hill side, to
sea,
And
against them.
pray there; twilight
Meanwhile the ship
then,
it
when
by the waves, the night
had
fourth quarter, Jesus came to them, walking on the
its
When
terrified;
him
he had finished sending them home,
the multitudes
reached
net
his disciples to take
23
wind was
eaten,
children.
ship and cross to the other side before him, leaving
26
fishes
him he looked up to heaven, blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples; and the disciples gave them to the multitude. All ate and had enough, and when they picked up what was left of the broken pieces they filled twelve
were brought 20
me
There
them food
give
to
have nothing with
Bring them sit
told them.
you
for
is
it
they
saw him walking on the
they said.
It
is
sea, the disciples
were
an apparition, and cried out for
fear.
them; Take courage, he
27
But
28
myself; do not be afraid.
29
me come to thee over the water. He said, Come; and Peter let himself down out of the ship and walked over the water to reach Jesus. Then, seeing how strong the wind was, he
30
is
all at
once Jesus spoke
to
And
said,
Peter answered him. Lord,
it is
if
it
thyself, bid
lost
courage and began
vv. 1^-21.
vv. 22-2y.
Mark Mark
vi. 31,
to sink;
Luke
ix. 10,
whereupon he John
vi. 45.
[31]
vi. 3.
cried aloud, Lord,
MATTHEW 31
Faith does not hesitate; Jewish Tradition
15
And
save me.
Jesus at once stretched out his
Why
hold of him, saying to him, 32 33
And
wind dropped.
Thou
his feet,
When
34 35
So they went on board the
httle faith?
art
of
crew came and
said,
faUing at
they had crossed, they reached the country of Genesar;
and the inhabitants of that
place, recognizing
and brought to him
all
him, sent into
all
who were
those
in
and they entreated him that they might be allowed
affliction;
touch even the
to
man
and thereupon the
ship,
indeed the Son of God.
the country round,
36
the ship's
hand and caught
didst thou hesitate,
hem
of
his
And
garments.
who
everyone
touched him was restored to health.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN A FTER THIS, Jcsus was approached by the scribes and Pharisees 2
21. from
Jerusalem,
who
asked:
Why
violate the traditions of our ancestors?
3
hands when they
He
eat.
again,
5
God
tions?
which
offering
answered them.
curses his father or
Whereas you
reprieve.
The
has said,
He who
I
it
that thy disciples
Why
is
it
their
that
you
commandment of God with your tradiHonour thy father and thy mother; and
yourselves violate the
4
is
They do not wash
mother
man says God is all
say, If a
make
to
hope of
dies without
mother,
to his father or
the advantage
you
will
have from me, then father or mother can get no service from So by these traditions of yours you have made God's law
6
him.
7
ineflfectual.
8
of you,
You when he
hypocrites, said,
it
was
a true
This people does
prophecy
me honour
Isaias
with
made
its lips,
Mark vi. 53. Mark vii. i.
vv. 34—36. vv. 1-31. V. 4. V.
Ex. XX.
There
5.
But, since the
12, is
Deut.
much
Hebrews
v. 16; Ex. xxi. 17, Lev. xx. 9, Proverbs xx. 20. uncertainty about the text and the meaning here. used the word 'honour' to imply a gift of money
i, I Timothy v. 3) it is clear that our Lord refers by which sons were allowed to neglect the support of their parents. This was done, it appears, by a real or pretended consecration of themselves to God.
(cf.
to
Ecclesiasticus xxxviii.
some
shift
V. 8. Is. xxix.
13.
[3^1
9
but
heart
its
far
is
from me.
doctrines they teach are the
11
Their worship of
me
is
15
vain, for the
of men.
commandments
gathered the multitude about him, and said to them, and grasp what it means. It is not what goes into
Then he
10
MATTHEW
Woman
Legalism; the Syrophenician
Listen to this,
mouth that makes him unclean; what makes a man unwhat comes out of his mouth. Thereupon his disciples came and said to him, Dost thou know that the Pharisees, when they heard thy saying, took it amiss? He answered, There is no
a man's
12
13
clean
is
plant which
my heavenly Father has not planted but will be Let them say what they will; they are blind mxn
14
rooted up.
15
will fall into the ditch together.
when one
leading the blind, and
man
blind
leads another, they
Peter answered him, Explain
18
parable to us. What, he said, are you still without wits? you not observe that any uncleanness which finds its way into Do a man's mouth travels down into his belly, and so is cast into the sewer; whereas all that comes out of his mouth comes from
19
the heart,
16 17
this
and
which makes
that
it is
a
man
unclean?
from
It is
the heart that his wicked designs come, his sins of murder, adul-
perjury and blasphemy.
tery, fornication, theft,
a
man
unclean; he
is
made unclean by
not
these
It is
make
eating without wash-
ing his hands. 21
22
After
by
23
Jesus left those parts
who came from
birth,
came
said, she is
errand
Then
26
me.
27
throw
28
crumbs
into the neigh-
woman,
a Chanaanite
Have
that country, cried aloud,
the
He it
to
granted.
Then lee,
him and pleaded with him; Rid
following us with her
woman came up answered,
pity
cries.
And
us of her. they
he answered,
My
Ah
from
Woman,
And from
and
said, falling at his feet,
Lord, help
not right to take the children's bread and
It is
to the dogs.
that fall
answered her,
30
here a
only to the lost sheep that are of the house of Israel.
is
25
29
and withdrew
And
on me, Lord, thou son of David. My daughter is cruelly troubled by an evil spirit. He gave her no word in answer; but his disciples
24
this,
bourhood of Tyre and Sidon.
yes,
their
Lord, she said; the dogs feed on the masters' table.
And
at that
Jesus
for this great faith of thine, let thy will be
that
hour her daughter was cured.
Jesus left that country,
and passed along the
and went up into the mountain and
[33]
sat
down
sea of Gali-
there.
Great
MATTHEW
The four thousand
-
16
multitudes came to him, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the deaf, the crippled, and 31
feet;
and he healed them:
many
to see the deaf hear, the cripples
and the blind
receive sight;
besides,
whom
they laid at his
so that the multitudes
were amazed
become whole, the lame walk,
and they praised the God of
Israel for
it.
32
now
But
and
Jesus called his disciples,
pity for the multitude;
it is
three days
with
have been
since they
on me, and they have nothing
in attendance
am moved
said, I
now
must not
to eat. I
send them away fasting, or perhaps they will grow faint on their 33
journey.
34
enough
His
disciples said to
him.
Where
could
in a desert to feed such a multitude?
How many
them. 35
small fishes.
36
ground,
we
find loaves
And
loaves have you? Seven, they Thereupon he bade the multitude
Jesus asked
said, sit
and a few
down on
the
37
and he took the seven loaves and the fishes with them, and when he had blessed and broken he gave these to his disAnd they all ate and ciples, and his disciples to the multitude.
38
had enough; and they took up what was left of the broken Four thousand men had eaten, not pieces, seven hampers full.
39
reckoning
women and
And
children.
taking leave of the
so,
multitude, he went on board the ship, and crossed to the region of Magedan.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN and Sadducees came and put him
AND THE Pharisees k.
asking
him
shew them
to
a sign
to the test,
from heaven.
But he
answered them.
When
3
the sky
or at sun-rise. There will be a storm to-day, the
4
sky
is
is
red;
red and lowering.
face of heaven; can It is
evening comes, you
a wicked
You know,
vt>.
so he
and unfaithful generation
1-2.
went on
Mark
viii.
then,
is
how
fair
to
weather,
read the
you not read the signs of appointed times?
only sign that will be given to
And
say. It
his
it is
way and
11.
[34}
that asks for a sign; the
the sign of the prophet Jonas.
left
them.
MATTHEW
Peters Confession; the Keys of Heaven 5
And
6
forgotten
16
they crossed the sea, and his disciples found that they had
with them.
take bread
to
when
So,
said
Jesus
to
them. See that you have nothing to do with the leaven of the 7
Pharisees
8
We
and Sadducees,
Men
to them,
9
that
they were anxious
have brought no bread, they of
little faith,
what
is
said
your minds, wits
thousand and their
five
and the number of baskets you
and
it,
Have you no
you have brought no bread with you?
five loaves,
minds;
their
this anxiety in
even now, or have you forgotten the 10
in
knew
Jesus
said.
Or
filled?
the four
thousand and their seven loaves, and the number of hampers 11
you
12
How
then?
filled
could you suppose that
was thinking
I
Have nothing to do with the leaven of the and Sadducees? Then they understood that his warn-
when
of bread,
Pharisees
I said,
ing was against the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees, not against leavened bread.
Then
13
Jesus
came
into the neighbourhood of Caesarea Philippi;
and there he asked 14
Man? Who do
his disciples.
What
they think he is?
men
do
Some
Son of
say of the
John the
say
Baptist,
they told him, others Elias, others again, Jeremy or one of the prophets.
16
say
17
Christ, the
18
is
that
I
Then Simon
am?
Simon son
19
I
And it is
Father in heaven that has revealed
thee this in that
of Jona;
my
will build
against
and
it;
turn, that thou art Peter,
my
Who
of you?
Thou
answered.
Peter
Son of the living God.
Blessed art thou,
my
And what
Jesus said to them.
15
do you the
art
Jesus answered him,
not flesh and blood,
And
this to thee.
and
it is
upon
it
I tell
this
rock
church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail
I will
give to thee the keys of the
kingdom
of
heaven; and whatever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound
and whatever thou
in heaven,
20
in heaven. he, Jesus,
21
From
Then he
was the
that time
disciples that ill-usage
22
put to death, and
vv. 20-28.
shalt loose
on earth
forbade them to
tell
Mark Mark
shall
any
be loosed
man
that
Christ.
onwards Jesus began
to
make
he must go up to Jerusalem, and
from the
vv. 1^-16.
strictly
chief priests rise
and
elders
and
again on the third day.
viii.
27,
viii.
30,
Luke Luke
ix.
18.
ix. 21.
C353
it
known
to his
with
much
there,
scribes,
must be
Whereupon
Peter,
MATTHEW drawing him 23
Love
17
my
path;
thoughts
these
for
way,
let
him renounce
25
me.
The man who
26
who
loses his life for
the better for his
own
At which he
Back, Satan; thou art a stone in thine
of
tries to
my
of
has a
and take up
save his
Man
will
come
mind
his cross,
life shall
lose
sake that will secure
what
not God's.
man's,
are
man
he gains the whole world
if
it,
self,
soul? For a man's soul,
The Son his
28
to Peter,
Jesus also said to his disciples. If any
my
27
began remonstrating with him; Never,
to his side,
Lord, he said; no such thing shall befall thee. turned round and said
24
of the Cross; the Transfiguration
it.
to
come
and follow
it; it is
How
the a
is
man man
at the cost of losing
price can be high
enough?
hereafter in his Father's glory with
angels about him, and he will recompense everyone, then,
according here
who
works.
his
to
Believe
me, there are those standing
will not taste of death before they
Man coming
have seen the Son 01
kingdom.
in his
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN DAYS AFTERWARDS Jcsus took Pcter and James and his brother
SIX
2
John with him, and led them up to a high mountain where they were alone. And he was transfigured in their presence, his
and
face shining like the sun,
and
3
snow;
4
versing with him. well that
at
all
we
garments becoming white
his
as
once they had sight of Moses and Elias con-
Then
Peter said aloud to Jesus, Lord,
should be here;
if it
pleases thee, let us
make
it
is
three
booths in this place, one for thee, one for Moses and one for 5
finished speaking, a shining cloud
Even before he had
Elias.
overshadowed them.
them out of
And now,
the cloud. This
is
there
my
was a voice which
beloved Son, in
him, then, Hsten.
The
said to
whom
disciples,
when
I
am they
6
well
7
heard
8
near and roused them with his touch; Arise, he said, do not be
pleased;
afraid.
fell
it,
And
to
on
overcome with
their faces,
they lifted
up
their
but Jesus only. vt/.
j-2j.
Mark
ix. i,
Luke
ix. 28.
[36]
eyes,
fear;
but Jesus came
and saw no
man
there
Elias
9
and John; the
And
MATTHEW
coming down from
they were
as
Boy
lunatic
17
mountain, Jesus
the
Do not tell anybody of what you have seen, until Man has risen from the dead. And his disciples asked
warned them, 10
the
Son of
him, Tell
why
us,
He
is it
Christ?
12
things as they were; already,
13
that the scribes say Elias
but
I
John the
Son
of
Man
is
had been speaking
on
in great affliction;
they have not been able to cure him.
19
into water.
that
we
I
Jesus answered.
how
long must
I
Ah,
fire,
but
faith-
be with you,
bear with you.? Bring
could not cast faith. I
it
out.?
promise you,
mustard
seed,
if
Remove from
this place to that, to
you.
Man
and
But there
is
it
faith,
though
to say to this
will
it
be but
mountain,
remove; nothing
will
no way of casting out such
except by prayer and fasting.
While they were Son of
Jesus said to them, Because you
you have
you have only
be impossible spirits as this
22
to thy disciples,
him here before me. And Jesus checked him with a word, and the devil came out of him; and from that hour the boy was cured. Afterwards, when they were alone, the disciples came to Jesus and asked. Why was it long must
as a grain of
21
I
and misguided generation,
how
had no
20
Then
them of
man came up and knelt my son, who is a lunatic^
brought him here
16
18
to
he will often throw himself into the
and often
less
at their
Baptist.
they reached the multitude, a
15
17
all
EHas has come
that
to suffer at their hands.
before him: Lord, he said, have pity
and
this,
and they did not recognize him, but misused him
pleasure, just as the
When
you
tell
the disciples understood that he
14
must come before
answered, Elias must needs come and restore
11
is
to
still
together in Galilee, Jesus told them.
be given up into the hands of men.
put him to death, and he will
rise
They
again on the third day.
The will
And
they were overcome with sorrow.
23
24
And when they reached Capharnaum, the collectors of the Temple pence approached Peter, and asked, Does not your master pay the Temple pence.? Yes, he said. Soon afterwards he came into the house, and Jesus forestalled him; Simon, he said, tell us what thou thinkest; on whom do earthly kings impose 12.
See note on
xi.
14 abo\'e.
137]
MATTHEW
Innocence praised
18
customs and
taxes,
strangers, Peter told
and
own
their
to
him,
Why
then, the
go down
will not hurt their consciences;
hook; take out the
cast thy
first fish
thou drawest
and when thou hast opened its mouth thou wilt find make payment to them for me and
up,
On
on strangers?
or
sons,
him; and Jesus said
But we
children go free. to the sea,
on
coin there; with this
a silver for thy-
self.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
THE DISCIPLES came
to Jesus at this
kingdom
the
in
greatest
is
whom
called to his side a little child, to
3
and
midst of them,
become Hke
children,
little
He
5
abase himself like this
6
such a child as
is
you
kingdom
child.
little
my
this in
in
me, he had
He who
woe
should come, but
thy hand or thy foot
his neck.
cast
it
away from
to the
It
Woe
through
9
pluck
it
out and cast
into life with
10
one
thy eye
if
it
eye,
into the fires of hell. little
is
away from
than
to
See to
ally.
12
Tell
ones with contempt;
The Son
me
that
I tell
7-5.
Mark
ix.
that such hurt
comes!
If
and
it
when thou
art cast
an occasion of falling to
thee,
thee; better for thee to enter
when thou
you do not
treat
art cast
one of these
you, they have angels of their
my
own
heavenly Father continu-
Man has come to save that which was lost. man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has
of
this, if a
sea,
to thee, cut it off
have two eyes
it
in heaven, that behold the face of 11
if
thee; better for thee to enter into life crippled
And
fire.
to
to the world, for
whom
or lame, than to have two hands or two feet into eternal
And
ones, that believe
must needs be
man
an occasion of falling
is
me.
to
of
will
welcome
gives
little
who
been drowned in the depths of the
better have
with a mill-stone hung about the hurt done to consciences!
8
kingdom
heaven
of
name, gives welcome
anyone hurts the conscience of one of these
7
Jesus
he gave a place in the
shall not enter the
the
in
greatest
heaven.
who
said. Tell us,
Whereupon
me, unless you go back, and
said. Believe
4
time and
of heaven?
33,
Luke
ix. 46.
[38}
MATTHEW
Penitence praised; fraternal Correction
gone
mountain
And
if,
and go out
side,
18
he not leave those ninety-nine others on the
astray, does
one that
to look for the
by good fortune, he finds
is
straying?
he rejoices more, believe me,
it,
over that one, than over the ninety-nine which never strayed
from him.
So too
one of these
it
not your heavenly Father's pleasure that
is
ones should be
little
lost.
as a private matter
between thee and him; and
won
thou hast
to thee,
thy brother.
two more,
take with thee one or
he will not
If
by the voice of two or three witnesses. them, then speak of
even
then count him
listen to the church,
and the publican.
all
my
Father
gathered together in
Then
my
Peter
came
my
name,
I
you bind on earth loose
Jesus said to him,
and
reckoning,
when one was brought
talents in his debt.
ment; whereupon
his
Have him
With
moved with
of his debt.
servant of his,
Vord
75.
I
as
an image of the king-
is
had
to enter into a
scarcely
begun
the
before
all
that he had,
and
ten
pay-
so the debt
that the servant fell at his feet
and
pity for
I
him,
will let
a
full.
'Does thee wrong',
some
out,
hundred
of the best
'thee'.
[39]
and
said.
And
his
the servant go and discharged
So the servant went
who owed him
pay thee in
and met with a fellowpieces of silver; where-
upon he caught hold of him and took him by the V.
must
much
master gave orders that he should be sold,
patience with me,
master,
often
him who was He had no means of making
with his wife and children and should be paid.
how
thee to forgive, not seven
tell
with
servants,
or three are
forgive him; as
Here
reckoning
his
shall
of you
there in the midst of them.
still
I
two
will be granted
it
was a king who resolved
of heaven; there
thousand
earth,
if
Where two
asked. Lord,
wrong, and
on earth
you, that
I tell
am
wrongs, but seventy times seven.
dom
that
in heaven.
is
him and
to
me
brother do
seven times?
who
one with the heathen
you
make on
agree over any request that you
them by
he will not
if
all
And moreover
be loosed in heaven.
all
he will not
If
that
promise you,
I
be bound in heaven, and
shall
listen to thee,
church; and
to the
it,
listen
whole matter may be
that the
certified
it
he will
so, if
listen to
see
him with
thy brother does thee wrong, go at once and tax
If
throat,
and
Greek manuscripts omit the
MATTHEW 29
30
me
Pay
said,
on
his
The unjorgiving
19
pay thee in
will
committed him 31
The
32
And
were
servant, as
35
him
I
debt
that
was
entreaty;
34
in to
tell
it
of
indignation
full of
who
master,
his
was unpaid.
when
they saw
said to him,
thou wicked servant,
thine,
I
thy
at
not thy duty to have mercy on thy fellow-
And
had mercy on thee?
his master, in anger,
over to be tortured until the debt was paid.
heavenly Father will deal with you,
give brother with
I
what had happened.
their master
was summoned by
all
33
patience with me, he said, and
to prison for such time as the debt
and went
so he
remitted
my
Have
But the other refused; he went away and
full.
rest of the servants
this done,
His fellow servant went down
thou owest me.
all
knees in entreaty;
Servant; Marriage
if
gave
thus that
It is
brother does not for-
his heart.
all
CHAPTER NINETEEN AFTERWARDS, when he had finished L moved from Galilee and came which
and put him
away
his
there.
wife, for
Then
re-
of Judaea
part
Is it
answered.
never read,
how he who
be, created
them male and female; and how he
created them,
when
they
and mother and
him,
to
man
right for a
He
whatever cause?
therefore, will leave his father
came
the Pharisees
by asking.
to the test
Jesus
this,
all
that
Great multitudes went with him,
beyond the Jordan.
lies
and he healed them
saying into
put
to
Have you
first
said,
came
A
to
man,
will cling to his
And
so they are
no
longer two, they are one flesh; what God, then, has joined,
let
wife,
not that
and the two
will
become one
man put asunder. Why then, a man might give his wife a
flesh?
he might put her away?
He
they said, did Moses enjoin
writ of separation, and then
told them.
hard hearts that Moses allowed you vv. i-g. V. 5. V. 7.
Mark
x. i; cf.
Gen. ii. 24. Deut. xxiv.
Matt. v. 32,
Luke
i.
[40]
to
It
was
to
suit
your
put your wives away;
xvi. 18,
I
Corinthians
vii.
10.
it
MATTHEW
Divorce, Celibacy, Love 9
who and 10
away
puts
commits adultery; and he too commits
so marries another,
who
adultery,
wife,
marries her after she has been put away.
him.
stands so between
If the case
marry
better not to
is
it
you that he
tell
I
not for any unfaithfulness of hers,
wife,
his
his disciples said to 11
And
so at the beginning of things.
was not
the
There are some eunuchs, who were
gift.
womb, some were made
mother's
made in,
13
themselves so for love of the
15
But Jesus
me;
17
and
in prayer;
come
to
do
I
me
to
21
since
I
it.
And
said.
Master,
He
to ask of goodness?
God
Thou
shalt
have kept
grew up; where
is
it
that
I
art so
is
good, and
keep the com-
Thou Thou Honour thy
asked. Jesus said.
false
witness.
shalt love thy
young man
the
these,
life,
who
said to him,
not commit adultery,
shalt not bear
all
so he
way.
eternal life?
win
and thy mother, and, Thou I
his
Which commandments? he
shalt not steal.
thyself.
rebuked them for
his disciples
him, and
to
do no murder, Thou
20
of heaven; take this
it.
thou hast a mind to enter into
If
mandments.
father
for
of heaven belongs to such as these.
man came
a
dost thou
he only.
19
kingdom
hands on them, and went on
And now
shalt
born from the
so
Let the children be, do not keep them back from
good, what good must
why 18
said.
kingdom
the
laid his
16
said,
who have
they brought children to him, so that he might lay his
hands on them 14
this,
by men, and some have
so
you whose hearts are large enough
Then
At
man and
That conclusion, he
at all.
cannot be taken in by everybody, but only by those 12
19
am
neighbour
as
told him, ever
stil
V. g. The apparent exception made here in connexion with unfaithfulness, not recognized in Mark or Luke, or by St. Paul, has been variously explained. It is to be observed in any case that our Lord is speaking of the man who puts away his innocent wife in order to marry another (this is
often the force of the
Hebrew
husband with the innocent
'and').
wife,
and
He
considers the case of the guilty
that of the innocent
husband with
the guilty wife; not that of the man who has a guilty wife and himself wants a change of partners. Thus it would be unsafe to infer that the husband has a right to re-marry. V. 12.
This verse evidently refers to those
vv. 14-^0.
Mark
x. 13,
Luke
who have
a vocation to celibacy.
xviii. 17.
V. 18. Ex. XX. 13. V. 21. Our Lord may simply have been testing the young man's resolution, or he may have been calling him to the special vocation of poverty. He does not make this demand of all, as we see in his treatment of Zacchaeus
(Lukexix.
8).
[41}
MATTHEW to
him,
The
20
thou hast a mind to be
If
that belongs to thee; give
22
When for
the
this,
come back and follow me. young man went away sad at heart,
possessions.
24
me,
man
a rich
again eye,
I tell
it is
man
than for a
At hearing
rich.
26
bewilderment;
the
kingdom
camel
to pass
kingdom
to enter the
of heaven
who
then, they asked,
man's powers, but
once
a needle's
when he
can be saved?
Such
said to them,
to
And
easily.
through
is
were thrown into great
disciples
on them, and
God
Jesus
a thing
is
im-
things are possible.
all
Hereupon Peter took occasion to say. And what of us who all, and followed thee; what is left for us? Jesus said to them, I promise you, in the new birth, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of his glory, you also shall sit there on have forsaken
who
twelve thrones, you
have followed me, and
over the twelve tribes of
saken
home
were
that
every
my
name's sake,
and obtain everlasting
a hundredfold, first
And
Israel.
shall
man
be judges
that has for-
or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife,
or children, or lands for
30
he
Jesus said to his disciples, Believe
easier for a
this,
Why
fastened his eyes possible to
And
will not enter God's
you,
25
29
sell all
so the treasure thou
he heard
had great
28
and
hast shall be in heaven; then
23
27
home and
go
perfect,
to the poor,
it
Man
young
rich
and
last,
last that
were
reward
shall receive his
But many will be
life. first.
CHAPTER TWENTY
HERE
IS
AN IMAGE
of the
kingdom
of heaven; a rich
out at daybreak to hire labourers for 2
and when he sent them out into
3
labourers third
4
on
a
silver
piece
work
his vineyard
for
the
he agreed with the wages.
day's
man went
in his vineyard;
About
hour he came out again, and found others standing
the market-place;
the vineyard fair.
and
to these also
Hke the others; you
Away
said,
Away
is
ninth hour, he came out and did the
when he came
with you
like.
more
at the
Yet he found others
out at the eleventh hour;
[42]
to
have whatever payment
they went; and at noon, and once
5
6
standing there
he
shall
the
idle in
How
is
MATTHEW
Labourers in the Vineyard
he said
it,
7
nothing
them, that you
to
They
the day?
all
are standing here, told him, It
Away
hired us; and he said,
20
and have done
because nobody has
is
with you to the vineyard
like the
rest.
8
And now
it
9
beginning with the so the
10
was evening, and the owner of the vineyard
Send
to his bailiff,
workmen and pay them
for the
comers and going back
last
men who were
others came,
came
who were
hired
first,
11
But they were paid a
12
they were indignant with the rich
they hoped to receive more.
man
who have worked
13
have borne the day's burden and the heat.
14
we
My
friend, I
am
but one hour,
away with
15
this late-comer as
16
will? it is
Must thou
thee;
Am
thee.
give
me
that they shall be
it
is
I
not doing thee a wrong; did
my
Take what
not free to use
who were
last,
am
I
generous?
and they
who were first. Many are called, but few are chosen. And now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, and he
18
twelve disciples aside on the way, and warned them,
up
to
Jerusalem; and there the Son of
given up into the hands of the chief priests and
And
19
condemn him
20
but on the third day he will
to death.
hands of the Gentiles,
to
make
to
a request of
these will give
So
took his
Now we
Man
will be
who
scribes,
him up
will
into the
be mocked and scourged and crucified; rise again.
of the sons of Zebedee brought
21
thy
shall be last
17
are going
is
much to my money as I
pleasure to give as
sour looks, because
first
who
us,
But he answered
not agree on a silver piece for thy wages?
due, and
Here
over their pay;
and thou hast made no difference between them and one of them thus;
And
silver piece each, like their fellows.
are these late-comers, they said,
for-
So that when the
piece.
silver
And
to the first.
hired about the eleventh hour
ward, and each was paid a
said
their wages,
him.
them
to
Thereupon
the mother
him, falling on her knees
And when he asked her, What is my two sons; grant that in thy
thy will? she said to him. Here are
kingdom one may 22
thy ask.
left.
take his place on thy right and the other on
But Jesus answered, You do not
Have you
vv. 17-19. vv. 20—2^.
Mark Mark
know what
strength to drink of the cup x, 32,
Luke
xviii. 31.
x. 35.
[43]
I
am
to
it
is
you
drink of?
MATTHEW 23
They mine
my
it.
25
heard
among
men
be otherwise,
28
must be your
and whoever has So
slave.
is
it
When
ransom
a
mind
to
over them,
it
with you
be
Son of
You know
said.
bear rule lord
that the
for the lives of
first
Man
did not
to serve others,
must
it
among and
you,
come
to give
many.
they were leaving Jericho, there was a great multitude
And
that followed him. folk,
indeed
shall
two brethren when they
vaunt their power over them;
have service done him; he came
his life as a
31
who
the Gentiles, those
27
30
for those for
Men
my right hand or my left is not whom my Father has destined
but Jesus called them to him, and
it;
and great
29
it is
You
he told them,
ten others were angry with the
26
to
And
have.
cup; but a place on
to give;
The
24
that,
We
said,
drink of
Ambition rebuked; two blind
21
who
there,
by the road
side, sat
two blind
heard of Jesus' passing by, and cried aloud. Lord, son
on
of David, have pity
ding them be 32
Lord, have pity on
33
him;
34
they
us.
The multitude rebuked them,
but they cried out
silent;
us.
Then
all
the more.
Jesus stopped,
and
called
them
What would you have me do for you? he asked. said to him, we would have our eyes opened. And
moved with compassion, touched
their
eyes,
bid-
Son of David, to
Lord. Jesus,
and immediately
they recovered their sight, and followed after him.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
WHEN
THEY WERE NEAR Jerusalem, and had reached Bethis close to mount Olivet, Jesus sent two of
phage, which his disciples
on an errand;
he told them, and the she-ass tethered,
them
to
me.
and a
And
if
first
Go
into the village that faces you,
thing you will find there will be
foal at her side; untie
anyone speaks
to
a
them and bring
you about
it,
tell
him.
vv. 29-3^. Mark x. 46, Luke xviii. 35. Only one blind man is mentioned in these other accounts, perhaps because only one (Bartimaeus) was well known by name at the time when the gospels were written. vt/. i-g. Mark xi. i, Luke xix. 29, John xii. 12. It appears from these other
accounts that our Lord rode on the colt, the dam being brought so as to make the colt follow more easily. The reading of the manuscripts is uncertain in verse 7.
[44}
Pdm
MATTHEW
Sunday; the Temple cleansed
The Lord
has need o£ them, and he will
was
4
out more ado.
5
spoken by the prophet:
6
mother has borne the yoke.
7
told
8
them with
9
strewed the
king
All
coming
is
this
to thee,
to
fulfil
word
the
Tell the daughter of Sion, behold, thy
humbly, riding on an
The
on
ass,
its
colt,
whose
a colt
went and did
disciples
they brought the she-ass and
them;
you have them with-
let
ordained,
so
21
as Jesus
and saddled
and bade Jesus mount. Most of the garments along the way, while others
their garments,
multitude spread their
way with branches cut down from the trees. And that went before him and that followed after aloud, Hosanna for the son of David, blessed is he who the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the heaven above.
the multitudes
him
cried
comes in [Q
When
[I
is
he reached Jerusalem, the whole
the prophet [2
Then it all
[3
those
went
who
of the bankers,
[5
[6
and bought
and the
My
it
Who
in a stir;
Jesus,
is
God, and drove out from
there,
and overthrew the
chairs of the pigeon-sellers;
house
and you have made
was
in Galilee.
into the temple of
sold
city
the multitude answered. This
from Nazareth,
Jesus
he told them. [4
And
this? they asked.
shall be
into a
known
den of
It is
tables
written,
for a house of prayer,
thieves.
And
there
were
bUnd and lame men who came up to him in the temple, and he healed them there. The chief priests and scribes saw the miracles which he did, and the boys that cried aloud in the temple, Hosanna for the son of David, and they were greatly angered
at
it.
Dost thou hear what these are saying?
they
asked. Yes, Jesus said to them, but have you never read the words.
Thou [7
hast
made
the lips of children, of infants at the breast,
vocal with praise?
Bethany, where he [8
So he
made
As he was returning
left
them, and went out of the
city to
his lodging.
to the city at
and, seeing a fig-tree by the road
daybreak, he was hungry:
side,
he went up
to
it,
and
V. 5. Zacharias ix. 9. V. 9. Ps. cxvii. 26.
vv. 12-13.
Mark
xi.
15,
Luke
xix. 45; cf.
John
ii.
14.
V. /J. Is. Ivi. 7 and Jer. vii. 11. t>. 16. Ps. viii. 3.
vv. 18-22. Mark xi. 12 and xi. 20. St. Mark tells us that it was not yet the season for figs; our Lord, then, did not expect to satisfy his hunger. He knew that the tree was barren, even of unripe fruit, and used it as a parable of the unfaithfulness which he found in the Jewish people.
C45]
MATTHEW 19
grow on His
20
away.
21
suddenly I
this
it.
thee hereafter;
disciples
has withered away! they said.
it
promise you,
able to
you have
if
do more than
If
you
Jesus answered them,
and do not
faith,
have done over the
I
mountain. Remove, and be
about.
Fig-tree; the Call refused
And he said to it, Let no fruit whereupon the fig-tree withered were amazed when they saw it; How
found nothing but leaves on ever
22
The
21
cast into
will only believe, every gift
you
hesitate,
will
be
fig-tree; if
you say to
the sea,
will
come
for in
your
it
you ask
prayer will be granted.
Afterwards he came into the temple; and while he was teach-
23
ing there, the chief priests and elders approached him, asking,
What 24
is
the authority by
gave thee
question to ask; 25
return
what
is
which thou doest Jesus answered
authority?
this
if
you can
me
tell
the authority by
him? And
30
tell
you in
Whence from men? Whereupon
do these things.
I
If we tell him it was from Then why did you not believe was from men, we have reason to be
if
we
say
it
We
cannot
upon John He, in
tell.
as a prophet. his turn, said.
And And
me what is the authority by which I do me what you think; there was a man who had two sons, and when he went up to the first, and said. Away with thee, my son, and work in my vineyard to-day, he
you
29
will
and who
too have a
us,
afraid of the people; they all look
they answered Jesus,
28
I
I
they cast about in their minds;
heaven, they said, he will ask
27
them,
the answer,
which
did John's baptism come, from heaven or
26
these things,
will not learn
these things.
But
answered; Not
I,
from
tell
but he relented afterwards and went.
Then
he went up to the other, and said the like to him; and his answer 31
was,
I
will. Sir;
but he did not go.
out his father's will?
The
first,
Which
they said.
And
of the two carried Jesus said to them.
Believe me, the publicans and the harlots are further
32
God's kingdom than you.
you would not 33
on the road
John came among you following all due observance, but could win no belief from you; the publicans believed him, and the harlots, but even when you saw that,
to
relent,
and believe him.
Listen to another parable. There vv. 2^-2y.
vv. 33-46.
Mark Mark
xi. 27, xi. 32,
Luke Luke
xx.
was
a rich
i.
xx. 9;
cf. Is. vi. I.
[46]
man who
planted
The
MATTHEW
unfaithful Vine-dressers
a vineyard; he walled
tower in
it,
went on
own
and then
it
let
Whereupon
the
drew
vintage-time
vine-dressers
claim
to
hands
laid
upon
but they were used no better.
first,
own
son to them;
They
one they stoned.
among
they said
After that, he sent
will have reverence, he said, for
But when the vine-dressers found
son.
themselves, This
his son
coming
the heir; come,
is
And
him, and seize upon the inheritance.
us
let
now, what
when he
dressers
owner
the
will
They
returns?
said,
other vine-dressers,
comes.
words
And
Jesus
who said
in the scriptures.
become the
jected has
doing, and
kingdom
of
He
God
will
them,
The
when
a
man
Have you
those
never read those
chief stone at the corner; this
will be taken
falls
bring
very stone which the builders re-
I
tell
against
it,
is
the Lord's
you, then, that
away from you, and given
a people which yields the revenues that belong to stone,
And
those vine-
to
out the vineyard to
let
marvellous in our eyes?
is
it
do
pay him his due when the season
will to
kill
they laid hands on
of the vineyard
wretches to a wretched end, and will
my
them,
to
him, thrust him out from the vineyard, and killed him.
the
its
his
he sent other servants on a second errand, more than he had
sent at his
21
built a
near, he sent his
the vine-dressers,
to
servants; one they beat, one they killed outright,
And
and
a wine-press
out to some vine-dressers, while he
on an errand
servants
revenues.
it
When
his travels.
and dug
in,
it.
As
to
for the
he will break his bones;
when
him like chaff. The chief priests and the Pharisees saw clearly, when they heard his parables, that and would gladly have it was of themselves he was speaking, laid hands on him, but they were afraid of the people, who looked upon him as a prophet. it falls
upon him,
it
will scatter
V. 42. Ps. cxvii. 22, cf. V.
44. St.
Christ
fall
Rom.
ix. 33, I
Peter
Augustine explains that those
upon
the stone; the stone falls
judgment.
[47]
ii.
who
7.
find a stumbHng-block in
upon them when he pronounces
MATTHEW
The Wedding
22
Feast
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
K 3
image, he
who
a king,
summons
servants with a
4
the
been invited. By
been
killed,
ding.
But
errands,
6
trading;
7
and
and the
one to
After
their city.
9 10
worthy of all
it.
whom
this,
tell
fell
his servants,
into a rage
on other
off
when he heard
murderers
to death,
he said to his servants, Here
is
his
to
and insulted of
it,
and burn
the marriage
and those who had been invited have proved un-
You must go
into the streets,
and honest
find, rogues
who had
the oxen have
and another
out to the street corners, and invite
And
you find there to the wedding.
went out
sent other
those
feast,
country,
hands upon
rest laid
his troops to put those
feast all ready,
Then he
ready now; come to the wed-
the
in
The king
killed them.
my
his
he had invited to
no heed, and went
paid
farm
his
and the
have prepared
fatlings, all is
they
still
and sent out 8
and sent out
whom
to all those
summons, bidding them
this I
was once
of heaven; there
wedding; but they would not come.
servants with a fresh
5
kingdom
said, o£ the
held a marriage-feast for his son,
of guests.
where they mustered
men
together;
his
all
servants
they could
and so the wedding had
But when the king came in
to
look at the
11
its full tale
12
man there who had no wedding-garment on; My friend, he said, how didst thou come to be here without a wedding-garment? And he made no reply. Whereupon the company, he saw
13
king said
a
to his servants,
Bind him hand and
foot,
and
cast
him
out into the darkness, where there shall be weeping, and gnashing
14 15
16
of teeth.
Many
are called, but
few
are chosen.
After this the Pharisees withdrew, and plotted together, to
make him
betray himself in his talk.
disciples to
him, with those
vv.
I— 14.
A
similar parable
is
who were found
Some have
in
And
they sent their
own
of Herod's party, and said,
Luke
xiv. 16.
suggested that wedding garments were provided at the King's expense, but it is not certain that any such custom obtained. Like the fooHsh virgins (Matt. xxv. 3), the man had neglected to make what preparations were in his power. It is the common opinion that the wedding garV. II.
ment
represents charity.
vv. 15-46.
Mark
xii.
13,
Luke
xx. 19.
C48]
MATTHEW
Test Questions answered
Master, sincerity
we know the way
17
making no
18
it
19
God;
of
that thou
why do you
Hypocrites, he said,
a silver piece,
21
name
on
Why
God what
And
God's.
us, then,
ic
their malice;
Shew
to the test?
likeness?
is this
Whose
whereupon he Caesar what is Caesar's, and
then, give back to
is
all
awe,
in
So they brought him
paid.
is
they
Caesar's,
it?
me
thus put
tribute
tell
saw
Jesus
and he asked them. Whose
inscribed
is
answered. to
which the
the coinage in
no one
holdest
man and man;
between
distinction
20
22
well that thou art sincere, and teachest in
right to pay tribute to Caesar, or not?
me
22
said;
went away and
they
left
him
in
peace, full of admiration at his words.
On
23
24
that day, too, he
Sadducees,
men who
was approached with
say that there
they said, Moses told us. If a dies, his
25
beget
26
man
man
the
in
whom
brothers once in our country, of
the
without
same
27
end
28
dead
29
was wife
all
befell the
seven, the
rise again,
We
had seven
died, a married
first
And
second brother, and then the third, and in the
woman
dying
last
of
all.
And now, when
scriptures, or
You
what
is
are
the
wrong;
power
30
God.
31
giving in marriage; they are as the angels in heaven are.
now, 32
33
God
the
dead
again,
himself said:
I
am
the
God
Isaac,
and the God of Jacob? Yet
men,
that
And now
34
silence,
he
is
God.
together;
36
question to try him: the greatest?
of living
how
But
the
God
of
men, not of dead heard,
and were
he had put the Sadducees
and one of them,
a
lawyer,
put a
commandment in the law him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy
Master, which
Jesus said to
with thy whole heart and thy whole soul and thy whole
Deut. XXV. Ex. iii. 6. 37. Deut. vi. 5.
V. 24.
V. 32.
V.
Abraham, and
it is
of
no marrying and
you never read what
This the multitude
the Pharisees, hearing
met
to
is
of
is
his teaching.
35
God
there
in the matter of the resurrection, did
amazed by
37
rise
the
will be her husband, since she
Jesus answered them.
all?
you do not understand the
When
the
and
right of kinship,
name.
wife to the second.
his
which of the seven
them
to
bequeathing
issue,
Master,
no children when he
leaves
dead brother's
by the
a question
resurrection;
widow by
brother shall marry the
children
no
is
[49]
MATTHEW 38
mind.
39
And
This
Pride of the Pharisees
23
On
its
Hke,
is this.
thyself.
41
prophets depend.
42
about him, Jesus asked them:
Whose
Christ?
son
when he
44
Master,
45
feet?
David
46
None
could find a
my
he
is
one dare,
I
moved by
gathered
How
him The Lord said to my Master, Sit on make thy enemies a footstool under thy is
Christ his Master;
calls
still
your opinion concerning
is
be? They told him, David's.
to
David
says:
hand while
right
What
first.
law and the
the
all
the
neighbour as
shalt love thy
Then, while the Pharisees were
then, said he, that
is it
Thou
two commandments,
these
40
43
commandments, and
the greatest of the
is
the second,
word
to say in
after that day, to try
how
can he be
answer
him with
the Spirit to call
to
son?
also his
him, nor did any-
further questions.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE AFTER THIS, Jesus
addressed himself to the multitudes, and to his
The
disciples;
and
scribes
3
do what they
Pharisees, he said, have estab-
from which Moses used
lished themselves in the place
you, but do not imitate their actions, for they 4
tell
tell
you one thing
They fasten up packs too heavy to be borne, them on men's shoulders; they themselves will not stir a to lift them. They act, always, so as to be a mark for men's
and do another. and
5
to teach;
you, then, continue to observe what they
tell
lay
finger
hem
of
on taking the chief places
at
and deep
eyes. Boldly written are the texts they carry,
6
their
garments;
7
table
and the
their heart
kissed in the market-place,
and being
are not to claim the
8
fellow-men.
9
but one Master, and you are
any
call
in heaven.
ID
he
II
teacher,
is
man on
V. 59.
Christ.
set
in the synagogue,
first seats
You
is
all
is
and having
their
of Rabbi;
brethren alike.
Nor
are
you
earth your father; you have but one Father,
Nor
are
Among
you
to be called teachers;
you, the
greatest of
all
of this
is
also to
be found in ch.
[50]
xi.
to
and
you have one is
to be
Lev. xix. 18.
Much
their
you have
V. 44. Ps. cix. I.
vv. 1-^6.
hands
Rabbi among
called title
the
of St. Luke.
the
MATTHEW
Hypocrisy of the Pharisees 12
all; the man who exalts himself will man who humbles himself will be exalted.
servant of the
Woe
13
upon you,
and Pharisees, you hypocrites that shut of heaven in men's faces; you will
scribes
when
they would.
and Pharisees, you hypocrites
that swallow-
neither enter yourselves, nor let others enter
14
Woe
15
your sentence will be
up
16
scribes
the property of widows, under cover of your long prayers;
Woe
the heavier for that.
all
and Pharisees, you hypocrites that encompass
scribes
make
gain a single proselyte, and then
to
be humbled, and
kingdom
the door of the
upon you,
23
damnation
worthy
of
leaders,
who
nothing;
say.
which
Blind
18
crates the gold?
fools,
for nothing; 19
Blind
the gift?
21
time by
upon
you,
swears by the temple,
it
blind
goes for
he swears by the gold in the temple, his oath stands.
if
17
20
and land
the proselyte twice as
Woe
yourselves.
as
man
a
If
upon you,
sea
fools,
if
is
again. If a
he swears by the
which
is
that
is
man
swears by the altar
on the
gift
goes
it
oath stands.
altar, his
greater, the gift, or the altar that consecrates
The man who all
temple that conse-
greater, the gold, or the
And
on
swears by the altar swears at the same
The man who swears by the temple him who has made it his dwelling-
it.
swears at the same time by 22
And
place.
the
man who
God's throne, but by him 23
Woe award
upon you, to
God
scribes
his tithe,
swears by heaven swears not only by
who
sits
upon
it.
and Pharisees, you hypocrites that
though
it
be of mint or
and have forgotten the weightier commandments justice,
mercy, and honour; you did
24
you performed the other;
25
for
the
scribes
27
cummin,
of
the
law,
one duty while
to forget
leaders, that
have a strainer
Woe
and then swallow the camel!
upon you, and Pharisees, you hypocrites that scour the outward part gnat,
of cup and dish, while
26
you blind
ill
will
or
dill
continence.
all
within
is
running with avarice and
Scour the inside of cup and dish
Pharisee, that so the outside, too,
may become
first,
clean.
in-
thou blind
Woe
upon
you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites that are like whitened sepulchres, fair in
28
bones and
all
outward show, when they are
manner of corruption within;
full of
over your duties, outwardly, to men's eyes, while there 29
within but hypocrisy and iniquity.
Woe
dead men'?
you too seem exact
upon you,
is
nothing
scribes
and
MATTHEW 30
The
24
and engrave
monuments
the
you
fathers' times,
31
ing the prophets.
32
ancestry;
33
for
34
hell?
you
it
to
say,
Why
was your
who
and
some you
crucify,
and persecute them from
on
from
the earth,
Zacharias the son
temple and the
how
of
own
your
it is
Serpents that you
of
all
I
your synagogues,
so that
city;
you
men
the blood of just
all
of
whom
Barachias,
time
when you
shed
you slew between the
Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
it.
still
murdering
the messengers that are sent to thee,
house
is
left
you,
to
me
Believe me, you shall see nothing of
name
make
is
been ready to gather thy children together,
Behold, your
it!
will that
Believe me, this generation shall be held
and stoning
often have
will scourge in to
city
hen gathers her chickens under her wings; and thou
39
our
the blood of the just Abel to the blood of
altar.
answerable for the prophets,
38
in
slaughtered the prophets;
complete your fathers' reckoning.
yourselves answerable for
37
you bear witness
then,
fathers
we had hved
If
not have taken part in murder-
how should you escape from the award of And now, behold, I am sending prophets and wise men and men of learning to preach to you; some of them you will put
to death
36
of the just;
we would
brood of vipers,
are,
35
Guilt of Jerusalem
you hypocrites that build up the tombs of the prophets
Pharisees,
will be saying, Blessed
as a
didst refuse
house uninhabited.
a
henceforward, until the is
he that comes in the
of the Lord.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
THEN Jesus left the temple, and was going on his way, when his disciples
2
ing.
Do
came up
you
not be a stone V. 52.
To
to
shew him
the view of the temple build-
see all this? he said to
on another
left
them. Believe me, there will
in this place,
it
will all be
thrown
complete your fathers' reckoning', by killing the Son of God,
as their fathers
had
killed his prophets;
cf.
xxi. 38.
20. Barachias will have been the name of some ancestor of Zacharias, son of Joiada; there can be no reference to the persons mentioned in Is. viii. 2. Zach. i. i. V. J5.
See Gen.
iv.
10,
and
II
Paralipomenon xxiv.
vv. 37-39. Luke xiii. 34. ff. 1-36. Mark xiii. i, Luke xxi. 5.
[5^]
False Prophecies of the
3
came
the disciples
And what
be?
him
to
world being brought
5
care that
will be
will
it.
see to
it
that
you
are not disturbed in
come
mind; such Nation
must happen, but the end
rise in
arms against nation, kingdom against kingdom, and there
this is
all
will give
will not
and famines and earthquakes in
will be plagues
but the beginning of
you up
and
to persecution,
will
Many
12
them;
13
wickedness abound everywhere;
14
who
prophets will
arise,
my
be preached
to the last.
man
but that
will
be saved
nations
all
may
see that
which the prophet Daniel
called
the abomination of desolation, set up in the holy place (let 16
who
17
Judaea must take refuge in the mountains;
reads
this,
recognize what
it
means),
carry
away anything from
18
top;
not going back to pick up a cloak,
19
It will
go hard with
the house,
women who
20
at the breast, in those days;
21
may
if
not
V. 3.
him
who are going down
then those
in to
they are on the houseif
they are in the
fields.
are with child, or have children
and you must pray that your
not be in the winter, or on the sabbath day,
distress
first
hear the
end come.
truth; only after that will the
And now, when you
where-
This gospel of the kingdom must
over the world, so that
all
name;
and hate one another.
men
and the charity of most
endures
men
to death; all the
and many will be deceived by will grow cold, as they see
11
false
will
region or that;
this
you
will put
heart, will betray
lose
yet.
In those days,
travail.
world will be hating you because you bear
upon many
15
Many
of
things
8,9 but
10
deceive you.
to
and of the
them. Take
my name; they will say, I am Christ, and And you will hear tell of wars, and deceived by
rumours of war; 7
said, Tell us,
Jesus answered
an end?
to
you do not allow anyone
come making use
many
and
sign will be given of thy coming,
4
6
privately,
24
down on mount OHvet, when will
Afterwards, while he was sitting
down. this
MATTHEW
End
flight
for there will be
then such as has not been since the beginning of the world,
The
question,
the greater part, at
When
least,
be brought to an end, V. 75. Daniel ix. 27.
is
the
Temple would be destroyed, is answered in The question, When should the world
of vv. 4-35. chiefly
answered in verse
The
36.
Evangelist here gives a hint to the reader, probably indicating that the sign mentioned by Daniel had been recognizably fulfilled when he wrote. But there is no certainty now, what event he alludes
to.
[53]
MATTHEW 22
The
24
There would have been no hope
and can never be again.
human
any
creature,
great Tribulation
number
the
if
left for
of those days had not been
cut short; but those days will be cut short, for the sake of the
At such
23
elect.
24
See, he
and
is
a time,
Mark
if
they
tell
well,
them;
that springs
the Son of up from the
where the corpse Immediately
lies
the sign of the all
comes,
and
places,
Son
and he
abroad;
do not
if
believe
will be like the lightning
it
flashes across to the west.
It is
sun will be
of
and the
will refuse her Hght,
Man
mourn, and they
stars will
and then
will rock;
will be seen in heaven; then
the tribes of the land will
glory;
they
If
it.
stir
that the eagles will gather.
moon
Man coming upon 31
do not
from heaven, and the powers of heaven
fall
elect
after the distress of those days, the
darkened, and the 30
Man east
and would be
great signs
even the
hidden
there, in
is
Christ, or,
is
will be false Christs
up and shew
possible,
here, in the desert,
when
27
There
have given you warning of
I is
you, See, he
28
you, See, here
tells
will rise
were
it
you, then, See, he
tell
29
who
false prophets,
wonders, so that 25, 26 deceived.
man
a
if
do not believe him.
there,
it is
that
Son of
will see the
power and
the clouds of heaven, with great
will send out his angels with a loud blast of the
trumpet, to gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of
heaven 32
The
to the other.
you
fig-tree will teach
supple,
and begins so you,
to
when you
33
near;
34
that
it
35
will
not have passed, before
is
see all this
But
as for that
to none, not V. 28.
Believe me, this generation
near, at your very doors. all
this
heaven and earth should pass away, 36
even
Our Lord
when its branch grows know that summer is come about, are to know
a parable;
put out leaves, you
is
my
accomplished.
words
day and that hour you speak to the angels in
says that at the time
Though
will stand.
they are
of,
known
heaven; only the Father knows
when
the false prophets arise,
it
will
answer the question, where the danger is coming from, just as it is easy for a man who sees dead carrion to prophesy where the birds will gather. 'Eagles' may be an allusion to the standards carried by the Roman
be easy
to
armies. V. 2g.
Such words
kingdoms or
as these
dynasties;
V. JO.
The
V. 3/.
'Angels'; the
were often used, by a metaphor, of the
Is. xiii.
10,
Ezechiel
land', or possibly 'the earth',
xxii. 7, Joel
but
cf.
Zach.
Greek word used here might
[54]
ii.
also
10,
xii.
iii.
fall
of
15.
12.
mean
'messengers'.
MATTHEW
Suddenness of Christ's Coming
When
37
them.
38
days of Noe;
the
Son of
Man
comes,
it
was
25
in the
went on eating
in those days before the flood, they
and drinking, marrying and giving 39
will be as
all
in marriage, until the time
entered the ark, and they were taken unawares, when came and drowned them all; so it will be at the coming Son of Man. One man taken, one left, as they work to-
when Noe the flood
40
of the
41
gether in the fields;
one
42
together at the mill.
You must
43
do not if
taken, one
grind
as they
left,
be on the watch, then, since you
Be
sure of this;
what time
of night the
the hour of your Lord's coming.
known
the master of the house had
at
was coming, he would have kept watch, and not allowed
thief
44
know
woman
his
house to be broken open.
the
Son
of
Man
come
will
at
And you
an hour
must stand ready;
too
when you
are not expecting
him. 45
Which
of you, then,
his master will entrust
a faithful
is
and wise
46
them
47
who
48
he will give him charge of
49
him
their food at the appointed time? is
found doing
false,
and
when
this
his lord
all his
says in his heart.
goods.
My
lord
Blessed
comes;
But is
if
50
the drunkards,
an hour
him
then on some day
when he
ofl,
is all
when he
his portion
that servant
promise you,
that servant plays
and
and drinking with expects nothing, at
unaware, his lord will come,
and assign him
there will be weeping,
is
I
whom to give
long in coming,
so falls to beating his fellow-servants, to eating
51
one
servant,
with the care of the household,
and
will cut
with the hypocrites; where
and gnashing of
teeth.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
WHEN THAT
DAY COMES, the kingdom of heaven will be hkc
ten virgins,
home, taking
who went
to bring the
lamps with them.
2
bride
3
foolish,
4
their lamps, did not provide themselves
and
vv. 42-^1.
five
Luke
their
were wise;
bridegroom and
the five fooHsh,
xii. 29.
[55]
with
his
Five of these were
when
oil,
they took
but those
who
MATTHEW
The
25
were wise took
the vessels they carried, as well as the lamps.
oil in
5
The bridegroom was long
6
drowsy, and
7
Thereupon
8
lamps;
9
oil
Behold, the bridegroom
and now the
with
How
And
10
yourselves.
11
ding, and
12
came, with the
13
Believe me,
groom came;
So
He
is
it
I
a
him and committed two
he answered,
the watch, then;
money
and one
and with that he
received
made
set
talents
five
called his
to their charge. to another,
out on his
went and
a profit of five talents
same way he who had received two made a
18
two.
19
a hole in the
20
his
to another,
abilities,
traded with them, until he had in the
And
us.
Be on
it are unknown to you. man who went on his travels; he
five talents to one,
and
wed-
the
to
and the hour of
it
17
for
the bride-
Afterwards those other virgins
The man who had
journey.
and buy it,
him
stood ready escorted
Lord, Lord, open to
according to their several 16
But the wise ones
to the merchants,
do not recognize you.
was with
gave
who
door was shut. cry.
their
not enough for us and for you? Better
while they were away buying
so,
trusted servants to
15
there
those
the
the day of 14
if
meet him.
to
trimming
to
fell
raisedj
foolish ones said to the wise, Share your
you should find your way
that
way; go out
his
awoke, and
our lamps are burning low.
us,
answered,
grew
all
midnight the cry was
at
on
is
these virgins
all
coming, so that they
in
And
asleep.
fell
ten Virgins; the Talents
more;
profit of
Whereas he who had received but one went off and made ground, and there hid his master's money. Long afterwards, the master of those servants came back, and entered into a reckoning with them.
And
so the
man who had
received
came forward and brought him five talents more; Lord, he said, it was five talents thou gavest me, see how I have
five
21
talents
made
my good
faithful over
22
charge;
little
come and
who had
his master said to
him,
been
things,
besides.
have great things
I
share the joy of thy Lord.
And
f f. 14-30.
A
his
how
I
commit
to
Then came
received two talents; Lord, he said,
thou gavest me; see 23
and
And
faithful servant; since thou hast
a profit of five talents besides.
Well done,
it
to thy
the
was two
man
talents
have made a profit of two talents
master said to him, Well done,
parable similar to this
is
found
in
Luke
my good and
xix. 12.
The
faithful servant; since thou hast
>4
commit
But when he who had received but one
man,
talent in the earth; see
I
well that
now, thou hast received what
reap where
I
never planted;
all
fields
is
And
thine.
more was I
might have recovered
it
I
my money
thy part to lodge
it
with interest
when I came. Take the talent away from him, and give it to him who has ten talents already. Whenever a man is rich, gifts will be made to him, and his riches will abound; if he is poor, even what he accounts his own will be taken from him. And now, servant into the darkness without;
cast the unprofitable
and gnashing of
there shall be weeping,
When
31
Man
Son of
the
with him, he will
sit
comes in
down upon
men
one from the other,
33
the goats;
34
left.
he will
Then
Come, you
set
King
the
and
his glory,
the angels
all
and
the throne of his glory,
as the
the sheep
who
are
food, thirsty,
For
I
and you gave me drink;
mc home,
you cared for me, a prisoner, and you came
38
and fed
thee, or thirsty,
we saw
thee a stranger,
clothed thee?
and came to thee?
their
Then he
turn,
when was
you
since
stranger,
it
that
sick,
and and
me.
Whereupon
we saw
thee hungry,
to
and gave thee drink?
When
was
it
that
and brought thee home, or naked, and
When was it that we saw thee sick or in prison And the King will answer them. Believe me, it to one of the least of my brethren here, you did
39 40
did
was a
I
37
me.
Father, take for
naked, and you clothed me,
the just will answer. Lord,
his
hand,
his right
was hungry, and you gave
you brought
to
on
from my kingdom which has been prepared
36
when you
and the goats on
his right,
will say to those
the foundation of the world.
me
shepherd divides the sheep from
on
that have received a blessing
possession of the
it
where
teeth.
nations will be gathered in his presence, where he will divide
all
41
from
did not sow, and gather in from fields
I
the
with the bankers, so that
35
in
answered him, Base and slothful servant, thou knewest
his lord
32
talent
thee for a hard
took fright, and so went off and hid thy
26
30
knowing
where he did not sow, and gathers
that reaps
he never planted,
29
share the
joy of thy Lord.
in his turn, he said. Lord,
25
littk things, I
come and
to
25
28
been faithful over
to thy charge;
have great things
came forward
27
MATTHEW
Love proved by Action
slothful Servant;
Go
far
will say to those
from me, you
£57]
who
are on his
left
hand, in
that are accursed, into that
MATTHEW
Jesus' Feet anointed
26
which has been prepared for the devil and his angels. was hungry, and you never gave me food, I was thirsty, and you never gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you did not bring me home, I was naked, and you did not clothe me, I was eternal fire
42
43
44
For
I
sick
and in prison, and you did not care
for
Whereupon we saw
me.
when was
they, in their turn, will answer, Lord,
that
it
thee hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in 45
and did not minister
prison,
Believe me,
46
here,
when you
you refused
to
it
And
to thee?
refused
it
to
And
me.
he will answer them,
one of the
punishment, and the just to eternal
least of
these shall pass
my
on
brethren
to eternal
life.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX A FTERWARDs,
2
Xx.
feast is
3
to
whcn he had made an end of saying all this, Jesus You know that after two days the paschal
told his disciples
coming;
it is
At
be crucified.
:
Man must
then that the Son of
this
of the people gathered in the court of the high priest,
4
was Caiphas;
be given up
very time, the chief priests and the elders
and there they plotted
to
whose name
bring Jesus into their
power by cunning, and put him to death. Yet they still said, Not on the day of the feast, or perhaps there will be an uproar 6 among the people. But then, while Jesus was in the house of 7 Simon the leper, at Bethany, a woman came to him, with a pot 5
of very precious ointment, and poured
8>9 at table. is
the
The
disciples
meaning
of this waste?
over his head as he sat
they asked.
possible to sell this at a great price,
It
and give alms
Why
it:
What
would have been to the poor.
woman? You have the poor among you always; I am not always among you. When she poured this ointment over my body, she did it to prepare me for my burial;
10
This Jesus knew, and said
11
She did well
12
it
were indignant when they saw
vv. 7-5. vu. 6-1).
to
treat
Mark xiv. Mark xiv.
to
me
i,
Luke
3,
John
them,
do you vex the
so.
xxii. i. xii. i.
According
place six days before the paschal feast.
[58}
to St. John, this incident took
MATTHEW
The Last Supper and
promise you, in whatever part o£ the world
I
this gospel
preached, the story of what she has done shall be told in
And
memory.
to preserve her
26
its
is
place,
one of the twelve, Judas
at that,
who was called Iscariot, went to the chief priests and asked them, What will you pay me for handing him over to you? Whereupon they laid down thirty pieces of silver. And he, from
time onwards, looked about for an opportunity
that
to
betray him.
On
the
to Jesus
of the days of unleavened bread the disciples
first
and asked. Where wilt thou have us make ready
to eat the paschal
such a man, and
my
ciples did as Jesus
meal
who
is
one
Man
woe upon
answered.
And
it
body.
to
me.
all
sat
hand
They were
Lord,
Is it I?
into the dish with
that
man man
betraying
Thy own it,
is
I
and
The
dis-
near;
ready for the paschal
down
with his twelve
full of
sorrow, and began
He answered. The man me will betray me. The
the
Son of
Man
is
him, said openly, Master, lips
have said
still it
to
be betrayed;
Then
he had never been born.
and gave
Then he
whom
by if
is
it
Judas, he I?
Jesus
it.
at table, Jesus
took bread, and blessed,
to his disciples, saying,
Take,
eat, this is
took a cup, and offered thanks, and gave
them, saying, Drink,
vv. 14-2$.
into the city, find
time
goes on his way, as the scripture foretells of him; but
while they were
and broke
my
evening came, he
to betray
better for that
who was
Go
My
the paschal feast at thy house.
after another.
has put his
Son of
says.
and, while they were at table, he said. Believe me,
one of you to say,
Jesus said,
The Master
bade them, and made
When
there.
disciples,
him.
must keep
disciples
And
meal?
tell
came
for thee
all
of you, of this;
Mark xiv. 10, Luke xxii. 3. know from St. John (e.g. xviii.
for this
is
my
V. ly. We 28) that the 'first day of unleavened bread', that is, the paschal feast on the 14th day of the month Nisan, was kept by the Jews on the Friday that year. Possibly the Galileans had a different date, since it seems that the month was dated from the first night when the paschal moon was observed, and one cloudy night might falsify the reckoning. But the Greek Fathers understand St. Matthew here as calling Thursday 'the day before the days of unleavened bread'. This would avoid any appearance of discrepancy. On such a view, it seems that our Lord deliberately anticipated the paschal meal by twenty-four hours; or we may suppose that the meal described in vv. 20 following was not the meal mendoned in verse 19, but that of the night before it.
CsqI
MATTHEW 29
The Agony
26
blood, o£ the
new
remission of
sins.
testament,
And
which
31
32
But
33
the dead.
34
will
I
lay
with you,
it
Peter answered him. I
will never lose
Though
have risen from
I
should lose cour-
all else
Jesus said to him, Believe
mine.
night, before the cock crows, thou wilt thrice
this
Peter said to him,
me.
drink
go on before you into Galilee, when
age over thee,
me, 35
not drink of this
this, I shall
new wine, in the kingdom of my Father. And so they sang a hymn, and went out to mount Olivet. After this, Jesus said to them. To-night you will all lose courage over me; for so it has been written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of his flock will be scattered. fruit of the vine again, until I
30
be shed for many, to the
is to
you
tell
I
down my
I
And
with thee.
life
disown
will never
thee,
though
disown I
must
the rest of his disciples said
all
the like.
36
So Jesus came, and they with him, Gethsemani; and he said
37
go in there and pray.
38
with him. soul,
39
he
chalice pass
Peter,
When
me
hour?
42
the spirit
and
he had gone a
My
said.
you no strength, then, pray, that
43
if this
chaUce
thy will be done.
44 when he came
to
may
And
me
watch with
upon
Then he said to
even for an
you may not enter into temptation; is
not pass
me
Then he went
weak.
by, but
his prayer was. I
must drink
it,
My then
once more he found his disciples asleep
them, so heavy their eyelids were;
went away without disturbing them, and made 45
is.
and he
asleep;
back again, and prayed a second time; and Father,
fell
possible, let this
is
not as mine
is,
willing enough, but the flesh
is
if it
them
to
he
litde further,
Father,
by; only as thy will
Watch and
41
My
he grew sorrowful and dismayed;
to his disciples, to find
Had
here, while I
ready to die with sorrow; do you abide here, and
watch with me.
went back
down
But he took Peter and the sons of Zebedee
And now
said, is
his face in prayer,
40
to a plot of land called
to his disciples. Sit
this
time he
his third prayer,
using the same words.
After that he returned to his disciples,
and
and take your
said to them. Sleep
the time draws near vv. 3I-3Sf. 3/.
Mark
Zach.
when
xiv. 27,
the
Luke
Son of
xxii. 31,
rest hereafter; as I speak,
Man
John
xiii.
is
to
but
tlie
int«^
38.
xiii. 7.
vv. 35-56. Mark xiv. 32, Luke xxii. 40, John xviii. i. V. 45. 'Hereafter'; some think tliis was said in irony, on',
be betrayed
sense
may be
'sleep at
some other
[60]
meaning 'from
time, not now.'
no\\
Jesus betrayed
46
MATTHEW
tried
the hands of sinners. that
47
and
is
And
me
to betray
Rise up,
hand.
was speaking, Judas, who was one of
once, while he
all at
us go on our way; already, he
let
close at
is
26
48
came near; with him was a great multitude carrying swords and clubs, who had been sent by the chief priests and the elders of the people. The traitor had appointed them a signal;
49
with a
the twelve,
It is
50
51
My
said. Hail,
sooner, then,
one of those
Master, and kissed him.
its
Whereupon
place;
54 55
prophesied that
it
so,
all
tude at that hour.
and
all
who
those
clubs, as
if I
up
take
as
my
upon
Father, even
legions of angels to
should the scriptures be
must be
And
it is ?
out to
were a robber; and yet
I
cut-
it,
Put thy sword
the sword will perish by
if I call
You have come
draw
to
with
priest's servants
And
fast.
hand
lifted a
Jesus said to him.
more than twelve
will send
But how, were
shall greet
Jesus said to
and held him
Jesus,
with Jesus
Dost thou doubt that
the sword.
now, he
who were
and smote one of the high
ting off his ear.
back into
I
had he come near
on what errand hast thou come? Then they came
friend,
his sword,
53
he
No
fast.
forward and laid their hands on at that,
52
hold him
kiss;
to Jesus than
him.
man whom
other, he told them, than the
none
my
side?
which have
fulfilled,
Jesus said to the multi-
my
used
arrest
with swords
teaching in the
to sit
temple close to you, day after day, and you never laid hands on
was
56
me. All
57
And now all his And those who had arrested
Jesus led
of the high priest, Caiphas,
where the
this
what was written by
so ordained, to fulfil
prophets.
abandoned him, and
disciples
him away scribes
the fled.
into the presence
and the
elders
had
assembled. 58
Yet Peter followed him
59
60
62
long distance,
and
in
sat
as far as the
among
high
the servants, to
see the end.
The
to find false
testimony against Jesus, such as would compass his
death.
chief priests
and
elders
and
all
the council tried
But they could find none, although many came forward
falsely accusing
61
at a
where he went
piiest's palace;
him;
until at last
who declared, This man said, of God and raise it again in
I
two
false accusers
have power
three days.
Then
V. 61.
Mark
John
ii.
xiv. 53,
Luke
xxii. 54,
19.
[61]
John
xviii. 12.
temple
the high priest
stood up, and asked him, Hast thou no answer to vv. S7~75-
came forward
to destroy the
make
to the
MATTHEW 63
Repentance of Peter
27
accusations these
men
the high priest said to
64
whether thou
to tell us
Thy own
openly,
I
was
and
God
Jesus
Son of God?
art the Christ, the
And
you
this;
right
lips
have said
it.
moreover
and
the high priest tore his garments,
66
heard his blasphemy for yourselves.
67
they answered.
upon
69
his face
The
tell
He
said.
has blasphemed;
penalty
is
What
is
Then
death.
well,
you have
And
your finding? they
fell to
spitting
and buffeting him and smiting him on the cheek,
saying as they did it is
I
will see the
what further need have we of witnesses? Mark
68
Jesus
you Son of Man again, when he is seated at the hand of power, and comes on the clouds of heaven. At this,
answered,
65
silent;
adjure thee by the living
bring against thee?
him
so,
Shew
thyself a prophet, Christ;
tell
who
us
that smote thee.
Meanwhile, Peter
without; and there a maid-
sat in the court
came up to him, and said. Thou too wast with Jesus the Galilean. Whereupon he denied it before all the company; I do not know what thou meanest. And he went out into the porch, where a second maidservant saw him, and said, to the bystanders, This man, too was with Jesus the Nazarene. And he made denial servant
70 71
72 73
again with an oath, stood there
74
came up
that thou art
with that he 75
know Peter
know
nothing of the man.
But those who
to Peter
soon afterwards, and
said, It is certain
I
one of them; even thy speech betrays
fell to
calling
down
curses
nothing of the man; and thereupon the cock crew.
remembered the word of
Jesus,
And
thee.
on himself and swearing,
how
he had
said.
I
Then
Before the
cock crows, thou wilt thrice disown me; and he went out, and
wept
bitterly.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN AT 2
3
DAYBREAK,
all
the chief priests
and
elders of the people laid
/\.
their plans for putting Jesus to death,
away
in bonds,
And now V. 3.
Acts
and gave him up
Judas, his betrayer,
i,
to the
was
18.
[62}
full
and they led him
governor, Pontius Pilate. of remorse at seeing
him
MATTHEW
Remorse of Judas; choice of Barabbas
condemned, so that he brought back 4
of silver;
pieces
thirty
their
What
down 6
hanged himself.
The
that to us? they
them, throwing
and went and
chief priests, thus recovering the
said, It
must not be put and
7
blood;
field, as a
9
day.
after
in the treasury, since
consultation, they used
burial place for strangers;
And
it
field of blood, to this
word was fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet Jeremy, when he said. And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of one who was appraised, for men of the race of Israel appraised him, and bestowed them upon the potter's field, as the Lord had bidden me. so the
And
But Jesus stood before the governor.
And when
12
have said
13
their accusation against
said
to
it.
the chief priests
the governor asked
so that the governor
was
governor used to grant
At
multitude the liberty of any one
then
and
was one notable prisoner
there
so,
Whom
Barabbas, or Jesus
19
had only given him up out of malice;
and even
him
a message,
with
innocent
called Christ?
wife had sent
man;
I
dreamed to-day
But the chief
priests
and
that
elders
I
when
the governor openly asked them,
would you have me
I
they
release?
well that they
as
he
Do
sat
on the
not meddle
suffered
much on
had persuaded the
multitude to ask for Barabbas and have Jesus put so,
22
this
his account.
is
when
shall
He knew
18
seat, his
the festival, the
whose name was Barabbas;
gathered about him, Pilate asked them,
judgment
their charges,
to the
17
who
Pilate
astonishment.
prisoner they should choose; custody,
Then
full of
16
in
Hps
the testimony they bring
all
But Jesus would not answer any of
against thee?
15
Thy own
and elders brought
him, he made no answer.
him. Dost thou not hear
14
21
potter's
that account that
him. Art thou the king of the Jews ? Jesus told him.
20
money,
the price of
is
buy the
to
it
upon
it is
Haceldama, the
the field has been called
11
is
left
the pieces of silver there in the temple,
8
10
Whereupon he
concerns thee only.
said. It
27
elders
have sinned, he told them, in
I
betraying the blood of an innocent man. 5
and
to the chief priests
to
Which
release? they said, Barabbas.
death; of the
Pilate said to
This seems to be, not a direct quotation, but a combination of 7-9 with Zach. xi. 12-13. C£. note on Mark i. 2-3. vv. 11-26 (in part) Mark xv, 2, Luke xxiii. 2, John xviii. 33. V. 9.
xxxii.
[63]
and
two
Jer.
MATTHEW 23
24
27
Jesus
them,
What am
They
said.
condemned and
is
crucified
who is called Christ? And when the governor said,
with Jesus,
to do, then,
I
Let him be crucified.
Why, what wrong
has he done? they cried louder than ever. Let
him be
And
crucified.
finding that his good
so,
went
offices
for
nothing, and the uproar only became worse, Pilate sent for water
and washed did
25
you
26
us,
so, I
And
only.
the
this
innocent man;
it
concerns
whole people answered. His blood be upon
And
with that he released Barabbas
him up
asked; Jesus he scourged, and gave
After
to be crucified.
the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the palace,
this,
28
and gathered the whole of
29
stripped him, and arrayed his
multitude, saying as he
full sight of the
and upon our children.
as they
27
hands in
his
have no part in the death of
their
him
company about him.
First they
then they put on
in a scarlet cloak;
head a crown which they had woven out of thorns, and a rod
and mocked him by kneeling down before him, and saying. Hail, king of the Jews. And they spat upon him, and took the rod from him and beat him over the head with it. At
in his right hand,
30 31
last
32
crucified.
33
by name,
As
own garments on
man
for his cross, they forced a
whom
they
met on
their
34
after a skull.
35
with
gall,
Here they
which he
offered
tasted,
crucified him, dividing his
they
There, then,
head they
sat,
set a written
way
him
garments
among them by
40
against him, tossing their heads;
The
his left.
come down from
42
same way.
He
vv. 27-62.
Mark
that cross,
chief priests, with the scribes
r. 55. Ps. xxi.
V.42.
crucified
it
if
and
up
two
is
his
Jesus,
thieves,
blasphemed
they said, thou
who
in three days, rescue
thou art the Son of God. elders,
mocked him
in the
saved others, they said, he cannot save himself. xv. 20,
Luke
xxiii. 26,
19.
Wisdom,
and then casting lots.
him. Over
passers-by
Come now,
wouldst destroy the temple and build
The
over
and with him they
the king of the Jews;
so
named
the place
a draught of wine, mixed
keeping guard
one on his right and one on
thyself;
is,
and
it;
proclamation of his offence, This
38
Simon
of Cyrene,
out, to carry
but would not drink,
39
41
of the scarlet
him, and led him away to be
they reached a place called Golgotha, that
36
him
they had done with mockery; stripping
cloak, they put his
ii.
18.
[64}
John
xix. 17.
and
fesus dies
he
If
43
come down from
the king of Israel, he has but to
is
God,
Even
Son of God.
From
we
He
will believe in him.
same
who were
the thieves
2',
the cross.
trusted in
he favours him, succour him now; he told
if
uttered the
45
MATTHEW
buried
here and now, and let
44
is
God;
am
us, I
the
him
crucified with
taunts.
was darkness over all the and about the ninth hour Jesus cried
the sixth hour onwards there
46
earth until the ninth hour;
47
God,
lamma
out with a loud voice, Eli, Eli,
my
sabachthani? that
God, why hast thou forsaken me?
Hearing
is,
this,
My
some
50
who stood by said. He is calling upon Elias: and thereupon one of them ran to fetch a sponge, which he filled with vinegar and fixed upon a rod, and offered to let him drink; the rest said, Wait, let us see whether Elias is to come and save him. Then Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up his
51
spirit.
48
49
of those
And
all at
52
54
holy
men gone
after his rising again, left their graves city,
way
and the graves were opened, and many
rocks parted asunder;
who,
this
bottom, and the earth shook, and the
to the
bodies arose out of them, bodies of holy
53
was torn
once, the veil of the temple
and that from the top
where they were seen by many.
to their rest:
and went into the
So that the centurion
and those who kept guard over Jesus with him, when they perceived the earthquake and all that befell, were overcome with fear;
55 56
No
doubt, they said, but this was the Son of God.
Many women Jesus
from
stood watching from far off; they had followed
him;
Galilee, to minister to
among them were Mary
Magdalen, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the 57
58
And now it was evening, and a man came forward, by name Joseph, a rich man from Arimathaea, who followed Jesus as a disciple Hke the rest; he it was who mother of the sons of Zebedee.
approached 59
Pilate,
and asked
possession of the body,
60
then he buried self
it
in a
V. 43.
The
have the body of Jesus; whereupon
and wrapped
new
out of the rock, and
V.43. Ps. xxi.
to
body should be given up.
Pilate ordered that the
grave,
it
which he had fashioned
left it there, rolling a
9.
earth', or
perhaps
Joseph took
in a clean winding-sheet;
'the land' of Palestine.
1:46. Ps. xxi. 2.
[65]
for
him-
great stone against
MATTHEW
The
28
But there were two who
the grave-door.
6
Mary Magdalen and
the tomb,
62 63
Next
and the Pharisees gathered
am
said, I
his
tomb
there opposite
and
that this deceiver, while
her.
said, Sir,
he yet
we
lived,
Give orders, then, that
to rise again after three days.
shall
be securely guarded until the third day; or perhaps
come and
He
to the people,
66
in Pilate's presence,
memory
to
it
his disciples will
65
on
day, the next after the day of preparation, the chief priests
have recalled 64
sat
Mary with
the other
Resurrection
him away.
steal
If
they should then say
has risen from the dead, this
last deceit will
be
more dangerous than the old. Pilate said to them. You have guards; away with you, make it secure as you best know how. And they went and made the tomb secure, putting a seal on the stone and setting a guard over
it.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
ON
THE night
on
2
the
after the sabbath, at the
Mary came near
to
contemplate the tomb.
was a great trembling of the
came
hour when dawn broke
day of the week, Mary Magdalen and the other
first
earth, because
to the place, descending
And
suddenly there
an angel of the Lord
from heaven, and
away
rolled
the
shone Uke lightning, and his gar-
3
stone and sat over
4
ments were white
5
of him,
6
women. You need not be afraid; I know wtU that you have come to look for Jesus of Nazareth. He is not here; he has risen,
7
buried.
and were
his face
it;
as
snow;
like
so that the guards trembled for fear
dead men.
But the angel said openly
to
the
he told you.
as
vv. 1-8. V. I.
Come and
You must go Mark
The
xvi.
i,
see the place
in haste,
Luke
xxiv.
and
tell
where the Lord was
his disciples that
he has
i.
night after the sabbath', Hterally, in the Greek,
'late
of the
which can bear the meaning 'too late for it to be the sabbath'. This interpretation must be the right one here, since it is clear that St. Matthew, Hke the other EvangeHsts, is speaking of early morning, not of the sabbath',
evening. V. 2. The words 'of the earth' do not occur in the Greek; and it that the 'trembling' here alluded to is that mentioned in verse 4.
{66-]
is
possible
The
last
Galilee,
where you
to
9
joicing,
and ran
were on
With
me
word
came near
my
to
news to
my
is
message
the tomb, in fear and in great re-
And
to his disciples.
once Jesus met them and
all at
Then
shipped him. give
11
that, they
left
to tell the
way,
their
they
28
going on before you into
is
have sight of him. That
shall
Whereupon
you.
8
10
MATTHEW
Charge
from the dead; and now he
risen
him, and clung
Do
Jesus said to them,
while they All
said,
to his feet,
hail.
and wor-
not be afraid; go and
brethren to remove into Galilee; they shall see
there.
They had not reached the
finished their journey,
city,
and
when some
the chief priests of
told
of the guards that befell.
all
12
These gathered with the
13
bribe to the soldiers;
14
came by night and stole him away, while we were asleep. If this should come to the ears of the governor, we will satisfy him, and see that no harm comes to you. The soldiers took the bribe, and
15
Let
this,
they said, be your
did as they were instructed; and this
among the Jews, to this And now the eleven disciples
abroad 16 17
to the
still
him
and on
the
took their journey into Galilee,
earth,
you, therefore, must go out,
Holy Ghost,
ments which
I
name
a rich
disciples
which has gone
the tale
to
he
making
them; All to
me;
disciples of all nations,
and
and of the Son, and of
teaching them to observe
And
to
been given
said, has
of the Father,
have given you.
When
worship; though some were
But Jesus came near and spoke
doubtful.
baptizing them in the 20
His
day.
down
there, they fell
authority in heaven 19
is
tale,
mountain where Jesus had bidden them meet him.
they saw 18
and offered
elders to take counsel,
all
behold
I
the
am
command-
with you
all
through the days that are coming, until the consummation of the world. V. 9.
This encounter
may be
the same, or
may have
taken place nearly at
same time, as that recorded in John xx. 11-17. V. ly. 'Were still doubtful', probably in the sense that they did not recognize him while he was still at a distance (cf. John xxi. 7, 12, 13). Or it may mean that there were some (not of the apostles, but of those who followed them; I Cor. xv. 6), who had doubted until then. the
[67J
THE HOLY GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO MARK
CHAPTER ONE
THE BEGINNING
mine who
before thy face that angel of
3
thee;
4
way
there
is
Son o£ God.
o£ the gospcl o£ Jesus Christ, the
written in the prophecy of Isaias, Behold,
It is
a voice of
I
am
sending
way
to prepare thy
is
before
one crying in the wilderness. Prepare the
And
of the Lord, straighten out his paths.
so
it
was
that
John
appeared in the wilderness baptizing, announcing a baptism where5
by
men repented, to have their sins forgiven. And all the country of who dwelt in Jerusalem went out to see him,
Judaea and aU those
and he baptized them in the 6
had a leather girdle about 7
honey.
And
I,
so that
the strap of his shoes.
and he
One
is
to
hair,
come
and
and wild
ate locusts
me who is down and untie
after
I
am
I
have baptized you with water; he will
not worthy to bend
Holy Ghost.
baptize you with the
At
his loins,
thus he preached.
mightier than 8
river Jordan, while they confessed
John was clothed with a garment of camel's
their sins.
11
came from Nazareth, and was baptized by even as he came up out of the water he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit, like a dove, coming down and resting upon him. There was a voice, too, out of heaven,
12
Thou
13
the Spirit sent
9 10
this time, Jesus
my
art
forty days
with the 14 15
And
John in the Jordan.
beloved Son in thee ;
him out
and forty
beasts,
I
am
into the desert:
nights,
well pleased.
and
tempted by the
Thereupon,
in the desert devil; there
he spent
he lodgec?
and there the angels ministered to him.
But when John had been put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospcl of God's kingdom: The appointed time has vv. i-ii.
Matthew
iii.
The second
i,
Luke
iii.
i.
is taken from Is. xl. 3; the hrst not from Isaias but from Malachy (iii. i). St. Jerome suggests that St. Mark may have been using a catena of Old Testament prophecies, in which these two passages came together, and treated them as one, giving a reference only to the more important one. vv. J2-15. Matthew iv. i, Luke iv. i.
vv. 2-j.
half
half of this prophecy
is
[69]
MARK
The
1
come, he i6
and the kingdom of God
said,
and beHeve the
And
gospel.
as
were fishermen)
17
sea,
18
follow
19
their nets immediately,
me;
further,
20
I will
make you
is
near at hand; repent,
he passed along the sea of Galilee,
Andrew
he saw Simon and Simon's brother (for they
Apostles called; a Devil cast out
casting a net into the
into fishers of
And
men.
were in
they dropped
Then he went
and followed him.
and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and
these too
Come and
Jesus said to them,
;
a litde
his brother
their boat, repairing their nets;
all at
John;
once he
them, and they, leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with
called
men, turned aside after him. So they made their way to Capharnaum; here, as soon as the sabbath came, he went into the 22 synagogue and taught; and they were amazed by his teaching, for he sat there teaching them like one who had authority, not like the 23 scribes. And there, in the synagogue, was a man possessed by an 24 unclean spirit, who cried aloud: Why dost thou meddle with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Hast thou come to make an end of us? I recog25 nize thee for what thou art, the Holy One of God. Jesus spoke 26 to him threateningly; Silence! he said; come out of him. Then the unclean spirit threw him into a convulsion, and cried with a
21
the hired
27
loud voice, and so came out of him.
What
ment;
can
teaching? See 28
the unclean
how
All were full of astonish-
he has authority to lay his
What is this new commands even on
And
the story of his do-
this
be? they asked one another.
and they obey him!
spirits,
ings at once spread through the whole region of Galilee.
29
As
soon as they had
the synagogue, they
left
came
into
Simon
30
and Andrew's house; James and John were with them. The mother of Simon's wife was lying sick there, with a fever, and they
31
made
haste to
tell
him
her by the hand, and 32
her,
whereupon he went
of her; lifted
her up.
and she began ministering
And
afflicted,
34
whole that
and those
city stood
were
crowding there
afflicted
vv. 16-20.
Matthew Matthew
to
him
all
it
at the door.
And
sort,
and took
who were
so that the
he healed
and
left
was evening
those
possessed by devils;
with diseases of every
devils; to the devils
fv. 2Q-34.
who were
close
once the fever
And when
to them.
and the sun went down, they brought 33
all at
cast
out
many many
he would give no leave to speak, because they iv.
18.
viii.
14,
Luke
iv.
[70!
38.
MARK
]esus goes about healing
Then,
35
recognized him.
36
went away
37
his
38
they told him, All
and began praying
companions went in search of him
men
dawn, he
at very early
to a lonely place,
it is
for this
agogues,
Then
40
feet
41
and
Jesus
through Galilee, and
came up
a leper
said. If it
42
and
43
leprosy
44
him
my
said. It is all at
will; be
once
left
threateningly,
thee,
shew
said to them,
cast the devils out.
he held out
power
his
to
make me
And
thou made clean.
at the
And
word, the
he spoke to
and sent him away there and then: he
this at all,
and
thyself to the priest,
to
make
clean.
hand and touched him,
him, and he was cleansed.
which Moses ordained, as
he
can preach there too
him, asking for his aid; he knelt at his
pity;
thou dost not speak of
45
to
thy will, thou hast
is
was moved with
And I
So he continued to preach in their syn-
have come.
I
all
them, and
Simon and
there.
and when they found him,
:
are looking for thee.
Let us go to the next country towns, so that 39
left
2
said, to
Be sure
anyone; away with
offer the gift for thy cleansing
known
the truth
to them.
But
he,
soon as he had gone away, began to talk publicly and spread the
no longer go into any of the
story round; so that Jesus could
openly, but dwelt in lonely places apart; and
came
they
to
still
cities
from every
side
him.
CHAPTER TWO
t:
as soon as
a
word went round that he was in a house there, such that there was no room left even in front of the
crowd gathered
door; and he preached the
bring a palsied
man
to
word
to them.
and found they could not bring him tude. So they stripped the tiles
Jesus was, and
which the
man
lay.
And
viii. i,
Luke
Lev. xiv. 2. vv. 1—12. Matthew ix. i. V. 5. See note on Matthew
ix. 5.
vv. 40-4$.
Matthew
they
came at
to
once;
close to, because of the multi-
from the roof over the place where
made an opening; then
palsied
And now
him, four of them carrying him
v. 12.
V. 44.
[71]
they
let
down
the bed
on
Jesus, seeing their faith, said to
MARK
The
2
man, Son, thy
the palsied
7
of the scribes sitting there,
8
but God, and
sins
He
only?
Jesus
9
reason thus in your minds?
Man
Which command
12
take thy bed with thee, and go home.
to the palsied
and went out
more hghtly
is
And now,
man)
:
And
I tell
to
convince
to
God; they
ib
thee, rise up,
he rose up at once,
in full sight of
were astonished and gave praise
of
do you
has authority to forgive sins while he
on earth (here he spoke his bed,
Why
sins are forgiven, or to say,
11
and took
Why
can forgive
at once, in his spirit,
Rise up, take thy bed with thee, and walk ?
you that the Son of
Who
said to them.
man, Thy
given, to say to the palsied 10
knew
and
these secret thoughts of theirs,
Matthew
reasoned in their minds.
talking blasphemously.
is
God
who
Call of
But there were some
sins are forgiven.
6
does he speak so?
Man;
palsied
them; so that
said,
We
all
never saw
the like.
Then he went
13
14
out by the sea again; and
he saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus, house, and said to him. Follow 15
16
him.
And
many
publicans and sinners sat
for there scribes his
17
And
him, and he taught them there.
to
the multitude
came
he passed further on,
sitting at
work in the customsrose up and followed
me; and he
when he was sitting at table in his house, down with Jesus and his disciples; were many of these who followed him. Thereupon the
and
afterwards,
Pharisees, seeing
company, asked
eats
all
as
him
eat
with publicans and sinners in
How
his disciples.
comes
and drinks with publicans and sinners?
said to them, It
physician,
it is
is
not those
those
who
who
it
that your master
Jesus heard
and
it,
are in health that have need of the
are sick.
I
have come to
call sinners,
not
the just. 18
John's disciples
they 19
came and
and the Pharisees used
said to
him.
How
is it
to fast at that time.
that thy disciples
do not
And fast,
when John's disciples and the Pharisees fast? To them Jesus said, Can you expect the men of the bridegroom's company to go fasting, while the bridegroom is still with them ? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot be expected to fast; but the
20
days will
come when
vv. 14-22. V. 14.
more
Matthew
ix.
the bridegroom
9,
name
at this
taken away from them;
Luke v. 27. name for St. Matthew, who point (Matthew ix. 9).
This was clearly another
familiar
is
[72}
introduces his
Son 21
then they will of
new
Nor
is
when
that day comes.
that
the old cloth,
New
skins spoiled.
Nobody sews on a piece done, the new piecing
and makes the rent
in
it
into old wineskins;
if
And
24
they went.
25
doing what
it is
and
not lawful to do on the sabbath?
his followers
and gave them,
28
them,
The
of
to
it
why
made
who were
he went
and
priests
ate the
may
And
with him ?
man, not man
for
How
priest,
God, which only the
besides, to those
Man
as
are they
Whereupon he when he
hunger?
for
when Abiathar was high
sabbath was
Son
on the
read of what David did,
were hard put
loaves set forth there before
27
corn-fields
plucking the ears of corn
the Pharisees said to him, Look,
into the tabernacle,
that the
fell to
Have you never
said to them.
the wine spilt
is
wine must be put into fresh wineskins.
happened that he was walking through the
It
3
is
new wine
does anybody put
sabbath day; and his disciples
26
if
done, the wine bursts the skins, and there
and the 23
fast,
cloth to patch an old cloak;
worse. that
MARK
the Sabbath
away threads from
takes
22
Man and
of
eat,
he told
for the sabbath.
So
has even the sabbath at his disposal.
CHAPTER THREE A ND ONCE MORE he Went into a synagogue; and there was a 2
£\_
there
who had
watching him,
one of
to see
4
5
might have a charge to bring against him.
man who had
his hand withered. Rise up, and come forward. Then he said to them. Which is right, to do good on the sabbath day, or to do harm ? To save life, or to make away
So he
with
them the
said to the
And
it?
they sat there in silence.
And
he looked round on
in anger, grieved at the hardness of their hearts,
man.
Stretch out thy hand.
was restored 6
man
and they were
whether he would do a work of healing on
the sabbath, so that they 3
hands withered;
his
Then
to
vv. 23-28.
vv. 1-6.
Matthew
Kings
stretched
it
out,
and
and
said to
his
hand
him.
the Pharisees
v. 2^. I
He
went
xii.
i,
out,
Luke
and
vi.
xxi. 6.
Matthew
xii. 9,
Luke
vi. 6.
[73]
i.
at
once began plotting with
MARK 7
8
The twelve
3
who were
those
of Herod's party to
Apostles; Satan dispossessed
make away with him.
But
Jesus withdrew, with his disciples, towards the sea;
and great
crowds followed him, from
and from
and from Judaea,
Galilee,
Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and those
who 9
Tyre and Sidon, hearing of
lived about
in great
numbers
to
So he
him.
all that
he did, came
told his disciples to
keep a boat
ready at need because of the multitude, for fear they should press 10
on him too to
12
used
to fall at his feet
many works
of healing, so that
all
with suffering thrust themselves upon him,
visited
The unclean
touch him.
11
for he did
close;
who were
those
and
he would give them a
spirits, too,
whenever they saw him,
Thou
cry out.
Son of God; and
art the
charge not to
strict
make him known.
Then he went up onto the mountain side, and called to him whom it pleased him to call; so these came to him, and he
13
14
those
15
at
appointed twelve to be his companions, and to go out preaching
16,
command, with power to cure diseases and to cast out To Simon he gave the fresh name of Peter; to James the son of Zebedee and his brother John, he gave the fresh name of Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder. The others were Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Cananean; his
17 devils.
18
19
and Judas
21
Iscariot, the traitor.
And now
20
word came 22
they
came
into a house,
gathered so that they had no
restrain
those
to
him; they
who were
said.
He
it is
to sit
And
said,
He
is
out.
So he called them to him, and spoke
24
How
can
25
is
it
war with
household 26
if
be Satan
is
itself,
who that
casts
Satan out?
eat.
When
went out
the scribes
to
who
possessed by Beelze-
through the prince of the devils that he
23
at
and
nearest him, they
must be mad.
had come down from Jerusalem bub;
and once more the multitude
room even
to
casts the devils
them
Why,
kingdom cannot stand
if
in parables; a
firm,
kingdom and
if
a
war with itself, that household cannot stand firm; has risen up in arms against Satan, he is at war with
at
Satan, then,
Matthew x. i, Luke vi. 12. Thaddaeus (or Lebbaeus) must be Iscariot' (Luke vi. 16). vv. 22-30. Matthew xii. 24, Luke xi. 15. vv. 13-19. V.
18.
[74]
identified
with
'Judas,
not
The
MARK
Family; Parable of the Sower
spiritual
No
himself; he cannot stand firm; his end has come.
4
one can
enter into a strong man's house and plunder his goods, without first
making
house
man
the strong
then he can plunder his
his prisoner;
BeHeve me, there
at will.
pardon for
is
all
the other sins
mankind and the blasphemies they utter; but if a man blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, there is no pardon for him in all eternity; he is guilty of a sin which is eternal. This was because
of
He
they were saying.
Then
his
has an unclean
mother and
spirit.
his brethren
came and
sent a message to
him, calling him to them, while they stood without. a multitude sitting round
him when
mother and thy brethren are without, looking
Who
answered them.
is
Then he looked about Here
said.
will of
are
my
God, he
is
a mother,
at those
mother and
my
brother,
who
who were
my and
There was
they told him. Behold, thy
And
for thee.
are brethren, to
sitting
brethren!
he
me?
around him, and
If
anyone does the
and mother.
sister,
CHAPTER FOUR
THEN HE BEGAN to tcach by the sea side again; and a great multitude gathered before him, so that he went into a boat, and sat there
2
sea's
on the edge.
sea,
And
while
the multitude
all
3
Listen, his teaching began,
4
And
5
that the birds
6
as
was on the land,
at the
he taught them for a long time, but in parables; here
is
the sower gone out to sow.
he sowed, some grains chanced to
fall
beside the path, so
came and ate them up. And others fell on rocky land, where the soil was shallow; these sprang up all at once, because they had not sunk deep in the ground: and when the sun rose they
were parched; they had taken no
Some
among
withered away.
8
up and smothered them, and they gave no where the V. 2g. t/v.
soil
fell
was good, and
See note on Matthew
31-35.
vv. 1-20.
root,
these sprouted
crop.
[75]
there), 4.
so they
And
grew
others
fell
and grew, and yielded
xii. 32.
Matthew xii. 46 (see note Matthew xiii. i, Luke viii.
and
briers, so that the briers
7
Luke
viii.
MARK
Parable explained
4
a harvest; some o£ them thirtyfold, some sixtyfold, some a hun9 10
Listen, he said,
dredfold.
When
you that have
him
they could speak with
ears to hear with.
who were
alone, the twelve
11
with him asked the meaning of the parable.
12
for those others,
And
he said to them,
granted to you to understand the secret of God's kingdom;
It is
who
stand without,
watch and watch, yet never
all is
must
see,
and
must
so they
parable:
listen
listen, yet
never
understand, nor ever turn back, and have their sins forgiven them. 13
Then he
14
are these the
15
sower sows
said to them.
men who
You do
all
parables?
Those by the way
the word.
is
And What the those who
not understand this parable?
are to understand
side are
have the word sown in them, but no sooner have they heard
than
it
Satan comes, and takes away this word that was sown in their 16
who
In the same way, those
hearts.
take in the seed in rocky
ground are those who entertain the word with joy 17
hear
and
it,
yet have
but afterwards,
when
And
soon shaken.
their faith
19
but allow the cares of
20
fruitless.
their other appetites to
who
And
22
those
who
And
one
sixtyfold,
he said to them.
hear the word,
smother the word, so that
take in the seed in good it
and
it
remains
soil are
yield a harvest,
those
one grain
one a hundredfold. Is
a
lamp brought
in to be put under a
What is may be revealed; what is kept may come to light. Listen, all
bushel measure, or under a bed, not in the lamp-stand?
hidden,
is
hidden only so that
kept secret only that
23
secret, is
24
you that have
what
is
it
ears to hear with.
that
you
hear.
measure in which you 25
who
word,
take in the
world and the deceitfulness of riches
hear the word and welcome
thirtyfold,
21
this
who
there are others
seed in the midst of thorns; they are those
and
last for a time,
tribulation or persecution arises over the
18
is
as soon as they
no root in themselves; they
besides.
If a
even the
little
26
And
27
as if a
man
it
And
he said
The measure
will be repaid,
rich, gifts will
in
to
and more
be
them, Look well
which you give
made
to
is
will be given
him;
if
he
is
the
you
poor,
he has will be taken away from him.
he said
man
is
it
to
them,
The kingdom
of heaven
should sow a crop in his land,
V. 12. Is. vi. 9.
[76]
is
like this;
and then go
it is
to sleep
Growth
of the
Kingdom;
MARK
the Storm stilled
4
and wake again, night after night, day after day, while the crop sprouts and grows, without any knowledge of his. So, of its own accord, the ground yields increase, first the blade, then the ear, then the perfect grain in the ear; and when the fruit appears, then
it is
time for
him
to
put in the
sickle,
now
because
the harvest
is ripe.
And he said, What likeness can we find for the kingdom of God? To what image are we to compare it? To a grain of mustard seed; when this is sown in the earth, no seed on earth is so
but, once
little;
sown,
it
shoots
up and grows
garden herb, putting out great branches, so that
come and this kind,
settle
them;
to
under
its
And
shade.
such as they could hsten to to
them he spoke only
he used
easily, in
the birds can
many
parables of
preaching the word
in parables,
when they were alone. when evening came on, he
than any
taller
all
and made
all
plain
to his disciples
That day,
So they
across to the other side.
him with them,
just as
too with him.
And
let
Let us go
said to them.
and took
the multitude go,
he was, on the boat; there were other boats
a great storm of wind arose, and drove the
waves into the boat, so that the boat could hold no more. while, he
was
in the stern, asleep
on the pillow
and they
We
are sink-
roused him, crying. Master, art thou unconcerned? ing.
So he rose up, and checked the wind, and said
Peace, be
Then he no
faith?
still.
And
And
wind dropped, and
the
said to them,
Why
are
they were overcome with awe;
they said to one another,
who
is
vv. 30-^4.
Matthew Matthew
xiii.
31,
xiii. 23,
Luke Luke
to the sea.
was deep calm.
you faint-hearted? Have you
Why, who
is
still
this,
obeyed even by the winds and the
sea?
vf. 35-40.
there
Mean-
there;
xiii.
18.
viii.
26.
Cr?i
MARK
The Devils
5
of Gerasa
CHAPTER FIVE
Soo THEY CAME to the
further shore of the sea, in the country of
Tl
the
possessed by an unclean spirit
3
meet him.
man made
This
his
came out of the rock tombs to dweUing among the tombs, and
nobody could keep him bound any longer, even with chains. 4
He
had been bound with
fetters
and chains often
before, but
had
torn the chains apart and broken the fetters, and nobody had the
5
Thus he
strength to control him.
among
day,
the tombs
6
himself with stones.
7
and
fell at
his feet,
meddle with me,
and the
When
Jesus,
out of the man, thou unclean
11
12 t3
name? The
thy
a loud voice,
do not torment me,
in God's name,
many
his time, night
spirit told
and
off,
he ran up
Why
dost thou
Son of the most high God?
8
is
all
crying aloud and cutting
he saw Jesus from far
and cried with
9 10
spent
hills,
(for he
was
I
adjure thee
saying,
Come
Then he asked him, What him. My name is Legion; there are spirit).
was full of entreaties that he would not send them away out of the country. There, at the foot of the mounand the devils entreated tain, was a great heard of swine feeding; him. Send us into the swine, let us make our lodging there. With that, Jesus gave them leave; and the unclean spirits came out, and of us,
and
it
whereupon the herd rushed down at full speed some two thousand in number, and the sea drowned them. The swineherds fled, and told their news in the city and in the country-side; so that they came out to see what had be-
went
into the swine;
into the sea, 14
15
fallen;
man 16
and when they reached
sitting there, clothed
overcome with
fear.
story of the possessed
Jesus, they
and restored
Then
those
found the possessed
to his wits,
who had
seen
it
and they were told
man, and what had happened
him
them the
to the swine.
17
Whereupon
18
So he embarked on the boat; and as he did
so the
19
been possessed was eager to go with him,
but Jesus would not
give
him
vv. 1-20.
they began entreating
leave;
Go home
Matthew
viii.
28,
to thy friends,
Luke
viii.
[78]
26.
to
he
leave their country.
said,
man who had
and
tell
See note on Matthew
them viii.
32.
all
MARK
]airus' Daughter; the Issue of Blooa
Lord has done
that the
20
what
and what great mercy he shewed
all
gathered about him; and while he was rulers of the
wondered
24
so she
25
great multitude followed him,
come and
point of death;
said, is at the
a
and
and
recover,
woman who
lay thy
DecapoHs of
it.
a great
by the
multitude
one of the
sea,
My
pleading for his aid.
his feet
now
sea,
still
in
at
synagogue came up, Jairus by name, and
when he saw him,
23
may
word
to spread
done for him; and
Jesus had
So Jesus went back by boat across the
21
22
for thee,
So he went back and began
thee.
fell
down
hand on
her, that
So he turned aside with him, and a
live.
and pressed
for twelve years
issue of blood,
and had undergone much from many physicians, spending
had on them, and no
Jesus in the
touched his cloak;
29
self, I shall
crowd
it,
(for she
had been
told of
And
felt in
she
came him), and
immediately the source of the bleeding
her body that she had been cured of her
Jesus thereupon, inwardly aware of the
affliction.
all
but rather grown worse,
can even touch his cloak, she said to her-
If I
be healed.
dried up, and she
30
better for
And
upon him.
close
had had an
27
up behind
at
daughter, he
16
28
5
power
that
had
proceeded from him, turned back towards the multitude and asked, 31
Who
touched
my
garments?
me ?
touched
33
who had done
say.
Thy
any longer?
36
ter
37
the synagogue.
now
39
Who
ask,
woman
woman, trembling with fear, came and fell at his Whereupon Jesus said to her.
affliction.
While he was house to
38
the
befallen her,
truth.
and
daughter, thy faith has brought thee recovery; go in peace, and
be rid of thy 35
And now
and told him the whole
feet,
him, Canst thou
to catch sight of the
what had
this.
since she recognized
My
disciples said to
But he looked round him
32
34
His
the multitude pressing so close about thee,
see
yet speaking, messengers
daughter
is
dead;
Jesus heard the
No
he would not
need let
to fear;
why
word
came from the
ruler's
dost thou trouble the said,
and
Mas-
told the ruler of
thou hast only to believe.
And
anyone follow him, except Peter and James
and James' brother John; and so they came to the ruler's house, where he found a great stir, and much weeping and lamentation. And he went in and said to them. What is this stir, this weeping? vv. 21-43.
Matthew
ix.
18 (see note there),
[79}
Luke
viii.
41.
MARK 40
The
]esus rejected at Nazareth; the Apostles sent out
6
child
is
not dead, she
but he sent them
and
his
all
They laughed aloud
asleep.
is
out, and, taking the child's father
own companions
him;
at
and mother
with him, went in to where the child
41
Then he
42
cumi, which means, Maiden,
lay.
took hold of the child's hand, and said to her, Talitha, I
And
say to thee, rise up.
the girl
stood up immediately, and began to walk ; she was twelve years old.
43
And
they were beside themselves with wonder.
strict
charge on them to
let
nobody hear of
she should be given something to
this,
Then he
laid a
and ordered
that
eat.
CHAPTER
SIX
to his own country-side, when the sabbath came, he began teaching in the synagogue, and many were astonished when they heard him; How did he come by all this? they asked. What is the meaning of this wisdom that has been given him, of all these
THEN HE LEFT the placc, his disciples following
and withdrew
him.
Here,
wonderful works that are done by
his
hands?
and Simon?
Do
not his
sisters live
Is
not this the car-
and Joseph and Judas
penter, the son of Mary, the brother of James
here near us?
And
they had
Then Jesus said to them, It is only in his own country, in his own home, and among his own kindred, that a prophet goes unhonoured. Nor could he do any wonderful works there, except that he laid his hands on a few who were sick, no confidence
in him.
and cured them;
he was astonished
went on round about the
And now out,
And
at their unbelief.
And
so
he
villages preaching.
he called the twelve to him, and began sending them
two and two, giving them authority over he gave them instructions to take a
the unclean spirits.
staff for their
journey and
nothing more; no wallet, no bread, no money for their purses; to be shod with sandals, and not to wear a second lodge, he told them, in the house place.
And
fv. 1-6. Pf. 7-13.
you
first enter,
coat.
until
You you
are to
leave the
wherever they give you no welcome and no hearing,
Matthew xiii. 54, Luke iv. Matthew x. i, Luke ix. i,
16,
[80}
John
vi.
4:
John the Baptist
MARK
\illed
shake off the dust from beneath your 12. 13
many
out
devils,
them.
feet in witness against
men
So they went out and preached, bidding
and many who were
6
they cast
repent;
with
sick they anointed
oil,
and healed them. Then,
14 of
it.
name grew
as his
It is
John the
better
he
Baptist,
known, king Herod came to hear from the dead, and that is
said, risen
15
why
Others were saying.
It is
16
Ehas, and others.
It is
a prophet like one of the old prophets;
but
when Herod was
told
it,
17
these
John the
active in him.
powers are
Baptist,
whom
He
he declared. I
has risen from the dead,
Herod himself had
beheaded.
and
sent
John and put him in prison, in chains, for love of Herodias, brother Philip's wife, whom he had married; because John
arrested
18
his
had
told
Herod,
It is
wrong
for thee to take thy brother's wife.
19
Herodias was always plotting against him, and would willingly
20
have murdered him, but could not, John, recognizing
him
for
because
Herod was
an upright and holy man;
kept him carefully, and followed his advice in 21
was glad
to hsten to
him.
And now came
which Herod gave a birthday 22
the chief
men
of Galilee.
and
own
he
and
things,
a fitting occasion,
feast to his lords
Herodias'
many
afraid of
so that
officers,
upon
and
to
daughter came in and
Herod and his guests that the Ask me for whatever thou wilt, and thou shalt he even bound himself by an oath, I will grant what-
danced, and gave such pleasure to
I
king said to the 23
have
it;
girl.
ever request thou makest, though
24
Thereupon she went out and
25
for?
And
she answered,
it
were a half of
said to her mother.
The head
of
John the
she hastened into the king's presence and will
26
is,
Baptist.
made
With
that,
My
me the head of John the And the king was full of re-
she said, that thou shouldst give
Baptist; give
him
kingdom. shall I ask
her request;
it
me
now, on a
dish.
morse, but out of respect to his oath and to those 27
my
What
at table,
he would not disappoint her.
who
sat
with
So he sent one of
his
guard with orders that the head should be brought on a dish. This 28
soldier cut of! his
29
and gave
it
head in the prison,
to the girl;
and the
girl
Matthew xiv. i, Luke ix. 7. Some Greek manuscripts have,
and brought
gave
it
it
on a
to her mother.
dish,
When
vv. IJ^^Q. V.
20.
heard from him.'
[81}
'was
much
perplexed at what he
MARK
The
6
John's disciples heard of laid
and
Jesus,
31
and they
33
went or
him
And
had given.
32
the apostles
told
and
yourselves,
34
they
came and
carried ofl his body,
and
in a tomb,
it
And now
30
it,
thousand
five
of
came
scarcely
to
came together again in the presence of they had done, and all the teaching they
he said to them,
rest a little.
had
to a lonely place
know
to the place
all
of
Come away
'leisure
even to
So they took
eat.
ship,
and
But many saw them going,
by themselves.
it;
into a quiet place by
For there were many coming and going,
gathering from
all
the
cities,
by land, and were there before them.
they hurried So,
when he
disembarked, Jesus saw a great multitude there, and took pity on
them, since they were like sheep that have no shepherd, and began 35
them long instruction. And when it was already late, his came to him and said, This is a lonely place, and it is late already; give them leave to go to the farms and villages round about, and buy themselves food there; they have nothing to eat. But he answered them. It is for you to give them food to eat. Why then, they said to him, we must go and spend two hundred silver to give
disciples
36
37
38
He
pieces buying bread to feed them.
Go
have you?
and two
39
Five,
40
panics
41
hundreds and fishes,
on
and
see.
fishes.
fifties.
told
them
and they took
And
How many
asked.
he took the
to heaven,
all to sit
down
in
five loaves
All ate and had enough:
too,
43
took up the broken pieces, and what was
44
filled
all.
twelve baskets with them.
The
loaves, fish'es,
and when they
of the fishes, they
left
loaves
by
and the two
and blessed and broke the
42
com-
their places in rows,
these to his disciples to set before them, dividing the
among them
loaves
they had found out, they told him,
Then he
the green grass;
and looked up
and gave
When
had fed
five
thousand
men. 45
46 47
As soon
as this
was done, he prevailed upon
ship
and
him
to send the multitude
cross to Bethsaida,
on the other
And when
home.
them, he went up on to the
hill side, to
his disciples to take
side, before
pray there.
was on the shore Matthew 4^-^2. Matthew
alone.
vv. 31-44.
xiv. 15,
vv.
xiv. 22.
Twilight had
way across the sea, while he And when the night had reached its
already come, and the boat was half
48
him, leaving
he had taken leave of
Luke
ix.
[82]
10,
John
vi. 3.
MARK
Jfsus wal}{s on the Sea; Jewish Traditions
7
them hard put to it with rowing (for the came to them, walking on the sea, and When they saw him walking on the if to pass them by. thought it was an apparition, and cried aloud, for all had
fourth quarter, seeing
wind was
made sea,
as
they
against them), he
seen him, and were full of dismay. But
Take courage, he to them on board
said,
the boat,
all
lesson of the loaves, so dulled
moored
As soon
and they ran
nized,
were
as they
And
to shore at
Genesareth and
had disembarked, he was recog-
off into all the country round,
wherever he entered
And
their hearts.
came
bringing the sick after him, beds and was.
So he came
they had not grasped the
measure;
they had crossed, they there.
he spoke to them;
and thereupon the wind dropped.
they were astonished out of
When
now
myself; do not be afraid.
it is
all,
and began
wherever they heard he
villages, or farmsteads, or
towns,
down in the open streets, and beg him to the hem of his cloak; and all those who
they used to lay the sick let
them touch even
touched him recovered.
CHAPTER SEVEN THE Pharisees and some of the
THEN
from Jerusalem, gathered round him;
scribes,
because they saw that some of his disciples sat their
hands
deed
all
defiled, that
down
washing
to meat,
cleansing;
their
hands again and again;
asked him.
You
vu. 53-56.
t/.
with in-
1-30.
6. Is.
they will not
and there are many other customs which they hold
scribes
t^v.
fault,
For the Pharisees, and
Why
hypocrites,
it
to
by
and pitchers and pans. So the Pharisees do thy
disciples eat
with defiled hands,
instead of following the tradition of our ancestors?
swered,
to eat
coming from the market, without thorough
tradition, purifying of cups
and
down
the Jews, holding to the tradition of their ancestors, never
eat without: sit
unwashed.
is,
who had come
and these found
was
a true prophecy Isaias
Matthew xiv. 34. Matthew xv. i.
xxix. 13.
[83]
But he an-
made
of you,
MARK
Legalism rebu\ed
7
writing as he did, heart
far
its
8
trines they teach are the
is
commandment on one
worship of
their
commandments side,
and hold
purifying of pitchers and cups, and
9 10
11
And
of
You
men.
You have quite defeated God's commandment, own tradition instead. Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother, and, He who curses father or mother dies without hope of reprieve. But you say. Let a man tell his father from
13
you
me
is
money
now Corban
will not let
and many
out of which you might get help
(that
him do any more
like observances,
an offering to God),
is,
you are making God's law
through the tradition you have handed down.
And
grasp
Nothing
this;
out of a man.
When
17 18
Listen,
them, Are you
because its
way
of you,
and
its
you that have
him still
the
meaning
ears to hear with.
it
travels,
of the parable.
so slow of wit?
uncleanness which goes into a 19
he called the
all
he had gone into the house, away from the multitude, his
disciples asked
20
this
ineffectual
way into a man from outside what makes a man unclean is what comes
that finds
can make him unclean;
and then
With
for father or mother.
multitude to him, and said to them. Listen to me,
16
man, the
other like observances.
he told them.
or his mother. Ail the
15
the doc-
leave God's
to the tradition of
many
hps, but
to establish your
12
14
me honour with its me is vain, for
This people does
from me;
7
man
Do
And
he said to
you not observe that
all
the
has no means of defiling him,
not into his heart, but into the belly, and so finds
21
Thus he declared all meat to be clean, and them that what defiles a man is that which comes out of him. For it is from within, from the hearts of men, that their wicked de-
22
signs come, their sins of adultery, fornication, murder,
into the sewer?
told
theft, cov-
etousness, malice, deceit, lasciviousness, envy, blasphemy, pride
23
a
24
All these evils come from within, and
folly.
man After
it is
these
and
which make
unclean. this,
Jesus left those parts,
and withdrew into the neigh-
bourhood of Tyre and Sidon. There he went into a house, and did not wish anyone to
woman came
25
for a
26
an unclean
spirit,
know
of
it;
to hear of
but he could not go unrecognized,
it,
whose daughter was possessed by
and she came in and
V. 10. Ex. XX. 12, Deut. V. 16. V. II.
See note on Mattliew xv.
5.
[84}
fell at his feet.
This
woman
MARK
]esus in the northern Country
was a 27
Gentile, a Syro-Phenician
have
their
28
throw
29
eat of the
it
he said 30
fill first; it is
race,
and she begged him
to cast
said to her, Let the children
not right to take the children's bread and
She answered him, Ah,
to the dogs.
crumbs the children In reward for
to her.
by
But he
the devil out o£ her daughter.
8
this
word
thee; the devil has left thy daughter.
yes.
Lord; the dogs
underneath the
leave,
table.
of thine, back
And when
she
And
home with
came back
to
her house, she found her daughter lying on the bed, and the devil gone.
Then he
31
set
out again from the region of Tyre, and came by
way
of Sidon to the sea of Galilee, right into the region of Decapolis.
man who was
32
And
33
prayer that he would lay his hand upon him.
him
they brought to
a
deaf and
dumb, with
And
aside out of the multitude; he put his fingers into his ears,
34
and touched
35
Ephpheta, he
and
spat,
then he looked up to heaven, and sighed;
his tongue; said, (that
the
he took him
is,
Be opened).
Whereupon
his ears
were
opened, and the bond which tied his tongue was loosed, and he 36
it
37
And
spoke plainly.
he laid a
strict
published
it,
and were more than ever astonished;
well, they said, in all his doings;
the
charge on them, not to speak of
anyone; but the more he charged them, the more widely they
to
dumb
He
has done
he has made the deaf hear, and
speak.
CHAPTER EIGHT
ONCE MORE, at this time, the multitude had grown In numbers, to eat. And he called his disciples to him, am moved with pity for the multitude; it is
and had nothing 2
and
3
have nothing to
4
from
5
bread to feed them, here in the desert ?
6
many
said to
three days
they will
them,
now grow
far off.
I
since they have eat.
faint
His
on
Matthew
their journey;
disciples
loaves have you?
vv. i-g.
been in attendance on me, and they
send them back to their homes fasting,
If I
some
answered him.
Seven, they
xv. 32.
[85]
of
them have come
How could
anyone find
And he asked them. How said. And he gave word to
MARK
The
8
the multitude to
sit
down on
Man
jour thousand; a blind
Then he took
the ground.
cured
the seven
and when he had blessed and broken he gave these to his disciples to set before them; so they set them before the multitude. loaves,
7
And
8
these, too,
they had a
When 9
few small
should be
set
they picked up
seven hampers;
fishes; these
he blessed, and ordered that
before them;
and they
what was
of the broken pieces,
left
and had enough.
ate,
And
about four thousand had eaten.
filled
it
so he sent
12
them home. Thereupon he embarked, with his disciples, and went into the part round Dalmanutha. Here the Pharisees came out and entered upon a dispute with him; to put him to the test, they asked him to shew them a sign from heaven. And he sighed deeply in
13
lieve
10 11
his spirit,
and
me,
this
left
14 15
said.
Why
does this generation ask for a sign? Be-
generation shall have no sign given
them, and took ship again, and crossed
They had
forgotten to take bread with them, and had no
and avoid the leaven of
the Pharisees,
16
they said anxiously to one another.
17
Jesus
it,
and
said.
What
Have you
dull?
We
sense,
heart
19
not hear; do you remember nothing?
among
20
pieces did
the five thousand,
you take up? They
broke the seven loaves
among
kets full of broken pieces did 21
Seven.
Then he
said to
the leaven of
he
more well,
Herod,
have brought no bread.
no
you have brought
even
wits,
eyes that cannot see,
18
loaves
and
this anxiety, that
is
no bread with you? Have you no still
so
and when he warned them. Look
than one loaf in the boat;
knew
And
it.
to the further side.
and
When
how many told him,
I
now?
Is
your
ears that can-
broke the
five
baskets full of broken
And when I how many basAnd they told him,
Twelve.
the four thousand,
you take up then?
How
them.
is it
you
that
still
do not un-
derstand? 22
23
So they came
man,
whom
to Bethsaida.
they entreated
And
him
they brought to
to touch.
by the hand, and led him outside the eyes,
and
laid his
He
thing?
25
but walking.
vv. II-2I.
Once more
Matthew
said, I
village; then
can see
men
[86]
if
as
Jesus laid his hands
xvi. i.
him
a blind
took the blind
hands on him, and asked him
looked up and
24
He
man
he spat into his
he could see anyif
they were trees,
upon
his eyes,
and
MARK
Peter's Confession
he began to
see right;
he of
and
said,
thou
if
and soon he recovered, so that he could see
Then he
everything clearly.
8
him back
sent
.''houldst enter
to his
house;
the viUage, do not
Go home,
tell
anyone
it.
Then
went with his disciples into the villages round Caesaand on the way he asked his disciples. Who do men am? They answered, John the Baptist, and others say
Jesus
rea Philippi; say that
I
EUas; others that thou art like one of the prophets. to
And what
them.
swered him, not to
tell
known
to
Thou
them
and
that the
Peter,
that I
Then he said am? Peter an-
And he strictly charged theiii And now he began to make it Man must be much ill-used, and be
Son
and
of
and
chief priests
again after three days.
rise
whereupon
do you say
art the Christ.
anyone about him.
rejected by the elders
death,
Who
of you?
drawing him
scribes,
and be put
to
This he told them openly;
to his side, fell to reproaching him.
But he turned about, and, seeing
his disciples there,
rebuked Peter;
Back, Satan, he said, these thoughts of thine are man's, not God's.
And
he called his disciples to him, and the multitude with them,
and said
to
renounce tries to
my
them,
self,
any
If
man
and take up
save his
has a
his cross,
way, let him The man who
man who
loses his life for
mind
life will lose it; it is
the
to
come
sake and for the gospel's sake, that will save
the better for
own
ing his
enough?
If
words before
it, if
he gains the whole world
For a man's
soul?
anyone
is
my
and follow me.
soul,
it.
at the
what
How
is
a
man
expense of
los-
price can be high
ashamed of acknowledging me and my and wicked generation, the Son of
this unfaithful
Man, when he comes in his father's glory with the holy angels, will be ashamed to acknowledge him. Believe me, there are those standing here
Son
of
vv. 2-/-}g.
made
who
will not taste of death before they
Man coming Matthew
in his
xvi. 13,
have seen the
Kingdom.
Luke
ix. 18. St.
Mark omits
here the promises
Sl Peter, perhaps because St. Peter forbade it, out of humiUty; perhaps because writing (like St. Luke) at Rome he was unwilHng to draw attention to the Apostle's prominence in the Church, for fear of persecution to
arising. V. 55.
See note on Matthew
V. 39. See note
on Matthew
x. 39. x. 39.
[87}
MARK
The
9
Transfiguration
CHAPTER NINE DAYS AFTERWARDS, Jesus took Peter and James and John with
SIX
him, and led them up
to a
high mountain where they were
alone by themselves; and he was transfigured in their presence. His
2
garments became bright, dazzling white
3
fuller here
4
of Elias, with Moses; these two were conversing with Jesus.
Peter said aloud to Jesus, Master, let
make
us
5
for Elias;
6
with
And
well that
and one
three booths, one for thee,
he did not know what to
And
fear.
came
the cloud
it is
snow, white as no
like
on earth could have made them.
we
they had sight
for Moses,
say, for they
Then
should be here;
and one
were overcome
a cloud formed, overshadowing them; and from
a voice,
which
said.
This
my beloved
is
Son; to him,
Then, on a sudden, they looked round them, and
7
then, listen.
8
saw no one any more, but Jesus only with them. And as they were coming down from the mountain, he warned
9
them not
to
Man
risen
had
from
11
and
anyone what they had
from the dead;
seen, until after the
And
the dead.
they asked him, Tell us,
them, Ehas must needs come and restore
and now, what 12
much
ill-used,
is
When
why do
must come before Christ?
scribes say Elias
Son
written of the
and despised.
EUas
and they have misused him
Son of
so they kept the matter to
wondering what the words could mean.
selves,
10
tell
of
all
them-
he has risen the Pharisees
He
answered
things as they were;
Man? That
he must be
too, I tell you, has already
come,
at their pleasure, as the scriptures
tell
of him. 13
When
he reached his
disciples,
he found a great multitude gath-
ered around them, and some of the scribes disputing with them. 14
The
15
and ran up
16
you are holding among you?
multitude, as soon as they saw him, were overcome with awe,
Master, 17
spirit,
at the
I
He asked them. What is the dispute And one of the multitude answered,
welcome him.
have brought
and wherever
it
my
Matthew
xvii.
son to thee; he
seizes
mouth, and gnashes
vf. i-^i. V. 12.
to
i,
his teeth,
Luke
Sec note on Matthew
on him,
xvii.
ix.
28.
12.
[88]
it
is
possessed by a
tears
and
dumb
him, and he foams
his strength
is
drained
The
And
from him. i8
19
I
disciples cast
And
must
I
me.
So they brought the boy
it
he answered them, Ah,
saw him, threw the boy
the ground, writhing
into water, to
22
help us
23
to
and often
this it
belief.
how
Jesus, seeing
them, rebuked the unclean said,
25
into
it is I
him
that
command
him
pity
to
soon
fell
on
Jesus
From
fire,
and
us,
and
on
said to him. If thou canst believe,
Whereupon
spirit;
the father
my
do believe; succour
I
the multitude
thee;
into the
Come, have
believes, everything is possible.
And
he
And now
been happening to him ?
of the boy cried aloud, in tears. Lord,
24
long
him
evil spirit, as
mouth.
has thrown
of him.
But Jesus
thou canst.
if
him who
how
bear with you ? Bring
at the
9
were power-
into a convulsion, so that
and foaming
make an end
I
him; and the
to
How long has
childhood, he said;
out, but they
it
faithless generation,
how long must
be with you,
asked the father. 21
bade thy
less.
as
20
MARK
Boy
lunatic
Thou dumb and
come out
un
was gathering round
of him,
deaf
he
spirit,
and never enter
With that, crying aloud and throwing him into a it came out of him, and he lay there like a corpse,
again.
violent convulsion,
many
He
26
so that
27
hand, and raised him, and he stood up.
declared.
dead.
is
But Jesus took hold of
When
house, and they were alone, the disciples asked him,
28
that
we
could not cast
it
And
out ?
30
Then
they
left
those parts,
and he would not time teaching his
up
into the
let
and passed
anyone know of
hands of
again on the third day.
meaning, and were afraid to ask him. there,
when
the dispute
he must be the little
child,
vv. 32-4^.
his passage;
he spent the
of
last
and gave Matthew
it
So they came
to
his
Caphar-
they were in the house, he asked them,
should be the greatest of them. twelve to him, and said.
35
fasting.
you were holding on the way?
nothing, for they had been disputing 34
it
through Galilee,
But they could not understand
32
What was
and
was
no way
The Son of Man, he said, is to be given men. They will put him to death, and he will
rise
naum, and
straight
is
disciples,
31
33
Why
he told them, There
of casting out such spirits as this except by prayer
29
his
he had gone into a
If
all,
among
Then he
sat
and the servant of
a place in the midst of
xviii. i,
down, and
anyone has a mind
Luke
ix.
[89]
They
said
themselves which
to
all.
called the
be the greatest,
And
he took a
them; and he took
it
MARK 36
in his arms,
my
this in
37 •
In Christ's
9
and
them:
said to
we saw
a
man who
And
out devils in thy name, and
39
will lightly speak evil of me.
40
on your
41
his reward.
said,
my
Why,
side.
if
forbade
him
who does a The man who
anyone gives you
And
Christ's,
able fire;
never quenched. it off;
me, he had
when thou
when thou
better have If
not miss
shall
thy
been
hand
is
cast into the
an occasion of
maimed,
goest into hell, into unquench-
art cast into the
worm which eats them And if thy eye is
45
the
46
quenched.
47
two eyes when thou
48
eats
unquenchable
have
kingdom
fire is
God, than
it
out;
to
have
the
worm which
never quenched.
Fire will be
art cast into the fire of hell;
there never dies, the
never
is
pluck
falling,
of
of hell;
fire
there never dies, the fire
an occasion of
better for thee to enter blind into the
every man's seasoning; every victim must be seasoned with 49
Salt
is
a
good
use to season
peace
among
is
to drink in
better for thee to enter into eternal life lame, than to
feet
them
cup of water
worm which eats them there never dies, the fire is And if thy foot is an occasion of falling to thee,
43
44
both
my name
not against you
off; better for thee to enter into life
it
than to have two hands the
miracle in is
casting
But Jesus
it.
promise you, he
I
with a mill-stone about his neck.
falling to thee, cut
a
company do
to
anyone hurts the conscience of one of these
if
httle ones, that believe in
cut
we
Forbid him no more; no one
name, because you are
sea,
a child as
John answered him,
does not follow in our
38
42
Whoever welcomes such
Eternity
name, welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me, wel-
comes, not me, but him that sent me. Master,
Name; On
thing, but it
with?
if
the salt
becomes
You must have
tasteless,
what
salt in yourselves,
will
salt.
you
and keep
you.
V. 4g. The second half of this verse is a quotation from Lev. ii. 13, and is perhaps only added by way of reference; but commentators are not agreed about the meaning of the whole verse, or of the relation which it bears to its context. According to the most common opinion, our Lord means us to understand that we must needs suffer either in this world or in the next.
[go]
On
MARK
Divorce
10
CHAPTER TEN REMOVING
THENCE, he entered the territory of Judaea which
more; and once more he began to teach them, as 2 3 4
iie.'
beyond the Jordan. Multitudes gathered round him once
.
custom was.
his
came and put him to the test by asking him whether it is right for a man to put away his wife. He answered them. What command did Moses give you ? And they said, Moses
Then
the Pharisees
man
left a
5
ration.
away,
free to put his wife
command
if
was
Jesus answered them. It
he gave her a writ of sepa-
to suit your hard hearts that
God, from the
6
Moses wrote such
7
creation,
8
leave his father
9
become one flesh. Why then, since they are no longer two, but one flesh, what God has joined, let not man put asunder. two
a
and mother and
And when
[I
about the same question.
away
[4
first
days of
therefore, will
and the
will cling to his wife,
another, she
is
Then
if
a
woman
16
of
God
puts
rebuked those this;
not keep them back; the
you
further
man
puts to-
away her husband and marries
an adulteress.
indignant at seeing
I tell
him
told them. If a
him
they brought children to him, asking
his disciples
15
Whereupon he
and marries another, he behaves adulterously
his wife
and
and
man,
they were in the house, his disciples asked
wards her;
[3
A
will
10
12
as that;
made them man and woman.
truthfully, the
like a child, will
who brought
them.
Let the children come to
God
to
touch them;
But Jesus was me, he said, do
kingdom
of
man who
does not welcome the
never enter into
belongs to such as these-
it.
And
so
kingdom
he embraced
them, laid his hands upon them, and blessed them. 17
Then he went out to continue his journey; and a man ran up and down before him, asking him. Master, who art so good, what
knelt 18
must
19
thou
I
do
call
to achieve eternal life?
me
good? None
Matthew
vv. 1-12. f. 4.
Deut. xxiv.
V. 7.
Gen.
ii.
is
xix. i; cf.
Luke
xvi. 18,
I.
24.
V. 18.
Matthew xix. 9. Matthew xix. 13, Luke xviii. See note on Matthew xix. 17.
v. ig.
Ex. XX.
V. II.
Jesus said to him.
good, except
See note on
fv. 13-31.
13.
[91}
15.
God
only.
Matthew
v. 32, I
Why
dost
Thou knowCor.
vii. 10.
MARK
witness,
Thou
20
thy mother.
21
grew
shalt not
shalt not
I
have kept
Jesus fastened his eyes
that belongs to thee; give
sell all
At
me.
23
great possessions.
24
kingdom!
ciples.
this, his
face
fell,
And
26
27
still
I
a
Go home
wanting.
and so the
come back and follow
and he went away sorrowing,
Jesus looked round,
and
for he
had
said to his dis-
With what difficulty will those who have riches enter God's The disciples were amazed at his words; but Jesus gave
My
them a second answer, 25
these ever since
to the poor,
it
treasure thou hast shall be in heaven; then
22
all
on him, and conceived
love for him; In one thing, he said, thou art
and
of the Passion
shalt not steal.
Master, he answered,
Then
up.
young Man; Prophecy
commit adultery, Thou Thou shalt not bear false wrong any man. Honour thy father and
do no murder. Thou
shalt
rich
commandments, Thou
the
est
The
10
how
children,
God's kingdom!
trust in riches to enter
hard
it is
It is easier
pass through a needle's eye, than for a
man to enter
God when he
more
is
They were
rich.
they said to themselves,
on them, and
said,
who
still
can be saved.?
who
for those
for a camel to
the
kingdom
astonished;
Why
of
then,
Jesus fastened his eyes
Such things are impossible to man's powers, but
not to God's; to God,
all
things are possible.
29
Hereupon Peter took occasion to say. What of us, who have forsaken all, and followed thee ? Jesus answered, I tell you truthfully, everyone who has forsaken home, or brothers, or sisters, or mother,
30
will receive,
28
or children, or lands for
sisters,
31
my
sake and for the sake of the gospel,
world, a hundred times their worth, houses,
and
brothers, mothers, children
and in the world to come he
many 32
now in this
will be first that
were
lands, but with persecution;
will receive everlasting
last,
and
last that
were
life.
But
first.
And now
they were on the way going up to Jerusalem; and still them on, while they were bewildered and followed him with faint hearts. Then once more he brought the twelve apostles Now, to his side, and began to tell them what was to befall him we are going up to Jerusalem; and there the Son of Man will be Jesus led
33
:
given up into the hands of the chief priests and
condemn him 34
to death;
of the Gentiles,
who
and will
on Matthew xix. 21. Matthew xx. 17, Luke xviii.
21. See note /.
32-J4.
scribes,
who
will
him up into the hands mock him, and spit upon him, and these will give
C92]
31.
Suffering
MARK
and the Kingdom; Bartimaeus cured
scourge him, and
him; but on the third day he will
kill
10
rise again.
Thereupon James and John, the sons o£ Zebedee, came to him and said. Master, we would have thee grant the request we are to make. And he asked them, What would you have me do for you ?
They
Grant that one of us may take
said to him,
and the other on thy
right
said to them,
You do
not
strength to drink of the cup the baptism
And
have.
I
my whom
for those for
it is
The
ten others
heard of
know
am
on thy
You
to drink of, to be baptized with
They
with?
right it
hand or
my
I
We
said to him,
indeed drink of the cup
shall
and be baptized with the baptism
but a place on
with;
I
to be baptized
Jesus told them,
to drink of,
it
am
his place
when thou art glorified. But Jesus know what it is you ask. Have you
left,
am
left is
I
am
to be baptized
not mine to give;
has been destined.
grew indignant with James and John when they called them to him, and said to them. You
But Jesus
it.
among
that,
the Gentiles, those
over them, and those
who
are great
who claim to bear among them make
rule lord
the most
With you it must be otherwise; whoever has a mind to be great among you, must be your servant, and whoever has a mind to be first among you, must be your slave. So it is that the Son of Man did not come to have service done him; he came to serve others, and to give his life as a ransom for the Hves of the
of
power they have.
many.
And now
they reached Jericho.
and with
his disciples
man, Timaeus' And, hearing Jesus,
and
son,
As he was
leaving Jericho, with
a great multitude, Bartimaeus, the blind
was
by the way
sitting there
side,
begging.
was Jesus of Nazareth, he fell to crying out, Son of David, have pity on me. Many of them rebuked him
told
him
that this
to be silent, but
David, have pity on me.
he cried out
Jesus stopped,
all
the more. Son of
and bade them summon
summoned the blind man; Take heart, they said, and summoning thee. Whereupon he threw away his cloak and leapt to his feet, and so came to Jesus. Then Jesus answered him, What wouldst thou have me do for thee? And the
him; rise
so they
up; he
blind
man
vv. 3$-4S-
vv. 46—^2.
is
said to
him. Lord, give
Matthew Matthew
me
back
xx. 20.
xx. 29,
Luke
xviil. 35.
[93]
my
sight. Jesus said to
MARK
Entry into Jerusalem
11
Away home with thee; thy faith has brought thee recovery. And all at once he recovered his sight, and followed Jesus on his way. him,
CHAPTER ELEVEN
WHEN THEY WERE mount
approaching Jerusalem, and Bethany, which
2
errand
Go
:
And
man
has ever ridden; untie
3
me.
4
ado.
5
the entrance; and they untied
6
them,
What
7
them
as Jesus
anyone asks you,
if
Lord has need
of
it,
Why
and he
are
10
you doing, untying the
colt to Jesus,
he mounted
it.
Many
And
cried aloud,
11
and
is
the
Hosanna
to us;
went
those
of
and saddled
it
in
And
to
without more
door
at
they answered
So they
it.
with their garments, and
their
garments in the way,
leaves thev
had cut down from
him and followed after him he who comes in the name of the
before
is
of our father
David which
So he came
heaven above.
into the temple,
then, for the
blessed
kingdom
it
him,
tell
of the bystanders asked
colt ?
it
them spread
who went
Hosanna,
Lord; blessed
vou have
had bidden, and were allowed to take
brought the
the trees.
and bring
colt tethered before a
Some
it.
it,
you doing that?
are
will let
So they went, and found the
and others strewed the way with 9
on an
and the
thing you will find there upon entering will be a colt tethered,
first
8
his disciples
into the village that faces you, ne told them,
one on which no
the
two of
Olivet, he sent
close to
is
where he surveyed
hour was already
late,
is
coming
to Jerusalem,
and
all
that
was about him,
went
out,
with the twelve,
to Bethany. 12
When
they had
serving a fig-tree 13
see
if
left
Bethany next dav. he was hungry
some way
off
with
he could find anything on
And
15
ever eat fruit of thine
he said to
it
else;
Matthew xxi. i, Luke xix. 29, John Matthew xxi. 12, Luke xix. 45. See note on Matthew xxi. 18.
vv. 12-24. 1}.
:
and, ob^
went up
But when he reached
aloud; in the
vv. 1-10.
V.
leaves out, he
it,
to
he
it was not the right season for figs. hearmg of his disciples: Let no man hereafter. So they came to Jerusalem. And
found leaves and nothing 14
it.
its
[94}
xii.
The Temple
MARK
cleansed; a Question declined
11
who there Jesus went into the temple, and began driving out those the o£ tables the overthrew and temple, the in bought sold and i6 17
bankers, and the chairs of the pigeon-sellers; nor would he allow anyone to carry his wares through the temple. And this was the
admonition he gave them,
18
Is
it
My
not written.
house
shall
be
known among all the nations for a house of prayer? Whereas you have made it into a den of thieves. The chief priests and scribes heard of
this,
and looked
for
some means
of
making away with was so full
afraid of him, because all the multitude
him; they were
of admiration at his teaching. 19,
He
20
21
left
and next morning,
the city at evening,
saw the
by, they
fig-tree
withered from
its
forgotten; Master, he said, look at the fig-tree
22
curse;
23
faith in
it
25
26
Jesus answered them.
didst
Have
I
promise you,
if
cast into the sea,
you stand praying, forgive whatever wrong any man has done you; so that your Father who is in heaven may forgive you your transgressions; if you do not forgive, your Father
granted you.
who
is
When
in heaven will not forgive your transgressions either.
So they came back
27
28
which thou
anyone says to this mountain. Reand has no hesitation in his heart, but is sure that what he says is to come about, his wish will be granted him. I tell you, then, when you ask for anything in be prayer, you have only to beheve that it is yours, and it will
God.
move, and be
24
And
has withered away.
as they passed
Peter had not
roots.
to Jerusalem.
And
as
he was walking about in
and the temple, the chief priests and scribes and elders came to him things, these doest thou which by authority asked him. What is the
30
and who gave thee this authority to do them? Jesus answered them, I too have a question to ask; if you can tell me the answer, I these will tell you in return what is the authority by which I do from things. Whence did John's baptism come, from heaven or
31
men?
29
Whereupon
they cast about in their minds;
If
we
tell
him
was from heaven, they said, he will ask us. Then why did you not believe him? And if we say it was from men, we have reason as a to be afraid of the people; for the people all looked upon John
it
32
33
prophet indeed.
And
they answered Jesus,
and Jeremias vii. 11. Matthew xxi. 23, Luke xx.
V. 17. Is. Ivi. 7,
vv. 2y-3i.
[95]
i.
We
cannot
tell.
Jesus
MARK
The
12
And
answered them,
authority by which
I
you
do
will not learn
Vine-dressers
me what
from
the
is
these things.
CHAPTER TWELVE
THEN HE BEGAN who
them
to speak to
winepress and built a tower in 2
dressers,
while he went on his
he sent one of 3
4
5
his servants
whom
9
He
him he
reverence, he said, for is
him out ers,
my
man a
out to some vinethe season came,
to the vine-dressers, to
and give
son.
still
them
11
jected has
it is
whom
last
of
all;
they beat or left,
They
But the vine-dressers let
us
kill
The
his
own
will have
said
among
him, and then his killed
will the
him, and
owner
and make an end of those
his vineyard to others.
passage in the scriptures.
become
others,
one messenger
And now, what
will come,
10
doing, and
sent to
many
So they took him and
of the vineyard.
He
had
the heir, come,
heritance will be ours.
vineyard do.?
12
let it
And when
travels.
on an errand
they killed; and
killed at their pleasure.
themselves. This 8
and then
it,
a
and dug
it,
Whereupon they took him and beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. Then he sent another servant on a second errand to them, and him too they beat over the head and used him outrageously. He sent
well-beloved son; 7
There was
claim from the vine-dressers the revenue of his vineyard.
another, 6
in parables;
planted a vineyard, and put a wall round
Why, have you
of the
vine-dress-
not read this
very stone which the builders
the chief stone at the corner;
in-
cast
re-
this is the Lord's
marvellous in our eyes ?
This parable, they saw, was aimed
at themselves,
and they would
on him, but they were afraid of the multithey went away and left him alone. Then they sent some
gladly have laid hands 13
tude; so
14
make him betray himself in his talk. These came and said to him. Master, we know that thou art sincere; that thou boldest no one in
of the Pharisees to him, with those
vv. 1-12.
Matthew
Luke xx. 9; cf. Is. v. i, Romans ix. 33, and I Peter Matthew xxii. 15, Luke xx. 19.
13—37.
of Herod's party, to
xxi. 33,
V. JO. Ps. cxvii. 22; cf. ft/.
who were
ii,
7.
More
MARK
Questions; the risen Life
awe, making no distinction between sincerity the
all
15
to Caesar? ery,
16
me
and
Or
what
to Caesar
18
19
Whose
Why
look at
hkeness?
Whereupon Caesar's,
is
But he saw
do you thus put
me
let
12
but teachest in
right that tribute should be paid
Is it
refuse to pay it?
is this
Caesar's they said.
were
we
and
a silver piece,
God.
of
said to them,
asked them. 17
way
should
man and man,
me
When
it.
their treach-
Bring
to the test?
it,
he
on
it?
they brought
Whose name
is
inscribed
Jesus answered them, Give back
and to
God what
is
God's.
And
they
admiration of him.
lost in
Then he was approached with a question by the Sadducees, men who say that there is no resurrection: Master, they said, Moses prescribed for us that if a man's brother dies, leaving a widow behind him but no children, he, the brother, should marry the widow,
20
and beget children in the dead brother's name.
21
brethren; the
22
married her, and he too
first
There were seven
left
no
and
children,
so with the third ;
seven married her, without having children, and the of
And now, when
23
last
24
will be her
all.
25
as
Isaac,
One
is
the
When
power of God?
am
the
God; you
God
Yet are
to
him
it is
wrong, then, altogether.
came up and asked him. Which
of all?
at the
Abraham, and the God of of living men, not of dead
of
Jesus answered him,
The
is
he an-
the
first
commandLord thy God;
first
is no God but the Lord thy God with the love of thy whole and thy whole soul, and thy whole mind, and thy whole
of
Listen, Israel; there
all is,
and thou heart,
the
to the purpose,
commandment ment
31
Jesus an-
of the scribes heard their dispute, and, finding that
swered
50
is
book of Moses how God spoke
said, I
and the God of Jacob?
men, that he
^9
which of these
seven?
is
in the
burning bush, and
28
all
died
no marrying or giving in marriage, they are the angels in heaven are. But as for the dead rising again, have there
rise,
you never read
27
all
woman
not this where you are wrong, that you do not
Is
understand the scriptures, or what the dead
26
the dead rise again,
husband, since she was wife to
swered them,
the second
married a wife, and died childless;
shalt love the
strength. This
is
the
V. 26.
Ex.
V. 2g.
DeuL
V. 31.
Lev. xix. 18
iii.
first
commandment,
6.
vi. 4.
[97]
and the second,
its like,
MARK
The
12
Thou shalt love commandment greater is this,
32
Scribes; the poor
thy neighbour as thyself. There
than these.
And
the scribe said to him,
Truly, Master, thou hast answered well; there 33
and
no other beside him; heart,
him with
to love
is
but one God, and
the love of the whole
and the whole understanding, and the whole
whole strength,
is
a greater thing than
Widow
no other
is
all
soul,
and the
burnt offerings and
sac-
Then Jesus, seeing how wisely he had answered, said to 34 him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And after this, no one dared to try him with further questions. Then Jesus said openly, still teaching in the temple, What do the 35 scribes mean by saying that Christ is to be the son of David? 36 David himself was moved by the Holy Spirit to say. The Lord said to my Master, Sit on my right hand while I make thy enemies a 37 footstool under thy feet. Thus David himself calls Christ his rifices.
how
Master;
can he be also his son?
him
readily.
And
the multitude at large
This was part of the teaching he gave
38
listened to
39
having
40
in the synagogues, and the chief places at feasts;
them. Beware of the their
scribes,
who
enjoy walking in long robes, and
up the property of widows, under cover of sentence will be 41
and the
hands kissed in the market-place,
As he was
all
their
first seats
who swallow
long prayers; their
the heavier for that. the treasury of the temple, Jesus
sitting opposite
watched the multitude throwing coins into the treasury, the many with their
42
rich
43
who came and upon he this
44
poor
many
offerings;
and there was one poor widow,
put in two mites, which
called his disciples to him,
widow
has put in more than
put offerings into the treasury. they had to spare; she, with so
The
little
her whole livelihood. V. 36. Ps. cix. I.
vv. 38-44.
Luke
and
XX. 45, xxi, i.
[98]
make
a farthing.
There-
said to them. Believe all
those others
others
all
who
me,
have
gave out of what
to give, put in all that she had,
The
MARK
great Tribulation
13
CHAPTER THIRTEEN HE WAS leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, Master, what stones! What a fabric! Jesus answered
yis
2
i\.Look,
3
it left
4
down on mount Olivet, opposite the temple, Peter and James Tell and John and Andrew asked him, now that they were alone us, when will this be? And what sign will be given, when all this is
Do
him,
you
huge
see all this
on another;
it
will
all
fabric?
There
will not
be thrown down.
be a stone of
when he was
So,
sit-
ting
:
5
soon to be accomplished?
6
you do not allow anyone
7
ceived by
my
use of
name; they
When
it.
Take
care, Jesus
Here
will say,
you hear
tell
I
began in answer,
Many
to deceive you.
will
am, and many
of wars,
that
come making will be de-
and rumours of war, do
not be disturbed in mind; such things must happen, but the end 8
come
will not
kingdom
Nation will
yet.
or that, there will be famines: 9
But you
vail.
arms against nation, and
rise in
against kingdom, there will be earthquakes in this region
will
but the beginning of
all this is
have to think of yourselves;
ing you up to courts of
justice,
men
tra-
will be giv-
and scourging you in the syna-
gogues, yes, and you will be brought before governors and kings on 10
my
11
be preached to
account, so that you can bear witness to them; all
nations before the end.
and hand you over
what you are 12
comes;
it is
thus,
to say; use
the gospel
When
must
they take you
do not consider anxiously beforehand
what words
not you that speak,
it is
are given
the
Holy
you when the time
Spirit.
Brother will
be given up to death by brother, and the son by his father; children 13
will rise
up against
their parents,
and
will
compass
the world will be hating you because you bear
14
15
my
their death;
all
name; but
that
man will be saved, who endures to the last. And now, when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should never stand (let him who reads this, recognize what it means), then those who are in Judaea must take refuge in the mountains; not going down into the house, if they are on the vv. i-ss-
Matthew
xxiv.
i,
Luke
xxi. 5.
See note on Matthew xxiv. 3. 14. Daniel ix. 27; see note on Matthew xxiv. 15.
V. 4. v.
[99]
MARK
Suddenness of Chrisfs Coming
13
away from
house-top, or entering the house to carry anything i6, 17
not turning back,
if
they are in the
fields, to
the breast, in
19
not be in the winter;
till
There would have been no hope
again.
ture, if the
Lord had not
a
if
man
tells
now, and can never be
left
human
for any
crea-
cut those days short; but he has cut the
days short for the sake of the a time,
elect,
you. See, here
whom
At such
he has chosen.
Christ, or. See, he
is
is
there,
22
not believe him. There will be false Christs and false prophets
23
ble,
will rise
up and shew
even the
elect
guard; behold,
that, if
this distress, the
were
it
it all.
and the
be falling from
the
heaven, and the powers that are in heaven will rock; they will see the Son of
27
power and
28
his elect
And
glory.
and begins you,
to
at
31
passed, before all this
But
as for that
come
know
its
end
The
to heaven's.
branch grows supple,
that
about, are to
summer
know
is
that
near; it is
so
near,
Believe me, this generation will not have
your very doors.
30
32
earth's
you a parable; when
see all this
should pass away,
and then
the clouds, with great
then he will send out his angels, to gather
put out leaves, you
when you
stars will
Man coming upon
from the four winds, from
fig-tree will teach
possi-
sun will be darkened, and
26
will refuse her light;
do
who
But you must be on your
deceived.
have given you warning of
I
In those days, after
moon
and wonders, so
signs
would be
25
29
It
for those will be days of distress, such as has
not been since the beginning of creation
24
it;
women who are with child, or have children at those days. And you must pray that your flight may
18
21
a cloak.
go hard with
will
20
up
pick
my
is
Though heaven and
accomplished.
words
earth
will stand.
day and that hour you speak
of,
they are
known
to nobody, not even to the angels in heaven, not even to the Son;
Look
33
only the Father knows them.
34
you do not know when the time going on his
travels
servants, each of
33
keeper to watch.
when V. 24. t. ij.
had
them
to
left his
do his
is
it;
come.
own work, and
is
watch and pray; It is as if
a
man
house, entrusting authority to his
Be on the watch,
the master of the house
well to to
coming,
See note on Matthew xxiv. 29. See note on Matthew xxiv. 31.
[100}
enjoining the door-
then, since
you do not know
at twilight, or
midnight,
MARK
Jesus' Feet anointed
36
or cock-crow, or
you
dawn;
And what
asleep.
if
I
may come
he
not,
say to you,
say to
I
14
suddenly, and find
Watch.
all,
CHAPTER FOURTEEN IT
WAS NOW two days
to the paschal feast
and the time of un-
leavened bread; and the chief priests and scribes were trying to
bring Jesus into their power by cunning, and put
him
2
But not on the day of the
may be an
3
roar
among
Simon
And
the people.
they said, or there
feast,
woman came
a pot of very precious spikenard ointment, which,
4
5
What
mean by wasting
did she
and
it,
5,7
But Jesus
said,
well to treat
among
said
the ointment so?
might have been sold for three hundred might have been given
to the poor.
themselves,
This ointment
pieces of silver,
And
why should you vex her? She did You have the poor among you always, so that them when you will; I am not always among
Let her alone;
me
so.
you can do good to you. She has done what she could; she has anointed
9
beforehand to prepare
for burial.
it
part of the world this gospel
done
shall
Judas [I
for
eagerly,
the
him
first
the city, ft/,
And
And
to betray
they, listening to
him.
sacrifice, his disciples
go and make ready a
man
will
this errand.
meet you, carrying a
Matthew xxvi. i, Luke xxii. Matthew xxvi, 17 (see note
vv. 12-21.
[lOl]
i
on which
asked him.
Where
for thee to eat the paschal
he sent two of his disciples on
and there
i-ii.
what she has memory. Then chief priests and
of the days of unleavened bread, the day
wilt thou have us
meal?
body
preached, the story of
place, to preserve her
into their hands.
they offered the paschal
13
is
my
promise you, in whatever
promised him money; whereupon he looked about
an opportunity
On
its
I
one of the twelve, went to the
offered to betray
him '.2
be told in
Iscariot,
and alms
they rebuked her angrily.
8
[o
in with
breaking
first
There were some present who
the pot, she poured over his head.
were indignant when they saw
up-
was in the house of
then, while he
the leper, at Bethany, sitting at table, a
to death;
(in part),
there),
John xH,
Luke
xxii. 7.
Go
into
jar of water; i
(in part).
MARK 14
am
enters,
and
him,
to follow
you are
which he 15
The
14
The master
meal with
to eat the paschal
owner
say to the
Where
says.
my
is
of the house into
my
room, in which
And
disciples?
you a large upper room, furnished and prepared; 16
you are
to
make
So the
ready for us.
where they found
into the city,
17
made ready
18
there with the twelve.
all
And
19
betray me.
20
it
21
twelve, the
I?
They began
and then another.
Son of
man who
Man
woe upon
And
and were
eating,
eating with me,
is
to
sorrowfully, each in turn, Is
He
Is it I?
is
told them. It
is
one of the
The
puts his hand into the dish with me.
man man
that
whom
by
it,
still
and gave
Then he
the
Son
Man
of
to be betrayed;
is
he had never been born.
if
while they were
and broke
him
who
goes on his way, as the scripture foretells of him; but
better for that
22
was evening, he came
it
as they sat at table
to ask
there that
him and went
he had told them, and so
as
Jesus said. Believe mc, one of you, one
I
he will shew
it is
disciples left
When
for the paschal meal.
Supper
last
took bread, and blessed,
at table, Jesus
them, saying. Take
to
it
this; this is
took a cup, and offered thanks, and gave
23
body.
24
them, saying.
25
be shed for many.
This
my
is
I
tell
new
blood of the
you
testament, which
my
it
to
is
to
truthfully, I shall not drink of this
day when I drink it with you, new kingdom of God. And so they sang a hymn, and went out to mount Olivet. And Jesus said to them, To-night you will all lose courage over me; for so it has been written, I will smite
fruit of the vine again, until the
26
27
wine, in the
28
the shepherd,
29
before said to
you
and the sheep
into Galilee,
him. Though
all else
And
will be scattered.
when
But
I
will
go on
have risen from the dead.
I
should lose courage over thee,
never lose mine.
31
before the second cock-crow, thou wilt thrice disown me.
must 32
33
lay
more than
down my
So they came
vv. 2y-^i. V. 2"].
down
Matthew Matthew
Zach.
vv. 52-50.
ever, I will not
with thee.
to a plot of
his disciples, Sit
vv. 22-25.
life
xiii.
And
of
them
thee,
But
though
I
said the like.
land called Gethsemani; and he said to
here, while
xxvi. 31,
Luke xxii. Luke xxii.
xxvi. 36,
Luke
xxvi. 26,
all
disown
I
go and pray. 15,
I
Cor.
xi.
23.
31,
John
xiii.
xxii. 40,
John
xviii. i.
38.
7.
Matthew
will
Jesus said to him, Believe me, this night,
30
Peter insisted
Peter I
[102}
But he took
The Agony and
MARK
Betrayal
Peter and James and John with him.
34 35
And now
My soul, he said to them, row; do you abide here, and keep watch. and dismayed
and
:
is
14
he grew bewildered
ready to die with sor-
So he went forward
a
36
on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass him by: Abba, Father, he said, all things are possible to thee; take away this chalice from before me; only as thy
37
will
38
and he
little,
fell
not as mine
is,
Then he went back, and found them
is.
said to Peter,
Simon,
art
thou sleeping?
strength to watch even for an hour?
not enter into temptation; the 39 40
41
Watch and
spirit is willing
so
heavy their
to
make
Rise up,
45
46 47
flesh
to
eye-lids
were; and they did not
When
him.
let
Son
of
Man
know what answer
he came the third time, he to be betrayed into the
is
said to them,
Enough; the time has come;
us go on our way; already, he that
hands of sinners.
is
to betray
me
is
hand.
close at
44
you may
Then he went away and prayed again, using the same words. And when he returned, once more he found them asleep,
behold, the
43
pray, that
enough, but the
weak.
is
Sleep and take your rest hereafter.
42
asleep;
Hadst thou not
And thereupon, while he was yet speaking, Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, came near; with him was a great multitude carrying swords and clubs, who had been sent by the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. The traitor had appointed them a signal; It is
none
with a
hold him
other,
he
said,
than the
man whom
I
shall greet
and take him away under guard. No sooner, then, had he come up than he went close to Jesus, saying, Hail, Master, and kissed him; and with that they laid their hands on him, and held him fast. And one of those who stood by drew his
kiss;
fast,
sword, and smote one of the high
48
ting off his ear.
49
out to
my
arrest
Then
Jesus said to
priest's servants
with
it,
cut-
them aloud. You have come
with swords and clubs,
as if I
were
a robber;
and
used to teach in the temple close to you, day after day, and you never laid hands on me. But the scriptures must be fulfilled. yet
50, 51
I
And now
all
young man 52
shirt
on
V. 41.
his disciples
abandoned him, and
his bare
body; and he,
fled.
who was wearing when they laid hold
there following him,
See note on Matthew xxvi. 45.
C103]
There was
a
only a linen of him,
left
MARK 53
Council; Peter's Denial J^^"^ before the
14
from them naked. So they the shirt in their hands, and ran away priest, and all the chief took Jesus into the presence of the high and elders and scribes were assembled about him. the high priest's Yet Peter followed at a long distance, right into warm himself. to fire, the by servants palace, where he sat with the an accusation high priest and all die council tried to find
priests
54
55
The
against Jesus, such as
56
would compass
him
many
agree.
There were some who stood up and
falsely,
but they could find
his death,
but their accusations did not
none;
accused
falsely
him made
accused
say, I will destroy this temple that
thus: We heard him build another, with no by men's hands, and in three days I will accusations did not hand of man to help me. But even so their asked Jesus, Hast thou and up, stood priest agree. Then the high
no answer to the accusations these
men
is
He
bring against thee?
priest questioned was still silent, still did not answer; and the high Jesus blessed God ? the of Son the Christ, the thou Art him again. the Son of Man sitting at the said to him, I am. And you will see
right
of heaven. hand of God's power, and coming with the clouds What further the high priest tore his garments, and said,
A^t this,
need have
we
yourselves;
what
him
is
your finding?
they
his
blasphemy for
pronounced against
all
spitting upon him and bade him caught him blows on the cheek.
of
them
fell to
covering his face while they buffeted
prophesy; the servants, too,
67
And
Then some
a sentence of death.
him, and
66
You have heard
of witnesses?
Meanwhile, Peter was servants of the high
and one of the maidsaw Peter warming him-
in the court without,
priest
she
came by;
Thou too wast with Jesus the I know nodiing of it, I do Nazarene. Whereupon he went out into the Then meanest. thou what understand not self,
and
said,
looking closely
at
him.
he denied
porch; and the cock crew. said to it.
the bystanders, This
Then,
it;
Again the maid looked is
one of them.
And
at
him, and
again he denied
bystanders said to Peter, It a litde while afterwards, the
vv. 55-72.
Matthew
xxvi. 57,
Luke
xxii. 54,
John ii. 19. V 6q 'The maid', either the portress
V. 58.
John
is
xviii. 12. .
,
„
,
^
^ho at the gate, or the same maid fire; in die latter case the dishad already challenged the Apostle at the too Fadiers, the opinion of the crepancy with St. Matthew (xxvi. 71) is, in slight to
need apology.
[104]
.
,
Pilate
Ukm.
and the Multitude
certain that thou art one of fell to calling
he
down
15
them; why, thou art a Gahlean. And on himself and swearing, I do not
curses
man you speak of. Then came the second cock-crow; Before the the word Jesus had said to him, remembered and Peter
know
the
deny me. second cock-crow thou wilt thrice
And
all at
once he
burst out weeping.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN X
TO SOONER had day broken, than and
the chief priests
made
their
and the whole council; they
IN
plans, with the elders
2
him up to Pilate. And Pilate took Jesus away in bonds and gave the Jews? He answered him, Thy of king the thou Art asked him.
3
own
lips
4
5
6 7
have said
it.
scribes
And now
the chief priests brought
many
questioned him again, Dost accusations against him, and Pilate weight of accusation they bring thou make no answer? See what a that the But Jesus still would not answer him, so ao-ainst thee. the festival, he used to At astonishment. of full was governor prisoner they chose; and the grant them the liberty of any one custody, with the rebels who in then was Barabbas called
man
they
10
murder during the rebellion. So, when the to ask for the customultitude came up towards him, and began you have me release Would them. answered Pilate favour, mary chief priests had the that well He knew
11
only given
8
9
12
13
had been
guilty of
the king of the Jews?
incited the
him up out of maUce. But the chief priests instead. Once more multitude to ask for the release of Barabbas do, then, with the me have you would What Pilate answered them. a fresh cry of. Crucify him. made they And the Jews? of king which
of the cock; The other Evangelists only mention one crowing ...oW crowing of ^^e cock as not wonderful, since it appears that the the third duision is, that cock-crow regarded by the ancients as the tin^e of crowing had been an hour in advance of the night (Mark xii. 35); the first chapof the last three words of this V. 72.
is
of
ter
ll is
IL
(Luke xxn. 59). The sense 'when he thought upon not certain in die Greek; others render,
VJT-/5
(in part).
Matthew
xxvii. 11,
[105]
Luke
xxiii. 2,
John
xviii. 33.
it,
MARK 14
Why,
15
all
15
Jesus led
away and
crucified
what wrong has he done? But they
Pilate said to them,
And
the more, Crucify him.
so Pilate, determined to
cried
humour
the multitude, released Barabbas as they asked; Jesus he scourged,
and gave him up 16 17
18
19
20
Then
be crucified.
to
him away
the soldiers led
into the court of the palace,
and
gathered there the whole of their company.
They arrayed him in a scarlet cloak, and put round his head a crown which they had woven out of thorns, and fell to greeting him with, Hail, king of the Jews. And they beat him over the head with a rod, and spat upon him, and bowed their knees in worship of him. At last they had done with mockery; stripping him of the scarlet cloak, they own garments on him, and led him away to be crucified.
put his 21
As
for his cross, they forced a passer-by
the country to carry
ander and Rufus.
23
gotha, which means.
in
from
so they took
The
him
to a place called
Gol-
Here they offered him a draught of wine mixed with myrrh, which he would not take; and then crucified him, dividing his garments among them by casting
25
who was coming
one Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alex^
And
22
24
it,
It
lots, to
was the
place of a skull.
decide which should
third
fall to
each.
hour when they crucified him.
A
proclamation
28
was written up over him. The king of the Jews and with him they crucified two thieves, one on the right and the other on his left, so fulfilling the words of scripture. And he was counted
29
among
27
of his offence
;
the wrong-doers.
shaking their heads; 30 31
stroy the temple
that cross,
and 32
and build
and rescue
scribes said
vv. 16—20.
21-47.
Matthew Matthew
it
thyself.
mockingly
not save himself.
vt/.
The
passers-by blasphemed against him,
Come now,
to
up
they said, thou in three days,
who
wouldst de-
come down from
In the same way, the chief priests
one another.
Let Christ, the king of
He
saved others, he can-
Israel,
come down from
xxvii. 27. xxvii. 62,
Luke
xxiii. 26,
John
xix. 17.
generally thought that St. Mark is here treating the space between nine o'clock and noon as a single stretch of time, which he calls 'the third hour'; we are not, then, to suppose that our Lord was nailed to his V. 25. It is
cross at nine o'clock, and hung six hours upon it. If he was crucified at eleven, or even half-past eleven, it would still be during 'the third hour', in the sense that 'the sixth hour' had not yet begun (cf. v. 33 below). A further difiiculty is raised upon die question of time by John xix. 14; see note there. f. 28. Is.
liii.
12.
[106]
Jesus dies
and
is
the cross, here
And
the
MARK
buried
and now, so that we can
men who were
see
him
crucified with
15
and beheve in him.
it
uttered taunts against
him.
When
the sixth hour came, there
and
until the ninth hour;
was darkness over
all
My
loud voice, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which means,
my
God, why hast thou forsaken
who
Why, he
stood by said.
one of them ran
off to
fill
a rod, and offered to let
whether Elias
is
and yielded up
this
way and
that,
calling
is
Hearing
upon
him
And
Elias.
and
save him.
And
cry, said.
There were
No
Then
this
who
there,
the less and of Joseph, and Salome.
him when he was in who had come up with him
minister to
already evening; and because
it
the day before the sabbath,
Arimathea, one of those
went
to Pilate,
and asked
to
who
his spirit
stood watching from far off; the mother of James
These used Galilee,
to
foUow him and
and there were many
to Jerusalem.
was the day of
And now
it
was
preparation, that
a rich councillor,
who
on
was torn
centurion
up was the Son of God.
among them were Mary Magdalen, and Mary
others
it
Jesus gave a loud
The
the top to the bottom.
doubt but
women
thereupon fixed
the veil of the temple
stood in front of him, perceiving that he so yielded
with a
God,
some of those
drink; Wait, he said. Let us see
come and
from
this,
a sponge with vinegar,
his spirit.
to
cry,
me ?
the earth
hour Jesus cried out with a
at the ninth
named Joseph
is,
of
waited for God's kingdom, boldly
have the body of Jesus.
Pilate, aston-
ished that he should have died so soon, called the centurion to him, to ask
if
he was dead already,
and when he heard the centurion's
him down, and wrapped him in a winding-sheet which he had bought, and laid him in a tomb cut out of the rock, rolUng a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalen, and Mary the mother of Joseph, saw
report,
gave Joseph the body.
where he had been V. ^3.
Joseph took
laid.
See note on Matthew xxvii. 45.
V. 34. Ps. xxi. 2.
The body and buried before V. 42.
been crucified must be taken down (Deut. xxi. 23). But here early action was was a Friday, and after six o'clock in the evening the
of a
man who had
night-fall
necessary, because it sabbath would have begun, so that the unlawful.
[107}
work
of burial
would have become
MARK
The empty Tomb
16
CHAPTER SIXTEEN WHEN
A ND
the sabbath
was
Mary Magdalen, and Mary the spices, to come and tomb very early on the day after
over,
/Y mother of James, and Salome had bought So they came
2
anoint Jesus.
3
the sabbath, at sunrise. selves.
Who
is
Then
to the
And
they began to question
to roll the stone
away
tomb?
5
was, had been rolled away already.
6
robe; and they were dismayed.
there,
among them-
from the door
of the
they looked up, and saw that the stone, great as
4
and saw
for us
on the
right, a
And they went into the young man seated, wearing a But he
said to
them,
No
white
need to
be dismayed; you have come to look for Jesus of Nazareth,
7 8
who
was crucified; he has risen again, he is not here. Here is the place where they laid him. Go and tell Peter and the rest of his disciples that he is going before you into Galilee. There you shall have sight of him, as he promised you. So they came out and ran away from
9
it
tomb,
the tomb, trembling
to anyone, out of fear. first
and awe-struck, and
But he had risen again,
day of the week, and shewed himself
woman
out of
first
of
whom he had cast seven
at all
said
nothing
dawn on the to Mary Mag-
devils.
She went
10
dalen, the
11
and gave the news to those who had been of his company, where they mourned and wept; and they, when they were told that he
12
was
alive
and that she had seen him, could not believe
it.
After
Matthew xxviii. I, Luke xxiv. i. on John xx, i. There were two angels according to St. Luke (xxiv. 4) perhaps one of them was seen inside the tomb, the other outside (Matthew xxviii. 2), and the women may not have been agreed, whether it was the same angel they saw in both places. V. 8. That is, evidently, they said nothing to those whom they met on their way; if St. Mary Magdalen went on in front of the others, they will have passed St. Peter and St. John (John xx. 3). vf. g-20. It seems that the manuscripts of St. Mark were mutilated at the end in very early times; the whole of this chapter being sometimes omitted (St. Jerome Ad Hedyb. q. 3). And in a few of our existing manuscripts these last twelve verses are wanting, which fact (together with the abruptness of their style) has made some critics think that they were added from another source. But they are evidently a primitive account, and there is no reason why we should not ascribe their inclusion here to St. Mark. f. 9. John XX. 14. vf. 1-8.
V. 2. See note V. 5.
V. 12.
;
Luke
xxiv. 13.
MARK
Appearances of the risen Christ
16
as they he appeared in the form of a stranger to two of them these went where walking together, going out into the country; beheve them back and gave the news to the rest, but they did not that,
13
either.
Then
14
at last
he appeared to
and reproached them with heart, in giving no credit to
And
he said to them.
15
risen.
16
the gospel to the
Where
those
my
Go
who
name, they
diem
as they sat at table,
and
their obstinacy of
who had
out
all
seen
him
after
he had
over the world, and preach
he
who
believes
refuses belief will be
believers go, diese signs shall
out devils in
and
is
bap-
condemned.
go widi them; they
will cast
will speak in tongues that are strange
drink them; they will take up serpents in their hands, and hands upon poisonous draughts without harm; they will lay their make them recover. And so the Lord Jesus, when he
18
to
19
the sick
10
eleven of
whole of creation;
tized will be saved; he 17
all
their unbelief
and is had finished speaking to them, was taken up to heaven, and went out and seated now at the right hand of God; and they word preached everywhere, the Lord aiding them, and attesting his by the mlr^rJes that went with them.
C109I
THE HOLY GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO LUKE CHAPTER ONE
MANY HAVE BEEN
at pains to set forth the history of
what time
among us, following the tradiwho gave themselves up to the serv-
has brought to fulfilment tion of those first eye-witnesses
3
ice of the
4
And
word.
I too,
most noble Theophilus, have resolved
put the story in writing for thee as
to
carefully
from
its
it
befell,
instruction thou hast already received, in
In the days
5
when Herod was king
Aaron's family, by
name
Elizabeth;
first
traced
it
certainty.
all its
was a
of Judaea, there
called Zachary, of Abia's turn of office,
6
having
mayst understand the
that thou
beginnings,
who had
priest
married a wife of
they were both well approved
commandments and observances They had no child; Elizabeth was
in God's sight, following all the
Lord without reproach.
7
of the
8
barren,
9
and both were now well advanced in
happened, was doing a
it
his turn of office;
among
priest's
duty before
and had been chosen by
10
incense there,
ing without,
as
was the custom
lot,
go into the sanctuary of the Lord and burn while the whole multitude of the people stood pray-
at the
hour of
Suddenly he saw an angel of
sacrifice.
the Lord, standing at the right of the altar 12
Zachary was bewildered at the
13
but the angel
said, Zachary,
14
shalt give the
15
many
name
of John.
sight,
do not be
heard, and thy wife Elizabeth
is
is
filled
is
fear;
afraid; thy prayer has
been
whom
thou
Joy and gladness shall be thine, and
to drink neither
from the time when he
where incense was burnt.
and overcome with
to bear thee a son, to
hearts shall rejoice over his birth,
Lord's favour; he
be
then, as
in the order of
the priests, to
11
16
He,
years.
God
for he
is
to be high in the
wine nor strong drink; and
yet a child in his mother's
with the Holy Ghost.
He
shall
womb
bring back
he
many
shall
of the
Many of the early Fathers understood is of Christ. Such a rendering gives a better sense to the Greek; but it is not certain that this title was applied to our Lord by any writer earlier than St. John. V. 2.
this to
'To the service of the word';
mean, that they were servants of the Word, that
V. 5. Cf.
I
Paralip. xxiv. 19.
[ill]
LUKE 17
Angels appear
1
sons of Israel to the
Lord
fathers with the children, that 18
makes men
And
him.
20
The
in age. is
ushering in his advent in the
shall unite the hearts of
am
I
an old
bring thee
this
no power of
man now, and my
My name
angel answered. I
have been sent
when
because thou hast not believed
And now all
my
wife
is
Gabriel,
is
fit
to receive
am far
and
I
to
be
advanced
my
place
speak with thee, and to
to
good news. Behold, thou
speech, until the day
shalt be this
is
dumb, and have
accomplished; and
promise, which shall in due
was waiting for Zachary,
21
time be
22
and wondering that he delayed in the temple so long;
fulfilled.
the
all,
and teach the disobedient the wisdom
preparing for the Lord a people
in God's presence;
that,
He
Zachary said to the angel, By what sign
assured of this ? 19
just,
God,
their
and power of an EHas.
spirit
Zachary and Mary
to
the people
but he,
when he came out, could speak no word to them; whereupon they made sure that he had seen some vision in the sanctuary. He could but stand there making signs to them, for he remained dumb. 23
And
when
so,
the days of his ministry were at an end, he
was
24
back to his house.
25
conceived, and for five the
Lord who has done
take
25 27
my
away
When man
after those
months she dwelt this for
me,
went
days that his wife Elizabeth retired; she said.
visiting
among men. month came, God
me
at his
own
It is
time, to
reproach
the sixth
Nazareth,
city of Galilee called
to a
28
It
of David's lineage; his
name was Mary.
sent the angel Gabriel to a
where a virgin dwelt, betrothed
name was
Joseph, and the virgin's
Into her presence the angel came, and said. Hail,
who art full of grace; the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women. She was much perplexed at hearing him speak so, and cast about in her mind, what she was to make of such a greeting. Then the angel said to her, Mary, do not be afraid; thou
thou 29
30 31
hast found favour in the sight of
womb, and
conceive in thy
He
shall
God.
And
shalt bear a son,
be great, and
men
will
behold, thou shalt
and
know him
shalt call
for the
Jesus.
33
David, and he shall reign over the house of Jacob eternally;
34
kingdom
the most
High; the Lord God shall
V. ly. Mai.
iii.
will give
never have an end.
him
him
Son of
32
the throne of his father
But Mary
his
said to the angel,
23.
V. 28. 'Blessed art
among women'; these words are wanting here in are to be found in verse 42, below.
thou
some manuscripts. They
C112]
The Annunciation;
How
LUKE
the Visitation
1
And the I have no knowledge of man? The Holy Spirit will come upon thee, and the most High will overshadow thee. Thus that holy
can that be, since
angel answered her,
power of the thing which is God. is
to
known
be born of thee shall be
See, moreover,
how
old, yet she too has conceived a son; she
with barrenness
now
is
in her sixth
can be impossible with God.
maid
of the Lord; let
with that the angel
month,
who was
Son of
reproached
prove that nothing
to
And Mary said. me according
be unto
it
for the
fares with thy cousin Elizabeth; she
it
Behold the handto thy
And
word.
left her.
Mary
up and went with all haste where Zachary dwelt; and she gave Elizabeth greeting. No sooner had
In the days that followed,
rose
to a city of Juda, in the hill country
there entering in
Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, than the child leaped in her
womb; and
Elizabeth herself was
the
filled \vith
Holy Ghost;
and blessed
is
the fruit of thy
thus visited by the mother of
voice of thy greeting sounded in
leaped for joy. that
upon
day forward is
all
My
who
is
have fulfilment.
shall
my
Saviour,
my
name
is
holy, has
who
me
from
blessed; because he
wrought
fear him,
for
me
the mighty
from
their seat,
hungry with good
handed.
He
things,
and
his
Mary returned
sent the rich
Israel,
this
who
wonders. to gen-
arm, driv-
he has put
away empty-
keeping his merciful
according to the promise which he
Abraham and his posterity for home when she had been with
our forefathers,
has
and exalted the lowly; he has
has protected his servant
design in remembrance,
his
from generation
he has done valiandy with the strength of
fiUed the
to
spirit
because he has looked
ing the proud astray in the conceit of their hearts;
down
my womb
the lowliness of his handmaid. Behold,
has mercy upon those
eration;
deserved to be
soon as ever the
soul magnifies the Lord;
generations will count
mighty, he whose
He
I
as
ears, the child in
from the Lord
to thee
said.
found joy in God, graciously
my
have
Why,
Lord?
Blessed art thou for thy believing; the message
was brought
And Mary
How
womb.
my
so
among women,
that she cried out with a loud voice. Blessed art thou
made
evermore. her about three
vv. 36-^y. It is not certain whether the Blessed Virgin returned home before or after her cousin's delivery, since, by Greek usage, the verbs in verse 57 might have a pluperfect sense, 'she had brought forth a son'.
LUKE
Birth of John the Baptist; Zacharys
Hymn
meanwhile, Elizabeth's time had come for her
child-
1
57
months;
58
bearing, and she bore a son.
how
hearing 59
wonderfully
God had shewed
day for the circumcision of the 60
Zachary, because
61
No, he
62
kindred that
63
by signs, what
it
was his
is
name;
And
called by this
mercy
to her,
it
were for calling him
they said. There
none of thy
is
and began asking
name,
the words,
His name
Then, of a sudden,
is
John; and they
were
65
were unloosed, and he broke into speech, giving praise
astonished.
came upon
that fear
their
all
of these happenings but
(£
what
then, they asked,
hand 67
of the
Then
his to
who
will this
heard
it
boy grow
laid
to be.?
all
And
indeed the
his father
Zachary was
filled
with the Holy Ghost, and
Blessed be the Lord, the
God
of Israel; he
69
has visited his people, and wrought their redemption.
70
a sceptre of salvation for us
servant David, lips of
holy
hill
Why
Lord was with him.
spoke in prophecy:
up
so
the
to heart;
it
68
raised
tongue
God;
neighbourhood, and there was none
was noised abroad throughout
All those
country of Judaea.
and
his lips
his father
So he asked
called by.
64
all
came
but his mother answered,
name he would have him
and wrote on
for a tablet,
child, they
father's
to be called John.
is
his
her kinsfolk,
and now, when they assembled on the eighth
with her;
to rejoice
Her neighbours and
among
according to the promise which he
men
that
have been
his prophets
has
made by
the
from the beginning;
71
salvation
from our enemies, and from the hand of
72
hate us.
So he would carry out
73
fathers,
74
oath to our father Abraham, that he would enable us
by remembering
He
the posterity of his
all
those
who
his merciful design towards our
his holy covenant.
He
had sworn an to live with-
out fear in his service, delivered from the hand of our enemies, 75, 76 passing all
thou,
77
my
our days in holiness, and approved in
child, wilt
be
known
going before the Lord, to
his sight.
for a prophet of the
clear his
way
for
him;
And
most High,
thou wilt make
V. 62. It would appear from this verse that Zachary became, not dumb only, but deaf; unless we understand that her kinsfolk made signs to him in private, for fear they should distress Elizabeth by their contradiction. Nothing is said of his being deaf in verse 64, below. V. 6g.
for any
literally 'a horn'. This was a common Hebrew metaphor of defence, as for example in II Kings xxii. 3, but here the perhaps rather to such passages as Dan. vii. 24.
'A sceptre';
means
reference
is
[114]
LUKE
Jesus born in Bethlehem
known
to his people the salvation that
Such
their sins.
the merciful kindness of our God, which has
is
bidden him come to light to those
who
them from
to release
is
2
us, like a
dawning from on high,
live in darkness, in the
shadow
to give
and to
of death,
guide our feet into the way of peace.
And
as the child
grew, his
spirit
achieved strength, and he dwelt
when he was made
in the wilderness until the day
manifest to
Israel.
CHAPTER TWO IT
HAPPENED THAT 3 decree went out
was the one
2
this register
3
was governor
4
in his
own
of Syria.
city;
made during
first
his espoused wife
Mary,
was while they were
to give in his
who was
and
7
delivery.
She brought forth a
wrapped
in his swaddling-clothes,
there
her
came
and
first-born,
laid in a
is
for her
whom
Do
she
in the inn.
flocks.
And
Lord came and stood by them, and
good news of
With
manger, because
all at
fear.
not be afraid; behold, the news
a great rejoicing for the
fields,
once an angel
the glory of the
shone about them, so that they were overcome with angel said to them,
11
them
keeping night-watches over their of the
10
for
son,
there.
In the same country there were shepherds awake in the
8
9
was no room
still
name
then in her pregnancy;
there that the time
6
it
when Cyrinus
of Nazareth, in Galilee, to David's city in
Judaea, the city called Bethlehem,
him was
the time
All must go and give in their names, each
and Joseph, being of David's clan and family,
came up from the town 5
time from the emperor
at this
Augustus, enjoining that the whole world should be registered;
whole people.
I
Lord
But the bring you
This day,
in the city of David, a Saviour has been born for you, no other
V. 2. There is here an ambiguity in the Greek, and some have thought the sense to be, 'This was the register which was made before Cyrinus was governor of Syria'. (The same doubt arises in Matthew xxvi. 17.) This gives an excellent sense; St. Luke would be explaining that this was not the wellknown census of the year 7 a.d., which led to an insurrection (Acts v. 37), but an earlier one. But the facts of Quirinius' career are not fully recorded. V. 7.
See note on Matthew
i.
25.
[115}
LUKE 12
The
2
than the Lord Christ.
him; you 13
14
This
the sign by
is
will find a child
Presentation in the
still
which you are
Temple
to
know
in swaddling-clothes, lying in a
manger.
Then, on a sudden, a multitude of the heavenly army
appeared
to
them
in high heaven,
giving praise to God, and
and peace on earth
to
men
God's friends.
that are
When
15
at the angel's side,
God
saying. Glory to
the angels
had
them and gone back
left
lehem, and see for ourselves 16
known
17
and Joseph
And
to us.
there,
so they
into heaven, the
make our way to Beththis happening which God has made went with all haste, and found Mary
shepherds said to one another. Come,
us
let
with the child lying in the manger.
On
seeing
him, they discovered the truth of what had been told them about All those
18
this child.
19
story
20
these sayings,
hearing that
When
22
and
home
herds went
21
who
heard
which the shepherds
all
were
on them
reflected
full of
amazement
at the
but Mary treasured up
in her heart.
And
all
the shep-
giving praise and glory to God, at seeing and
was
as
it
had been
told them.
had passed, and the boy must be circumcised,
eight days
name which the angel had given him in the womb. And when the time
he was called
Jesus, the
before ever he
was conceived
had come
it
them;
told
for purification according to the
law of Moses, they
brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him before the Lord 23
there.
24
opens the they
25
It
is
must
written in God's law, that whatever male offspring
womb
to
is
be reckoned sacred to the Lord;
offer in sacrifice for
pair of turtle-doves, or
him,
as
and
so
God's law commanded, a
two young pigeons.
At
this
time there
man named Simeon living in Jerusalem, an upright man of careful observance, who waited patiently for comfort to be brought was
26
to Israel. it
27
a
The Holy
Spirit
had been revealed
had seen
that Christ
to
was upon him:
him
whom
that he
the
his parents, to
Spirit
to see death, until
Lord had anointed.
led by the Spirit, into the temple;
brought in by
and by the Holy
was not
He now
he
came,
and when the child Jesus was
perform the custom which the law
V. ly. 'Discovered'; that is, to Mary and Joseph, according to the common usage of the Greek verb; the Latin, however, renders it as if the shepherds had discovered for themselves the truth of the angelic announcement. V. 2^. ij.
Ex.
xiii. 2.
24. Lev. xii. 8.
[116}
Simeon and Anna; Jesus
lost
28
enjoined concerning him,
29
arms.
And
he
LUKE
and found
Simeon too was able to take him in his God: Ruler of all, now dost thou let
said, blessing
30
thy servant go in peace, according to thy word; for
31
have seen that saving power of thine
32
the sight of
33
34
all
This
nations.
tion to the Gentiles, this
was
many and made
be
36
pierce to
it.
wondering over
still
and
blessed them,
one Phanuel, of the
maidenhood,
fasting
God 39
that
bring about the
fall
in Israel; to be a sign
which men
and so the thoughts of many
hearts shall
many
own
soul,
had
tribe of Aser, (a
lived with a
have a sword
shall
it
and had
now
woman
to
greatly advanced
husband for seven years
and prayer.
She
too, at that very hour,
the deliverance of Jerusalem.
after her
who God with
been eighty-four years a widow)
thanks, and spoke of the child to
that the
The
all
said to his
abode continually in the temple night and day, serving 38
in
There was besides a prophetess named Anna, daughter
in age, since she
37
eyes
shall give revela-
the glory of thy people Israel.
is
as for thy
manifest;
which
this child is destined to
the rise of
will refuse to recognize;
35
the light
when Simeon
said of him,
mother Mary, Behold, of
is
my own
which thou hast prepared
and mother of the child were
father
2
all
came near
to
give
that patiently waited for
And now, when
law of the Lord required, they returned
all
had been done
to Galilee,
and
to
own town of Nazareth. And so the child grew and came to his strength, full of wisdom and the grace of God rested upon him. Every year, his parents used to go up to Jerusalem at the paschal feast. And when he was their
40 41
42
twelve years old, after going up to Jerusalem, as the custom was 43
at the
time of the
and completing the days of
feast,
its
they set about their return home. But the boy Jesus,
44
his parents, continued his stay in Jerusalem.
that he
was among
their travelling
day's journey before they
45
folk their
46
and acquaintances.
way back
three days that they found him.
the midst of those
V. 40. 'Grace'; or
for
him among
who
their kins-
they could not find him, they
Jerusalem in search of him, and
to
to
they, thinking
companions, had gone a whole
made enquiry
When
And
observance,
unknown
He
was
it
was only
made after
sitting in the temple, in
taught there, listening to them and asking
perhaps 'favour', as in
[117]
v. 52,
below.
LUKE 47 48
49
them
The Hidden
3
those
all
who
quick understanding and
at his
him
there, they
My
Son,
mind
why
were
What
not
I
that
answers he gave.
at the
understanding;
Seeing
said to him,
what anguish of But he
me? Could you
reason had you to search for
which belongs to my them were beyond their but he went down with them on their journey
must needs be
51
in the place to
Nazareth, and lived there in subjection
memory
kept in her heart the
wisdom with
mother
have endured, searching for thee.
I
These words which he spoke
Father?
to
his
hast thou treated us so? Think,
asked them. tell
Years; Mission of fohn
heard him were in amazement
wonder, and
full of
thy father and
50
52
and
questions;
of
to
them, while his mother
And
all this.
so Jesus advanced in
the years, and in favour both with
God and
with
men.
CHAPTER THREE TT
_
in
WAS IN THE
fifteenth year of the
emperor Tiberius'
Pontius Pilate was governor of Judaea,
and Lysanias
and Caiphas,
in the high priesthood of
in Abilina,
word
that the
of
And
Zachary, in the desert.
God came upon
he went
all
Jordan, announcing a baptism whereby their sins forgiven:
the prophet Isaias,
Prepare the V. 4g.
would
The
way
as
it
There
is is
phrase used
is,
my
'in
Annas
John, the son of
over the country round
men
repented, to have
written in the book of the sayings of
a voice of
one crying in the wilderness,
of the Lord, straighten out his paths.
translate, 'about
when prince
and Trachonitid
the Ituraean
Galilee, his brother Philip in
region,
reign,
when Herod was
the things
which are
my
Father's',
Every
and some
Father's business'.
V. ^2. Our Lord, as Man, acquired experimental knowledge of the v/orld about him, like other men. V. I. There is some uncertainty about the system on which the Romans computed the years of a given reign; probably the fifteenth year of Tiberius would be 28 or 29 a.d. by our reckoning. f. 2. Caiphas was the actual high priest; Annas, who had been deposed from that office, continued to exercise much influence.
vu. 3-22.
Matthew
iii.
i,
Mark
i.
i.
v. 4. Is. xl. 3.
[118]
LUKE
John's Preaching; Jesus baptized valley
is
be bridged, and every mountain and
to
the windings are to be cut straight,
6
smooth roads,
7
He
Who 8
and
all
mankind
said to the multitudes
was
it
9
God
[I
[2
to see the saving
power
of
God.
out to be baptized by him,
from the ven-
vipers, to flee
then, yield the acceptable fruit of
We have Abraham
to raise
up children
to
Already the axe has been put
these very stones.
every tree which does not
trees, so that [0
power
has
and into
brood of
Come
repentance; do not think to say. you,
hill levelled,
and the rough paths made
who came
that taught you,
geance that draws near?
I tell
is
3
for our father;
Abraham
out of
to the root of the
shew good
be
fruit will
hewn down and cast into the fire. And the multitudes asked him, What is it, then, we are to do? He answered them. The man who has two coats must share with the man who has none; and the man who has food to eat, must do the like. The publicans, too, came to be baptized; Master, they said to him, what are we to
Do
[3
do?
He
[4
Even
the soldiers on guard asked him,
He
do?
to
told them.
not go beyond the scale appointed you.
Do
said to them.
not use
What of us? What are we men roughly, do not lay false
information against them be content with your pay. ;
And now
[5
the people
was
had the same
full of expectation; all
surmise in their hearts, whether John might not be the Christ. [6
But John gave them I
am
mightier than shoes. [7
He
their
He
I,
so that
will baptize
I
19
consume with
is
his
21
It
fire
you with the Holy Ghost and with wheat into
his barn, but the chaff
that can never be quenched.
Herod,
shameful deeds,
was while
tized too,
all
is
fire.
14.
the people
to
crown
all,
With
he will
these
and
the people:
but
Philip's wife,
and
shut John
up
in prison,
were being baptized that Jesus was bap-
and stood there praying. Suddenly heaven was opened,
and the Holy V.
come who
yet to
not worthy to untie the strap of his
many other warnings he gave his message to when he rebuked prince Herod over his brother
20
22
am
holds his winnowing-fan ready, to purge his threshing-floor
clean; he will gather the 18
answer by saying publicly. As for me,
baptizing you with water; but one
The
Spirit
soldiers
came down upon him
in bodily form, like a
were perhaps those on guard
the temptations they are to resist
would
the police.
[119}
be, in the
at the
customs houses;
modern world,
those of
LUKE
4
dove, and a voice
came from heaven, which
beloved Son, in thee 23
Genealogy
]esus'
Jesus himself
am
I
said.
Thou
had now reached the age of about
He
thirty.
24
by repute, the son of Joseph, son of Heli, son of Mathat,
25
Levi, son of Melchi, son of Janne, son of Joseph, thias,
art
my
well pleased.
son of Amos, son of
Nahum,
was,
son of
son of Mattha-
son of Hesli, son of Nagge,
26
son of Mahath, son of Matthathias, son of Semei, son of Joseph,
27
son of Juda,
28
Salathiel, son of Neri,
29
son of Elmadam, son of Her,
30
Jorim, son of Mathat, son of Levi,
31
son of Joseph, son of Jona, son of Eliacim,
Menna, son
son of Joanna, son of Resa, son of Zorobabel, son of
son of Melchi, son of Addi, son of Cosan, son of Jesu, son of Eliezer, son of son of Simeon, son of Juda,
son of Melea, son of
of Matthatha, son of Nathan, son of David, son of
son of Obed, son of Booz, son of Salmon, son of Naasson,
32
Jesse,
33
son of Aminadab, son of Aram, son of Esron, son of Phares, son
34
of Juda,
35
son of Nachor,
36
of Heber, son of Sale,
37
Sem, son of Noe, son of Lamech,
38
Henoch, son of
son of Jacob, son of Isaac, son of Abraham, son of Thare,
son of Sarug, son of Ragau, son of Phaleg, son son of Cainan, son of Arphaxad, son of son of Methusale, son of
Jared, son of Malaleel, son of Cainan,
son of
Henos, son of Seth, son of Adam, who was the son of God.
CHAPTER FOUR JESus RETURNED from the Spirit he
was
the Jordan full of the
led
on
Holy
into the wilderness,
Spirit,
where
and by
for forty
days he was tempted by the devil. During those days he ate nothing, and
when
into a loaf of bread.
Then
they were over, he was hungry.
devil said to him, If thou art the
Son
of
God, bid
Jesus answered him,
on Matthew i. 16. Matthew iv. i, Mark i. 12. is St. Matthew or St. Luke
It is
the
stone turn
this
written,
Man
can-
vv. 2}-^8. See note vv.
1-13.
whether
it
We
third temptations in their historical order. V. 4.
Deut.
viii. 3.
[120]
have no means
to
determine
that has recorded the second
and
The Devil tempts
Return
Jesus;
not live by bread only; there
And
come from God. tain,
and shewed him
of time;
kingdoms
the
will give thee
I
command,
and the glory that belongs
these,
over to me, and
may
I
them
give
4
him in all the words that him up into a high moun-
for
life
is
the devil led
all
LUKE
to Galilee
of the world in a
moment
the devil said to him, over
all
to
them; they have been made
to
whomsoever
come
please;
I
down before me and worship. Jesus answered him. It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, to him only shalt thou do service. And he led him to Jerusalem, and there set him down on the pinnacle of the then,
be thine,
all shall
temple;
thou
If
down from
if
art the
thou wilt
Son
God, he
of
this to the earth;
fall
for
it is
said to him, cast thyself
written.
He
angels charge concerning thee, to keep thee safe,
hold thee up with their hands,
on
And
a stone.
lest
thou shouldst chance
Jesus answered him,
not put the Lord thy
God
shall give his
and they
We
to the proof.
had finished tempting him every way,
left
are told.
So the
him
will
to trip
Thou shalt when he
devil,
in peace until the
time should come.
And Jesus came back to Galilee with the power of the Spirit upon him; word of him went round through all the neighbouring country, and he began to preach in their synagogues, so that his was on
praise
all
men's
Then he came
lips.
to Nazareth,
where
he had been brought up; and he went into the synagogue there,
custom was, on the sabbath day, and stood up
as his
book given opened
it,
book of the prophet
the
is
upon me; he has anointed me, and
The
to read. Isaias;
and found the place where the words ran:
Lord
of the
him was
to
sent
so he
The
Spirit
me
out to
preacn the gospel to the poor, to restore the broken-hearted; to bid the prisoners go free, and the blind receive their sight; the oppressed at liberty, to proclaim a year
acceptance with the Lord.
back
to the attendant,
synagogue fixed
V. 8.
Deut.
vi.
their
Then he
Deut.
V. 18. Is. xli.
vi,
it
down. All those who were in the eyes on him, and thus he began speaking and
sat
13.
16.
find
shut the book, and gave
v. 10. Ps. xc. II, 12.
V. 12.
to set
when men may
See note on
Matthew
I, 2.
[121]
iv. 7.
LUKE
First preaching at Nazareth; a Devil cast out
4
to them, This scripture
22
will tell
have read in your hearing
came from
me,
own
said to
we have
all
And
said. Believe
he
that
pharnaum.
25
in his
26
remained shut for three years and
them,
No
which belongs of them,
those
heard of thy doing
He
was
And
to Sidon.
widow woman in Sarepta, were many lepers among the
there
it
was Naaman the
who were
in the
who was made
Syrian,
synagogue were
him out
they rose up and thrust
30
so
this;
went on
Then he went down
and took
of the city,
was
their city
built, to
the midst of them,
and
Capharnaum, which
to
a city in Galilee,
is
and they were was the authority with which he spoke. In the synagogue was a man who was possessed by an unclean spirit, that cried out with a loud voice: Nay, why dost his teaching, such
an end of us ?
God.
I
us, Jesus of
Nazareth ? Hast thou come
recognize thee for what thou
Jesus rebuked
Silence! he said;
it;
the unclean spirit threw
him
art,
upon them
of his? See
on the unclean
one another,
of him.
injury.
What
that they
come
out!
And
his doings spread into every part of the country side.
vv. 22-24.
Matthew
Kings IV Kings
V. 2y.
vv. 31-37-
xiii.
34,
Mark
vi. i,
xvii. 9.
V. 2$. Ill
v. 9.
Mark
is
he has power and authority to lay his spirits, so
i.
21.
[122]
John
vi. 42.
to
make
Holy One
into a convulsion before
as they said to
all,
how
the
come out
and went out of him without doing him any fell
37
All
way,
his
thou meddle with
36
was none
clean.
and began teaching them there on the sabbath;
amazed by
35
it
indignation at hear-
full of
him up to the brow of the hill on which throw him over it. But he passed through
34
Ca-
but Elias was not
months,
six
ing
33
at
sent to a
29
32
is
me, no prophet finds acceptance
people of Israel in the days of the prophet Eliseus; but
31
said,
doubt you
own country. Why, you may be sure of this, there were many widows among the people of Israel in the days of Elias, when a great famine came over all the land, after the heavens had sent to any of these.
28
to-day
proverb says, Physician, heal thyself; do here
as the
country
24
27
is
mouth; Why, they
his
Then he
not this the son of Joseph?
in thy
I
All bore testimony to him, and were astonished at the
fulfilled.
gracious words which
23
which
of
Then
them
all,
Wonder this
word
command
the story of
Many
So he rose up and
The mother
house. fever,
of Simon's wife
and they entreated
had friends
him: and he
had
too,
her;
He
the sun
many
stood over her, and
once she
all at
rose,
was going down,
all
and minis-
who
those
kinds of disease brought them to
hands upon each one of them, and healed
laid his
Many,
them.
left
it
with
afflicted
in the grip of a violent
his aid for her.
And when
tered to them.
was
S
and went into Simon's
left the synagogue,
checked the fever, so that
Thou
LUKE
Cures; the miraculous Draught of Fish
devils cast out of them,
which
cried aloud,
Son of God; but he rebuked them and would not
art the
knew that he was the Christ. Then, when day came, he went out and retired to a desert place. The multitude, who had set out in search of him and caught him up, would have kept him there, and not let him leave them. But he told them, I must preach the gospel of God's kingdom to the other have them speak, because they
cities too; it is for this that I
was
sent.
And
so he
went on preach-
ing in the synagogues of Galilee.
CHAPTER FIVE Ir 2
the
HAPPENED time
word
of
was standing by the lake of Genesareth,
that he
when
the multitude
God;
was pressing
and he saw two boats moored
the lake; the fishermen had gone ashore,
3
And
nets.
close about
him
at the
at a
to hear
edge of
and were washing
their
he went on board one of the boats, which belonged
Simon, and asked him
to stand off a little
from the land; and
to so,
sitting
down, he began
4
When
he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, Stand out into
5
the
deep water, and
to
teach the multitudes
down your
let
answered him, Master, we have 6
nothing; but
had done 7
came, they vv. 38-41. vt^.
42—44.
word
I
will let
down
the net.
filled
Simon
And when
they
the net
to their partners
come and help them. When
these
both boats, so that they were ready to sink.
Matthew
Mark
boat.
and caught
fish, so that
and they must needs beckon
in the other boat to
a catch.
toiled all the night,
they took a great quantity of
was near breaking,
who were 8
at thy
this,
nets for
from the
i.
viii.
14,
Mark
i.
35.
[123]
29.
At
LUKE 9
10
seeing
this,
Leave
me
Simon Peter
down and caught
fell
Lord, he said;
to myself,
am
I
Man
the palsied
Jesus by the knees;
Such amaze-
a sinner.
ment had overcome both him and all his crew, at the catch of fish they had made; so it was, too, with James and John, the sons of Zebedee,
11
The Leper;
5
who were
Do
Simon's partners. But Jesus said to Simon,
not be afraid; henceforth thou shalt be a fisher of men. they had brought their boats to land, they
left
all
So,
when
and followed
him. Afterwards, while he was in one of the
12
man who was
gone in leprosy.
far
Lord, he
his face in entreaty;
13
to
make me
him, and 14
at
And
clean.
my
said, It is
When
said, if
it is
And
once his leprosy passed from him.
anyone of
to tell
Go and shew
it;
he
fell
Whereupon
clean.
the truth
thyself to the priest,
known
to
But
them.
still
the talk of
and more, and great multitudes came together 16
them 17
And
be healed of their infirmities.
It
into the desert
and pray
all
warned him not
Jesus
he
said,
bring an offering for thy cleansing, as Moses commanded, to 15
on
hand, and touched
his
made
be thou
Jesus,
thy will, thou hast power
he stretched out
will;
he came upon a
cities,
he saw
and
make
him spread more
to listen to
he would
steal
him, and
away from
there.
chanced one day that he was teaching, and that some Pharisees
and teachers of the law were
sitting by,
who had come from
every
and Judaea, and Jerusalem; and the power of the Lord was there, to grant healing. Just then, some men brought village in Galilee,
18
there
19
on
a bed
one
palsied,
whom
they tried to carry in
set
down
him
in,
because of the multitude, they went up onto the house-top,
and
let
him down between
in front of Jesus.
21
are forgiven thee.
reasoning thus,
Who
And
vv. 12-16. V. 14.
vf. 17-38. V. 22.
Matthew
Lev. xiv.
tiles,
Whereupon
Who
thoughts of
the
can
theirs,
viii.
ix. i,
all,
i,
the Pharisees
this be, that
and Mark
said to
i.
40.
Mark
See note on Matthew
ii.
i.
ix. 5.
[124}
of carrying
into the clear space
and
Man,
thy sins
scribes fell to
he talks so blasphemously? only? Jesus
knew
of these
them openly,
Why
do you
God and God
2.
Matthew
bed and
way
he, seeing their faith, said,
can forgive sins but
secret
But, finding no
in Jesus' presence.
20
22
who was
and
On 23
Which command
reason thus in your hearts?
Thy
given, to say,
24
LUKE
Scandal and Fasting
And now,
walk ?
to forgive sins
man),
I
tell
to convince
while he
And
26
and went home, giving
them
all,
on
is
25
at
more Ughtly
sins are forgiven thee, or to say, Rise
once in
Man
you that the Son of
up and
has power
the earth (here he spoke to the palsied
thee, rise up, take thy
he rose up
is
5
bed with thee and go home. them, took up his bedding,
full sight of
praise to
and they praised God,
Astonishment came over
God.
full of
awe;
We
have seen strange
things, they said, to-day.
27
Then he went out, and caught sight of a pubUcan, called Levi, work in the customs house, and said to him, Follow me. And he rose up, and left all behind, and followed him. Then Levi made a great feast for him in his house, and there was a sitting at
28,
29
30
crowded company of publicans and others who were their fellowguests. Whereupon the Pharisees and scribes complained to his disciples.
31
32
How
comes
it
that
you
eat
and drink with publicans and
But Jesus answered them. It is those who are sick, not those who are in health, that have need of the physician. I have
sinners?
call the just; I have come to call sinners to repentance. Then they said to him. How is it that thy disciples eat and drink, when John's disciples are always fasting and praying, and the And he said to them. Can you persuade Pharisees' disciples too?
not come to 33
34
the 35
men
is still is
of the bridegroom's
with them?
company
No, the days
to fast, while the
will
bridegroom
come when
the bridegroom
when
that day comes.
taken away from them; then they will
fast,
36
And he told them this parable; Nobody uses a piece taken from a new cloak to patch an old one; if that is done, he will have torn the new cloak, and the piece taken from the new will not match the
37
old. is
Nor
does anybody put
done, the
new wine
38
and the skins
39
wine-skins,
spoiled.
and
is
If
the wine
is
into old wine-skins;
and there
new,
so both are kept safe.
drinking old wine old
new wine
bursts the skins,
calls all at
it
is
must be put
Nobody who
once for new; he will
better.
[125}
the
tell
if
wine
that spilt
into fresh
has been
you.
The
LUKE
The Sabbath;
6
CHAPTER IT 2
SIX
HAPPENED that OH the next sabbath but one he was walking through the corn-fields; and
some
Why
of the Pharisees said to them,
not lawful to do on the sabbath?
4
his followers
Why, have you
them.
and
to eat
sabbath
9
he rose
11
to his
The Son
Man
has even the
happened
it
when there was The scribes and
man
a
Phari-
whether he would restore health
to see
might have
so that they
of
another sabbath day
their secret thoughts,
a charge to bring against
and
said to the
man who
hand withered. Rise up, and come forward; whereupon
his
Then
to his feet.
ask you; which 10
God, and gave them
hand withered.
his right
He knew
him.
had
And on
were watching him,
on the sabbath, 8
he told them.
at his disposal.
who had
when he and
he went into the tabernacle,
he went into the synagogue to teach,
there
it is
Jesus answered
not lawful for anyone except the priests
is
it
And
them?
5
sees
How
ate the loaves set forth there before
6
you doing what
are
Whereupon
ears
And
their hands.
never read of what David did,
were hungry?
followers, although
•that
were plucking the
his disciples
and eating them, rubbing them between
of corn
3
7
Jesus prays
is
Jesus said to them,
right, to
I
have a question
do good on the sabbath day, or
to
to
do
harm? To save life, or to make away with it? And he looked round on them all, and said to him, Stretch out thy hand. And he did so, and his hand was restored to him. And they were overcome with fury, debating with one another what they could do to Jesus.
12 13
It
was
at this
dawned, he 14
15
time that he went out onto the mountain
passed the whole night offering prayer to God,
his
whom
he also called Peter,
Philip
and Bartholomew,
vf. 7-5.
i/v.
I
Matthew
Kings
6-/7.
xii.
apostles.
Andrew, James and John, Matthew and Thomas, James the son
Mark
i,
Matthew
xii. 9,
ii.
Mark
iii.
i,
Their names were, Simon,
his brother
23.
xxi. 6.
See note on Mark vv. 12-16. Matthew x. V. 9.
and
called his disciples to him, choosing out twelve of
them; these he called
f. 3.
side,
and when day
iii.
i.
4.
Mark
iii.
13.
[126}
Sermon on the
Plain; Paradoxes of the
i6
o£ Alphaeus, and Simon
17
of James,
18
to listen to
who were
and those
6
Jude the brother
him, and to be healed of their diseases;
troubled by unclean spirits were also cured;
so that all the multitude
was eager
to touch
went out from him, and healed them 20
LUKE
Kingdom
called the Zealot,
is
and Judas Iscariot, the man who turned traitor. With them he went down and stood on a level place; a multitude of his disciples was there, and a great gathering of the people from all Judaea, and Jerusalem, and the sea-coast of Tyre and Sidon. These had come there
19
who
Then he
lifted
up
him, because power
all.
eyes towards his
his
disciples,
and
said;
22
who are poor; the kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you, who are hungry now; you will have your fill. Blessed are you, who weep now; you will laugh for joy. Blessed are you, when men hate you and cast you off and revile you, when they reject your name as something evil, for the Son of Man's
23
sake.
Blessed are you, 21
When
24 25
26
And now
I
29
you,
and pray
strikes thee
for those
on the cheek,
would take away thy with
it.
Give
offer
cloak,
to every
do not ask him
who who
hate you; treat
him
you
insultingly.
who
curse
a
man man
If if
a
do not grudge him thy coat along asks, and if a man takes what is
to restore
As you would have men
thine,
you, you are to treat them; no otherwise. if
me. Love your
man who
32
to you,
to
bless those
the other cheek too;
31
34
the
no worse.
you who are listening
say to
enemies, do good to those
33
for behold, treated
But woe upon you
28
30
it;
their fathers
who are rich; you have your comfort already. Woe upon you who are filled full; you shall be hungry. Woe upon you who laugh now; you shall mourn and weep. Woe upon you, when all men speak well of you; their prophets no better.
fathers treated the false prophets
27
and exult over
that day comes, rejoice
reward awaits you in heaven;
a rich
it.
Why, what
credit
treat is
it
you love those who love you? Even sinners love those
who love them. What credit is it to you, if you do good to those who do good to you? Even sinners do as much. What credit is it V. 16. Judas brother of James, the author of the epistle, seems to have also been called Thaddaeus (Matthew x. 3, Mark iii. 18). vv. 20-4g. Many of the sayings recorded in these verses are also to be found in St. Matthew, especially v. 39, vii. 27.
[127]
LUKE to you,
35
Even
you lend
if
whom
from
to those
and on
Criticism,
sinners lend to sinners, to receive as
solid Virtue
you expect repayment?
much
No,
in exchange.
your enemies you must love, and do them good, and lend
is
it
On
6
to
them, without any hope of return; then your reward will be a rich one, and you will be true sons of the most High, generous like
him towards 5,
Be
37
and you 38
the thankless
will not be judged;
award
over, will be
to others
And
39
40 if
is
A
disciple
he
is
fall
is
no
By what
better than his master;
and
44
when thou
hypocrite, take the
have clear sight
no sound
is
beam
to rid
that
tree
proper
from
will
How
he
is
is like a
laid his
rock.
out
is
withered
yield
Each
tree
man
utters
it
that
man
you If
in
first,
is
fruit,
no
known by
is
good from
his
his heart's store
evil; it is
from the
me. Master, Master, and will not dc
them
out,
would build
foundation on rock.
I
me and
will tell
a house,
Then
listens to
[128}
my
you what he
who
is
comlike;
dug, dug deep, and
a flood came, and the river stir it; it
was founded upon
man who listens to what I say and man who built his house in the earth
But the like a
what
is
speaks.
anyone comes to
carries
that
mouth
call
what
wicked man, from
broke upon that house, but could not 49
eye
rid
is
A good
mandments and 48
that
not plucked from thorns, or grapes gath-
bid you?
I
own
own?
me
thy brother's of the speck.
fruit.
of wickedness, can utter nothing but
what
beam
out of thy
in thy
is
in thy
brier bushes.
heart's overflow that the
47
is
fruit; figs are
heart's store of goodness; the
46
which
canst not see the
withered tree that will yield sound
ered
lead another?
he will be fully perfect
beam which
not aware of the
art
so thou shalt
There
its
45
man
right wilt thou say to thy brother. Brother, let
own? Thou
and
to you.
is.
thy eye of that speck, thy
blind
that thou canst see the speck of dust
is it
brother's eye,
measure you
lap; the
awarded
into the ditch together?
as his master
How
Can one
this parable.
will not
Give, and
down and shaken up
poured into your
the measure that will be
he told them
Will not both
43
Judge nobody,
merciful.
be yours; good measure, pressed
and running
42
is
condemn nobody, and you
be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven. gifts will
41
and unjust.
merciful, then, as your Father
does not carry
it
without founda-
The Centurion;
when
tion;
LUKE
Widow's Son
the
the river broke
upon
and great was
at once,
it fell
it,
7
that house's ruin.
CHAPTER SEVEN HE HAD WHEN Capharnaum. went
he
SAID his say in the hearing of the people,
There was a centurion that had a
to
servant, very dear to him,
when he was
and
4
the Jews to him, asking
he,
who was
then at the point of death;
told about Jesus, sent
3
him
to
come and
these, presenting themselves before Jesus,
appeal to him; 5
he
6
at his
is
to our race,
Do
and has
built
make
to
And
earnest
done for him;
our synagogue for us
not put thyself to any trouble. Lord, he said;
worthy to receive thee under
come
to
and he goes,
my
servant,
amazement
I
or.
word
have
of
Come, the
My
When
I
too
I I
know what Go,
I say.
and he comes, he heard
or,
to
am if
thou
it
is
to
this,
to
turned in
him, and
even in
not
did not
one man,
Do
that, Jesus
multitude which followed
have not found
why
is
servant will be healed
under me, and
to another, it.
That
roof.
command.
soldiers
and he does to
my
to thee myself.
wilt only speak a
obey authority;
9
began
deserves, they said, to have this
good friend
presume 8
He
of the elders of
own cost. So Jesus set out in their company; and when he was already near the house, the centurion sent some friends to him;
7
a
some
heal his servant.
said,
And
10
Believe me,
11
when they came back to the house, found the serwho had been sick fully recovered. And now it happened that he was going into a city called Naim, attended by his disciples and by a great multitude of people. And just as he drew near the gate of the city, a dead man was being
I
faith like this,
Israel.
the messengers,
vant
[
12
carried out to his burial; the only son of his mother,
vf.
i-io.
Matthew
viii.
5-13.
St.
Matthew
and she was a
represents the centurion as
our Lord personally, and making no request that he should come to his house. St. Augustine and other commentators explain that the centurion 'approached' our Lord only through his friends. Others have thought that the centurion, perhaps anxious at the delay, followed up his two messages by coming out to meet our Lord in person.
going
to
[129]
LUKE
Praise of John the Baptist
7
widow; and a crowd o£ folk trom the city went with her. When the Lord saw her, he had pity on her, and said. Do not weep. Then he went up and put his hand on the bier; and those who were
13
14
carrying
stood
it
15
up.
And
16
back
to his
visited
They were
mother.
God,
praising
17
And he said. Young man, I man sat up, and spoke; and
A
all
Jesus gave
him
overcome with awe, and
said,
And
story
this
throughout the whole of Judaea and 3,
19
John was told of
two of 20
that
his disciples,
was
of
up among us; God has him was noised abroad
all
the country round.
great prophet has risen
people.
his
say to thee, rise
still.
the dead
by his
all this
and sent them
foretold, or are
we
And
disciples.
summoned
he
to Jesus to ask, Is
coming
thy
it
some other?
yet waiting for
So they
presented themselves before him, and said, John the Baptist has sent us to ask. Is
thy
it
21
waiting for some other?
22
many many and
of their diseases
At
and
were blind the
that
tell
coming
John what your
the blind see,
was
that
and of
afflictions
eyes
and
have the gospel preached lose confidence in
to
them.
and gave
evil spirits,
how
have witnessed;
ears
and the lame walk, and the
and the deaf hear; how the dead are 23
yet
Jesus rid
visit,
Then he answered. Go
gift of sight.
own
we
foretold, or are
the very time of their
made
lepers are
raised to
Blessed
and the poor
life,
he
is
clean,
who
does not
me.
Then, when John's messengers had gone away, he took occasion John to the multitudes; What was it, he asked, that you
24
to speak of
expected to see
out to see?
Was
palaces
men
.
it
is
who
I
am
to prepare thy
and the publicans, vv. 18-^^.
It
way
Malachy
iii.
see notes there.
i.
[130}
a
look in kings' luxury.
in
prophet? Yes,
This
is
before thee.
kingdom
had given God
xi. 2;
it
you went
the
man
of
sending before thy face that
was the common
that
Matthew
it
live
A
to see?
you, than a prophet.
yet to be least in the
greater than he.
V. 2y.
is
and
no greater than John the Baptist among
women; and 29
I tell
what was
You must
dressed,
you went out
written, Behold,
is
that;
clad in silk?
go proudly
then, that
it,
angel of mine there
man
that
Was
out into the wilderness?
No, not
wind?
a
it
and something more,
whom 28
for
What was
26 27
when you went
reed trembling in the
25
folk
I
tell
you,
the sons of
of heaven
who
his due,
all
is
to be
listened to him,
by receiving John's
LUKE
The Woman who loved much
whereas the Pharisees and lawyers, by refusing
30
baptism,
31
frustrated God's plan for them.
then, shall
32
like?
I
of
mind
of
in
33
35
36
37
Lord
the
said,
companions as they sit in not mourn would not dance when we piped to you, you would neither eat would he came, When John you. to wept when we the Son of Man nor drink, and you say. He is possessed. When say, Here is a came, he ate and drank with you, and of him you and sinners. glutton; he loves wine; he is a friend of publicans
their
34
had
To what, this generation? What are they those children who call out to the market-place and say. You
And
compare the men
They put me
it,
7
But wisdom
One
is
vindicated by
all
of the Pharisees invited
Pharisee's house
and took
her children.
him
to a
meal; so he went into the
his place at table.
And
there
was then
who, hearing that he was at table in a sinful woman in the ointment with her, and the Pharisee's house, brought a pot of began place behind him at his feet, weeping; then she city,
38
took her
with her tears, and drying them with her hair, and anointing them with the ointment. His host, If this man was a the Pharisee, saw it, and thought to himself. touching him, prophet, he would know who this woman is that is him thus, and what kind of woman, a sinner. But Jesus answered he said. Master, me. it Tell hearing. thy for word Simon, I have a five There was a creditor who had two debtors; one owed him
washing
his feet
kissing his feet,
pieces of silver, the other fifty;
they had no
42
hundred
43
paying him, and he gave them both their discharge.
means
of
And now
Simon me, which of them loves him the more? I suppose, discharged. debt greater the had who one the is answered, that it And he said. Thou hast judged rightly. Then he turned towards
tell
44
woman, and said to Simon, Dost thou see this woman? I came into thy house, and thou gavest me no water for my feet; them with her she has washed my feet with her tears, and wiped
the
45
hair.
46
to kiss
47
Thou
my
gavest
me
feet since
I
head; she has anointed
no
kiss of greeting; she
entered;
my
feet,
has never ceased
on
thou didst not pour
oil
and with ointment.
And
my
so,
I
has shewn great love because she V. 47. This may mean that the woman forgiven much because has been forgiven much, or that the woman has been seems to fit in with the she has shewn great love. The former interpretation which immediately folparable which goes before, and with the sentence
commentators. lows; the latter has the authority of the older
[.31]
LUKE
8
Parable of the Sower
have been forgiven her, she has also greatly
thee, if great sins
tell
He
48
loved.
49
to her.
50
But he
loves
Thy
who
little,
has
little
sins are forgiven.
thought to themselves, told the
Who
woman, Thy
is
forgiven him.
Then he
said
And
his fellow-guests
this,
that he even forgives sins?
faidi has saved thee;
thereupon
go in peace.
CHAPTER EIGHT iHEN FOLLOWED a time in which he went on journeying from,
t:one
2
city or village to another, preaching and spreading the good news of God's kingdom. With him were the twelve apostles, and certain women, whom he had freed from evil spirits and from
4
cast
out of her,
came 5
Mary who
is called Magdalen, who had had seven devils and Joanna, the wife of Chusa, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, who ministered to him with the means they had. When a great multitude had gathered, and more
sicknesses,
3
flocking to
him out
Here
the sower
parable.
is
of the cities, he spoke to
gone out to sow
sowed, there were some grains that
6 7
fell
his seed.
them
And
in a as
he
beside the path, so that they
were trodden underfoot, and the birds flew down and ate them. others fell on the rocks, where they withered as soon as they
And
were up, because they had no moisture. And some fell among and the briers grew up with them and smothered them. But others fell where the soil was good, and when these grew up
briers,
8
they yielded a hundredfold. So saying, he cried aloud. Listen, you that have ears to hear with. 9, 10
Then
his disciples
told them. It
is
kingdom; the
rest
11
watch without
12
parable
means
side hear the
from
asked
him what
this
parable meant.
must
seeing, this; the
learn of
and seed
it
listen is
by parables,
he
so that they can
without understanding.
word, and then the devil
Matthew
xiii.
i,
Mark
The
God's word.
Those by the way comes and takes it away
their hearts, so that they cannot find faith
vv. 4-1^.
And
granted to you to understand the secret of God's
iv. i.
[132}
and be saved.
The Storm on 13
Those on the rock, as they hear
soon 14
who
are those
and
it,
way, are
their
soil
by the
stifled
who
stands for those
8
joy as
roots; they last for a while,
And
away.
who
hear
And
the grain that
fell
and then, going on
it,
and the pleasures of
cares, the riches,
and never reach maturity.
life,
no
fall
the briers stands for those
word with
entertain the
yet have
but in time of temptation they
among 15
LUKE
La\e
the
the grain that fell in
hear the word, and hold by
it
good
with a
noble and generous heart, and endure, and yield a harvest.
Nobody
16
17
see
18
hidden will
20
who
those
A
all
a bed;
into the house can
be revealed; what
is
Look well, be made to him;
to light.
rich, gifts will
what he thinks
his
own.
him, but could not
to visit
So word was given him,
of the multitude.
thy brethren are standing without, asking to see
My
But he answered them,
thee.
22
is
under
in a jar or
who come
mother and brethren came
his
Thy mother and 21
man
listen. If a
him because
reach
all
covered up will
is
poor, he will lose even
is
away
it
made known, and come
be
all
how you
he
And
19
What
light.
its
then, if
lamp, to hide
lights a
put on a lamp-stand, so that
it is
hear the
word
mother and
God, and keep
of
day came when he and
his disciples
my
brethren are
it.
embarked on
a boat;
Let
us cross to the other side of the lake, he said to them; and they 23
began
now 24
their voyage.
a storm of
to ship
we
are sinking.
wind and wave, and
Where
is
your faith?
26 27
So they came
is
homeless
Then he
is this,
said to them.
who
gives his
command
obeyed?
and
as
for a long time
the tombs.
When
had gone naked, and
he saw
xii. viii.
46,
Jesus,
Why
with me, Jesus, Son of the most High God? Matthew Matthew
I
he
[33]
fell
dost thou
on
lived
down
meddle
pray thee, do not
Mark iii. 31; see note on Matthew Mark iv. 35.
23,
is
he went ashore, he was met by
before him, and cried with a loud voice.
vv. ig-22. ^v. 22-2^.
And
awe and astonishment,
land in the country of the Gerasens, which
man who
among
fell asleep.
he rose up, and checked both
they were full of
the coast opposite Galilee; a possessed
28
to
And
Why, who
wind and water, and
he
the lake, and they began
was calm.
there
And
saying to one another, to
sailing,
So they came and roused him, crying.
water perilously.
Master, master, 25
While they were
wind came down upon
xii. 46.
LUKE 29
The
8
torment me.
(For he was bidding the unclean
man). Often,
the
Devils of Gerasa; ] aims' Daughter
when
at times
come out
spirit
had seized upon him, the
it
of
man
had been bound, under guard, with chains and fetters, but still he would break his bonds, and the devil would drive him out into 30
Then
the wilderness.
he
And
What
Jesus asked him,
Legion; for there were
said.
many
is
devils that
name? And
thy
had entered into
31
him.
32
abyss.
33
man and entered whereupon the herd rushed down the cliff into the lake, and were drowned. The herdsmen fled when they saw it happen, and spread the news of it in the city and about the
and the
side,
this leave
him not
they entreated
There was
them go back
to bid
to the
herd of swine feeding on the mountain-
a great
devils besought his leave to
he granted them.
So the
go into these instead;
devils left the
into the swine;
34
35
country side;
whom
so that they
When
themselves.
came out
had been driven out
the devils
what had happened for
to see
they reached Jesus, they found the
man from and
sitting there, clothed
and they were
36
restored to his wits, at Jesus' feet;
who had
witnessed
37
delivered.
Then
38
embarked on
39
accompany him; but Jesus sent him away; Go back home, he said, and make known all God's dealings with thee. So he went back, and published all over
it
all
told
the
them how
common
Those
terrified.
the possessed
man had
folk of the country
been
round Gerasa
asked Jesus to leave them, such fear had gripped them; and he
devils
the city the
When
40 41
the boat
news of the great things
42
feet,
43
as
all
who was
had done
Jesus
been awaiting him.
And now
imploring him to come
to his house,
who was
for he
dying.
he went, the multitude pressed about him
woman who spent
all
her
cure her,
for twelve years
money on
for him.
Matthew
ix.
i,
It
man named fell
happened
closely.
issue of blood,
viii. 32.
Mark v. i. Mark v. 21.
[34]
the
hem
at Jesus'
had an only
doctors without finding one
came up behind and touched
V. J2. See note on Matthew vv. ^6-^g. Matthew viii. 28,
vp. 40-y6.
had had an
a
came and
a ruler of the synagogue,
daughter about twelve years old,
44
the
to
Jesus returned, he found the multitude there to greet
him; they had Jairus,
The man from whom
and returned.
had been driven out asked leave
that,
And
a
and had
who
could
of his cloak; and
Two
LUKE
Miracles; Mission of the Apostles
Then
suddenly her issue of blood was stanched.
45
me?
touched
All disclaimed
panions, the multitudes are
46
thee,
and canst thou
body touched me; 47
And
the
woman,
ask.
hemming
tell
touched
thee in
me?
and crowding upon
But Jesus
Some-
said,
power has gone out from me.
that
was no concealment, came
finding that there
ward trembling and 48
can
I
Master, said Peter and his com-
it;
Who
fell at his feet,
and
so told
him
before
to her.
My
for-
all
people of her reason for touching him, and of her sudden cure.
he said
9
Who
Jesus said,
the
And
daughter, thy faith has brought thee recovery;
go in peace. 49
While he was synagogue, to
messenger came
yet speaking, a
say.
Thy daughter
and
him
is
50
Jesus heard
51
only to believe, and she will recover.
it,
he would not 52
let
said to
child's father
bewailing her; There dead, she
54
that she
55
Rise up, maiden,
56
to her.
is
Do not be afraid; thou hast When he reached the house,
and mother. All were weeping and
no need
to weep,
he told them; she
they laughed aloud at him, well
But he took her by the hand, and
parents,
who were
no one hear of what had
is
not
knowing
called aloud,
and she rose up there and then with
life
ordered that she should be given something to
warned her let
is
And
asleep.
was dead.
He
openly.
anyone come in with him, except Peter and James
and John, and the
53
to the ruler of the
dead; do not trouble the Master.
restored
eat,
and
beside themselves with wonder, to
befallen.
CHAPTER NINE
2
ND HE CALLED the twclvc apostlcs to him, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases, sending them out to proclaim the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.
3
He
A
/\.
Take nothing with you to use on your journey, staff money; you are not to have more than one You are to lodge in the house you first enter, and
told them.
or wallet or bread or
4
coat apiece.
5
not change your abode. 7—5.
Matthew
x. i,
And
Mark
wherever they deny you
vi. 7.
[135]
a v^elcome,
LUKE
The
9
you leave the
as
against them.
city,
shake
So they
set
five
thousand; Peter's Confession
from your
the dust
oflf
feet, in
witness
out and passed through the villages,
preaching the gospel and healing the sick wherever they went.
And
who was
Herod,
prince in that quarter, heard of
and did not know what
doings,
John had
risen
and some
that
said Herod,
from the dead, and some
some
telling
who
can
this be, of
to
whom
And he was eager to see him. And now the apostles came back and told Jesus done. And he retired, taking them with him, to a
his
all
him
that
had appeared,
that Elias
one of the old prophets had returned beheaded;
I
to think,
John,
life.
hear such
I
reports.?
the Bethsaida country, titudes heard of
and spoke
to
where they could be
and followed him;
it,
them
kingdom
of the
and the twelve came and go
of
And now
were in need of healing.
said to him.
we
lodging and food;
alone.
desert place in
But the mul-
he gave them welcome,
so
God, and cured those
the day began to
who
wear on;
Give the multitudes leave
and farms round about,
to the villages
had
of all they
to
so that they can find
But he told
are in desert country here.
them food to eat. We have no more, they said, than five loaves and two fishes, unless thou wouldst have us go ourselves and buy food for all this assembly. About five them.
for
It is
you
to give
thousand men were gathered there. So he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by companies of fifty; and they did this, bidding all of them sit down. Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looked
up
and blessed them, and
to heaven,
broke, and gave them to his disciples, to set before the multitude.
All ate and had their up,
it
filled
There was ciples
a
time
I
am?
when he had gone
Then he
over was picked
Thou
laid a strict
Who
But who do you say that
art the
Christ
whom God
others
Mark vi. 30, John 13, Mark viii. 27.
vv. lo-iy.
xiv. 13,
vv.
xvi.
[136]
vi. i.
I
am? And
has anointed.
charge upon them, bidding them
Matthew i8-2y. Matthew
do the multitude
the Baptist;
one of the old prophets has returned to
said to them,
answered.
left
apart to pray, and his dis-
They answered, John
Elias, others, that
he
and when what they
were with him; and he asked them.
that
say
fill,
twelve baskets.
tell
no one
say life.
Peter
And of
it;
The 22
LUKE
Transfiguration
The Son
Man, he
of
said,
is
to be
much
and
ill-used,
9
rejected by
the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be put to death, and
23
rise
24
mind
come
to
it; it is
25
How
26
himself,
is
the
man who
a
man
if
he pays the
acknowledging
way,
he said
He who
forfeit of himself
kingdom 28
It
who
save his
If
?
words, the Son of
side to pray.
30
altered,
men
anyone
Man
32
33
and
to glorify him.
week
a
after all this
And his
even
as
Believe me, there are those
was
said, that
to see
And,
35
his
it is
well that
at
and
now
in
to achieve at
and the two
men
were parting from him,
we
should be here;
and one
random: and even
let
us
for Moses, as
he said
overshadowing them; they saw those others
is
my
And
a voice
beloved Son; to him, then,
came listen.
sounded, Jesus was discovered alone. They kept
as the voice
silence,
and two
seen
companions were sunk in
disappear into the cloud, and were terrified.
And
Elias,
in his glory,
just as these
But he spoke
for Elias.
from the cloud. This 36
him
three booths in this place, one for thee,
a cloud formed,
mountain
he prayed, the fashion of his face was
Meanwhile, Peter and
and they awoke
and one it,
he took Peter
to the
garments became white and dazzling;
Peter said to Jesus, Master,
34
ashamed
will not taste of death before they have seen the
standing with him.
make
ashamed of
is
will be
and they spoke of the death which he was
Jerusalem. sleep;
it.
he loses
if
in his glory, with his Father
appeared conversing with him, Moses and
glory;
will
of God.
was about
31
life
sake, that will save
and John and James with him, and went up on 29
and take up
whole world,
the better for gaining the
and the holy angels standing here
tries to
my
loses his life for
me and my
self,
man
any
to all alike, If
him renounce
let
acknowledge him, when he comes
to
27
my
and follow me.
his cross daily,
lose
And
again on the third day.
has a
at the
time said nothing of what they had seen to any-
body.
37
It
was on the next day
38
and were met by
39
favour upon
this multitude, a
my
that they
came down from the mountain, and now, from the midst of
a great multitude;
man
cried out,
son; he
is
my
I
entreat thee. Master, look with
only child.
V. 2y. See note on Matthew xvi. 28. vv. 28-4^. Matthew xvii. i, Mark ix.
C137J
i.
There
are times
when
LUKE
The
9
a spirit seizes
him 40 41
foaming
disciples to cast
how
and throws
mouth; then
goes away,
And
his
way, the devil threw him
But Jesus checked the unclean
43
vulsion.
44
and gave him
so that
to his father;
evidence of God's power. all
And
Man
of
at this great
men were yet wondering at disciples, Remember this well.
soon to be betrayed into the hands of men.
is
said;
was hidden from
it
them, so that they could not perceive the meaning of to ask
him about
46
And
47
greatest.
48
hold of a litde child and gave
them,
a
He who
least in all
Master, 50
saying of
it;
and they
his.
among them, which of them was the who saw what was occupying their thoughts, took welcomes
a
a place beside
my
me welcomes him
your company
we saw
it
this child in
is
man who
and
him,
that sent me.
the greatest.
said to
name, welcomes me;
And John
does not follow in our
He who
is
answered.
company
cast-
we forbade him to do it. But Forbid him no more; the man who is not against you is
ing out devils in thy name, and Jesus said,
on your 51
this
question arose Jesus,
and he who welcomes 49
even
in a con-
and cured the boy,
spirit,
were amazed
all
But they could not understand what he were afraid
And
down
while
that Jesus did, he said to his
The Son
be with you,
I
bear with you? Bring thy son here.
I
boy was on
Ah,
Jesus answered,
out, but they could not.
it
it
entreated thy
I
and misguided generation, how long must
long must
as the
45
cry out suddenly,
at the
but only with a pang which lacerates him.
faithless
42
upon him, making him
into a convulsion,
Meekness and Discipleship
lunatic Boy;
side.
And now the earth,
the time
was drawing near
and he turned
And
for his taking
his eyes steadfastly
away from
towards the way that
he sent messengers before him,
who came
52
led to Jerusalem.
53
into a Samaritan village, to
54
tion of Jerusalem.
55
James and John, asked him. Lord, wouldst thou have us bid fire come down from heaven, and consume them? But he turned
make
all
in readiness.
tans refused to receive him, because his journey
When
they found
this,
But the Samari-
was
two of
in the direchis disciples,
Matthew xvii. i, Mark ix. 32. IV Kings i. 10. Many Greek manuscripts add, 'as Elias did'. ft/. 5^-56. Many Greek manuscripts have simply 'But he turned and buked them. And so they passed on to another village.' 'What spirit it perhaps in reference to IV Kings ii. 9, cf. v. 51 above. vv. 46-^0.
p. $4.
reis',
LUKE
Mission of the seventy -two Disciples
56
and rebuked them, You do not understand, he said, what spirit it you share. The Son of Man has come to save men's Hves, not
is
to destroy
them.
And
so they passed
As they went on on
57
on
follow thee wherever thou art going.
have
holes,
59
Man
has nowhere to lay his head.
60
father
61
dead;
and the birds of the
and he answered, Lord, give
there let
But Jesus
first. it is
was
me
for thee to
yet another
to another village.
their journey, a
58
62
10
me
To
another he
leave to go
said to him.
the
I
said'
the
Son
said,
Lord,
I
of
Follow me.
home and bury my to
bury
their
And
go out and proclaim God's kingdom.
who
will
Foxes
told him.
Leave the dead
will follow thee, but first
my friends. To him when he has once put kingdom of God.
take leave of
fitted for
said to him,
air their resting-places;
looks behind him, is
man
But Jesus
Jesus said, his
hand
No
who
one
to the plough,
CHAPTER TEN THIS, the Lord appointed seventy-two others, and sent them before him, two and two, into all the cities and villages he himself was to visit. The harvest, he told them, is plentiful
AFTER ^
2
enough, but the labourers are few; you must ask the Lord
to
3
whom the harvest belongs to send labourers out for the harvesting. Go then, and remember, I am sending you out to be like
4
lambs among wolves.
5
shoes; you are to give no one greeting
6
enter a house, say
who 7
first
dwell there are
You of
all,
men
are not to carry purse, or wallet, or
of
good
When
on your way.
Peace be to will,
house;
and
you
if
those
your good wishes
shall
this
come down upon it; if not, they will come back to you the way they went. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they have to give you; the labourer has a right to his maintenance;
8
do not move from one house
to another.
and thev make vou welcome, be content
w.
37-60.
Matthew
viii.
19.
[139]
When
you enter
to eat the fare
a city,
thev offer
LUKE
Exhortation of the seventy-two
10
you:
dom
God
of
But
off in
you,
go
12
close at
13
day of judgement, than with that
14
I tell
it
shall
this,
Woe
city.
to thee, Bethsaida!
ago,
humbling themselves with sackcloth and hard with Tyre and Sidon
And
16
heaven?
Thou
shalt be
you, listens to me; he despises
And
at the
who
18
thy name.
He
19
like a lightning flash
said to them,
right to trample
made Behold,
scorpions,
21
your names are enrolled in heaven.
At
with gladness by the Holy
said,
made
I
dren.
Be
it
so.
Son
Spirit,
me; and he who
except the Son, and those to
Then, turning
reveal him.
24
are the eyes that see
and
I
and
all
It
own
disciples,
see;
I tell
Master, he said, what must
What is
it
that
is
I
do
is,
to
he
said. Blessed
you, there have been
and never heard
many
see,
and
it.
to inherit eternal life?
written in the law?
[140]
My
the Father
longed to see what you hear,
all
good pleasure
happened once that a lawyer rose up, trying to put him
asked him,
filled
to little chil-
it
knows what
to his
what you
test;
was
hands; none knows what
the Son's
never saw
26
power of the
the
favour in thy sight.
my
it is
who have
25
down
O Father, who art Lord
whom
what you
to hear
rejoicing;
have given you the
this time, Jesus
this finds
prophets and kings it,
of
full
subject to us through
give thee praise that thou hast hidden
Lord, since
23
as
Hstens to
subject to you, should be rejoicing that
except the Father, and none
is,
go
But you, instead of rejoicing
it.
Father has entrusted everything into the
shall
up high
lifted
He who
from the wise and the prudent, and revealed
this
it
watched, while Satan was cast
I
from heaven.
on snakes and
of heaven and earth,
Corozain,
me.
enemy, and take no hurt from
22
be
to hell.
20
that the devils are
indeed,
despises you, despises
that sent
even the devils are
said,
is
at the
ashes, if the miracles
seventy-two disciples came back
the
God
judgement, than with you.
brought low as
me, despises him
Lord, they
of
Sodom
to thee,
And
instead.
Capharnaum, dost thou hope
thou,
and
city that
Tyre and Sidon would have repented long
done in you had been done there
15
streets,
kingdom
the
hard with
less
woe
less
17
out into their
king-
where
city
your faces the very dust from your
has clung to our feet; and be sure of
hand.
The
them,
tell
you enter a
if
make you welcome, go
We brush
say,
and
are sick there;
upon you.
close
is
they will not 11
who
and heal those
9 10
What is
to the
Jesus
thy reading
LUKE
The Good Samaritan; Martha and Mary 27
And
of it?
he answered, Thou
shalt love the
10
Lord thy God with
the love of thy whole heart, and thy whole soul, and thy whole 28
strength,
and thy whole mind; and thy neighbour
hast answered right, he told him;
do
Thou
as thyself.
and thou
this,
shalt find
life.
32
And who is my neighhour? Jesus gave him his answer; A man who was on his way down from Jerusalem to Jericho fell in with robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and went off leaving him half dead. And a priest, who chanced to be going down by the same road, saw him there and passed by on the other side. And a Levite who came
33
there
29 30
31
But
he, to prove himself blameless, asked.
saw him, and passed by on the other
Samaritan, 34
who was on
he went up
sight;
to
his travels,
But
side.
saw him and took
a certain
pity at the
him and bound up his wounds, pouring oil so mounted him upon his own beast and
and wine into them, and 35
he took out two
Take
said.
36
ever else
is
silver pieces,
care of him,
owing
which he gave
and on
Jesus said.
38 39
40
And
with robbers.?
Go
he
said.
He
that
will give thee
I
Which
to thee for thy pains.
next day
to the inn-keeper,
my way home
thou, proved himself a neighbour to the
37
And
brought him to an inn, where he took care of him.
of these, thinkest
man who had
fallen in
shewed mercy on him. Then
thy way, and do thou likewise.
In one of the villages he entered during his journey, a called
Martha entertained him
called
Mary; and Mary took her place
needs; so she
my
sister
41
her help me.
42
cares
came
to his side,
should leave
me
distracted
Deut.
vi.
Lord's
feet,
hast!
5,
lis-
art
thou content
do the serving alone? Come, bid
But only one thing
for herself the best part of
Lev. xix.
a sister
and
by waiting on many
and asked. Lord, to
never be taken away from her.
V. 2-j.
at the
woman
She had
Jesus answered her, Martha, Martha,
and troubles thou
and Mary has chosen shall
in her house.
Martha was
tened to his words.
that
and
what-
18.
£ 141 1
is
all,
how many necessary; that
which
LUKE
Perseverance in Prayer; Satan does not cast out Satan
1
CHAPTER ELEVEN ONCE, WHEN
HE had found
2
how
John did
to pray, as
When
you pray, you
kingdom come,
4
us this day our daily bread,
who
those
Suppose one of you has
and asks him, Lend
mine has turned
And
him.
offer
8
are in bed;
not put
even
if
me
9
seek,
me
it is
door
and
make him same
to
rise
and give
are,
from heaven,
15
know
for them, his
is
him
Among
well enough
how
Holy
Spirit to those
through Beelzebub, the prince of the while others, to put him to the
16
out,
sign out of heaven.
them,
No kingdom
vv. 14-22.
can be
at
if if
if
Or
he
is
you,
your children what
Mark
iii.
22.
speech.
devils, that test,
war with
vi. 9, vii. 7.
22,
Or
then,
to give,
The
but some of them
But he could read
Matthew Matthew xii.
vv. 2-4, 9-/3.
to
which was dumb; and no sooner had
dumb man found
with amazement;
17
to give
Why
much more ready who ask him?
not your Father
just cast out a devil,
filled
he
yourselves,
a snake instead of a fish?
gone out than the
tudes were
I
you,
knock, and the door shall be opened
asked for an tg^, will he give him a scorpion?
had
I tell
asks, will receive, that seeks, will find, that
for a fish, will he give
He
children and
his friend all that
13
you
to
Do
asked by his son for bread, will he give him a stone?
is
the devil
a friend
have nothing
out of friendship,
it
12
14
I
you; ask, and the gift will come,
knocks, will have the door opened to him.
good
too forgive
dead of night,
at
my
locked,
bestir himself to grant
shall find;
Everyone that
is
11
is
we
into temptation.
to grant thy request.
you.
evil as
name; thy
in heaven; give
sins;
he goes
10
a father
he told them,
suppose the other answers, from within doors,
say the
and you
whom
after a journey,
cannot bestir myself
I
his disci-
three loaves of bread, neighbour;
in to
he will not
And
earth, as
and lead us not
a friend, to
me
shameless asking will needs.
one of
And
and forgive us our
to such trouble; the I
on
trespass against us;
6
7
in,
for his disciples.
thy will be done
5
of
pray
are to say, Father, hallowed be thy
3
all
a place to
him, after his prayer was over, Lord, teach us
ples said to
he
multi-
said,
it \t
casts the devils
would have him shew
their thoughts,
itself
and
a
said to
without being brought
Seven Evil 1
LUKE
Spirits; the Sign of Jonas
suppose that Satan's kingdom can stand firm
19
himself, that
you should accuse
Beelzebub?
Again,
if
is
it
me
if
he
at
is
war with
of casting out devils through
through Beelzebub that
own
by what means do your
devils,
And how do you
one house falling upon another.
to desolation,
li
sons cast
pronounce judgement on you.
I
them out?
out
cast It is
when
for
20
these, then, to
21
out devils, I do it through God's power, then it must be that the kingdom of God has suddenly appeared among you. When a strong man, fully armed, mounts guard over his own palace, his
22
goods are still,
23
scatters
it
is
against
abroad.
and then goes out resting-place,
25
26
but
peace;
when
the
all
a
man comes who
armour
that gave
him
is
cast
I
stronger
confidence,
and
spoils he has won. He who is not me; he who does not gather his store with me,
The unclean
and
finds none;
own
dwelling, from which
that
dwelHng swept
to bear
there;
out,
it
is
the
go back
says, I will
womb
woman
to
my
came out. And it comes back, to find and neatly set in order. Thereupon, it
the last state of that
he spoke thus, a
man
I
spirits
more wicked than
company, and together they enter in and
it
till
which has possessed a
spirit
of him, walks about the desert looking for a
goes away and brings in seven other
27
if,
and divide among others the with me,
24
left in
he will take away
But
man
is
worse than the
in the multitude said to
that bore thee, the breast
him
settle first.
itself
down
When
aloud. Blessed
which thou hast sucked.
28
And
29
word of God, and keep it? The multitudes gathered round him, and he began speaking to them thus; This is a wicked generation; it asks for a sign, and the
30
Jonas was the sign given to the
31
this
he answered. Shall
we
not say, Blessed are those
only sign that will be given to
men
generation will be the Son of
up with the men
hear the
the sign of the prophet Jonas. of
Nineve; the sign given to
Man.
The queen
of the south
and came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, a greater than Solomon is here. The men of Nineve will rise up with this genwill rise
will leave
32
it is
who
of this generation at the judgement,
them without excuse;
for she
Matthew xii. 38; see note on Matthew See note on Matthew xii. 46. vv. 31-32. I Paralip. ix. i, Jonas i. 17. vv. 24-^2.
V. 28.
[143]
xii.
43.
LUKE
eration at the judgement,
than Jonas
Nobody
is
a bushel measure;
34
and 35
it
if
is
all
thy eye
it
without excuse; for they
it
is
it
away
Thy body
in.
clear, the
in darkness,
if
thy whole body
will all be
it
lit
up
as
light
its
will be
lit
lamp;
up;
when Take
will be in darkness.
which
is
may
its
has the eye for
whole of thy body
whole of thy body
then,
in a cellar or under
put on the lamp-stand, so that
care, then, that this principle of light
not darkness; of
lamp, and then puts it is
who come
diseased, the
good 36
will leave
here.
lights a
be seen by
and
Jonas preached to them, and behold, a greater
when
did penance
33
rebu\ed
Spiritual blindness; Pharisees
11
in thee
is
light,
no part
is
in the light, with
if
by a bright lamp enlight-
ening thee.
At to his
38
the time
when he
said this,
one of the Pharisees invited him
house for the mid-day meal; so he went in and
while
all
within
did not he
43
46
at
once
God
his tithe,
will,
and leave
on one
side justice
and the love of God; you do ill to forget one Woe upon you, you Pharisees, seats in the synagogues, and to have your hands
duty while you perform the other. first
woe upon
kissed in the market-place;
And
men walk
you, that are like hidden
over without knowing
it.
here one of the lawyers answered him; Master, he said, in
speaking thus thou art bringing us too into contempt.
Woe
upon you
too,
And
he
you lawyers, for loading men with packs
too heavy to be borne, packs that
48
you have, and
you, you Pharisees, that will award
it
said,
47
store
be of mint or rue or whatever herb you
Woe upon
tombs which 45
at
running with avarice and wickedness. Fools, the outward part make the inward too?
is
though
for loving the
44
down
who made
Nay, you should give alms out of the all that is yours becomes clean. 42
sat
meanwhile was inwardly surmising, why he had not washed before his meal. And the Lord said to him, You Pharisees are content to cleanse the outward part of cup and dish, the Pharisee
table;
Woe upon
you yourselves
will not
touch
up the tombs of the prophets, the same prophets who were murdered by your fathers; sure witness that you approve what your fathers did, since you
with one finger.
vv. 39-32.
Matthew
you, for building
xxiii. 4.
[•44]
Blood of the Prophets; Courage 49
of
50
men
build tombs for the
God warns
you,
I
LUKE
in Persecution
they murdered.
will send
my
Whereupon
prophets and
them, and there will be some they will
kill
the
my
since the beginning of the world,
blood of Zacharias, temple; yes, 52
it.
Woe
who was
and persecute;
from the blood
killed
wisdom
aposdes to
will be answerable for all the blood of prophets that has 51
between the
12
so they
been shed
of Abel to the altar
and the
you, this generation will be held answerable for
I tell
upon you, you
lawyers, for taking
away with you
the key
of knowledge; you have neither entered yourselves, nor let others
enter
53
54
when
they would.
As he said all this to them, the scribes and Pharisees resolved to hunt him down mercilessly and to browbeat him with a multitude of questions. Thus they lay in wait for him, hoping to catch some word from his lips which would give them ground of accusation against him.
CHAPTER TWELVE
AND NOW GREAT multitudes had gathered round him, so that they his .
trod one another
disciples;
down; and he addressed himself
Have nothing
2
said, it
3
hidden will
is all
hypocrisy. all
to
What
be known;
be repeated in the light of 4
5
is
veiled will aU be revealed,
the body,
and
my
friends.
after that
what
is
what you have said in darkness, will day, what you have whispered in secret
chambers, will be proclaimed on the house-tops.
you who are
first to
do with the leaven of the Pharisees, he
Do
And I say this to who can kill teU you who it is
not be afraid of those
can do no more.
I
will
him who has power not only to kill but to cast 6 a man into hell; him you must fear indeed. Are not sparrows sold five for two pence? And yet no one of them is forgotten in God's 7 sight. As for you, he takes every hair of your head into his reckoning; do not be afraid, then; you count for more than a host of you must
V. 5/.
fear; fear
See note on Matthew
vv. 1-12.
Matthew
xxiii. 35.
x. 26.
[45]
LUKE 8
9
will
who
he
Son of
13
14 15
Man
me before men, will be disowned no one who speaks a word against forgiveness; there will be no forgive-
is
Man but may find man who blasphemes
Holy
against the
do not consider anxiously what you are to
say,
what
de-
make or how to make it; the Holy Spirit will instruct you when the time comes, what words to use. One of the multitude said to him. Master, bid my brother give me a share of our inheritance. And he answered. Why, man, who has appointed me a judge to make awards between you? Then
fence to
ousness.
A
man's
And
than he needs.
17
whose lands yielded
18
What am said.
This
he told them a parable.
is
what
I
no room
will do;
greater ones, and there
I
shall
to store
be able to store
and then
the goods that are mine;
my
I
all
covet-
man
a rich his
barns,
mind,
Then he
crops in?
down my
will pull
I
all
possessions
and he debated in
a heavy crop:
to do, with
I
more There was
does not consist in having
life
16
and build
my harvest and all my soul. Come,
will say to
many years to come; make merry. And God said,
thou hast goods in plenty laid up for
soul,
20
When
Spirit.
before synagogues, and magistrates, and
trial
he said to them. Look well and keep yourselves clear of
19
before
in the presence of
disowns
ness for the
officers,
me
whoever acknowledges
this;
There
before God's angels.
they bring you to
12
you
I tell
rich Fool; Trust in Providence
be acknowledged by the Son of
God's angels;
the 11
And
sparrows.
men,
10
The
12
take thy rest now, eat, drink, and
Thou
fool, this
now
night thou must render up thy soul; and
thou hast laid by?
Thus
who
will
man
with the
21
be master
22
who lays up treasure for himself, and has no credit with God. Then he said to his disciples, I say to you, then, do not fret over your life, how to support it with food, over your body, how to
23
keep
24
clothing;
it
of
clothed. see
all
Life
how
is
a greater gift
storehouse nor barn, and yet
God
excellence far
beyond
theirs?
26
add a
growth
to his height?
27
cubit's
do so small
how
the
of you, for
And
if
you
all
his fretting,
are powerless to
why do you
fret
about your other needs ?
grow; they do not
toil,
or spin, and yet
a thing,
lilies
or reap, have neither
feeds them; have you not an
Can any
25
than food, the body than
sow
the ravens never
it is
even Solomon in
all
his glory
V. 10. See nete on Matthew vv 22-11. Matthew vi. 25.
was not arrayed
xii. 32.
[146]
like
I tell
See
you
one of
that
these.
LUKE
Watchfulness 28
God, then,
I£
and
so clothes the grasses
will feed the
29
to clothe you,
30
what you
men
for the heathen
31
knows
fields
much more
ready
You
of litde faith ?
world
busy
to
kingdom
it is
over such things; your Father
itself
God, and
of
should not be asking, then,
and living in suspense of mind;
No, make
well that you need them.
find the
which Hve to-day in the
oven to-morrow, will he not be
are to eat or drink,
12
it
your
care to
first
these things shall be yours with-
all
out the asking.
Do
32 33
my
not be afraid, you,
mined
you
alms, so
flock.
little
kingdom.
his
35
is,
36
burning,
there your heart
turn from a wedding
37
Your
too.
is
and you yourselves
may open
alert.
Be sure
what time 40
of this;
if
to
him
re-
once
at
Blessed are those servants,
sit
down
I
promise
and
to meat,
in the second quarter of the
night or in the third, blessed are those servants 39
and your lamps
girt,
awaiting their master's
make them
Whether he comes
minister to them.
where no
treasure-house
watching when he comes;
you, he will gird himself, and 38
they
at the door.
their master will find
in heaven,
must be
men
feast, so that
when he comes and knocks
whom
loins
like
up
Where your
comes near, no moth consumes.
thief
deter-
Sell
holes in, an inexhaustible treasure laid
34
Your Father has
what you have, and give providing yourselves with a purse that time cannot wear
to give
he finds them
if
had known
the master of the house
at
was coming, he would have kept watch, and
the thief
You
not allowed his house to be broken open. stand ready; the Son of
Man
will
come
at
must
too, then,
an hour
when you
are
not expecting him.
Hereupon Peter
41
42
to us, or to all
faithful
said to him, Lord, dost thou address this parable
men?
And
the
and wise steward, one
Lord answered. Who, then,
whom
them
the care of the household, to give 43
the appointed
44
this
45
of
when
all his
his lord
goods.
comes;
But
long in coming, and 46
Blessed
time.''
if
I
and
will cut
vv. 39-46.
him
off,
Matthew
their
that servant
a
allowance of food at
who
is
found doing
that servant says in his heart,
falls to
is
with
promise you, he will give him charge
beating the
and drinking himself drunk; nothing, at an hour
is
his master will entrust
when he
men and
then on some day is
all
and assign him
xxiv. 43.
[147I
unaware,
My
lord
when he
expects
his lord will
his portion
is
the maids, eating
come,
with the unfaith-
LUKE 47
Yet
ful.
make 48
Be wise
12
who knew
the servant
is
it
ready for him, or do his
and did not
his Lord's will,
will, that will
have
in time
many
strokes of
who did not know of it, yet earned a beating, will few. Much will be asked of the man to whom much
he
the lash;
have only a
has been given; more will be expected of him, because he was entrusted with more.
49 50
baptism 51
that
It is fire
better wish can
for
its
have come
I I
to spread over the earth,
have than that
it
and what
There
should be kindled?
must needs be baptized with, and how impatient
I
Do
accomplishment!
you think that
peace on the earth? No, believe me,
Henceforward
52
sion.
53
ance, three against
five in the
two and two against
to
will be
I
bring dissen-
found
at vari-
the father will be
three;
with his son, and the son with
at variance
a
have come to bring
I
have come
I
same house
is
am
mother
his father, the
and the daughter against her mother, the
against her daughter,
mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
54
And
he said to the multitudes,
When
of the west, you say at once, There
55
when you
56
hot,
57
live in?
58
right decision ?
find the south-west
and so
it is.
Poor
pret the face of land
fools,
is
you find a cloud
rain coming,
wind blowing, you
and
it
you know well enough how
and sky; can you not interpret the times you
one has
a
to
make
to be quit of his claim; or
to his officer, this,
and the
the
claim against thee, and thou art going
into the presence of the judge,
59
be
to inter-
with him to the magistrate, then do thy utmost, while thou
on the road,
does;
say, It will
Does not your own experience teach you If
rising out so
it
may
and the judge
will
hand thee over
officer will cast thee into prison.
thou wilt find no discharge from
it
art still
be he will drag thee
Be sure
of
until thou hast paid the
last farthing.
vv. 51-53. vv. 54-56. V. 5-].
follows.
Matthew Matthew
x. 34.
xvi. 2.
to be a link between what went before and what the signs of their own times (our Lord's miracles, etc.), the
This verse seems
From
Tews can satisfy themselves that the kingdom of God is at hand. Let them, then, use the same prudence in spiritual, as they would use in worldly affairs. Let thern repent of their sins here and now, before punishment comes upon them, just as they would be anxious to settle out of court a law-suit which
was
likely to
go against them.
Cf.
Matthew
[148]
v. 25, 26.
LUKE
God's Patience; healing on the Sabbath
13
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
2
AT THIS VERY TIME there were some present that told him the story £\_ of those GaHleans, whose blood Pilate had shed in the midst of their sacrifices. And Jesus said in answer, Do you suppose, because this befell them, that these men were worse sinners than all
3
else in Galilee?
4
did,
the tower
in Siloe,
fell
it is
perish as they did,
And
this
was
for fruit
on
them; do you suppose that there
if
I
you
tell
now,
I
it
9
10
whereupon he to
dung round it
There was
perhaps
it;
down
who
will all
it
I
man
that
had
said to his vine-
look for fruit on this
and cannot find any. Cut
stand this year too, so that
to cut
you
when he came and looked
be a useless charge upon the land?
let it
so;
he told them; There was a
have been coming
tree for three years,
was not
it
you do not repent.
a parable
he could find none;
it,
dresser, See
8
men on whom
killed
and
a fig-tree planted in his vineyard, but
7
perish as they
all
of those eighteen
then dwelt at Jerusalem?
6
not so; you will
What
a heavier account against them, than against any others
was 5
you
I tell
you do not repent.
if
But he answered
may have
will bear fruit;
fig-
down; why should
it
thus, Sir,
time to dig and put
if
not,
it
will be time
then.
day on which he was preaching in one of
a sabbath
12
there was a woman who for eighteen had suffered under some influence that disabled her; she was bent down, and could not lift her head straight. Jesus saw her
13
ity.
14
raised upright,
11
synagogues.
their
Here
years
and
called her to
Then he
him;
Woman,
laid his
he
said,
thou
art rid of
thy infirm-
hands on
her,
and immediately she was
praise to
God.
But the ruler of the syna-
and gave
gogue, indignant that Jesus should heal them on the sabbath day,
turned and said to the multitude,
work 15
is
on the sabbath. hypocrites, ass
16
is
from the
bath?
You have
six
days on which
come and be healed on those days, not Lord gave him this answer, What, you
allowed; you should
And
And
the
there any one of you that will not untie his ox or his stall
here
and take them down is
this
to water,
daughter of Abraham,
kept bound these eighteen years past; was
C149]
it
when
it is
whom
wrong
the sab-
Satan had
that she should
LUKE 17
Parables;
13
On
repenting too late
be delivered on the sabbath day from bonds hke these?
shame by
adversaries were put to
saying of
this
his,
All his
and the whole
multitude rejoiced over the marvellous works he did. 18
19
He
What
said,
is
there that bears a likeness to the
heaven; what comparison shall
man
mustard
seed, that a
where
has thriven and
it
20
have come and
21
comparison
shall
enough
of meal,
And
23
making
I
25
there are
to
is it
many who
will fall to beating
Lord open you, nor
We
ing,
27
to us.
cities
and
29
away
30
31
and
at the
villages teaching,
and
man
that
33
?
a
Whereupon
narrow door;
I tell
you,
When
and has shut the door, you
in
you stand without, and saying,
as
Thereupon you
will say,
you,
I tell
shall
ham and
Isaac
I
I
know
nothing of
will fall to protest-
know nothing
be there, and gnashing of teeth,
and Jacob and
dom, while you yourselves
all
are cast out.
kingdom
and
shall
of
then be
was on
God. first,
And
indeed, there are
some who
that day that
when you
see
Abra-
Others will come from
and the west, the north and the south,
the
of you,
traffic in iniquity.
the prophets within God's king-
are
some of
first,
and
to take their ease in
some who shall
the Pharisees
are last,
then be
came
last.
him and mind to kill to
Go elsewhere, and leave this place; Herod has a And he said to them. Go and tell that fox, Behold, to-day and to-morrow I am to continue casting out devils, and doing works of healing; it is on the third day that I am to reach my consummation. But to-day and to-morrow and the next day I must go on my said.
32
like
measures
in three
There was
be his answer,
this will
But he
Weeping
It
is
have eaten and drunk in thy presence; thou hast taught
in our streets.
the east
What
It
will not be able to enter.
gone
on the door
whence you come.
the birds
all
of heaven?
nor whence you come; depart from me, you that 28
and
again, he said.
only a few that are to be saved
will try
But
of
grain of
whole batch.
Fight your way in
them:
the master of the house has
26
kingdom
has taken and buried
to leaven the
said to him, Lord,
he said
And
journey towards Jerusalem.
his
24
into a great tree,
branches.
its
he went through the
so
kingdom
It is like a
has taken and planted in his garden,
grown
find for the
woman
leaven, that a
22
settled in
find for it?
I
thee.
vv. 18—21.
Matthew
xiii.
31,
Mark
iv. 30.
[150]
34
Fate of Jerusalem;
On Humility
journeys; there
no room
at
is
Jerusalem.
LUKE
for a prophet to
Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
is left
me
nothing of Blessed
is
house uninhabited.
to you, a
name
I
Behold, your
it!
you, you shall see
tell
when you
until the time comes,
he that comes in the
I
often have
hen gathers her
as a
brood under her wings, and thou didst refuse house
how
to thee,
been ready to gather thy children together, 35
14
his death, except
murdering the prophets,
still
and stoning the messengers that are sent
meet
will be saying,
of the Lord.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN THERE WAS
A sabbath day, on which he was asked to take a meal
with one of the chief Pharisees, and 2
they were watching him.
3
man who had
4
openly.
Is
who
how 8
had
10
he turned on them, and
To
any
If so, his
Make room
for this
12
said. Is there
as they
did
any one of you
ox immediately,
this they
could
who were
host and thine will
man; and
if it falls
make no
answer.
into
He
invited, as he observed
who
in thy
all.
straight to the lowest place
invited thee comes
this;
and then honour
in,
When
when thou down there;
Rather,
art
sum-
and
so,
when
he will
who
and he that humbles himself to his host.
say to thee.
sit
say.
My
friend,
go higher
shall be thine before all that
Everyone
company.
come and
so thou wilt find thyself taking,
with a blush, the lowest place of
moned, go
11
Then,
man invites thee to a wedding, do not sit down in the he may have invited some guest whose rank is greater
than thine.
than
sight of a
and Pharisees
they chose the chief places for themselves; he said to them:
When
he
was met by the
by the hand, and sent him away
a parable for the guests
chief place;
9
man
will not pull out his ass or his
0,7 a pit on the sabbath.'' also
he went into the house,
as
healing allowed on the sabbath day?
And
healed.
his eye
Jesus asked the lawyers
the dropsy.
not answer, he took the 5
Here
exalts himself shall
shall
be exalted.
He
sit
down
be humbled,
said,
moreover,
thou givest a dinner or a supper, do not ask thy
neighbours to come, or thy brethren, or thy kindred, or thy friends
who
are rich;
it
may
be they will send thee invitations in return,
[151]
LUKE 13
and
The
14
so thou wilt be
recompensed for thy pains.
men
givest hospitality, invite poor
14
the blind
win
so thou shalt
:
great Supper; counting the Cost
16
Hearing
man who him
17
thus.
many
this,
all
own
And
20
to
21
The
servant
host
fell
I
it;
have bought of them;
trial
other said,
and lanes of the
and the lame.
And when to thy
Go
there
is
way
rny
come
who were
taste of
my
you, none of those
I tell
the
left still,
the
out into the highways and the hedge-
rows, and give them no choice but to filled.
the
has been
Sir, all
room
may
be
And
am on
me excused. And anI am unable to come.
the servant told him.
command, but
master said to the servant,
in, that so
my
house
invited shall
first
supper.
Great multitudes bore him company on his way; to these he
25
turned, and said: father yes,
after
and
my
me.
man comes
any
life too,
to
me, without hating
he takes up
Consider, first sit
if
he
7^
)
it
3
i
to build,
vv. 16-24.
A
to
it?
Is
he
and follows
to build a tower,
to lay the foundation,
if
and
a
all who see man who began
if
a king
complete the work, so that saying.
Here
finish his building?
similar parable
cross,
count the cost that must be paid,
mocking him and
and could not
own
one of you has a mind
down and
then find himself unable will fall to
his
his
sisters,
A man
he can be no disciple of mine.
disciple unless
have enough to finish
2)
to
own
his
does he not is
If
and mother and wife and children and brethren and
cannot be 23
I
must
I
bring in the poor, the cripples, the blind
city;
done according
27
and
five pair of oxen,
and
excused.
came back and told his master all this, whereupon into a rage, and said to his servant. Quick, go out into
22
26
me
pray thee, count
I
have married a wife, and so
I
began mak-
said to him,
first
pray thee, count
I
23
24
the
is
But he answered
God.
of them, with one accord,
all
have bought a farm, the
I
another said,
streets
of
servants telling the invited guests to come, for
needs go and look over
make
him, Blessed
his fellow-guests said to
kingdom
thee
man that gave a great supper, and sent out And when the time came for his supper, he
was now ready.
ing excuses. 19
make
just rise again.
There was a
invitations.
sent one of his 18
one of
shall feast in the
cripples, the lame,
a blessing, for these cannot
any return; thy reward will come when the 15
when thou
Rather,
come, the
to
is
found
[152]
in
Matthew
is
Or
xxii. 2.
is
setting
The
lost
Sheep; the
lost
LUKE
Coin
out to join battle with another king, does he not
whether with
deliberate,
onset of one
32
the other
who
ditions of peace.
34
disciple
good thing; but to give taste to
heap; CO
it
And
so
is
it
if
the salt It is
it.''
all
that he possesses.
becomes
no use
of
he cannot, then, while
with you; none of you can be
itself
thrown away
will be
If
he despatches envoys to ask for con-
he does not take leave of
if
down and
first sit
of ten thousand he can meet the
has twenty thousand ?
at a distance,
is still
33
33
army
his
15
tasteless,
what
Salt
my is
a
there left
is
either to the soil or to the dung-
altogether. Listen,
you that have
ears
hear with.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
WHEN THEY FOUND him,
listen to
Here 3,
the publicans
and
and sinners coming to scribes
were indignant;
said, that entertains sinners,
Whereupon he
4 them. a
man, they
a
is
all
the Pharisees
them
told
hundred sheep, and has
lost
this parable
If
:
and
eats
with
any of you owns
one of them, does he not leave the
other ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which
he finds
5
lost until
6
shoulders, rejoicing, his
7
And when
it?
he does find
and so goes home, and
it,
he
sets
it
calls his friends
neighbours together; Rejoice with me, he says to them,
found
my
sheep that was
more
will be
So
lost.
it is, I tell
rejoicing over one sinner
is
on his
I
and have
you, in heaven; there
who
repents, than over
ninety-nine souls that are justified, and have no need of repentance. 8
Or
if
some woman has
ten silver pieces by her, and has lost one of
them, does she not light a lamp, and sweep the house, and search 9
And when
carefully until she finds it?
she does find
it,
she calls
her friends and her neighbours together; Rejoice with me, she says, 10
I
have found the
the angels of
silver piece
God;
there
is
which joy
I lost.
So
among them
it is, I tell
you, with
over one sinner that
repents. 1,
12
Then he Vf. j-7.
said,
There was
Matthew
a certain
xviii. 12.
[153]
man who had two
sons.
And
LUKE
The prodigal Son
15
the younger of these said to his father, Father, give of the estate
which
falls to
Not many days
me. So he divided
them.
14
wasted his fortune in riotous
and went on
that he had,
Then, when
living.
whereupon he went and attached himself
16
try,
glad to
his belly
fill
was
spent, a in
He would
them
to
Then he came
him.
coun-
have been
with husks, such as the swine used to
to give
want;
to a citizen of that
put him on his farm, to feed swine.
none was ready
all
and he found himself
15
17
between
where he
his travels to a far country,
great famine arose in that country,
who
that portion
afterwards, the younger son put together
13
all
me
his property
eat; but
to himself,
and said. How many hired servants there are in my father's house, who have more bread than they can eat, and here am I perishing 18
with hunger!
19
Father,
I
I
will arise
and go
my
to
me
worthy, now, to be called thy son; treat 20
servants.
and say
father,
have sinned against heaven, and before thee;
And
while he was
he arose, and went on
still
way
long
a
off, his
on him; running up, he threw
And when
21
him.
22
and before thee;
way
I
to
him,
am
not
one of thy hired
as
to his father. But,
saw him, and took
arms round
his
the son said. Father,
am
his
father
I
his
pity
neck and kissed
have sinned against heaven
not worthy, now, to be called thy son,
the
father gave orders to his servants, Bring out the best robe,
and
put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his
feet.
him
clothe
in
I
it;
23
Then
24
eat,
and make merry;
life
again,
25
making.
on
bring out the calf that has been fattened, and
his
was
lost,
for
and
is
my
kill it; let
us
son here was dead, and has CA>me to
And
found.
so they
began
their merry-
The elder son, meanwhile, was away on the farm; and way home, as he drew near the house, he heard music and whereupon he
one of the servants and asked what
26
dancing;
27
come back, and thy him restored safe and sound. At this he fell into a rage, and would not go in. When his father came out and tried to win him over, he answered all this
meant.
He
called
told him,
Thy
brother has
father has killed the fattened calf, glad to have
28
29
his father thus.
Think how many
years
I
have Hved
as thy servant,
never transgressing thy commands, and thou hast never 30
present of a kid, to this
make merry with my
friends;
made me
a
and now, when
son of thine has come home, one that has swallowed up his
patrimony in the company of
harlots,
C154]
thou hast killed the fattened
The
LUKE
dishonest Steward
31
calf in his
32
side,
He
honour.
merry-making and
have
J
come
son, thou art always at
but for
already thine;
is
my this
was good reason; thy brother
rejoicing there
here was dead, and has
My
said to him,
and everything that
16
was
to Hfe again;
lost,
and
found.
is
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
AND L
HE
SAID CO his disciples,
2
wasted his goods.
3
ship, for
What
is
this that
I
4
I
to
5
man
that
had a
sent for him,
and
said to
my
At
steward any longer.
What am
I
to do,
me?
stewardship away from
stewardship.
Then he summoned How much
to the first,
6
A hundred firkins
7
quick,
I
now
that
my
this,
the
master
is
have no strength to dig;
of
oil,
his master's debtors
sit
this
one by one;
my
he said; and he told him, Here
down and write it And thou, how much dost
And
that thou owest
is it
Then he
as fifty.
A
thou owe?
wheat, he said; and he told him. Here
knavish steward was
is
thy
is
master.?
thy
world are more prudent
hundred quarters of bill,
commended by
And my
after their
own
bill;
said to a second.
write his
it
as eighty.
master for his
prudence in what he had done; for indeed, the children of
9
had him.
would be ashamed to beg for alms. I see what I must do, so as be welcomed into men's houses when I am dismissed from my
and he said
8
rich
that this steward
hear of thee? Give an account of thy steward-
thou canst not be
my
him
to
Whereupon he
steward said to himself, taking
There was a
came
steward, and a report
this
fashion than the children
make use of your base when you leave it behind, will welcome you into eternal habitations. He who is trustworthy over a little sum is trustworthy over a greater; he who plays false of the light.
counsel to you
is,
wealth to win yourselves friends, who,
10
11
over a httle sum, plays false over a greater;
if
you, then, could not
we should do while we have still time for it The steward was prudent in making himself friends before the audit of his accounts, while he had still money to do it; so we must give alms while life still lasts. It is doubtful whether we are meant to interpret the parable more closely than this. f/z/.
i-g.
service to
The chief lesson of God by giving alms
this
parable seems to be that
to the poor,
[155}
LUKE
God
16
or
Money; Dives and Lazarus
who
be trusted to use the base riches you had, 12
Who
riches in your keeping? if
employment
servant can be in the
either he will hate the
of
15
16
two masters
at once;
one and love the other, or he will devote
You must
himself to the one and despise the other.
money; you cannot 14
will put the true
you property of your own,
you could not be trusted with what was only lent you?
No
13
will give
God
serve
or
serve both.
who were fond of riches, heard all this, and And he said to them. You are always courting the approval of men, but God sees your hearts; what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in God's sight. The law The
Pharisees,
poured scorn on him.
and the prophets
lasted until John's time; since that time,
17
kingdom of heaven that has its their way into it. And yet it is
18
appear than for one line of the law to perish.
away
his wife
There was
19
20
and
21
Lazarus,
easier for
and marries another
a rich
man
who
Every
lay at his gate, covered
the
it is
will, press
to dis-
man who puts is
an
has been put away.
And
could be fed with the crumbs which
who
heaven and earth
was clothed
once, that
feasted sumptuously every day.
all
an adulterer, and he too
is
woman who
adulterer, that marries a
and
preachers,
there
with
fell
in purple
and lawn,
was a beggar,
from the
called
wishing that he
sores,
rich
man's
table,
but none was ready to give them to him; the very dogs came and 22
licked his sores.
Time went
on; the beggar died, and was carried
by the angels to Abraham's bosom; the rich 23
found
and saw Abraham
his eyes,
24
25
And
he
said,
with a loud
far
cry.
man
died too, and
he
there, in his suffering, ofiF,
and Lazarus in
up
lifted
bosom.
his
Father Abraham, take pity on me;
send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool
my
My
son,
tongue;
I
remember
am
tormented in
torment.
And,
less, his ill
besides
27
crossing over to us
28
I
The
is
good fortune
there
is
he
is
my own
in thy life-time,
a great gulf fixed side of said.
father's house;
Greek manuscripts include the words the sentence which follows.
[156]
said,
in comfort, thou in
Whereupon he
best
sentence, but in
now
no passing from our
from yours.
pray thee send him to V. 22.
fortune;
all this,
us and you, so that there
But Abraham
this flame.
that thou didst receive thy
and Lazarus, no 26
And
his grave in hell.
it
between
to you,
Then,
for
I
'in hell'
no
father,
have
five
not in this
On
LUKE
Offences; on Faith; on Humility
brethren;
him
let
may not come, Abraham said to him, them listen to these. They
give these a warning, so that they
29
in their turn, into this place of suffering.
30
They have Moses and w^ill
31
him,
the prophets;
let
not do that, father Abraham, said he; but
comes
them from
to
17
if
a
messenger
But he answered
the dead, they will repent.
they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will be
If
unbelieving
though one should
still,
rise
from the dead.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN A ND HE SAID to his disciples,
It
impossible that hurt should
is
2
jfX. never be done to men's consciences; but woe betide the man who is the cause of it. Better for him to have had a mill-stone tied
3
conscience of one of these litde ones.
4
he
about his neck, and to be
selves. is
As
for thy brother,
sorry for
cast into the sea,
if
he
forgive him;
it,
is
in
nay,
than to have hurt the
Keep good watch over yourfault, tax him with it, and if if he does thee wrong seven
times in the day, and seven times in the day comes back to thee and says, I
5,6
The Lord seed,
am
thou shalt forgive him.
sorry,
apostles said to the Lord,
said, If
you had
you might say
7
If
to this
and
thyself in the sea,
it
Give us more
though
faith,
mulberry
it
were
tree.
And
faith.
as a grain of
Uproot
thyself
the
mustard
and plant
would obey you.
any one of you had a servant following the plough, or the
sheep,
would he
when he came back from the farm, Would he not say to him, Prepare my
say to him,
8
Go and
9
drink; thou shalt eat and drink thyself afterwards?
once?
fall to at
supper, and then gird thyself and wait
upon me while I eat and Does he hold
himself bound in gratitude to such a servant, for obeying his com10
mands?
I
do not think
you have done servants, 11
12
A
all
that
and worthless;
time came
it
of
him; and you, in the same way, when
was commanded you, it
was our duty
when he was on
his
passing between Samaria and Galilee; village, ten
men
that
to
are to say.
We
are
do what we have done.
way and
to Jerusalem, as
and was
he was going into a
were lepers came towards him; they stood
[157]
LUKE
The
17
ten Lepers;
End
He
met
to the priests;
and
crying aloud, Jesus, Master, have pity on us.
13, 14 far o£F,
Go
them with the words,
and shew yourselves
made
15
thereupon, as they went, they were
16
finding that he was cured,
came back,
threw himself
at Jesus' feet
with
17
him; and
was
18
made clean? And the other come back to give God the
19
Suddenness of the
this
One of them, God aloud, and
clean.
praising
his face to the
ground,
to
thank
Were not all they? Not one
Jesus answered,
a Samaritan.
where are
nine,
ten
has
And
praise, except this stranger.
he
him, Arise and go on thy way, thy faith has brought thee
said to
recovery.
Upon
20
was
being asked by the Pharisees,
when the kingdom of God God comes unwatched
come, he answered, The kingdom of
to
21
by men's eyes;
22
there; the
he
disciples
no saying.
there will be
kingdom
of
The
said,
God
is
See,
when you
time will come
but for a day, the Son of Man's presence, and
Men
it is
will be saying to you. See, he
23
you.
24
do not turn aside and follow them;
is
it
here, or See,
And
here, within you.
to his
long to enjoy,
will
will not be granted
here, or See, he
the
it is
own
is
there;
Son of Man, when
his
time comes, will be like the lightning which lightens from one 25
border of heaven to the other.
26
many when
27
sufferings,
the
Noe;
and be
Son of
they
ate,
riage, until the
Man
But before
that,
he must undergo
rejected by this generation.
comes,
all
will be as
it
was
they drank, they married and were given in mar-
day
when Noe went
came and destroyed them
29
but on the day
30
brimstone came from heaven and destroyed them
31
will be, in the day if
a
not 32
ate,
man
all.
So
it
and the flood
into the ark,
28
they
In the days
in the days of
was, too, in the days of Lot;
they drank, they bought and sold, they planted and built;
is
when Lot went when
the
to take
Man
Son of
on the house-top and
come down
out of Sodom, a rain of
his
is
all.
revealed.
he too must beware of turning back.
if
a
man
Remember
is
and so
it
In that day,
goods are in the house,
them with him; and
fire
And let
him
in the fields,
Lot's wife.
The
"Within you'; the Greek might also mean, 'among you'. think this means, that in the time of persecution the Apostles will sigh for the glories of heaven; others, that they will look back with regret to the days when their Master was on earth. vv. 23-37. Much of what is said here is found also in Matthew xxiv, and V. 21. V. 22.
in
Mark
Some
xiii.
ri58]
The
LUKE
unjust Judge; the Pharisee and the Publican
33
man who
34
loses
it
men
are sleeping in one bed, one will be taken
tries to
35
where two
36
other
37
them,
women Then
left.
It is
own
save his
that will keep
safe.
it
Hfe will lose
man who
the
it; it is
you, on that night, where
I tell
18
and the other
two left;
are grinding together, one will be taken
and the
And
he told
they answered him. Where, Lord
where the body
lies
?
that the eagles will gather.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
AND HE TOLD them a parable, once, he said, in
3
shewing them that they ought
pray continually, and never be discouraged.
.
which
lived a judge
who had no
and there was a widow in
regard for man;
him and
me
come
before
4
me.
For a time he refused; but then he
5
God I
say,
Give
6
visits.
7
and
Lord
Listen, the
tell
me,
will not
said, to the
God
who used to who wrongs
said to himself. Fear of
but
wear
will give her redress, or she will
to
a city
God, no
fear of
this city
redress against one
have none, nor regard for man,
I
There was
this
widow
me down
words
wearies me;
with her
at last
of the unjust judge,
give redress to his
when
elect,
they are
crying out to him, day and night? Will he not be impatient with 8
wrongs?
their
But
ah,
when
I tell
the
you, he will give
Son of
Man
them
redress with
comes, will he find faith
speed.
all
left
on the
earth ?
9
There were some who had confidence they had
10
world;
up 11
won
to
them he addressed
The
heart, steal
I
was a Pharisee, the other
made
Pharisee stood upright, and
thank
thee,
God,
that
I
am
12
for myself,
And
14
ful to
I
week,
fast twice in the
the publican stood far off; he
I
I
am
a sinner.
I
tell
give tithes of
all
would not even said,
that
lift
who
I
up
possess. his eyes
God, be merci-
man went everyone who
you, this
higher in God's favour than the other;
[159]
prayer in his
this
like this publican here;
towards heaven; he only beat his breast, and
me;
went
a publi-
not like the rest of men,
and cheat and commit adultery, or
13
Two men
other parable:
this
into the temple to pray; one
can.
in themselves, thinking
acceptance with God, and despised the rest of the
back exalts
home him-
LUKE
The Children;
18
man who humbles
be humbled, and the
self will
young Man
the rich
himself will be
exalted.
15 JO
Then
they brought
The
them.
disciples
and
called the children to him,
God
man who
I tell
you
18
God
like a little child, will never enter into
who
rulers asked him. Master,
eternal life?
20
None
good, except
is
Thou
ments.
shalt
Thou
shalt not steal,
21
father
and thy mother.
Why
22
grew up.
When
wanting;
all these,
that, Jesus said.
that belongs to thee,
he
The answer
23
follow me. rich;
25
culty will those
and
for a
26
the
him with
of
he
is
rich.
commandthy
to the poor;
it
come back and
sadness, for he
eye,
adultery,
Honour
said.
was very
With what
have riches enter God's kingdom!
God when
good?
In one thing thou art
and give
mournful look,
camel to pass through a needle's
kingdom
those
27
filled
Jesus, seeing his
who
the
win
to
me
said, ever since I
so the treasure thou hast shall be in heaven; then
24
do
I
commit
shalt not bear false witness.
he heard
sell all
shalt not
of
one of the
dost thou call
Thou knowest
only.
have kept
I
And
it.
good, what must
art so
do no murder. Thou
Thou
still
God
kingdom
does not accept the
Jesus said to him,
touch
to
but Jesus
it:
belongs to such as these.
17
19
for
Let them be, do not keep them
said.
back from me; the kingdom of truthfully, the
him
children to him, asking
little
saw them and rebuked them
than for a
diffi-
It is easier
man
to enter
But when he was asked by
who were listening to him. Why then, who can be saved? What is impossible to man's powers is possible tc
he told them,
God. 28
Hereupon
Peter said.
And what
of us?
29
was
30
or wife, or children for the sake of the
ours,
fully,
and followed
everyone
who
thee.
world
to
forsaken I tell
all
you
that
truth-
has forsaken home, or parents, or brethren,
receive in this present world,
31
we have
Jesus said to them,
come, everlasting
many
kingdom
of
God,
will
times their worth, and in the
life.
Then he took the twelve apostles aside, and warned them. Now we are going up to Jerusalem, and all that has been written by the vv. 1^-30.
Matthew
xix. 13,
Mark
x.
13.
Ex. XX. 12. 22. See note on
V. 20. V.
iT. 31-33.
Matthew xix. 21. Matthew xx. 17, Mark x.
32.
[160]
The 32
Passion foretold; the blind
prophets about the Son of
LUKE
Man
Man
is
to be
He
accomphshed.
19
will be
given up to the Gentiles, and mocked, and insulted, and spat upon; 33
they will scourge him, and then they will
34
day he will
meaning was hidden from them, what he
36
him; but on the third of
all this;
his
so that they could not understand
said.
When
35
kill
They could make nothing
rise again.
he came near Jericho, there was a blind
And
by the way side begging.
man
sitting there
he, hearing a multitude passing by,
37
asked what
38
39
was going past. Whereupon he cried out, Jesus, son of David, have pity on me. Those who were in front rebuked him, and told
him
to
40
pity
on me.
be
meant;
it
so they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth
but he cried out
silent,
Then
all
Jesus stopped,
should be brought to him; and 41
What
42
back
43
brought thee recovery.
when he came
close,
wouldst thou have m.e do for thee? Lord, he
my
sight.
God
that the
man
he asked him, said, give
me
Jesus said to him. Receive thy sight; thy faith has
And
at
once the
and followed him, glorifying God; £0
the more. Son of David, have
and gave orders
at seeing
all
man
recovered his sight,
the people, too, gave praise
it.
CHAPTER NINETEEN 2
TJE
3
jn.
4
multitude, being a
5
he must needs pass that way.
HAD ENTERED a rich
Jcricho,
man named
to distinguish
which was
man
and climbed up into
6
a
and was passing through
it;
Zacchaeus, the chief publican, Jesus, but could not
of small stature.
sycamore
tree, to
do
and here
was trying
so because of the
So he ran on in front, catch sight of him, since
when he reached the place, looked up and saw him; Zacchaeus, he said, make haste and come down; I am to lodge to-day at thy house. And he came down with Jesus,
t'i'. ss-43. Matthew xx. 29, Mark x. 46. It would appear that St. Luke, in speaking of our Lord as drawing near Jericho, is only giving a vague indication of where the miracle took place, since the other Evangelists tell us that he met the blind man when he was leaving the city. It may be, however, that there is some confusion between the old city of Jericho, and that built by Herod the Great about two miles away.
[161I
LUKE 7
took 8
it
Zacchaeus; Parable of the Pounds
19
haste,
all
amiss;
He
But Zacchaeus stood upright and
a sinner.
and now. Lord,
9
Jesus turned to to this house;
of 11
Man
has
what
give half of
I
him and
he too
come
is
restitution of
listening,
if I
fourfold.
it
Abraham.
That
he went on and
is
what the Son
what was
them
told
lost.
a parable;
was because he had now nearly reached Jerusalem, and they told them, then.
away 13
have to the poor; and
I
make
is
Here
said to the Lord,
search out and to save
supposed that the kingdom of
He
I
all
it,
who
To-day, salvation has been brought
said.
a son of
for, to
While they stood this
12
they saw
has gone in to lodge, they said, with one
have wronged anyone in any way,
10
When
and gladly made him welcome.
and
There was
have the royal
to a distant country, to
And
so return.
he summoned ten of
gave ten pounds, and said 14
away.
15
after
But
him
wards,
to
his fellow-citizens
to say,
We
God was to appear immediately. a man of noble birth, who went bestowed on him,
whom he I am
them, Trade with this while
hated him, and sent ambassadors
will not have this
when he came back
title
his servants, to
as king,
man
for our king.
After-
he sent for the servants to
whom 16 17
he had entrusted the money, to find out how much each of them had gained by his use of it. The first came before him and And he said to him, said. Lord, thy pound has made ten pounds.
Well done,
my
true servant: since thou hast been faithful over a
thou shalt have authority over ten
The second
18
very
19
came and said, Lord, thy pound has made five pounds; and to him he said. Thou too shalt have authority, over five cities. Then another came and said, Lord, here is thy pound; I have kept it laid up in a handkerchief, I was afraid of thee, knowing how exacting a man thou art; thou dost claim what thou didst never venture,
20
21
22
little,
dost reap
what thou
false servant, I take est that I
23
Then he
thy judgement from thy
I
never sowed;
into the bank, so that
then I
why
Thou Thou knew-
said to him,
own
lips.
was an exacting man, claiming what
and reaping what
my money 24
didst never sow.
cities.
I
never ventured
didst thou not put
might have recovered
when I came? Then he gave orders to Take the pound away from him, and give it
those
by.
to
vv. i2-2y.
A
similar parable
is
found in Matthew xxv.
[162]
14.
it
with
who stood the man who
interest
LUKE
Palm Sunday 25
has ten pounds.
26
already.)
made 27
who
them
kill
his
my
in
this,
man
Go
The Lord
went on had
34
Why
35
has need of
told them.
are
is
is
will be
poor, even the
as for those
enemies of
you
it
Why
it.
colt?
And
it,
owners asked them,
its
colt to Jesus,
and bade Jesus mount.
their
strewed the road with their garments;
mount
Olivet, the
must be your
they said, Because the
37
the descent of
this
And
here.
standing there, just as he
colt
36
it,
it?
it
So the two he had appointed
it.
So they brought the
garments on
and bring
it
you untying
are
they were untying
you untying the
his
one
will find a colt tethered there,
has need of
As
he sent two of
called Olivet,
way, and found the
their
33
is rich, gifts
he
into the village that faces you, he told
has yet ridden; untie
anybody asks you.
answer.
But
if
to Jerusalem.
mountain which
on which no if
32
abound;
when he was approaching Bethphage and Bethany,
on an errand;
disciples
man
ever a
if
19
pounds
me for their king, bring them here and And when he had spoken thus, he went
presence.
them, and as you enter 31
you,
refused to have
close to the
30
I tell
his riches will
way, going up
After
29
said to him, Lord, he has ten
he has will be taken from him.
little
on
Nay, but him, and
to
mine, 28
(They
Lord
and spread out
As he went, they
and when he drew near
whole company of
his disciples
God for all the miracles they had seen. Blessed is the king, they said, who comes in the name of the Lord; peace on earth, and glory in heaven above. Some of the Pharisees who were among the multitude said to him, Master, rebuke thy
began rejoicing and praising 38 39
40
but he answered,
disciples;
I
tell
you,
if
they should keep silence,
the stones will cry out instead.
And
41
42
it,
and
as
day that 43
is,
is
Ah,
if
city,
he wept over
thou too couldst understand, above
all
in this
granted thee, the ways that can bring thee peace!
they are hidden
when 44
he drew near, and caught sight of the
said:
from thy
The
sight.
days will
As
come upon
it
thee
thy enemies will fence thee round about, and encircle thee,
and press thee hard on every
and bring down
side,
in ruin both
thee and thy children that are in thee, not leaving one stone of thee
upon another; and vv. 2g-^8.
Matthew
all
because thou didst not recognize the time of
xxi.
i,
Mark
xi,
[163}
i,
John
xii.
12.
LUKE
The Temple
20
45
my
46
ing out those
My
them. 47
den of
eager to to
do
who
house
is
sold a
scribes
because
and the leading
all
there;
It is
he taught in the temple
make away with him,
it,
into the temple,
and bought
and began
the people
daily.
men among
driv-
written, he told
house of prayer; and you have made
And
thieves.
and
priests
48
Then he went
visiting thee.
cleansed; a Question refused
it
into a
The
chief
the people were
but they could not find any means
hung upon
his words.
CHAPTER TWENTY NE DAY,
AS
o:
HE taught the people and preached to them in the and scribes, with the elders, came
'temple, the chief priests
2
up
3
doest these things,
and
said to him. Tell us.
swered them,
I
What
is
the authority by which thou
and who gave thee
this authority.?
too have a question to ask; you
must
Jesus an-
tell
me
this,
Whence did John's baptism come, from heaven or from men.? 5 Whereupon they cast about in their minds; If we tell him it was from heaven, they said, he will ask. Then why did you not believe 6 him ? And if we say it was from men, all the people will be ready 4
to stone us; they will have
it
7,8 swered that they could not
them,
which 9
And you I
that
John was
tell
whence
will not learn
from
it
a prophet.
came.
me what
is
So they an-
Jesus said to
the authority by
do these things.
And now he took occasion to tell the people this parable; There a man who planted a vineyard, and let it out to some vinedressers, while he went away to spend a long time abroad. And
was 10
when
the season came, he sent one of his servants on an errand to
the vine-dressers, bidding
11
Whereupon
them pay him
his share of the vineyard's
him away empty-handed. Then he sent another servant; and him too they sent away empty-handed, beating hiia first, and insulting him.
revenues.
vf. 4^-48.
Matthew
the vine-dressers beat him, and sent
xxi. 12,
Mark
xi. 15.
V. 46, Is. Ivi. 23, Jer. vii. 11.
vv. 1-8. pv. 9-19.
Matthew xxi. 23, Mark xi. 27. Matthew xxi. 33, Mark xii. 2.
[164]
The
unfaithful Vine-dressers;
12
Then he
13
others.
14
So the owner of the vineyard
will send
my
for him.
But the
16
17
vine-dressers,
pass into our hands. killed
heard
what
He
the
I
to
do?
I
on seeing him, debated thus among
come and make an end
will
God
his vineyard to others.
of those vine-dressers,
forbid, they said,
But he fastened his eyes on them, and
that. is
What am
And they thrust him out of the vineyard And now, what will the owner of the vineyard do
him.
them?
said,
the heir, let us kill him, so that his inheritance
is
and
and give
20
well-beloved son; perhaps they will have reverence
may to
LUKE
Caesar
and they drove him away wounded, Hke the
sent a third;
themselves; This 15
God and
meaning
of those
said.
when
they
Why
then,
words which have been written. The
very stone which the builders rejected has become the chief stone 18
at the
corner?
19
20
If
ever a
man
falls
upon him,
against that stone, he will break
him to powder. At this, the chief priests and scribes would gladly have laid hands on him there and then, but they were afraid of the people. They saw clearly that this parable of his was aimed at them. And so, his bones;
if it falls
watching for
will grind
it
their opportunity, they sent agents of their
pretended to be
men
own, who
of honest purpose, to fasten on his words;
then they would hand him over to the supreme authority of the 21
governor.
know no
These put a question
distinction
between
22
in all sincerity.
23
not?
24
thus put
And he, me to
Is it
Casear's,
he
26
Caesar's,
and
were
full of
crediting his
27 .28
man and man, but we should
aware of
it
to
Shew me
Why
God what
admiration
words
is
it?
And
of
God
them,
Why
Whose
When
do you hkeness,
they answered,
what
is
no more; they answer, finding no means of disthey said
in the eyes of the people.
Then he was approached with cees,
way
then, give back to Caesar
God's.
at his
we
pay tribute to Caesar, or
a silver piece.
bear inscribed on
told them,
teachest the
their malice, said to
?
said,
and thy teaching; thou makest
right that
the test
whose name does ^5
him; Master, they
to
that thou art direct in thy talk
men who deny
V. ly. Ps. cxvii. 22; cf.
a question by
the resurrection;
Rom.
ix. 33,
and
I
See note on Matthew xxi. 44. vv. 20-44. Matthew xxii. 15, Mark xii. 13. V. 28. Deut. XXV. 5. V. 18.
[165}
some
of the Saddu-
Master, they said, Moses
Pet.
ii.
7.
LUKE
Test Question answered
20
prescribed for us, If a issue, the
man
29
dren in the dead brother's name.
30
first
31
took her, and also died without
whom
of
the seven;
they
all
woman
34
all
35
are given in marriage;
herself died last of
which of
that other world,
37
them the
Lord
it
the
38
of Jacob.
39
for him, all
40
But
birth.
was wife
children of this world marry
but those
who
are found
worthy
to
and
to attain
and resurrection from the dead, take neither wife
God, now
are, children of
you of
told
The
and the
the dead rise
mortal no longer, they will be as the angels in
nor husband;
heaven
And now, when
all.
these will be her husband, since she
Jesus told them.
seven?
So the next
issue.
then the third, and so with
issue,
no children when they died,
left
32
36
dies without
There were seven brethren, the
married a wife, and died without
33
again,
who
has a married brother
surviving brother must marry the widow, and beget chil-
as for the
that the resurrection has given
dead rising again, Moses himse/f has
in the passage about the
God
It is
of
Abraham and
God
of Isaac and the
men, not of dead men,
of living
men
burning bush, where he
the
are alive.
At
this,
some of
that he
the
the scribes answered,
no one dared
Master, thou hast spoken well;
is
calls
God God
to try
him with
further questions.
Then he
41 is
43
Psalms,
44
I
said to
the son of
42
make
The Lord
said to
my
Master,
sit
on
Christ his Master;
46
disciples, in the
how
can he also be his son?
hearing of
all
the people:
hand while Thus David calls
right
And
Beware
he said to his of the scribes,
enjoy walking in long robes, and love to have their hands
kissed in the market-place, and to take the
47
my
thy enemies a footstool under thy feet.
45
who
What do they mean by paying that Christ Why, David himself says in the book of
them.
David?
gogues, and the chief places at feasts; erty of
widows, under cover of
will be
all
V. 37.
Ex.
in the syna-
the prop-
their long prayers; their sentence
the heavier for that.
iii.
first seats
who swallow up
6.
V. 42. Ps. cix. I.
[166]
The Widow's Mite;
LUKE
Persecution prophesied
21
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
AND HE LOOKED UP, and saw the rich folk putting their gifts into L
mites.
4
in
Thereupon he
me,
said, Believe
poor
this
more than all the others. The others all out of what they had to spare; she, with
God
whole
in her
5
There were some who spoke
The
7
one stone
offerings
come when,
days will
will be left
when
given, that
close at
of wars 10
is
12
of
him
all this
when
happen
of
and first,
kingdom;
What Take
soon to be accomplished?
my
name; they
will say.
revolts,
after
there
Here
do not be alarmed by
rise in
it;
all at
men
all this,
and persecuting you; they
said,
come
am, the time
is
hear
such things must
Then he
told
you up
will give
and great portents
will be laying
hands on you
to the synagogues,
and
and drag you into the presence of kings and governors
on
14
truth
15
swering beforehand;
16
confute.
You
17
men and
friends,
18
world will be hating you because you bear
19
hair of your head shall perish.
account;
known. as all
Resolve, then, not to prepare your
will be given
shall not
Mark
will be put to death;
It is
secure possession of your souls.
i,
xiii.
[167!
an-
be able to withstand, or to
up by parents and brethren and
and some of you
xxiv.
the
you such eloquence and such
will give
I
your adversaries
Matthew
making manner of
that will be your opportunity for
13
vv. 1-33.
I
he
will
in this region or that,
from heaven.
wisdom
care,
Many
once.
sights of terror
my
And
sign will be
arms against nation, and kingdom against
wiK be great earthquakes
Before
said,
And when you
them.
but the end will not come
he
thrown down.
will all be
it
to these
it;
you contemplate, not
fabric
and plagues and famines; and
to prison,
give, put
of the temple, of the noble
will this be?
hand; do not turn aside
them. Nation will 11
little to
you do not allow anyone to deceive you.
making use 9
it
to
which adorned
on another;
they asked him. Master,
8
so
livelihood.
masonry and the 6
who put in two widow has put made an offering to
he saw also one poor widow,
the treasury;
3
i.
my name;
kins-
all
the
and yet no
by endurance that you will
LUKE
But when you
20 21
Coming
21 see Jerusalem
come when
the time has
making
country-side not
23
vengeance, bringing fulfilment of
women who
breast, in those days;
24
land,
their
it
lem
all
under the
And
with his
all
They
that the time
30
a parable;
out their
The sun and
and on earth the nations
Look
when you
33
passed, before
34
should pass away,
Just so,
close at hand.
do not
and the
and
Man
all this is
let
my
lift
coming
will
in a cloud,
up your heads;
any of the
at the fig-tree, or
of
selves;
waves;
await the troubles
fear, as they
for your deliverance.
you know by your
fruit,
near.
ness
will be in its
;
begins, look up,
32
is
time
moon
the
whole world the very powers of heaven
draws near
31
God
will be put to the
power and majesty.
all this
29
will
over the world; and Jerusa-
then they will see the Son of
full
When
28
It
feet of the Gentiles, until the
men's hearts will be dried up with
rock.
in the
these will be days of
bewildered by the roaring of the sea and of
that are overtaking the
are in
that has been written.
this people.
stars will give portents,
distress,
27
it;
granted to the Gentile nations has run out.
and the 26
and those who are
into
who
those
who
will be a time of bitter distress all over the
and retribution against
will be trodden
Man
are with child, or have children at the
sword, and led away into captivity
25
it,
way
22
go hard with
Then
in the mountains, those
withdrawing from
the city itself
Son of
surrounded by armies, be sure that
she will be laid waste.
must take refuge
are in Judaea
of the
own
And
it
means
he told them
when they put summer is that the kingdom
trees;
experience that
see this happen, be sure
Believe me, this generation will not have
Though heaven and
accomplished.
words
will stand.
Only look well
earth
to your-
your hearts grow dull with revelry and drunken-
aflfairs
of this
come
life,
so that that
day overtakes you un-
on
who
35
awares;
36
dwell upon the face of the earth.
all
times, so that
all
it
will
like the springing of a trap
all
those
Keep watch, then, praying at you may be found worthy to come safe through
that lies before you,
and stand
erect to
meet the presence of the
Son of Man. 37
38
Each day he went on teaching lodged on the mountain which waited for
him
at early
is
in the temple,
called Olivet;
morning, to
[168}
listen to
and
and him.
at night
all
he
the people
Treachery of Judas; the
LUKE
Supper
last
22
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO NOW THE
A ND
2
f\, were
3
still
unlcavened bread, the paschal
fcast o£
was drawing
called,
is
some means
at a loss for
and he went
one of
and conferred with the chief
priests
the twelve,
5
and magistrates about the means
sum
consented to pay him a
and looked about
his
also called Iscariot,
4
off
scribes
making away with him, But now Satan found
who was
into the heart of Judas,
feast, as it
and
chief priests
of
frightened as they were of the people.
way
6
The
near.
money;
of
These gladly
to betray Jesus.
promised
so he
to
do
it,
hand him over without
for an opportunity to
any commotion. 7
Then
8
sacrifice
errand;
9 10
meal.
ready?
must be
he said to them, Just
which he
to
house. 12
man is
sends word.
meal with
to eat the paschal
14
ready.
said, to eat the paschal
he
you are entering the
as
and there you
going;
The master
my
is
the
disciples? it
So they went, and found
is
all
And
he said
to
them,
I
room
And
there that as he
paschal meal with you before
17
eat
again,
till it
finds
its
he took a cup, and blessed 18
you;
19
the
20
is
I tell
kingdom
and broke so
you,
it,
of
I
shall
God
my
and gave
owner
in
which
Matthew
xxvi.
will
of the I
you are
to
make
had told them, and so the time
I tell
came he
to share this
you,
I
shall not
kingdom of God, And Take this and share it among
it,
and
said,
not drink of the fruit of the vine again,
it
do
i,
am
he will shew you
Then he
to them, saying, This this for a
Mark
is
my
commemoration
xlv. i.
[169]
till
took bread, and blessed body, which of me.
with the cup, when supper was ended. This cup, he
/-2j.
you
fulfilment in the
has come.
to be given for you;
passion;
city,
into the house
have longed and longed
16
it
him
will say to the
Where
made ready for the paschal meal. And when sat down with his twelve disciples.
15
paschal
wouldst thou have us make
carrying a jar of water; follow
a large upper room, furnished;
13
this day, the
and Jesus sent Peter and John on an
offered;
Go and make ready for us, When they asked him. Where
be met by a 11
on
the day of unleavened bread came;
And
said, is the
LUKE
Prophecies of Jesus
22
21
new
22
now, the hand of
Man
Son of 23
upon
would do 25
man
that
And
on
rests
whom
by
he
among
it
this table, at
my
side.
has been ordained; but
The woe
Thereupon they
to be betrayed.
is
And
to be shed for you.
is
goes on his way, for so
to surmising
fell
24
my my betrayer
blood which
testament, in
them
themselves, which of
was
it
that
this.
there
them was
was
between them over the question, which of
rivalry
But he
to be accounted the greatest.
kings of the Gentiles lord
it
told
over them, and those
them.
who
The
bear rule
With you it is not to be among you, between the greatest and the youngest of all, between him who commands and him who 27 serves. Tell me, which is greater, the man who sits at table, or the man who serves him? Surely the man who sits at table; yet I am here among you as your servant. You are the men who have kept to my side in my hours of trial: 28 29 and, as my Father has allotted a kingdom to me, so I allot to you 26
them win
over so;
name
the
no difference
is
to
of benefactors.
be made,
31
and drink at my table in my kingdom; you shall sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has claimed power over
32
you
30
a place to eat
all,
so that he can
come back
to
me,
it is
am
33
Lord, said he,
34
prison or to death.
crow
this
35
Then he
36
sent
I
like
fail;
but
But he answered,
I tell
said.
in
want
it
is
knowledge of me.
They
time for a
he has none.
if
been written that has yet
man
V. J7. Is.
liii.
12.
to find its fulfilment in
the malefactors. Sure enough,
Our Lord seems
like
like robbers,
a
robber,
no longer
it
is
I
to take his sell
his
word has me, And he was
all
that has been
me must be fulfilled. See, Lord, they told two swords. And he said to them. That is enough.
armed
when
told him,
Believe me, one
written of
be apprehended
were to
by cock-
of anything,
wallet, or shoes?
But now
it
he has one, and his wallet too; and to
cloak and buy a sword,
are
thou hast
thee, Peter,
Did you go
among
have prayed for
ready to bear thee company, though
wilt thrice have denied
if
I
after a while,
for thee to be the support of thy brethren.
you out without purse, or
counted
wheat:
when,
morning thou
purse with him,
38
you
not
said to them,
Nothing; and he
37
sift
may
thee, that thy faith
him, here
to suggest, in irony, that since
he
is
to
time that his companions should go
in the peaceable
[170]
manner
of apostles.
The Agony and
And now
39
40 41
LUKE
Betrayal
he went out, as
disciples following
may
them, Pray that you
custom was,
his
When
him.
Father, he said,
pray;
43
before
me; only
if it
as thy will
agony, and prayed
45
like thick
back to 46
more
still
How
may
pray, so that you
Even
47
man 48
kiss
49
of
called Judas,
is.
he rose from
his prayer,
were
that they
ground
he went
sleeping, over-
can you sleep? he asked. Rise up and
not enter into temptation.
one of the twelve,
Then
with a kiss?
what would come
And
who came
close to Jesus, to
of
it,
51
cut of! his right ear.
52
this.
he touched
asked.
the chief priests and temple
Have you come I
was
close to
and in
Then Jesus said and elders who had come
to
their
and healed him.
his ear,
robber?
priest,
way
them have
Jesus answered. Let
find him,
Son
who were about him, seeing Lord, shall we stnke out with our
those
one of them struck a servant of the high
swords?
And
to
from
Jesus said to him, Judas, wouldst thou betray the
him.
50
53
this chalice
he spoke, a multitude came near; their guide was the
as
Man
away
his sweat fell to the
earnestly;
and found
his disciples,
wrought with sorrow.
and knelt down
And he had sight of And now he was in an
not as mine
When
drops of blood.
off,
pleases thee, take
an angel from heaven, encouraging him. 44
Then he
not enter into temptation.
is,
his
he reached the place, he said to
parted from them, going a stone's throw 42
mount OUvet,
to
22
officers
out with swords and clubs, as
you in the temple, day
if I
after day,
to
were a
and you
never laid hands on me. But your time has come now, and darkness has
55
high
priest ;
fire in
56
its
will.
So they apprehended him, and led him away
54
and Peter followed
the midst of the court,
Peter sat
among them.
One
sitting there in the fire-light,
57
one of those
is
who were
at a
to the
long distance.
and were
sitting
house of the
They had
round
of the maidservants, as she
looked closely
with him.
at
And
him and
lit
a
and there
it;
saw him
said,
This
he disowned him;
vv. 39-53. Matthew xxvi. 36, Mark xiv. 32, John xviii. i. V. 5/. Our Lord's words here are commonly interpreted as addressed to the apostles, in answer to their question (v. 49) some, however, think that they are addressed to his captors, who were already holding him, 'Release ;
me
for this once', that
is,
while he cured Malchus.
54-71. Matthew xxvi. 57, Mark xiv. 53, John xviii. 12. St. Luke describes the denial of St. Peter first of all, and then goes back to the condemnation of our Lord, not necessarily following the historical order of vt/.
events.
r
i'7i
]
LUKE 58
22
Woman,
he
have no knowledge of him.
said, I
while, another of the
59
Thou
too art one of
there
was an
meanest; and 61
And
crew.
Man, all at
64
The men who
66
in-
I
do not understand what thou
And
at Peter;
lips,
the cock
and Peter
re-
said to him, Before cock-crow, thou
Peter
went
out,
held Jesus prisoner beat
and wept
bitterly.
him and mocked him;
him and struck him on the face, and then quesCome, prophesy; tell us who it is that smote thee.
they blindfolded tioned him,
65
Lord had
disown me.
wilt thrice
63
said Peter,
once, while the words were on his
the
man
fellow was in his company; why, he
Lord turned, and looked
the
membered what 62
said,
interval of about an hour, before another
a Galilean.
is
After a short
when he caught sight of him, them; and Peter said, Man, I am not. Then company
sisted. It is the truth that this
60
moc\ed
Peter's Denial; Jesus
And they When day scribes,
many
used
came,
all
brought him before their council;
Why, he
67
they said,
68
lieve
69
them, nor acquit me.
tell us.
me:
when
blasphemous words against him.
other
the elders of the people, chief priests
the
and Son
70
And
71
Your own
they
if I
of
Man
all said,
lips
we own mouth. need have
said, if I tell
ask you questions, I will
only
I
tell
will be seated in
Thou
art,
then, the
have said that of witnesses?
I
am.
We
If
you, you will never be-
know you you
will not
that a time
power
at
is
answer
coming
God's right hand.
Son of God ?
And
and
thou art the Christ,
He
told
them,
they said, W^hat further
have heard the words from his
This second challenge by the fire-side is treated by St. Matthew and as all one with the first; St. Luke does not record the encounter in the porch, which they interpret as the second denial (Matthew xxvi. 71, V. §8.
St.
Mark
Mark
xiv. 69). vv. 6^-64. It
is
possible that St. Luke, here again, has not narrated the
facts in their historical order;
Matthew and tion
St.
Mark
by the priests. This is a formula of
V. "JO.
it
that our
would seem from the account given by St. Lord was only insulted after his condemna-
assent, not a refusal to answer.
[172]
handed over
Jesus
LUKE
to the Gentiles
23
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE WHOLE assembly
iHEN THE
t;before
and
Pilate,
man
covered, they said, that this
payment of
people, forbids the
3
Christ the king.
4
Jews?
He
this
up and brought him
tribute to Caesar,
Thy own Hps
insisted.
him;
He
We
have
dis-
subverting the loyalty of our
is
and the multitudes,
But they
man.
rose
I
and
calls
himself
Art thou the king of the
Pilate asked him,
answered him,
the chief priests
5
And
them
of
there fell to accusing
have said
it.
Pilate said to
cannot discover any fault in
rouses sedition
among
the people;
he has gone round the whole of Judaea preaching, beginning in
and ending
6
Galilee
7
asked whether the
here.
Pilate,
man was
upon
the mention of Galilee,
and learning
a Galilean;
that
he be-
longed to Herod's jurisdiction, remitted his cause to Herod, 8
was
also in Jerusalem at this time.
Jesus; for a long time he
cause he had heard so 9
some miracle
10
no answer from him,
11
there, loudly accusing jest of
12
been 13
14
to Pilate.
And now as
ined
one
him
referred 16, 17 deserves
So Herod and
made
his attendants
a
out of mockery, and sent
festal attire
That day Herod and
Pilate,
who
in
you
the chief priests,
said to them.
who had
hitherto
and the
seduces the people
from
rulers,
and
man
before
their allegiance; I
exam-
You have brought
this
your presence, and could find no substance in any of
you bring against him; to
death.
him.
It is
nor could Herod,
was ooliged
and then he
to grant
them the
but the whole concourse raised the
18
prisoner:
19
man; we must have Barabbas had been thrown
when
plain that he has done nothing
will scourge him,
I
the festival, he
vv.
to witness
questions, but could get
although the chief priests and scribes stood
him.
summoned
Pilate
and
the charges
At
him many
enmity with one another, became friends.
the people,
me 15
at
and now he hoped
of him,
asked
him, arraying him in
him back
who
at seeing
had been eager to have sight of him, be-
much
He
of his.
Herod was overjoyed
released.
cry.
shall
go
liberty of
Away
(Barabbas was a
with
xxvii. 11,
[173}
Mark
xv,
i,
John
free.
one this
man who
into prison for raising a revolt in the city,
1-2^ (in part). Matthew
I
which
xviii. 28.
and
LUKE
The Way
23
20
for murder.)
21
Jesus at liberty;
22
Crucify him, crucify him.
them.
Once more
of the Cross; Jesus crucified
Pilate spoke to them, offering to set
but they continued to answer with shouts
Why, what wrong
that deserves death;
Then
has he done?
will scourge
I
of.
for the third time he said to I
him
can find no fault in
him, and then he
go
shall
free.
24
But they, with loud cries, insisted on their demand that he should be crucified; and their voices carried the day; Pilate gave his assent
25
that their request should be granted,
23
choice
who had
handed Jesus over 26
27
As
they led
releasing the
man called Simon of from the country, and loaded him
they caught hold of a
off,
Cyrene,
who was coming
with the
cross, so that
29
beat their breasts
and
said. It is
the
wombs
in
he should carry
it
after Jesus.
and mourned over him;
not for
31
tains. Fall
on
It is
to the hills.
is still
already dried up?
green,
Two
fol-
but he turned to them,
named
and the
what
Cover will
breasts that never
us.
If
become
who were And when
others,
with him to be put to death.
which
after a skull, they crucified
it
moun-
goes so hard
of the tree that
were led
criminals,
is
off
they reached the place
him
there; and also the and the other on his left.. Jesus meanwhile was saying. Father, forgive them; they do not know what it is they are doing. And they divided his garments among
two
is
criminals, one
themselves by 35
was
women, who
then that they will begin to say to the
and
us,
with the tree that
34
Jesus
that
that never bore children,
suckled them.
33
me
also of
you should weep, daughters of Jerusalem; you should weep for yourselves and your children. Behold, a time is coming when men will say. It is well for the barren, for
30
32
of their
to their will.
him
lowed by a great multitude of the people, and 28
man
been imprisoned for revolt and murder, while he
on
his right
lot.
The
people stood by, watching; and the rulers joined them in pouring scorn on him; He saved others, they said; if he is the
36
Christ, God's
37
mocked him, when
chosen,
him save himself. came and offered him
let
they
The
soldiers,
vinegar,
too,
by saying,
26-48 (in part). Matthew xxvii. 32, Mark xv. 21, John xix. 17. This verse is generally understood to mean, If crucifixion is the of the innocent, what punishment is to be expected by the guilty (that vv.
V. 5/.
the Jews).?
[74]
lot is.
The 38
thou
If
and
penitent Thief; Jesus dies
had been written up over him the king of the Jews.)
40
if
And
in Greek, Latin
thou
art the Christ.
no
hast thou
fear of
And we
sentence?
42
Then he
thy kingdom.
and Hebrew, This
who hung
thyself,
he
said,
is
there
and us
too,
But the other rebuked him; What, he said, God, when thou art undergoing the same
jusdy enough;
we
no more than the
receive
man has done nothing amiss. remember me when thou comest into
due reward of our deeds; but
43
23
(A proclamation
thyself.
one of the two thieves
blaspheming against him; Save
fell to
LUKE
buried
king of the Jews, save
art the
39
41
is
said to Jesus, Lord,
this
And Jesus said to him, me in Paradise.
promise thee,
I
this
day
thou shalt be with It
44 45 46
was about the
sixth hour,
and there was darkness over
The sun was darkened, and
earth until the ninth hour.
was torn in the midst:
the temple
loud voice, Father, into thy hands
47
yielded
up
saw the
issue,
his spirit as
he said
gave glory
it.
and Jesus
the
crying with a
said,
commend my spirit; and And the centurion, when he I
God; This, he
to
all
the veil of
said,
was indeed
a just
49
And the whole multitude of those who stood there watching it, when they saw what befell, went home beating their breasts. All his acquaintances, with the women who had followed him
50
And now
48
man.
from
51
a
Galilee, a
watched while
man
good and upright man,
cil
and
its
happened, standing
came forward, one
who had
one of those
who
53
approached
not taken part with the coun-
Pilate,
waited for the kingdom of God.
and asked
and wrapped
it
to have the
was
It
55
And
56
body of
in a winding-sheet,
fashioned out of the rock, in which no
54
and
man had
the day of preparation; the next day
the
women who
at a distance.
of the councillors,
doings; he was from Arimathea, a Jewish
52
took,
this
called Joseph
city,
He
Jesus.
laid
it
V. 4y. St.
This he
in a
tomb
was
the sabbath.
had come with him from Galilee followed,
and saw the tomb, and how
still,
and was was who
ever been buried.
his
body was buried;
so they
back, and prepared spices and ointments, and while
sabbath they kept
it
as the
it
went
was the
law commanded.
Augustine suggests that the centurion did not recognize in our
Lord the unique Son of God, but only 'a son of God' in the general sense which 'a just man' would be the equivalent of that term; cf. Wisdom ii. 16. (See Matthew xxvii. 54, Mark xv. 29). vv. 49-^6. Matthew xxvii. 55, Mark xv. 40, John xix. 17.
in
C175]
LUKE
The
24
risen Christ appears; in the
Garden on the Road
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR A
ND AT VERY
2
/\.
to
early
dawn on
the
day of the week they came
first
and
had prepared:
the tomb, bringing the spices they
3
found the stone already rolled away from the door of the tomb. They went into it, and could not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
4
They were
5
by them, in shining garments.
still
puzzling over
when two men came and stood said to them, as they bowed Why are you seeking one who is
this,
These
their faces to the earth in fear,
among
here
6
alive,
7
remember how he of
Man
to
is
and
8
crucified,
9
what he had
10
11
12
The Son
in Galilee,
still
to rise again the third day.
Then
they
remembered
and returned from the tomb bringing news of It was Mary all this to the eleven apostles and to all the rest. Magdalen, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, who told the aposdes this; but to their minds the story seemed madness, and they could not believe it. Only Peter rose up and ran to the
It
14 15
cussing
all
Emmaus,
that
full of
that
when
walk beside them;
Jesus
And
17
could not recognize him.
you exchange between you
They were himself drew
still
near,
he said to them.
called Cleophas,
last
who
few days?
to a dis-
conversing and
fast,
and began
to
so that they
What
talk is this
you go along, sad-faced?
as
the only pilgrim in Jerusalem
pened there in the
away from Jerusalem,
but their eyes were held
18
who was
two of them were walking
sixty furlongs
had happened.
debating together,
of them,
and saw the grave-clothes lying by surmise over what had befallen.
in,
went away was on the same day
village called
19
was
said,
themselves, and
16
not here, he has risen again;
is
be given up into the hands of sinners, and to be
tomb, where he looked
13
He
the dead?
told you, while he
answered him, What,
And art
one thou
has not heard of what has hap-
What
happenings? he asked;
20
About Jesus of Nazareth, a prophet whose words and acts had power with God, and with all the people; how the chief priests, and our rulers, handed him over to be sentenced to
21
death, and so crucified him.
and they
vf. i-g. V. 12.
said,
Matthew
John XX.
xxviii. i,
For
Mark
xvi.
3.
[176}
ourselves, i,
John xx.
we had hoped i.
that
it
On
:,2
is
to
23
LUKE
the Road; in the Cenacle
was he who was
dehver
to
the third day since
but now, to crown
Israel;
Some women,
it befell.
indeed,
24
to-day
it all,
who belonged
our company, alarmed us; they had been at the tomb early in
the
morning
and could not find
body; whereupon they came
his
who said who were with us went to the the women had said, but of him
back and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, 24
that he
was
Some
alive.
tomb, and found that
of those
was
all
as
they saw nothing.
Then he
25 26
of wit, too dull of heart, to be-
undergo these
that the Christ should
27
Too slow
said to them,
lieve all those sayings of the prophets!
Then, going back
his glory?
to
29
pressed him. Stay with us, they said;
30
is
and he made
when he 31
sat
and broke
down
at table
and offered
it,
as if to
So he went in
on in the day.
it is
from
And
their sight.
when he made
towards evening, and
to stay
to
with them.
whereupon
them;
and
34
apostles
35
The Lord
their
that,
when he spoke
to us
Were
of them,
Rising up there and
companions gathered together,
him when he broke
and
said,
They cowered down,
38
an apparition.
39
come
full of terror,
now
What, he
That the
disciples
V. ^4. I
Cor. XV.
bread.
it is
myself, do not be afraid.
you dismayed ? Whence
Look
at
my
hands and
my
do not mention the appearance of our Lord himxxviii. 9) is perhaps due to their incredulity
women (Matthew
John XX.
And
and how
he himself stood in the midst
said to them, are
xvi. 11).
v. 36.
saying,
thinking that they were seeing
these surmises in your hearts?
V. 2^.
(Mark
this,
Peace be upon you;
37
self to the
not our
where they found the eleven
to Jerusalem,
While they were speaking of
were
on the road, and
has indeed risen, and has appeared to Simon.
they recognized
it
then,
he disappeared
they too told the story of their encounter in the road
36
And
their eyes
they said to one another.
the scriptures plain to us?
went back
then, they
the
with them, he took bread, and blessed,
it
hearts burning within us
33
all
go on further; but they
opened, and they recognized him; and with 32
line of the
they were drawing near the village to which
scriptures.
far
and enter so into
words used of himself by
28
they were walking,
not to be expected
it
Moses and the whole
prophets, he began to interpret the
And now
Was
sufferings,
5.
19.
£177]
LUKE
The Ascension
24
be assured that
feet, to
it
is
myself; touch me, and look; a spirit
40
has not flesh and bones, as you see that
41
thus, he
were
still
shewed them
you anything here
43
fish,
44
ence.
is
what all
in the prophets,
So
that
and
was written, he
it
should
suffer,
day;
and
48
in his
name
49
are the witnesses.
in the psalms,
told them,
that repentance
rise
in the
must be
walked in your
law of Moses, and
fulfilled.
and so
was
it
Then he
the scriptures;
fitting that Christ
again from the dead on the third
and remission of beginning
to all nations,
And
Have
behold,
I
my
am
at
sins
should be preached
Of this, you down upon you the
Jerusalem.
sending
Father; you must wait in the
city,
you are clothed with power from on high.
When
50
he spoke
ate in their pres-
I still
make them understand
which was promised by
until
me
was written of
and should
47
gift
as
Then, while they
and he took these and
told you, he said, while
I
enlightened their minds, to 46
And
have.
So they put before him a piece of roast
to eat?
honey-comb;
a
This
company; how 45
I
his feet.
doubtful, and bewildered with joy, he asked them.
42
and
hands and
his
he had led them out as far as Bethany, he
51
hands and blessed them;
52
from them, and was
53
to
and even
carried
up
as
into heaven.
worship him, and went back
lifted
up
his
he blessed them he parted
So they bowed
down
Jerusalem,
where
full of joy to
they spent their time continually in the temple, praising and bless-
ing God. vv. 46-^3. St.
Luke does not here mention the interval of forty days before knew of it (Acts i. 3).
the Ascension, although he certainly
ri78]
THE HOLY GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO JOHN CHAPTER ONE AT THE
BEGINNING of time the
Word
and God had Word was God. He
already was;
2
/\. the Word
3
abode, at the beginning of time, with God.
abiding with him, and the
came
that all things
4
that has
5
light of
come
was not
came 8
him
9
was
10
In
him
there
men might
all
learn to believe.
sent to bear witness to the light.
life
was the which
name was
He was There
is
He
John.
through
not the Light; he
one
who
enlightens
every soul born into the world; he was the true Light.
whom
the world
was made, was
world did not recognize him.
and they
who
who were
his
own
He came
to
what was
gave him no welcome.
He,
and the
in the world,
his
own,
all
those
But
him he empowered to become the children of believe in his name; their birth came, not from human stock, not from nature's will or man's, but from God. And the Word was made flesh, and came to dwell among us; and did welcome
God,
who
those
all
we had
sight of his glory, glory such as belongs to the Father's
only-begotten Son, full of grace and truth. ness to him;
16
and that
life,
appeared, sent from God, whose
12
15
was
it.
11
14
was through him
for a witness, to bear witness of the Hght, so that
through
13
It
and without him came nothing
the light shines in darkness, a darkness
able to master
A man
6,7
to be.
And
men.
into being,
who
I
told you, cried John, there
takes rank before
me; he was when
We
have John's wit-
was one coming I
was
not.
We
after
have
me all
received something out of his abundance, grace answering to grace. 17 18
Through Moses the law was given to us; through Jesus Christ came to us, and truth. No man has ever seen God; but now
grace
Some divide these two sentences differently, and interpret thus: was through him that all things came into being, and without him came nothing. What was in him was life, and that life was the light of men.' e/. 5. 'Master it' may be taken in the sense of overcoming it, or of undervc. 3, 4.
'It
standing t/.
it.
75. 'Their birth
a text
which read
came'; several of the early Fathers seem to have used
'His birth came'.
[79]
JOHN
The Witness
1
his only-begotten Son,
who
abides in the
bosom
of
John the Baptist
of the Father, has
himself brought us a clear message. This, then,
19
sent priests
was the testimony which John
and Levites from Jerusalem,
20
He
21
not the Christ.
22
Elias,
23
who
he
said.
us
sent us;
them,
the Jews
Who art thou?
I
What
then, they asked him, art thou
EUas? Not
And he answered. No. So they who thou art, that we may give an answer to those what account dost thou give of thyself? And he told Art thou the prophet?
am what
the prophet Isaias spoke
of,
the voice of one cry-
way of the Lord. The who had come on this errand)
ing in the wilderness. Straighten out the Pharisees (for they were Pharisees
Why
dost thou baptize, then,
25
asked him.
26
Christ, nor Elias, nor the prophet?
baptizing you with water; but there
27
when
admitted the truth, without concealment; admitted that he was
said, Tell
24
bore,
to ask him.
of
whom you know nothing;
me, takes rank before me.
I
am
he
if
thou thyself
art
not the
John answered them, is
it is,
I
am
one standing in your midst
who, though he comes
after
not worthy to untie the strap of his
All this happened in Bethany that
beyond Jordan, where
28
shoes.
29
John was baptizing. Next day, John saw Jesus coming towards him; and he said, Look, this is the Lamb of God; look, this is he who takes away the
30 31
32
33
34
is
It is of him that I said, One is coming after me who takes rank before me; he was when I was not. I myself d«d not know who he was, although the very reason why I have come, with my baptism of water, is to make him known to Israel. John also bore witness thus, I saw the Spirit coming down from heaven Till then, I did not know him; like a dove, and resting upon him. but then I remembered what I had been told by the God who sent me to baptize with water. He told me. The man who will baptize with the Holy Spirit is the man on whom thou wilt see the Spirit come down and rest. Now I have seen him, and have borne my
sin of the world.
witness that this V.
18.
Some
is
the
Son of God.
of the best manuscripts here read 'God, the only-begotten*
instead of 'the only-begotten Son'.
That is, the prophet whose coming was foretold by Moses in Deuteronomy xviii. 15-19. vv. 2-J-28. Matthew iii. i, Mark i. i, Luke ill. i. V.
21.
V- 23.
Is.
xl. 3.
[180}
The
first
The
35
next day after
36
of his disciples;
37
Look,
38
it,
JOHN
Apostles
1
John was standing there again, with two
this,
and, watching Jesus as he walked by, he said,
Lamb
this is the
and they followed
of
The two
God,
heard him say
disciples
Turning, and seeing them follow
Jesus.
What would you have of me? Rabbi, they said, word which means Master), where dost thou live? He said to them, Come and see; so they went and saw where he lived, and they stayed with him all the rest of the day, from about the tenth hour onwards. One of the two who had heard what John said, and followed him, was Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter. He,
him, Jesus asked, 39
40 41
(a
of
first
42
found
all,
his
own
him
to Jesus. Jesus looked at
him
closely,
and
said.
Thou
43
same as Peter).
He
44
he found Philip;
him Jesus said, Follow me. This the home of Andrew and Peter.
45
from Bethsaida, And Philip found Nathanael, and
who 46
47
remove
into Galilee next day;
told him.
We
Simon
and
Philip
now came
have discovered
Jesus
was Moses wrote of in his law, and the prophets too; it is the son of Joseph, from Nazareth. When Nathanael asked
him.
Can anything
Come and is
is good come from Nazareth? Philip said, saw Nathanael coming towards him, and
that
Jesus
see.
Here comes one who belongs
no falsehood
in him.
How
dost thou
asked; and Jesus answered him,
49
art
means the
it
said of him,
48
to
to
have
and brought
the son of Jona; thou shalt be called Cephas, (which
was
We
brother Simon, and told him,
discovered the Messias (which means, the Christ),
I
50
Jesus answered.
51
under the he said
to
Son
of
Then Nathanael answered art the King of Israel.
God, thou
What, beUeve because
I
told thee that
I
saw thee
And me when I tell you this; you will see heaven angels of God going up and coming down upon
fig-tree?
Thou
shalt see greater things
than that.
him, Believe
opening, and the the
art the
know me? Nathanael
saw thee when thou wast under
the fig-tree, before Philip called thee.
him, Thou, Master,
to the true Israel; there
Son of Man.
some have thought that the other disciple was St. John, then called his brother St. James. But the contrast may be with verse 43 below. V. 5/. This is variously explained as referring to the Ascension, or to the Last Judgement. V. 41. 'First of all';
who
[181}
JOHN
The Water made Wine
2
CHAPTER TWO DAYS Two Galilee; 3
disciples,
AFTERWARDS, there was a wedding-feast
and
had
mother was
Jesus'
been invited
also
wedding.
to the
at
Cana, in
Jesus himself,
there.
Here
and
his
the supply
4
wine failed; whereupon Jesus' mother said to him, They have no wine left. Jesus answered her. Nay, woman, why dost thou
5
trouble
6
said to the servants,
of
me
with
My
that.''
Do
time has not come
whatever he
tells
And
yet.
his m^other
There were
you.
six
water-pots standing there, as the Jewish custom of ceremonial
washing demanded; they were of
And when
7
firkins
8
water, they filled these
apiece.
up
stone,
and held two or three
Jesus said. Fill the water-pots with
to the brim.
Then he said
draw, and give a draught to the master of the 9
to
him;
now
and the master of the
to
11
ever the
only
when
now.
known
good wine
all
So, in
lieve in
12
did not
who had drawn
ter of the feast, then, called to the It is
that
to
men
knew
bridegroom, out
first,
Now
that.
it
came;
The mas-
and said
to
him,
and the worse kind
have drunk deep; thou hast kept the good wine
Cana
of Galilee, Jesus began his miracles, and
the glory that
was
his,
it
which had
know whence
the water
set
them,
So they gave
feast tasted this water,
He
been turned into wine.
only the servants
feast.
till
made
so that his disciples learned to be-
him.
After this he went
down
to
Capharnaum with many
brethren, and his disciples, not staying there
'Why
me
his mother, his
days.
with that?' The Greek here is ambiguous; some would interpret it, 'What concern is that of mine or of thine?', but it is more probably to be understood as a Hebrew idiom, 'What have I to do with thee?', that is. Leave me alone, do not interfere with me, as in Matthew viii. 29, and in many passages of the Old Testament. 'My time has not come yet' is understood by some commentators as referring to his Passion; others suppose that the time had not yet come for his performing this miracle, or perhaps for performing a miracle in public, since this was witnessed only by a few. 'Woman' was an address used in the ancient world without any suggestion of disrespect. V. 8. Our Lord is generally understood to have turned the water in the six water-pots into wine. But, since the verb here used for 'to draw' applies more properly to drawing from a well, it is possible to suppose that the water-pots contained only water throughout, and that the wine came from the well itself, at the seventh time of drawing. V. 4.
dost thou trouble
[182]
JOHN
Cleansing of the Temple; Nicodemus 13
And now
14
near, so Jesus
found the merchants 15
which the Jews keep was drawing And in the temple there he
the paschal feast
went up
money-changers
3
to Jerusalem.
oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the
selling
So he made a kind of whip
sitting at their trade.
out of cords, and drove them
all,
with their sheep and oxen, out of
the temple, spilling the bankers' coins and overthrowing their
and he
said to the pigeon-sellers.
16
tables;
17
turn
18
remembered how it is written, I the honour of thy house. Then
19
sign canst thou
my
show us
swered them, Destroy 20
up
again.
At which
21
to build; wilt
22
was speaking
thou
this
raise
was
of
his
At
this
am consumed
And
his disciples
with jealousy for
the Jews answered him.
warrant for doing this?
temple, and in three days
it
up
own
in three days?
body;
remembered
believe in the scriptures,
there
as thy
do not
these away,
I
What
Jesus an-
will raise
it
the Jews said, This temple took forty-six years
the dead his disciples
23
Take
Father's house into a place of barter.
But the temple he
and when he had his saying this,
risen
from
and learned
to
and in the words Jesus had spoken.
paschal season, while he was in Jerusalem for the feast,
were many
who came
to believe in his
name, upon seeing the
But Jesus would not give them
24
miracles which he did.
25
dence; he had knowledge of them
all,
his confi-
and did not need
assur-
ances about any man, because he could read men's hearts.
CHAPTER THREE THERE WAS
A
MAN
Called
Nicodemus, a Pharisee, and one of the
who came to see Jesus by night; Master, he said to him, we know that thou hast come from God to teach us; no one, unless God were with him, could do the miracles which thou doest. Jesus answered him, Believe me when I tell thee this; a man cannot see the kingdom of God without being born anew. rulers of the Jews,
vv. 15-iy. C£.
Matthew
seem that these passages V. ly. Ps. Ixviii. V. ig.
Matthew
xxi. 12,
Mark
xi.
15,
Luke
xix. 45;
but
it
would
refer to a different occasion.
10.
xxvi. 61, xxvii. 40, 63.
J. In the Greek, the word which 'anew' may have meant 'from above.' v.
[183}
Nicodemus understands
as
meaning
JOHN
The
3
Son of
spiritual Birth; the
Man came down
to savt
6
Why, Nicodemus asked him, how is it possible that a man should when he is already old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb, and so come to birth ? Jesus answered, Believe me, no man can enter into the kingdom of God unless birth comes What is born by to him from water, and from the Holy Spirit.
7
is
8
You must
4
be born
5
natural birth
is
a thing of nature,
Do
a thing of spirit.
The wind
be born anew.
thou canst hear the sound of
came 9
come
[I
thee,
who
when up
14
is
art
known
I tell
to us,
and
God
one
what our eyes have
so that those
who
who was
has
things to
we speak seen,
and
me when to trust me
No man
has ever gone
come down from heaven,
lifted
believe in
it
breath
cannot trust
you be able
will
so loved the world, that he gave
The
way
And
this
Son
up by Moses
him may not
of
Man
in the wilperish,
but
life.
wind or
a
You
in heaven.
as the serpent
'The wind';
V. 8.
Believe me,
Israel?
testify of
Son of Man, who dwells
derness;
(/)
is
and
will,
it
can such things be strange
you of what passes in heaven ?
have eternal 16
Jesus,
will not accept our testimony.
must be Ufted up, 15
telUng thee,
but knowest nothing of the
one of the teachers of
into heaven; but there
the
spiritual birth
my
breathes where
you of what passes on earth; how
I tell
13
What, answered
be?
to
you
still
it,
at
way it goes; so it is, when a man is born by the Spirit. Nicodemus answered him, How can such
what
of 12
born by
is
or the
of the
10
what
not be surprised, then,
this
breeze,
word
(ii)
in the
up
his only-begotten Son,
Greek has three principal meanings, spirit, and especially the Holy
the breath, (Hi)
it here in the third sense, but it could be said to Nicodemus, 'thou hearest his voice'. By the moderns, it is generally understood of the wind. Maldonatus suggests that it may mean life, the breath of hfe, in living creatures and in man especially; the voice being conceived as the characteristic sign of life, because it is produced by the breath. And indeed it is more obviously true of life than of the wind, that we cannot tell whence it comes or where it goes. p. II. 'You' in the plural seems to mean the Jews generally, of whose incredulity Nicodemus, at present, offers an example; 'we' in the plural is more difficult to account for, but it may be that our Lord is identifying his own preaching, by anticipation, with that of his apostles. V. 75. 'But there is one who has come down'; literally, 'except him who has come down': the same Hebrew idiom occurs in Apocalypse xxi. 27, and niany other passages.
Spirit.
is difficult
V.
14.
older commentators understood
to see
how
Numbers
it
xxi. 9.
verses, and possibly the three which go before them, be regarded if we will as a comment by the Evangelist, not as part of our Lord's utterance to Nicodemus.
vv. 16-21.
These
may
[184]
JOHN
John mat{ei way for Jesus
who believe in him may Whenj3od sent his Son into the
so jhat those
17
life^ t
18
19
20
world,
it
was not
to reject
he world, but so that the world might find salvatio njhrough him.
man who believes in him, there is no rejection the man who does not believe is already rejected; he has not found faith in the name of God's only-begotten Son. Rejection lies in this, that when the light came into the world men preferred darkness to Anyone who light; preferred it, because their doings were evil. For the
;
acts shamefully hates the light, will not
21
3
not perish, but have etern al_
fear that his doings will be
comes
true
life is
what they
are,
found
out.
come into the light, for Whereas the man whose
to the light, so that his deeds
may
be seen for
deeds done in God.
23
After this, Jesus and his disciples came into the land of Judaea, and there he remained with them, baptizing. John was still baptizing, too, in Aenon, near Salim, where there was abundance of
24
water;
25
that
26
dispute with the Jews, about purification,
22
men went
to
him
there to be baptized.
John was thrown into prison.)
(It
was only
latei
John's disciples had had a
and now they came
to
John, and told him. Master, there was one with thee on the other side of Jordan, to
27
28
that he
is
swered,
A man I
are flocking to him.
all
must be content
The
before him. friend,
told you,
who
I
bride
am is
to receive the gift
You
not the Christ;
for the
I
measure.
and 31
32
which
is
given
my
wit-
have been sent to go
bridegroom; but the bridegroom's
stands by and listens to him, rejoices too, rejoices at
He
must become more and more,
is I
mine now in must become
full less
less.
He who who
find
John an-
yourselves are
hearing the bridegroom's voice; and this joy 30
We
thou didst then bear testimony.
him from heaven, and nothing more. nesses that
29
whom
baptizing now, and
comes from above
is
above
all
men's reach; the
belongs to earth talks the language of earth, but one
comes from heaven must needs be beyond the reach of
all;
man who he
bears witness of things he has seen and heard, and nobody accepts
judge' V. I J. 'To reject'; the word here used in the Greek may mean 'to or 'to separate', and is perhaps used here with a certain play of sense upon the two meanings. vv. 31-36. These verses may either be regarded as part of what St. John Baptist said, or (perhaps more probably) as a comment by the Evangelist.
[185}
JOHN 33
34
35
36
]esus at the Well of Sichar
4
The man who does accept his witness has declared, God cannot lie, since the words spoken by him whom God has sent are God's own words; so boundless is the gift God makes of his Spirit. The Father loves his Son, and so has given everything into his hands; and he who believes in the Son possesses eternal life, whereas he who refuses to believe in the Son will never see hfe; God's displeasure hangs over him continually. his witness.
once for
that
all,
CHAPTER FOUR NOW
A ND
/V
IT
became known to is making more
2
number than John;
3
not Jesus himself.
4
Galilee.
5
came to a Samaritan which Jacob gave to
6
Jesus that the Pharisees disciples
told, Jesus
And
although
So he
left
it
was
a greater
who
baptized,
his disciples
city called Sichar, close
his
journey, by the well;
woman came 8
drink.
9
food.)
son Joseph;
and there was
to
Whereupon
who
down,
Jesus said to her.
the Samaritan
art a Jew, dost ask
Give
a Samaritan
me some
city at this time,
woman me,
a well there
tired after his
And when
was about noon.
it
draw water,
(His disciples were away in the
that thou,
more withdrew into Thus he by the plot of ground
Judaea, and once
he was obliged to go by way of Samaria.
called Jacob's well. There, then, Jesus sat
7
had been
and baptizing
said to him,
to
buying
How
is it
a Samaritan, to give thee
(The Jews, you must know, have no dealings with the Jesus answered her. If thou knewest what it is God and who this is that is saying to thee, Give me drink, it would
drink? 10
Samaritans.) gives,
to ask
have been for thee 11
thee living water.
water?
who
is
deep;
13
drunk out water
14
Art thou a greater
gave us
give V. 5.
it.
as this will
the water I
this well;
of
I
him Gen,
give
instead,
woman
the
bucket, and the well 12
him
Sir,
and he would have given
said to him, thou hast
he himself and his sons and his
Jesus answered her.
will not
will be a spring of xlviii. 22,
know
cattle havt,
Anyone who drinks such
be thirsty again afterwards; the
him
no
how then canst thou provide living man than our father Jacob? It was he
thirst
man who
any more.
drinks
The water
water within him, that flows con-
Josue xxiv. 22.
[186]
Worship 15
give to
16
17 18
19
20
me
Then,
life.
that, so that I
may
Sir, said
him,
Sir,
I
I
way
never be thirsty and have
to
worship on
this
to
worship
Jesus said to her, the time
to this
Well,
is
coming, nay, has already come, when true worshippers will
is
spirit
and in truth; such men
25
worship him must worship him in
spirit
is
a spirit,
and
in truth.
woman, I know that Messias (that is, the Christ) and when he comes, he will tell us everything. Jesus I,
who
speak to thee,
With
thou? or
there.
Why
woman; art
is
Yes, said to
come;
said to her,
the Christ.
that, his disciples
talking to the
down
am
as these the
and those who
the
came up, and were surprised
but none of them asked,
thou talking to her?
And
her water-pot, and went back to the
so
to find
him
What meanest the woman put
city, to
tell
the folk
Come and have sight of a man who has told me all the of my life; can this be the Christ? So they left the city, and
30
story
31
came out
32
Master, take some food.
33
which you know nothing.
35
will not
worship the Father.
to
You worship you cannot tell what, we worship knowing what it is we worship; salvation, after all, is to come from the Jews; but the
God
34
us that
Believe me,
coming when you
mountain, nor yet to Jerusalem,
was our
tell
in Jerusalem.
is
Father claims for his worshippers.
29
it
mountain, although you
24
28
and come
fetch thy husband,
perceive that thou art a prophet.
worship the Father in
27
4
woman,
have no husband, answered the
where men ought
the place
time
26
the
woman; and Jesus told her, True enough, thou hast no husband. Thou hast had five husbands, but the man who is with thee now is no husband of thine; thou hast told the truth over this. The woman said to
woman,
23
JOHN
of Christ
everlasting
water such as
back here.
go 22
him
come here for water again. At this, Jesus said to her. Go home,
fathers'
21
Food
in the Spirit; the
tinually to bring
to find him.
Meanwhile,
But he
his disciples
told
them,
I
were urging him,
have food
to eat of
Whereupon his disciples said to one another. Can somebody have brought him food? But Jesus said to them, My meat is to do the will of him who sent me, and to accomplish the task he gave me.
Is
it
not a saying of yours,
four whole months before harvest comes?
Why,
lift
up your
It is
eyes,
V. 55. 'It is four whole months'; this may have been a proverb, meaning that there was no hurry, hke our 'Rome was not built in a day'. Our Lord here rejects it (whereas he approves of another proverb in v. 37 below) it cannot be too soon to begin preaching his gospel. ;
[187]
JOHN
you, and look at the
I tell
30
Samaritan Converts; the Nobleman's Son
4
crop he gathers
vest, the
37
reaper are to rejoice together. is
One man
have sent you out to reap
Many
is
of the Samaritans
And
And when
they
life.
41
to stay with them,
42
them came
report, they told the
him
for ourselves,
here the proverb
fits,
The
came out through
woman,
you have
their labours
is
it
from
came
that city
He
me
told
which
harvest
I
inherited.
to believe in
the story of
all
him
my
him, the Samaritans urged him
to
and he stayed two days
to believe
reaps this har-
which sower and
one on which you bestowed no labour;
through the woman's testimony. 40
him who
sows, and another reaps.
and
others have laboured,
39
paid to
in, is eternal life, in
38
true enough,
they are white with the promise
fields,
The wages
of harvest already.
we
that
and we recognize
Many more
there.
his preaching;
It is
believe that he
of
not through thy
now; we have heard is
indeed the Saviour
of the world.
43
Then,
two
after
days,
he passed on and returned
44
Jesus himself bore witness that
45
goes unhonoured. ileans too
it is
like himself.
And
so
he came once more
he had turned the water into wine. 47
was lying
sick at
Capharnaum,
Judaea to Galilee, went 48
heal his son,
You must
had gone up
who was
see signs
nobleman
to
at the
come down
back home, Jesus told him; thy son
52
ants
53
him;
to
home, putting
is
still
on
will not believe.
before to live.
his trust in the
and while he was
come down and
Jesus said to him,
and miracles happen, or you
said to him,
Go
to
where
nobleman, whose son
point of death.
50
his journey
to the feast
of Galilee,
hearing that Jesus had come from
the
spoken
a
Cana
him and asked him
Sir,
began
to
And
49
51
to Galilee.
country a prophet
And now, when he came into GaUlee, the Galmade him welcome, because they had seen what he did
in Jerusalem at the time of the feast; they
46
own
in his
his
my child dies. And the man
words Jesus had
way down,
his serv-
met him with the message that his son was still alive. So he asked what time it had been when he felt easier; and they told him, He recovered from his fever yesterday, at the seventh hour. The The bearing of this verse, which has been the subject of much disamong commentators, is most simply explained if we understand it as meaning that our Lord had not yet won favour in his own country of V. 44.
pute
Gahlee (Cf.
ii.
23, iv. 41).
[188]
The
54
JOHN
Cripple at the Pool
father recognized that said to him,
Thy
found
Thus
faith.
his return
had happened
it
son
and he and
to hve;
is
when
time
at the very
his household
all
for the second time Jesus did a miracle
from Judaea
5
Jesus
upon
to Galilee.
CHAPTER FIVE A FTER THIS CAME a Jcwish 2
i\ salem.
3
in
Hebrew
There
is
lie,
Lord came down upon the
up; and the
man who
first
6
thirty-eight years.
thy strength.?
way, somebody
9
up, take
the water
else steps
up thy
bed,
infirmity
who had
there
there,
it
the sabbath;
himself.
13
this
who had been him
it is
Take up
man who from
aside
so
that op-
down
me down am on my
to let
and while
I
before me. Jesus said to him, Rise
And
all at
said to the
man
once the
That
man who had
thy bed,
told thee.
and walk.
Take up
healed did not
crowded
He
an-
me
thy bed, and walk? it
it
strength told
So they asked him.
know who
a place.
recov-
day,
been cured,
not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.
The man who gave me back my
swered them. 12
was
and knew that he
ered his strength, and took up his bed, and walked.
It is
stirred
been disabled for
have no one
is stirred;
and walk.
was the sabbath: and the Jews
14
man
Sir, said the cripple, I
when
8
11
time to time, an angel
and the water was
long time; Hast thou a mind, he asked, to recover
a
into the pool
10
From
pool,
saw him lying
Jesus
a multitude
stepped into the pool after the stirring
There was one
pressed him.
had waited 7
under which
from whatever
of the water, recovered
5
to Jeru-
the bHnd, the lame, the disabled, wait-
ing for a disturbance of the water. of the
which Jesus went up
Bethsaida, with five porches,
of diseased folk used to 4
feast, for
a pool in Jerusalem at the Sheep Gate, called
The
Who
is
cripple
was; Jesus had drawn
But afterwards when Jesus found
in the temple, and said to him. Behold, thou hast recovered
thy strength; do not sin any more, for fear that worse should befall 15
thee,
the
man went
had restored 16
The Jews V. 4.
back and told the Jews that
it
was Jesus whc
his strength.
took occasion to rouse
This verse
is
ill-will
against Jesus for doinc
omitted by some manuscripts.
[189}
JOHN
The Son
5
And
17
such things on the sabbath.
18
has never ceased working, and
he not only broke the sabbath, 19
Jesus answered them,
anything of his
own
you
tell
I
The Father
turn.
himself does.
And
22
gives
23
And
them
Jesus answered
The Son cannot do
this,
is
and
what the Son does
Son gives
life to
all
rise
whomsoever he
in his
that he
him, for
to disclose to
Father bids the dead
just as the
hfe, so the
him
discloses to
he has greater doings yet
your astonishment;
Father
This
impulse, he can only do what he sees his
loves the Son,
21
work.
to
Father doing; what the Father does 20
at
thereby treating himself as equal to God.
them thus: Believe me when
My
made make away with him, that but spoke of God as his own Father, must be
too
I
more determined than ever
the Jews
and Judge
as Life-giver
up and So
will.
it is
with judgement; the Father, instead of passing judgement on
any
man
may
himself, has left
judgement
all
to the Son,
so that all
reverence the Son just as they reverence the Father; to deny
reverence to the Son
is
deny reverence
to
to the
Father
who
has
sent him.
Believe
24
me when
I
you
tell
this,
words, and puts his trust in him
man who
the
who
listens to
sent me, enjoys eternal
my life;
he does not meet with rejection, he has passed over already from 25
death to
come, 26
those
Believe me, the time
life.
gift of life, so
him
and has
within
28
execute judgement, since he
29
graves will hear his voice
the gift of
prised at that; the time
life,
is
the
is
have been
evil, rising to
my own
cision
impulse;
and
will
32
If I testify
nothing; V.
but
J2. it is
meet
my own. in my own
there
is
all
I
those
come out
new
life,
to
not be sur-
who
are in their
of them; those
whose
I
cannot do anything
am bidden to decide, and my deam consulting the will of him who I
behalf, that testimony of
another
him power
Do
and those whose doings
their sentence.
decide as
never unjust, because
is
sent me, not
31
I
also granted
Son of Man.
coming, when
actions have been good, rising to
of
coming, nay, has already
he has granted to the Son that he too should have
27
30
is
when the dead will listen to the voice of the Son of God, and who listen to it will live. As the Father has within him the
who
testifies to
mine
me, and
I
There is another'; some understand this of St. John more commonly interpreted as applying to the Father;
[190]
is
worth
know
well
the Baptist, cf. v. 37.
JOHN
His Credentials Overlooked 33
that the testimony he bears
34
sent a message to John,
me
and he
depend on human testimony;
He,
is
worthy of
You
trust.
(Not
testified to the truth.
it is
for your
own
5
yourselves that I
welfare that
I
say
36
show you the way, and there was a time when you were willing enough to sun yourselves in his light. But the testimony I have is greater than John's; the actions which my Father has enabled me to achieve, those very actions which I perform, bear me witness that it is the Father who
37
has sent me.
35
this.)
after
ness to me.
was the lamp
all,
lit
to
Nay, the Father who sent
You have
38
vision of him,
39
hearts; that
and
me
has himself borne wit-
always been deaf to his voice, blind to the
his
word
is
not continually present in your
whom
he has
sent.
pore over the scriptures, thinking to find eternal
life in
them (and
is
why you
40
indeed,
41
will not
42
honour from men,
it is
of these
come
to
I
will not trust
one
speak as bearing witness to me)
me, to find but that
I
life.
I
do not mean
that
You
but you
:
I
look for
can see you have no love of
God
in
your hearts. I
43
have come in
my
Father's
name, and you give
although you will welcome some other,
me no
welcome,
he comes in his
if
own
44
name.
How
receive
honour from one another, and are not ambitious for the
45
honour which comes from him, who alone pose that
it
should you learn to believe, you
will be for
me
to accuse
who
are content to
Do not supmy Father; your man in whom you put is
God?
you before
accusation will
come from Moses,
46
your
you believed Moses, you would believe me;
47
of
trust.
If
me that he wrote. how should you give
But
if
the very
you give no credence
credence to
my
it
was
to his writings,
words?
'The vision of him'; if this is understood Hterally, it is hard to see our Lord attaches any blame to the Jews for not seeing God (cf. i. 18 above) it is perhaps better to suppose that our Lord is reproaching them with a spiritual blindness towards all God's manifestations of himself. V. 59. 'You pore over the scriptures'; the phrase was generally taken by the older commentators as a command, 'pore over the scriptures'; but this seems less appropriate to the context. V. ij.
how
;
[191}
JOHN
The
6
CHAPTER
thousand
five
SIX
A FTER THIS, Jesus retired across the sea of Galilee, or Tiberias, and 2
21.
3
miracles he performed over the sick.
4
hill side,
5
was
there
and there
down with
sat
time of the Jews' great
up
him, Jesus said folk to eat?
7
self
knew
him.
his disciples.
Whence
to Philip,
In saying
this,
hundred
we
are
he was putting
what he meant
9
drew, Simon Peter's brother) said
to
who
fishes;
Httle.
and two
five barley loaves
Then
many?
so
Make
Jesus said.
11
thousand in number.
And
and distributed them
to the
12
as
as they
had
enough, he told his 13
them
14
There
is
a
but what
is
that
him,
the
men
Jesus
who
Knowing,
make
to
is
side all alone. to the lake,
come
fishes too, all
had
And when
they gath-
into the world,
His
and the
vv. 1-1^. V. 14.
meant
disciples,
there,
to
come and
to
sea
them.
Deut.
16-21.
when evening came
xiv. 13,
or
fallen,
Mark
xiv. 22,
ofT,
so as
to the hill
went down
began
to cross
and Jesus had not
there was a strong wind blowgrow rough. And now they had thirty furlongs, when they saw Jesus to
vi.
30,
Luke
xviii. 15.
Matthew
him
on,
boat, they
Meanwhile
was beginning
Matthew
carry
withdrew on
embarking on the
rowed some twenty-five
w.
five
who had eaten. When they saw the miracle men began to say. Beyond doubt, this is the
Capharnaum. Darkness had
come back
ing,
to
and
the water to yet
be wasted.
a king of him, Jesus once again
16
19
down, about
and gave thanks,
Gather up the broken pieces that are
may
then, that they
17
18
down. There was
sat
Then, when they had
for.
here,
among
had done, these
prophet 15
sit
boy
up, they filled twelve baskets with the broken pieces
over by those
left
he him-
Philip answered
company, and a share of the
disciples.
for these
to the test;
Jesus took the loaves,
mind
so that nothing
left over,
ered
a
buy bread
to
him
no lack of grass where they were; so the men
much
lifting
would not buy enough bread for One of his disciples (it was An-
silver pieces
them, even to give each a
10
to the
was nearly the
And now,
to do.
8
has
It
paschal feast.
feast, the
well enough
Two
So Jesus went up on
and seeing that a great multitude had gathered round
his eyes
6
him; they had seen the
a great multitude following
Mark
vi.
45.
ix. 10.
JOHN
Jesus wallas on the Water; God's Gift
20
walking on the
21
Then
were
terrified:
and already drawing near to the boat. but he said to them, It is myself; do not be
they took
him on board
willingly enough;
were making
their boat reached the land they
22
and
all
6
They
sea,
afraid. at
once
for.
Next morning, the multitude was still waiting on the opposite They had seen that there was only one boat there, and that Jesus did not embark with his disciples on this boat, but left his shore.
23
disciples to rias
24
go back
had put
But now, since other boats from Tibe-
alone.
where they
in near the place
Lord gave thanks over them,
ate the loaves
when
the
the multitude, finding neither Jesus
nor his disciples there, embarked on these boats in their turn, and 25
went back
to
Capharnaum
26
didst thou
have seen; 27
make
thy
you are looking
if
You
fill.
it is
29
to earn food
What
authorized him.
work
God
in
which
Man shall
affords, continually, eternal life,
we
Man whom
said to him,
Why
then,
31
We
32
gave them bread out of heaven to
fathers
see
it
before
had manna
me when
I tell
we
trust thee;
my
by
34
gives life to the
you
35
bread
all
of
life
;
36
in
me
Father.
God's
real
gift of
eat.
But Jesus
xv.
He
Jesus said to them, Believe
bread from heaven
is
is
not
given only
down from heaven and
Then, Lord, they
said, give us this
who am the bread hungry, he who has faith
told them. It
who comes to me will never be know thirst. (But you, as Matthew
the service
what miracle canst thou do? what canst thou effect? Our
bread comes
whole world.
will never
V. 30. Cf.
is
sent.
bread that comes from heaven
this; the
the while.
he
he has
to eat in the desert; as the scripture says.
what Moses gave you. The 33
God, the Father, has
do, then, they asked him, so as to
Jesus answered them. This
God's service?
must
not because of the miracles you
will give you;
asks of you, to believe in the
So they
30
it is
because you were fed with the loaves, and had your
such food as the Son of 28
they
when
Jesus answered them. Believe me,
here?
me now,
And when
lake, they asked him, Master,
should not work to earn food which perishes in the
Work
using.
way
for
look for Jesus.
to
found that he had crossed the
I
is I
have told you, though
i.
v. 5/. Ps. Ixxvii. 24. V. j6.
Our Lord
is
perhaps thinking, not of his immediate audience, but cf. v. 38 above.
of the Jewish people in general;
JOHN 37
The Bread from Heaven
6
you have seen me, do not believe
who comes to me I will never cast out. It is the will of him who sent me, not my own will, that I have come down from heaven to do; and he who sent me would have me keep without loss, and raise up at the last day, all he has entrusted to me. Yes, this is the will of him who sent me, that all those who believe in the Son when they see him should enjoy eternal Hfe; I am to raise them up at the last day. The Jews were by now complaining of his saying, I am myself the bread which has come down from heaven. Is not this Jesus,
me
entrusted to
38 39
40
41
42
All that the Father has
in me.)
come
will
me, and him
to
they said, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother are well
known 43 44
What
to us?
from heaven?
Nobody can come
another.
mean by
does he
who
to
me
me
by the Father
45
last
day.
46
Father and learns, comes to me.
all
It is
saying,
Do
Jesus answered them,
I
have come
down
not whisper thus to one
without being attracted towards
sent me, so that
can raise him up
I
at the
And they shall who listens to the
written in the book of the prophets,
have the Lord for their teacher; everyone
(Not
that
anyone has seen the
him who comes from God; he alone has seen the Believe me when I tell you this; the man who has faith Father.) 47 8,49 in me enjoys eternal life. It is I who am the bread of life. Your 50 fathers, who ate manna in the desert, died none the less; the bread Father, except
which comes down from heaven 51
dies.
52
heaven.
myself
I
If
now, what
am
anyone is
this
is
who eats of it never come down from shall live for ever. And
such that he
the living bread that has eats of this bread,
bread which
I
am
to
he
give?
It is
my
flesh,
given
for the life of the world.
53
54
Then
the Jews
fell to
disputing with one another.
man
give us his flesh to eat?
Whereupon
lieve
me when
you can have no
I tell
you
this;
unless you eat the flesh of the
55
The man who
56
life,
and
57
my
blood
V. 42.
I
eats
will raise is
my
him up
real drink.
Matthew
xiii.
flesh
55,
Son
my
at the last day.
vi. 3.
V. 45. Is. liv. 13.
C194]
life
eats
can
this
in yourselves,
Man, and drink
and drinks
He who
Mark
of
How
Jesus said to them. Be-
my
his blood.
blood enjoys eternal
My
flesh is real food,
flesh,
and drinks
my
The Bread 58
blood, lives continually in me, and the Father, the living Father
59
who
I
in him.
come down from heaven;
manna and
it is
died none the
Such
not as
less;
As
is
who
man who eats
eats
mc
which has
the bread
was with your
it
the
6
because of
I live
has sent me, so he
will live, in his turn, because of me.
ate
JOHN
that gives Life; the Betrayal prophesied
who
fathers,
this
bread will
live eternally.
He
60 61
said
they heard
But
62
it?
63
over
it,
there were
This
Jesus,
is
of
it, if
he was before?
65
and the words
Does
see the
Only
this try
Son
of
who
said,
can be expected to
your faith?
Man
when
listen to
among
What
you
will
ascending to the place where
the spirit gives
from
6j
who
have been speaking
I
there are some, even
66
of his disciples
inwardly aware that his disciples were complaining
you
64
many
strange talk,
said to them.
it,
make
while he was teaching in the synagogue, at Caph-
all this
And
arnaum.
to
life;
the flesh
you
are spirit,
is
of
and
no life.
avail;
But
who do not believe. Jesus knew who did not believe, and which of
you,
the first which were those them was to betray him. And he went on to say, That is what I meant when I told you that nobody can come to me unless he has received the gift from my Father. After this, many of his disciples
70
went back to their old ways, and walked no more in his company. Whereupon Jesus said to the twelve, Would you, too, go away? Simon Peter answered him. Lord, to whom should we go? Thy words are the words of eternal life; we have learned to believe,
71
and are assured
68
69
that thou art the Christ, the
answered them. Have 7a
of
you
is
Iscariot,
a devil.
I
He
who was one
not chosen
all
Son of God.
twelve of you?
Jesus
And one
was speaking of Judas son of Simon, the was to betray him.
of the twelve, and
vv. 62-64. If we understand 'the flesh' as referring to our Lord's flesh, we must suppose him to mean 'the flesh without spirit, without hfe', condemning the folly of those hearers who imagined that he had been speaking of his
dead body in
flesh'
all
that
he said above. But
it is
possible to understand 'the
in a different sense altogether, the sense in
which
it
is
contrasted,
throughout the New Testament, with 'the spirit'. In this sense it denotes the natural as opposed to the supernatural man, and especially human wisdom as opposed to divine revelation (cf. viii. 15 below). The sentence will then mean, that the mystery of the Holy Eucharist must be approached by faith, not by human reasoning. V. yo. The best Greek manuscripts have 'the Holy One of God' (as in
Mark
i.
24) instead of 'the Christ, the
[95]
Son of God'.
JOHN
The Feast
7
of Tabernacles
CHAPTER SEVEN would not go about
A FTER THIS, Jcsus wciit about in Galilee; he
2
x\. in
Judaea, because the Jews had designs on his
one of the Jewish
And
him, This
his brethren said to
3
near.
4
to Judaea, so that thy disciples also
content to act in secret,
is
large;
if
if
may
is
was drawing
no place
he wishes to make himself
is
9
doings.
to
opportunity has not
for
It is
you
go up
to
me
went up, not
11
The Jews were looking he be?
13
tude astray.
14
openly.
15
up
Whereupon Your oppor-
denounce
the time
is
I
am
not ripe yet.
it
for
evil
its
not going up for
And, saying
so
his brethren
him
for
if
had gone up
for the feast,
he
he would keep himself hidden.
at the feast,
and asked. Where can
Among the crowd, there was much whispering about him; said. He is a good man; No, said others, he leads the multiBut, for fear of the Jews, nobody dared to speak of
And
it
was not
into the temple,
tonished;
V. 2.
I
for the feast;
publicly, but as
12
some
yet.
them, he stayed behind in Galilee.
But afterwards, when too
come
the world cannot be expected to
does hate me, because
it
the feast, because for
much 10
My
always ready to hand;
hate you, but 8
Nobody known at
thou must needs act thus, show thyself before the world.
Jesus said to them, tunity
go
for thee;
see thy doings.
5,6 For even his brethren were without faith in him.
7
And now
life.
the feast of Tabernacles,
feasts,
Lev.
How
till
the feast
and began
does this
was
half over that Jesus
The Jews were
as-
to read? they asked;
he
to teach there.
man know how
him
went
xxiii. 34.
For our Lord's 'brethren', see note on Matthew xii. 46. (It is perhaps noteworthy that in xiv. 22 St. Jude, who was one of them, raises exactly the same question which is raised by our Lord's brethren here.) Their suggestion that our Lord should go to Judaea in order to let his disciples see his V. 3.
is difficult to understand, unless we suppose that they affected, perhaps in irony, to think that all his disciples in Galilee had deserted him (cf. vi. 66 above), and that he could only find followers now in Judaea. V. 8. There is only an apparent inconsistency here between our Lord's statement, 'I am not going up for the feast', and his decision to go up to Jerusalem in v. 10. 'To go up for a feast' is clearly a technical expression for going up on pilgrimage, usually in company with a large party of neighbours (Luke ii. 44); whereas our Lord went to Jerusalem privately, and perhaps did not arrive till after the feast had begun.
miracles
[196}
JOHN
]esus teaches as the Father's Emissary
i6
has never studied.
17
is
my own,
not
Jesus answered,
The
learning which
prepared to do his
will,
can
tell
for himself
impart
I
Anyone who
comes from him who sent me.
it
7
is
whether such learning
I am speaking of my own impulse. own impulse seeks to win credit for to win credit for one who sent him,
comes from God, or whether 18
The man who himself; when
19
he
tells
speaks of his a
man
ample; was
Why
you keeps the law.
21
Jesus answered them,
22
founded you
Thou
answered,
and
if
man
a
in
him.
There
is
who
to kill
has a design to
that
it
comes from Moses,
are ready to circumcise a
receives circumcision
Be honest
bath?
none of
kill
thee?
one action of mine which has
as-
it
comes from the
man on
the sabbath day;
on the sabbath,
with me, for restoring a man's whole strength 24
yet
me? The multitude
Moses may not be broken, have you any right
of
Moses, for ex-
And
Listen to this; because Moses prescribed circum-
all.
you
do you design
possessed;
art
you (not
cision for
patriarchs),
no dishonesty
is
not Moses that gave you the law?
it
20
23
seeks
the truth, there
in
to
so that the
law
to be indignant
him on
the sab-
your judgements, instead of judging by ap-
pearances.
At
25 26
this,
some
not this the
Is
of those
man
who
belonged to Jerusalem began to ask,
Yet here he
they design to put to death?
speaking publicly, and they have nothing to say to him. rulers have
made up
27
But then, we know
28
one
is
to
their this
know whence
minds
in earnest, that this
is
Can
is,
the
the Christ
?
man's origins; when Christ appears, no he comes.
Whereupon
Jesus cried aloud
30
You know me, and you know whence I come; but I have not come of my own impulse, I was sent by one who has a right to send; and him you do not know. I know him, because I come from him; it was he who sent me. And now
31
his
he taught in the temple,
as
29
they were ready to seize him; but none of
time had not yet come.
And
them
indeed,
V. 22. 'Listen to this'; literally, 'on this account'.
laid
hands on him;
among
the multitude
The connexion
of thought
not clear, but it seems as if our Lord must be referring back to vv. 18 and 19; the Jews recognize Moses as one who had a true mission from God, and on that account give the Mosaic rite of circumcision (Lev. xii. 3) is
precedence even over the Divine institution of the sabbath (Gen. Although indeed the rite of circumcision was older than Moses xvii. 10).
[197}
ii.
3).
(Gen.
JOHN
The Jews Perplexed;
7
there were
many who
has done?
among
The
the
this
man
Pharisees were told o£ these whispers about
him
more
Then
him.
33
officers to arrest
34
with you, and then
35
reach the place where
36
the Gentile world,
I
am
and Pharisees sent
chief priests
Jesus said,
go back
to
coming than
miracles at his
and both
the multitude;
For a
to
while
litde
him who
me, but you will not be able
will look for
Can
learned to believe in him; they said,
Christ be expected to do
32
the Living Water
sent
I
am
me.
still
You
me; you cannot
to find
Whereupon the Jews said among themselves. Where can he mean to journey, that we should not be able to find him ? Will he go to the Jews who are scattered about saying of find
will look for
can
it
mean,
I
man
any
man
is
thirsty, let
yes, if a
39
ing water shall flow from his bosom.
which was
him; the
him come
Spirit
to be received
and
me, and drink;
which had not
speaking here of the
who
learned to believe in
yet been given to
Some
had not
41
ing these words, said, Beyond doubt this
yet been raised to glory.
is
to
He was
by those
40
This
to
believe in me, as the scripture says. Fountains of liv-
38
Spirit,
this
am?
the last and greatest day of the feast Jesus stood there
cried aloud, If
said.
What
me, but you will not be able
me; you cannot reach the place where
On
37
am.
and teach the Gentiles?
You
his.
I
the Christ;
men, because Jesus
of the multitude, is
and others again,
the prophet.
Is
on hearOthers
the Christ, then, to
come from Galilee? Has not the scripture told us that Christ is to come from the family of David, and from the village of Beth43 lehem, where David lived? Thus there vv^as a division of opinion 44 about him among the multitude; some of them would have seized him by violence, but no one laid hands on him. Meanwhile the officers had gone back to the chief priests and 45 Pharisees, who asked them. Why have you not brought him here? 46 The officers answered, Nobody has ever spoken as this man speaks. 47 And the Pharisees answered, Have you, too, let yourselves be de-
42
^8. 'His bosom'; it is not clear whether this refers to the believer, or our Lord himself; the old commentators are not agreed. In either case, it is impossible to trace these exact words in any passage of scripture as we have it; cf. however Is. xliv. 3, Zach. xiii. i. Some would punctuate differently, with a full stop, instead of a comma, after 'believes in me'. V.
to
I/.
40.
V. 42.
Deut. Mich.
xviii. 15. V. 2.
[198]
The Woman
JOHN
ta}{en in adultery
Have any of ? Pharisees ? As for
^8
ceived
the' rulers
49
the
these
50
of the law, a curse
who came 51
Is it
the
52
ing
first,
way
of
Here Nicodemus, the same man who was one of their number, asked, judge a man without giving him a hearis
from Galilee? Look
They answered him.
about?
in the scriptures; thou wilt find
that Galilee does not breed prophets. to his
yec, or
who have no knowledge
on them.
is
of our law to
too,
him
to believe in
folk
by night,
and finding out what he
Art thou, 53
to Jesus
come
common
8
And
they went back, each
own home.
CHAPTER EIGHT 1
TEsus MEANWHILE wcut
J morning came 3
to
him, and he
And now
to the
mount
the scribes
down
sat
And at early common folk
of Olives.
he appeared again in the temple;
the
all
there and began to teach them.
and Pharisees brought to him a
woman who
had been found committing adultery, and made her stand there view;
Master, they said, this
4
full
5
act of adultery.
woman
Moses, in his law, prescribed that such persons
should be stoned to death; what of thee? 6
They
in
has been caught in the
said this to put
him
to the test,
What
thy sentence?
is
hoping to find
a charge to
bring against him. But Jesus bent down, and began writing on the 7
ground with
his finger.
When
he found that they continued
question him, he looked up and said to them. Whichever of you 8
9
free
from
again,
Then he
sin shall cast the first stone at her.
And
and went on writing on the ground.
go out one by one, beginning with the
woman,
eldest,
[Q
alone with the
looked up, and asked her,
Woman, where
[I
no one condemned thee?
No
to her, I will
not
still
condemn
till
bent
is
down
they began to Jesus
standing in full view.
was
Then
are thy accusers?
left
Jesus
Has
And
Jesus said
and do not
sin again
one. Lord, she said.
thee either. Go,
to
henceforward. [2
And now V. 5.
once more Jesus spoke to them,
Lev. XX. 10. C 199
I
am
the light of the
JOHN
The double Testimony
8
He who
world, he said. 13
he will possess the him,
told
14
Thou
art testifying
worth nothing.
have come, and where 15
16
17 18
up
ment
is
me
with me.
is
two men
of
am
Hereupon they Jesus answered,
My
testimony
it is
is
trust-
is
know whence I know whence I am going. You set yourbehalf;
I
going; you do not
And what it is
I
if
not
alone,
I
do not
I
should judge?
I
my
well,
one
is
set
myself
My
judge-
Father
prescribed in your law,
trustworthy;
is
and
behalf,
my own
the Pharisees
behalf, thy testimony
your earthly fashion;
judgement indeed; Just so
Whereupon
own
know where
to judge, after
up to judge anybody.
own 19
I
have come, you do not selves
cin never walk in darkness;
life.
on thy
on
testify
I
me is
answered them,
Jesus
when
worthy, even
follows
which
light
The
who
sent
testimony
my
myself, testifying in
who sent me testifies in my behalf too. said to him, Where is this Father of thine? And You have no knowledge, either of me or of my
my
Father
Father; had you knowledge of me, you would have knowledge of 20
my
Father
as well.
was teaching
All this Jesus said at the Treasury, while he
in the temple;
and no one seized him, because
his
time had not yet come.
And
21
for
he said
to
am
going
I
23
going
24
belong to earth, is
is
Will he is
I
am
why
I
kill
going away, and you will look
At
I
to
heaven; you to
sins
upon you; where
this,
the Jews began to by,
Where
But he went on
to say,
himself? Is that what he
where you cannot come?
this
means
world,
I
to another.
I
to believe that
will die
it is
am
You That
have been telling you that you will die with your
upon you; you 25
again,
where you cannot come.
22
ask.
them
me, but you will have to die with your
sins
with your sins upon you unless you come
myself you look
for.
asked. Jesus said to them, What, that
I
Who
art thou,
then ? they
should be speaking to you
myself you look for'; literally, 'It is myself, that is, 'I am the Mark xiii. 6; but here the elliptical phrase is helped out by V. 21 above, where our Lord has told the Jews that after his death they will be looking for him, i.e. looking for a Messias to deliver them. V. 2$. 'What, that I should be speaking to you at all?'; or perhaps, 'Why am I speaking to you at all?', though this is a more doubtful rendering of the Greek. Several other interpretations have been proposed, but none of them throws much light on a very obscure passage. The old translation 'The beginning, who also speak to you', only agrees with a reading which is not that of the best Latin manuscripts. V. 24. 'It is
Christ', as in
[ 200 }
The Jews no 26
There
at all?
much
is
could say o£ you,
I
could pass on you; but what 27
him who
learned from
Then you
Jesus said to them.
structed
me
left
30
to speak.
all
alone, since
And now him,
was
32
earnest;
33
set
you
you
come
nobody ever enslaved us 34 35
I tell
you
I
faithful to
will
this;
do
is
and that
for,
of
to
yet;
his
Man.
do not
I
has in-
has not
always what pleases him.
among
my
the Jews
who
believed in
my
disciples in
word, you are
know
the truth,
We
are of
and the truth
home
will
Abraham's breed,
what dost thou mean by
And Jesus answered everyone who acts sinfully make
And
his Father.
up the Son
lifted
saying.
them. Believe
free.?
the slave cannot
have
I
of the Jews learned to believe in him.
They answered him.
free.
become
what
Jesus said to those
so
shall
you have
God
calling
myself you look
many
thus,
you continue
If
When
it is
me
While he spoke
31
I
only what
is
my own impulse, but speak as my Father And he who sent me is with me; he
do anything of 29
many judgements
me, because he cannot deceive.
sent
will recognize that
8
the world
I tell
they could not understand that he 28
JOHN
Abraham
true Sons of
You
me when and
the slave of sin,
is
in the house for ever.
To make
his
37
home in the house for ever, is for the Son. Why then, if it is the Son who makes you free men, you will have freedom in earnest. Yes, I know you are of Abraham's breed; yet you design to kill
38
me, because
36
are
what
actions,
39
my word
seems, are
it
Our
father.
to follow
me, 41
who
you the truth
not Abraham's way.
And now 42
he only,
is
took
my
No,
they said to him. the Father
children of God, you I
My
words
Father, and your
what you have learned in the school of your answered him; Abraham is our father. you are Abraham's true children, it is for you
Abraham's example; tell
my
father.? they
Jesus said to them, If
40
does not find any place in you.
have learned in the house of
I
origin,
we
as
as I
it
your
it is
We
are
recognize.
I
you are designing it
father's
from God;
to kill
this
was
example you follow.
no bastard children; God, and Jesus told them. If you were
would welcome
from him
is,
have heard
me
gladly;
have come.
I
it
was from God
did nor
come
of
my
'They answered'; some have understood this of the Jews who had him (v. 31), but this seems contradicted by vv. 45, 46 below, and it is therefore best to understand the word 'they' of our Lord's general. in audience Jewish V. ^S-
come
to believe in
[201]
JOHN 43
own
The Word
8
impulse,
was he who
it
understand the language 44
45 46
the message
from
was
the
first,
his stand
upon
hood, he
is
it
that; there is
is
it
49
me
Hereupon
utters false-
and
you do not believe
Can any
of
me.
it is
me when
Believe all
another
is
taste
because
Not
who
I tell
We are right, surely, in saying
I
art possessed?
that
I
am
will look to
you
They
death to
are dead.
own
my
reverence
this; if a
all
are dead;
eternity,
What
and thou
if
he
is
I
am
it,
not possessed,
Father that you have
my own
looking to
man And
is
true to
my
What
of
Abraham and
man
will never
Art thou
true to thy word.
dost thou claim to be?
is
word, to
the Jews said to him.
sayest that a
Abraham? He
reputa-
and be the judge.
are certain that thou art possessed.
greater than our father
dead, and the prophets
should speak in
If I
honour, Jesus answered, such honour goes for nothing.
our must come to as
and
eternity he will never see death.
the prophets?
55
he
is all false,
speaking the truth.
the Jews answered him.
no reverence for me.
Now we
54
if
He,
of sin? If not,
that thou art a Samaritan,
51
53
And
birth.
the devil,
why is it that you do not believe me when I tell you the truth? The man who belongs to God hstens to God's words; it is because you do not belong to God that you
tion; there
52
its
When
in him.
is,
father's.
he has never taken
natural to him; he
am
precisely because I
Jesus answered;
50
is
which are your
as for truth,
no truth
was he who gave falsehood
me,
and
a murderer;
only uttering what
will not listen to
48
belong to your father, that
to gratify the appetites
you cannot
that
is it
because you have no ear for
It is
and are eager
you convict 47
You
bring.
I
?
Why
me.
sent
talk
I
ma\es Men immortal
that
me from my
Father, from
whom
him
knowledge of him; are, a liar.
As
56
word.
57
the day of
Yes,
I
if I
should say
have not,
I
Abraham,
his heart
coming; he saw, and rejoiced
I
V. $6. It
is
uncertain whether our Lord
means
am
to see
that
who
[202}
to see
Then
it.
the
art not yet
Abraham 'saw' the him (Gen.
of Christ merely in the sense that it was foretold to 18), or whether we are to suppose that he was granted vision of the event, either in his life-time or after death.
xxii.
have
true to his
was proud
Jews asked him. Hast thou seen Abraham, thou,
coming
I
should be what you
have knowledge of him, and
for your father
my
I
you claim
But
your God: although you cannot recognize him.
my
Hon-
some
actual
The Man born
JOHN
blind
58
fifty
years old?
And
59
Abraham came
to be,
throw
at
Jesus said to them, Believe
Whereupon
am.
I
9
me, before ever
they took
up
stones to
him; but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple.
CHAPTER NINE
AND
Master, was this 3
Whereupon
man
itself
answered;
him who
was
it
me; the night
sent
As long
am
God's action might declare
so that lasts, I
must work
coming,
is
when
5
any more.
6
With
7
then he spread the clay on the man's eyes,
as
I
in the world,
he spat on the ground, and
that,
his parents, that he
Neither he nor his parents were
While daylight
in him.
it
been
asked him.
his disciples
was
guilty of sin, or
should have been born blind? guilty, Jesus
4
man who had
Jesus saw, as he passed on his way, a
blind from his birth.
L
am
I
made
in the service of
there
is
no working
the world's light.
clay with the spittle;
and
Away
said to him.
with thee, and wash in the pool of Siloe (a word which means.
So he went and washed
Sent out). 8
sight restored.
9
who
accustomed
And now
to see
used to
sit
him begging, began Some
here and beg?
others.
No, but he looks
10
man.
How
11
opened? anointed
is
it,
like
him.
And
recovered
He answered, A man and said my eyes with it,
not 13
14
my
sight.
And
t'.
to say. Is not this the said.
This
is
the
man
man; and
he told them, Yes,
I
am
the
Where
is
I
called to
me.
went
Jesus
made
Away
with thee
there,
clay,
and
to the
and washed, and
he? they asked; and he
said, I can-
tell.
they brought
once been bUnd.
Ex.
his
and those who had been
then, they asked him, that thy eyes have been
pool of Siloe and wash there. So 12
and came back with
there,
the neighbours,
^8. iii.
'I
It
him was
before the Pharisees, this
a sabbath day,
man who had
you must know, when Jesus
am'; here our Lord seems explicitly to claim a Divine
title,
of.
14.
The
Greek manuscripts read, 'we must work', not 'I must work'. If this reading is genuine, we must suppose that our Lord here associates his disciples with his own ministry; and indeed, he told them that they were the light of the world (Matthew v. 14). v.
4.
best
[203]
JOHN 15
16
A
9
made
clay
asked
him how he had
clay
on
and opened
my
upon some
fruitless Interrogation
so the Pharisees in their turn
Why, he said, he put now I can see. Whereman can be no messenger
recovered his sight.
and then
eyes;
And
his eyes.
I
washed, and
ot the Pharisees said. This
How
from God; he does not observe the sabbath. Others asked, a
17
man do
and be
this,
Thus
a sinner?
can
was a
there
among them. And now they questioned the What account dost thou give of him, that he should thus have opened thy eyes? Why, he said, he must be a prophet. The Jews must send for the parents of the man who had division of opinion
man
blind
18
miracles like
again.
recovered his sight, before they would believe his story that he had 19
been blind, and that he had had his sight restored to him. they questioned them,
20
How comes We
blind?
21
this
your son, who, you
then, that he
it,
answered them.
Is
can
tell
now
is
you that
was blind when he was born;
we
say,
His parents
able to see?
this is
cannot
And
was born
our son, and that he
how
tell
he
is
able to
now; we have no means of knowing who opened his eyes for him. Ask the man himself; he is of age; let him tell you his own story. It was fear of the Jews that made his parents talk in this way; the Jews had by now come to an agreement that anyone who see
22
acknowledged Jesus 23
gogue;
that
as the Christ
was why
should be forbidden the syna-
He
his parents said.
of age, ask
is
him
himself.
24
God
sinner.
26
that once
him over
I
blind, and, now What was it he did And he answered
was
again.
open thy eyes?
and you would not 28
Would you him with
too
abuse;
listen to
become
Keep
We know
me.
I
I
cannot
can
see.
to thee?
them,
I
Why must
his disciples?
been blind.
to our knowledge, tell; all I
Then
is
know
a is
they asked
By what means did he have told you already, you hear
Upon
it
this,
his discipleship for thyself,
we
over again ?
they covered are disciples
we Why, the man answered, here is matter for astonishment; here is a man that comes you cannot tell whence, and he has opened my eyes. And yet we know for certain that God does not answer the prayers of
29
of Moses.
30
know
31
man,
the praise, they said; this
Sinner or not, said the other,
25
27
man who had
So once more they summoned the
Give
nothing of
this
for certain that
God
spoke to Moses;
man, or whence he comes.
[204]
On
JOHN
spiritual Blindness
sinners,
32
prayer
33
blind
man
it is
is
is
only
man is devout and does That a man should open the
when
answered.
a
10
his will, that his
eyes of one born
something unheard of since the world began.
No,
if this
did not come from God, he would have no powers at
all.
34
What, they answered,
35
him out from their presence. him out, he went to find him, and asked him, Dost thou believe in the Son of God? Tell in sin
36 37
from thy
When
me who is
one
we
And
birth?
to
he
had so
I
can believe in him.
thou hast seen, Jesus told him.
Then he
38
ing to thee.
worship him.
40
see,
and those who
sees
heard
said,
Hereupon
so that a sentence
this,
may
I
do
believe.
Jesus said,
upon
see should
it,
I
It is
Lord, and
who fell
have come into
who
that those
become
he
He
speak-
down
this
to
world
are blind should
Some
blind.
is
of the Phari-
such as were in his company, and they asked him,
Are we blind too? not be guilty.
fall
thee, all steeped
cast
Lord, he answered, so that
is,
whom
have lessons from
they cast
Jesus heard that they
39
41
are
It is
If
you were blind, Jesus
because you protest,
cannot be rid of your
told them,
We can
you would
see clearly, that
you
guilt.
CHAPTER TEN BEhiEVE ME WHEN sheep-fold by
comes
to steal
I tell you this; the man who climbs into the some other way, instead of entering by the door,
and
to
plunder:
it is
sheep that comes in by the door.
door throws so he calls by
it
the shepherd his
who
tends the
coming the keeper
of the
open, and the sheep are attentive to his voice; and
name
out with him.
At
the sheep
When
which belong
he has brought out
to all
him, and leads them the sheep
which
be-
V. ^j. 'The Son of God'; some Greek manuscripts read, 'The Son of Man', but it is clear from the context that, whichever title he used, our Lord was here identifying himself as the Christ. (if we interpret it by v. 41 below) seems to I/. 59. Our Lord's meaning be, that his coming into the world has die effect of enlightening those humble souls which are conscious of their own ignorance, and at the same time of involving those who think themselves wise and prudent (Matthew xi. 25) in worse blindness than ever. Cf. Apocalypse iii. 17, 18.
[205}
JOHN
The Good Shepherd
10
long to him, he walks in front of them, and the sheep follow him, 5
recognizing his voice.
him
away from
stranger comes, they run
If a
instead of following him; they cannot recognize the voice of a
This was a parable which Jesus told them; and they
6
stranger.
7
could not understand what he meant to say to them.
spoke to them again; Believe me, he 8
of the sheep-fold.
9
all
am 10
comes
am
I
will find salvation
life,
and have
in are
at will,
I
he makes his way in
if
and find pasture.
The
have come so
more abundantly.
it
The good shepherd lays down his life hireUng, who is no shepherd, and does
the good shepherd.
whereas the
for his sheep,
Jesus
the door
way
their
to steal, to slaughter, to destroy; I
may have
that they 11
So
who am
sheep paid no attention.
to these, the
through me; he will come and go thief only
12
man
the door; a
it is I
Those others who have found
and robbers;
thieves
said,
not claim the sheep as his own, abandons the sheep and takes to
soon
flight as
13
because he sheep.
know me; just as And for these sheep
16
too,
The
them.
I
my sheep are known to me and am known to my Father, and know him. am laying down my life. I have other sheep
I
which do not belong
to this fold;
my voice; so my Father loves
they will listen to 17
shepherd.
18
life, it
down
up 19
to take
of
This it
my own is
These words of
Many
Jews.
21
why do you
of
accord.
I
the charge
am
I
must bring them
there will be one fold, in
me, that
I
am laying down my rob me of it; I lay
free to lay
which
my
it
down,
free to take
listen to
said,
He
him?
must be possessed; he
While
it
Father has given me.
his led to a fresh division of opinion
them
in too;
and one
Nobody can
up again afterwards.
again; that
20
hireling, then, takes to flight
good shepherd;
the
14 15
I
wolf coming, and so the wolf harries
sees the
scatters
only a hireling, because he has no concern over the
is
am
he
as
and
the sheep
is
others said, This
among the madman;
a
is
not the
V. 8. 'Those others' must not be taken as referring to the old prophets; our Lord says there are, not were, robbers, which shews he was thinking of rehgious leaders in his own time. These, he says, entered the sheep-fold unauthorized, instead of waiting until Christ, the Good Shepherd, should have opened that Door, which is also Christ. v.
75.
know
Some would
translate,
'Just
him', but this rendering seems
as
I
less
am known to my Father, so well suited to the context.
I
'One fold': the Greek here is more accurately rendered 'One flock'. Our Lord evidendy refers to the Gendles who would believe in him. f. 16.
[206}
JOHN
Jesus challenged to spea\ out; the Threat of stoning
10
23
man who is possessed by a devil. Has a devil power open blind men's eyes? And now the Dedication feast was taking place at Jerusalem, and it was winter; and Jesus was walk-
24
ing about in the temple, in Solomon's porch.
So the Jews gathered
How long wilt
thou go on keeping us
language of a 22
to
round him, and 25
said to him,
in suspense ? If thou art the Christ,
them, 26
my
27
lieve
28
ten to
tell
Jesus answered
us openly.
have told you, but you will not believe me. All that
I
name
Father's
me;
that
my
is
voice,
bears
me
testimony,
and
still
you
because you are no sheep of mine.
and
I
know
I
do
in
will not be-
My
sheep
them, and they follow me.
lis-
And
I
them everlasting life, so that to all eternity they can never be 29 lost; no one can tear them away from my hand. This trust which my Father has committed to me is more precious than all else; no 30 one can tear them away from the hand of my Father. My Father give
and
32
mercy
Jews;
it is
for blasphemy;
35
law,
to
him
with.
do many deeds
we
it is
me ?
are stoning thee, answered the
because thou,
Jesus answered them. Is
who it
art a
man, dost
not written in your
He gave the tide of gods to those I have said. You are gods ? who had God's message sent to them; and we know that the words of scripture have binding force.
God
blasphemer, because
in
Why
then,
what of him
me;
not; so
I
do not
but
you
if I
I
have told you
I
act like the son of
do, then let
will recognize
my
actions convince
and learn
call
you where
to believe that the
Machabees iv. 56. Kings vi. 3. 2g. Some Greek manuscripts read here "My Father, trust to me, is greater than all else'.
V. 2.2.
whom
me a am the Son of God ? If you my Father, then put no trust
has sanctified and sent into the world? Will you
find that 38
me
;
pretend to be God.
37
stones, to stone
Father has enabled
your presence for which of these are you stoning
in
34
36
My
not for any deed of mercy
It is
up
the Jews once again took
this,
Jesus answered them,
of
33
are one.
I
At
31
I
Father
canis
in
I
V. 23. Ill V.
this
V. ^4. Ps. Ixxxi. 6.
The
God' and even gods'; God' is not in itself a claims
more
it
in a different
applicable to the
God was
who
has committed
judges of God's people are there called 'sons of which fact our Lord adduces as proof that 'Son of blasphemous title to adopt. But he shows that he sense, by insisting immediately afterwards that it is Word of God, than to those to whom the word of
sent.
[207]
JOHN
Jesus withdraws; the Death of Lazarus
11
Thereupon once again they had
39
me, and
40
him; but he escaped from
I
in him.
where John was when he
side of Jordan, to the place
There he waited: while many came out
41
never did a miracle, but
And many found
true.
42
all
John
to see
him
to seize
to the other
first
baptized.
him. John, they
told us about this
faith in
mind
a
and went back
their hands,
man
said,,
has proved
there.
CHAPTER ELEVEN T,HERE WAS sick.
A
MAN
and
Martha;
with her
sister
had now
fallen sick,
3
ointment and wiped his feet with her
was
the
woman who
sage to him, to say. Lord, he
And it is
5,
it.
and her
The end
sister,
sisters sent a
of this sickness to the
and Lazarus.
At
is
mes-
here sick.
lies
not death;
Son
of
God.
the time, then,
hearing the news, he waited for two days in the place where
and
then, after that interval, he said to his disciples.
8
us go back into Judaea.
9
Jesus answered,
were but
now
threatening to stone thee; art thou for Judaea again?
Are
there not just twelve hours of daylight?
can walk in the day-time without stumbling, with
he only stumbles
10
light to see by;
then the hght cannot reach him. told them.
Our
awake him. 2.
Since
Let
Master, his disciples said to him, the Jews
11
V.
The
on hearing
he was;
12
lived,
thou lovest
God's honour, to bring honour
7
man
whom
Jesus said, for
fallen
anointed the Lord with
hair.
meant
6 Jesus loved Martha, after
this
village
Mary, whose brother Lazarus
2
4
who had
where Mary
Called Lazarus, of Bethany,
Bethany was the name of the
friend Lazarus
if
he walks by night, because
So much he
is at rest
now;
I
said,
am
But, Lord, the disciples said to him,
St.
John only mentions
this
follows, this verse perhaps implies that he
with the other gospels. (Matthew xxvi. 36 sqq.
The most probable
A
this world's
and then he
going there to if
he
is
rested,
incident in the chaptei which his readers to be familiar
assumed
6,
Mark
xiv. 3.)
Cf. also
Luke
vii.
explanation of this allegory is that our Lord 9. compares the predestined length of his own life-time with the hours of daylight; there is no danger for him in Judaea yet, because tiie hour oi darkness (Luke xxii. 53) has not yet come. Cf. ix. 4 above. I/.
E208}
JOHN
Jesus at Bethany
had been
them
13
his life will be saved.
14
they supposed he meant the rest which comes with sleep.
15
Jesus told
them openly, Lazarus
am
was not
16
us
glad
I
make our way
Didymus,
Jesus
there;
to
telling
will help
it
And
dead.
is
you
said to his fellow-disciples.
now
So
for your sakes, I
But come,
to believe.
Thereupon Thomas, who
him.
11
of his death; but
Let us go
and be
too,
let
also called
is
killed
along with him. 17
When
Jesus arrived, he
found that Lazarus had already been four
Since Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen
18
days in the grave.
19
furlongs away,
20
Martha and Mary over the
many
had gone out
of the Jews
there to comfort
when she Mary sat on
Martha,
loss of their brother.
heard that Jesus had come, went out to meet him, while Lord, said Martha to Jesus,
21
in the house.
22
my
2^
God
24
said to her, will rise again.
would not have died;
brother
will grant
enough
and
if
thou hadst been here,
know
well that even
Thy
whatever thou wilt ask of him.
Martha
comes.
26
believes in
27
life,
Jesus said to her,
and has
faith in
am
I
me, though he
me,
thou art the Christ; thou
And
Mary
aside;
She rose up
thee come.
30
(Jesus
31
where Martha had gone out
had not
at
living
Dost thou
to believe that
God;
it is
for thy
with that she went back and
The Master
is
here, she said,
once on hearing
yet reached the village; he to
who
he
life;
die.
have learned
Son of the
art the
coming the world has waited. called her sister
I
well
the last day
and whoever has
cannot
to all eternity
29
and
the resurrection
believe this? Yes, Lord, she told him,
know
I
when
dead, will live on,
is
now
brother, Jesus
said to him,
that he will rise again at the resurrection,
25
^8
I
meet him.)
were in the house with Mary, comforting
it,
was
And
her,
and bids
and went still
so the
when
to him.
at the place
they
Jews
who
saw how
quickly she rose up and went out, followed her; She has gone to the grave, they said, to
32
him, she 33
weep
there.
So Mary reached the place where Jesus was; and when she saw
brother tears,
fell at his feet;
Lord, she
would not have
and the and
tears
said,
34 35
him? he asked.
36
Jesus wept.
thou hadst been here,
of the
my
her in
Where have you him, come and see.
buried
distressed himself over
deeply,
if
And Jesus, when he saw Jews who accompanied her,
died.
Lord, they said to
See, said the Jews,
how
[209]
it;
he loved him;
sighed
Then
and some of
JOHN
The
11
them asked, Could not
Resurrection of Lazarus; Caiphas Propheciei
he,
who opened
38
prevented this man's death?
39
over the
Martha, the dead man's
if
said to him, Lord, the air
sister,
thou hast
Why,
42
Father, he said,
know
thou
which
who
me
is
And
hast sent me.
44
loud voice, Lazarus, come out here.
came
out, his feet
muffled in a 45
Many
46
what Jesus
47
Pharisees, priests
48
veil.
of these
and hands
tied
Loose him, said Jews
who had to
them
and Pharisees summoned
And
foul by
glorified?
heaven,
say this for the sake
may
learn to
with that he cried in a
and
let
the dead
strips,
and
him go
man
his face
free.
Martha and Mary, and seen but some went off to the
him,
Jesus had done.
What
So the chief
we about? man is performing many miracles, and if we leave own devices, he will find credit everywhere. Then the a council;
are
they said. This
him to his Romans will come, and make an end 49
And
50
year, said to flect
51
I
Whereupon
Jesus,
all
have
him-
For myself,
prayer.
with linen
visited
did, learned to believe in
and reported
my but
at all times,
believe
it is
God
standing round, that they
43
is
lifted his eyes to
thank thee for hearing
that thou hearest
of the multitude
to
Jesus said to her, have I
thou wilt see
faith,
So they took the stone away; and Jesus
I
eyes,
the stone, Jesus told them.
41
I
bhnd man's
and a stone had been put
cave,
now; he has been four days dead. not told thee that
the
once more sighing
Jesus,
came to the tomb; it was a mouth of it. Take away
self,
40
So
who
one of them, Caiphas,
that
them.
it is
of our city
own
race.
You have no perception at all; you do not reif one man is put to death for the sake of
best for us
the people, to save a whole nation from destruction. his
and our
held the high priesthood in that
impulse that he said
this;
It
was not of
holding the high priesthood as
he did in that year, he was able to prophesy that Jesus was to die 52
for the sake of the nation;
and not only
so as to bring together into
From
one
all
for that nation's sake, but
God's children, scattered far
53
and wide.
54
and Jesus no longer went about openly among the Jews, but
retired
which borders on the
desert,
to a city called
that day forward, then, they plotted his death;
Ephrem,
in the country
The Jewish high
priests were not elected annually, but held the John cannot have been ignorant of this, we must suppose him to mean, that Caiphas was high priest in that all-important year which witnessed the world's redemption; or possibly that in this year Caiphas still held the office, from which he was in fact deposed by the V.
4g.
office for
life.
Since
Romans not many
St.
years afterwards.
JOHN
Jesus' Feet anointed
55
and waited there with Jews keep was country
56
now
who went up
to
Jerusalem to purify themselves before
so they looked out for Jesus,
What
another as they stood there in the temple,
Will he come up
and
one
said to
your way of
it?
And the chief priests and Pharisees anyone who knew where he was should
that
them, so that they could arrest him.
to
it
is
to the feast?
had given orders report
which the
paschal feast
and there were many from the
close at hand,
paschal time began;
The
his disciples.
12
CHAPTER TWELVE DAYS BEFORE the paschal
SIX
And
2
life.
3
waiting at
a feast table,
was made
went
feast, Jesus
was the home of Lazarus, the dead for
him
to
Bethany Bethany
man whom
there, at
Jesus raised to
which Martha was
And
while Lazarus was one of his fellow-guests.
now Mary brought
in a
was very
and poured
precious,
pound
of pure spikenard ointment, it
over Jesus'
feet,
wiping
which
his feet
with her hair; the whole house was scented with the ointment. 4
One
of his disciples, the
same Judas
5
said
when he saw
Why
6
might have been given
concern for the poor, but because he was a
thief;
7
mon
And
8
is
sold? It
enough
that she should
not always
A
this
great
He
to the poor.
and took what was put into
prepared for burial.
am 9
who was
Iscariot
should not
would have fetched two hundred
purse,
alone;
it.
among
number
keep
You have
it
to betray
him,
ointment have been
silver pieces,
and alms
said this, not
from any
it.
he kept the comJesus said. Let her
when my body among you always; I
for the day
the poor
you.
of the Jews heard that
he was there and went
out there, not only on account of Jesus, but so as to have sight of 10
Lazarus,
11
made on
whom
he raised from the dead;
a plot against Lazarus' life too,
his account,
were beginning
to
and the
because so
go
off
and find
who had come up
Next
day, a great multitude of those
13
feast,
hearing that Jesus was coming into Jerusalem,
Matthew xxvi. 6, Mark xiv. Matthew xxi. i, Mark xi.
vv. 12—16.
[211]
3. i,
of the Jews,
faith in Jesus.
12
vv. 1—8.
chief priests
many
Luke
xix. 29.
for the
took palm
JOHN
own Death
Jesus enters Jerusalem; prophesies his
12
branches with them and went out to meet him, crying aloud,
Hosanna, blessed 14
who comes in the name of the Lord, blessed And Jesus took an ass' foal, and mounted on Do not be afraid, daughter of Sion; behold,
he
is
the king of Israel.
is
so
15
it;
16
thy king
written.
is
it
is
coming
did not understand
on an
to thee, riding all this at
The
ass' colt.
disciples
had attained
the time; only after Jesus
18
remember what they had done, and how it fulThere were many who had been with him, when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him Indeed., that was why to life, and these too bore witness of him.
19
performing
this miracle.
Do
how
his glory did they
ly
filled
the words written of him.
the multitude
you
see
went out
to
meet him, because they had heard of
And
his
the Pharisees said to one another,
vain are your efforts? Look, the whole world has
turned aside to follow him.
And
20 21
who
at the feast,
made
Bethsaida in Galilee, and 22
among
there were certain Gentiles,
worship
to
a request of
came and
Philip
desire to see Jesus.
those that
had come up
man from we
approached Philip, the
told
him;
Sir,
they said,
Andrew, and
together
24
Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. And Jesus answered them thus. The time has come now for the Son of Man to achieve his glory. Believe me when I tell you this; a grain of wheat must fall
25
grain of wheat; but
23
into the
ground and
loves his life will lose
26
it;
dies,
he
it
then
who
is
remains nothing more than a
He who
yields rich fruit.
it
own
an enemy to his
life
in this
my my way; so shall my servant too be where I am. If anyone serves me, my Father will do him honour. And now my soul is distressed. What am I to say? I will say. Father, save me from undergoing this hour of trial and yet, I have world will keep servant,
27
die, or else if it
it,
so as to live eternally.
If
anyone
to be
is
he must follow
;
28
only reached this hour of
29
make thy name known. And have made it known, and will
trial
that
I
might undergo
yet
make
it
multitude which stood listening declared that 30
but some of them V. 75.
Zach.
hour of
An
Father,
it
had thundered;
angel has spoken to him.
Jesus an-
me from
undergoing
ix. 9.
V. 2y. Ps. vi. 4.
this
said.
it.
came from heaven, I known. Thereupon the
at this, a voice
Some
trial' as
read the words 'Father, save
a question.
[2T2j
The Light
of the
swered,
It
was
Sentence
31
made.
32
time
33
am
when
saying
being passed on
the earth,
We
mean by
Man
still,
is
to
And
this?
Yes,
have the Hght, have
Man must
out of the
told,
be lifted up ?
The hght
37
much
is
What Son among you who
Such great miracles he did not believe in him;
was 40
whom
sage, to
the
was
this
He
heart,
who
there anyone
is
power
of
God
42
one
43
with
And
me, not
46
sent
me.
47
who
believe in
and indeed,
So
it
Isaias has said else-
and understand with that
me, and win healing from me.
seen his glory;
all that,
many
it
was
tence
on him;
V.
Dan.
it
him
me may
vii.
liii.
2.
learned to
because of the Phari-
man
believes in
believes;
to see
They valued
me,
me
it is
is
in
to see
their
have come
I
If a
do not pass
man sen-
to save the world, not to pass sentence
14.
'The power';
him who him who
as a light, so that all those
continue no longer in darkness.
words, and does not keep true to them, I
Isaias said
that he spoke.
who had
of the rulers
have come into the world
my
of
higher than their credit with God.
me, that he
in
hears
^4.
to
Jesus cried out, If a
sent
V. 38. Is.
has believed our mes-
being forbidden the synagogue.
men
45
I
they did
made known?
has been
him; but they would not profess
sees, afraid of
credit
44
who had
There were, for believe in
still
words spoken by
has blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart, so
and turn back
this, as
and then went
and
in their presence,
in fulfilment of the
that they could not see with those eyes, 41
you may become
Jesus told them,
that they could not believe;
where:
While you
going.
is
still
jour-
view.
lost to their
the prophet Isaias, Lord, 39
which way he
tell
faith in the Hght, that so
children of the Hght. So
38
I
(In
but only for a short time. Finish your journey while you
away, and was
the
die.)
have been
Jesus said to them.
neys in darkness cannot still
is
only
to myself.
have the Hght, for fear darkness should overtake you; he 36
if
12
was
remain undisturbed for ever; what dost thou
saying that the Son of
is
now
world;
men
he prophesied the death he was to
this,
law, that Christ
of
this
to be cast out.
is
will attract all
I
The multitude answered him,
34
35
now
is
the prince of this world
up from
lifted
JOHN
World
for your sake, not for mine, that this utterance
literally 'the
V. 40. Is. vi. 9.
l2n}
arm' of the Lord.
JOHN 48
]esus washes his Disciples' Feet
13
my
not accept
49
message
I
Father
commands
my
is
no account, and does
his
judge
the
it is
And
at the last day.
my own impulse that I have spoken; it was me that commanded me what words I was to was to utter. And I know well that what he
not of
it is
who
sent
what message
say,
of
words, has a judge appointed to try him;
have uttered that will be
because
this,
my 50
The man who makes me
on the world.
I
eternal
life;
everything then, which
I utter, I
utter as
Father has bidden me.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN PASCHAL FEAST began, Jcsus already
BEFORE THE
time had come for his passage from
He
still
loved those
who were
his
own,
this
knew
world
whom he
that the
to the Father.
was leaving
in the
world, and he would give them the uttermost proof of his love. 2
Supper was over, and the devil had already put
3
Judas, son of Simon, the Iscariot, to betray him. that the Father
4
God
had
that he came,
from supper, he about him;
6
girded him.
7
Lord,
wash
it
and
is it
So,
9
God
aside, took a towel,
basin,
well
was from
And now,
that he went.
garments
when he came
for thee to
wash
my
know, now, what
afterwards.
I
If I
no companionship with me. hands and
my
head
man who has bathed
too,
to
rising
and put
it
and began
them with the towel that Simon Peter, Peter asked him,
feet?
am
Peter said to him,
and Jesus answered him. 10
to
it
the feet of his disciples, wiping
for thee to
8
knew
everything in his hands;
laid his
knew
Jesus
and then he poured water into the
5
to
left
into the heart of
it
I
Jesus answered him,
not
wash my feet; means thou hast Peter, wash my
will never let thee
do not wash
thee,
Then, Lord,
not only
It is
doing; but thou wilt understand
my
feet.
does not need to do
it
said
But Jesus
told him,
more than wash
A
the stains
f. 10. The best interpretation of this passage seems to be that of St. Cyprian, that the washing of feet symbohzes sacramental absolution. He who has once been baptized can need no second baptism, but he may need absolution from post-baptismal sin, which is compared here to the incidental stains of travel. Since Judas had been baptized, and had his feet washed, he remains 'unclean' because in his case the washing of feet has taken no effect.
[214}
The Law 11
from not
his feet;
of you.
all
You
JOHN
of Service
are not
he
clean
is
down
sat
what
14
Lord; and you are
right, it
washed your
who am
have done
feet, I
and
again,
13
to
You
you?
me
hail
what
is
for you.
17
apostle greater than
18
this,
blessed are
you when
I
my
he by
you
if
say this,
it
I
Why
then,
and the have
I
if
have been setting you an
I
to
do what
I
have done
I
know who
it.
are the
men
it
happens,
so that
trip
I
have chosen; well,
fulfilled.
me
when
up. it
I
The man who
am
you
telling
may
happens you
was written of me.
me when
Believe
whom
his
you understand
whom he was sent. Now that you know I am not thinking of all of
you perform
bread has Hfted his heel to
now, before
believe
20
said,
and the Lord, you in your
the Master
remains for the passage in scripture to be
this
only,
he
Believe me, no slave can be greater than his master, no
16
19
Do
as the Master,
am.
I
turn ought to wash each other's feet;
shared
why
and put on
their feet
said to them.
example, which will teach you in your turn
it
is
all clean.
garments, he it is I
now;
are clean
was; that
his betrayer
Then, when he had finished washing
12
15
And you
over.
all
He knew who
13
you
tell
I
this; the
welcomes me; and the
send,
man who welcomes man who welcomes
one me,
welcomes him who sent me. 21
After saying so much, Jesus bore witness to the distress he in his heart; Believe
And
me, he
22
me.
23
which of them he meant.
24
who was now V.
said, believe
me, one of you
is
the disciples looked at one another, at a loss to
sitting
Jesus
had one
disciple,
whom
with his head against Jesus' breast;
felt
to betray
know
he loved, to
him,
18. Ps. xl. 10.
'You may believe it was written of me'; literally, 'you may believe myself, as in viii. 24 above. Here, as there, the sense is plainly, 'that I am the Christ'; but it has to be inferred, here as there, from the context, and the context seems to imply that our Lord is the Christ inasmuch as he is the person in whom David's prophecy is fulfilled. V.
that
ig. it
is
vv. 21-^0. V. 23.
on the
The left
Matthew
Mark xiv. 18. we do over verse, we are simply
xxvi. 31,
ancients did not
elbow. In this
sit as
meals, but reclined, leaning told that St. John, lying at
our Lord's right, found his head nearly at a level with his breast; in verse 25 he leans back to speak to him, with his head actually resting upon it. That St. Peter should have had to communicate by signs probably means that he was sitting on the further side of our Lord, that is, in the place of
honour
at his left.
[215}
JOHN
]udas leaves the
13
Simon Peter made
therefore,
25
26
liead
him,
answered.
to
him. Be quick on thy errand. understand the
he
asked
whom
to
I
Then he
dipping in the dish.
common
He,
the poor.
and now
it
When
as
was
None
what he
drift of
buy what we need
Iscariot.
purse, that
for the feast, or
soon
as
glory,
and
God
is
my
you what
where
I
am.
are to love
35
the love
36
you
for
I
exalted,
it is
I
You
bidding him give some alms
to
Now
God
is
the
Son of
Man
own
God
to exalt
It is
only for a short time that
will look for
him
in his
me, and
has
Since, in his
exalted.
now
I
glory, I
am
have
to
once told the Jews, you cannot reach the place
have a
new commandment
to give you, that
one another; that your love for one another
have borne you.
my
for
delay.
children. I
could
sat there
he received the morsel, had gone out;
out, Jesus said.
him without
with you,
who
some of them thought, since Jesus was saying to him. Go and
night.
he had gone
exalt
of those
said;
achieved his glory, and in his glory
tell
is it
morsel once given, Satan entered into him; and Jesus said tc
Judas kept the
34
man
Judas the son of Simon, the
it
29
33
the
It is
dipped the bread, and gave
28
32
am
Who
Jesus' breast,
I
The
31
back upon
give this piece of bread which
27
30
and asked him,
a sign,
And he, leaning his Lord, who is it? Jesus
means?
Supper
last
disciples will
The mark by which
all
is
men
to
will
be the love you bear one another.
you
be like
know Simon
Peter said to him, Lord, where art thou going? Jesus answered
am going where thou canst not follow me now, but shalt me afterwards. Lord, Peter said to him, why cannot I follow thee now ? I am ready to lay down my life for thy sake. Thou art ready, answered Jesus, to lay down thy life for my sake ? Believe him,
37 38
I
follow
me, by cock-crow thou wilt thrice have disowned me. V.
jj. Cf. vii. 34, viii. 21
above.
[216I
The Father
JOHN
in Christ
is
14
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Do
xoT LET your heart be
Father's house; otherwise, should 3
away
to prepare a
home
prepare you a home, 4
5 6
7
for
you?
am coming
I
you have
distressed; as
God,
faith in
my
There are many dwelhng-places in
have faith in me.
have said
I
to you,
And though
I
back; and then
am
I
going
do go away,
to
you
will take
I
you too may be where I am. And now you know where it is I am going; and you know the way there. Thomas said to him, But, Lord, we do not know where thou art going; how are we to know the way there.' Jesus said to him, I am the way; I am truth and life; nobody can come to the Father, to myself, so that
except through me.
would have learned 8
wards you are
9
What,
you had learned
If
to recognize
let
recognize me, you
to
Father
too.
From now
him; you have seen him.
to recognize
Philip said to him. Lord,
my
us see the Father; that
Philip, Jesus said to him, here
am
I,
who
is
this,
we
ask.
all
have been
while in your company; hast thou not learned
on-
At
all this
recognize
to
mc
Whoever has seen me, has seen the Father; what dost thou mean by saying. Let us see the Father.' Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in me.-* The words I speak to yet.-*
10
you are not spoken of
my own
you cannot
my
11
If
12
Father, and the Father
my
selves be
who 13
trust
in me,
warrant. Believe
has learned to believe in
nay, he will be able to
am
word, when is
me
V. 2.
'Should
I
difficult to reconcile
me when I me will be
translate,
'I
with the verse
would have told you, and seems wanting
infer
v.
JO.
t>.
/J.
in the
tell
you
yet.
make
man
this; the
able to do It is to
what
my
I
do;
Father
of the Father in
I
my
Some comment?.-
would have said to you', which is which immediately follows; others would
because'; but this in relevance.
is
a doubtful rendering
Our Lord's thought appears
waiting in heaven for others besides myself, as you saying that I am going to prepare a home for you'. manuscripts here have 'Dost thou not believe'. words 'of the Father' are not found in the manuscripts.
from
The The
am
I
'I
to be, 'there are places
may
power.
that
to you'; cf. x. 4, xii. 26 above.
as a statement,
of the Greek,
you
acts of
these powerful acts them-
do greater things
have said
words
own
his
tell
I
let
going: and whatever request you
tors take the
who
impulse; and the Father,
dwells continually in me, achieves in
my
[217}
John H name, 14
The Mission
self will
every request you
grant
If
which
I
17
you
to befriend you,
for ever.
It is
But you are
nay, he will be in you.
19
to you.
only a
I
21
have that
I
me
I
too
me, because
see
whom
man
and then he him, and
who
the world can
you
friendless;
I
and you too
on,
I live
am coming to see me
is
Here
him.
will reveal myself to
how comes
it
my
win
make our
we
Father's love, and
continual abode with him;
has no love for me,
lets
my
sayings pass
Judas,
that thou wilt
Jesus answered
my
has any love for me, he will be true to
will
will
comes, you will learn for yourselves
the
wiU love him, and
If a
will give
dwell continually with
to
only reveal thyself to us, and not to the world?
him,
24
is
will be continually at your side,
not the Iscariot, said to him, Lord, 23
my-
I
you are in me, and I am in you. The man who keeps the commandments he who loves me will win my Father's love, and
is
has from me; and he 22
who
while now, before the world
When that day am in my Father, and loves
and he
will ask the Father,
one
him; he
life.
man who
I
will not leave
little
no more; but you can 20
name,
cannot see him, cannot recognize him.
it
to recognize
18
It is
my own
in
the truth-giving Spirit, for
no room, because
find
me
o£
me, you must keep the commandments
for
and then
give you;
you another
make
to you.
it
you have any love
15
16
through the Son the Father may be
will grant, so that
I
glorified;
of the Spirit
will both
word;
come
whereas the
him
by.
to
man
And
this
word, which you have been hearing from me, comes not from me, but from
So
25,26
who on to
27
my
much is
my
Father
converse
who I
to befriend you, the
Peace
is
my
to give;
V. 14.
Holy
account, will in his turn
your minds everything
mine
sent me.
have held with you,
I
Spirit,
make
have said
still
whom
at
your
do not give peace
everything plain, and recall
as the
Some Greek manuscripts omit
'of
to be addressed to the Father in Christ's
He
to you.
bequest to you, and the peace which I
side.
the Father will send
world gives
me', as
if
I it.
give you
Do
the petitions
not
were
is
let
still
name.
V. 16. To befriend you'; the Greek word here used is 'the Paraclete', which means, properly, an advocate called in to defend one who is defending an action at law. It is clear from Matthew x. 20 that this office is fulfilled by the Holy Spirit; but the references in this and the following chapters suggest that the title indicates a more general manner of assistance.
[218]
The 28
JOHN
true Vine
your heart be distressed, or play the cowaru. say that
am
I
loved me, you would be glad to hear that
29
Father;
30
believe.
31
No, but
this
is
my
before
my
to
when it happens you may learn to much time for converse with you; one
happens, so that
it
coming,
really
have told you of
I
I.
me
heard
you
to you. If
am on my way
I
Father has greater power than
have no longer
I
You have
going away and coming back
15
who
has power over the world, but no hold over me.
must be convinced
the world
act only as the
that
commanded me
Father has
I
and
love the Father,
to act. Rise up,
we must
be going on our way.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN 2
T AM THE TRUE VINE, and it is my Father who tends J. that yields
3
yield fruit,
no
he trims
clean, so that
through the message 4
6
can you,
if
fruit; separated
10
is
my
I
bestowed
cast off
words
I I
on
no
in you.
The branch no more
fruit of itself;
am
the vine, you are
its
in him, then he will yield
and withers away; such a branch fire,
live
burn
to
on
to
do any-
have bestowed
there.
As long
as
is
you
picked up live
on
in
make what name has been
in you, you will be able to
granted.
it
you yield abundant
his love
You,
fruit.
from me, you have no power
request you will, and have
ciples.
more
does not live on in me, he can only be like the
and thrown into the
glorified, if
9
man
If a
lives
me.
in
on in me, and
abundant thing.
on
live
if
me, and 8
man
yield
will live
I
in the vine can yield
you do not a
may
;
branches;
branch that 7
on
it
have preached to you, are clean already you
have only to Hve on in me, and that does not live
5
I
The branch
it.
me, he cuts away; the branch that does
fruit in
my
fruit,
love
upon me;
My
Father's
and prove yourselves
upon you,
just as
live on, then, in
my
my love.
my
dis^
Father has
You
will
f. ^o. 'One who has power'; that is, the devil; cf. xii. 31 above. V. 5/. Some think that after announcing his departure our Lord still lingered talking to the apostles; others, that they left the Cenacle at this point, and that the words recorded in the three chapters which follow were spoken on the way to Gethsemani.
[219}
JOHN
The Commandment
15
of Love; the World's Hatred
my love, if you keep my commandments, just as it is by my Father's commandments that I live on in his love. All this I have told you, so that my joy may be yours, and the measure of your joy may be filled up. This is my commandment, on
live
in
keeping
11
12 13
you should love one another,
that
greatest love a
14
his friends;
15
friends.
one
is
16
known
I
have called you
my
that chose you.
The
fruit, fruit
for
you
friends.
task
as
my
my
the for
are
my
servants; a servant is
about, whereas
Father has told me; and so
was not you
It
is
life
me,
that chose is
was
it
go out and
to
will endure; so that every request
you make
These are the
be granted you.
give you, that you should love one another.
I
If
you belonged
own and
its
I
have appointed you
I
I
it
hated
me
to the world, the
love you;
it
is
before
learned
it
world would
know
because you do not belong to
have singled you out from the midst of the
world, that the world hates you.
No
that
all
that
all
my name may
the world, because
20
you do
world hates you, be sure that
to hate you.
you
if
to
which
of the Father in
This
down his command you,
does not understand what his master
I
If the
have loved you.
do not speak of you any more
I
who
directions
19
and you,
have made
18
as I
can show, that he should lay
I
bear 17
man
Do
not forget what
servant can be greater than his master.
They
said to you,
I
will persecute
you
just as they
have persecuted me; they will pay the same attention
21
your words
as to
22
bear I
my name;
mine.
And
they have no knowledge of
had not come and given them
23
been in
fault; as
24
to hate
my
it is,
my
If I
him who
sent me.
To
hate
me
had not done what no one
else
could
no excuse.
have done in their midst they would not have been in they have hated, with open eyes, both
25
is,
26
They hated me without
all this,
If
message, they would not have
their fault can find
Father too.
to
they will treat you thus because you
in fulfilment of the saying cause.
me
which
Well,
when
and
is
my
fault; as
Father.
is
it
And
written in their law,
the truth-giving Spirit,
V. ly. Our Lord seems to refer to his one commandment of love as if it were in itself a series of commandments, in place of those given on Sinai, Some, however, would translate, 'I am giving you all these directions (contained in the foregoing verses) in order that you may learn to love one
another'. V. 20. 'They will pay the same attention'; that is, none. Some would render 'they will keep a watch upon your words' (cf. Luke xi. 53, 54) but this would be contrary to St. John's use of language. ;
V. 2$. Ps.
xxxiv. 19,
Iviii. 5.
[220]
)OHN
]esus will send the Spirit
who 27
what the
come
proceeds from the Father, has
you from the Father's
will send to
I
and you too are
was;
I
my
have been in
first
to
be
he
to befriend you,
side,
my
16
whom
he will bear witness of
witnesses,
you who from
company.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
3
THIS, SO that your faith may not be taken unaThey will forbid you the synagogue; nay, the time is coming when anyone who puts you to death will claim that he is performing an act of worship to God; such things they will do to
4
you, because they have no knowledge of the Father, or of me.
HAVE TOLD YOU
I
I
wares.
have told you
this, so that
you may remember
from the 5
Now,
6
ing me,
7
am
I
going back
at
my you
sorrow
send
to
is it
I
to
thou
you
telling I
told
judging.
I
this.
About
will
sin; I
any more.
13
already,
beyond your reach
None
of you
is
ask-
it
will be for
him
heart,
to prove
and about
my I
as yet.
About
Father, and you are not
have
rules this still
It will
much
world has to say to
be for him, the
is, any longer; St. Peter had asked would appear that the disciples have lost our Lord's movements, and given themselves up to useless
TSTone of you (xiii.
sorrowing over
it
so full are your hearts with
About judging; he who
you, but
their interest in
you of
tell
your company.
And yet I can say truly that it is who is to befriend you will not if only I make my way there, I will
going back to
to see
question
in
And
happen,
to
they have not found belief in me.
am
had sentence passed on him
V. 5.
did not
still
sent me.
come, and
12
this
If I
and about rightness of
11
is
it.
to be
going?
do go, but
He
to you.
it
was
it
;
rightness of heart;
me
you of I
him who art
the world wrong, about sin, 10
the time comes for
should go away he
you unless
him
that
was because
it
Where
better for
come 8
first,
when
is
asking me'; that
36), but
now
it
his departure.
teaching office of the Holy Spirit does not consist in imparting to the Church the knowledge of hitherto unknown doctrines, in addidon to the deposit of faith, but in making our knov.'ledge of doctrines already revealed fuller and more precise; all that he "makes plain' to us is derived from the teaching (not all of it recorded in the gospels, cf. Acts i. 3) given by our Lord to his apostles while he was on earth. vi'.
13-15.
The
[221]
JOHN
The
16
truth-giving Spirit,
Spirit's
when he
will not speak of his
own
Guidance; Distress turned into Joy
comes, to guide you into
has been given to him; and he will
And
come.
to
15
that he will derive
what he makes plain
me what
derive from
make
plain to
truth.
you what
he will bring honour to me, because
14
all
He
impulse; he will utter the message that
he makes plain
to you.
I
it is
is still
from
me
say that he will
to you, because all that be-
longs to the Father belongs to me.
After a
16 a 17
Upon
the Father.
What you
you
while,
little
will see
me no
some
this,
does this mean, that he
me
will see
And
What
is
my
We
cannot understand what he means by
20
what
yourselves over
me no
have sight of me.
Believe
I
me when
and lament while the world 21
your
distress shall
feels distress,
borne her 22
glad
is
now
child, she does
she that a
man
You
little
while
while you will
you
you will weep
I tell
rejoices;
that they
wondering
are
after a litde
you
be turned into joy.
because
knowing
Jesus,
them,
have been saying. After a
and again
longer,
am
I
it.
to question him, said to
will see
while you will
while he speaks of? they asked.
19
were eager
going back to
going back to
Father?
among
after a little
then, Because
this little
am
saying to us. After a litde while,
18
is
I
of his disciples said to one another,
no longer, and again
have sight of me?
you
longer; and again after
while you will have sight of me, because
little
this,
will
be distressed, but
A woman
her time has come; but
in childbirth
when
she has
not remember the distress any longer, so
has been born into the world.
So
it is
with
now; but one day I will see you again, and then your hearts will be glad; and your gladness will be one which nobody can take away from you. When that day comes, you will
you, you are distressed
23
not need to ask anything of me. Believe me, you have only to
any request of the Father in
Tou
my
name, and he
will grant
it
make
to you.
me no
longer'; according to most commentators, 'You will have sight of me'; there is less agreement about the reference here, which is variously attributed to the time of the Holy Spirit's coming, that of the apostles' death, and that of the general vv. i6-ig.
will see
this refers to the Ascension.
Resurrection.
The
first
of these interpretations
would seem
to
fit
in best
with the context. V. 25. 'To ask anything'; the Greek word here used may mean either to ask a question, or to ask ,1 favour. The Latin seems to give it the latter meaning here, as in verse 26 below; in verse 30 below, according to the Latin,
it
means
'to
ask a question', as in verse 19 above.
[222]
Asking 24
Name;
in Christ's
make them, and
JOHN
Prayer for the Apostles
making any
Until now, you have not been
17
my name;
requests in
they will be granted, to bring you gladness in full
measure.
have been teUing you
I
25
when 26
came
out,
when
I
world, and going on said to him,
30
them
you
of,
all things,
my
am
leaving the his disciples
Behold, the time
art
I
I
speaking openly enough;
Now we can till
thou
You have
God.
am
you taking
his
now?
faith
Jesus answered.
own
when you
and
path,
me you may
to leave
are
me
with me.
is
I
find peace. In the
world, you will only find tribulation; but take courage,
come
no
is
art asked; this gives us faith
not alone, because the Father
you, so that in
this
be sure that thou knowest
coming, nay, has already come,
to be scattered, each of
yet
friends, and have was from the Father
now
32
this to
It
to the Father.
not needing to wait
And
I
Hereupon
Why, now thou
is
re-
you that
to tell
my way
that thou wast sent by
have said
make your
will
me
the hour
you openly
because the Father him-
to you,
came from God.
I
parable thou art uttering.
alone.
speak
no need for
tell
entered the world, and
31
33
I is
your friend, since you have become
learned to believe that I
29
there
will ask the Father to grant self is
28
the time
my name; and
quests in
27
At
about the Father.
now comes
this in parables;
you in parables no longer, but
will talk to
I
I
have over-
the world.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
THUS
Jesus spoke to them, and then, lifting
up
his eyes to
heaven, he said, Father, the time has come; give glory 2
thy Son, that thy Son
him
in authority over
may all
give the glory to thee.
mankind,
thou hast entrusted to him.
4
the only true God, and Jesus Christ,
5
me
to
do;
on
earth,
Eternal
Kings
to
life is
knowing
thee,
whom
thou hast
sent.
who I
art
have
by achieving the task which thou gavest
now. Father do thou
V. J2. Cf. Ill
now
hast put
to bring eternal hfe to all those
3
exalted thy glory
Thou
xxii. 17, Is.
liii.
exalt
6,
[223}
me
Matthew
at
thy
own
xxvi. 31.
side, in that
JOHN 6
Holiness and Unity of the Church
17
glory which thy
had with thee before the world began.
I
name known
men whom
to the
made
have
I
thou hast entrusted to me,
chosen out of the world. They belonged to thee, and have become 7
mine through thy
gift,
and they have kept true
they have learned to recognize 8
ing from thee;
from 9
and found
thee,
send me.
It is
11
have
as all
I
glory
is
I
is
12
am
as
and
am
I
its
am
full
to thee.
was
it
am coming
I
telling
them
this,
measure in them.
my
mine; and in them
may
we
be one, as
keep them true
to
true
are one. to thy
I
in fulfilment of the
and while
my
so that
too,
I,
own,
its
to thee;
joy
may
am
I
be
still
theirs,
in
and
have given them thy message, for them, because they
do not belong
to the
world.
do I
them out of the world, but of what is evil. They do not
not asking that thou shouldst take
keep them
that thou shouldst
17
belong to the world,
them 18
Thou
hast sent
them
into the
as
I,
me
into the
world on
their sakes, that they too It is
clear
too,
do not belong
through the truth;
holy, then,
19
21
is
me
for
perdition claims for
16
20
didst
Holy Father, keep them
me, that they
not belong to the world, as
am
came
have watched over them, so that only one has been
But now I
my way
on
gift to
and the world has nothing but hatred 15
it
not praying for the world,
thou hast
all
was with them, I
whom
he
reach
am
I
I
scripture.
the world 14
pray;
I
I
was thou who
for truth that
it
thou hast entrusted to me; they belong to thee,
thine,
name, thy
As long lost,
com-
as
remaining in the world no longer, but they remain in the
name; and
13
Now
me
achieved.
world, while to thy
recognized
it,
faith to believe that
for these
whom
but for those 10
word.
have given them the message which thou gavest
I
me, and they, receiving
to
to thy
the gifts thou gavest
all
not only for
them
it
is
thy
word
that
world on thy errand, and
my may that
and
errand;
I
keep
to the world;
I
is
truth.
have sent
dedicate myself for
be dedicated through the truth. I
pray;
I
pray for those
who
are to
find faith in
me
that they too
may be one in us, as thou. Father, art in me, and I in may come to believe that it is thou who hast
through their word;
that they
may
all
be one;
thee; so that the world
V. II.
'Thy
gift to
Father's name, V. 12.
The
some
me'; some of the Greek manuscripts refer this to the to the Apostles.
reference
is
perhaps to Ps.
[224]
cviii. 8, as
in Acts
i.
20.
The
JOHN
Betrayal
22
sent me.
23
to
And
have given them the privilege which thou gavest
I
me, that they should me,
art in
one. So
I
may
be one,
all
know
that
that thou hast bestowed thy love
24
upon me.
it
This, Father,
me may
hast entrusted to
made
glory, thy gift
25
upon me before
as
we
may thou who
to
is
it is
upon them,
my
as
me where
I
thee,
and
and
hast sent me,
thou hast bestowed
am,
whom
thou
so as to see
my
me, in that love which thou didst bestow
the foundation of the world.
men
these
made
be perfectly
desire, that all those
be with
Father, thou art just;
the world has never acknowledged thee, but
26
that while thou
are one;
be in them, and so they
the world
let
18
I
have acknowledged
have acknowledged that thou didst send me.
have revealed, and will
name
reveal, thy
thou hast bestowed upon
me may
to
I
them; so that the love
dwell in them, and
I,
may
too,
dwell in them.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN yiLL THIS Jesus
£\.
across the
2
he and
3
Jesus
and now, with
said,
Cedron
valley.
his disciples went.
and
his disciples
Here
his disciples,
there
was
knew
Judas, his betrayer,
had often foregathered
Judas came, accompanied by the guard, and chief priests
4
So
5
them;
Jesus,
is it,
well
what was
to befall
they answered; and he told them,
was Judas,
I
7
fell
8
you are looking for? and when they
9
you are looking
he said to them,
vv. i—2y. V. 9.
See
I
am
ground.
I
sent by the
am
to
meet
Jesus of Nazareth, they
for, let these others
Matthew
xxvi. 36,
Mark
go
all
company.
shrank back, and
said, Jesus of I
[225]
am
Luke
Who
Nazareth,
Jesus. If I
free.
xiv. 32,
12 above.
And When
Jesus of Nazareth.
So, once more, Jesus asked them.
have told you already that
xvii.
him, went out
his betrayer, standing in their
there
answered,
There, then,
it.
officers
he asked, you are looking for? Jesus of Nazareth,
6
to the
in
which
the place well;
and Pharisees, with lanterns and torches and weapons.
knowing
Who
he went out
a garden, into
am
the
is
it
he
man
Thus he would make xxii. 39.
JOHN
Jesus before Caiphas
18
good the words he had spoken 10
whom
sword, drew 11
right ear;
it,
cup which
And now
13
arrested Jesus
my
have not
any o£ those
lost
Peter,
Whereupon
of the servant. its
sheath.
Am
a-
They
me?
and the Jewish
led
him
Jesus
not to drink
I
Father himself has appointed for
the guard, with their captain,
and pinioned him.
who had
priest's servant, cutting off his
Put thy sword back into
12
I
Then Simon
and struck the high
Malchus was the name
said to Peter,
that
them,
to
thou hast entrusted to me.
off,
officers
in the
first
14
who held the high priesthood in that year. (It was this Caiphas who had given it as his advice to the Jews, that it was best to put one man to death for
15
the sake of the people.)
Annas, father-in-law of Caiphas,
instance, to
disciple; this disciple
16
Simon Peter followed
into the high priest's court with Jesus,
door without. Afterwards the other priest's
17
18
It
this
who was
who
officers
had made
And now and about and
22
23
said,
Not
I.
too,
warm-
rest,
the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples, Jesus answered,
his teaching.
before the world;
21
the
a charcoal fire,
and stood there warming themselves; there Peter stood
19
at
the high
kept the door asked
man's disciples? and he
and the servants and
cold,
ing himself with the
20
and went
while Peter stood
disciple,
This maid-servant
Art thou another of
was
with another
priest,
acquaintance, went out and spoke to the door-keeper, and
so brought Peter in. Peter,
Jesus,
was acquainted with the high
in the temple,
my
I
have spoken openly
teaching has been given in the synagogue
where
all
the Jews forgather; nothing that
Why
I
have
me? Ask those who listened to me what my words were; they know well enough what I said. When he spoke thus, one of the officers, who was standing by, struck Jesus on the cheek; Is this, he said, how thou makest answer to the high priest? If there was harm in what I said, Jesus answered, tell us what was harmful in it; if not, why said
was
said in secret.
dost thou question
read 'the other disciple'; which has given John is referring to himself. But St. Augustine warns us that we should assert nothing rashly on this point. V. ly. This interview with the maid-servant upon St. Peter's first admission to the palace is not reckoned by the other Evangelists among his three V. 75.
Some Greek manuscripts
rise to the conjecture that St.
denials. See note
on Luke
xxii. 58.
[226]
JOHN
Peter's Denial; Pilate intenogates Jesus
24
dost thou strike still
bound,
me?
to the
high priest Caiphas.
Meanwhile Simon Peter stood
25
and warmed himself.
there,
they asked him, Art thou, too, one of his disciples?
26
Not
it;
I,
he
Why,
said.
said
one of the high
kinsman of the man whose ear Peter had cut 27
18
Annas, you must know, had sent him on,
Whereupon
with him in the garden?
And
So
he denied
priest's servants, a
off,
did
not see thee
I
Peter denied again; and
immediately the cock crew.
And now
28
they led Jesus
governor's palace.
It
palace themselves; there
must not incur defilement.
30
out;
answered, 31
And
we would
not have given
Take him
been a malefactor.
him,
to
We
have no power
in fulfilment of the
33
so Pilate
to
went
be eaten, and they to
meet them with-
man?
charge, he asked, do you bring against this
judge him according to your 32
the house of Caiphas to the
was the paschal meal
29
What
away from
was morning, and they would not enter the
what death he was and summoned
him up
to thee, if
They
he had not
and
yourselves, Pilate said to them,
own
to
law.
put any
Whereupon
man
the Jews said
to death.
(This was
words Jesus had spoken when he prophesied So Pilate went back into the palace,
to die.)
Jesus;
Art thou the king of the Jews? he asked.
own
34
Dost thou say
35
what others have
36
Jew ? It is thy own nation, and its chief priests, who have given thee up to me. What offence hast thou committed? My kingdom, an-
this of
thy
told thee of
swered Jesus, does not belong
one which belonged prevent
to
37
dom
its
And
Pilate answered,
to this world.
world,
falling into the
does not take
asked.
king.
my
to this
impulse, Jesus answered, or
me?
my
If
servants
my kingdom would be
hands of the Jews; but no,
origin here.
Thou
art a king,
is
Am
I
it
a
were
fighting,
my
king-
then? Pilate
And Jesus answered. It is thy own lips that have called me a What I was born for, what I came into the world for, is to
V. 24. It is evident that verses 15-23 refer to what happened when our Lord was arraigned before Caiphas, not before Annas. A very few among
the early authorities consequently put verse 24 immediately after verse 13. But it is more likely that verse 24 is simply a delayed foot-note. St. John, wrote his gospel as a very old man, often gives details about names, times and places as a kind of afterthought; cf. i. 24, 39, iv. 8, v. 9, vi. 23,
who
45, ix. 14, xi. 5, and verse 5 above. vv. 28-40. Matthew xxvii. i, Mark xv.
vii.
V. 32.
i,
See Matthew xx. 19 and elsewhere.
[227]
Luke
xxiii. i.
JOHN
Whoever belongs
bear witness of the truth. 38
my
Pilate said to him,
voice.
went back 39
a
Whereupon
the Jews?
to the truth, Hstens to
they
made
all
with that he
can find no fault in
I
should release one
I
would you have me
man. Barabbas was
they said, not this
And
truth?
is
custom of demanding that
prisoner at paschal time;
40
What
Jews again, and told them,
to the
You have
him.
and the Multitude
Pilate
19
king of
release the
Barabbas,
a fresh outcry;
a robber.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
t:put on 3
his
head a crown which they had woven out of thorns, to
him
king of the Jews, and then strike him on the
face.
and dressed him and
say, Hail,
4
And now
5
out to you, to show that Jesus
6
Pilate
came
out,
and
own 9
ever;
thee,
said, See, I
am
Then,
wearing the crown of thorns and the
still
Take him
is
man.
the
him
bringing
cannot find any fault in him.
When
When
yourselves, said Pilate,
the chief
and crucify him;
The Jews answered.
We
for
him no answer.
me? Dost thou
and power
not have any power over
guilty yet.
vv. 1-42.
know
not
After
Matthew
is
why
that
me at all, if man who
xxvii. 27,
was
Mark
it
the.
afraid than
Whence
hast thou
said Pilate, hast thou
have power
I
I
have our
to crucify
Thou wouldst
had not been given thee
me up
is
more
for releasing him, but the
Jews
the
this, Pilate
Jesus,
What,
Jesus answered.
to release thee?
from above. That
was more
Pilate heard this said, he
Jesus gave
as
scarlet
cried out, Crucify him,
saw him, they
going back into the palace, he asked
come? But no word
12
and
come up
law, and by our law he ought to die, for pretending to be
Son of God.
11
again,
cannot find any fault in him.
8
10
I
their officers
crucify him.
7
went out
cloak, he said to them. See, here priests
they would
in a scarlet cloak;
xv. 18,
gave
Luke
to thee
xxiii. 33.
Augustine seems to give the clearest account of the meaning here; namely that Pilate exercised, as the delegate of Caesar, an authority given him from above, and consented to a miscarriage of justice only through V.
II.
St.
fear of offending that authority
(cf.
verse 12).
than the man who handed our Lord over Judas or Caiphas.
[228]
to
He him;
is
therefore less guilty
this
may mean
either
Jesus
him; the
lease
JOHN
crucified
is
went on crying
13
When
14
down on the judgement seat, in its Hebrew name is Gabbatha.
them speak
Pilate heard
on the eve of the paschal 15
But they
king.
no king, the
to
17
which
is
he said
sat
called Lithostrotos;
was now about the
It
Away
sixth hour,
to the Jews, here
is
your
with him, away with him, crucify
them, shall
I
crucify your king?
We
have
Thereupon he
chief priests answered, except Caesar.
gave Jesus up into their hands,
was
he brought Jesus out, and
thus,
a place
feast. See,
cried out,
him. What, Pilate said 16
19
Thou art no friend to Caesar, if thou dost reman who pretends to be a king is Caesar's rival. out,
be crucified: and they, once he
to
him away.
in their hands, led
his own cross, to the place named Hebrew name is Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on each side with Jesus in the
So Jesus went out, carrying
18
after a skull;
19
midst.
20
cross;
And
its
Pilate wrote out a proclamation,
ran, Jesus of Nazareth, the
it
which he put on the
king of the Jews.
This procla-
mation was read by many of the Jews, since the place where Jesus
was 21
crucified
was
close to the city;
And
Greek, and Latin.
The king
shouldst not write.
22
This
23
What
man I
am
said, I
have written,
shares,
24
was written
The
have written. his garments,
one share for each
soldier.
Pilate's
Hebrew,
Thou
answer was,
when
they had
which they divided
into four
soldiers,
They took up
his cloak, too,
which was without seam, woven from the top throughout; they said to one another. Better not to tear decide
whose
scripture
for
25
in
of the Jews; thou shouldst write,
the king of the Jews. I
up
crucified Jesus, took
it
the Jewish chief priests said to Pilate,
my
says.
clothing.
selves;
V.
shall be.
it
which
So
so
us cast lots to
divide
my
spoils
among them;
cast lots
was, then, that the soldiers occupied them-
and meanwhile
/J. Lithostrotos,
let
This was in fulfilment of the passage in
They it
it;
his
mother, and his mother's means paved with
in Greek,
Gabbatha is uncertain. V. 14. 'About the sixth hour'; see note on Mark xv. 25.
that
is
sister,
stone; the
to say, getting
Mary
meaning
of
on towards noon;
V. 24. Ps. xxi. 19.
not clear here whether three women are alluded to, or four. seems unlikely that our Lady should have had a sister of the same name, but it is possible that she was in fact a cousin or sister-in-law. Mary of Cleophas is probably the same as Mary the mother of James and Joseph V. 2^. It is
It
(Matthew
xxvii, 56).
[229]
JOHN
]esus dies,
19
27
And
beside the cross of Jesus.
the disciple, too,
Woman,
this
is
whom
Then he
their stand
mother
Jesus, seeing his
he loved, standing by, said to
thy son.
And from
mother.
pierced with a Spear
is
Mary Magdalen, had taken
the wife of Cleophas, and
26
and
said to the disciple.
and
there,
his
mother,
This
thy
is
own
that hour the disciple took her into his
keeping. 28
And now
29
There was
his
knew
for
well that
all
and put
on
it
a stick of hyssop,
The Jews would
not
let
32
am
scrip-
thirsty.
was
a
And
broken, and be taken away.
when
close to
Then
on the
solemn one; and since
might have
so the soldiers
and of the other
came
it
achieved.
his spirit.
the eve, they asked Pilate that the bodies
the legs both of the one
It is
the bodies remain crucified
bath, because that sabbath day
now
said, I
and brought
Jesus drank the vinegar, and said.
mouth.
he bowed his head, and yielded up 31
was achieved which the
accomplishment; and he
its
a jar there full of vinegar; so they filled a sponge with
the vinegar
30
Jesus
demanded
ture
that
came and broke
were
crucified with
and found him already dead,
him;
34
they did not break his legs,
35
with a spear; and immediately blood and water flowed out.
who saw
He
tells
it
they
to Jesus,
was
their legs
33
but
sab-
it
but one of the soldiers opened his side
has borne his witness; and his witness
is
worthy of
He trust.
what he knows to be the truth, that you, like him, may This was so ordained to fulfil what is written,
36
learn to believe.
37
You
shall not
break a single bone of
sage in scripture says,
They
his.
will look
And
again, another pas-
upon the man
whom
they
have pierced. 38
After this Joseph of Arimathea,
who was
a disciple of Jesus, but
in secret, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let
body of 39
Jesus. Pilate
body away;
myrrh and
the
and with him was Nicodemus, the same who made
his first visit to Jesus
40
him take away
gave him leave; so he came and took Jesus'
aloes, of
by night; he brought with him a mixture of
about a hundred pounds' weight.
They took
V. 28. This verse may also be construed, 'Jesus knew well that all was achieved, and he said, I am thirsty, in order that the scripture might be accompHshed'. In that case, the reference is to Ps. Ixviii. 22. V. 36.
p. J7.
Ex. xii. 46, Ps. xxxiii. 21. Zach. xii. 10.
[230
J
and John
Veter
Jesus' body, then,
that
and wrapped
it
man had
a garden, with a
ever yet been buried.
tomb was close at hand, they on the morrow.
20
spices;
In the same quar-
for burial.
was
crucified there
one in which no
with the
in winding-cloths
body
the Jews prepare a
where he was
ter it,
how
is
JOHN
Tomb
at the
new tomb
in
Here, since the
laid Jesus, because of the Jewish feast
CHAPTER TWENTY IN THE
EARLY 2
3
morning on
the
first
day of the week, while
it
was
Mary Magdalen went to the tomb, and found the stone moved away from the tomb door. So she came running to Simon Peter, and that other disciple, whom Jesus loved; They have carried the Lord away from the tomb, she said to them, and we dark,
still
cannot
Upon this, Peter and the way to the tomb; they
where they have taken him.
tell
made
other disciple both set out, and
but the other disciple outran Peter, and
4
began running
5
reached the tomb
6
lying there, but he did not go in.
by
side
side,
He
first.
their
looked in and saw the linen cloths
Simon
Peter,
coming up
after
him, went into the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there, and 7
which had been put over
also the veil
the linen cloths, but 8
itself.
9
also
Then
went
in,
yet mastered
The
10,11 dead.
still
the other disciple,
and saw
And
V. I.
their
to rise
Mary
she bent down,
still
from the
stood without
weeping, and
visit as that recorded in Matthew xxviii. i, Mary Magdalen was not alone, is implied by v. 2. St. Mark tells us that the women came
This seems to be the same
xvi.
i,
Luke
xxiv. i; that
the words 'we cannot to the
but
by
first,
They had not
to believe.
was
with
in a place
reached the tomb
of him, that he
went back home;
before the tomb, weeping.
Mark
who had
and learned
this,
what was written disciples
Jesus' head, not lying
wrapped round and round
tell'
in
tomb at sun-rise; it seems therefore that St. John must have dated from the moment, some time earher, when they began their
visit
preparations for the journey. vv. 11-14. This appearance of the angels cannot be the same as that recorded by the other Evangelists. On the other hand, the appearance of our Lord to St. Mary Magdalen may be the same as that recorded in Matthew xxviii. 9; or the other women may have seen our Lord somewhat later. St.
Mark
records the appearance to
St.
Mary Magdalen,
[231}
xvi. 9.
JOHN 12
one
there,
13
Appearances in the Garden, and
20
and saw two angels clothed
looked into the tomb;
had
Jesus
at the
head, and the other at the
They
lain.
14
tell
my
where they have taken him.
and saw Jesus standing 15
16
Woman,
why
art
I
cannot
was
it
thou weeping? For
Jesus.
whom
art
must be the gardener, and
him off, tell me where him away. Jesus said to her,
it is
thou. Sir, that hast carried
thou hast put him, and
And
Hebrew
I will
Then
have not yet gone up to tell
take
she turned and said to him, Rabboni (which
for Master).
them
your Father,
this; I
who
is
my
Jesus said.
Do
not cling
So Mary Magdalen brought news
is
me
the
thus;
first
is
my brethren, my Father and
how she had And now it was
to the disciples, of
seen the Lord, and he had spoken thus to her.
evening on the same day, the
to
Father's side. Return to
am going up to him who my God and your God.
day of the week; for fear of the
Jews, the disciples had locked the doors of the
20
and
she turned round,
said to him. If
and
19
this,
it
I
18
Saying
thou weeping?
art
said,
without knowing that
there,
Jesus said to her,
Lord, she
white sitting
where the body of
thou searching? She supposed that
Mary. 17
Woman, why
said to her.
Because they have carried away
feet,
in the Cenacle
in
room
in
which they
had assembled; and Jesus came, and stood there in their midst; Peace be upon you, he said. And with that, he shewed them his hands and
his side.
Thus
the disciples
saw the Lord, and were
glad.
came upon
21
Once more
22
With that, he breathed on them, and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit; when you forgive men's sins, they are forgiven, when you hold them bound, they are held bound. There was one of the twelve, Thomas, who is also called Didymus, who was not with them when Jesus came. And when the
Jesus said to them. Peace be
an errand from
23
24 25
my
Father, and
I
am
I
sending you out in
my
turn.
other disciples told him.
Until
I
We
have seen the Lord, he said
have seen the mark of the
nails
on
them,
to
his hands, until
I
have
mark of the nails, and put my hand into So, eight days afterhis side, you will never make me believe. wards, once more the disciples were within, and Thomas was with them; and the doors were locked. Jesus came and stood there in put
26
now
upon you;
my
finger into the
vv. 19-23.
Mark
xvi. 14,
Luke
xxiv. 36.
[232]
Thomas 27
Peace be upon you, he
their midst;
Let
me
have thy finger;
thy hand; put 28, 29
JOHN
convinced; the Disciples go fishing
Thomas
into
it
answered.
said to him,
Thou
my
said.
here are
see,
Then he
my
said to
Thomas,
me
hands. Let
21
have
Cease thy doubting, and beHeve.
side.
my Lord
hast learned to beUeve,
my God. And Jesus Thomas, because thou
who have
not seen, and yet have
Thou
art
hast seen me. Blessed are those
and
learned to believe.
There are many other miracles Jesus did in the presence of his which are not written down in this book; so much has
30 31
disciples,
been written down, that you the
Son of God, and
may
learn to believe Jesus
the Christ,
is
so believing find life through his
name.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE TEsus APPEARED 2
J was
Tiberias, there,
this is
how
two more of fishing;
his disciples.
and they
said.
Galilee,
too, will
out and embarked on the boat; and 4 5
shore; only the disciples did not
with ?
lads,
And when
all
told them,
go with
going out
So they went
that night they caught noth-
know
that
it
was
Jesus.
Have you
No,
he said to them, Cast
to the
will have a catch.
So they
cast the net,
and found before long they had no strength
to haul
it
shoal of fish
was
said to Peter, It that
and you
it
Whereupon
in
it.
is
the Lord.
whom
the disciple
And Simon The
coat,
he wore, and sprang into the
9
away), dragging their catch in the net behind them.
the boat (they were not far
ashore,
and found
cooking on
it.
sea.
in,
such
a
Jesus loved
Peter, hearing
was the Lord, girded up the fisherman's
8
[o
am
I
thee.
Jesus asked them, to season your bread
they answered
right of the boat,
7
Simon Peter also called Didymus, sons of Zebedee, and
But when morning came, there was Jesus standing on the
ing.
caught anything, 6
is
and the
Simon Peter
We,
the sea of
at
he appeared to them.
and with him were Thomas, who
and Nathanael, from Cana of 3
again afterwards,
to his disciplcs
and
him
which was
say all
other disciples followed in
from land, only some hundred yards
a charcoal fire
made
Bring some of the
[233}
fish
there,
with
you have
So they went fish
and bread
just caught, Jesus
JOHN
21
said to
them: and Simon Peter, going on board, hauled in the net
11
to land.
12
of them;
Appearance on the Shore; Peter as 'Shepherd
was loaded with great
It
and with
Come and
Jesus said to them,
Who
ventured to ask him, 13
Lord.
14
and
break your
fifty-three
Thus
fish as well.
And when
fast,
none of the it
disciples
was the to
them,
Jesus appeared to his disciples a third time
from the dead.
Simon
they had eaten, Jesus said to
me more
my
And
lambs.
Peter,
Simon, son
than these others? Yes, Lord,
he told him, thou knowest well that
him, Feed
When
had not broken.
thou? knowing well that
art
of John, dost thou care for
16
hundred and
fish, a
the net
So Jesus came up and took bread, which he gave
after his rising
15
number
that
all
love thee.
I
And
he said to
again, a second time, he asked him,
Simon, son of John, dost thou care for me? Yes, Lord, he told him, thou knowest well that 17
Then he
shearlings.
me?
John, dost thou love a third time,
knowest 18
all
him. Feed
He
love thee.
him
Peter took
things; thou canst
my
it ill
tell
that
me when
Believe
sheep.
thyself
said to him,
a third question,
Dost thou love me? and
man, thou wouldst gird
19
I
asked
Tend my
Simon, son of
that he should ask
love thee. Jesus said to
I
I tell
thee this; as a
young
and walk where thou hadst the
to go, but
when thou
hast
carry thee
where thou
goest, not of thy
grown
him
said to him. Lord, thou
old, another shall gird thee,
own
will.
will
and
So much he told
him, prophesying the death by which he was to glorify God; and 20
him. Follow me.
Peter turned, and saw the
Jesus loved following
him; the same who leaned
with that he said
whom
disciple
back on
to
his breast at
supper and asked,
Seeing him, Peter asked Jesus,
21
thee ?
22
Jesus said to him, If
it is
my
Who
is it
that
is to
betray
And what of this man. Lord ?
will that
he should wait
till I
come,
would seem that our Lord made himself strange to his apostles two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke xxiv. 16, yet the miracle, or something else about his manner of action, convinced them from the first that it was he and no other. We are perhaps meant to understand that they 'recognized him when he broke bread', as in Luke xxiv. 35. V. 16. Some of the Greek manuscripts here have 'my sheep', others 'my little sheep'; it would seem that the second reading was accepted by the Latin, which translates 'lambs', here as in verse 15. Probably our Lord meant yearling sheep, which would need to be tended, that is, led out to pasture, V. 12. It
here, as he did to the
Mark
xvi. 12)
;
with greater care than the others.
[234]
.
23
]ohn's Destiny
what
is it
JOHN
and Witness
to thee?
Do
thou follow me.
went round among the brethren But Jesus did not 24
25
he should wait
say,
till I
He
is
not to die
come, what
That was why the
that this disciple
is it
;
he
was not
said, If it is
to thee?
It is
my
the
ciple that bears witness of all this
and has written the
and we know well that
is
his witness
to
itself
There
story
to die.
will that
same
dis-
story of
is
much
it;
else
if all of it were put in writing, I do not would contain the books which would have
besides that Jesus did;
think the world
truthful.
21
be written.
1^35)
THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
CHAPTER ONE
THE FIRST BOOK which
wrote, Theophilus, was concerned with
I
that Jesus set out to
all
do and
He
he was taken up into heaven. 3
Holy
of the
on the
Spirit,
day came
when
He had
he had chosen.
was
that he
alive, after his pas-
still
throughout the course of forty days he had been appearing
sion;
4
whom
apostles
shewn them by many proofs
until the
teach,
then laid a charge, by the power
and
to them,
telling
them about
he gave them orders, as he
the
kingdom
sat at table
of
and now
God;
with them, not
to leave
Jerusalem, but to wait there for the fufilment of the Father's prom-
5
You have
ise. I
Spirit
And
6 7
8
heard
it,
he
dominion
for
you
my
yes,
ney,
But he
will receive strength
to the
ends of the earth.
and
once two
Men
When he
a cloud caught
men
in white
of Galilee, they said,
heavenwards?
same
not
is
the Father has fixed the
Holy
Spirit will
from him; you
had
are to
said this, they
him away from
as they strained their eyes towards heaven, to all at
side.
to restore
told them. It
witnesses in Jerusalem and throughout Judaea, in Samaria,
lifted up,
And
and now?
to Israel here
to
and
him
[I
John's baptism,
lips;
know the times and seasons which own authority. Enough for you, that
by his
be
[O
my own
from
companions asked him, Lord, dost thou mean
his
the
come upon you, and you
9
said,
was with water, but there is a baptism with the Holy which you are to receive, not many days from this.
told you,
He who
Jesus, will
watch
his jour-
garments were standing
why do you
saw
their sight.
at their
stand here looking
has been taken from you into heaven, this
come back
in the
same
fashion, just as
you have
[2
watched him going into heaven. Then, from the mountain which is called Olivet, they went back to Jerusalem; the distance
13
from Jerusalem f.
/.
St.
Luke
is
not great, a sabbath day's journey.
says
'the
first',
ptf.
4-9.
is
Mark
uncertain. xvi. 14,
Luke
in.
not 'the former', which has made some to write three books altogether, but
commentators think that he intended this inference
Coming
xxiv. 44.
[^37]
ACTS
Matthias appointed in place of Judas
1
they went
up
room where
into the upper
they dwek, Peter
and
John, James and Andrew, Phihp and Thomas, Bartholomew and
14
Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and All these, with one mind, gave them-
Judas the brother of James. selves
up
of Jesus, 15
to prayer, together
and
with the women, and Mary the mother
his brethren.
At this time, Peter stood up and spoke before all the brethren; company of about a hundred and twenty were gathered there. Brethren, he said, there is a prophecy in scripture that must needs a
16
be
fulfilled; that
which the Holy
who shewed was counted among
about Judas, 17
Judas
18
in this ministry of ours.
came all
and
made, by the
to the
men
and the
it,
language, Haceldama, that
is,
field
came
21
deserted,
and
no
man
another take over his
our company 22
let
went among
all
us,
24
25
their camping-place
There
are
it.
men who
And
be
again, Let
have walked in
from the time when John used us.
One
to baptize to the
of these ought to be
added to our number as a witness of his resurrection. So they named two of these, Joseph called Barsabbas, who had been given the fresh name of Justus, and Matthias. And they offered this prayer, Lord, who knowest the hearts of all men, show us which of these two thou hast chosen to take his place in this work of apostleship,
26
was disembowelled,
through the time when the Lord Jesus came and
day when he, Jesus, was taken from 23
man from
to be called, in their
be found to dwell in
office.
fell
the Field of Blood.) Well, in the
book of Psalms the words are written. Let 20
David,
the price of his treachery, this
and afterwards, when he
his belly burst open, so that he
Jerusalem heard of
lips of
that arrested Jesus.
our number, and had been given a share
(With
into possession of a field;
a height, 19
Spirit
way
the
place fell
from which Judas has
which belonged
to
him.
fallen
away, and gone to the
They gave them
upon Matthias, and he took rank with
lots;
and the
lot
the eleven aposdes.
St. Peter's speech, but are more by the author. From a comparison of them with Matthew xxvii. 5 and following, it must be inferred that Judas attempted to hang himself by jumping over the edge of a precipice, and that the rope broke or slipped with the result here described.
vf. i8-ig. Tfiese
easily
understood
words may be part of
as a note
v. 20. Ps. Ixviii. 26, cviii, 8.
[2.8]
The Day
ACTS
of Pentecost
2
CHAPTER TWO
WHEN
THE DAY o£
Pciitecost
Came round, while they were
gathered together in unity of purpose,
3
4
all at
once
all
sound
a
came from heaven Hke that of a strong wind blowing, and filled whole house where they were sitting. Then appeared to them what seemed to be tongues of fire, which parted and came to rest on each of them; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, the
and began
to speak in strange languages, as the Spirit
5
ance to each.
6
this
Among
who were
those
gave
utter-
dwelling in Jerusalem
time were devout Jews from every country under heaven;
when
at so,
went abroad, the crowd which gathered was man severally heard them speak in his own And they were all beside themselves with astonish^
the noise of this
in bewilderment; each
7
language.
8
ment; Are they not
9
that each of us hears
are Parthians in 10
among
us,
his
own
native tongue
?
is it
There
and Medes, and Elamites; our homes are
Phrygia or Pamphylia, Egypt or the parts of Libya round Gyrene; of us are visitors
proselytes;
from Rome, some of us
So they were
12
guage.
13
asked one another. said,
all
What
among
and lan-
beside themselves with perplexity,
and
can
of God's
this
mean?
mockingly. They have had their
raised his voice to speak to
them;
'Strange',
or,
fill
I
wonders
in his
There were others who of
new
wine.
at his side, stood there
Men
you who are dwelling in Jerusalem, 4.
and others
own
tell
But Peter, with the eleven apostles
V.
are Jews
us too, and Arabians;
there are Cretans
each has been hearing them
14
How
Galileans speaking? they asked.
them talking
Mesopotamia, or Judaea, or Cappadocia; in Pontus or Asia,
some 11
all
of Judaea, he said,
must
tell
you
and
and
all
this; listen to
according to some Latin manuscripts, 'various' lan-
guages.
not clear whether the people here mentioned were Jews who had been born abroad but now lived in Jerusalem, or Jews from abroad who were staying in Jerusalem for the feast. They were in any case bilingual, being conversant with the native speech, or perhaps with the various Greek dialects, spoken in the countries to which they belonged. V. 9. It is not certain in what sense the word 'Judaea' is here used; some have thought that it was written by an early copyist in mistake for 'Lydia', or some odier distant province. V. 5.
It is
[239]
ACTS
2
have
15
what
16
is
17
prophet Joel:
I
men
These
to say.
In the
This
God
last times,
must be the Christ
rose
is
what was
says, I will
it
foretold by the
my
pour out
mankind, and your sons and daughters
all
you suppose;
are not drunk, as
only the third hour of the day.
upon
He who
Peter's Speech;
spirit
will be prophets.
men
18
Your young men shall see visions, and your dreams; and I will pour out my spirit in
19
servants
20
and
fire
ness
and the moon into blood, before the day of the Lord comes,
and handmaids,
old
shall
so that they will prophesy.
I
dream
my
upon
those days
will
shew
wonders in heaven above, and signs on the earth beneath, blood
and whirling smoke;
21
great and glorious.
22
the
Lord
then everyone
Men
shall be saved.
Nazareth was
23
And
a
man
the sun will be turned into dark-
who
calls
on the name of
of Israel, listen to this. Jesus of
duly accredited to you from God; such were
the miracles and
wonders and signs which God did through him
in your midst, as
you yourselves well know.
This
man you
have
put to death; by God's fixed design and foreknowledge, he was betrayed to you, and you, through the hands of sinful men, have
24
him from the pangs 25
But God
murdered him.
cruelly
of death;
have the mastery over him.
Always
I
it
make me
So there
27
that thou wilt not leave
28
faithful servant to see corruption.
29
of
and rejoicing on
thou wilt I
stand firm.
my
my
lips;
my
make me
can say
this to
is
among
us to this day.
upon
32
body did not
7^7,
Jesus,
his throne;
urrection, that he
Thou
t'.
was not
ii.
hast
shewn me
and was buried, and a prophet,
way
the
My
would
that he
left in
are
all
set the
'terrible'
[240}
sons of his body
then, has raised
witnesses of
it.
instead of 'glorious',
8.
tomb
said, foreseeing his res-
the place of death,
God,
his
and he knew God
28.
has
confidence
you about the patriarch David without
see corruption.
The Hebrew
25. Ps. XV.
rest in
gladness in thy presence.
full of
was of the Christ he
from the dead; we
V. ly. Joel
V. 20.
it
my right my heart,
at
is
gladness in
body, too, shall
But he was
had promised him on oath 31
is
soul in the place of death, or allow thy
fear of contradiction, that he did die,
30
again, releasing
that death should
person that David says,
It is in his
hand, to
brethren,
him up
can keep the Lord within sight; always he
26
life;
raised
was impossible
and that
up
this
his
man,
And now,
ex-
Many
of the
ACTS
Jews converted
God's right hand, he has claimed from
alted at
promise to bestow the Holy 34
Spirit, as
up 35
36
you can
my
Master, Sit on
under thy
stool
see
and
to heaven,
Spirit;
and hear
right hand,
Let
feet.
the house of Israel, that
Father his
his
and he has poured out that
for yourselves.
David has
yet
David never went
The Lord said make thy enemies
told us,
while
I
my
to
a foot-
be known, then, beyond doubt, to
it
God
made him Master and
has
whom you crucified. When they heard this, their
2
all
Christ, this
Jesus
37
consciences were stung; and they
asked Peter and his fellow-apostles. Brethren, what must
we do?
38
Repent, Peter said to them, and be baptized, every one of you, in
39
will receive the gift of the
the
40
name
and
for your children,
the
Lord our God
words 41
of Jesus Christ, to
calls
for
those,
all
however
And
to himself.
is
for
away,
far
he used
you
whom
many more
them; Save yourselves, he
So
false-minded generation.
this
then you
sins forgiven;
This promise
Spirit.
besides, urgently appealing to
from
said,
and
have your
Holy
all
who had
those
taken his words to heart were baptized, and about three thousand 42
souls
were
won
for the
Lord
These occupied themselves
that day.
continually with the apostles' teaching, their fellowship in the
43
breaking of bread, and the fixed times of prayer,
was struck with awe,
so
many were
the
formed by the gether,
and shared
means
of livelihood, so as to distribute to
46
They
they had,
selling their possessions all,
as each
persevered with one accord, day by day, in the
ship, and, as they
47
all
broke bread in
this
house or
share of food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
And
be saved to their fellowship.
V. ^4. Ps. cix.
42.
took their
each day the Lord
all
t/.
their
praising God,
and winning favour with
the people.
and
had need.
Temple wor-
that,
added those who were
to
soul
signs per-
All the faithful held to-
44 45
apostles in Jerusalem.
and every
wonders and
I.
The Greek
has
'the
apostles'
breaking of bread, and (the) prayers'.
[241I
teaching and fellowship, and the
ACTS
A
3
Man
lame
healed
CHAPTER THREE PETER
AND JoHN wcre going up to the temple at the ninth hour, is an hour of prayer, when a man was carried by who
which
had been lame from called the Beautiful 3
from the temple
them on
their
birth.
And
visitors.
way
Every day he was put
Gate of the temple,
Turn towards
6
something would be given him.
7
of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise
us;
and he looked
10
to
at
God.
God,
12
recognized him for the
derment
14 15
16
17
attentively,
hoping that
at
what had
all
the
can. In the
So, taking
him walking and
man who and were
befallen him.
I
and leaping, and giving praise used
to sit
full of
And
praising
begging
at
the
wonder and bewil-
he would not
let
crowd gathered about them
called Solomon's Porch, beside themselves
in
go of
what
with wonder.
when he saw it, addressed himself to the people; Men of said, why does this astonish you? Why do you fasten your eyes on us, as if we had enabled him to walk through some power or virtue of our own? It is the God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, the God of our forefathers, who has thus brought honour to his Son Jesus. You gave him up, and disowned him in the presence of Pilate, when Pilate's voice was for setting him free. You disowned the holy, the just, and asked for the pardon of a murderer, while you killed the author of life. But God has raised him up again from the dead, and we are here to bear witness of it. Here is a man you all know by sight, who has put his faith in that name, and that name has brought him strength; it is the faith which comes through Jesus that has restored him to full health in the sight of you all. Come then, brethren, I know that you, like Peter,
Israel,
13
he saw
Peter said to him. Silver
what up and walk.
All the people, as they saw
Peter and John, so that is
them
give, I give thee
Beautiful Gate of the temple, 11
as
he might have alms from
Then
into the temple with them, walking,
9
is
name him by right hand, he lifted him up; and with that, strength came to feet and ankles; he sprang up, and began walking, and went
and gold are not mine to
his
if
what
at
Peter fastened his eyes on him, as John did too, and said,
them.
5
his
down
he could beg alms
he asked Peter and John,
into the temple,
4
8
so that
he
r242]
ACTS
Peter calls on the Jews to repent
your
1
what was 19
20
ignorance;
rulers, acted in
but
God
has fulfilled in
this
4
way
foretold by all the prophets about the sufferings of his
Repent, then, and turn back to him, to have your sins
Christ.
against the day when the Lord sees fit to refresh our Then he will send out Jesus Christ, who has now been made known to you, but must have his dwelling-place in heaven until the time when all is restored anew, the time which God has effaced,
hearts.
21
22
spoken of by
his holy prophets
from the beginning.
Thus, Moses
The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like myself, from among your own brethren; to him, to every word of said.
23
his,
you must
listen.
It is
listen to the voice of that
ordained that everyone
who
will not
prophet will be cut off from the people.
24
And
25
have foretold those days.
heirs of the prophets,
and
of the
our fathers,
when he
said
to
26
the prophets
all
spoke
Abraham, Every
race
It is to
on earth
you
first
from Samuel onwards,
to you,
You are the covenant which God made with
thy posterity.
whom
who
through
shall receive a blessing
of
all
that
God
has sent his Son,
he raised up from the dead to bring you a blessing,
away every one
of you
from
to
turn
his sins.
CHAPTER FOUR BEFORE THEY HAD
finished speaking to the crowd, they
were
in-
terrupted by the chief priests, the temple superintendent, and 2
the Sadducees,
These, indignant at their teaching the multitude
and proclaiming
the resurrection of Jesus
3
on them, and put them
4
until the next day. to their
5
in prison
(for
from the dead, it
laid
hands
was already evening)
(Meanwhile, many of those
who had
listened
preaching had joined the believers, so that their numbers
had now
risen to five thousand
men.)
On
the next day, there
'Against the day when'; the Greek here may mean 'in order that may come', or possibly, 'when the time comes'. The Latin, apparently by an error, has 'in order that when the times comes', which spoils the grammar of the sentence. V. 20.
the time
V. 2j.
Deut.
xviii.
15.
[243}
ACTS was
Peter and John before the Rulers
4
and elders and
a gathering of the rulers
6
the high priest
7
And
ander, and
Annas was
all
there,
who
those
scribes in Jerusalem;
and Caiphas, and John, and Alex-
belonged to the high-priestly family.
they had Peter and John brought into their presence, and
men
asked them. By what power, in whose name, have such 8
9
done
with the Holy
filled
we
been restored, that for the
name
that this
God man
raised
Israel.
You
him from
stands before
you
rejected by you, the builders, that has
Salvation
corner.
the
is
here
are called in question,
whole people of
Nazarene, and
12
Spirit,
as
and
you said
me.
If it
over kindness done to a cripple, and the means by which he has
and
11
Peter was
to them. Rulers of the people, elders of Israel, listen to is
10
Then
this?
the dead;
we must
it
news
for
you
become the
through his
is
He
restored.
is
that stone,
chief stone at the
not to be found elsewhere; this alone of
names under heaven has been appointed
by which
is
crucified Jesus Christ, the
men
to
as the
all
one
needs be saved.
Seeing the boldness of Peter and John, and discovering that they
13
were simple men, without learning, they were astonished, and 14
recognized them
now
as
having been in
could find no answer to make, with the 15
standing there beside them;
16
council-chamber, and conferred together. these
men?
they asked.
It
is
been healed
them out
so they ordered
They
company.
Jesus'
man who had
of the
What are we to do with commonly known among all the
people of Jerusalem that a notable miracle has been done by their 17
means, and
we
are powerless to
spread any further; 18
19
deny
But the news must not
it.
we must deter them by threats from preaching man's name again. So they called them in,
anybody in this and warned them not to utter a word or give any teaching in the name of Jesus. At this, Peter and John answered them, Judge for yourselves whether it would be right for us, in the sight of God, to
20
to listen to
21
refrain
V. St.
6.
your voice instead of God's.
It is
impossible for us to
from speaking of what we have seen and heard. It
And
they.
was Caiphas, not Annas, who was high priest at this time; but to have regarded Annas as somehow associated with his
Luke seems
son-in-law in the exercise of the V. 8. Cf.
Matthew
V. II. Ps. cxvii. 22. Cf. V. 21.
scripts
office;
cf.
Luke
iii.
2.
x. 20.
Matthew
xxi. 42,
I
Peter
ii.
7.
'Exclaiming at the astonishing circumstances of; the Greek manu-
have 'praising
God
over'.
[244]
The
Acquittal; the Disciples give
them
after threatening
them go;
means of punishing them, because 22
whom
this miracle of healing
4
they could find no
the people were exclaiming
all
circumstances of what had befallen;
at the astonishing
in
ACTS
Than\s
further, let
man
the
had taken place was more than
forty years old.
Now
23
24
25
and
them
they heard
of
thou
all,
is
set free,
they went back to their company,
the chief priests and elders had said.
all
when that
were
that they
told
it,
uttered prayer to
maker
art the
Thou
in them.
of heaven
God
And
they,
with one accord; Ruler
and earth and the
hast said through thy
Holy
sea,
and
Spirit,
all
by the
26
thy servant David, our father, What means this ferment among the nations; why do the peoples cherish vain dreams? See how the kings of the earth stand in array, how its rulers make
27
common
lips of
Lord and his Christ. True enough, in Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel to aid them, made common cause against thy holy servant Jesus, so accomplishing all that thy power and wisdom had decreed. Look down upon their threats, Lord, now as of old; enable thy servants to preach thy word confidently, by stretching out thy hand to heal; and let signs and miracles be performed in the name of Jesus, thy holy Son. When they had fincause, against the
this city of ours,
28 29 30
31
ished praying, the place in which they had gathered rocked to fro,
and they were
preach the word of 32
filled
God
with the Holy
called
common.
shared in
was the grace
that rested
35
tute; all those
who owned
all
the
None
all.
the fresh
money
name
have what share of
of Barnabas,
he had an to lay
V. 2S. Ps.
ii.
it
estate,
of
farms or houses used to
it
of believers;
it
them was
desti-
them,
and
sell
at the apostles' feet,
he needed.
Levite called Joseph, a Cypriot by birth, to
ment;
company
our Lord Jesus Christ, and great
on them
bring the price of what they had sold to lay
37
to
Great was the power with which the apostles
34
so that each could
and
and began
any of his possessions his own, everything was
testified to the resurrection of
36
Spirit,
with confidence.
There was one heart and soul in none of them
33
all
whom the
There was
a
apostles gave
which means, the man of encourage-
which he
sold,
at the aposdes' feet.
I.
[245}
and brought the purchase-
ACTS
Ananias and Sapphira
5
CHAPTER FIVE BUT
man
THERE WAS a
called
his wife's
3
Ananias who, with
knowledge, only bringing a part of
Whereupon
of the apostles.
his wife Sap-
and kept back some of the money, with
phira, sold an estate,
it
to lay at the feet
Peter said, Ananias,
how
is
it
that
Satan has taken possession of thy heart, bidding thee defraud the
Holy 4
Spirit
money was 5
6
7 8
9
10
by keeping back some of the money that was paid thee Unsold, the property was thine; after the
for the land? at
thy disposal; what has put
God, not man, thou hast defrauded.
down and
died; and a great fear
it. So the young men rose him out to burial. It was about three hours later that his wife came in, knowing nothing of what had happened; and Peter said to her. Tell me, woman, was it for so much that you sold the estate? Yes, she said, for so much. Then Peter said to her, What is this conspiracy between you, to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Even now I hear at the door the footsteps of those who have
heard
been burying thy husband; they will carry thee out once she
came
fell at his feet
in they
and died; so
with her husband.
12
who
heard the
And
story.
No
They used
one
else
increased), lay
believed in the Lord, both
there
of Peter
to
bury her
on beds and
might
fall
and the number
men and women,
pallets, in the
upon one
of
streets,
vv.
13-15.
It
cities, too,
the
common
there, as he
From
people flocked to Jerusalem,
cannot be decided with certainty whether 'no one else' Church, and what was the
refers to other Christians or to those outside the
fear
still
and
hope that even the
them here and
passed by, and so they would be healed of their infirmities.
neighbouring
all
to gather with
but they used to bring sick folk into the
them down
shadow
all
young men
dared to join them,
(although the people held them in high honour,
who
And
too.
the
were many signs and miracles
there
done by the apostles before the people.
of those
16
when
Great fear came upon the church and upon
one accord in Solomon's porch.
15
that
found her a corpse, and carried her out
11
14
the
sale,
into thy heart so to act?
At these words, Ananias came upon all those who up and took him up, and carried
It is
fell
at
13
it
which kept them
at a distance.
[246]
The
bringing with them the sick and those clean spirits; and
17 18
19
ACTS
Apostles miraculously released from Prison
all
of
them were
who
the party of the Sadducees.
is,
arrested the aposdes
were troubled by un-
cured.
This roused the high priest and those that
5
who
thought with him,
Full of indignation, they
and shut them up in the public
But,
gaol.
an angel of the Lord came and opened the prison doors, and led them out; Go, he said, and take your stand in the in the night,
20 21
temple; preach fully to the people the message of true at his
word, they went into the temple
Meanwhile the high
ing.
moned 22
came
26
and sum-
them brought
in.
and
When
them went back and reported, We found the prisonhouse locked up with all due care, and the guards at their posts
until
when we opened
At hearing
found within.
were
at a loss to
it
there
was no one
to
be
the temple superintendent and the
this,
know what had become of them; men you put in prison are
an eye-witness told them. The
standing in the temple, teaching the people there. intendent and his
27
his followers met,
the elders of the Jewish people;
to look in the prison, the officers could not find
chief priests
25
So,
life.
dawn, and began preach-
there; so they
before the door; but
24
and
priest all
they sent to the prison-house to have
they 23
the Council, with
at
officers
So the super-
went and fetched them, using no
because they were afraid of being stoned by the people;
violence,
and they
brought them in and bade them stand before the council, where 28
We
the high priest questioned them. said,
warned you in
set terms,
not to preach in this man's name, and you have
filled
Jerusalem with your preaching; you are determined to lay 29
30
man's death
God
has
at
more
our door.
die.
It is
the prince
32
God
men. It was the God man you hung on a gibbet him up to his own right hand,
right to be obeyed than
Spirit
God
V. 20.
that
'life'
that has raised
and Saviour who
remission of
sins.
gives to
True
life';
Of
this,
all
those
is
to bring Israel repentance,
we are witnesses; we and who obey him.
life,
the
of to as
and
Holy
but such a translation would imply way of living, whereas the Greek word used applies namely, the principle of supernatural life which is
literally 'this life',
referred to a
to a principle of
this
Peter and the other apostles answered,
our fathers that raised up Jesus, the 31
he all
implanted in us by baptism.
[247}
ACTS 33
On
34
them.
Gamaliel pleads for the Apostles
6 hearing
this
they were cut to the quick, and designed to
named Gamaliel, who was 35
36
kill
But now one of the Pharisees in the Council, a lawyer
and bade them send the
held in esteem by
the people, rose
all
then he said to
apostles out for a little;
them,
Men
men.
There was Theodas, who appeared in days gone by and
of Israel, think well
what you mean
do with these
to
claimed to be someone of importance, and was supported by about four hundred
37
persed,
men; he was
and came
and
killed,
And
to nothing.
all his
after
followers were dis-
him Judas
the Galilean
appeared in the days of the registration; he persuaded the people to rebel under his leadership, but he too perished,
38
lowers were scattered.
39
or man's undertaking,
And my
nothing to do with these men,
will
have no power
it
them
let
will be
is
still
it.
And
and
they
fell
is
God's, you
not willingly be
in with his opinion;
so they sent for the aposdes and, after scourging them, let
go with a warning that they were not on any account 41
in the
name
of Jesus.
rejoicing that they
42
his fol-
man's design
if it is
You would
all
the same; have
be. If this
overthrown;
overthrow
to
found fighting against God. 40
advice
And
left
the presence of the Council,
had been found worthy
the sake of Jesus' name.
from house
they
And
to house, their
them
to preach
to suffer indignity for
every day, both in the temple and
teaching and their preaching was con-
tinually of Jesus Christ.
CHAPTER AT
THIS TIME, as the
number
SIX
of the disciples increased,
com-
jtx. plaints were brought against those who spoke Hebrew by those who spoke Greek; their widows, they said, were neglected 2
in the daily administration of
relief.
So the twelve
called together
V. j6. This Theodas cannot be the same as the Theudas mentioned by Josephus (Ant. xx. v. i) as having revolted under Cuspius Fadus (a.d. 4446) unless Josephus has made an error over dates. V. I. Those who spoke Greek'; that is, Jews who had been brought up outside Palestine, and Gentiles who had become proselytes to the Jewish religion, and afterwards Christian.
C248]
ACTS
Seven Deacons Chosen; Stephen before the Council the general body of the disciples, and said,
It is
too
much
6
we
that
should have to forgo preaching God's word, and bestow our care
4
tables. Come then, brethren, you must find among you men who are well spoken of, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, for us to put in charge of this business, while we devote
5
ourselves to prayer,
3
upon
seven
found favour with
who was
and
all
to the ministry of preaching.
full of faith
Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, 6
who was
These they presented to the aposdes,
Antioch.
This advice
and they chose Stephen, a man and of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus,
the assembly;
a proselyte
who
from their
laid
hands on them with prayer. 7
By now
the
word
of
God was
ber of disciples in Jerusalem 8
had given
priests
of grace
9
people.
was
gaining influence, and the numgreatly increasing;
their allegiance to the faith.
And
many
of the
Stephen, full
and power, performed great miracles and signs among the There were those who came forward to debate with him,
some of the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it is called), and of the Cyreneans and Alexandrians, and of those who came from 10
Cilicia
11
and
and Asia;
but they were no match for Stephen's wisdom,
for the Spirit
employed agents 12
say they
carried
him
and of the
Having thus roused the feelings scribes, they set upon him and brought him before the Council. There
off,
and
so
elders
and
they put forward false witnesses, 14
Thereupon they
utterance.
had heard him speaking blasphe-
mously of Moses, and of God. of the people,
13
which then gave
to
who
declared, This
tired of uttering insults against the holy place,
man
is
never
and the law.
have heard him say that the Nazarene, Jesus, will destroy place,
15
us.
and
And
will alter the traditions
all
those
on him, and saw
who
We this
which Moses handed down
sat there in the
to
Council fastened their eyes
his face looking like the face of
an angel.
'The Freedmen'; according to some Greek manuscripts, 'the Libj'ans'. Some Latin manuscripts have 'the Spirit with which he spoke', which is the natural (though not the only possible) rendering of the Greek. V. 9. V.
10.
[249}
ACTS
History of Israel before Moses
7
CHAPTER SEVEN 2
r-r-iHEN THE high priest asked, J.
Are
of glory appeared to our father
Abraham,
it
in
4
which
So
direct thee.
I
was
it
Chaldeans, and lived in Charan; that he
was bidden
dwell.
There,
foot's space;
come
to
God
ill-used for four
Lord
said,
escape,
after his father's death
into this land
it
down
had no
child.
would
as a
to his
And as
live
where they would be enslaved and
years.
to
much
him and
told him, that his descendants
hundred
settle
where you now
to
But
I
will pass judgement, the
on the nation which enslaves them; and
and
to the land to
gave him no inheritance, not so
strangers in a foreign land,
8
was only
it
remove thence
he only promised the possession of
what God
still
Leave
that he left the country of the
posterity after him, although at this time he this is
7
the
was while he was
thy country, he said, and thy kindred, and
6
When
Mesopotamia, before he took up his dwelling in Charan.
3
5
And he God
these charges true?
answered, Brethren and fathers, hsten to me.
worship
me
here.
at last they will
Then he made
a
covenant with Abraham, the covenant that ordained circumcision.
So
it
was
he became the father of
that
Isaac,
whom
he circumcised
seven days afterwards, and Isaac of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs.
The
9 10
patriarchs, out of jealousy, sold Joseph as a slave, to be taken
Egypt. In Egypt,
to
God was
Pharaoh, king of Egypt, 11
all
the royal household.
and Chanaan,
13
our fathers on their
made
Gen.
vv. 6, 7.
for
all
wisdom with
till
our fathers could procure
first
journey;
and on
their
second journey
known to them, and Pharaoh learned about Then Joseph sent for his father Jacob, and for
himself
Joseph's kindred.
V. 5.
name
who made him ruler over Egypt and over And now a famine came upon all Egypt
cruelly afflicting them,
no food.
14
a
So Jacob, hearing that there was corn in Egypt, sent out
12
Joseph
he rescued him from
with him;
and won him favour and
his afflictions,
xii. i.
Gen. xv.
13;
perhaps with a reminiscence of Ex.
at the end.
C250}
iii.
12
added
The Ufe 15
16
ACTS
of Moses
7
and Jacob v^^ent down into died. They were removed after-
his family, seventy-five souls in all;
Egypt, where he and our fathers
wards
to
Sichem; and
was
it
in the grave
which Abraham had
man
bought for a sum of money from the sons of Hemor, the
of
Sichem, that they were buried. 17
And when
the time
drew near
which God had made
to
18
multiplied in Egypt.
And now
19
who knew nothing our
20
race,
of Joseph;
using them so
of rearing them.
It
for the fulfilment of the promise
Abraham, the people had increased and
new king
a
this
that they exposed their children, instead
ill
was
time that Moses was born, and,
at this
finding favour with God, was brought three months;
22
by Pharaoh's
then,
was well trained 23
house for
as her son.
Thus Moses he was vigor-
and
ous, too, in speech
children of Israel.
it
And now, when
in act.
When He
killing the Egyptian.
he had reached
mind to visit his brethren, the he saw one of them being unjusdy used,
came
into his
he came to the rescue and avenged the
25
in his father's
exposed, he was rescued
in all the learning of the Egyptians;
forty years of age,
24
up
when he had been daughter, who adopted him
21
arose in Egypt, one
king dealt treacherously with
man who was
wronged, by
expected them to understand, but they
God was when two
could not understand, that he was the means by which 26
them were Sirs,
27
he
29
in sight
tried to restore peace
to
of
between them;
why do you inflict injury on one man who was doing his neighbour a
Whereupon the him aside, asking. Art thou ready
And
Egyptian yesterday?
Forty years
came
you are brethren;
judge over us?
mount
day, he
Who made
thrust
in the land of
30
and
quarrelling,
said,
another?
wrong 28
Next
bring them deUverance.
Madian; later,
Sinai; a
it
Moses
at that
was there
a vision
that
came
bush had caught
me,
to kill
to
fire;
thee a ruler
as
fled,
thou didst
and lived
as
two sons were born
him
and
kill
a
the
an
exile
to
him.
in the wilderness of
and an angel was standing
There is a discrepancy between this account and that given in which suggests either that St. Stephen's memory played him false in the course of an extempore speech, or that there was some early corruption in the text. According to f 13 of the last chapter of Genesis, Jacob was buried in the grave bought by Abraham at Hebron, not at Sichem. Joseph was buried at Sichem (Jos. xxiv. 32). vf. 30-^4. Ex. ii. 2 and following. v.
16.
Genesis,
.
[251]
31
32
ACTS
7
among
the flames.
and
he drew near
as
Rebellions oj Israel
Moses saw
at the sight;
Lord came
him,
to
am the God of thy fathers, of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob. And Moses did not dare to look close; fear made him tremble.
33
Then
on which thou standest
is
people in Egypt
my
Lord
the
Take
said to him,
before
is
and
was who
it
was
Egypt, and
I
affliction
this
him
my
Come now,
I
same Moses, the man
Who made
thee a ruler
he saw there
and
at the
them out, performing wonders and Red Sea, and in the wilderness, over a
led
at the
of
have heard their
sent to be their ruler
whom
by the angel
deliverer, helped
He
God
thy feet; the place
The
to deliver them. It
they had disowned, and asked
a judge over us? that
ofif
eyes continually;
down
lamenting, and have come
whom
the shoes
holy ground.
have an errand for thee in Egypt.
36
and was astonished
I
34
35
it,
to look, the voice of the
their
bush.
signs in
space of
forty years.
37
It
was
your 38
your
Moses
this
God own
will raise
who up
brethren; to
The Lord
said to the children of Israel,
for
you
a prophet like myself,
from among
him you must Hsten. He it was who took him on mount Sinai, and with our
part with the angel that spoke to
meeting in the
fathers, at the
39
hand on
life to
obedience.
40
41
there
is
and
said
as for this Moses,
making
over the works of their
own
me
V. S7-
V. 40.
hands.
star of
lead our of Egypt,
So they fashioned a
and keeping holiday
Whereupon God turned away
to the
worship of
all
the host of
Is it
true that
victims and sacrifices, you sons of Israel, for forty
years in the wilderness?
and the
offerings to an idol,
written in the book of the prophets.
it is
you brought
would not give him
they turned their thoughts to-
to Aaron, Make us gods, to who brought us out of the land
and gave them over
from them, heaven; so
43
There he received words of
no saying what has become of him.
calf at this time,
42
desert.
yet our fathers
They disowned him;
wards Egypt, march;
and
to us;
your god
You carried about the tent of Moloch, Rempham, and worshipped them, images
Deut. xviii. 15. Ex. xxxii. I.
Amos
V. 25, where, however, there is a difference of reading Stephen quotes from the Septuagint, but has substituted 'Babylon' for 'Damascus' in the original.
pv. 42, 4^.
in the
Hebrew.
St.
C2.2]
Stephen rebukes the Jews, and o£ your
own
is
And now
fashioning.
ACTS
stoned I
will send
you
into exile
7
on the
further side of Babylon.
In the wilderness, our fathers had the tabernacle with them, to
44
remind them of God's covenant; he who spoke 45
fashion
God
it
after the
dispossessed the Gentiles, to
ing, our fathers
Moses bade him
to
And when
model which had been shewn him.
make room
under Josue brought
for our fathers' com-
an
this tabernacle, as
loom, into the land which they conquered. So
was
it
heir-
until the time
who had won favour in God's sight, longed God of Israel, but in the end it built the house for him. Yet we are not to
46
of David.
47
to devise a resting-place for the
48
was Solomon
David,
that
High dwells in temples made by men's hands; Heaven is my throne, and earth is the footstool
think that the most 49
the prophet says:
under 50
my
feet.
What home
what place can be
made
my
are for ever resisting the
52
it
Holy
and
ears
not
my
hands that
uncircumcised, you
still
Spirit, just
as
your fathers did.
There was not one of the prophets they did not persecute; death to foretell the coming of that just man,
53
me, says the Lord,
for
Was
all this?
Stiff-necked race, your heart
51
you build
will
resting-place?
times have betrayed and murdered; dictated by angels,
54
At hearing
55
their teeth at
this,
and did not keep
you,
whom
who
you
was
it
in these
received the law
it.
they were cut to the heart, and began to gnash
But
him.
Holy
he, full of the
Spirit, fastened his
on heaven, and saw there the glory of God, and Jesus standing God's right hand; I see heaven opening, he said, and the Son of
eyes at
56
Man
standing
and put 57
him,
thrust
nesses put
58
Saul.
59
Lord
at the right
hand
of
their fingers into their ears;
him out
down
Thus Jesus,
of the city,
he
fell
they cried aloud, fell
upon
And the wityoung man named
and stoned him.
their clothes at the feet of a
he
said, receive
my
spirit;
and then, kneeling down,
this sin against
them.
And
with
asleep in the Lord.
Saul was one of those vv. 4g, ^0.
Then
they stoned Stephen; he, meanwhile, was praying;
he cried aloud. Lord, do not count that,
God.
with one accord they
Is.
Lxvi.
who gave
i.
[253}
their voices for his
murder.
ACTS
Apostles scattered; Simon
8
Magus
CHAPTER EIGHT was much persecuted THE CHURCH in Jerusalemwere scattered about over
at this time,
2
side of Judaea
3
who mourned
and Samaria.
and
the country-
except the apostles
all
Stephen was buried by devout men,
greatly over him.
was making
Saul, meanwhile,
havoc of the church; he made his way into house
after house,
5
men and women off and committing them to prison. Those who had been driven away spread the gospel as they went from place to place; and Philip, who had gone down to one of
6
the cities of Samaria, preached Christ there.
carrying 4
The
multitude
own There were many
tened with general accord to what Philip said, as their ears witnessed the miracles he did.
7
and
8
sessed by unclean spirits,
9
too,
were healed of the
great rejoicing in that
who had
been in the
and these came palsy,
city.
and there was
was a man
there
city before Philip
came
pos-
many,
out, crying aloud;
and of lameness,
And
lis-
eyes
called
Simon,
misleading the
there,
people of Samaria with sorcery, and pretending to have great so that high
10
powers,
11
said, is
12
his sorceries, they
13
his
continued to pay attention
came and preached found
and low hung upon
faith
to
to
Long
men and women
and Simon, who had found
of Jesus Christ;
the great miracles and signs he 14
And now
15
received the
him,
alike, in the
faith
was astonished by
saw happening.
of
God, sent Peter and John
two came down and prayed the Holy Spirit, who had not, as
to visit them.
for them, that they yet,
17
18
so that the
the 19
Holy
Then Holy
Spirit
the apostles
Spirit
began
come down on any
was given them,
was granted through
hands, offered them money;
powers that when
I
lay
to lay their
my
Let
had So
might receive
they had received nothing so far except baptism in the Jesus.
name
and been bap-
the apostles at Jerusalem, hearing that Samaria
word
these
Lord
misled by
until Philip
them about God's kingdom. Then they
and were baptized,
tized with the rest, kept close to Philip's side; he
16
words; This, they
an angel called the great angel of God.
of them;
name
of the
hands on them,
and Simon, seeing that
the imposition of the apostles'
me
too,
he
hands on anyone he
said,
have such
will receive the
Simon reproved; Philip 20
Holy
Whereupon
Spirit.
thee to perdition, thou
Peter said to him,
who
21
can be bought with money.
22
in these doings; thy heart
of this baseness of thine,
23
pardon
the thought
for
ACTS
an Ethiopian
instructs
Take thy wealth with
has told thyself that God's free gift
There
no
is
no part for thee
share,
not true in the sight of God.
is
8
and pray
to
Repent
God, in the hope of finding
which thy heart has conceived.
I
see
plainly that a bitter poison has taken hold of thee; thou art the
24
bondsman
25
So,
when
word 26
And Simon answered. Pray for me to the harm you have spoken of may fall upon me.
of iniquity.
Lord, that none of
this
they had borne their full witness and preached the
of the Lord, they began their journey back to Jerusalem,
many Samaritan villages. Meanwhile, was commanded by an angel of the Lord, Rise up, and go south to meet the road which leads from Jerusalem to Gaza, out carrying the gospel into Philip
27
So he rose up and went; and found there an Ethio-
in the desert. pian. This
Ethiopia,
man was
a
eunuch, a courtier of Candace, queen of
and had charge
28
ship at Jerusalem,
29
in his chariot
30
Philip,
Go up
of
all
her wealth; he had been up to wor-
now on
and was
to that chariot
way home, The
his
and reading the prophet and keep
Isaias.
close
he ran up, heard him reading the prophet 31
thou understand what thou
without someone 32
up and
sit
lamb
this;
that
He
is
He was
art
Isaias,
How
reading?
Spirit said to
And
Philip, as
and asked, Canst could
I,
said he,
me? And he entreated Philip to come The passage of scripture which he was
was led away Hke
dumb
before
its
33
mouth.
34
earth.
brought low, and
And
35
whom
does the prophet say this?
shall tell the story of his
the
it.
guide
beside him.
reading was like a
to
by
driving along
age? His
eunuch turned
a sheep to be slaughtered;
shearer, he
life is
to Philip,
would not open
rights taken
all his
his
away; who
being cut off from the
and
said, Tell
me, about
Himself, or some other
man?
V. 26. Some have supposed that it was the road, not Gaza itself, which 'deserted'; but it is possible that the old Gaza, destroyed in b.c. 96, is here distinguished from the new Gaza, built in b.c. 58, and destroyed in
was
A.D. 65. 7. The Hebrew differs in several points from the text which is here quoted. Nor is the meaning of the Greek here beyond dispute; some would render 'his condemnation' instead of 'his rights', and 'his posterity' instead of 'his age'.
vv. 52, 33. Is
liii.
of the Septuagint,
[255]
ACTS
9
Then
Philip began speaking, and preached to
Ethiopian baptized; the Road to Damascus
36
taking this passage as his theme.
came
to a piece of water,
37
here;
why may
with
all
38
Jesus Christ
39
and Philip baptized him
As
and the eunuch
thy heart, thou mayest. the
is
PhiHp
not be baptized?
I
Son of God,
And
said. See, there said. If
was carried
water, Philip
eunuch did not 40
As
see
for Philip, he
went preaching
down
believe that
into the water,
the Lord,
spirit of
longer; he
round the
I
But when they came up from the
was next heard of
all
water
is
thou dost beHeve
he answered,
by the
off
him any
Jesus,
So he had the chariot stopped, and
both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went there.
him about
they went on their way, they
at
went on
way
his
and the
rejoicing.
Azotus; and from there he
villages, until
he reached Caesarea.
CHAPTER NINE SAUL, WITH 2
and asked him for
threatened the disciples
letters of
commendation arrest all those
and women, who belonged
to the
Jerusalem.
4
cas, a
Then, on
and heard
thou persecute I
am
his journey,
to the
to the
Jesus,
me?
whom
he found there,
Who
art thou,
nearly at
Lord? he asked.
Saul persecutes. This
Lord, what wilt thou have Rise up, and go into the
is
Damas-
He
fell
why
And
he
to
dost said,
a thankless task of thine,
And he, dazed and trembling, asked. me do? Then the Lord said to him.
city,
and there thou
shalt
be told what
His companions stood in bewilderment, hearing the
7
thy
8
voice speak, but not seeing anyone.
is.
at
men
way, and bring them back to
when he was
a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul,
kicking against the goad.
work
high priest
synagogues
hght from heaven shone suddenly about him.
the ground,
6
still
Damascus, so that he could
3
5
EVERY breath he drew,
Lord with massacre; and now he went
of the
When
he rose from the
V. 57. This verse is wanting in some of the Greek, and also in some of the Latin manuscripts. V. 2. The way'; that is, the Christian profession. .' to '. vv. 5, 6. The words from This is a thankless task the Lord . . said to him' are omitted by all the Greek and some Latin manuscripts. V. 7. 'Hearing the voice speak', but not hearing what was said. This is made clear in xxii. 9 below, where 'to hear' is used in the sense of 'to understand', as in I Cor. xiv. 2. .
[256}
.
Saul
9
is
ACTS
baptized
9
ground he could
see nothing, although his eyes
were open, and
they had to lead
him by
into
Here
for three days he
him
the hand, to take
remained without
sight,
Damascus.
and neither
ate
nor
him
the
drank.
There was,
10
11
Damascus,
in
called in a vision, Ananias.
And
the
Lord
and enquire
named
12
Tarsus,
13
on him,
had
14
to cure
Lord,
many have
done
to
from
man
I
called
him
of blindness.
told
me
have yet to
too.
17
undergo for as
I
my
to
and tell
about
At
thee on thy
and be
I
to
all
the hurt he has
and he has come here with
him.
all
Go on
those
who
their rulers,
Spirit.
thou
And
is
a
Israel
suffering he will have to
So Ananias
as thou earnest here;
with the Holy
upon
my name
and before the people of
how much
name's sake.
call
thy errand; this
set out;
have been sent by that Lord Jesus
way
filled
of
Ananias answered,
this,
man, and
this
be the instrument for bringing
him,
man
and he has
and as soon
he came into the house he laid his hands upon him, and
Brother Saul,
18
at his prayers:
the chief priests to imprison
before the heathen
16
is
Ananias coming in and laying hands
But the Lord said
have chosen
road called
to the
house of Judas for a
man
thy saints at Jerusalem;
thy name.
to
am. Lord, he answered.
I
up and go
at the
Even now he
Saul.
a vision of a
authority
15
Here
said to him. Rise
Straight Street;
named Ananias;
a disciple
Lord
who
said,
appeared to
art to recover thy sight,
with
that, a
kind of film
away from his eyes, and his sight was recovered. He rose up, and was baptized; and now, when he had taken food, his strength returned to him. For some days he lived with the disciples at Damascus, and from the first, in the synagogues, he preached that Jesus was the Son of God. All those who heard it were amazed; fell
19
20 21
Why, they said, is not this the man who brought ruin on all those who invoked this name, when he was in Jerusalem; the man who 22
23
came here for the very purpose of arresting such people and prethem to the chief priests? But Saul was inspired with ever greater strength, and silenced the Jews who lived at Damascus by shewing them clearly that this was the Christ. senting
So many days passed, and then the Jews plotted against
his life
V. 2 J. It would appear from Galatians i. 16-18, that the 'days' here mentioned covers a period of three years, during part of which St. Paul was in redrement in Arabia.
[257}
ACTS
Saul at Jerusalem; Aeneas healed
9
Saul was aware of the plot; and, since they kept watch over the gates,
day and night, to make an end of him,
the disciples con-
him down by night along
the face of the wall, lower-
ing him to the ground in a hamper.
So he reached Jerusalem,
trived to let
where he
tried to attach himself to the disciples;
not believe he was a true disciple, and
Whereupon Barnabas took him by to the apostles, telling
but they could
avoided his company.
hand and brought him
the
them how, on
all
his journey,
in
he had seen the
Lord and had speech with him, and how at Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus. So he came and went in their
company
He
with them,
name
Jerusalem, and spoke boldly in the
at
preached, besides, to the Jews
put him on his
Meanwhile,
the brethren took
this,
way
of the Lord.
talked Greek, and disputed
they set about trying to take his
till
they heard of
who
life.
him down
As soon
to Caesarea,
as
and
to Tarsus.
through Judaea and GaHlee and Samaria, the
all
church enjoyed peace and became firmly established, guided by the
God and filled with encouragement by the Holy Spirit. And now Peter, as he visited the saints everywhere, came down There he found a man called to see those who dwelt at Lydda. Aeneas, who had not left his bed for eight years, being palsied. And Peter said to him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ sends thee healing;
fear of
rise
up at once. All Lydda and Saron came to see him, and their turned to the Lord. And there was a disciple at Joppa Tabitha, which means the same as Dorcas, a gazelle. She
up, and
those hearts called
who
make
dwelt
abounded in
thy bed; whereupon he rose
at
acts of charity
that at this time she
and
laid
disciples,
Come
it
in
and
fell sick,
an upper room.
in almsdeeds;
and
died,
Since
and
Lydda was
hearing that Peter was there, sent two
to us, they
it
so happened
and they washed the body
urged him, without delay.
close to Joppa, the
men
to find
him;
So Peter rose and
went with them; and when he came there they took him into the upper room, where all the widows stood round him in tears, shewV. 29. Some manuscripts of the Latin give the sense 'He preached, besides, to the Gentiles, and disputed with the Jews who talked Greek'. 'Filled with the encouragement'; the Greek seems rather to mean, t/. 5/. 'grew (in numbers) through the encouragement' of the Holy Spirit.
[258]
ACTS
Raising of Dorcas; Vision of Cornelius
him
ing 40
and cloaks which Dorcas used
the coats
among them.
she was
them
make while
all
out,
and went on
knees to pray; then, turning to the body, he
said,
Tabitha, rise up;
Peter sent
and she opened her eyes and looked 41
to
10
So he gave her
bed.
This became
43
in the Lord.
known
He
and
at Peter,
hand, and raised her to her
all
over Joppa, and
many
number of name was Simon.
stayed in Joppa a
ing with a tanner whose
up on
sat
feet;
and the widows, he shewed her
calling in the saints
42
his
the
and then,
them
to
his
alive.
learned to believe
days after
this,
lodg-
CHAPTER TEN THERE
WAS,
at Caesarea, a
ing to what
worshipped the true God, the people,
to
centurion
named
Cornelius, belong-
called the Italian cohort,
is
like all his household,
and prayed
to
God
man who
a pious
continually.
gave alms freely
He, about the
ninth hour of the day, had a vision, in which he clearly saw an angel of
God come
in
and address him by
Lord? he asked, gazing
at
him
in terror.
prayers and almsdeeds are recorded
now
he would have thee send
Simon,
who
is
Simon, whose house
what thou he
hast to do.
summoned two
is
to Joppa, to
sight.
is it.
Thy
And
bring here one
he lodges with a tanner, called
close to the sea;
So the angel
of his servants,
What
he answered.
on high in God's
men
surnamed Peter;
name.
his
And
thou wilt learn from him
visitor left
him, and thereupon
and one of the
soldiers
who were
on him, a man of piety; he told them all that had passed, and sent them on their way to Joppa. Next day, while these were on their journey and were drawing near the city, Peter went up to the house-top about noon, to pray in attendance
there.
He was
hungry, and waiting for a meal; and while they
Cornelius was one of those Gentiles who, without adopting the rite conformed to the Jewish religion in general; he was not a proselyte in the full sense. 6. The t'. last ten words of this verse are omitted in the Greek manuV. 2.
of circumcision,
scripts.
[-59]
ACTS 11
10
Peter's Vision
were preparing
and a bundle, 12
the earth;
13
that creep
14
came
he
it,
in
it
on the
were
and
16 17
not for thee to
It is
my
where they
have
It
a voice
cannot be,
eaten anything pro-
I
came
the voice
him
to
anything profane, which
called out
the gate;
19
called Peter, lodged there.
mind, the
vision in his
20
thee;
21
it
a second
God
has
who have
I
is
am, he
I
The
errand?
To
and asked
Here
Spirit said.
Simon,
if
Peter, as he
who was
also
was turning over the
men
are three
asking for
and go down, and accompany them without misgiving;
rise
Here
ships the true
23
life
eat.
made clean. Three times this happened, and then the bundle was drawn up again into heaven. Peter was still puzzling in his mind over the meaning of his vision, when Cornelius' messengers, who had now found their way to Simon's house, were seen standing at
18
22
call
And
the birds of heaven.
all
Then
fane, anything unclean.
time,
four corners on to
its
him. Rise up, Peter, lay about thee and
to
Lord, answered Peter; never in 15
saw heaven opening,
down by
kinds of four-footed beasts, and things
all
earth,
He
into a trance.
fell
like a great sheet, let
sent them.
said, the
down
So Peter went
man you
centurion Cornelius, they said, a
God and
keeps his law, as
all
to the
what
men;
is
your
man who
wor-
are looking for;
the Jewish people will
testify,
has received a revelation from one of the holy angels; he
was
have thee brought
to
wouldst
to his house,
and
listen to
Thereupon Peter bade them come
say.
in,
what thou and made
them welcome; and next day he set out with them, accompanied by some of the brethren from Joppa. 24
The day
after that, they reached Caesarea,
where Cornelius
v/as
awaiting them; he had gathered his kinsmen and his closest friends
about him.
26
nelius,
27
raised
And
25
in,
28
who
his feet
him; Stand up, he
still
You know
contaminated
God
had entered, he was met by Cor-
and did reverence
said, I
am
a
man
to
him;
like thyself.
but Peter
So he went
conversing with him, and found a great company
sembled.
but
as soon as Peter
fell at
if
well enough, he told them, that a
he consorts with one of another
has been shewing
V, 14. St.
me
that
we ought
Peter seems to have interpreted the
race, or visits
is
him;
not to speak of any
command
satisfy his hunger indiscriminately, although some of the were unclean according to the Mosaic law.
[ 260 ]
as-
Jew
as a direction to
creatures he
saw
29
man
30
without demur. Tell
as
ACTS
House
Peier at Cornelius
so, when I was sent for, I came why you have sent for me. And
and
profane or unclean;
me
10
then,
Cornelius said. Three days ago, at this very time,
my 31
I was making when suddenly I saw a man white clothes, who said to me, Cornelius,
afternoon prayer in
standing before me, in
my
house,
won remembrance summon thenc. 1-7. It is possible that the false teachers at Ephesus, if they were Jews, may have been influenced by the unpopularity of Roman rule in Judaea, so as to preach disloyalty to the Empire; perhaps, too, they refused to recognize that the gospel was offered to the whole of mankind. 'Decently'; in the Greek 'with dignity', in the Latin 'with holiness' I/. 2.
excommunication;
cf.
I.
(or perhaps 'chastity').
C45O
The Duty our duty,
5
truth;
6
and men, Jesus
it
is
men
his will that all
there
self as a
not to teach publicly
what God, our Saviour,
4
7
Women
of Prayer;
is
I
TIMOTHY
expects o£ us,
since
who
Christ,
ransom
for
and of
apostle (I
make no
2 is
should be saved, and be led to recognize the
only one God, and only one mediator between
witness,
it
them
a
is
At
all.
that witness
man,
I
false claims,
like
God
and gave him-
them,
the appointed time, he bore his
am the chosen herald, sent as an I am only recalHng the truth) to be
a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles. 8
9
It is
my
wish that prayer should everywhere be offered by the
men; they are and dispute.
to
lift
that are sanctified, free
attire;
no gold ornaments, or pearls, or rich clothes; the best adornment for women who lay claim to
hair,
11
is
12
learners;
13
issue
14
Adam
are to keep silence,
went
and take
woman
a
commands
from
all
anger
with the women; they are to dress them-
modestly and with restraint in befitting
selves
10
15
up hands
So, too,
shall
to her
their place,
with
all
have no leave from
husband; her part
is
no plaited
a virtuous piety.
life
Women
submissiveness, as
me
to teach,
to be silent.
It
and
was
created first, and Eve later, nor was it Adam that woman was led astray, and was involved in transYet woman will find her salvation in child-bearing, if
that
was
astray;
gression.
she will but remain true to faith and love and holy living. f. 8. St.
Paul
is
probably teaching here that women are to abstain from from teaching (in the sense of giving in-
offering public prayer, as well as structions at public worship).
V. 75. The Latin here has 'in the birth of children'; but the text as given Greek makes it equally possible to follow Theophylact (as several nonCatholic commentators do), and translate 'in the Child-bearing'. Woman, here considered as a single race, has been re-established since the fall of Eve by the obedience of the Blessed Virgin, as is commonly recognized by the
in the
Church from
St. Irenaeus onwards. 'If she will but remain' is 'if they will but remain' in the Greek; the plural being substituted for the singular to shew that the statement is made about womanhood generally.
[45O
I
TIMOTHY
Qualifications of ihe Pastor
3
CHAPTER THREE IS
IT
WELL
SAID,
employment
When
a
aspires to a bishopric,
whom
must be one with
then,
one wife, sober,
man
The man who
that he covets.
discreet,
no
enced in teaching,
neither quarrelsome nor grasping.
own
their full respect;
6
own
if
a
household, will he
must not be
new
a
be a bishop,
can be found; faithful to
fault
He
must be one who
is
family, and keeps his children in order by
5
7
no mean
it is
no lover of wine or of brawling, courteous,
3
to his
to
modest, well behaved, hospitable, experi-
4
head
is
good
man has not learned how to manage his know how to govern God's church? He
convert, or he
and incur Satan's doom. the world's eyes; or he
a
winning
He
may
may
be carried away by vanity,
must bear
fall
a
good
into disrepute,
character, too, in
and become
a prey
to the False Accuser.
8
Deacons, in the same way, must be
men 9
keeping
10
revealed.
of decent behaviour,
true, in all sincerity of conscience, to the faith that has
These, in their turn, must
only be allowed to serve as deacons 11
men
of their word, not given to deep drinking or to money-getting,
them.
The women-folk,
too,
if
first
no charge
i-y.
It
is
is
brought against
should be modest, not fond of slan-
derous talk; they must be sober, and in every
vt/.
been
undergo probation, and
possible that St. Paul
means us
to
way worthy
of trust.
understand these
qualifi-
cations as applying, not only to the episcopal office, but to that of a priest;
he
does not mention presbyters in this chapter. Cf. note on Phil. i. i. V. 2. 'Faithful to one wife' may mean, but does not necessarily mean, that in the discipline of the early Church a re-married widower was ineligible for the episcopate. v. 4. 'By winning their full respect'; in the Greek, 'with all dignity'; in the Latin, 'with all holiness' (or perhaps 'chastity'). V. 7. 'The False Accuser' is the name given in Greek to the Devil. Here the sense would seem to be, that a Christian who was an object of suspicion to those outside the Church would bring the Church into discredit, through the scandal which the Devil would attach to his name. vv. 8,11. 'Modest'; in the Greek, 'dignified', in the Latin, 'chaste'. V. II. 'The women-folk'; probably meaning the deacon's wife and household. It may, however, imply that women were recognized in the early Church, as they were later, in the character of 'deaconesses', sharing in the charitable work done by the deacons. Cf. Rom. xvi. i, where Phoebe is said to be a 'ministrant' to the church at Cenchrae.
[4S2]
Qualifications of the
12
The deacon must
13
own
Deacon
I
be faithful to one wife, good
TIMOTHY
Those who have served well
family and household.
4
looking after his
at
in the
diaconate will secure for themselves a sure footing, and great bold-
which
ness in proclaiming that faith, 74
So much
15
before long;
I
tell
so that,
if I
no doubt over the conduct hold.
By
that
I
mean
am that
is
No made
question of
human
in
it,
it
is
hope
to
Jesus.
pay thee a
visit
expected of thee in God's house-
foundation upon which the truth 16
I
slow in coming, thou mayest be in
Church of
the
founded on Christ
is
thee by letter, although
a great
God, the
the living
pillar
and
rests.
mystery
nature, justification
won
we
worship. Revelation
in the realm of the Spirit;
a vision seen by angels, a mystery preached to the Gentiles; Christ in this world, accepted by faith, Christ,
on high, taken up into
glory.
CHAPTER FOUR
WE
ARE expressly told by inspiration that, in later days, there
will be
spirations,
some who abandon the
and doctrines taught by the
ceived by the pretensions of impostors,
ened as
if
faith, listening to false in-
They
devils.
these for the grateful enjoyment of those to
recognize the truth. to be rejected; only
is
hard-
Such teachers bid them abstain from
by a searing-iron.
marriage, and from certain kinds of food, although
is
will be de-
whose conscience
All
is
we must
good
that
whom God
be thankful to
God
has
made
faith has enabled
has made, nothing
him when we
par-
V. 16. This sentence would seem to be connected with what follows, rather than with what goes before. Some think that St. Paul is quoting from an early Christian hymn; cf. Eph. v. 14. The sentence is perhaps best divided into three paradoxes; Christ manifested to the world in his humanity, yet redeeming us through the dignity of his Divine Person; the Resurrection, a sight only witnessed by angels, yet published throughout the world; Christ still making his power felt here below, through the faith of his Church, although he has ascended into heaven. f. 3. 'Certain kinds of food'; either those prohibited by the Jewish law, as in Rom. xiv. or some others (perhaps flesh-meat generally) prohibited by innovating teachers at Ephesus, in the spirit of the later Gnostics.
[453}
I
TIMOTHY
5
take of
6
the prayer
on the
followed.
8
stead, to
10
life
wilt
shew
grow up is
how
Such
II, 12
not
of those
all
let
who
anyone think the
thyself a
model
who
is
all faith, all
14
thy constant care while
we endure
Let
16
how
this
thy youthfulness;
and behaviour for the
I
am
hands went with
Two
meaning
Do
A
absent.
it;
it,
do not
make
faithful, all love, let
these be
special grace has
and
been
the imposition of the
let it sufifer
from all
neglect.
may
see
things claim thy attention, thyself and
on them;
so wilt thou
and
listen to thee achieve salvation.
V. 5. 'God's blessing'; literally
as
mankind, and
the doctrine thou art to deliver.
is
the teaching of the faith; spend thy care
who
a wel-
and reproach,
be thy study, these thy employments, so that
well thou doest.
those
toil
the Saviour of
entrusted to thee; prophecy awarded presbyters'
and what
that saying,
Reading, preaching, instruction,
13
15
train thyself, in-
promises well both for this
it
is
less of thee for
of speech
purity.
and
believe in him.
the charge, such
is
true
for this that
It is
our hope in a living God, above
tales alone,
Training of the body avails but
all-availing, since
deserves!
it
these rules for the brethren,
whose wholesome doctrine thou hast
in holiness.
and for the next;
come
Lay down
it.
thyself a true servant of Jesus Christ, thriving
Leave foolish nursery
holiness
little;
hallowed for our use by God's blessing and
it is
which brings
principles of that faith
7
9
then
it,
and thou
Apostolic Holiness and Discretion
4
'the
words of
'God's word',
Scripture';
it
is
which some understand here
doubtful whether
St.
Paul ever
uses the phrase in that sense. V. 7. For 'foolish' the Greek has 'profane'; it is not clear in what sense. V. 9. Some commentators think the saying consists of the words given in verse 10.
many Greek manuscripts read 'struggle'. Paul says that the grace was given to St. Timothy 'through prophecy', presumably in the sense that the prophets pointed him out as a suitable person to be made a presbyter, or a bishop (cf. i. 18 above, and Acts xiii. 2). It was, perhaps, through this influence that he was chosen in spite of his youth, on which this chapter seems to lay special emphasis. V. 16. 'Spend thy care on them'; that is, upon thyself and upon the preaching of the faith, as is indicated by the words which follow. V. 10. V.
14.
'Reproach'; St.
[454]
Qualifications entitling a
Widow
to
support
I
TIMOTHY
5
CHAPTER FIVE INSTEAD OF finding fault, appeal to an older man as if he were thy father, to younger men as thy brothers, to the older women,. 3
as mothers, to the
4
widows
owed woman warned that
if
is left
that
bereft of
all
modesty)
Give
as sisters.
belongs to them;
and blood has the
flesh
if
a wid-
first
claim on their
who gave them birth; The woman who is indeed a
returns to those
what God asks of them.
is
widow,
all
really
with children or grandchildren, she must be
own
that their
name
They must make due
piety.
5
younger (but with
their due,
help, will put her trust in
God, and spend
her time, night and day, upon the prayers and petitions that belong
who lives in luxury would be alive and dead Warn them of this, too, or they will bring themselves into disrepute; the man who makes no provision for those nearest him, above all his own family, has contradicted the teachone
her state;
6
to
7
both at once.
8
ing of the faith, and indeed does worse than the unbelievers do. 9
If
a
woman
is
to
be put on the
list
of widows, she
must have
reached, at least, the age of sixty, and have been faithful to one 10
husband.
She must have
a
name
for acts of charity;
has she
brought up children? Has she been hospitable? Has she washed the feet of the saints?
Has
she helped those
who were in affliction? Have nothing
11
Has
12
expense, and then be for marrying again, thus incurring the guilt
to
she attached herself to every charitable cause?
do with younger widows; they will
V. J.
Their
due', including their
the custom of the early
Church
live at their ease at Christ's
maintenance by public alms, according to
Acts vi. i). In Hebrew, the verb 'to honour' sometimes has the sense of monetary payment (cf. Eccli. xxxviii. i, and note on Matthew xv. 5). V. 4. 'She must be warned'; the Greek manuscripts, and many of the Latin, have 'they must be warned'. This seems the more probable reading, in view of verse 7 below. V. 6. 'Would be alive and dead both at once'; literally 'is dead while she still lives'. The sense appears to be, that she must not attempt to live a worldly life and claim, at the same time, the privileges of widowhood. V. 9. v.
II.
There
is
the
This verse
(cf.
same uncertainty here is
ordinarily translated
as in
iii.
2 above.
'When they have begun
to
grow
wanton
against Christ', but this does not translate the Latin, and is a very doubtful rendering of the Greek. St. Paul surely means, 'When they have finished living a luxurious
life,
upon
the alms of the Christian community'.
r455]
I
13
TIMOTHY
Hoiv
5
of breaking the promise they have made. habits of idleness as they
merely 14
Pastors are to be supported
idle,
Meanwhile, they learn
go from house
to house;
they gossip and interfere, and say
So
right to say.
I
would have
and corrected
the younger
nor are they
what they have no
women marry and
bear
children and have households to manage; then they will give en15
mity no handle for speaking
16
have turned
ill
Already there are some
of us.
aside, to follow Satan.
Meanwhile,
any widows depending on him, he should undertake leaving the church free to support the
who
a believer has
if
their support,
widows who
are really
destitute.
Presbyters
17
who
have acquitted themselves well of their charge
should be awarded double consideration; those especially, 18
bestow their pains on preaching and instruction: sage in scripture which
tells
there
is
who
a pas-
us not to muzzle the ox while
it
is
threshing grain, and the labourer has a right to expect his main-
Do
not take cognizance of any charge
19
tenance.
20
presbyter, unless there are
rebuke to those 21
rest.
I
who
made
two witnesses or more.
are living amiss,
adjure thee in the sight of
and thus put
God and
against a
Give
a public
fear into the
of Jesus Christ,
and the
angels he has chosen, to observe these rules without rash judge-
22
ment, without yielding hands, do not bestow
23
the sins of others. fine thyself to
24
it
to
partiality.
inconsiderately,
Keep
As
for the imposition of
and so share the blame
water any longer; take a
stomach, and thy frequent attacks of
little
for
(No, do not con-
thyself clear of fault.
wine
illness.)
to relieve thy
Some men have
faults that are plain to view, so that they invite question;
with
V. ly. 'Consideration' here is the same word in Greek as 'their dues' in verse 3 above, and is no doubt used partly in the same signification; cf. the verse which follows. V. 18. Deut. XXV. 4; see also Matthew x. 10. V. 20. 'To those', probably meaning 'to those presbyters'; and the direction that they are to be rebuked in public is best understood as meaning 'Before
the other presbyters'. V. 22. St. Timothy is probably warned against ordaining presbyters without due enquiry into their character; but it seems that the imposition of hands was also used in remitting ecclesiastical censures, and some think this is
the
meaning
here.
V. 2}. This sentence interrupts the drift of the passage; probably St. Paul suddenly remembered a question put to him, and answered it, as it were, in
a foot-note.
[456]
On 25
Slavery,
and on mercenary Teachers
upon
others, discovery follows
TIMOTHY
I
the heels o£ enquiry;
with their merits; some are plain
to view,
so
6
it is,
too,
and where they are
not,
they cannot long remain hidden.
CHAPTER THOSE WHO
SIX
ARE bound to slavery must treat their masters as
God's
entitled to all respect; otherwise
2
will be
spoken
ill
must not think the
faith
they should render
3
all
less
name and our
the better service,
when
benefit
and encourage them,
rival teacher,
Then
because he
it is
so to act.
there
Is
some
to the doctrine is
which accords with holiness?
What comes
all
such encounters as must
arise
between
men
And
with corrupted
indeed, religion
though no more than
Empty-handed we came
it.
8
beyond question, we must leave
9
and clothing
to last us out, let us
it;
ample pro-
why
then,
be content with
if
we have food Those who
that.
rich fall into temptation, the devil's trap for
here and perdition hereafter.
The
love of
with
and empty-handed,
men
those useless and dangerous appetites which sink
faith
is
a bare sufficiency goes
into the world,
7
evil things,
of
suspicions,
lost track of the truth. Religion, they think, will
provide them with a living.
would be
and base
jealousy, quarrelling, recriminations
life,
who
puffed up with vanity; knowledge he has
Only
vision for
Teach them,
sound principles which are the principles of
it?
minds who have
10
who
those
none, but an itch for speculation and controversy.
6
to the
of them, for being their brethren;
love.
our Lord Jesus Christ,
5
doctrine
whose masters belong
those
by their good will are believers, worthy of their
refuses assent to the
4
And
of.
money
is
them;
all
into ruin
the root of
all
and there are those who have wandered away from the
by making
it
their ambition, involving themselves in a
world
of sorrows. Ti
It is
for thee, servant of
God,
to
shun
all this;
to
aim
at right
'With no more than a sufficiency' for its complement'; the Greek might also be translated, 'if it goes togethei with contentment'. V. 10. 'Involving themselves in' has rather, in the Greek, the meaning of 'stabbing themselves vi'ith'. f.
6.
[4573
I
TIMOTHY
Responsibilities of an Apostle;
6
living, holiness,
and
faith,
and
love,
Fight the good fight of
12
bearance.
13
before so
many
life to all
things, before Jesus Christ
14
claim
witnesses.
when he
I
for-
thy grasp on eternal
life,
God
who
appears.
alone enjoys dominion; he
and
to fulfil thy
when our Lord
no human eye has seen or can ever
everlasting empire.
gives
charge
Jesus Christ
him in due time, the blessed God who to is King of kings, and Lord of lords;
alone immortaUty belongs, his dwelling
light;
17
will reveal
God who
bore witness to that great
stood before Pontius Pilate,
16
him
didst assert the great claim
adjure thee before the
without stain of reproach until the day 15
of Riches
and endurance, and kind
faith, lay
when thou
that life thou wert called to,
Danger
Amen. Warn
is
in unapproachable
him; to him be glory
see
those
who
are rich in this
present world not to think highly of themselves, not to repose their
may
hopes in the riches that 18
bestows on us so richly
19
share the
all
but in the living God,
fail us,
that
we
enjoy.
rich their lives with charitable deeds, always ready to give,
common
burden,
laying
down
within their grasp.
been entrusted
It is
to thee, avoiding these
knowledge
that
profess them,
and
speech, this quibbling 21
there are those
who
wide of the mark which V. 20.
Timothy,
for thee,
faith sets us.
is
to
to
is
true
life
keep safe what has
new, intruding forms of
knowledge only
in professing
in
name;
them have shot
Grace be with
For 'new' the best Greek manuscripts have 'empty'.
[45B]
and
a sure foundation for
themselves in time to come, so as to have Hfe which 20
who
Let them do good, en-
thee.
Amen.
THE SECOND
EPISTLE OF THE BLESSED APOSTLE PAUL TO TIMOTHY
CHAPTER ONE SENT as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, in
PAUL,
furtherance of that promise of hfe which
Timothy,
2
Jesus,
3
peace from is
to
God
the Father,
with gratitude
to that
way my
science in the
4
thee continually, day
5
when
of thy tears, I
given us in Christ
is
and mercy and
his well beloved son, grace
whom
God,
night, in
me, that
my
make mention of memory
I
prayer.
keep the
I
my
have
to see thee again, so as to
That
receive fresh proof of thy sincere faith.
of joy
fill
faith
dwelt in
thy grandmother Lois, and in thy mother, Eunice, before thee; 6
am
7
kindled in thee,
fully
persuaded that
remind thee
when my hands were is
of action, of love,
spirit
That upon
laid
prisoner; share
all
owe 10
it
to his
own
discipline.
Do
came
Has he not saved
Now
it
has
to enlighten us;
us,
and
me,
who am his God
called us to a voca-
come
on
gospel
12
a teacher of the Gentiles.
whom
This
is
long ages
our Saviour
he has annulled death,
now
and immortality, through
that
now
life
us,
to light, since
have been appointed to herald,
11
I
a
not blush, then,
design, to the grace lavished
he has shed abroad the rays of
which
spirit it is
was not because of anything we had done; we
ago, in Christ Jesus.
Jesus Christ
The
not one that shrinks from danger;
and of
I
would
the tribulations of the gospel message as
gives thee strength. tion of holiness? It
I
which God
thee.
for the witness thou bearest to our Lord, or for
9
why
is
to fan the flame of that special grace
he has bestowed on us 8
dwells in thee too.
it
It
worship with a clear con-
I
fathers taught
and
and long
and from Christ Jesus our Lord.
what
I
as
have
an apostle and
to suffer as the
have given my confidence has the means to keep my pledge safe'. The metaphor is probably that of a friend to whom we entrust something of value to keep for us during absence. But some think that 'my deposit' means 'the deposit God has entrusted to me', not 'the deposit I have entrusted to God'; in that case, we should have to translate 'he, in whom I have learned to believe.' t/.
12.
'He, to
I
.
.
.
TIMOTHY
II
result; but
my
I
am
confidence,
With
14
all
no stranger
me, and
pledge
I
am
trust.
gellus
be faithful
is to
whom
have given
I
persuaded that
fully
day comes.
safe, until that
the faith and love thou hast in Christ Jesus, keep to the
the
Holy
In Asia,
15
16
18
my
keep
to
to
my
pattern of sound doctrine thou hast learned from
power of
17
Timothy
true Friends;
not put to the blush. He, to
is
he has the means 13
and
False
2
who
Spirit
thou knowest,
as
By
lips.
me
have treated
all
and Hermogenes among them.
May
the
coldly, Phi-
Lord grant mercy
to the
household of Onesiphorus; often enough he revived
spirits.
Instead of being
sought
me
me.
ashamed
out
when he was
The Lord
grant that he
what he did
that day comes;
the
dwells in us, be true to thy high
in
Rome, and succeeded
may for
my he
of a prisoner's acquaintance,
find
me
mercy with
in Ephesus
his
in finding
Lord when
have no need
I
tc
tell thee.
CHAPTER TWO
TAKE
STRENGTH,
Christ Jesus.
my own SOU, from the grace which dwells in Thou hast learned, from many who can witness which
the doctrine
to
it,
of
men
thou canst
trust,
I
hand down; give
men who Then,
3
others besides themselves.
4
Jesus, take thy share of hardship.
soldier
5
on
service,
will
like a
Thou
it
good
art
to teach
soldier,
who
will
win no crown,
the
first
7
for
it.
V. 75.
if
Grasp the sense of what cannot
tell
Rome
I
am
saying; the
who
has toiled
Lord
exact complaint St. Paul had against perhaps they might have been expected to make
to secure his release.
Onesiphorus had probably died since; greetings are sent to hold, but not to himself, in iv. 19 below. t>.
16.
V. 2.
his house-
Many commentators would understand Thou hast learned my docmany witnesses'; but such a rendering is not justified
trine in the presence of
either
will give;
what was the
his acquaintances in Asia;
representations at
him,
the athlete
he does not observe the rules of the contest;
share in the harvest goes to the labourer
We
to
and the
enlisted
will refuse to be entangled in the business of daily life;
6
it
soldier of Christ
God's
he would please the captain
if
into the keeping
know how
by the Greek or by the Latin.
[460]
He 8
must preach
thee quick insight wherever
dead; that ship
10
vain Philosophies
it is
hke
the gospel
is
who
word
of
God.
anything; for love of the
and
in
its
For
sake
its
2
has risen from the
service
I
suffer hard-
even imprisonment; but there
a criminal, yes,
prisoning the
and
preach,
I
TIMOTHY
II
Fix thy mind on Jesus
needed.
sprung from the race of David,
Christ,
9
and shun
Christ,
am
I
no im-
may win
elect, that they, like us,
eternal glory with
is
ready to undergo salva-
We
11
tion in Jesus Christ,
12
we have shared his death; if we endure, we shall reign with him, if we disown him, he in his turn will disown us. If we play him false, he remains true to his word;
13
are to share his
Bring
this
16
him.self.
back
men's thoughts, pleading with them earnestly
to
name;
in the Lord's
15
because
life,
he cannot disown 14
well said,
It is
it.
must be no wordy
there
disputes, such as can
who are listening. Aim first at winning God's approval, as a workman who does not need to be ashamed of his work, one who knows how to handle the claims of the truth like a master. Keep thy distance from those who are only unsettle the minds of those
bringing in a fashion of meaningless talk; they will go far to estab-
God,
17
lish neglect of
18
are
19
overthrow of the
and
Hymenaeus and
their influence eats in like a cancer.
Philetas,
who
Such
have missed the true mark, by
contending that the resurrection has come about already, to the
some minds.
faith in
stone stands firm, and this
is
the legend
But God's foundation-
on
it,
The Lord acknowl-
who names
edges none but his own; and again. Let everyone 20
Lord's
name keep
plate of gold
21
and
far
from
silver,
A
iniquity.
great house, besides
contains other objects
made
earthenware; those for noble, these for ignoble uses; ing himself separate from these that a his Lord's regard, hallowed,
22
able
23
those
employment.
Shun
at right living, faith,
who
call
and
man
serviceable,
love,
its
wood and
it is
by keep-
will prove the object of
and
these youthful ardours
and hope, and
of
the
fit
for
I
all
honour-
speak of; aim
and fellowship with
on the name of the Lord with a pure
heart.
all
Leave
these foolish, ill-conceived disputes alone; be very sure, they breed
24
nothing but quarrels.
V. 8. Cf. f. ig.
Acts
Cf.
xiii.
A
servant of the
23 and 35-37. vii. 21-23.
Matthew
[461}
Lord has no business with
II
TIMOTHY
quarrelling; he
25
tolerant,
On
3
must be kindly towards
It
and acknowledge the shake
oflE
all
men, persuasive and
with a gentle hand for correcting those
nate in their errors.
26
worldly Christians, and false Teachers
may
truth;
the snare by
God
be that
will enable
who
are obsti-
them
to repent,
so they will recover their senses,
which the
devil,
till
and
now, has held them
prisoners to his will.
CHAPTER THREE SURE OF BEtimes coming.
THIS, that in the world's last age there are perilous
money, 3
ents,
Men
will be in love with self, in love with
boastful, proud, abusive; without reverence for their par-
without gratitude, without scruple,
without love, without
peace; slanderers, incontinent, strangers to pity and to kindness; 4
treacherous, reckless, full of vain conceit, thinking rather of their
5
pleasures than of
God.
They
will preserve all the
outward form
of religion, although they have long been strangers to 6
7
8
attain to recognition of the truth.
Mambres;
Moses found
men I speak of men whose minds
just so the
against the truth,
9
mean-
its
From these, too, turn away. They count among their number the men that wiU make their way into house after house, captivating weak women whose consciences are burdened by sin; women swayed by shifting passions, who are for ever inquiring, yet never ing.
yet they will
counterfeit;
come
set
rivals in
Jannes and
themselves up in rivalry
are corrupt,
to litde, they will
whose
faith
is
soon be detected,
like those others, in their rash folly. [0 [I
Not such was
the schooling, the guidance, thou hast
from me;
in firm resolve, in faith, in patience, in love, in endurance;
persecutions and suffering, such as those which befell och, Iconium, V. 26.
and Lystra; what persecutions
The meaning
of the Latin
is
of the
Greek
is
obscure,
I
me
all
my
at
Anti-
underwent!
And
and much disputed; the sense
that given here.
vv. 8 and 9. Jannes and Mambres (or, according to some manuscripts, Jambres) were the names given by Hebrew^ tradition to the magicians who withstood Moses by means of enchantments (Ex. vii, 11), and were finally
discomfited (Ex.
ix.
11).
[462}
Tradition to be upheld, and Novelties rejected 12
yet the all
me
Lord brought
those
who
meet with persecution;
14
on from bad
TIMOTHY And
all safely.
are resolved to live a holy
13
to
through them
II
life
4
indeed,
in Christ Jesus will
while the rogues and the mountebanks go
and dupes.
to worse, at once impostors
for thee
It is
hold fast by the doctrine handed on to thee, the charge com-
whom
mitted to thee; thou knowest well, from
that tradition
thou canst remember the holy learning thou hast been
15
came;
16
vation, through the faith
taught from childhood upwards. This will train thee up for
which
in the scripture has been divinely inspired,
and has
sal-
Everything
rests in Christ Jesus.
uses; to
its
instruct us, to expose our errors, to correct our faults, to educate us
17
so God's servant will
in holy living;
and each noble task that comes
become
a master of his
him ready
will find
for
craft;,
it.
CHAPTER FOUR ADJURE THEE in the sight of God, and of Jesus Christ,
I 2
be the judge of living and dead, in the
of his
kingdom,
name
who
of his coming,
preach the word, dwelling upon
it
is
to
and
continually,
welcome or unwelcome; bring home wrong-doing, comfort the waverer, rebuke the sinner, with 3
The
all
the patience of a teacher.
when men
time will surely come,
doctrine, always itching to hear
will
grow
provide themselves with a continuous succession of
whim
takes them,
sound
tired of
something fresh; and
so they will
new
teachers,
turning a deaf ear to the truth, bestow-
4
as the
5
ing their attention on fables instead.
for thee to be
It is
on the
watch, to accept every hardship, to employ thyself in preaching the gospel,
As
6
mind.
7
has nearly
and perform every duty of thy for
me,
my
come when
I
office,
blood already flows in
can go
free.
I
keeping
a sobei"
sacrifice; the
have fought the good
time fight;
V. 75. 'Holy learning', including, doubtless, the Old Testament scriptures, but not necessarily confined to them. V. 7.
'I
have redeemed
the context here seems to A.
my
pledge', or perhaps
demand
'I
a fresh metaphor;
14.
[463]
have kept the faith', but cf. I Tim. vi. 20, II Tim.
TIMOTHY
II
8
I
Paul's Loneliness; his parting Directions
4
have finished the race;
ward
to the prize that
have redeemed
I
my
pledge;
waiting for me, the prize
is
The Lord, that judge whose award never goes to me when that day comes; to me, yes, and
I
look
I
for-
have earned.
amiss, will grant all
it
who have
those
learned to welcome his appearing.
Make
9
with 10
my
only companion. Join
now
try
me. Demas has fallen in love
that
I
me
with the exercise of his minis-
have sent Tychicus away
comest, bring with thee the cloak which 14
Troas; the books, too, and above
at
have had 15
much
ill
our preaching.
17
serted
will
my
At
my
by everybody; side;
first trial,
may
it
me
he endowed
tiles
might hear
lion.
Yes, the
he
Vv'ill
My
thus
I
was brought
endless ages.
greetings to Prisca
20
Onesiphorus.
21
ill,
and
enemy
a great
was
I
scope,
and
all
safely out of the
me
the
jaws of the
I left
Amen. and Aquila, and
to the
him behind
Make
at Miletus.
haste,
household of
Trophimus
Erastus has stayed on at Corinth;
and come
The Lord Amen.
the brethren send thee their greeting.
with thy
spirit.
Grace be with you.
V. 14. There is no means of determining whether mentioned in Acts xix. 33. V. 27. According to Eusebius, this is the same Linus
Rome
the
Gen-
to
before winter. Eubulus and Pudens and Linus and Claudia and
22
to
de-
But the Lord was
with strength, so that through its full
for
only do thou,
it;
no one stood by me;
be forgiven them.
I
As
Lord has preserved me from every assault of evil; bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom; glory be to
him through 19
it;
thou
hands
in Carpus'
the rolls of parchment.
judge him for
preaching of the gospel might attain
18
left
I
be on thy guard against him; he has been
16
at
all
When
to Ephesus.
usage from Alexander, the coppersmith.
what he has done, the Lord too,
and Luke
company with Mark, and bring him
here with thee; he can help 12
to
world; he has deserted me, and gone to Thessa-
Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia,
lonica. is
and come quickly
haste,
this present
after the death of St. Peter.
[464]
this
fell
me all
Jesus Christ be
is
the Alexander
who became
bishop of
THE
THE BLESSED APOSTLE
EPISTLE OF
PAUL TO TITUS
CHAPTER ONE IS
IT 2
to
hopes on eternal
since by the
has
4
writes; God's servant, sent out as
acknowledge that truth which accords with
their
3
Paul who
an apostle of
Jesus Christ, with the faith of God's elect for his care; they
made
life. It
God who
cannot
meaning
his
own
and now, in due time, he
fail us;
through the preaching with
clear to us,
we
son in the faith
fit
fix
to us long ages
had been promised
which God, our Saviour, has seen
were
and
holiness,
me.
to entrust
share, grace
To
Titus,
my
and peace from God the
Father, and from Christ Jesus our Lord. If I left
5
order 6
thee behind
still
is
needed.
joined, in each city,
me
in Crete,
It is for
it
to put
always looking for a
reproach, faithful to one wife; one 7
was
man who
after
since he
all,
one
who
8
He
must be
9
continent.
is
the steward of God's house,
He must
shew
abroad,
the
must hold firmly
wayward
who
their error.
talk of their
astray; those especially
They
who
own
is
faith,
A bishop,
unworldly and
which have
There are many fantasies
tradition
sound doctrine, and rebellious spirits
and lead men's minds
hold by circumcision; and they must
be silenced.
12
teaching, with an eye to their
on
own
themselves, a spokesman of their liars,
en-
grasping over money.
to the truths
will bring ruin
11
of Crete were ever
I
beyond
must needs be be-
hospitable, kindly, discreet, upright,
for their warrant; able, therefore, to encourage to
is
not be an obstinate or quarrelsome man,
drinks deep, or comes to blows, or
He
where
whose children hold the
not accused of reckless living, not wanting in obedience.
yond reproach.
10
in order,
all
thee to appoint presbyters, as
venomous
entire households
base profits.
own, has
told
creatures, all
by
false
Why, one of us. The men
hungry
belly
and
Paul seems to assume that the qualifications needed by a bishop are those also needed by a presbyter; cf. I Tim. iii. 1-7 and note. V. 7. St.
TITUS 13
Fantasies to be denounced,
2
then, in taking
14
and that
nothing besides;
them
down
who
want
are by
As
if
who
abominable,
who
teachers
have clean hearts! But for these men, defiled
of faith, everything
God, but
strict,
be soundly estab-
as they
unclean; defilement has entered
is
their practice contradicts
are disloyal,
will
anything could be unclean
their very thought, their very consciences.
tion of
may
them by human
for
not look steadily at the truth. for those
16
a true account of them. Be
is
to task, so that they
instead of paying attention to these Jewish
lished in the faith, fables, these rules laid
15
and homely Virtues preached
who
are
ill
They it;
it
profess recogni-
who
they
is
are
qualified for the practice
of any true virtue.
CHAPTER TWO THINE
IS
3
4
soundly established in
to
be sober, decent,
charity, in patience.
faith, in
The
older
too,
given
slanderous talk or enslaved to drunken habits; teaching
to
must carry themselves
others by their
From them the younger women how to treat their husbands and
good example.
learn orderly behaviour,
their children lovingly,
how
as befits a holy calUng, not
to
be discreet, modest, and sober,
busy about the house, kindly, submissive to their the preaching of God's
own
word must not be brought
6,7 Encourage the young men, too, to live orderly
husbands;
into disrepute.
lives.
Let them
them
find
thee disinterested in thy teaching, worthy of their respect,
thy
find in 8
its
orderly,
women,
must 5
TO BE A different message, with sound doctrine for
Teach the older men
rule.
all
thou doest the model of a
doctrine sound beyond
all cavil;
life
nobly lived;
let
so that our adversaries
may
blush
vv. 14-16. The false teachers in Crete are referred to in much the same terms as the false teachers at Ephesus (cf. I Tim. i. 4-1 r, and note); in Crete, at any rate, they were Jews. They seem to have insisted particularly on the distinction between 'clean' and 'unclean' forms of food; thereby (as St. Paul points out) denying the beneficent intentions of the Creator whom they professed to worship. V. 7.
Ladn, 'in teaching, in evident that the two words are part of
'Disinterested in thy teaching'; literally, in the
uprightness', but the
Greek makes
it
a single thought.
[466]
The Dawn
TITUS
of Grace
have no opportunity for speaking must be submissive to their own masters, so as
to find that they
9 10
Slaves
them
to the teaching w^hich
12
of
to
The
revealed.
life
of order, of justice,
and
new dawn
us from
our
all
guilt, a
Be
noble deeds.
who
We
when
there
God, the glory
gave himself for
us, to
ransom
people set apart for himself, ambitious of
thy message, lending
this
live, in
of holiness.
of glory, the glory of the great
of our Saviour Jesus Christ;
grace
schooling us
look forward, blessed in our hope, to the day
will be a
must give
thoughts and worldly appetites, and to
world, a
this present
were
15
God, our Saviour, has
God, our Saviour, has dawned on human kind,
to forgo irreverent
14
pilfering; they
us.
content
to
utter fidelity, every action of theirs bringing credit
11
13
no
no arguing,
in every w^ay;
good proof of
of
ill
3
encouragement and thy reproof. Let no
man
authority to thy
all
esteem thee.
lightly
CHAPTER THREE REMIND
THEM
that they have a duty of submissive loyalty to
governments and 2
to those in authority, of readiness to under-
take any kind of honourable service.
They
juriously of anyone, or pick quarrels; they
and 3
lose
them.
no opportunity of shewing courtesy
We,
bellious, the
and
after all,
were once Hke the
dupes of error; enslaved
appetites,
our
lives full of
4
hating one another.
5
dawned on
Then
are not to speak in-
must be to the
rest of
them, reckless,
to a strange
medley of
meanness and of envy,
the kindness of
us, his great love for
man.
we had done for own merciful design
He
own
accordance with his
he cleansed
7
on us
in
hateful,
saved us; and
our
new birth, and
restoring our nature through the
and
it
was
justification; in
Holy
us,
giving us
Spirit,
abundant measure through our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
We
re-
desires
God, our Saviour,
not thanks to anything
6
considerate,
world around
shed So,
may, with the Greek Fathers, understand St. Paul to have writV. 75. ten here 'the glory of our great God and Sa%'iour, Jesus Christ'; or we may, by a slightly less natural interpretation of the Greek, render 'the glory of the great
God, and of our Saviour, Jesus
C467]
Christ'.
TITUS justified
8
10
by his grace,
it,
that those
become
to
world
will benefit
by
I
with the hope o£
would have thee
God
learned to trust in
That
is
should be at
their duty,
and the
But take no part in vain researches into
and controversies that wrangle over points of the law;
they are useless folly.
and
it.
heirs,
well said, and
It is
who have
must find honest Employment
pains to find honourable employment.
pedigrees, 11
we were
eternal h£e set before us.
dwell on 9
Christians
3
Give a heretic one warning, then a second,
after that avoid his
mayest be
sure,
and
company;
his
is
a perverse nature,
been admitted on his
his fault has
thou
own
con-
haste
and
fession.
12
When come
to
I
make
send for thee by Artemas or Tychicus,
meet
Make
me
at Nicopolis; I
have decided
to
spend the winter
careful provision for Zenas, the lawyer,
and Apollo
13
there.
14
on their journey; they must not be left wanting for anything. It would be well if ou/ brethren would learn to find honourable employment, so as to meet what necessity demands of them, instead
15
of having nothing to contribute.
All those
their greeting to you. Greet all those
common
faith.
The
grace of
V. 8. Here, as in I Tim. iv. means what has gone before,
pains to pions of
God
9, it is
who
who
are with
me
send
are our friends in the
be with you
all.
Amen.
not certain whether the 'true saying'
what immediately follows, 'should be at find honourable employment'; the sense might be 'should be chamall that is good', but v, 14 below points to a more restricted interor
pretation. v. 14.
ing
The meaning probably
(cf. II
manded
Thess.
iii.
is,
an honest livmeet extraordinary expenses dementioned in the preceding verse.
that Christians should earn
11), so as to be able to
of the congregation, such as those
[468]
THE EPISTLE OF THE BLESSED APOSTLE PAUL TO PHILEMON A PRISONER o£ Jcsus Christ, and Timothy,
PAUL,
brother, to the well beloved Philemon,
2
and
church that
to all the
Appia, Archippus, 3
I
is
in his household, to
same
fights the
my God
such accounts
their
our dear
sister
with ourselves, and
6
towards the Lord Jesus and towards erosity in the faith be
I
to
all
the saints.
made known, when
are recognized in Christ Jesus.
me
remembering thee
at all times,
in
my
hear of the love and faith thou shewest
prayers;
fort to
is
Jesus Christ.
give thanks to
5
7
battle
who
shares our labours,
grace and peace be yours from God, our Father, and
the rest;
from the Lord 4
who
who
It
all
May
thy gen-
your good actions
has been a happiness and a com-
hear of thy charity, brother, and of the refreshment
8
thou hast brought to the hearts of the
9
might well make bold in Christ
saints.
to prescribe a
fer to appeal to this charity of thine.
Who
is it
And now, though duty to thee,
I
I
pre-
that writes to thee?
man now, and in these days the prisoner, too, of Jesus Christ; and I am appealing to thee on behalf of Onesimus, the child of my imprisonment. He did thee an ill service once; now, both to thee and to myself, he can be serviceable, and I am sending him back to thee; make him welcome, for my heart goes with
Paul, an old 10 11
12
would sooner have kept him here with me, to attend, as but I would do nothing
13
him.
14
thy deputy, on a prisoner of the gospel,
I
without thy leave; thy generosity should be exercised 15
from lack of
choice.
Perhaps, after
all,
freely,
not
the very purpose of thy
This seems to be the sense intended by the Latin; it is, however, based in the Greek which have httle support. The Greek, rendered literally, runs: 'May thy sharing in the faith become effective, in the fuller V. 6.
on readings
of all the good that is in us in Christ Jesus'. think St. Paul calls himself, not an old man, but 'the ambassaprisoner too, of Christ Jesus'. dor, the V. 10. The name Onesimus, in Greek, means 'profitable'. There is perhaps a further play upon words in v. 20, below.
knowledge (or recognition) V. 9.
Some
and now
[469]
PHILEMON i6
losing
him
thee.
Do
for a time
more, then, to thee,
him thy own. him welcome
19
or
is
As thou as
now
him always by
longer as a slave; he
me
that both nature
is
something
in a special
dost value thy fellowship with me,
thou wouldst myself;
if
way;
and Christ make
he has wronged
make thee,
make me answerable for it. Here is a message in own hand; I will make it good. Not to remind thee, that
in thy debt,
Paul's
20
that thou mightest have
him any
a slave, a well loved brother, to
18
17
was
not think of
more than
much
Philemon, as Paul's Debtor, must pardon the Runaway
thou owest
me
a debt already, thyself.
And now, brother, let me my anxious heart.
claim thy services; give comfort in the Lord to
write to thee counting on thy obedience, well assured that thou
21
I
22
wilt
do even more than
tain
me;
23
24 25
I
I
ask.
Be prepared, meanwhile,
to enter-
hope, through your prayers, to be restored to you.
Greetings to you from Epaphras,
my
fellow prisoner in Christ
from Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, who share my labours. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Jesus;
Amen.
C470]
THE
THE BLESSED APOSTLE PAUL TO THE HEBREWS
EPISTLE OF
CHAPTER ONE IN
OLD DAYS,
God
spokc to our fathers in
means, through the prophets;
spoken
with a Son
to us,
appointed to inherit
all
to
tion depends, for
its
atonement for our
hand
and the
sins,
a Son,
on
in
I
him
Son?
a
whom
was through him
who
he has taken
he has that he
the radiance of his
is
being;
word.
his place
all
crea-
Now, making
on high,
at the right
superior to the angels in that measure in is
more
ever say to one of the angels.
begotten thee this day?
and
it
his enabling
which the name he has inherited
Did God
in these times he has
full expression of his
support,
of God's majesty,
many ways and by many
at last
speak for him; a Son,
things, just as
created this world of time;
Father's splendour,
now
And
again.
Why, when
He
excellent than theirs.
Thou
art
my Son, I have me a Father,
shall find in
the time
comes
for bringing his
f /. The Greek perhaps implies that God spoke fragmentarily and under various figures. f. 5. 'His being'; the word we find in the Greek here is hypostasis, which the Latins translated by 'substance', while the Greek theologians used it to .
mean
'person'.
V. 4.
angels
The contrast here instituted between the Divine Word and may have some reference to contemporary errors (cf. Col. ii.
the holy 18); but
immediate purpose is to lead up to the beginning of Chapter ii., where the new Covenant instituted by Jesus Christ is contrasted with the old Covenant, revealed by angels on mount Sinai (Acts vii. 53, Gal. iii. 19). its
V. 4.
'Superior
to';
or perhaps, 'having
become superior
to'.
Kings vii. 14. V. 6. Some commentators would render 'And again, when the time comes for bringing his first-born into the world'. But it is doubtful whether either the Greek or the Latin will bear this meaning, and the general sense of the Fathers is against it. It is not certain whether 'anew' contrasts the Incarnation of our Lord with his activity in Creation (cf. verse 2 above), or his Resurrection with his Incarnation, or his second Coming with his first. The words at the end of the sentence occur in the Septuagint Greek (but not in our present Hebrew text) of Deut. xxxii. 43, with 'sons of God' instead of 'angels'; a similar phrase is found in Ps. xcvi. 7. V. 5. Ps.
ii.
7, II
[471}
HEBREWS
The Son
2
first-born into the 7
8
God worship
ID
What
says.
higher than the Angels
Let
all
have
him
like a flame of fire.
his angels
And what
of the
bring thee pride, as none
else of
thy fellows.
and the heavens are the work of thy hands.
12
bare,
thou wilt remain; they will
them
and thou wilt for
lay
new; but thou
come
right hand, while
feet?
What
art
And
an end.
are they,
I
all
They
its
to
elsewhere:
beginning,
will perish, but
who
garment, and exchange
never changes, thy years will
ever say to one of the angels, Sit
make
a to
be like a cloak that grows thread-
aside, like a
he
Did he
not
my
to
all
them
O
is
Thou hast been a friend to right, an enemy wrong; and God, thy own God, has given thee an unction
rod that rules true.
Lord, thou hast laid the foundations of the earth at
14
He
Son? Thy throne,
and ever; the sceptre of thy kingship
for ever
11
13
the angels of
does he say of the angels?
be like the winds, the servants that wait on
will
God, stands firm 9
world anew, then, he
before him.
is
on
thy enemies a footstool under thy
of them, but spirits apt for service,
whom
he sends out when the destined heirs of eternal salvation have need of
them?
CHAPTER TWO
MORE FIRMLY, then, than ever must we hold
to the truths
which
now come to our hearing, and run no risk of drifting away from them. The old law, which only had angels for its have
2
The word here used for 'winds' may also be translated think that the meaning of the Psahn is 'who makes the winds (or "spirits") his messengers, and the flame of fire do him service'; but the more generally received interpretation is that given here. vv. 8, 9. Ps. xliv. 7, 8. The Messiah is there addressed, in the person of King Solomon; and some commentators, to avoid the difficulty of the Di\'ine title being used in such a connexion, would render 'God is thy throne', a form of speech which has no parallel elsewhere. Some of the Fathers give V. 7. Ps. ciii. 4.
'spirits'.
Some
O
God, has anointed thee'. It is not clear why these words should be understood as addressed to the Messiah, unless this was suggested by the use of the word 'Lord' (in the Septuagint Greek, though not in our present Hebrew the rendering, 'Thy God, vv. 10-12. Ps. ci. 26-28.
text). V. /J. Ps. cix.
I.
[472}
His
Law
spokesmen, was none the 3
HEBREWS
higher than the old Law, given by Angels
refusal to listen to
it,
less valid;
every transgression o£
2
every
it,
and what excuse
incurred just retribution;
we pay no heed to such a message of salvation as One which was deUvered in the first instance by the Lord himself, and has been guaranteed to us by those who heard it from his own lips? One which God himself has attested shall
we
have,
if
has been given to us ?
4
by signs and portents, manifesting tributing the gifts of his
We
5
6
Holy
his
are speaking of a world that
power
so variously,
and
dis-
wherever he would?
Spirit is
to
entrusted the ordering of that world?
come; to
Not
whom
assured of that, in a passage where the writer says,
God
has
We
to angels.
What
are
man,
is
remember him? What is the son of man, that Man, whom thou hast made a little angels, whom thou hast crowned with glory and him in authority over the works of thy hands?
that thou shouldst
7
thou shouldst care for him?
lower than the honour, setting 8
9
Thou
hast
jected
all
made
things subject to his
all
things to him,
left
Observe, he has sub-
feet.
nothing unsubdued.
And what
do we
now? Not all things subject to him as yet. But we can see this; we can see one who was made a litde lower than the angels, I mean Jesus, crowned, now, with glory and honour because of the see
death he underwent; in God's gracious design he was to taste death,
and
taste
things, the first that, in
summoning
with suffering the 1
2
on behalf of
it
Beginning of
salvation.
all
life
all
God
all.
things;
is
and
it
the last
those sons of his to glory, he should of that Prince
The Son who
sanctifies
have a common origin, all own them as his brethren. I
who was
to lead
and the sons
of them; he
to
will proclaim thy
viii.
is
of
all
who
crown
them
into
are sancti-
not ashamed, then,
fied
vu. 6-8. Ps.
End
befitted his majesty
renown, he
says,
5-7.
Some interpreters would translate diflferently: 'We can see one who was made a little lower than the angels through tiie death he underwent, V. 9.
crowned, now, with glory and honour'. v.
10.
'In
summoning'; the Latin appears
to
mean 'when he had sum-
probably not the sense of the Greek, and indeed it is hard to see how the bestowal of glory on Christians could be represented as earlier in time than the Crucifixion. It seems likely, therefore, that the sense intended by the Latin is, 'since he had decided to summon a multitude of his
moned', but
this is
sons to glory'. V. 12. Ps. xxi. 23.
(473]
HEBREWS 13
to
The Son became
3
my brethren;
with the church around
elsewhere he says, 14
I,
I
will put
my
trust in
and the children God has given me.
have a
common
inheritance of flesh
By
inheritance with them. of death, that
16
lived all the while as slaves, all,
is,
he does not
that;
it
is
make
the sons of
high priest
who
before God, to
and
will praise thee;
him, and then. Here stand
And
since these children
and blood, he too shared
his death
made
that
he would depose the prince
himself the angels' champion,,
no
And
that he champions.
who
After
over to the fear of death.
Abraham
must needs become altogether 18
me I
he would deliver those multitudes
the devil;
15
17
li\e us. to be our Representative
sign of so he
he would be a
like his brethren;
could feel for us and be our true representative
make atonement
for the sins of the people.
It is
because he himself has been tried by suffering, that he has power to help us in the trials
we
undergo.
CHAPTER THREE BRETHREN AND
SAINTS,
you share
of Jesus as the apostle profess,
him;
and how
just as
loyal
Moses was
it;
he was
to the
loyal in all the
In any household, the
founded
a heavenly calling.
and the high
first
Think, now,
priest of the faith
God who had
management
which we
so appointed
of. God's
house.
honours are reserved for him
and in that degree, Jesus has a prouder
title
who
than Moses.
V. 75. Is. viii. 17 and 18. 'And then' is expressed by the same word as 'and elsewhere'; but here the apostle seems to be drawing our attention to the connexion of thought between two consecutive verses of Isaias. That confidence with which the prophet inspires his own disciples is regarded as the
type of that faith which our Lord communicates to Christian people. V. 16. 'After all, he does not make himself the angels' champion'; literally, according to the Latin, 'he does not anywhere take the angels', which some have interpreted as meaning, 'he does not take upon himself the nature of angels'; but this interpretation does not accord well with the Greek. V. 2. 'The God who had so appointed him'; or perhaps, 'the God who
created him', that
is,
in his
human
Nature.
The
reference to Moses
is
had
taken
from Numbers xii. 7. V. 5. The Greek may also mean, 'greater honours are reserved for him who founded the household, than for the household itself, Moses (as being nothing more than man) being himself a part of God's earthly creation, as a steward is of the household which he governs.
C474]
A
Moses
greater than
HEBREWS
our Leader
is
Every household has
3
founder, and this household of creation
its
Thus the loyalty of Moses in the management of all God's house was the loyalty of a servant; he only bore witness to what was to be revealed later on; whereas Christ's was the loyalty of a Son in a household which is his own. What is that was founded by God.
household?
We
only
are, if
confidence, and the hope
Come, to
you
then, the
this day,
Holy
we
will
which
is
keep unshaken
to the
end our
our pride.
Spirit says. If
do not harden your
you hear
his voice speaking
hearts, as they
were hardened
when you provoked me, and put me to the test in the wilderness. Your fathers put me to the test, made trial of me, and saw what I could do, all those forty years. So I became the enemy of that generation; These, I said, are ever wayward hearts, these have never learned my lessons. And I took an oath in my anger. They shall never attain my rest. Take care, brethren, that there is no heart among you so warped by unbelief as to desert the living God. once
Each day, while the word To-day has your
own
make
resolution, to
still
sure that
ened; sin has such power to cheat us.
a meaning, strengthen
none of you grows hard-
We have been given
a share
on condition that we keep unshaken to the end the principle by which we are grounded in him. That is the meaning of the words. If you hear his voice speaking to you this day, in Christ, but only
do not harden your
hearts, as they
provoked me;
those
though not
of
Who
was
all
it,
them)
during
Those who sinned; wilderness.
were hardened once when you
who provoked him were
all it
To whom
whom
the people (some,
Moses had rescued from Egypt.
those forty years, that incurred his enmity?
was
their corpses that lay scattered in the
did he swear that they should never attain
'all things', but it seems clear here regarded as a household, in which Christ rules as the Householder's Son; cf. i. 2 above. vv. 7-1 1. Ps. xciv. 8-1 1. Throughout this passage, the Aposde compares those Chrisdans who lose their hope of heaven by losing their faith, with the first generation of Israelites who came out of Egypt, since these lost their hope of entering Chanaan through want of faith in God. V. 14. This seems to be the meaning of the Latin; the Greek perhaps means
V.
'This household of creation'; literally
4.
from the context
that creation
'keep unshaken to the end our V. 16. it
not
is
first
confidence'.
also mean, 'Who was it that provoked him? Was Moses had rescued from Egypt.?'
The Greek might
all
those
whom
[475]
HEBREWS 19
4
It
was
Those who refused
his rest?
consequences of unbehef
was
it
{rromised His Rest
We
him.
to believe in
this
;
God
to us Christians
see, then, the
them
that denied
entrance.
CHAPTER FOUR
THE
PROMISE, therefore,
God's
rest;
someone among you who 2
The promise met by
to be afraid of,
found
will be
is
are to attain
that there
have missed
to
may
be
his chance.
it was to them. The them did them no good, because it was not what they heard, and this rest is only to be at-
has been proclaimed to us, just as
message which came 3
we
holds good, that
still
what we have
belief in
to
tained by those who, like ourselves, have learned to believe; that is
why he
my 4
rest.
said, I
God's
and done with,
as
not attain
my
rest.
meanwhile, those 7
to
uses the
words
God
whom
So he
fixes
all
9
fresh To-day, long afterwards.)
rest,
or
in another pas-
on the seventh day from is still
first
saying,
They
shall
it,
came have been
and ex-
another day. To-day, as he
If
you hear
day, do not harden your hearts.
ing
brought them their
never attain
those long years afterwards, he
have already quoted,
8
this
shall
for some, then, to attain
the message
person of David, I
rested
yet in this passage he It is still left
eluded by their unbelief. calls it; in the
They
soon as the world was founded;
and
labours;
all his
6
anger.
from what? From labours which were over
sage he has said of the sabbath, 5
my
took an oath in
rest,
his voice speak-
(Josue cannot have
God would not still be talking of a You see, therefore, that God's
what they heard'; the Greek has, 'In those who heard it'. rest, from what? From labours which were over and done There has been much dispute over this sentence and the two verses which follow; neither their meaning nor their relevance to the context is clear. The translation here given V. 2. 'In p. 3.
'God's
with'; hterally, 'the labours having been accomplished'.
assumes that the apostle's thought is as follows: God himself rested after the Creation, but did not summon any human creatures to share his rest till long afterwards, at the time of the Exodus. That summons having been disregarded, it is not wonderful that he should leave another long interval before repeating
it;
this time, at the Incarnation.
Christ 10
means
We
11
must is
HEBREWS
in every sense, our high Priest
people have a sabbath of rest rest
12
is,
must fall
them;
in store for
still
from human
resting
God
labours, as
to attain his
did from divine.
none of you
strive eagerly, then, to attain that rest;
away
something
same kind of
into the
alive, full of
energy;
it
5
God's word
unbelief.
to
us
can penetrate deeper than any
two-edged sword, reaching the very division between soul and
between
spirit,
13
hidden; everything
with him, 14
From
Let us hold
to
whom we by the
fast, then,
to
every
brought face to face
is
must give our account,
faith
we
profess.
and one who has passed
heavens, Jesus, the Son of God.
distinguish
him, no creature can be
bare, everything
lies
God
this
great high priest, 15
and marrow, quick
joints
thought and design in our hearts.
It is
We
right
not as
if
can claim a
up through
the
our high priest was
incapable of feeling for us in our humiliations; he has been through 16
every
trial,
fashioned as
we
are,
only
then, before the throne of grace, to
sinless.
Let us come boldly,
meet with mercy, and win that
grace which will help us in our needs.
CHAPTER FIVE
THE
PURPOSE for which any high priest
ings with God, 2
sins.
He
is
to offer gifts
is
4
and
make
among
in their deal-
sacrifices in expiation of their
mistakes, since he, too,
them when
is all
beset with
and, for that reason, must needs present sin-offer-
humiliations,
ings for himself, just as he does for the people.
comes from God, 5
chosen from
qualified for this by being able to feel for
they are ignorant and 3
is
and made a representative of men
his fellow-men,
as
So
a privilege as this.
His vocation
Aaron's did; nobody can take on himself such it is
with Christ.
He
did not raise himself
take this sentence differently, as referring to Christ; has attained to God's rest has rested from his labours, as God did own'. But it seems doubtful whether this allusion contributes any-
V. 10. It is possible to
'He
who
from
his
thing to the argument. V.
12.
'God's
Word', that
is,
word
to us';
some have understood
Christ.
V. J. Lev. iv. 3. V. 5. Ps. ii. 7.
r 477 }
this as
meaning 'God's
HEBREWS
Of him the Apostle
6
to the dignity of the high priesthood; to
it,
Thou art my elsewhere, Thou art
when he and
I
him this
a priest for ever, in the
6
day,
7
Melchisedech.
Christ, during his earthly
entreaty to the
God who
so,
that raised
have begotten thee
was God
it
Son,
said,
will spea\. to dull Listeners
offered prayer
life,
him from
could save
9
the school of suffering,
and now,
wins eternal salvation for
11
all
those
who
we have much
Christ as priest
render obedience to him.
to say,
ourselves understood in the saying of 12
You
so dull of hearing.
teachers yourselves,
in
his full achievement reached, he
God
high priest in the line of Melchisedech, so
Of
won him
Son of God though he was, he learned obedience
a hearing.
A
and
death, not without
a piercing cry, not without tears; yet with such piety as 8
10
Hne of
it,
and
now
should, after
that this
all
has called him.
it is
hard to
make
you have grown time, have been
and instead of that you need
to be taught;
God are You have gone back to needing milk, instead of solid food. Those who have milk for their diet can give no account of what holiness means; how should they? They are only infants. Solid
taught even the
first
principles
on which the
oracles of
based. 13 14
food
is
for the full-grown; for those
whose
faculties are so trained
by exercise that they can distinguish between good and
CHAPTER
WE
MUST
leave
on one
lessons in Christ,
to lay the
turns
foundations
away from
lifeless
SIX
side then, all discussion of
and pass on to our
all
evil.
full
our
first
growth; no need
over again, the change of heart which
observances, the faith
which turns towards
v. 6. Ps. cix. 4. V. 7. The apostle is no doubt referring to the Agony in Gethsemani, and perhaps also to our Lord's cry from the Cross. Cf. also John xi, 35, 41, 43. V. 8. See note on Luke ii. 52. V. II. 'Of Christ as priest'; literally 'of whom'. Some have understood this as referring simply to Christ, others as referring to Melchisedech (Gen. xiv. 18); but it seems more probable that the word 'whom' includes the whole content of verse 10. V. I. 'Lifeless observances'; literally 'lifeless works'. This has often been taken to mean 'sins'; but it probably refers, both here and in ix. 14 below, to those acdons in conformity with the law of Moses which are unprofitable to us without faith. So faith without charity is called 'lifeless' by St. James (ii.
26).
[478}
He 2
HEBREWS
cannot treat them as Catechumens
God;
6
instructions about the different kinds of baptism, about the
laying on of hands, about the resurrection of the dead, and our sen-
Such
3,4 tence in eternity.
will be our plan,
who
can do nothing for those
who have
enUghtenment,
known,
5
Holy
6
that belong to a future
Spirit,
too,
God
if
7
Son
God's word of comfort, and the powers
life,
and then
God a second time, their own ends.? No,
of
time, for
fallen away.
hold
a piece of
blessing
on
8
tilled it;
9
hangs over
it, if it
yields a crop
and
it,
it
they crucify
mockery a second
to
ground which has drunk
upon
fell
has God's
it,
answering the needs of those
bears thorns and thistles,
if it
They cannot
Would
him up
again and again, the showers which
in,
We their
tasted the heavenly gift, partaken of the
attain repentance through a second renewal.
the
it.
all,
permits
have received, once for
it
has
who
lost its value; a curse
will feed the bonfire at last.
Beloved, of
you we have better confidence, which does not stop short of your 10
salvation,
even
when we
the charity you have 11
and is,
12
still
to see
shewn
in his
name, you
minister, to the needs of his saints.
you
all
all
you have done,
who
all
those
into possession of the
whose
faith
But our great longing to the end,
listless
and patience
is
no more,
to bring
them
good things promised them.
Such was Abraham. God made him
V. 2.
all
have ministered,
shewing the same eagerness right up
looking forward to the fulfilment of your hope;
but followers of
13
we are speaking now. God
speak to you as
not an unjust God, that he should forget
is
a promise,
and then took an
'DifTerent forms of baptism'; literally "baptisms'. It seems likely that the
earliest Christian catechists
would have had to explain to Jewish converts the and that of St. John (cf. Acts xviii.
difference between our Lord's baptism
vv. 4-6. The apostle is not dealing here with the remission of our sins by sacramental penance; he only tells us that baptism cannot be repeated, and therefore the kind of instruction mentioned in verse 2, which was designed for catechumens, would be unsuitable for Jewish Christians, if there are such, who have fallen away from the faith after being fully instructed in it. The enlightenment referred to in v. 4 is almost certainly baptism itself (cf. Eph. V. 14). The 'heavenly gift' may well mean the Holy Eucharist. What is meant by 'knowing' (literally 'tasting') God's utterance has been much discussed; it may refer to the Holy Scriptures, or to God's word as revealed to the prophets, or simply to God's influence on Christian lives. The suggestion in verse 6 is probably that a Christian soul could not receive baptism a second time unless Christ were crucified a second time in its behalf; but the meaning may be simply, that the soul which falls away from the faith inflicts a fresh Passion, as it were, on our Lord himself.
[479]
HEBREWS
Example of Abraham; Melchisedech
7
oath (an oath by himself, since he had no greater 14
by),
in the words.
15
more
I
16
tiently,
17
will give thee increase;
and saw the promise
name
will bless thee,
I
swear
to
more and
whereupon Abraham waited pa-
Men,
since they have
some-
thing greater than themselves to swear by, will confirm their
word
fulfilled.
by oath, which puts an end
same way, eager 18
More and more
sign
was
to all controversy;
to convince the heirs of the
and God, in the
promise that
irrevocable, pledged himself by an oath.
ble assurances, over
Two
his de-
irrevoca-
which there could be no question of God
deceiving us, were to bring firm confidence to us poor castaways, 19
bidding us cling to the hope our
20
souls.
beyond the
we have
Sure and immovable, veil,
which
it
in view,
the anchorage of
reaches that inner sanctuary
Jesus Christ, our escort, has entered already,
a high priest, now, eternally with the priesthood of Melchisedech.
'CHAPTER SEVEN IT
WAS
Melchisedech, king of Salem, and priest of the most
this
high Godj
home,
who met Abraham and
after the defeat of the kings;
tenth of his spoils. Observe, in the
first
the king of justice; and further that he peace.
That
is all;
no name
him on his way him Abraham gave a place, that his name means, blessed
and
is
to
king of Salem, that
is,
of
of father or mother, no pedigree, no
date of birth or of death; there he stands, eternally, a priest, the true figure of the
V. 14.
Gen.
Son of God.
Consider
how
great a
man was
xxii. 16, 17.
is generally understood as a metaphor taken from those who flee for refuge to a stronghold, or to the Cities of Refuge mentioned in Numbers, ch. xxxv. But the allusion to an anchor in the next verse would suggest, rather, the picture of sailors forced by a storm to 'flee landvi'ards' at the nearest possible harbour. V. 79. For the veil which separated the Holy Place from the inner Sanctuary of the Temple, cf. Ex. xxvi. 33, Matt, xxvii. 51.
V. 18.
V. I.
'Castaways'; this
Gen.
xiv. 17.
In the narrative of Genesis, Melchisedech appears on the scene very suddenly, without any explanation of his parentage or history. It seems to be on this account that the Apostle regards him as a type of Christ, whose priesthood did not descend to him by inheritance, and remains with hini instead of having to be handed on to a successor. V. 5.
[4801
HEBREWS
Christ supersedes the Levitical Priesthood this, to
5
his
whom
chosen
the patriarch
The
spoil.
Abraham
7
himself gave a tenth part of
when
descendants of Levi,
the priesthood
conferred on them, are allowed by the provisions of the law to
is
take tithes from God's people, although these, like themselves,
6
come from
the privileged stock of
brothers;
here
taking tithes 7
the
to
whom
nity to
what
us)
who
ham;
and
who
Now,
a sense in
is
when he met
12
hood
13
priesthood
14
which never produced a
And
15
law given
to
God's people
man
from Juda,
tribe, said
nothing about
when
that
is
priests.
and Moses
And
a fresh priest arises to
17
but in the power of an unending
18
line of Melchisedech,
19
ance
God
life;
the
After
it
our Lord took
in speaking of this
the type of Melchise-
its
outward observances,
(Thou
art a priest in the
says of him, for ever).
abrogated now, powerless as in
it.
something further becomes fulfil
appointed, not to obey the law, with
dech,
had nothing
When
altered with
to stand at the altar;
certain,
16
is
the Levitical
Levitical priest-
founded.
is is
if
on the
the prophecy relates belonged to a different tribe,
his origin
evident,
Abra-
priest to arise, accredited
it is
altered, the law, necessarily,
whom
he to
tells
which we can
Melchisedech.
no need for a fresh
priesthood had brought fulfilment.
all,
receive tithe
Abraham's body, he was present«in the person
with Melchisedech's priesthood, not with Aaron's,
is
beyond
receives the tithe, paid tithe himself with
there could be
that the
it is
greater in dig-
a priest (so the record
it is
indeed, there
is
who
case, the priests
in the other,
And
as the heir of
of his ancestor, 11
In the one
men;
lives on.
say that Levi, 10
made;
the promises have been
is less.
are only mortal
9
after all they are their
one
question that blessings are only given by what
all
8
man
Abraham;
who owns no common descent with them, from Abraham himself. He blesses him, too, blesses is
it
was
The
old observ-
to help us;
the law
of final achievement. Instead, a fuller hope has
been brought into our
lives,
enabling us to come close to God.
Deut. xxxiil. 7 and 8. 'Something further becomes evident'; this is usually translated, 'It is still more evident', but in that case it is difficult to see what is more evident, or what makes it so. The rendering here given assumes that this verse serves to connect v. 12 with v. 18; we have seen that the alteration of the priesthood involves an alteradon of the law, now we proceed to a further stage in the argument if our new High Priest is wholly unconnected with the Old Law, that means that the Old Law has actually been abolished. V. 14. Cf.
V. 75.
—
[481}
HEBREWS 20
And when
Eternal Priesthood of Christ
8
time there
this
those other priests
none was taken
by oath;
is a ratification
were appointed, but the new
priest
is
ap-
when God says to him, The Lord has sworn Thou art a priest for ever; all the more sol-
pointed with an oath,
22
an irrevocable oath,
emn,
then,
that covenant for
is
Of
our surety.
24
death denied them permanence;
25
and
his priestly office
he
lives
high
on
still
who
one
make
to
priest that suited
not reckoned
27
who
28
among
succession, since
that
through him
intercession
is
why
make
on our
ever,
he can give
eter-
way
God,
their
to
Such was the
behalf.
us sinners, lifted high above
all
the heavens;
has no need to do as those other priests did, ojEfering a two-
What
for his
own
The law makes high
are frail; promise priest,
first
sins,
then for those of the
he has done he has done once for
ing was himself.
high
was a
our need, holy and guildess and undefiled,
fold sacrifice day by day,
people.
Jesus has been given us as
whereas Jesus continues for
unchanging;
is
nal salvation to those
26
which
those other priests there
23
now,
is
all;
priests of
and the
ofFer-
men, and men
and oath, now, have superseded the law; our that
Son who has reached
his full
achievement
for all eternity.
CHAPTER EIGHT
AND HERE WE comc to the very pith of our argument. This high L.
right
priest of ours is
hand of
one
that throne
who
has taken his seat in heaven, on the
where God
sits
in majesty,
ministering,
the Greek has 'complete salvation'. Lev. xvi. 17, where, however, the reference is not to a daily sacrifice. But it seems evident that the daily sacrifice in the Temple, whether the High Priest performed it in person or not, did include the priests themselves among the sinners for whom intercession was made. 'What he has done, he has done'; literally 'he did this', but such a rendering obscures the sense of the passage, since it is clear from the context that Jesus as High Priest has no need to make intercession for himself. V. 2$. 'Eternal salvation'; V. 2y. C£.
V. 2. Some chink the 'tabernacle' mentioned here and in ix. 11 below is our Lord's human body (cf. Mark xiv. 58, John ii. 21); others, that it is the Church, either Triumphant (which accords best with ix. ir) or Militant (which accords best with the use of the word 'tabernacle', applying as it does to what is temporary and transient, as in I J Cor v. 4).
[4S2]
The
HEBREWS
Revision of the Covenant was prophesied
8
now, in the sanctuary, in that true tabernacle which the Lord, not 3
4
man, has
set
oflfer gift
and
Whereas,
if
After
up.
he were
the very function of a priest to
all, if it is
he too must needs have an offering
sacrifice,
on
still
earth,
he would be no
there are priests already, to offer the gifts
5
men who has
make.
which the law demands,
devote their service to the type and the shadow of what
(That
true being in heaven.
its
to
priest at all;
why
is
Moses,
when he was make
building the tabernacle, received the warning. Be sure to
everything in accordance with the pattern that was shewn to thee
6
As
on the mountain).
it
he has been entrusted with a more
is,
honourable ministry, dispenser as he 7
nobler promises for
its
for this second covenant, 8
first.
But God, you
see,
if
covenant with the people of
I
Israel,
should abandon them.
plant 11
my
Israel,
law
the
no need
with the
them:
tells
new
will ratify a
I
and with the people of Juda. I
made with
their fathers,
No,
Lord
my
covenant, and
this is the
says,
when
(says the
I
covenant
I
God, and they
that time comes.
shall
be
my
Lord)
will grant the
in their innermost thoughts, engrave
hearts; I will be their will be
what he
took them by the hand, to rescue them from
Egypt; that they should break
people of
fault to find is
coming when
is
not be Hke the covenant which
It will
on the day when 10
had been no
there
does find fault; this
Behold, says the Lord, a time
9
of a nobler covenant, with
is
There would have been no room
sanction.
I
will im-
it
in their
people.
There
for neighbour to teach neighbour, or brother to
teach brother, the
knowledge of the Lord; pardon
all will
know me, from
wrong-doing;
12
the highest to the lowest.
13
not remember their sins any more.
In speaking of a
nant, he has superannuated the old.
And
I
will
their
new
I
will
cove-
before long the super-
annuated, the antiquated, must needs disappear. V. J. 'Must needs have an offering to make'; that is, himself, cf. vii. 27 above. Probably this is what the Apostle means by the pith of his argument (v. I above), viz. that Christ has only become our High Priest by dying and triumphing over death. Hence the reference to 'if he were still on earth' in the verse which follows. V. 5. Ex. XXV. 40. vv. 8 and following. Jer. xxxi. 31 and following.
[483]
HEBREWS
The
9
old Observances were only temporary
CHAPTER NINE
T.ances,
its
own
There was an outer
earthly sanctuary.
which contained the
nacle,
candle-stick
and the
name
out before God; sanctuary was the
table
set
then, beyond the second veil, the inner sanctuary, as
the golden censer,
that
budded, and the
inscribed;
6
to treat of these
tablets
manna
more
particularly,
times, in the
high
priest,
round.
all it,
Aaron's
We
have no time
but this was the general fashion
Into the outer tabernacle the priests
if.
in
on which the covenant was
spreading their wings over the throne of mercy.
of
and with
above were the Cherubim, heralds of the divine glory,
5
7
it is
and the ark of the covenant, gilded
In the ark rested the golden urn with the staflf
this;
called,
given to
3
4
taber-
and the loaves
performance of their duties;
made
their
way
at all
into this other, only the
once a year, and even then not without an offering of
blood, for the faults which he and the people had committed un8
The Holy
knowingly.
9
nacle maintained at the present
meant us
Spirit
to the true sanctuary lay
open
standing.
its
to see that
And
no way of
access
long as the former taber-
to us, as
that allegory
still
holds good
day; here are gifts and sacrifices being offered, which
have no power, where conscience
is
concerned, to bring the wor-
shipper to his full growth; they are but outward observances, conic
nected with food and drink
and ceremonial washings on
casion or that, instituted to hold their II
Meanwhile, Christ has taken
come.
own
this oc-
until better times should
his place as
our high
priest,
and 2. 'Former' and 'outer' are represented by the same word both Greek and in the Latin, to contrast (/) the earthly tabernacle with the heavenly and (//) the outer with the inner court o£ the earthly tabernacle vt^.
I
in the
itself.
V. 4.
'Censer'
be translated V. 5.
is
the
Ex. XXX.
meaning
of the Latin; the
of incense'. Cf. Ex. xvi. 33,
'altar
Greek word should probably
Num.
xvii. 10,
Deut.
x. 2.
10.
lie in the future'; some Greek manuscripts have 'He makes use of a better tabernacle'; that is, his John ii. 21). Others would understand this 'better tabernacle' as referring to the saints in heaven, and would connect this sentence with the sentence which follows; Christ has passed through the heaven in which the saints have their dwelling, and entered that inner sanctuary
p. II. 'Blessings
that
still
'blessings already assured'.
own body (Mark
which
is
xiv. 58,
the presence of
God
himself.
But
urere the figure of Christ's
win us
to
blessings that
12
fashioned;
own
his
him
still lie
more complete
greater, a
in the future.
order of creation at
this
to enter,
once for
into the sanctuary; the
all,
won
14
every purpose of outward purification;
The
lasts for ever.
who
from
lifeless
Thus, through queathed
power
defiled, has
and
to us; a
ransom he has
hallow them for
to
Spirit, as a
our consciences, and
sight, purify
new
all
our transgres-
and then the destined
heirs
Where
16
obtain, for ever, their promised inheritance.
17
concerned, the death of the testator must needs play will has
no force while the
18
force with death.
19
its
inauguration.
testator
alive,
is
them
covenant has been be-
death must follow, to atone for
sions under the old covenant,
victim
set
God?
observances, to serve the living his intervention, a
blood of
shall not the
Holy
offered himself, through the
unblemished in God's
15
It is
all.
blood of bulls and goats, the ashes of a
men
heifer sprinkled over
free
use of a
blood, not the blood of goats and calves, that has enabled
13
Christ,
He makes
9
which human hands never
tabernacle,
does not belong to
it
HEBREWS
Death
were
a bequest its
part;
to is
a
and only comes into
Thus
the old covenant, too, needed blood for
When
he had finished reading the provisions of
the law to the assembled people, Moses took blood, the blood of calves
and
and scarlet-dyed wool, and hyssop,
goats, took water,
20
sprinkled the book
21
blood of the covenant which
22
same way with blood;
tabernacle, too,
and
itself,
all
and
all
the people,
God
can be no remission of
24
enly world
for
what was but
and the law enjoins
sins.
And
if
is
This
is
the
The
;
that blood shall be
unless blood
is
shed, there
such purification was needed
a representation of the heavenly world, the heav-
itself will
need
sacrifices
more
tuary into which Jesus has entered
hands,
said.
the requisites of worship he sprinkled in the
used in almost every act of purification 23
and
has prescribed to you.
is
still. The sancmade by human
availing
not one
not some adumbration of the truth; he has entered heaven
'Through the Holy Spirit'; the more probable reading in the Greek 'through (his) eternal spirit', that is, his human spirit, considered as the vehicle of his Divinity (cf. Rom. i. 3, 4). 'From lifeless observances'; of. note on vi. I above. vv. 1^-17- In Greek, the same word may be used for a covenant between V. 14.
is,
parties, and for the will by which a man disposes of his property. Here the covenant into which God entered with his people, whether under the Old or under the New Dispensation, is treated as being also a legacy to them. vv. ig-20. Ex. xxiv. 6-8.
two
C485]
HEBREWS 25
itself,
now
where he
make
does he
when he 26
The
10
enters the sanctuary,
not his own.
makes
were
If that
is
and
again, ever since the world
revealed once for
at the
all,
27
filment, annulling our sin
28
once for
when we
see
so,
was
a yearly offering of the blood
he must have suffered again created; as
moment when
by
it is,
he has been
history reached
Man's destiny
his sacrifice.
its ful-
is
to die
and
nothing remains after that but judgement;
was offered once
Christ
Nor
appears in God's sight on our behalf.
a repeated offering of himself, as the high priest,
that
all;
true Priest in the true Sanctuary
him
for
all,
again, sin will play
bringing salvation to those
cup of
to drain the
who
its
part
a world's sins;
no longer, he
will be
await his coming.
CHAPTER TEN THE LAW WHAT which were
The same
reality.
termission,
2
and
coutains still
to
is
only the shadow of those blessings
come, not the
full expression of their
sacrifices are offered year after year
still
without in-
the worshippers can never reach, through the
law, their full growth.
If
they could, must not the offerings have
now? There would be no guilt left to reproach the of those who come to worship; they would have been
ceased before consciences
No, what
these offerings bring with them,
3
cleansed once for
4
year by year,
5
be taken away by the blood of bulls and goats
is
all.
only the remembrance of sins;
Christ comes into the world, he says,
6
thy demand; thou hast
endowed me,
No
that sins should
impossible.
is
sacrifice,
As
no offering was
instead, with a body.
Thou
hast not found any pleasure in burnt sacrifices, in sacrifices for sin.
7
See then,
I
8
the book
lies
Thou
said, I
didst not
sacrifice for sin,
9
thing that
my
God,
V. 28.
sins
I
is,
am coming
to fulfil
what
unrolled; to do thy will,
demand
is
O my
written of me, where
God.
First
he
says,
victim or offering, the burnt sacrifice, the
nor hast thou found any pleasure in them; in any-
which the law has
am coming
to
'To drain the cup of a world's
and then:
to offer,
do thy
will.
He
sins'; in
must
—
I
said. See,
clear the
the Greek,
'to
ground
take a world's
upon himself.
vv. $-j. Ps. xxxix. 7-9;
where, however, the
Hebrew
author here follows the Greek Septuagint, which
Hebrew.
[486}
is
less
text differs.
Our
obscure than the
Christ once for
10
we have been
will 11
up
so as to build
first,
body of Jesus day
there,
HEBREWS
our Victim
all
by an offering made once for
One
Christ.
after day, offering again
which can never take away our the right
hand
13
repeated.
He
God, offering
of
only waits, until
under
15
for
16
Spirit
adds his
nant
will grant them, the
his feet;
whom testimony. He
I
my
And what
thoughts.
18
their transgressions is
his
enemies are
made
And
sanctifies.
Lord
says,
when
is
never
a footstool
work,
his
Holy
here the
This
has been saying,
follows?
I
any more.
no longer any room
Why
sacrifices,
for ever at
sits
is
the cove-
that time comes;
I
will
laws in their hearts, engrave them in their innermost
17
19
whereas he
for our sins a sacrifice that all
he
time, in those
implant
and again the same
sins;
by a single offering he has completed
14
the
all,
high priest after another must stand
12
all
In accordance with this divine
afterwards.
sanctified
10
then, brethren,
He
21
Hving approach, by way of the
12
great priest
come forward with
their sins
and
can enter the sanctuary with confidence
through the blood of Christ.
ours,
remember
they are so remitted, there
for a sin-offering.
we
20
is
will not
Where
who
has opened up for us a new, a veil,
I
mean,
his mortality.
has dominion over God's house.
A
Let us
sincere hearts in the full assurance of the faith,
our guUty consciences purified by sprinkling, our bodies washed 23
Do
clean in hallowed water.
we
the hope
word.
cherish;
we have
not
let
us waver in acknowledging
a promise
from one who
his
25
incitements to charity and to acts of piety,
some 26
do, our
the more, as
common you
'He
true to
sits
see the great
at the right
'he has atoned for
our
not abandoning, as
assembly, but encouraging one another;
when once
sinning wilfully,
V. 12.
is
Let us keep one another in mind, always ready with
24
sins
day drawing nearer.
the full
If
all
we go on
knowledge of the truth has
hand of God, atoning for our sins'; in the Greek, and taken his seat at the right hand of God'.
V. /J. Ps. cix. 2.
vv. 16, ly. Jer. xxxi. 31-34. V. 20. veil,
that
'By is,
way
of the veil,
his flesh'.
human Nature
as such;
I
mean,
his mortaHty'; Hterally, 'through the
Some commentators understand but
it
is
difficult to see
how
this
of our Lord's
the Sacred
Humanity
could be regarded as in any sense an obstacle which has to be removed, as the sense of the passage suggests. V. 22. 'Sprinkling'; that is, with the precious Blood. V. 26. 'If we go on sinning'; the tense used in the Greek shews that the Apostle is referring to obsdnate sinners, and in particular, no doubt, to those
who
fall
away from
the faith.
[487]
HEBREWS
The Lord
11
been granted
to us,
27
ward
28
that will eagerly
we have no
nothing but a
to;
further sacrifice for sin to look for-
judgement, a
terrible expectation of
consume
judge his People
will
the rebellious.
Let a
man
fire
be convicted
by two or three witnesses of defying the law of Moses, and he 29
dies,
the
without hope of mercy.
Son of God under
foot,
What of the man who who has reckoned the
has trampled
blood of the
covenant, that blood which sanctified him, as a thing unclean,
mocked 30
Vengeance
told us. 31
32
34
for
is
will judge his people.
of the living
33
me,
It is
one we
will repay;
I
It is a fearful
know
well,
who
has
and again. The Lord
thing to
fall
into the hands
God.
Remember
those early days,
when
the Hght
came
first
to you,
and the hard probation of suffering you went through.
There
were times when you yourselves were publicly exposed
to cal-
umny and persecution; there was a time when you took part with those who had the same path to tread. You shewed your sympathy with those who were in bonds; and when you were robbed of your goods you took it cheerfully, as men who knew that a more
good was yours.
35
higher, a
36
confidence of yours, with
endurance, 37
who do
38
coming brings
39
brought him grace? Will not he incur a
at the Spirit that
punishment much more severe ?
if
you are
his Will.
its
rich
to attain the prize
Only
a brief
Do
not throw away that
hope of reward;
God
you
need
still
has promised to those
moment, now, before he who is on the way. It is faith that
will be here; he will not linger life
to the
man whom
I
accept as justified;
win no favour with me.
back, he shall
and be
lasting
lost; it is for
Not
if
he shrinks
for us to shrink
away,
us to have faith, and save our souls.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
WHAT which IS
3
FAITH }
It is
that
that brought credit to the
V. 28. V. 30. vt/.
which gives substance
convinces us of things
we cannot
men who went
to
see.
before us.
our hopes, It
was
this
It is faith
Deut. xvii. 6. Deut. xxxii. 35, 36.
57, 55.
A
reminiscence, rather than an exact quotation, of Hab.
[488}
ii.
3, 4.
HEBREWS
Faith of the early Patriarchs that lets us understand
word; how
it
their origin.
how
11
the worlds were fashioned by God's
was from things unseen that the things we see took a sacrifice richer It was in faith that Abel offered
since God than Cain's, and was proved thereby to be justified, still speaks recognized his offering; through that offering of his he without the experience in death. When Enoch was taken away
was took him and no more was seen of him, it he before him of have we account because of his faith; that is the
of death,
when God
was taken,
that he pleased
God;
and
impossible to please
it is
God
Nobody reaches God's presence until he has learned rewards those who try to to believe that God exists, and that he about dangers still unfind him. When Noe received a warning and build an ark to alarm, take seen, it was faith that made him world wrong, and whole the proved he Thus family. his preserve
without
was
faith.
left
he, to
heir to the justification
whom
the
name
of
which comes through faith. And given, shewed faith when
Abraham was
for the country which was to be his where his journey would take knowing inheritance; left it without stranger in the land he had a as live to him taught Faith him. with Isaac and Jacob, been promised for his own, encamping there
he
home, obediendy,
left his
heirs with
him
of a
common
hope;
looking forward
all
the while
and which has true foundations, which is God's design then, tUl barren Sara, enabled that God's fashioning. It was faith was past the age of childbearto conceive offspring, although she Here that God would be faithful to his word.
to that city
ing; she believed is
one man, a
man
for
whom
Hfe
is
already over; and from
him
whose numbers rival the stars of heaven, or the faith they lived uncounted grains of sand on the sea-shore. It was for them, the promises were died; they faith in and them, of all by, and welcomed them not fulfilled, but they looked forward to them owning themselves no better than strangers and ex-
springs a race
at a distance,
^
5
Those who talk so make it clear enough, that they country they had have not found their home. Did they regret the found opportunities have could they all, were that If behind? left
iles
on
V. 4.
earth.
Gen.
iv.
10.
.,
,
.
,
^
,,
^
'walked widi God, Gen. v. 22. V 5 Tleased God'; in the Hebrew, the name of Abraham was given V 8 Gen xii i, xvii. 5. 'He, to whom 'Abraham, when he was called.' the Greek should 'rather be translated, _
[489]
^
;
HEBREWS i6
back
for going
to
No, the country
it.
God
a heavenly country.
Abraham shewed up
He
Isaac.
faith,
was ready
when he was put up an only
18
made
19
through Isaac that thy posterity
had the power
own,
shall
The
his bones.
the king's edict,
24
he blessed
his
came
and hiding
two sons
to the
He
to the brief
enjoyment of
27
had
him
strong as that he to
see, for
he if
faith that
come;
by
in turn;
end of
his
life,
faith that
for the removal of
their child
away,
making hght of when they saw what
And Moses shewed
faith,
left
sinful pleasures;
all
as the despised lot of
the wealth of
V. 16.
God's anointed; he
nothing but the promised reward.
It
was in
Egypt behind, defying the royal anger, made
by the very sight of him
performed the paschal
'To take his
and
God,
Egypt
who
is
invisible;
in faith
and the sprinkling of the blood,
rite,
leave Israel untouched by the angel that destroyed the
Isaac
by
spoke of the
preferred ill-usage, shared with the people of
could not so enrich
faith that
to
up, by refusing to pass for the son of Pharaoh's
daughter.
you
is
reverence to the top o£
from Egypt, and gave orders
26
eyes,
It
parents of Moses shewed faith, in
25
28
made
a fine child he was, for three months.
when he grew
was by
It
and Esau, foretold what was
his death-bed,
he, too,
escape
Israelites'
23
as
staff,
when
Joseph,
by offering
man who had
son even from the dead; and indeed,
to restore his
Isaac, in blessing Jacob
Joseph's
from
in.
God, he argued,
be traced.
21
22
a better,
title
and received the assurance,
in a hidden sense, he did so recover him.
on
to the test,
son, this
20
faith that Jacob,
is
ready for them to dwell
city
to offer
the promises his
of their desires
does not disdain to take his
such names as these; he has a 17
Abraham and Moses
Faith of
11
title';
that
is,
to
be called
'the
God
of
first-
Abraham and
Jacob'.
V. ig. Abraham recovered his son from the dead, inasmuch as his Hfe was spared unexpectedly; 'in a hidden sense', because the sacrifice of Isaac was a type of our Lord's Crucifixion. V. 21. 'Made reverence to the top of Joseph's staff', because the staff was a
symbol of the
tribe; cf.
Numbers
i.
49,
where
'the tribe of Levi' is literally
'the staff of Levi'. V. 26. 'Of God's anointed', probably in the sense that Moses was the type of Christ, in being rejected by his people, Ex. ii. 14; but possibly the reference is to the people of Israel, cf. Hab. iii. 13. v. 27. 'Left Egypt behind'; that is, at the Exodus. Some of the Fathers understand the phrase of Moses' flight in Ex. ii. 15; but it is clear that Moses
did fear the king's anger on that occasion.
[490]
History loo{s to us for
29
born;
its
in faith that they crossed the
when
land, whereas the Egyptians,
30 31
HEBREWS
Fulfilment
drowned.
down
Faith pulled
the
doom
as if
it
had been dry
they ventured into
it,
were
the walls of Jericho, after seven days
spent in marching round them;
from sharing
Red Sea
11
faith saved
Rahab, the
of the disobedient, because she
harlot,
had given
the spies a peaceable welcome.
32
What through
33
need all
is
there to say
more ? Time
will fail
me
of David and Samuel and the prophets.
made promises come quenched raging
How
tion
39
40
which
swords were drawn on them, and they
es-
to life. Others,
looking forward to a better resurrec-
would not purchase their freedom on the rack. And experienced mockery and scourging, chains, too, and im-
prisonment;
they were stoned, they were cut in pieces, they were
tortured, they
were put
in sheepskins
38
fire,
right,
shut the mouths of lions, they
still,
others
37
They
true.
strong they became,
brought back 36
go
who till then were weak, what courage they shewed in batde, how they routed invading armies! There were women, too, who recovered their dead children, caped.
35
try to
Theirs was the faith
which subdued kingdoms, which served the cause of 34
if I
the history of Gedeon, of Barac, of Samson, of Jephte,
to the
sword; they wandered about, dressed
and goatskins, amidst want, and
usage;
men whom
hunted
life
the world
in deserts
was unworthy
distress,
and
ill-
to contain, living a
and on mountain-sides, in rock-fastnesses
and caverns underground. One and all gave proof of their faith, yet they never saw the promise fulfilled; for us, God had something better in
store.
We
were needed,
to
make
the history of their
lives complete.
'tested', 'put to the question'. here seems to be, that the Church of the new covenant explanation of the Jewish Church which weni^ the is the continuation and before it. Christians enjoying here and now the blessings to which the patriarchs looked forward.
V. 37.
'Tortured'; literally,
v. 40.
The meaning
[491]
HEBREWS
We
12
must persevere under Chastisement
CHAPTER TWELVE
WHY
we
THEN, since
of Avitnesses,
are
watched from above by such a cloud
us rid ourselves of
let
2
which we are entered.
ance, the race for Jesus, the origin
and the crown of
of blessedness, endured the cross
3
who now
on the
sits
from him, from
5
Your
unmanned.
Let us
who,
all faith,
and made
called for bloodshed;
yet
fix
its
our eyes on his prize
shame, Jesus,
Take your standard
from the enmity the wicked bore
faint,
you wiU not find your
you have
sin,
as his sons
My
:
do not undervalue the correction which the Lord sends 6
not be
7
child of his, without chastisement.
reproves thy faults.
loves that he bestows correction; there
God
rection lasts; 8
a son
whom
common 9
left
without
from 10
of it.
all;
own
We
have
which
is
a
No,
it
was shall
world of
work
of discipline,
Come
13
flagging knee, that the
goes lame
life
good
it
correction
has done
is
its
iii.
11
foot-prints in a straight track, so
may
not stumble out of the path, but
which no one
none of you
Prov.
all
when
Your aim must be peace with
that holiness without
0.
and draw
our
and
5 and
not submit, far
and
15
t>v.
we
spirits,
dispositions, to
yields a harvest of
regain strength instead.
that
the
is
you are
if
then, stiffen the sinews of drooping hand,
it
14
good care
sons,
to accept correction
For the time being,
and plant your
man who
there ever
corrected us for a short while, at
painful rather than pleasant; but afterwards,
great peace.
Was
correction
for our good, to give us a share in
it
his.
do
where he
is
no recognition for any
as his children.
known what
son,
thee,
patient, then, while cor-
and with reverence;
caprice; he does
12
It
you must be bastards, not true
earthly fathers,
that holiness
is
Be
his father did not correct?
more willingly, to the Father of from him? They, after all, only their
11
lot
you
treating
is
souls
has not yet
lost sight, already, of those
words of comfort in which God addresses you
unmanned when he
endur-
all
win
to
light of
your battle against
protest,
down,
that weighs us
right of God's throne.
his endurance,
him, and you will not grow 4
all
and run, with
of the sinful habit that clings so closely,
and
is
false to
12.
[492}
will ever see
all
God.
men,
Take
God's grace, that no poison-
The new Covenant ous shoot i6
by
is
None
influence.
its
HEBREWS
is final
many
allowed to spring up, and contaminate of you
must be
12
of you
guilty of fornication,
none
when he sold his birthright afterwards, you may be sure, he was
of you earthly-minded, as Esau was, 17
for a single dish of food;
eager enough to have the blessing allotted to him, but no, he rejected.
He
pleaded for
it
was
no second chance was given
in tears, but
him. 18
What
is
the scene, now, of your approach to
God?
no longer
It is
a mountain that can be discerned by touch; no longer burning 19
and whirlwind, and darkness, and storm.
no utterance comes from that 20
tened to
command,
that
22
fear
23
if
said, in terror at the sight, I
The
and trembling).
scene of your approach
gathered thousands upon thousands of angels,
whose names
bly of those first-born sons
here 24
the
25
is
of just
God
new
his
listening to
him who
who
speaks from heaven.
28
is
is
mount
here
the assem-
is
are written in heaven,
men, here are the Jesus, the
is
spirits
spokesman of
Beware of excusing yourselves
speaking to you. There was no escape
what
the things
is
when God uttered we turn away when he then, made the earth rock;
less for us, if
still
His
voice,
even
to us that
he will shake earth and heaven that
now
God; here are
tried to excuse themselves
warnings on earth;
now, he has announced 27
all
here
perfect;
should die
it
overcome with
covenant, and the sprinkling of his blood, which has better
for those others,
26
judgement on
sitting in
men, now made
things to say than Abel's had.
from
am
the heavenly Jerusalem, city of the living
is
lis-
(daunted by the
even a beast touched the mountain
Moses
by stoning.
fire,
trumpet sounds;
which made those who
voice,
pray that they might hear no more,
it
21
Sion,
No
it
too.
shall
happen again, only once;
Only once again;
that
means
shaken, this created universe, will be removed; only
which cannot be shaken are
to
The
stand firm.
king-
Gen. xxvii. 34. 'No second chance'; literally, 'no room for repentance'. This seems to have been an idiom of Roman law, meaning an opportunity to reconsider one's decision; in this case, the decision of Esau to sell his birthright. V. 16.
f. ly.
vv. 18-20. Ex. xix. 12-19, XX. 18, 19. V. 21.
Cf. Deut. ix. 19; where, however, a different occasion
V. 26.
Agg. ii. 7. 'In gradtude for
f. 28.
this, let
us worship'; this
grace given us, to worship'. [ 493 ]
may
also
is
referred
to.
mean, 'We have
HEBREWS dom we
for this, let us
29
Various Exhortations
13
have inherited
awe and
is
worship
one which cannot be shaken; in gratitude
God
as
he would have us worship him, in
no doubt of
reverence;
God
our
it,
is
consuming
a
fire.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN among
you; and do not
2
i"ET BROTHERLY LOVE be firmly established
3
men have before now entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as if you were prisoners too; those who endure suffering, since you
4
have mortal bodies of your own.
J
;
forget to
shew
hospitality; in
doing
this,
Marriage, in every way, must
be held in honour, and the marriage-bed kept free from stain; over 5
fornication of
and adultery, God
you have. God himself has 6
abandon
7
my champion; I Do not forget
thee;
The
will call us to account.
so that
told us,
we
will never forsake thee, never
I
can say with confidence,
will not be afraid of
who have had
those
The Lord
what man can do
to
lived,
9
and
and imitate
their faith.
What
to-day, he remains for ever.
is
is
me.
charge of you, and preached
God's word to you; contemplate the happy issue of the 8
love
not dwell in your thoughts; be content with what
money should
Jesus Christ
Do
they
life
was yesterday,
not be carried aside from
Deut. iv. 24. Deut. xxxi. 6.
V. 2g. V. 5.
V. 6. Ps. cxvii. 6. V.
7.
'The happy issue of the
their behaviour'. This
17) X.
;
but
13)
it
is
seems more
of the holy
life
life they lived'; literally, 'the outgoing of usually understood of their deaths (cf. Wisdom ii.
likely that the Apostle refers to the results (cf.
lived
by the
I
earliest Christian missionaries, in
Cor. the
establishment of the faith. V. 8.
This verse seems to point forward to what follows; since the Christ is the same in every age, there can be no room for new doctrines
we worship
in the Church. V. 9. 'What gives true strength to a man's heart is gratitude, not observances in the matter of food'; literally, 'it is good that the heart should be made firm with thankfulness (or, with grace), not with foods'. There is perhaps a reference to Ps. ciii. 15. Some commentators would understand the 'foods' in question to be the sacrificial meat eaten by the worshipper under the old Covenant.
[494]
On
HEBREWS
Unworldliness and Obedience
13
your course by a maze of new doctrines; what gives true strength to a
10
man's heart
is
gratitude, not observances in the matter o£ food,
which never yet proved useful have an
altar of
who
to those
our own, and
worship of the tabernacle that are qualified 11
When
We
followed them.
not those
is
it
who
carry out the
to eat its sacrifices,
him
the high priest takes the blood of beasts with
into the
sanctuary, as an ofiFering for sin, the bodies of those beasts have to 12
be burned away from the camp;
and thus
he would sanctify the people through his 13
yond the
14
camp, bearing the ignominy he bore;
15
but not here; our goal
is
we must
him, then, that 16
Let
city gate.
to
the city that
do good
pleasure in such sacrifice as
Obey
those
who
that Jesus,
to him away from the we have an everlasting city,
is
God
one day
to be.
It is
through
a continual sacrifice of praise,
to others
Meanwhile, you
and give alms; God takes
this.
have charge of you, and yield
to their will; they
are keeping unwearied watch over your souls, because they
they will have an account to give. See to task, not a laborious eflort;
we
18
Pray for us;
19
honourable in
20
earnestly, in the
21
trust
all
we have
it
that theirs
our dealings.
And
I
make
hope of being restored
to
May
that.
will to be
this request the
whose
that great shepherd,
the blood of an eternal covenant, will.
know
a grateful
more
you the sooner.
from the dead,
through Jesus Christ,
and the
a clear conscience,
raised our
good, to do his
is
you would gain nothing from
God, the author of peace, who has
best,
when
blood, suffered be-
the tribute of lips that give thanks to his name.
must remember
17
was
go out
us, too,
offer to
it
own
Lord
flock
was bought with
grant you every capacity for
he carry out in you the design he to
whom
May
Jesus Christ
sees
glory belongs throughout
all
10-13. These reflections are doubtless meant to console the Jewish any of them should regret being cut off from their ancestral worship. The 'altar' is understood by some commentators of the Holy Sacrifice, by others of the Cross, by others of Christ himself. V. 20. 'That great shepherd, whose flock was bought with the blood of the eternal covenant'; literally, 'that great shepherd of the flock in the blood of the eternal covenant'. According to some, these last seven words should be vv.
Christians, in case
taken with the main verb, V. 21. Here, as in I Peter
'raised
from the
iv. 11, it is
dead'.
not clear whether
''God' or to 'Christ'.
C495}
'to
whom'
refers to
•HEBREWS
-
13
Amen.
entreat you, brethren, bear patiently with
11
ages,
23
words of warning;
I
it is
but a brief
must know
that our brother
24
comes soon,
I
•:5
Italy
those
who
Final Messages
will bring
am
Timothy has been
him with me when and
are in authority,
send you their greetings.
V. 22. It is difficult to
letter I
all
these
You
set at liberty; if
he
Greet
all
I visit
the saints.
all
sending you.
The
Grace be with you
you.
brethren from all,
believe that the Apostle refers to the
Amen.
whole of these
we should understand that he is referring only to the immediate context, verses 18 to 25, as his 'letter' (in the sense that these alone bring a personal message from him), and distinguishthirteen chapters as a short letter. Perhaps
ing it from the lengthy 'words of warning', which have had to be read with padence. V. 24. 'The brethren from Italy', as an English phrase, would suggest that the Apostle was not writing from Rome. But he may well have been writing from Rome, since the same words, according to classical usage, might mean 'the brethren in Italy send their greetings from there'.
L
496 ]
THE UNIVERSAL EPISTLE OF THE BLESSED APOSTLE JAMES
CHAPTER ONE A SERVANT o£
JAMES,
ing to the
God and
members
of our
Lord
Jesus Christ, sends greet-
of the twelve tribes scattered throughout the
my
Consider yourselves happy indeed,
2
world.
3
encounter
4
that the testing of your faith breeds endurance.
trials
of every sort,
do its'work thoroughly, 5
wisdom? God 6
if
you are
nothing lacking in you.
part,
God
for
it,
gives to
and the
all,
freely
7
at sea, driven to
8
to
9
will find
10 11
12
win any
gift
no
and
fro
by the wind;
No,
from the Lord.
rest
it
enough
Endurance must
full-grown in every
you who
must be
hesitates
is
still
let
lacks
him ask
in faith that
like a
wave out
man must not hope man who is in two minds
such a a
wherever he goes.)
one of the brethren in
Is
humble circumstances? Let him be proud of it; it exalts him, whereas the rich man takes pride in what in truth abases him. (The the sun gets rich man will pass by like the bloom on the grass; up, and the scorching wind with it, which dries up the grass, till the bloom on it falls, and all its fair show dies away; so the rich man, with his enterprises, will disappear.) Blessed
is
he
who
endures under
worth, he will win that crown of 13
(Only
who
he asks, he must not hesitate; one
when you
well
and ungrudgingly; so
come.
gift will
men
to be
there one of
Is
brethren,
men who know
as
who
those
that
seem V.
would
's,
to
When
man
takes pride in
to
finds himself tempted.
what
In truth abases him';
interpret, 'Let the rich (Christian) take pride in his abasement',
in bearing reproach for the sake of his reUgion; but this does not fit
/J.
meaning
the context so well. may threaten us with
'God
of the Latin,
if
evil'; this
the text here
is
seems to be the only possible
correct.
The
sense of the
unversed in evil', or perhaps 'is not tempted by render it, 'does not tempt men to evil'.
'God
he has proved his
which God has promised
Nobody, when he
love him.
'Whereas the rich
v. 10.
others
trials.
life,
is
U97 ]
evil';
Greek is, would
others
JAMES
On
1
should say, 14
evil,
own
his
am
practical Religion
being tempted by God.
God may
threaten us with
No, when
but he docs not himself tempt anyone.
tempted, 15
I
and
Patience in Trials,
always because he
it is
When
passions.
that has
and when
a
man
is
being drawn away by the lure of
is
come
about, passion conceives
sin has reached
growth,
and gives birth
to sin;
16
breeds death.
Beloved brethren, do not deceive yourselves over
17
this.
Whatever
gifts are
18
the Father of
all
come
to us
no change, no swerving from
fruits, as
were, of
it
all
brethren, well enough. to
bear the fruit that all
defilement, of
cherish that
your
is
all
it
meaning us
God.
acceptable to
in
man's anger does not
Rid yourselves, then, of
to
souls.
25
never giving another thought to the
who
something
when he vain.
at himself,
man
to do,
a mirror, the
and away he
he saw there.
it,
does not forget
and does
it,
and
goes,
Whereas
the law of freedom,
is
sight of
his
listens to the
its
doing of
it
message; he finds
wins him a is
bless-
serving God,
has not learned to control his tongue, the service he gives
he
is
who
is
If
of God,
V. 23.
it.
anyone deludes himself by thinking he
If
widows
listen to
gazes into that perfect law, which
and dwells on the
are to live by the
One who man who sees, in
24
face
and
you which can bring salvation
word without living by it is like a face he was born with; he looks
is
his will to
to be the first-
the ill-will that remains in you; be patient,
word implanted
word, not content merely to
ing.
was
You know this, my beloved men to be ready listeners, slow
for us
23
one
sent
there can be
his creation. It is
Only you must be honest with yourselves; you
22
27
whom
and
his course;
speak our minds, slow to take offence;
20 21
26
from above; they are
that gives light, with
give us birth, through his true word, 19
it
worth having, whatever endowments are
perfect of their kind, these
down by
its full
to offer service
pure and unblemished in the sight
our Father, he must take care of orphans and
in their need,
and keep himself untainted by the world.
'The face he was born with'; some understand
which belongs
to his perishable body'.
[498]
this as
meaning
'the
Flattery of the Rich
is
Defiance of God's
JAMES
Law
2
CHAPTER TWO BRETHREN, YOU bcHeve Christ;
2
3
human
greatness.
fine clothes,
man comes
in at the
you
5
at
tell
my
the poor
wearing
same
dom which power
be rich in
to
he has promised
to oppress
you incur
the very
11
the law,
is
to
on the ground
who
love it
speak
law finds you out
But
And here who use men who drag
him?
evil of that
if
are
not the rich
True, you do well
thyself.
Lis-
men who
be heirs of that king-
law you find in the words of
neighbour as
guilt; the
man who
sit
your judgement?
faith, to
men who
name, by which you are called?
10
or
you? Are not they the very
8
shalt love thy
poor
of honour; will
chosen the
to shame. Is
you into
their regard, the royal
art,
God
to those
man
7
9
into your place of
Will you pay attention
partiality in
dear brethren; has not
court,
Jesus
you not introducing divisions into your
If so, are
are you putting the poor their
man comes
man, Stand where thou
poor in the world's eyes
Lord
yours with flattery of
a gold ring; suppose that a
time, ill-clad.
company? Have you not shewn
my
glory belongs to our
man, and bid him take some place
footstool?
ten to me,
6
all
this faith of
Suppose that a
meeting in
the well-dressed
4
that
do not combine
you
honoured
to observe, in
scripture,
flatter
Thou
the great,
in a transgression.
And
the
has failed in one point, though he has kept the rest of
Hable to
all its
he who forbids adultery has The murderer, though he be no adulthe law. You must speak and act like before a law of freedom. The merciless penalties:
forbidden murder as well. 12
terer,
13
men
has yet transgressed already
will be
on
their trial
judged mercilessly; mercy gives
its
judgement an honour-
able welcome. 14 15
16
Of what
use
is it,
my
brethren,
if
Can
a
man
has no deeds to shew for
it?
brother, here
going naked,
is
a sister,
secure their daily food; V. 12.
'Men already on
if
claims to have faith, and
faith save left
one of you says
their trial'; in the Greek,
him then?
Here
is
without the means to
them,
'men
who
Go
a to
in peace,
are to be tried'.
'Mercy gives its judgement an honourable welcome'; literally, 'mercy This appears to be the sense of the Latin text, which is perhaps due to an error of copying. The sense of the Greek is, 'Mercy can boast over (its) judgement'. V. /J.
exalts judgement'.
[499I
JAMES warm
True Faith
3
yourselves and take your
17
bodily needs, of
18
shew
for
what use
has
itself,
19
am
lievest that there
20
do the
so
no
faith, if
without any deeds
deeds, to prove
devils shrink
life
Think
in it?
how
See
is
altar?
23
those deeds his faith scripture,
which
when he
was
tell us,
You
25
justified.
proval?
Was
how
again,
I
be-
well enough, but then,
Rash
in terror. to
it
shew has
not by his
on the
offered his son Isaac
with deeds done, and through
title
deeds as well as faith
of God's friend. if
a
man
to
is
when
she harboured the spies and
way? Body separated from separated from good deeds is a dead
a different
a dead body, and faith
be
did Rahab, the harlot, win God's ap-
not by her deeds,
it
them home by
shew.
and
it,
realized. Thus he confirmed the words of Abraham put his faith in God, and it was
see, then, that it takes
Or
be in-
Thou
faith.
from him
reckoned virtue in him, and he earned the 24
is
prove
Abraham; was
of our father
his faith conspired
22
sent
to
my own
only one God; that
is
deeds that he found approval,
26
has no deeds to
it
wouldst thou be assured that faith without deeds
soul,
21
my
and the
devils,
Thus
own principle of hfe. We shall Thou hast faith, but I have deeds to
this faith of thine
prepared, by
without providing for their
fill,
lost its
clined to say to him.
Shew me
is it?
proved by Action.
is
spirit
faith.
CHAPTER THREE
Do NOT
BE too eager, brethren, to impart instruction to others;
be sure that,
2
more
We
strictly.
man who
is
if
we
Just so
4
this
we
we
shall all
be called
of us, into
to
account
many
all
faults;
can
way and
make
that,
who knows how
to curb his
the
and
not betrayed into faults of the tongue must be a
perfect at every point,
3
do,
are betrayed,
a
man
whole body.
horses obey us, and turn their whole bodies
by putting a curb
in their
mouths.
Or
look at
V. 18. 'We shall be inclined to say'; the phrase here used commonly introduces an objection, 'But someone will say'. But such a rendering would not fit
the present context. V. 23. y.
Gen. XV.
25. Josue
ii.
6.
1-16.
C500}
On
them
along!
purpose will have
that, as the captain's
a spark
tongue its
7
it is,
fire.
Among
the whole body,
catching
fire itself
from
things and
and
9 10
We
use
it
12
is
My
Does any of you
is
a
small
what the
harmful
is
lives.
mortal sphere of ours, has long
bird, of creeping
being has ever found out
we
use
fresh
and
salt
how
deadly poison.
all
brethren, there
outlet?
my
that
all
our Father;
same
What,
that
to curse
it
in God's image; blessing
Does the fountain gush out
No more
is
never allayed,
this.
vine figs? 13
is
made
same mouth.
the
And
Mankind can tame, and
human
God who
to bless
How
kind of beast and
pest that
fellow men, that were
come from 11
which
sets fire to this
hell.
but no
all else;
tame the tongue; a
can boast!
the organs of our nature, the tongue has
place as the proper element in
It infects
to
it
takes to set lire to a vast forest! a
since learned to tame, every
8
Just so, the tongue
it.
and yet what power
tiny part of our body,
6
3
how huge they are, how boisterous are the winds that drive And yet a tiny rudder will turn them this way and
ships;
5
JAMES
Sins of the Tongue; on Jealousy
our
and cursing
no reason in
is
water from the
brethren, can a fig-tree yield olives, or a
easily will brackish
lay claim to
water yield
wisdom or
learning?
fresh.
Then
let
him
give proof of his quality by setting a good example, living peace14
ably as a wise
man
should.
As long
thoughts of rivalry in your hearts, 15
that perverts the truth;
from above,
as
Where
there
devils.
17
will find disorder
is
jealousy,
where there
and every kind of
which does come from above
is
but also by
it
peacefulness;
its
tation.
all
Peace
peace will win
that
is
is
defect.
marked
good;
it is
is
is fit
only for
rivalry, there
Whereas
chiefly indeed
the
by
you
wisdom
its
purity,
courteous and ready to be con-
is
it
carries
mercy with
it,
and
uncensorious, and without affec-
the seed-ground of holiness,
its
and
such wisdom as yours does not come
vinced, always taking the better part;
18
bitter jealousy
belongs to earth and to nature, and
it
16
a harvest of
you find
us have none of this boasting
let
and those who make
harvest.
V. 6. The proper element in which all that is harmful lives'; literally, 'iniqSome think that these words should be attached to the foregoing sentence. 'This mortal sphere of ours'; literally, 'the circle of our birth (or, becoming)'; probably the phrase means simply 'the world'. V. 7. 'And all else'; in the Greek, 'and of fishes'.
uity's world'.
[5013
JAMES
On
4
Worldliness; on Disparagement
CHAPTER FOUR
WHAT 2
among you?
LEADS to wsr, what leads to quarrelling
will
you what leads
tell
to
them; the appetites which
I
infest
go unfulfilled, so you fall to muron something, and cannot have your quarrelling and fighting. Why cannot you have
your mortal bodies.
Your
desires
dering; you set your heart will, so there is
3
your will ? Because you do not pray for
you ask 4
for
is
or
it,
you pray, and what
denied you, because you ask for
you would squander
on your
it
it
with
ill
intent;
Wantons, have you
appetites.
never been told that the world's friendship means enmity with
God, and the
man who would
5
himself God's
6
jealous love?
when and 7 8
9
it tells
so
man
he
Do
enemy?
you
have the world for
that the Spirit
which dwells
No, the grace he gives us
tells us,
God
his friend
makes
you think scripture means nothing
is
flouts the scornful,
in
you
loves with a
something better
still;
and gives the humble
Be God's true subjects, then; stand firm against away from you, come close to God, and he will come close to you. You that are sinners must wash your hands clean, you that are in two minds must purify the intention of your hearts. Bring yourselves low with mourning and weeping, his grace.
the devil, and he will run
turn your laughter into sadness, your joy into downcast looks; 10
humble yourselves before
the Lord,
and he
will exalt you.
Brethren, do not disparage one another. In disparaging one of
11
his brethren, in passing
judgement on him,
a
man
disparages the
law, passes judgement on the law; and in passing judgement on the
law thou There
12
it.
13
to destroy
art setting thyself is
up
to
be
its
censor, instead of obeying
only one Law-giver, only one Judge, he
and
to set free.
Who
art thou, to sit in
who
has power
Judgement on
thy neighbour? 'Or do you think that the passage in Scripmeans nothing when it says, The Spirit which dwells in you (in the Greek, which God has sent to dwell in you) longs after you even to envy'. The whole phrase cannot be found in the Old Testament; the notion that V. 5. Literally, this verse runs,
ture
God is a jealous God frequently occurs, e.g. Ex. xx. 5. The Hebrew language does not distinguish between envy and jealousy. V. 6. 'The grace he gives us is something better still'; literally, 'He gives a greater grace', perhaps by way of contrast with the earthly subjects of petition mendoned in v. 3 above. The quotadon is from Prov. iii. 34.
[502]
On
JAMES
Presumption; the rich denounced
5
16
See how you go about saying, To-day, or to-morrow, we will make our way to such and such a town, spend a year there, and make profit by trading, when you have no means of telling what the morrow will bring. What is your life but a wisp of smoke, which shews for a moment and then must vanish into nothing? You ought to be saying. We will do this or that if it is the Lord's will, and if life is granted us. As it is, your self-conceit makes
17
boasters of you;
14
15
man
all
such boastfulness
has the power to do good,
it is
an
is
Yes,
evil thing.
sinful in
him
to leave
if
a
un-
it
done.
CHAPTER FIVE COME,
YOU men
of riches,
bemoan
yourselves and cry aloud
Corruption has
over the miseries that are to overtake you.
3
fallen
on your
the gold
and
and
riches; all the fine clothes are left moth-eaten,
silver
have long lain rusting. That rust will bear wit-
ness against you, will bite into your flesh like flame. These are the last
4
days given you, and you have spent them in heaping up a store
of retribution.
You have
reaped your lands, and 5
that
You have
dooms you
to slaughter.
man, while he
Lord
on
feasted here
you have comforted your hearts with luxuries on
the innocent
7
workmen who
there to cry out against you; the
of hosts has listened to their complaint. earth,
6
kept back the pay of the
it is
day
this
You have condemned and murdered offered
no
resistance.
Wait, then, brethren, in patience for the Lord's coming. See
how
the farmer looks forward to the coveted returns of his land, yet
V. ly. It is difBcult to see
how
this fits into the context, unless
we
suppose
13 to v. 6 is directed against the rich, who are here accused of neglecting the great opportunities they have for doing
whole passage from
that the
iv.
good. V.
3.
'Heaping up a store of retribution'; in the Greek, 'heaping up
treasure'.
'The innocent man'; this might also be translated understood as a reference to our Lord; cf. Acts iii. 14, V. 6.
'the Just vii.
52,
One',
and
Wisdom
ii.
12-20. V. 7.
In Palestine, the rains of early to the crops.
autumn and
important
[ 503 ]
late
spring are especially
JAMES
Patience recommended; on the Efficacy of Prayer
5
waits patiently for the early and the late rains to 8
9
can be brought
coming
the Lord's
plaints against
10
judge
is
You
in.
is
must wait
too
if
fall
before they
and take courage;
Brethren, do not bring com-
hand.
close at
one another;
patiently,
you do, you
already standing at your doors.
and the
will be judged,
you would learn by
If
how to work on and wait patiently in evil times, who spoke in the Lord's name. See how we congratulate those who have shewn endurance. You have heard of Job's endurance; and you have read, in that story, how kind and example, brethren,
11
12
think of the prophets
merciful the Lord
in
is
rewarding
But above
us.
do not bind yourselves by any oath, by heaven, by oath
at all.
you
will be
14
cheerful? For him, a psalm.
15
him with
store the sick
16
the Lord's
and
not,
fall
to prayer. Is one of
you
man, and the Lord
them pray over him, anointing
let
name.
Prayer offered in faith will
will give
him
relief; if
man
was only
prays fervently, there
18
man
a mortal
prayed that three years
it
is
My
20
brethren,
six
like ourselves,
if
one of you
Pet.
i.
strays
back,
let
a
Elias
and when he prayed and
its
for fell
harvest.
from
him be
the truth, and a
man
sure of this; to bring
path means saving a soul from death,
a veil over a multitude of sins.
'How kind and
fulfilment of the Lord, I
him
feet into the right
means throwing V. II.
When
then he prayed anew, and rain
months;
succeeds in bringing
back erring
souls.
might not rain on the land, there was no rain
and
re-
guilty
is
great virtue in his prayer.
from heaven, and so the land yielded 19
he
Confess your sins to one another,
of sins, they will be pardoned.
just
by any
No;
if
and pray for one another, for the healing of your 17
for
one of you sick? Let him send for
Is
the presbyters of the church, oil in
brethren,
it.
one of you unhappy? Let him
Is
13
my
earth, or
No
Let your word be Yes for Yes, and judged for
all,
merciful the Lord is in rewarding us'; how kind and merciful he is'. Cf.
literally, 'the
Rom.
vi.
21,
9.
Matthew v. 33. It seems probable that St. James had some special reason for warning the Jewish Christians against taking oaths, perhaps because he was afraid of their taking part in unlawful conspiracies. V. 75. 'Give him relief; in the Greek, 'raise him up'. V. 12. Cf.
Kings xvii. i, xviii. 41. That is, probably, his own
V. ly. II V. 20.
sins; cf.
[^04}
I
Peter
iv. 8.
THE
THE BLESSED
FIRST EPISTLE OF
APOSTLE PETER
CHAPTER ONE PETER, AX 2
by the
sanctified
Spirit, to
dwell as for-
Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia,
God
chosen in the foreknowledge of
Bithynia,
who
APOSTLE of Jesus Christ, to the elect
up and down Pontus,
eigners
and
the Father, to be
give their allegiance to Jesus Christ and
be sprinkled with his blood; grace and peace be yours abundantly. 3
Blessed be that God, that Father of our
4
an inheritance that
It is
stored
up for you
this salvation
Then you sorts to
7
which
is
affords
will be triumphant.
happen,
so that
safe
conduct
We
are
What
if
we
by
test
you have
fire;
you reach
till
?
it,
end of time.
at the
this brief interval
you may give proof of your
precious thing than the gold
in
and meanwhile, through your
you
waiting to be disclosed
sadden your hearts in
who
live in us
incorruptible, inviolable, unfading.
is
in heaven,
power of God
faith, the
6
Jesus Christ,
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. to share
5
Lord
mercy has begotten us anew, making hope
his great
trials
of
many
That must needs
faith, a
much more
proof which will bring
8
praise, and glory, and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed. You never saw him, but you learned to love him; you may not see him even now, but you believe in him; and, if you continue to
9
be,
you
believe in him,
10
how you
and how sublime,
will
triumph!
when you
How ineffable
your joy will
reap the fruit of that faith of
yours, the salvation of your souls!
Salvation
was the aim and
quest of the prophets, and the grace of which they prophesied has 11
been reserved for you.
known
to
them
The
Spirit of Christ
the sufferings
which
was
in
them, making
Christ's cause brings
with
it,
c. 6. 'You will be triumphant'; both here and at the end of verse 8 the Latin gives the verbs in the future tense; the Greek, somewhat obscurely, has the present tense, 'You are triumphing'. V. 8. The words 'you believe in him, and' are not found in the Greek.
[505]
I
PETER
On
1
and the glory 12
the time of
be recognized ?
errand was not to their
can
own
age,
was
it
to you.
Holy
heaven, and your evangelists have
it
them
that their
And now
the angels
to
been sent from
Spirit has
made
the
and how was
to be,
was revealed
It
eager gaze; the
satisfy their
demanded by our Redemption
crowns them; when was
that to
it
the Holiness
whole mystery
plain,
to you.
13
Rid your minds, then, of every encumbrance, keep of your senses,
14
and
set
your hopes on the gracious
Obedience should be native
now; you must not
mould
No,
retain the
must be holy
17
the scripture says, because
it is
in
God who
a holy
appetites.
16
am
I
You
You must be holy, God as your
appeal to
on earth
What was
lasts.
the
it
was not paid
20
21
22
well enough
no lamb was ever
but
it
was only
it
was paid
so pure, so spot-
God had
in these last days that he
was
fore-
revealed,
for your sakes;
through him you have learned to be faithful
God, who
him from
raised
the dead
you have
all
been born anew with an immortal, imperishable
through the word of
birth,
24
Yes,
25
bloom
all
God who
of grass; the grass withers,
v.
22.
'Now
Lev.
xi.
and
and abides
lives
mortal things are like grass, and
V. /J. 'Rid your minds, then, of every loins of your mind', cf. Luke xii. 35. V. 16.
Purify your
and give constant proof of your
for each other, loving unaffectedly as brethren should,
aflfection
since
to
and endowed him with glory;
your faith and your hope are to be centred in God. souls with the discipline of charity,
23
You know
Before the beginning of the world,
less a victim.
known him,
you from the
in earthly currency, silver or gold;
in the precious blood of Christ;
while your
lives
that freed
ransom
vain observances of ancestral tradition? that
what he has
impartially by
done; look anxiously, then, to the ordering of your stay
you
has called you, and you too
holy.
man
to
of your former untutored
the ordering of your lives;
all
Father; yes, but he judges each
19
offered
is
you when Jesus Christ appears.
15
18
mastery
full
gift that
all
its
for ever.
their glory like ths
bloom
encumbrance';
falls,
but the
literally, 'gird
up the
44.
'Purify your souls with the discipline of charity'; the
Greek
has,
you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth'. v. 2j. The Greek might also be translated 'through the word of God v/hich lives and lasts for ever'. that
V. 24. Is. xl.
6-X.
[506]
Nursery; Christ's Temple
Christ's
word
Lord
of the
I
And
lasts for ever.
this
word
is
PETER
2
nothing other
than the gospel which has been preached to you.
CHAPTER TWO MUST put
You
ness,
your
grudges you bore, and
you are children new-born, and
derous talk;
and
aside, then, every trace of ill-will
affectations, the
deceitful-
all
the slan-
your craving must
all
be for the soul's pure milk, that will nurture you into salvation,
once you have
you have
tasted, as
surely tasted, the goodness of the
Draw near to him; he is the living antitype of that stone which men rejected, which God has chosen and prized; you too Lord.
must be
sacrifice
up on him, stones
built
you must be
ual fabric;
that live
and breathe,
a holy priesthood, to offer
which God accepts through Jesus
in scripture the words. Behold,
I
am
Christ.
setting
down
up
into a spiritthat spiritual
So you
stone, chosen out
and precious; those who believe
be disappointed.
Prized, then, by you, the believers, he
thing other to those
who
refuse belief; the stone
rejected has
become the
men's
a boulder they
feet,
God's word, and refuse
you are a chosen people
in
him
will not is
some-
which the builders
chief stone at the corner,
it
will find
in Sion a corner-
a stone to trip
stumble against. They stumble over
belief; it
is
their destiny.
Not
so you;
race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a
God means to have for himself; it is yours to proclaim God who has called you out of darkness into
the
exploits of the
marvellous
now you pity
is
are God's people; once
his
not a people at
all,
now
his
you were unpitied, and
yours.
Beloved, v. 2.
Time was when you were
light.
The
upon you
I call
soul's
to
be like strangers and
exiles, to resist
pure milk'; some would render the Greek here,
'the
pure
milk of the word'. V. }. Ps. xxxiii. 9. v. 6. Is. xxviii. I'.
16; see note
7. Ps. cxvii. 22.
commentators,
this
on Rom.
ix. 33.
'Prized, then, by you, the believers'; according to some should be, 'The honour, then, belongs to you, the be-
lievers'. r. 10.
Os.
ii.
23, 24.
C507}
PETER
I
12
On good Repute; on
2
which besiege the
those natural appetites
must be beyond reproach; decried
the Gentiles
must
let
them
see,
you
for you,
14
authority; to the king,
To
15
courage honest men. chatter of fools; that
is
you enjoy
is
it
to
is
who
comes
his time
to every
to
have mercy
kind of
human
and
to the
enjoys the chief power,
hold his commission to punish criminals and en-
16
17
when
For love of the Lord, then, bow
the liberty
amidst
are;
on them.
who
life
from your honourable behaviour, what you
God
they will praise
Your
as malefactors,
13
magistrates
the Sufferings of Slaves
soul.
by honest
silence,
living, the ignorant
what God expects of you. not to be
be used in God's
brethren, your love; to
made Give
service.
Free men, but
wrong-doing;
a pretext for
men
all
God, your reverence;
their due; to the
the king, due
to
honour.
You who
18
shew 19
all
must be submissive
are slaves
who
respect, not only to those
who
but to those
are hard to please.
you do wrong and are punished for
If
to boast of;
21
credit in
it
God's
is
sight.
22
you were to follow
He
was found on
in his foosteps.
his lips;
in return, suffered,
25
he was
ill
left
you
nothing
did no wrong, no treachery
spoken
of,
and spoke no
evil
and did not threaten vengeance, gave himself
hands of
injustice.
So,
on the
cross, his
we were to become dead was his wounds that healed
own body
to
live for holiness;
you.
it
call
own example;
his
the weight of our sins;
you had been
is
Indeed, you are engaged to this by the
23
into the
your patience
it,
the patience of the innocent sufferer that wins
and
up
and considerate,
man credit when he thought of God in his heart.
of Christ; he suffered for our sakes,
24
your masters, and
does a
It
bears undeserved ill-treatment with the
20
to
are kind
like sheep
our
took
sins,
and
Till then,
going astray; now, you have been brought
back to him, your shepherd,
who
keeps watch over your souls.
'To have mercy on them'; literally, 'to visit them', but the sense here probably that which the verb has in Luke i. 68.
V. 12. is
V. 22. Is.
liii.
9.
'Of injustice'; the Greek here has, heavenly Father. V.
25.
V. 24. Is.
liii.
that
his
a
just
judge',
literally,
'the
shepherd and over-
'of
is,
4, 5.
'The shepherd who keeps watch'; seer (or bishop) of your souls'. V. 25.
[508]
On Wives and Husbands;
on Mee\ness
I
PETER
3
CHAPTER THREE You,
TOO,
Some 2 3
must be submissive
are wives
refuse credence to the
still
Your beauty
and reverence they observe lie,
in your
not in braided hair, not in gold trinkets, not in the dress
you wear,
but in the hidden features of your hearts, in a posses-
beyond
price.
was thus
and tranquil
6
paid their husbands such respect.
It
adorned themselves, those
to
Abraham, how she
him her
called
You,
too,
own. The grace of must not
who
paying homage
siderately,
lord; let
woman's
sex as
all
feelings; be lovers of the brethren. I
This God's
call
demands
Yes, long
ing in your turn.
harm, and thy hps call of evil,
12
aim.
On
free
of you, and
life
My
of you,
would
and share the
see
down
you
you tender-
is,
a blessing in-
will inherit a bless-
and prosperous
counsel
days,
let
who would
keep thy tongue clear of
from every treacherous word.
and rather do good;
peace be
Neglect the
thy quest and
all
the upright, the Lord's eye ever looks favourably; his
ears are
open
13
doers.
And who
14
your ambitions?
to their pleading. Perilous is
at their threats;
do you wrong,
to
If,
cause of right, yours 15
and your prayers
not repaying injury with injury,
and humble,
have these for the asking? 11
weaker than your
eternal life belongs to both,
or hard words with hard words, but calling
10
no anxious thoughts
suffer interruption.
hearted, modest,
stead.
you would prove
if
must use marriage con-
are husbands
to
In a word, think the same thoughts,
same
God's
of old time
women who had such trust in God, and Think how obedient Sara was
yourselves her children, live honestly, and disturb you.
spirit; to
women
that the holy
eyes,
9
for their
demeanour.
esty
5
8
it is
by the mod-
sion you can never lose, that of a calm
7
your husbands.
to
word;
wives to win them over, not by word but by example;
must 4
who
of these
after is
all,
is
if
his
frown
only what
you should have
a blessed lot.
Do
for the
wrong-
good
inspires
is
to suffer in the
not be afraid or disturbed
enthrone Christ as Lord in your hearts.
If
anyone
asks you to give an account of the hope which you cherish, be ready V. 7. Cf. I
Cor.
vii. 5.
vv. 10-12. Ps. xxxiii. 13 sqq.
C509]
I
i6
PETER
On
3
times to answer for
at all
What
erence.
matters
is
Christ's Passion,
into Hell
but courteously and with due rev-
it,
that
and Descent
you should have
a clear conscience;
so the defamers of your holy life in Christ will be disappointed in
calumny.
17
their
18
doing right; better
It
we
may
be God's will that
that,
than for doing wrong.
Christ died as a ransom, paid once for
he the innocent for us the
all,
should suffer for
was thus
that
on behalf of our
sins,
It
guilty, so as to present us in
God's
sight.
endowed with fresh he went and preached
In his mortal nature he was done to death, but
and
in his spirit,
19
life
20
to the spirits belief,
who
hoping that
of Noe.
That ark
souls, eight in all,
it
was
in his spirit that
Long
lay in prison.
God would be which Noe was
found refuge
before, they
had refused
patient with them, in the days
then building, in which a few
as they passed
through the waves,
which saves us now. Our baptism
21
was
22
away of outward defilement; it is the test which assures us of a good conscience before God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He sits, now, at the right hand of God, annihilating
a type of the baptism
is
not
a putting
death, to
make
to heaven,
us heirs of eternal
with
all
the angels
life;
he has taken his journey
and powers and princedoms made
subject under his feet.
vv. ig-20. It
is
certain that this passage represents the holy patriarchs as
living in a place of detention, neither
heaven nor
hell,
till
our Lord came
Matt, xxvii. 52, 53). It is not clear why the Apostle concentrates his attention on the contemporaries of Noe, or how those who had refused belief attained salvation afterwards; it seems best to suppose that they were incredulous while the ark was being built, and repented when it was too late to escape the Deluge. 'Hoping that God would be patient with them'; in the Greek, apparently, 'while God's patience waited for them'. 'As they passed through the waves'; some would translate 'by means of water', but this does not apply to the story in Genesis; Christian baptism typifies passing through the waters of death (cf. I Cor. x. 2). V. 21. 'The test which assures us of a good conscience'; the Greek might (cf.
also
mean 'the petition for a good conscience'. The words 'annihilating (literally, swallowing up)
V. 22.
heirs of eternal
life'
are not found in the
[510]
death, to
Greek manuscripts.
make
us
On
Mortification
I
PETER
4
CHAPTER FOUR Christ's mortal arm
nature, then, has been crucified,
nature has been crucified
is
and you must
same intention; he whose mortal
yourselves with the
now, of
quit,
mortal Hfe must be ordered by God's
will,
sin.
not by
The rest of your human appetites.
Time enough has been spent already in doing what the heathen would have you do, following a course of incontinence, passion, drunkenness, revelling, carousal, and shameful idolatry. surprised that you do not rush headlong into the
debauch, and
answer for
on the
you
call
names accordingly;
him who
before
it
ill
and the dead.
living
all
is
That
is
They
same welter
are
of
they will have to
in readiness to pass sentence
why dead men,
too,
had the
gospel message brought to them; though their mortal natures had
paid the penalty in men's eyes, in the sight of
were
God
their spirits
to live on.
The end senses
of
all
awake
things
is
to greet the
close at
hand;
live wisely,
hours of prayer.
Above
and keep your all
things, pre-
among yourselves; charity draws sins. Make one another free of what
serve constant charity
the veil
over a multitude of
is
yours
p. I. 'Christ's mortal nature has been crucified ... he whose mortal nature has been crucified'; hterally, 'Christ has suffered as far as the flesh is concerned ... he who has suffered as far as the flesh is concerned'. It is diffi-
what sense 'he who has suffered is quit of sin', unless suffering here means death. Probably the apostle refers to baptism as mystical association with Christ's death; cf. the very similar passage in Rom. vi. 3-7. It is possible, however, that physical death is alluded to in both parts of the cult to see in
sentence. t>.
6.
'Though
the sight of
their mortal natures
God
their spirits
were
had paid the penalty
in
men's
to live on'; literally, 'that they
eyes, in
might be
judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit'. This much-disputed passage probably refers us back to iii. 19 and 20 above; there were souls who, through incredulity, incurred the outward penalty of temporal death at the time of the Deluge, and nevertheless, through contrition, were reserved for spiritual life, which was brought to them by Christ after his Passion. This illustrated why God 'judges the dead' (v. 5) physical death is only a temporary penalty, and their eternal destiny had still to be ;
setded. V. 8.
Prov.
obliterates in
here
is
p. 9.
X. 12; cf.
that of
Luke
v. 20; the sense may be that charity 'hides away, the sin of another; but more probably the doctrine
James
its effects',
vii.
47.
'Make one another
one another', but
it
free of
what
is
yours'; literally 'be hospitable to
seems necessary to take the words in this more general them with the two verses which follow.
sense, in order to connect
[511]
I
PETER
4
On
serving others; on Patience in Trials
all
whatever
10
ungrudgingly,
11
ceived, as befits the stewards of a
God
so rich in graces.
him remember
that
it
you preaches,
sharing with
let
uttering; another distributes relief, let
who
him
supplies
Do
12
is
of
God's message he
is
the opportunity; that so, in
all
him be
that
you do,
God God may
the glory
it is
and the
Amen.
ages,
not be surprised, beloved, that this fiery ordeal should have
befallen you, to test your quality; there 13
is
re-
One
him remember
be glorified through Jesus Christ; to
power through endless
each of you has
gift
happening
Rather
to you.
is
nothing strange in what
when you
rejoice,
share in
some meas-
ure the sufferings of Christ; so joy will be yours, and triumph, 14
when
his glory
is
Your
revealed.
name
are reproached for the
lot will
of Christ;
God's honour and glory and power, 15
is
resting
upon you.
punishment
for
Let
it
it
be a blessed one,
means
means
if
you
that the virtue of
that his
own
Spirit,
not be said that any of you underwent
it
murder, or
theft, or slander,
man
or infringing other
punished for being a Christian, he
16
men's rights;
17
The time is ripe for judgement to begin, and to begin with God's own household; and if our turn comes first, what will be its issue for those who refuse credence to God's message?
but,
if
a
is
has no need to be ashamed of
it; let
him bear
that
name, and give
glory to God.
man
wins salvation only with
18
If the just
19
plight of the godless, of the sinner? in fulfilment of God's will his
commend
14.
note on Heb. text here
The
xiii. is
what
will be the
their souls, all innocent, into
hands; he created them, and he will not
V. II. Cf. V.
difficulty,
Why then, let those who suflFer fail
them.
21.
uncertain;
some manuscripts omit the words
'honour' and 'power'; some add, after the word 'Spirit', the words 'blasphemed by others, but honoured by you'. V. 75. For 'slander', the Greek has 'wrong-doing'. The word which follows means, literally, 'one who looks after business which is not his own'; it is possible that political agitators are referred to.
[5>^]
On
the Pastoral Office
PETER
I
5
CHAPTER FIVE
AND NOW ^
I
pany;
I,
have a charge
who am
ness of Christ's sufferings,
I,
Hke themselves,
who have my
Be shepherds
one day be revealed.
your com-
to give to the presbyters in
a presbyter
who
I,
bear wit-
part in that glory
God
which
2
will
3
not like drudges, generously, not in the hope of sordid gain;
God would have
you. Carry out your charge as
tyrannizing, each in his
you may,
own
to the flock.
to the flock it
sphere, but setting
when
has given
done, cordially, not
an example,
as
the Prince of shepherds
4
best
5
makes himself known, your prize will be that crown of glory which cannot fade. And you, who are young, must defer to these, your seniors. Deference wear;
God
6
Bow down, you up, when
8
the
burden of
then, before the strong
your anxiety; he
all
devil,
who
like a lion, to find his prey,
face
him
belong to pays,
hand
is
[I
you mastery, and
the giver of
of
is
God; he
will raise
Throw back on him Be
concerned for you.
but you, grounded in the
faith,
all
grace,
who
must
same
tribute of suffering.
has called us to enjoy, after
steadiness,
endless ages.
and strength.
To him
be glory and
Amen.
count on Silvanus as a faithful brother; and through him
sending you
this brief letter for
that the grace in V. J.
sober,
suffering, his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will himself give
power through I
all
your enemy, goes about roaring
the world over, the
all
And God, little
must
the livery you
you know well enough that the brotherhood you
boldly;
[0
a
is
time comes to deliver you.
his
and watch well; the
[2
one another
to
thwarts the proud, and keeps his grace for the humble.
7
9
So,
The words
which you
'as
best
are so firmly established
you may',
I
am
your encouragement; to assure you
literally
is
the true
'from the heart', are not found
in the Greek. V. 6. Cf.
f
.
the
note on
ii.
12 above.
7. Ps. liv. 23.
V. g.
The Greek
same
here should perhaps be rendered, 'you
know how
to pay
world over'. The idea probably suggested by the Greek verb used, though it is not
tribute of suffering as your brethren, all the
of 'tribute'
is
rendered in the Latin.
Some commentators would make
the words 'after a little suffering' V. 10. follow on the words 'will himself give you'. V. 12. Silvanus is probably the companion of St. Paul (I Thess. i. i).
I
13
PETER
Final Greetings
5
grace of God.
The church
here in Babylon, united with you by
God's election, sends you her greeting; so does 14
my
son,
Greet one another with the kiss of fellowship. Grace be to you, friends in Christ Jesus.
Mark. all
of
Amen.
v. 75. The word 'church' is not expressed, but is evidently meant to be understood, in the Greek. There can be Httle doubt that Babylon means Rome; cf. Apocalypse xvii. 5. The Mark here mentioned is doubdess the Evangelist, whom a very early tradition describes as the 'interpreter' of
St. Peter.
V. 14.
For
'grace' the
Greek has
'peace'.
[514]
THE SECOND
EPISTLE OF THE BLESSED APOSTLE PETER
CHAPTER ONE common
share with us the
God and
by our
who we are
Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those
SIMON
privilege of faith, justified as
grace and peace be yours
Saviour Jesus Christ,
abundantly, as you gain fuller knowledge of God, and of Christ
how
make for life and holicome to us through fuller him, whose own glory and sovereignty have drawn Through him God has bestowed on us high and
Jesus our Lord.
See
the gifts that
all
ness in us belong to his divine power;
knowledge of us to himself!
treasured promises; you are to share the divine nature, with the
world's corruption, the world's passions,
left
to contribute every effort
faith
with virtue, and virtue with enlightenment,
ment with
and hoUness with brotherly
with charity.
no
Such
gifts,
make you quick and
measure, will closer
when
better than a blind
brethren, ever
man
more
feeling his
eagerly, to ratify
a life well lived;
and
into the
and enlighten-
it
will be
kingdom
if
way
and broth-
you do
he
who
lacks
them
is
about; his old sins have
it.
Bestir yourselves then,
God's calling and choice of
this,
you
will
no grudging entrance that
of our
love,
successful pupils, reaching ever
been purged away, and he has forgotten
step,
too
crowning your
they are yours in full
knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ;
you by
part,
continence, and continence with endurance, and endur-
ance with holiness, erly love
And you
behind.
on your own
have
is
Lord and Saviour Jesus
make no
false
afforded to you Christ.
'Our God and Saviour Jesus Christ'; others would render, 'our God, and the Saviour Jesus Christ', but this seems a less accurate rendering of the Greek. t^. J. For 'See how all the gifts that make for life and holiness in us belong to his divine power', the Greek has 'Since his divine power has given us all that makes for life and holiness'. Most of the Latin manuscripts have, apparently, 'See how all things belong to his divine power, which has been given V. I.
to us to V. 4.
make for life and holiness'. 'Through him'; the Greek has, 'through them'.
[5-5]
PETER
II
12
shall
I
On
2
never
you know
it
your minds.
13
to
14
you, while
15
fold
am
I
then, to go
fail,
and
well, I
the Transfiguration,
on reminding you of grounded in a truth
it
my
duty
in this brief dwelling-place;
what our Lord Jesus Christ has made known
my
And
tent before long.
I
We
ing.
were not crediting
fables of
am
that,
it
gone, you shall always be able to remember what 16
present
I
in
assured, by
me, that
to
will see to
I
is
memory awake
keep the
to
although
this,
that
are firmly
hold"
still
and on Prophecy
I
when
must I
am
have been say-
man's invention, when we
preached to you about the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, and
we had been
about his coming; 17
18 19
eye-witnesses of his exaltation.
Such honour, such glory was bestowed on him by God the Father, that a voice
came
eyes; This,
it
to
him, then,
to
him out
my
said, is
We,
listen.
of the splendour
beloved Son, in his
you are paying so much attention
20
and the day-star ber
21
lamp
this,
that
terpretation.
prophecy;
had
in
rises in
your hearts.
It
it
sanctified, carried
well pleased;
with good reason
word;
until the
it
go on
will
dawn
breaks,
Yet always you must remem-
in scripture
is
the subject of private in-
was never man's impulse,
men gave
It is
to that
some darkened room,
no prophecy
am
and now the word of the
heard that voice coming from heaven,
shining, like a
I
companions on the holy mountain,
prophets gives us more confidence than ever. that
which dazzles human
whom
utterance, but they
after
were
all,
that gave us
men whom God
away, as they spoke, by the Holy
Spirit.
CHAPTER TWO THERE WERE false prophets,
too,
among God's
people. So,
among
you, there will be false teachers, covertly introducing pernicious
ways of thought, and denying the Master who redeemed them, 2
their
own
speedy undoing.
Many
will
embrace
their
to
wanton
This verse seems to suggest that the apostle intended to put his docin some other way, independently of his epistle. See Matthew xvii. 5, and parallels. V. ig. The word of the prophets gives us more confidence than ever', since it has been ratified by the Transfiguration; or perhaps The word of the prophets gives us even more confidence' (than the Transfiguration), since it rests on admitted facts, not on an experience which might be called in question by the incredulous. V. 75.
trine V.
on record
ly.
[516}
God's Warnings in the old Testament creeds,
II
and bring the way of truth into disrepute,
credulity with lying stories for their
doom
warrant for their
God
for them.
thrust
to hell,
their sentence in torment.
made; he brought
a flood
cities
of
of a later time.
trading on your
Long
since, the
is
on the watch
fell
into sin; he
Nor
did he spare the world he had
first
on that world of wickedness, preserving to holiness,
and only seven others
Sodom and Gomorrha,
with utter ruin, turning them less
who
2
chained them there in the abyss, to await
Noe, who had borne witness
The
ends.
in full vigour; destruction
is
did not spare the angels
them down
with him.
own
PETER
to ashes, for
too,
he punished
an example to the god-
Yet he saved Lot, an innocent
man who was
overborne by the violence and the wantonness of his wicked neighbours;
eye
ear could testify to his innocence, although he
and
among men whose lawless doings, day after day, wrung that blameless heart. The Lord does not find it difficult to save his lived
from
true worshippers
their
trials,
await the day of judgement, marked
who follow the defiling and make light of authority. So pecially,
they are not afraid to bring in
thought,
above
while the wrongdoers must
down
for torment;
those es-
appetites of their corrupt nature,
bold are they, so obstinate, that
new and blasphemous ways
whereas angels, with a strength and a capacity
theirs,
do not bring on themselves any charge
so
of far
abomi-
nable.
Such men,
like
dumb
destroyed, sneer at
creatures that are born to be trapped
what they cannot understand, and
V. 4. 'Chained them there in the abyss'; the Greek means, ropes (or perhaps, in pits) of darkness'. The Latin has simply
and
will soon
literally, 'in
'in
ropes of
hell'.
This appears to be the meaning of the Latin (cf. Job xxix. 11); or may be, 'he was innocent in spite of all that he heard and saw'. The Greek of the whole sentence is different: 'that innocent man, living in their company, fretted (or perhaps, gave proof of) his innocent soul over the lawless doings of which the sound and sight came to him, day after day'. V. 10. The word 'authority', according to some, should be understood of the holy angels (cf. Eph. i. 21, Col. i. 16, where the same word has been translated 'powers') according to others, of God himself. But it may equally well refer to earthly authorities. 'Bring in new and blasphemous ways of thought'; the Greek has 'insult august names', as in Jude, verse 8. V. II. 'Do not bring on themselves any charge so abominable'; this appears to be the sense of the Latin; the Greek has, 'do not bring against them (it is not clear, against whom) a derogatory sentence before the Lord'; cf. V. 8.
the sense
;
Jude, verse
9.
[517]
II
13
PETER
The Worldliness
2
own
perish in their
when 14
To
so skilled
at
is all
have gone
your
Their eyes
side!
know how
to
their accursed
dumb
17
They
are wells with
And
erty.
all
from
They
ends.
content to take pay
when
his perversity,
voice, to bring a
prophet to
no water in them, clouds driven
them
darkness and gloom.
is
appetites of sense, to catch those
short respite
own
have no meaning, they bait their hook with
fine phrases that
wanton
the
19
its
and following the path
man who was
human
adultery, insatiable
souls to their purpose,
and was rebuked for
beast spoke with a
his senses.
Using
banquets, as they fare
on
gaining
at
before the storm; the lot that awaits 18
own
win wavering
brood
lasts is
a disfigurement,
feast
far astray, leaving the true path,
in the cause of wrong,
the
what
a stain they are,
of Balaam the son of Bosor, the i5
luxury while the day
live in
they revel in the luxury of their
sumptuously
of sin; and they
15
what
their pleasure;
all
they will have the reward their
corruption;
wickedness has deserved.
of false Teachers
false teaching.
What do
who have had
but a
they offer them? Lib-
the time they themselves are enslaved to worldly cor-
ruption; whatever influence gets the better of a
man, becomes
his
20
That they should have been rescued, by acknowledging our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, from the world's pollution, and then been entangled and overpowered by it a second time, means
21
that their last state
master.
is
worse than the
have found their way to
to
first.
justification,
Better for them, never
than to have found
then turned their backs on the holy law once handed
22
What
has happened to
dog
back
is
at his
them proves
own vomit
down
it,
to
the truth of the proverb.
again.
Wash
the sow,
and
them.
The
and you find
her wallowing in the mire. 13.
V.
'While the day
literally,
lasts';
'in
the day', either in the sense of Wisd. ii. 1-8). The latter
•daylight, or as referring to the shortness of life (cf.
part of the sentence probably refers to those tians
met
common
for social intercourse (cf. Jude, verse 12);
meals at which Chrisseems clear that
if so, it
here in question were rich men who brought their own victuals and did not share them with their poorer neighbours (cf. I Cor.
the xi.
false teachers
21). V. 16.
Num.
V. 18.
who have had but a short respite from false teaching'; literwho have barely (in some Greek manuscripts, have genuinely) from those who walk in error'.
xxii. 28.
'Those
ally, 'those
escaped V.
22. Cf. Prov. xxvi.
quoting scripture, and There is no reference,
it
11;
in the
does not appear, however, that St. Peter is be that there was a current saw of this kind.
it
may
Book
of Proverbs, to the
mire.
[518]
sow wallowing
in the
Why
Judgement
delayed
is
PETER
II
3
CHAPTER THREE THIS
MY
IS
second
2
Do
letter to
awaken
a reminder, to
in
you, beloved;
you your
your aposdes. deceivers
4
Lord and Saviour
that in the last days
must needs come, following the
who
tites,
Remember always
What
will ask,
would appear? Ever
since the fathers
was from the foundation
how, long ago, heaven stood
there,
6
had made with water
origin,
for
went
and 8
overwhelmed by water.
as a
water for
in
its it
is
Lord
thief.
on the
fire
But one thing,
mind, that with the Lord a day counts
The
as a day.
not being dilatory over his promise, as some think; he
attain repentance, not that
the
and those
frame;
then was, came to
ready to feed the
only giving you more time, because his will 10
as
thousand years, and a thousand years count
Lord
as it
That same word keeps heaven
are, stored up,
must keep
is
are fain to forget
day when the godless will be judged, and perish. beloved, you
9
now
earth, as they
appe-
and an earth which God's word
were the very means by which the world, perish,
to their rest, all
They
of the world.
its
on
mocking
own
rule of their
men-
I
laid
has become of the promise that he
5
7
write such letters as
not forget those predictions of the holy prophets which
tioned to you, or the charge which our
3
I
clear sense of the truth.
is
some should be
coming, and when
The heavens
is
it
comes,
it
that
is
of you should
all
But the day of
lost.
will be
upon you
like a
will vanish in a whirlwind, the elements will be
scorched up and dissolve, earth, and
all
earth's achievements, will
burn away. 11
All so transitory; and
what men you ought
how
reverent towards God,
12
worldly in your
13
shrivel
up
while,
we have new
life,
to be! as
How
un-
you wait, and
wait eagerly, for the day of the Lord to come, for the heavens to
14
in fire,
and the elements
to
heavens and a
the dwelling-place of holiness; that loved, since these expectations are
V. 2.
The Greek
has,
orophets, or the charge
melt in
new
its
heat!
And mean-
earth to look forward
to,
what he has promised. Beyours, do everything to make is
'Do not forget what has been foretold by the holy .
.
.
etc'
V. 8. Cf. Ps. Ixxxix. 4.
[519]
II
15
PETER
The
3
Use of Scripture
sure that he shall find you innocent, undefiled, at peace.
Lord
stays his hand, count
Paul, with the 16
false
letter,
in
part of his mercy.
it
all
his letters,
indeed there are passages in them
like the rest of scripture, are twisted into a
17
rant and restless minds, to their
18
errors,
grace,
and and
To him v. 75. If
salonians.
warned lose
in the
in time;
own
this.
wrong
undoing.)
sense by igno-
For yourselves,
you have won;
knowledge of our Lord and Saviour
be glory,
now and
for all eternity.
(Though
understand, and these,
do not be carried away by
the firm foothold
their rash
grow up
have no certainty on the point.
1520]
in
Jesus Christ.
Amen.
the letter referred to has been preserved, it may perhaps be as St. Peter's second epistle bears no particular address,
But
our
written you a
he talks of
difficult to
If
beloved brother
wisdom God has granted him, has
which, as in
beloved, be
Our
I
Thescan
we
THE
FIRST EPISTLE OF
THE BLESSED
APOSTLE JOHN
CHAPTER ONE MESSAGE OURfrom the
that Word, who is life; what he was what we have heard about him, what our own him; what it was that met our gaze, and the
conccms
first,
eyes have seen of
2
touch of our hands.
we
that
3
give you
Yes, Hfe
news
dawned; and
as eye-witnesses
is
life,
abode with the Father and has dawned, now, on sage about
what we have seen and heard we
And
we
are writing to
Christ.
5
yours in full measure.
if
from him, and
What,
you now,
then,
on
to
7
our whole Hfe
8
of his
and move
us;
if
Son
all
in light, there
to you, so this fellow-
Son
his
Jesus
may be
so that joy
message we have heard
if
fellowship between us, and the blood
is
Jesus Christ washes us clean
we deny
it,
you? That
darkness can find any place in him;
when
this
it is
This mes-
on
God is light, and no we claim fellowship with the while we live and move in darkness, it is a lie; God dwells in light; if we too live is an untruth. are passing
6
him,
is
is
and with
ship of ours? Fellowship with the Father, 4
which ever
us.
pass
you too may share in our fellowship. What
that
9
it
of that Hfe, that eternal
that,
we
does not dwell in us.
from
all sin.
are cheating ourselves;
No,
it is
when we
it
Sin
means
is
with
that truth
confess our sins that he
forgives us our sins, ever true to his word, ever dealing right with to
us,
and
all
our wrong-doing
have sinned, that his
it
means
that
is
we
word does not dwell
purged away. are treating
If
him
we deny
as a liar;
that it
in our hearts.
f. I. That 'the Word' here is used in a personal sense would seem from a comparison of this passage with St. John's Gospel, i. 1-4. V.
7.
'There
man and man, above)
we
means
clear
fellowship between us' may refer to fellowship between but the context suggests man's fellowship with God (v. 3
is
I
JOHN
The Commandment
2
of
Love
CHAPTER TWO 1ITTLE CHILDREN, the purposc of Meanwhile,
_/sin.
this letter
any of us does
if
fall
is
to
keep you
into sin,
clear of
we have an
ad-
vocate to plead our cause before the Father in the Just One, Jesus
He,
2
Christ.
3
and not only
we 4
in his
person,
is
the atonement
knowledge of God? The
attained the
his
own
for ours, but for the sins of the
commandments;
man who
the
without keeping his commandments 5
6
7
made
for our sins,
whole world.
test is,
claims knowledge of
is
Have
whether we keep
him
a liar; truth does not dwell
man keeps true to God's word, God has reached its full stature in him; that is what tells us that we are dwelling in God. One who claims to dwell in him must needs live and move as he lived and moved. Beloved, I am not sending you a new commandment; in such a
man
then
certain that the love of
it is
is
it
No,
as that.
if
a
an old commandment, which you were given from the very
what was the message to which you listened long ago but this same commandment, now grown old? And yet it is a new commandment I am sending you, now that it is verified in him and
first;
8
you; the darkness has passed away now, and true light shines in9
He who
stead.
claims enlightenment, and
in darkness
10
brother,
11
that lives in light;
who
is
no
hates his brother
without being able to
and blinded 12
13
I call
name?
you I
all
the while hates his
man who
the
loves his brother
fear of stumbling haunts him. is
The man
in the dark, guides his steps in the
tell
where he
is
dark
going; darkness has fallen,
his eyes. httle children;
call
was from the 14
It is
still.
you
fathers;
first?
victory over the evil
I
call
one?
have not your
sins
been forgiven in his
have you not knowledge of one
who
you young men; have you not gained I
call
you sons; you have learned
to
write to you, children', and so if St. John was addressing, community, divided according to their ages. But it seems unlikely that he should have addressed himself to children; or that he should have no message at all for women. V. 14. After the words 'recognize the Father', the clause used above, 'I call you fathers; have you not knowledge of one who was from the first?' is repeated, according to the Greek manuscripts. vv. J 2-1 4. throughout.
'I
call
It is
you children';
literally,
'I
possible to read these phrases as
in turn, three or four different classes in the Christian
£522]
On WorldUness and
recognize the Father.
JOHN
I
Infidelity
2
you young men; you are strong, with
I call
God's word dwelling in you always; you have gained your victory 15
16
over the evil one.
Do
what the world has
to offer; the lover of this
the Father in him.
What
not bestow your love on the world, and
world has no love o£
does the world offer? Only gratificatiort
empty pomp of
of corrupt nature, gratification of the eye, the living; these things take their being
17
The world and
Father.
from the world, not from the
gratifications pass
its
away; the
man who
does God's will outlives them, for ever.
My
18
sons, this
Antichrist 19
came
many it,
they
20
no
true
21
One
has anointed you, and
that
I
companions of
am
23
would have persevered
With
ours.
now
I
am
not to
is
Antichrist,
To disown
tells
Son
24
Enough
25
should dwell in you.
is
about those
who
If that first
and
lay
of teaching; all true.
no
to the
which was
life.
on
give the
lessons,
first
does right
God is
lie^
man
and dwell
when he
He
himself has I
£5=3}
by
Meanwhile, the
in-
you have no need
you can be a in him.
appears
made
have written
lie,
they are
Yes, litde chil-
we may
greet
deals rightly with us; be sure, then, that
born of him.
is
it
brought you
confidendy, instead of being ashamed at his presence. sure that
is
the truth,
it;
Father;
So much
in you, so that
lesson his influence gives
Follow those
so
the truth
message dwells in you, you too
are trying to mislead you.
dren, dwell in him, so that
29
hidden from you,
claim to the Father too.
in the Father.
fluence of his anointing lives
28
are
Holy
not the Christ ? Such a
have no claim
for you, that the message
will dwell in the Son,
side.
who
he does both the Father and the Son.
as
to
is
us a promise, the promise of eternal
27
is
To whom do we
acknowledging the Son that we
26
our
at
otherwise; the
men from whom
lie.
us that Jesus
disowning
the
it is
appealing to your knowledge of
cannot give birth to a
him who
if
you,
nothing
not writing to you as to
hidden. Rather, all,
it
They
Antichrists have appeared.
they were destined to prove that there are some
it is,
after
told that
to prove to us that
company, but they never belonged to our company;
of our
they had belonged to
As
22
You have been
the last age of time.
the last age of time,
is
if
is
must needs come; and even now,
You
him are
whoever
I
JOHN
God's Children and the Devil's Children
3
CHAPTER THREE HOW God
SEE
counted 2
shewn
has
towards us; that
his love
should be his sons.
as his sons,
we
should be
the world does not
If
Beloved, we is because it never recognized him. God even now, and what we shall be hereafter, has not been made known as yet. But we know that when he comes we shall be like him; we shall see him, then, as he is. Now, a man who rests these hopes in God lives a life of holiness; God, too, is
recognize us, that are sons of
3
holy.
4 5
The man who commits sin, violates order; sin of its nature is You know well enough that when God revealed him-
disorder.
was
self, it
away our
to take
sins; there
6
and no one can dwell in him and be
7
one
who
is
no sinfulness
a sinner.
The
has failed to see him, failed to recognize him.
man who is right with God; God, dealings. The man who lives sinfully takes
8
his
the
is
was
the devil; the devil
was revealed 9
had done, he
is
to us,
and
if
it
a sinner
was
man
a
from the
so that he
is
Little chil-
man who
dren, do not allow anybody to mislead you; the right
him,
in
must be
sinner
too,
his character
might undo what the
born of God, he does not
true to his parentage; he cannot be a sinner,
if
all
from
Son of God
the
first. If
lives
right in
is
devil
live sinfully,
he
is
born of
God. 10
This, then,
known
is
apart.
11
not live right,
12
other; that,
how
if
from the
was
devil's children are
God if To love
cannot trace his origin from
he does not love
not to be like Cain,
murdered
God's children and the
A man
first,
who
his brother.
his brethren.
was the charge given
to
Why
did he
you were
you;
took his character from the
he does
one an-
evil one,
murder him? Because
his
and
own
13
life
God.
No,
14
brethren, do not be surprised that the world should hate you.
We,
evil,
and
his brother's life
was acceptable
remember, have changed over from death brethren as
f.
9.
'He
him', that
is,
we
is
do; whereas,
if
a
man
is
to
life,
God
he inherits a strain proper
[5M]
in loving the
without love, he holds
true to his parentage'; literally, 'the seed of
being a child of
to
God
fast
persists in
to his ancestry.
Love 15
17
of God's Children
A man
by death.
God our sakes; we
that
has proved his love to us by laying
for
too
must be ready
And now,
sake of our brethren.
to lay
down
down
our
man
suppose that a
how
his heart against his brother,
My
can
we
18
dwells in
19
true test of action, not by taking phrases
we
20
demn
because
us, it is
God
hidden from him.
22
can appear boldly before God,
we
What
see us live.
24
one another.
name
that he
he
is
is
of his
if
Son Jesus a
That proves
dwelling in
us,
we
be
shall
will grant
condemn all
that
and
at
This
in him.
through the
would
we should have faith in his command should love
is,
God
is
we
us,
our requests,
living as he
keeps his commandments,
dwelling in God, and
really
and he
Christ,
man
God
our consciences con-
conscience does not
he commands
When
if
;
commandments, and
are keeping his
23
the
Beloved,
steels
love by the
on our Hps.
God
he
above conscience, and nothing
is
21
since
shew our
take our character from the truth, and
able to satisfy our consciences before
has the
if
say that the love of
children, let us
little
his life
lives for the
worldly goods he needs, and sees his brother go in want;
to us that
4
no murderer has eternal H£e dwell-
ing in him.
him?
JOHN
I
cannot hate his brother without being a mur-
and you may be sure
derer,
16
Mar\
as the
is
it
means
our proof that
gift of his Spirit.
CHAPTER FOUR ALL prophetic NOTmust put them
God. Many This spirit
is
false
spirits,
brethren, deserve your credence;
to the test, to see
prophets have
the test by
made
which God's
their
Spirit
which acknowledges Jesus Christ
V. 20.
is
appearance in the world. to be recognized; every
as
having come to us
in
This seems to be the most probable rendering of a verse whose
meaning has been much V. 24.
you
whether they come from
Or
disputed.
the last sentence
may
dered, 'What assures us that he
be connected with what follows, and renis
really
Spirit'.
C525}
dwelUng
in us
is
the gift of his
I
3
JOHN
human
True and
4
has
flesh
disunite Jesus
God
for
comes from God, This
whose coming you have been 4
that
he
is
which would
spirit
power of
the
power
stronger
belonging 6
listens to
edge of
at
to the
he does not
if
he
is
belong to God, and a to listen to us;
listen to us at all.
That
7
guish the true Spirit from the false
8
born of God, and knowing God.
another; love springs from
What
is
man must
the test by
spirit.
How
life
through him.
Son
That
let
to be
man who
God
love?
is
we
sent out his
12
has shewn such love to
13
14
15
16
17
us,
we
too
has no
are concerned,
into the world, so that
is
we
love resides, not in our shew-
an atonement for our
11
distin-
love without being
ing any love for God, but in his shewing love for us
Son
a
us love one
can the
has revealed the love of God, where
might have
is
others,
have knowl-
which we
Beloved,
God; no one can
that he has sent his only-begotten
10
there
he does not belong to God,
if
love have any knowledge of God, since
9
it;
Those
in you, than in the world.
world, speak the world's language, and the world
we
them;
God
work
Antichrist,
now you must know You, little children, who take
your origin from God, have gained the mastery over 5
God's Love
told to expect;
here in the world already.
is
and no
author;
its
false Spirits;
sins.
first,
when he if God
Beloved,
must love one another.
No
man has ever seen God; but if we love one another, then we have God dwelling in us, and the love of God has reached its full growth in our lives. This is our proof that we are dwelling in him, and he in us; he has given us a share of his own Spirit. We apostles have seen for ourselves, and can testify, that God sent out his Son to be the redeemer of the world, and where a man acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwells in him, and he in God; we have learned to recognize the love God has in our regard, to recognize it, and to make it our belief. God is love; he who dwells in love dwells in God, and God in him. That our life in V. 5. 'Which would disunite Jesus'; apparently in the sense that it would deny the identity of the human Jesus with the divine Christ; but the phrase might have a more general sense of 'destroying' Jesus. This reading in the Latin goes back to the Fathers of the second century; our present Greek manuscripts have simply 'which does not acknowledge Jesus'. V. /J. 'This is our proof; it is not certain whether this refers to what has gone before, or to what immediately follows; perhaps to both.
V. 14. 'We apostles'; the word 'apostles' does not appear in the text, but has been supplied for the sake of clearness in reading, since this is evidently
what
is
meant.
[526]
The Love
of
God; the
5
his,
to the full, so that
confidence.
1
JOHN
I
means that his love has had its way we can meet the day of judgement with no room for fear; and indeed, love drives
the world should be like
with us
Witness
Spirit's
Love has
when it is perfect love, since fear only serves for correction. The man who is still afraid has not yet reached the full measure of love. Yes, we must love God; he gave us his love first. If a man boasts of loving God, while he hates his own brother, he out fear
19
20
is
21
a
He
liar.
divine
what
has seen his brother, and has no love for him;
love can he have for the
command
must be one who
God
No,
he has never seen?
that has been given us; the
man who
this is the
loves
God
loves his brother as well.
CHAPTER FIVE EVERYONE WHO and
bcHeves that Jesus
is
the Christ
to love the parent is to love his child.
is
a child of
If
we
love
God,
God,
his commandments, we can be sure of loving God's chilLoving God means keeping his commandments, and these commandments of his are not a burden to us. Whatever takes its
and keep 3
4
dren.
origin that
is
from God must needs triumph over the world; our faith, the triumphant principle which triumphs over the world.
who
5
He
6
Son of God.
He
known
by water and blood; water and blood
alone triumphs over the world,
to us
water only; and V. 18. 'Since fear
tisement'. Others
it is,
Jesus Christ,
we have
interpret this as
is
the
as well, not
the Spirit's witness that Christ
only serves for correction';
would
believes that Jesus
whose coming has been made
literally, 'since fear
meaning
'because fear
is
is
the
has chaspainful',
or 'because fear involves the prospect of punishment'; but it is doubtful whether the language of the Greek justifies either rendering. V. ig. 'We must love God'; in the Greek, 'we love God', in the Latin, 'let
us love God'. V. 6. 'That Christ is the truth'; the Greek has 'that (or, because) the Spirit is the truth'. It is not clear what mystical significance St. John attached to the Spirit, the water, and the blood, here and in v. 8; he may, perhaps, have had the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist in mind. In John i. 33 water and the Spirit are closely associated, water and blood in John xLx. 34; in both these passages the idea of human testimony is prominent.
I
JOHN
The
5
Christian Witness; Confidence in Prayer
Thus we Word, and the Holy Ghost,
7
truth.
8
the
have a three-fold warrant in heaven, the Father,
who
three
have a three-fold warrant on earth, the 9
blood, three witnesses that conspire in one.
human
authority;
We
not divine authority higher
is
that higher divine authority for this;
ID
are yet one;
Spirit, the water,
The man who
God
and we
and the
are ready to trust
And we
still?
have
has borne witness to his
Son of God has this man who does not believe in the Son treats God as a liar; although God himself has borne witness to his Son, he has refused to believe in it. And what is the truth so attested ? That God has given us eternal life, and that this life is to be found in his Son. To keep hold of the Son is to have life; he is lifeless, who has no hold of the Son of God, There is my message to you; be sure that you have eternal life; go on be-
own
Son.
believes in the
divine attestation in his heart; the
11
12
13
lieving in the
name
of the
Son of God.
Such familiar confidence we have
14
listens to us
We
15
with his
16
that the requests
will.
are sure that he listens to
we make
of
him
his brother to be guilty, yet not of it,
we
in him, that
whenever we make any request of him
he should pray for him; and,
to the brother
who
is
not over this that
kills; it is
18
wrong-doing of any kind; not been born of God,
we may
I
our requests, sure If a
man knows
such a sin as brings death with
at his request, life will
sinning, yet not fatally.
17
all
are granted.
bid all
believe he
in accordance
him sin
fall to
is fatal.
There
is
be granted
a sin
which
may be The man who has
prayer.
be sure, keeps clear of
Sin
sin; that divine
V. 7. This verse does not occur in any good Greek manuscript. But the Latin versions may have preserved the true text; scribes often omitted, by error, the former of two sentences which had decepdvely similar endings. In this very chapter, two important manuscripts omitted the first six words of verse 15, for the same reason. V. 8. 'Conspire in one'; literally, in the Latin, 'are one', in the Greek, 'form one'. V. 16. For 'if a man knows', the Greek has, 'if a man sees'. Commentators are much disagreed as to the nature of the sin which brings death with it. It has often been identified as final impenitence, but the context seems to demand an acdon, rather than a state of mind. Since St. John is warning us, all through his epistle, against the danger of apostasy from Christ, he may be disdnguishing here between various degrees of culpability in sinners of that kind (cf. Jude, vv. 22, 23). He does not explicitly say that 'fatal' sin is irremissible, only that we are not bound to pray for one who shews so little evidence of good dispositions; cf. II John, verse 10.
[528]
We
are God's Children
19
origin protects him,
20
about us
I
and the
evil
JOHN
5
And we
one cannot touch him.
can be sure that we are God's children, though the whole world
of
God
lies
has
in the
come
power
to us,
to recognize the true 21
God, and
eternal
life.
of
evil.
We can be sure, too, that the Son
and has given us
God, and Beware,
a sense of truth;
to live in his true little
Son.
we were
He
is
true
children, of false gods.
or perhaps 'of the evil one'. not certain vvhether the vv'ord 'he' refers to the
V. ig. 'Of evil'; V. 20. It is
to the
word
'Son'.
[529]
word
'God' or
EPISTLE OF THE BLESSED APOSTLE JOHN
THE SECOND
THE PRESBYTER, scnd greeting I, has chosen; and
the truth, loved, not by
me
who
nized the truth,
3
be our companion for ever.
God
Son of the Father, send you
grace,
4
truth and love.
me
for love of that truth
command
ing the
sovereign lady,
mand 6
from his
7
that
the
I
has given
my
the Father,
and
us
commandments;
all
to us
love
is
and
only the
itself
way
spirit of
of thee.
the
Many
some
of truth, obey-
from the Father.
make
will
Jesus Christ, the
mercy and peace in a
It is
And now,
no new com-
command we were
love one another.
bade us follow.
have recog-
in us,
great happiness, in meeting
a request to
letter brings,
first; let
earliest lessons
came
that
have
who
which dwells
of thy children, to find that they followed the 5
are
only, but by all those
2
It
whom God my friends in
to that sovereign lady
to those children of hers
given
Love means keeping
commandment which our false teachers
have appeared
who will not acknowledge that Jesus Christ has human flesh; here is the deceiver you were warned against,
in the world,
come
in
Be on your guard, or you
will lose all
8
here
9
have earned, instead of receiving your wages in
who God
is
Antichrist.
who is not true to Christ's man who is true to that teaching,
goes back, ;
the
V. I. If, as is
full.
you
The man
teaching, loses hold of
keeps hold both of the
word 'presbyter' (or senior) referred in the first 'foundation members' of a given church (cf. Acts
probable, the
instance to those
who were
XX. 17, 18), it is easy to see why St. John should describe himself as 'the senior' (in relation to the Church at large) at a time when he was the only he addresses is no doubt a local church; the Apostle left. The 'lady'
whom
notion that a person is addressed (some think, by a proper name, Kyria) does not accord well with the use of the plural in verses 8-12. V. 8. 'All you have earned'; some Greek manuscripts have 'all the result of
our
labours'.
man who goes back'; other manuscripts of the Latin have 'the goes on in front', which corresponds better with the Greek. The sense may be (if that is the true reading), 'the man who tries to go beyond' the fixed deposit of faith, perhaps by adopdng a Docetic view of our Lord's Incarnation. f. 9.
'The
man who
[531I
II
10
JOHN
False Teachers must be
Father and of the Son.
If
you are
visited
who
by one
him
bring this teaching with him, you must not receive
him welcome;
11
houses, or bid
12
guilt of his doings. it besr.
you, and convey 13
full
I
not to entrust
measure.
it
The
to bid
might add
my
message
him welcome
to this letter, to
but
paper and ink;
is
shunned
does not in your
to share the
have thought
I I
hope to
visit
by word of mouth, to give you happiness in children of thy
greeting.
C532]
sister,
God's chosen, send thee
THE THIRD EPISTLE OF THE BLESSED APOSTLE JOHN GREETINGS FROM and
thee,
3
What
the prcsbyter to Gaius, his most dear friend in
Beloved,
the truth.
my
prayer
that
is
goes well with
all
that thou art in health; with thy soul,
happiness
it
gave me,
when
all
goes well.
who came
the brethren
here
bore witness of thy loyalty to the truth, the loyalty thou shewest
4
in all thy dealings!
5
when
I
I
my
hear that
have no greater cause for thankfulness, than
children are following the
loved, thou art playing a faithful
when
kindness to the brethren, even
6
They have borne
to set
such a manner as
God's service;
8
of his
9
10
it
I
it
might have sent
I
message
this
acknowledge
to
will tax
him with
his
us.
ill
If I
to the
He
Yes,
for love it is
church at
wrong, to
right pattern, not the
child of
God;
Demetrius
is
13
mendation to
is
Thy
visit,
be
maligns us with his
restraint
imitate.
on those who
Beloved, choose the
He who
one
whom
all
commend
true.
I
have
speak well
does right
is
a
of,
and the truth
and we
itself is his
him, and thou knowest that our com-
much
to tell thee,
convey the message with paper and ink;
fore long,
large,
among
the wrong-doer has caught no glimpse of him.
warrant; we, too,
14
our
men
not that enough for him, without refusing to
is
would, by expelling them from the church?
thee.
it.
should pay you a
conduct.
acknowledge our brethren, and putting
12
to
not that Diotrephes, ever eager to take a leading part
foolish gossip;
11
their journey in
was undertaken
help on the cause of truth by giving welcome to such
them, refuses sure
befits
name, the heathen contributed nothing
as these.
were
they are strangers to thee.
them forward on
and thou wilt do well
to
Be-
of truth.
public witness before the church of thy charity,
7
duty
way
man's part in shewing such
will converse by
friends here greet thee.
word
I
I
have no mind
hope
to see thee be-
but
of mouth. Peace be with
Give our
friends, each of
them
by name, our greeting. See note on the second Epistle, v. i. 'Of his name'; the Greek has 'of the Name', as in Acts the name of Jesus Christ is clearly meant. V. I.
V. 7.
[333]
v. 41,
where
THE UNIVERSAL
THE
EPISTLE OF
BLESSED APOSTLE JUDE SERVANT o£ Jcsus Chfist, and brother of James, to those JUDE, A who have met with loving-kindness from God the Father, those whom he has set apart for Jesus Christ, and called them, mercy
and peace and love be yours, in is
full
measure.
Beloved, as one
ever ready to write to you about that salvation
common
concern,
I
am
compelled to send you
which
this letter of
ing; you have a battle to fight over the faith that
down, once
for
all,
and
Christ, our
Let
all.
life
you,
how
The
angels, too,
stead of keeping their
darkness, to await their
with
who
God
lesson, and you know who had rescued his those who had proved un-
Learn one
the place assigned to them, in-
left
due order, he has imprisoned in eternal judgement when the great day comes. So
Sodom and Gomorrha and
into the
secretly
the Saviour
people from Egypt went on to destroy faithful.
way
of wantonness; they even deny Jesus
one Lord and Master.
me remind
warn-
was handed
are perverting the life of grace our
has bestowed on us into a
who your
Godless men, long since des-
to the saints.
tined thus to incur condemnation, have found their into your company,
is
same debauchery
the cities
as their
round them, which
fell
neighbours and pursued un-
natural lust; they bear, for our warning, their sentence of eternal
And
fire.
so
it is
with these as
it
was with those
others; they pol-
lute nature, they defy authority, they insult august
when
yet,
their dispute over the
him
names.
(And
the archangel Michael held debate with the devil, in
insultingly;
body
of Moses, he did not venture to accuse
he was content
to
say.
May
the
Lord rebuke
thee.) v. 5.
the
The
Saviour'; the
God who brought
name
Israel
'Jesus' is here used, apparently, to designate out of Egypt. Some Greek manuscripts have
'the Lord'.
vv. 8, 9. See II Peter ii. 10, 11, and notes there. The tradition of a dispute over the body of Moses seems to have been preserved also in the apocryphal book called The Assumption of Moses, of which only a fragment survives.
[535]
The Wotidliness
JUDE Such men sneer
10
at the things they
of false Teachers
cannot understand; like the
brute beasts they derive knowledge only from their senses, and 11
Woe
serves to corrupt them.
Balaam
the path of Cain; greed, that led 12
side,
What
sumptuously
in their banquets, as they fare
at
shepherds that feed themselves without scruple!
wandering
crests,
14
is
They are clouds with no water in them, driven before the winds, autumn trees that bear no fruit, given over anew to death, plucked up by the roots; they are fierce waves of the sea, with shame for their
your
13
been their
astray, has
ruin; they have taken part in the fatal rebellion of Core.
defilement there
it
betide them, they have followed in
Of
them.
with eternal darkness and storm awaiting
stars,
among
these,
others,
Henoch was speaking, Adam's when he prophesied, Behold,
descendant in the seventh degree, 15
the
Lord came with
sentence on ners,
16
with
many
to convict the godless.
how many ungodly
rebellious
to carry out his
his saints in their thousands,
men, and
all
acts they
Godless and sin-
how men go
have defied God, with
Such
words have they blasphemed him!
about whispering and complaining, and live by the rule of their
own
appetites;
meanwhile, their mouths are ready with fine
phrases, to flatter the great
But
17 18
as for you, beloved,
20
serves their ends.
mocking
spirits
must needs appear
how
they
in the last age,
who would make their own ungodly appetites into a rule of life. Such are the men who now keep themselves apart; animal natures, without the life of the Spirit. It is for you, beloved, to make your most holy
21
it
keep in mind the warnings given you
long since by the aposdes of our Lord Jesus Christ; told you, that
19
when
faith the foundation of
in the
power of the Holy
love of
God, and wait
for the
22
eternal life for your goal.
23
confute them; V. II.
is
See
II
others
Peter
ii.
your
Spirit;
to
lives,
and
to
go on praying
maintain yourselves in the
mercy of our Lord Jesus
To some you must
Christ, with
give a hearing, and
you must pluck out of the
fire,
and rescue
15.
vv. 12, /J. See II Peter ii. 13 and 17, and note on v. 13 there. vv. 14, 75. These words are found in the apocryphal Book of Enoch, which supposed by scholars to have been written in the second and first centuries
before Christ. vv. ly, 18. See II Peter
iii.
2-4.
literally, 'in fear'. Some Greek manuscripts only give two classes of men here, instead of three. 'The outward fringe of the flesh has defiled'; literally, 'the garment defiled by the flesh'. V. 23.
'While you shun them';
what
1536}
Ascription of Praise to
JUDE
God
them; others again you can only the
24
outward fringe of what the
There
you.
you 25
is
one
who
pity,
flesh
while you shun them; even
has defiled must be hateful to
can keep you clear of
proved,
God,
when our Lord Jesus who gives us
to him,
fault,
and enable
triumphant and unre-
to stand in the presence of his glory,
Christ comes;
to
him,
who
alone
is
salvation through Jesus Christ our
Lord, glory and majesty and power and domination are due, before time was,
t/.
24.
and now, and
for all ages.
The words 'when our Lord
Amen.
Jesus Christ comes' are not in our
text.
C537I
Greek
THE APOCALYPSE OF THE BLESSED APOSTLE JOHN
CHAPTER ONE THIS him
IS
A revelation
to
from
make known
Jesus Christ,
soon find their due accomplishment. disclose the pattern of
for God's word,
own eyes had all who listen
And
he has sent
A
it.
to these
blessing
his angel to
one who bore witness
to his servant John,
it
and for the truth concerning Jesus
seen
message; the time
Thus John
which God has allowed which must
to his servants, of things
Christ, as his
on him who reads
this,
words of prophecy, and keep true
close at hand.
is
and peace
writes to the seven churches in Asia, Grace
be yours, from
him who
from the seven
and on to their
spirits
is,
and ever was, and
is still to
come, and
and from
that stand before his throne;
who
Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, first-born of the risen dead, rules over all earthly kings.
He
has proved his love for us, by wash-
ing us clean from our sins in his race of priests, to serve
God,
own
through endless ages. Amen.
bring lamentation to
Amen.
I
am
royal
and power be
his
all
who wounded
the tribes of earth. So
him, and he it
must
be,
am Omega, the beginning of all things and Lord God; he who is, and ever was, and is still
Alpha,
their end, says the to
and made us a
Behold, he comes with clouds about
him, seen by every eye, seen by those shall
blood,
his Father; glory
I
come, the Almighty. I,
John, your brother,
nity,
who
and your endurance
share your ill-usage, your royal dig-
in Christ Jesus,
was
set
down on
the
who
bore witness of God's word'; others would understand this has now borne record of God's word', and as referring to the Apocalypse itself. But a comparison of i. 9, vi. 9, and xx. 4 below suggests that the verb here means bearing witness to God's word in V. 2.
as
'One
meaning
'the
man who
face of persecution (cf.
I
Tim.
vi.
13)
;
in
which
case the apostle
is
identify-
ing himself as an eye-witness of the gospel story and a confessor for the V. 7. Cf. Zech. xii. 10, John xix. 37.
C539]
faith.
APOCALYPSE
Christ in Glory writes to the Seven Churches
2
word and
island called Patmos, for love of God's
of the truth con-
11
And there, on the Lord's day, I fell into a trance, and heard behind me a voice, loud as the call of a trumpet, which said, Write down all thou seest in a book, and send it to the seven
12
Thyatira, and Sardis, and Philadelphia, and Laodicea.
10
cerning Jesus.
Pergamum, and
churches in Asia, to Ephesus, and Smyrna, and
what
to see
13
I
voice
it
saw seven golden
was
was speaking and
candlesticks,
golden candlesticks one 14
that
who seemed
So
I
turned,
as
I
turned,
in the midst of these seven
man, clothed in
like a son of
head was like wool snow-white, and
his
The
fire,
the sound of water in deep flood. stars;
and
At
from
his
his face
mouth came
was
the sight of him,
am
before
death,
am
all, I
alive, as
and
19
of death
20
what must
am
hell.
a
In his right hand were seven
sword sharpened
when it down at his
sun
like the
he, laying his right
I fell
hand on me, spoke at the
thou
end of
all,
seest, to
at
shines at feet like a
thus:
and
Do
its
befall hereafter.
As
my
for the
and
meaning
right hand,
edges;
strength.
dead man; and not be afraid;
I live. I,
endless ages,
both
its full
I
who underwent I
hold the keys
Write down thy vision of what now
which thou hast seen in
hair
his eyes like flaming
melted in the crucible, and his voice like
his feet like orichalc
15 16
18
And
me.
a long garment, with a golden girdle about his breast.
on
17
to
is,
and
of the seven stars
and the seven golden
candlesticks, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches
thou knowest, and the candlesticks, seven in number, are the seven churches.
CHAPTER TWO church AKGEL To THEfrom him who of the
2
at
Ephesus write thus:
walks amidst the seven golden candlesticks: doings,
V. 75.
all
A message
bears the seven stars in his right hand,
thee
thy
toil
and endurance; how
little
I
know
to
and
of all thy
patience thou hast
Orichalc, an unidentified metal of the ancient world.
V. ly. Cf. Is. xliv. 6,
Matt. xiv. 2;.
V. 20. This may refer to the angel guardians of the churches, but more probably to their bishops.
[540]
:;
with wickedness,
how
name
and found them
5
Yet there
despair.
charity that
thou hast I f)
at first.
them.
when
And
Who wins
to the
ears, to the
the victory
which grows
Yet
this is in thy fa-
before
is
Smyrna
derwent death and now
and
all
alive:
is
I
as
him
will give
I
.f*
my
I,
abhor
too,
Spirit has for fruit
from the
God.
write thus:
at the
end of
know how
A message
all,
who
sorely tried
art,
how
thy
name
are
no true Jews; they are rather the chosen people of Satan).
stricken with poverty (yet, is
men who
traduced by
all
else
unrepentant,
still
message the
in the Paradise of
angel of the church at
from him, who
place.
its
ways; or
to the old
find thee
I
ways of the Nicolaitans,
you that have
Listen,
to thee
10
I
remove thy candlestick from
will
tree of life,
9
of such as usurp the
Yes, thou endurest, and
and repent, and go back
to visit thee, and,
the churches.
S
trial
false.
my name has not made thee make against thee; of losing the Remember the height from which
one charge
was thine
fallen,
come
will
is
vour, thou dost abhor the 7
made
thou hast
2
thou hast borne for the love of
all
4
of apostle,
APOCALYPSE
and Pergamum
Praise of Ephesus, Smyrna,
the while, so rich)
un-
thou
how
;
claim to be Jews (though they
Do
not be afraid of the suffering thou art to undergo. Before long, the devil will
and
there, 1
me
throw some of you into prison, for ten days
you
to the point of death,
you that have
Who
and
ears, to the
wins the
victory.'^
shall
be in sore will
I
have your faith tested
distress.
Keep
crown thee with
message the
The second
to
faith
with
Listen,
life.
Spirit has for the churches.
death shall have no power to
hurt him. 12
And
to the angel of the
message 13
edges:
Satan
to thee I
sits
know
church
at
Pergamum
from him whose sword well in
enthroned.
what
And
is
write thus:
sharpened
at
both
a place thou dwellest, a place
yet thou art true to
my
A its
where
name, and hast
not disowned thy faith in me. Such in former times was Antipas,
who 14
bore
me
faithful witness,
dwelling-place, your
city.
and was put
Yet here and there
to I
death in Satan's
have fault to find
with thee; thou hast followers there of the school of Balaam.
Balaam w^ho taught Balac how
It
was
to lay a trap for the people of Israel,
V. 6. There is a tradition that this sect was founded by Nicolaus the deacon (Acts vi. 5) but this is uncertain. They seem to have been antino-
mian
in doctrine.
v. 14.
Num.
xxxi. 16.
[541}
APOCALYPSE when t5,
17
and thou,
my
of
new name
to the
receives
and
more
know
I
who
of
active than at
21
they
my
prophecy, to mislead into fornication,
fall
is
written,
known
and
A
to
mes-
has eyes like flaming
fire,
thy doings, thy faith, thy
all
how
thou
in these last days
Yet here and there
first.
woman
find with thee; thou allowest the gift of
that
Who wins
angel of the church at Thyatira write thus:
feet like orichalc:
art
you
Listen,
it.
love, thy generosity, thy endurance,
20
and
manna, and give him
the hidden
And
Do
to visit thee,
mouth.
him with
will feed
I
into fornica-
Spirit has for the churches.
sage to thee from the Son of God, 19
come
will quickly
white stone, on which stone a
him only who 18
message the
ears, to the
the victory? a
I
them with the sword
fight against
fell
Thyatira
too, hast followers of the Nicolaitan school.
thy turn, repent; or
ill
have
and
they ate what was sacrificed to idols
i6tion; thou,
Pergamum and
False teaching at
2
Jezabel,
I
have fault to
who
claims the
servants with her teaching, so that
eat
what
offered to idols.
is
have
I
mend her harlot's and those who commit
given her time for repentance, but she will not 22
ways.
I
have a bed ready
to lay her in;
adultery with her will be in sore
23
the churches
all
and
heart,
24
I
straits, if
they do not repent of
And her children I will kill outright, so that may know me for one who probes the innermost
wrong-doing.
their
will repay each of
say to you,
teaching,
who have
which Satan
called)
you;
26
Who
wins the
27
give
him
his
deeds have earned. But
who do
not follow this
never learned the deep mysteries (as they are ojEfers;
keep hold of what
25
you what
those others in Thyatira
victory.?
I
is
Who
have no fresh burden to lay upon
m
your grasp already, until
will
do
my
authority over the nations;
bidding to the to
I
last?
come. I
will
herd them like sheep
with a crook of iron, breaking them in pieces like earthenware;
same authority which
28
the
29
Star of
morning
message the
V.
shall
I
myself hold from
his.
Listen,
you
my
Father.
And
the
that have ears, to the
Spirit has for the churches.
16. 'In thy turn'; this
above), but XXV. 5.
be
more probably
vv. 26, 27. Ps.
ii.
V. 28. Cf. xxii. 16
may mean
'like
refers to the
8, 9.
below.
1:542}
the Christians at Ephesus' (v. 5
purge of religion ordered in
Num.
Dead
APOCALYPSE
Sardis; loyal Philadelphia
3
CHAPTER THREE TO THE church's angel
AND seven
know
stars. I
2
ing man, and
3
tasks
whatever
of
all
but
else still lives,
my God
member how
the gift,
and repent.
thou
If
how
thy watch,
know
liv-
hold
Refast,
it
come upon
thee like
my coming
to thee.
will
I
the hour of
Yet here and there in Sardis thou canst claim souls which have
clothed in white;
it is
Who
their due.
he be clothed, in white garments; the
6
to
rally
unfulfilled.
to thee;
kept their garments undefiled, and these shall bear 5
and
thyself,
them
came
the message
failest in
message
God, and the
point of death. There are
find
I
A
thou dost pass for a
Rouse
lives at the
expects of thee, and
spirits of
how
thy doings,
the while art a corpse.
all
a thief; thou shalt never
4
write thus:
at Sardis
from him who bears the seven
thee
^
book of
and
his
life,
his angels.
name
you that have
Listen,
I
shall
will never blot out of
my
acknowledge before
will
I
name
his
me company,
wins the victory? So
Father
the message the
ears, to
Spirit has for the churches.
7
And
to the angel of the
message
to thee
9
when he
shuts:
I
know
thee an
open door, there
strength
is,
denied
my
of thy doings,
10
Before long,
at thy feet,
shewn
Thou
and
I
I
will
upon
keep thee
safe
I
will
am coming
my
will
make him
thy
own some
claim to be Jews to thee,
trial
which
who
all
Who
I
have
lesson of endurance,
soon; hold what
none may rob thee of thy crown.
before
little
make them come
from the hour of
that
I
set
message, and hast not
falsely
hast kept true to
earth.
the city
have
know how
and acknowledging the love
12
I
see, I
will give thee for thy
the whole world, for the testing of Patience,
A
and truth; who bears
I
my
to
11
again.
it.
men who
they are none; before long,
doing reverence for thee.
and
no shutting
is
of Satan's chosen people, the
when
holiness
and yet thou hast been true
name.
Philadelphia write thus:
at
is all
none may shut when he opens, none open
the key of David, so that 8
church
from him, who
is
is
soon
to fall
dwell on the
in thy grasp, so
wins the victory?
I
my God, never to leave it will write on him the name of my God, and the name of my God has built, that new Jerusalem which my God is a pillar in the temple of
[543]
APOCALYPSE now
even 13
Tepidity of the Laodiceans
4
sending
down from
you that have
Listen,
my own new
heaven, and
message the
ears, to the
name.
Spirit has for the
churches.
And
14
church
to the angel of the
at
Laodicea write thus:
A
mes-
sage to thee from the Truth, the faithful and unerring witness, the 15
source from which God's creation began:
I
and find thee neither cold nor hot; cold or 16
17
18
luke-warm, neither cold
make me vomit thee out of my mouth. I am rich, thou sayest, I have come into my own; nothing, now, is wanting to me. And all the while, if thou didst but know it, it is thou who art wretched, thou who art to be pitied. Thou art a begand
and naked;
gar, blind
from
me what
rich,
and white garments,
ness
20
generosity, if
sight.
anyone
visit
to clothe thee,
is,
I
See where
upon thy
correct
won
I
you that have
Listen,
thee
eyes, to restore
stand at the door, knocking;
I
him
will let
now
the victory, and
make
and chasten; kindle thy
my voice and opens the take my supper with him,
wins the victory?
come and buy
to
fire, to
and cover up the naked
salve, too,
love that
I
and repent.
too have
throne.
counsel to thee
listens to
Who I
those
It is
him, and
me.
me;
my
thou needest; gold, proved in the
which dishonours thee; rub
them
22
art,
of thy doings,
would thou wert
I
nor hot, thou wilt
19
21
Being what thou
one or the other.
know
hot,
door,
share
I sit
ears, to the
come
will
I
and he
shall
my
sharing
in to
sup with
throne with
my
message the
Father's
Spirit has
for the churches.
CHAPTER FOUR
THEN
A VISION
And
open.
came
the
to
same
me;
voice,
I
saw
which
a door in heaven, standing I
had heard speaking
to
Come up
to
before, loud as the call of a trumpet, said to side,
and
I
plishment.
will
shew thee what must
And
all
at
once
I
was
me.
and saw where
throne stood in heaven, and one sat there enthroned. there bore the semblance of a jewel, jasper or sardius, a
rainbow about the throne, t>.
4.
The word
'elders'
here
due accom-
find, after this, its
in a trance,
He who
also
[544]
be translated
a
sal
and there was
like a vision of emerald.
may
me my
Round
'presbyters'.
it
APOCALYPSE
Vision of the heavenly Court
were twenty-four
seats,
in white garments, with
came out from fore
it
facing
and on these
was
a
whole sea of
them.
The
ox, the third
figure
had
a
was
and
itself,
to see before
in the midst,
were four living
them and behind
that of a lion, the second that of
figures
had
six
unceasingly. Holy, holy, holy is
and
is still
to
is
the
Lord God,
And
come.
gave glory and honour and blessing
who
an
wings, with eyes every-
where looking outwards and inwards; day and night they ever was, and
be'
God;
man's look, and the fourth was that of an eagle
Each of the four
in flight.
And
glass, like crystal.
had eyes everywhere first
thunders.,
are the seven spirits of
where the throne was, round the throne figures, that
Lightnings
their heads.
and mutterings, and
burned seven lamps, which it
twenty-four elders, clothed
sat
crowns of gold on
the throne,
5
to
the Almighty,
cried
who
as often as these figures
him who
sat
on
the throne,
down in who sat on the throne, who lives for ever and and threw down their crowns before the throne, crying out,
lives for ever
and
ever,
the twenty-four elders
fell
worship before him ever,
Thou, our Lord God, claimest power; by thee
was ever
all
as thy
due glory and honour and
things were created; nothing ever was, nothing
created, but in obedience to thy wilL
CHAPTER FIVE
AND NOW I saw that he who sat on the throne carried in his right L
hand
a scroll.
The
both written on, and
it
inside of the page
was
angel of sovereign strength,
and the outside were
sealed with seven seals.
who was
And
claims the right to open the book, and break the seals there
was no one
in heaven, or
on
I
saw an
crying in a loud voice,
under the
earth, or
could open the scroll and have sight of
it.
on
I
was
all
it?
earth,
Who But
who
in tears, that
t'v. ^-10. All the verbs in these sentences, except one, are in past tenses, according to our version. The Greek, and some manuscripts of the Latin, give the present tense in vv. 5-8, the future in vv. 9-10. f. 6. Cf. Ezech. i. 5-1 1. These figures were identified by some of the earliest Christian visiters as representing the four Evangelists.
C545]
APOCALYPSE
The Lamb and
5
none should be found worthy 5
Book
scroll or
have sight of
No
need for
tears; here is
me,
until
one of the elders said
one
who
has gained the right to open the book, by breaking
seals, the
Lion
Then
stock of David.
(as
thought) in
I
which
everywhere on earth. right
hand
of
sat
the four living figures
the
Lamb standing upright, yet He had seven horns, and seven God,
He now
him who
go out
that
a harp,
on
it.
eyes,
bidding
scroll
from the disclosed
elders fell
down
in
and they had golden bowls
And now
they sang, Thou, Lord, art worthy to take seals that are
his
slain
and when he
and the twenty-four
full of incense, the prayers of the saints.
break the
do
to
came, and took the
on the throne,
Lamb's presence. Each bore
hymn
its
from the
saw, in the midst, where the throne was,
are the seven spirits of
8
tribe of Juda,
elders, a
sacrifice.
7
it,
I
to
comes from the
that
amid the twenty-four
9
the sealed
open the
it;
seven 6
to
Thou wast
it
was a new
up the book and
slain in sacrifice; out of
every tribe, every language, every people, every nation thou hast 10
ransomed us with thy blood and given us
made 11
us a royal race of priests, to serve
kings over the earth.
Then
I
heard, in
to
God.
God; we
my
Thou
hast
shall reign as
vision, the voices of a
multitude of angels, standing on every side of the throne, where the living figures 12
and the
elders were, in thousands of thousands,
and crying aloud. Power and Godhead, wisdom and strength,
honour and glory and blessing 13
slain.
earth,
And
and on the
gether. Blessing
it
V.
and II.
that
was
sea,
and
all
that
is
in
it,
I
heard crying out
to-
not clear in what sense.
The Greek manuscripts have
up'.
vu. g, 10. 'us'
Lamb
and honour and glory and power, through endless
V. 8. 'Disclosed'; it is
'took
are his by right, the
every creature in heaven and on earth, and under the
Some
of the Greek manuscripts have 'them'
and
'they' instead
of
'we'.
The Greek
has, 'in ten thousands of ten thousands,
and thousands
of thousands'. I/. 12. 'Godhead'; the Greek here has 'riches', and it seems likely that the Latin version arose from a faulty reading. V. /J. 'And on the sea, and all that is in it'; this is perhaps the best account to give of the Latin text here, but it is curious that 'on' and 'in' should be rendered by the same preposition in Latin. The Greek text seems to be 'every creature in heaven and on earth, and under the earth, and on the sea, and all that is in them'; it is hard to see that the last six words add anything to the sense.
[546]
APOCALYPSE
The four Horsemen 14
on the throne, and to the Lamb. Amen; and the twenty-four elders worshipping him who lives for ever and ever.
him who
ages, to
Then
sits
four Hving figures said, prostrate,
CHAPTER
6
the fell
SIX
THEN, IN MY VISION, the Lamb broke open one of the seven seals, and with
that
say, in a
heard one of the four living figures
I
voice like thunder,
Come and
look.
So
I
looked, and saw there a
white horse, whose rider carried a bow; a crown was given him,
and he rode out
victorious,
broke the second
seal, I
look; and empowered slay
away
to take
one another; and
in his
I
hand a
And when he Come and
victory.
saw
say.
whose
out, fiery-red,
sword was given
to him.
heard the third figure
I
thought, too,
the living figures were.
A
say.
whose
there a black horse,
pair of scales;
came from where
win
rider
was
men And when Come and
peace from the world, bidding
all
a great
seal, I
looked, and
to
came
a second horse
he broke the third look; so
and
heard the second figure
I
rider carried
heard a voice that
silver piece,
said,
it
for a quart of wheat, a silver piece for three quarts of barley; but
do the wine and the
oil
And when
no hurt.
he broke the fourth
seal, I
heard the voice of the fourth living figure
look.
So
was to
called Death,
have
his
say.
Come and
looked, and saw there a cream-white horse;
I
and Hell went
way with
all
at his bridle-rein;
rider
its
he was allowed
the four quarters of the world, killing
men
by the sword, by famine, by plague, and through wild beasts that
roam
the earth.
beneath the
And when
altar, the souls
he broke the
of
all
fifth seal, I
who had been
God's word and of the truth they held,
saw
there,
slain for love of
crying out with a loud
V. 14. The last seven words of this verse are of doubtful authority in the Greek, and are missing in some Latin manuscripts.
'Come and look'; most o*^ the Greek manuscripts, here and in the down, have simply, 'Come'. These are famine prices, at which a labourer would have to spend the whole of his day's wages to provide bread for himself alone. V.
I.
parallel passages lower V. 6.
C547]
APOCALYPSE
Sixth Seal bro\en; the
7
how
voice, Sovereign Lord, the holy, the true,
thou wilt 11
those
all
sit
in
who
Whereupon
dwell on earth ?
my
Then, in
he broke the
died.
13
and the whole moon blood-red;
it;
15
no
16
a great earthquake,
the sky folded
14
vision,
and
island, but
up
like a scroll,
noblemen and
their
of strength,
all alike,
slaves
among
the
and
those others,
grew dark
when
fig-tree,
as sackcloth,
a high
its
place.
wind rocks
free
men, took
Fall
on
us,
The kings of the men of wealth and shelter in caves
they said to the
now
can stand his ground,
and hills
on
sits
Which
and from the vengeance of the Lamb.
the throne,
earth,
fell to
and the rocks, and hide us from the presence of him who 17
had
and disappeared; no mountain,
their captains,
hills.
was given
rest a little
and with that
sixth seal;
the sun
was removed from
world with
rock-fastnesses
before
to die as they
the stars of heaven
unripe fruit shaken from a
like
a white robe
and fellow-servants, who were
12
was
now
long
made up by
while longer, until their number had been their brethren
of Israel
judgement, and exact vengeance for our blood from
them, and they were bidden to take their
to each of
there
Remnant
of us
day of their
that the great day, the
vengeance, has come.?
CHAPTER SEVEN
AND NOW k.
I
saw four
angels, standing at the world's four corners,
and holding back the four winds of the world,
should blow on land or a second angel
God.
And
sea, or
coming up from the
east,
to lay
with the
waste land and sea;
land or sea or wood, until those
who
were
sealed, a
serve our
from every
no wind
And
I
God.
we have put a Then I heard
seal
The
think that this
saw
seal of the living
Do
who
not lay waste
on the foreheads of
the count of those
who
hundred and forty-four thousand of them, taken
tribe of the
sons of Israel.
Twelve thousand were
"Their vengeance'; the Greek manuscripts have
vv. 4-8.
so that
of the trees.
he cried out with a loud voice to the four angels
were empowered
V. ly.
upon any
makes no mention
'his
vengeance'.
Dan; St. Irenaeus and other authors was because Antichrist was expected to come from that tribe. list
of
[548]
The
6
from the
thali,
tribe of Aser,
8
twelve thousand from the tribe of
tribe of Juda,
Ruben, twelve thousand from the
from the 7
APOCALYPSE
great Multitude; Seventh Seal
sealed
Gad;
tribe of
twelve thousand
twelve thousand from the tribe of Neph-
twelve thousand from the tribe of Manasse;
twelve thou-
sand from the tribe of Simeon, twelve thousand from the tribe of 8
Levi, twelve thousand
from the 9
tribe of
from the
twelve thousand
tribe of Issachar;
Zabulon, twelve thousand from the tribe of
Joseph, twelve thousand from the tribe of Benjamin. I
saw
and
a great multitude, past all counting, taken
Lamb's presence, clothed and
10
in their hands,
11
on the throne, and all
And all
then
nations
and peoples and languages. These stood before the throne
tribes
in the
from
in white robes, with palm-branches
cried with a loud voice. to the
Lamb,
all
To
our God,
who sits And
saving power belongs.
the angels that were standing round the throne, round the
and the living
elders
God
worship;
figures, fell prostrate before the throne
Amen,
and
they cried, blessing and glory and
12
paid
13
wisdom and thanksgiving and honour and power and strength belong to our God through endless ages, Amen. And now one of the elders turned to me, and asked, Who are they, and whence
14
do they come, these who are robed thou canst
Lamb.
me. These, he
said,
in white?
My
Lord, said
I,
have come here out of the great
they have washed their robes white in the blood of the
affliction;
15
tell
And now
and night
they stand before God's throne, serving
in his temple; the presence of
overshadow them.
They
16
shall
17
more; no sun, no noon-day
him who
will not be
sits
him day
on the throne
hungry or
thirsty
heat, shall fall across their path.
any
The
Lamb, who dwells where the throne is, will be their shepherd, leading them out to the springs whose water is life; and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
CHAPTER EIGHT
THEN
HE BROKE opcn the Seventh
seal;
and, for about half an
hour, there was silence in heaven.
And now
I
saw seven trumpets given
[549I
to the seven angels
who
APOCALYPSE 3
Four Trumpets sound
8
There was another angel that came and with a censer of gold; and incense was
stand in God's presence.
took his stand
him
given
at the altar,
altar before the throne,
4
saints.
So,
5
up
from the
took his censer, it
down on
filled
up with
Then
saints' prayer.
firebrands
from the
altar,
And now
a great earthquake.
7
with the seven trumpets made ready to sound them. sounded, there was a storm of hail and fell
on the
ing up a third of the 8
And when all
9 10
the angel
and threw
trees,
fire,
burning up a third part of burning up it
the
earth, burn-
the green grass
all
was
When
mingled with
as if a great
on
it.
mountain,
in flames, fell into the sea, turning a third part of the sea into
blood,
and
killing a third of all the creatures that live in the sea,
and wrecking
a third of the ships.
And when
from heaven, burning
star fell
the third angel like a torch, fell
and on the springs of water. The Wormwood; and it changed a third of the water into wormwood, till many died of drinking the water, so And when the fourth angel sounded, a third bitter had it become. of the sun and a third of the moon and a third of the stars were
upon
name
12
earth,
the second angel sounded,
sounded, a great 11
the
went
the seven angels
lightning,
blood, that
all
of the incense
6
first
on the
thunder followed, and mutterings, and
to the earth;
and
smoke
angel's hand, the
it
offering
out of the prayers said by
God's presence, kindled by the
in
make an
in plenty, so that he could
golden
a third part of the rivers,
of this star
is
smitten with darkness, so that the day must go without light for 13
a third of
its
length,
and the night
words spoken by an eagle heaven, crying aloud,
when
too.
And
I
heard, in
that flew across the
Woe, woe, woe
to all that
my
vision,
middle part of dwell on earth,
those other calls are sounded by the three angels
whose trum-
pets have yet to sound.
out of the prayers'; in the Greek, 'put it upon V. 3. 'Make an offering the prayers', which are thus represented as live coals in the angel's thurible. V. 4. 'Kindled by', literally, 'from'; the Greek phrase seems to mean 'upon'. .
.
.
[550]
APOCALYPSE
Trumpet; the Locusts; Sixth Trumpet
Fifth
9
CHAPTER NINE
AND WHEN THE 3
angel sounded,
This
to earth.
a great furnace,
the
till
ened both the sun and the
on
chief as scorpions have
were
men, such men
to attack
when he
men 7
it;
longing
to die,
The semblance
slip.)
like gold,
9
like
and
God's mark on
months; such pain
means
(When
women's
plates that
was 10
into battle.
men
was
was
their tails
iron,
drawn
and the
and with
their is
Of
in
are
woes still
that to
ence of God.
II.
They wore
breast-
their
wings
many
horses
stings in their tails that
were empowered
And
made to
do
they fought under a
that
It
The Latin
is,
in Latin, the Exter-
were pronounced, one
the sixth angel sounded,
is
now
I
altar
heard a voice that came
which stands
in the pres-
said to the sixth angel, as he stood there with his
trumpet. Release the four angels
t>.
shone
come.
from the four corners of the golden 14
no
them the
they had hair
speed by
at full
Greek Apollyon,
the three
two others
And when
will be
circlet that
faces;
and the noise of
these they
feels
king was the angel of the abyss, whose name in He-
Abaddon,
minator.
man
that of horses capari-
teeth like lions' teeth.
hurt for a space of five months.
past; the 13
It
like scorpions,
king;
brew 12
and
like the noise of chariots,
them 11
hair,
might have been of
as a
will always give
human
like
their
those days come,
and there
of death,
and death
were
of
for mis-
to kill, only to inflict pain
of these locusts
their faces
swarm
to injure the grass
soned for war; on their heads they wore a kind of 8
shaft dark-
there, or the trees; they
as did not bear
a space of five
smoke
shaft as
from the
were not
has been stung by a scorpion.
will be looking for the
finding
rising
grew
These they had no power
on them during 6
fallen
opened the shaft
it
out of the smoke a
earth; they
land, the green things that
foreheads.
So
endowed with such power
locusts spread over the world,
on the
smoke
And
air.
had
a star
was entrusted with the key
and smoke rose from the
leads to the abyss,
from
rises
5
saw where
I
star
of that shaft which leads to the abyss.
which
4
fifth
from heaven
^
equivalent
is
who
are imprisoned by the great
not given here by the Greek manuscripts.
[551]
APOCALYPSE
The Riders from
10
So these were released, four angels
the river Euphrates.
river,
who were
the East; the seven Thunders
waiting for the year, the month, the day, the hour,
they were to destroy a third part of mankind.
them on horseback
the armies that followed
when
And
the muster of
(for
I
heard their
This
muster called) was twenty thousand armies of ten thousand. is
what
saw
I
in
my
vision of the horses
had breastplates of
riders
and the
horses' heads
fiery red,
seemed
and
like the
and of
blue,
their riders; the
and brimstone yellow,
heads of
with
lions,
and
fire
smoke and brimstone coming out of their mouths. This fire, this smoke, this brimstone that came out of their mouths were three plagues, from which a third part of mankind perished. The power these horses have to do mischief lies in their mouths and in their tails; their tails are like serpents, with serpents' heads, and they use them
The
do hurt.
to
these plagues,
hands had fashioned; gold and
silver
rest of
mankind,
that did not perish
would not turn away from the things still
worshipped
Nor would
nor hear, nor move.
sorceries, the fornications,
gods of
evil spirits, false
and brass and stone and wood,
by
own
their
that can neither see,
they repent of the murders, the
and the
thefts
which they committed.
CHAPTER TEN NOW
AND ^.
bow
I
saw
down from
a second angel of sovereign strength
coming
heaven, with a cloud for his vesture, and a rain-
about his head; with a face bright as the sun, and feet like
2
pillars of fire.
3
right foot
He
on the
carried in his
sea,
and
his left
hand an open book. Setting on the dry land,
his
he cried with a
loud voice, like the roaring of a lion; and as he cried, the seven 4
thunders of heaven
made
their voices heard.
And
I,
when
seven thunders had finished their utterance, was making as write
5
down
it
down, when
that angel,
6
I
heard a voice say from heaven.
the message of the seven thunders, keep
on the dry
whom
I
had already seen with
land, lifted
up
his right
his feet
Do
not write
Then
sealed.
on the
sea
hand towards heaven,
V. 6. 'No more waiting'; literally, 'no more commentators have understood the passage.
[552}
it
time', in
the if to
and and
which sense many
A fresh
swore an oath by him heaven and sea
and
all
waiting;
that
all
that
is
when
is
who
lives
through endless ages,
in heaven, earth
in the sea.
the time
He
came
and
all
that
who made
on
is
11
earth, the
swore that there should be no more for the seventh angel to
make him-
heard, as he stood ready to sound his trumpet, God's secret
self
made known by his servants the prophets, would be accomThen once more I heard the voice speaking to me from
design, plished.
Go and
heaven, thus:
whose
angel,
to the angel,
eat
APOCALYPSE
Revelation promised
it;
it
feet are
it; it
the sea
bidding him give
and on the dry land.
me
will turn thy belly sour,
So
sweet as honey.
was sweet
as
I
hand
take the open book from the
on
the book.
though
Take
in thy
So he
it,
mouth
of that I
went
said, it
and
be as
took the book from the angel's hand and ate
honey
in
my
mouth, but
my
belly turned sour
Then he said to me. Thou art to make a fresh prophecy, which concerns many peoples, many races, many languages, and many kings. once
had eaten
I
it.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
THEN I WAS given a reed, shaped like a wand, and word came to me, Up, and measure God's temple, and the those
who worship
which
is
in
it.
outside the temple; do not measure that, because
been made over
to the Gentiles,
who
will tread the holy city
foot for the space of forty-two months.
power
of prophecy to
my
Meanwhile
two witnesses;
I
for tv/elve
sixty days they shall prophesy, dressed in sackcloth;
two
olive-trees, the
before
and reckon up
altar,
But leave out of thy reckoning the court
him who
them? Fire enemies of
will
is
two candlesticks thou knowest
Lord
of the earth.
come out from
theirs; that will
their
has
will give the
hundred and these are the of,
Does anyone
that stand try to hurt
mouths and devour such
be the end of
The
it
under
all
who
try to
do them
forty-two months, or twelve hundred and sixty days, reprewith the diree and a half days of v. 11, recall the 'time, times, and half a time' of Daniel xii. 7 (cf. xii. 14 below). V. 4. Cf. Zech. iv. 3 and following. vv. 2, 3.
sent three
and
a half years. These,
[553]
APOCALYPSE 6
These two have
hurt.
and
Ministry and Death of the two Witnesses
11
let
no rain
in their
it
power
to shut the doors of heaven,
during the days of their ministry; they can turn
fall
the waters into blood, and smite the earth with any other plague,
7
whenever they
8
which comes up out of the abyss
on them, and defeat and open
9
Then, wheii they have borne
will.
the fuU, the beast
street, in that
great city which
and
and
a half,
men
of every tribe
who
fuse burial;
11
ment were
these
after three
and a half days, by God's
into them,
and they rose
and take
all
their ease,
and send presents
two prophets
13
went up, amid the
who were rest
God
of
Then
is
past,
Lord and
of us
all,
18
fell
on
all
enemies watched them, they
At
that
hour there was a
of the city; the count
by the earthquake was seven thousand,
third will
The dominion
come
speedily.
and with
of the
that, a great cry
world has passed
was
to the
to Christ his anointed; he shall reign for ever
And
who sit enthroned God and crying out,
the twenty-four elders
fell prostrate,
Lord God Almighty, who
we
while great dread
So the second of the three woes that were pro-
and
Amen.
in God's presence
17
their
the seventh angel sounded,
ever,
a tor-
Then,
with dread, and acknowledged the glory
and the
raised in heaven.
16
killed filled
re-
heard a loud voice from heaven,
clouds, to heaven.
in heaven.
nounced 15
were
dwell on the earth.
which overthrew a tenth
and the
which they
gift the breath of life entered
to their feet,
who watched them. Then they Come up to my side; and, while
of those
For
crucified.
one another; such
to
to all that
12
great earthquake,
in the
Egypt in
dwell on earth will triumph over them,
10
14
Lord was
lie
or
and people and language
race will gaze at their bodies, those bodies to
and
make war
Sodom
called
is
the language of prophecy; there, too, their three days
witness to
Their bodies will
them.
kill
me will
art,
worshipping
and ever wast, and
art
still
to
come,
give thee thanks for assuming that high sovereignty which
belongs to thee, and beginning thy reign.
vented their rage upon
us,
but
now
The heathen have
the day of thy retribution has
come; the time when thou wilt judge the dead, rewarding thy V. 6. Cf. James v. 17, Ex. vii. 20. V. II. The language of prophecy is here exchanged for that of narrative, the apostle being so absorbed by his vision that he feels plunged, as it were, into the events he is describing.
[554]
A
Dragon
in
APOCALYPSE
Heaven
and holy men and
who
12
fear thy
name,
litde
or great, and destroying the corrupters of the world.
After
this,
servants, prophets
19
Woman
threatens the
all
God's heavenly temple was thrown open, and the ark of the covenant was plain to view, standing in his temple; and there were lightnings,
and mutterings, and an earthquake, and a great storm
of hail.
CHAPTER TWELVE
AND ^.
2
NOW,
wore
in heaven, a great portent appeared; a
and a crown of twelve her
stars
about her head.
her
4
on each of the seven heads
dragon was
a royal
diadem;
woman who was
he stood fronting the
swallow up the child
who
is
to
while the mother
soon as she bore
as
his tail
days, she
Fierce
is
was caught up
to be
kept
war broke out
their part,
9
heaven any longer;
was flung down
to
in heaven,
him.
Then
come;
now we
I
power belongs overthrown.
presence;
it.
She bore a son, the
God, right up
to his throne,
where God had prepared twelve hundred and sixty
where Michael and
The dragon and
his angels
his angels
fought on
the great dragon, serpent of the primal age,
to earth;
he
whom we
whole world's seducer, flung down
is
And
in child-birth, ready to
but could not win the day, or stand their ground in
8
11
down
to earth.
safe.
fought against the dragon.
10
dragged
them
fled into the wilderness,
a place of refuge for her, and there, for
7
She had a child in
herd the nations like sheep with a crook of iron; and
this child of hers
6
that feet,
with seven heads and ten horns, and
there, fiery-red,
a third part of the stars in heaven, and flung
son
her
womb, and was crying out as she travailed, in great pain of delivery. Then a second portent appeared in heaven; a great
3
5
woman
moon under
the sun for her mantle, with the
call
the devil, or Satan, the
to earth,
and
his angels
heard a voice crying aloud in heaven, are saved
and made
strong, our
God
to Christ, his anointed; the accuser of
Day and
The
with
time has
reigns,
and
our brethren
night he stood accusing them in God's
but because of the Lamb's blood and because of the
[555]
APOCALYPSE
ing their Uves cheap heaven, and
13
14
the Serpent; the Beast
which they bore witness, they triumphed over him, hold-
truth to 12
The Dragon;
13
you
all
now
and
sea,
ice,
because he
Rejoice over
death overtook them.
till
that the devil
knows how
brief
down
woman,
but the
the boy's mother;
to earth,
where
went
woman was
such as the great eagle has, to speed her to her place of refuge,
in pursuit of the
given two wings,
flight into the wilderness,
and two
for a year,
years,
15
year she will be kept hidden from the serpent's view.
16
the
the serpent sent a flood of water out of his
woman's 17
flood
woman,
tide;
sent out of his
the dragon
fast to the truth
its
mouth
and half a
Thereupon in pursuit of
but earth came to the
up
earth gaped wide, and swallowed
her children, the
rest of
hold
The
rescue.
away on
which the dragon had
against the
18
to carry her
So the
the time given him.
is
dragon, finding himself cast
woman,
it,
woe to you, earth has come down upon you, full of mal-
that dwell in heaven; but
mouth.
went elsewhere
men who
this
So, in his spite
make war on
to
the
keep God's commandments, and
And
concerning Jesus.
he stood there wait-
ing on the sea beach.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
AND OUT OF THE SEA, in my vision, a beast came up to land, with i,
ten horns and seven heads, and on each of
diadem; and the names
phemy.
bore on
This beast which
bear's feet
that
it
was
and
his,
a lion's
I
saw was
mouth.
To
it
healed.
And now
falling
all this
beast.?
the whole world
down and
f. 14. Literally,
'a
Who
is
fit
time, times,
Some manuscripts
but
it
had
of
its
deadly
went
heads,
it
seemed,
wound had been
after the beast in
admira-
praising the dragon for giving the beast
to
and
read
'I
too.
Who
is
a
match
make war upon him?
for the
And
he
half a time' (but cf. v. 6 above), the
mystical reckoning of Daniel's vision V. 18.
like a leopard,
the dragon gave the strength
this
dominion; praising the beast they asked;
ten horns a royal
its
heads were names of blas-
One
and great dominion.
had been mortally wounded, but tion,
its
(vii. 25). stood' for 'he stood'.
[556]
The
false
was given power of speech, 6
7
APOCALYPSE
Prophet; the Second Beast
work
freedom
to
began to
utter
to boast
and
to
13
blaspheme with, and So he
his will for a space of forty-two months.
blasphemy against God, blasphemy against his name,
against his dwelling-place and
who
those
all
He
dwell in heaven.
war on the saints, and to triumph over them. The dominion given to him extended over all tribes and was allowed, 8
peoples and languages and races;
down
10
to hear with.
have the
12
down
in his
ever since the world
the sword
11
the dwellers on earth
all
in adoration of him, except those
has written 9
too, to levy
The
book of
was made.
the
Lamb this,
slain in sacrifice
you
captor will go into captivity; he
must himself be
that
who
itself, I
saw another but
it
beast
come up;
roared like a dragon.
stood in the presence of the former beast, to carry out to do,
worship the former 13
healed.
14
fire,
ders,
bidding the world and
it
was enabled
to
do in
its
15
lived.
to that beast
Further,
it
was
that even the beast's
16
to
receive a
17
heads,
and
vv. 8-14.
able to put
great, rich
life
beast,
beast's
it
and poor,
mark from him on
The Greek
who
down
brought
it
it
dwell in
deluded it
set
up
into that beast's image, so
image uttered speech; and
if
anyone refused
had him put free
sell,
All
to death.
men and
their right hands, or
and none might buy or
which was the
it
which was smitten with the sword, and
worship the image of the
alike, little
it
that
all
and by these won-
master's presence,
the inhabitants of the world, bidding those
an image
had
inhabitants
all its
accomplish, that
before men's eyes, from heaven to earth; it
it
And
whose deadly wound was
beast, that beast
Such wonders could
which
with
with the sword. Such good ground
slain
a lamb's horns,
was empowered
have ears slays
endurance, and for their faithfulness.
saints for their
Then, from the land
two horns Hke
life,
Listen to
fell
Lamb
whose names the
slaves,
on
must
their fore-
unless he carried this mark,
name, or the number that stands for
here (except in
v. 11) gives the verbs in the
his
present
or future, not in the past tense. V. 10. The reading here is uncertain, both in the Greek and in the Latin. It is probable that the first clause means, 'He who is marked out for captivity, must go into captivity', and possible that the following clause means, 'and he who is marked out for death, must go to his death'; cf. Jer. xv. 2. In that case, the sense is that Christians must submit to persecution without resistance; and the last part of the sentence should be rendered, 'Such is the endurance and the faithfulness which belongs to the samts.'
[557]
APOCALYPSE Here
name.
room
is
Lamb;
figures in the beast's
and the number
fashion,
of the
the three Angels
for discernment; let the reader,
up the sum of the
skill, cast
human
The Company
14
will be six
he has the
if
name,
after
hundred and
our
sixty-six.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
THEN
I
LOOKED, and saw where the
Lamb
stood on
mount
Sion,
amidst a company of a hundred and forty-four thousand, with his I
name, and
his Father's
name, written on
their foreheads.
heard a sound from heaven, louder than water in
heavy thunder. This sound which harpers, playing
on
I
heard seemed to come from
as they
their harps,
sang a
new
song, there
before the throne, and the living figures, and the elders.
song none
else
might learn
to sing
Lamb's for
the
Lamb
was not found on
was a
These have kept
by the touch of woman; these are the
attendants, wherever he goes; these have been
God and
It
but the hundred and forty-four
thousand that came ransomed from the earth. their virginity undefiled
And
full flood, or
as the first-fruits of
mankind.
ransomed Falsehood
their lips; they stand there untainted before the
throne of God. I
him
saw, too, another angel flying in mid-heaven, carrying with a final gospel to preach to
all
those
who
dwell on the earth, to
every race and tribe and language and people. cried aloud,
come. Fall
and give him the
down
before
praise; the
Fear the Lord, he
hour of his judgement has
him who made heaven and
A second
earth,
and the
who cried out, Babylon, great Babylon has fallen; she who made all the nations drunk with the maddening wine of her fornication. And these were followed by a third angel, who cried aloud. Whoever sea,
and the springs of water.
angel followed,
p. i8. Both in Greek and in Hebrew, the letters of the alphabet are used for numerical figures. In Greek, the letters of Latinus, in Hebrew, the letters of Nero Caesar, would add up to the required sum, but these identifications
are uncertain. V. 6. 'Final'; literally, 'eternal'. It is not clear why the 'gospel' preached by the angel is so described; but the context suggests that it is the last call to repentance which will be offered to men this side of eternity.
[558]
Reward
APOCALYPSE
Reaping of Earth
of the Saints; the
10
he too shall drink; but the wine he shall drink God's anger, untempered wine poured out in the cup of his venge-
forehead or hand, is
and brimstone
ance. Fire 11
shall
be his torment, in the presence of
The smoke
Lamb.
the holy angels, in the presence of the
torment goes up for ever and ever; day and night no
who worshipped 12 13
14
mark on
worships the beast and his image, or wears the beast's
name.
his
This
and
the beast is
who
his image,
which the
the test
saints
mark
bore the
of
endured, keeping true
God's commandment, and the faith of Jesus.
to
too,
of their
rest is theirs,
heard a voice,
I
from heaven. Write thus Blessed are the dead who :
die in the
Lord. Yes, for ever henceforward, the Spirit says; they are to have rest
from
but the deeds they did in
their labours;
life
go with them
now. Then,
14
15
in
my
vision, a
who seemed
one
sat
his head,
and a sharp
came another
temple,
time has come to reap
sickle in his
17
sickle,
18
hand.
earth's harvest
cloud
And now, from him who
and reap; the crop of earth
it.
this
son of man, with a crown of gold on
angel, crying out to
cloud. Put in thy sickle,
16
and
white cloud appeared; and on
like a
So he
who
was reaped.
sat
is
on the
dry,
and the
on the cloud put
Then
the
sat
in his
another angel came
from the heavenly temple; he too had a sharp sickle. And from the altar came another angel, the same that had power over the fire
on
it,
and cried aloud
to the angel
with the sharp
sickle.
Put
thy sharp sickle, and gather the grapes from earth's vineyard; 19
clusters are ripe.
So the angel put in his
sickle over the earth,
in its
and
gathered in earth's vintage, which he threw into the great wine-
20
press of God's anger;
away from the as
high
V.
/J.
city,
and when the wine-press was trodden
out,
blood came from the wine-press, and reached
as a horse's bridle, sixteen
Many commentators
hundred furlongs
off.
prefer to take 'henceforward' as part of the
previous sentence.
'Had power over the fire on it'; apparently a reference to viii. 5 above. Some would render 'had power over fire' in general; but it is difficult to see what relevance this has in the present context. f.
18.
[559]
APOCALYPSE
The Sea
15
of Glass; the Seven Angels
CHAPTER FIFTEEN THIS
WAS another
great portent
I
saw
and
in heaven,
a strange
one; seven angels, the bearers of seven plagues, those 2
plagues by which the vengeance of too,
what might have been
this sea of glass the victors
and 3
Theirs
is
finally achieved.
is
a sea of glass, tinged with
were standing,
and the mark of
his image,
fashioning.
God
his
safe
thou doest are
Lord,
erence and glory to thy
down
before thee,
5
known.
6
heaven opened
Then,
And by
the beast,
name, with harps of God's
Lamb. Lord God almighty, they great and wonderful; King of all the
are just and true.
last
saw,
the song of God's servant Moses, theirs
the song of the
4
fire.
now from
I
now
who
name?
alone art holy,
who
cry, the
ages, thy
is
deeds
ways
shall refuse rev-
All the nations shall
come and fall made
that thy just retribution has been
as I looked, the tabernacle that bears record in
and the seven angels who bear the
inner shrine,
its
seven plagues came out of the shrine, clad in pure white linen, 7
with golden girdles
at their breasts.
And
one of the four living
figures gave to these seven angels seven golden cups, filled with 8
God, who
the vengeance of
God's majesty and power that
lives for ever
filled
the
none could enter the shrine
and
ever.
Meanwhile,
whole shrine with smoke,
until the plagues
so
borne by the
seven angels had run their course.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
THEN
I
HEARD
a
loud voicc coming from the shrine, that said to
the seven angels, 2
Go and
vengeance on the earth.
The
pour out the seven cups of God's first
angel went on his errand, pour-
V. 3. 'The song of Moses' refers presumably to Ex. xv. It is not clear whether 'the song of the Lamb' is a song inspired by the Lamb, or one which had the Lamb for its theme; in the latter case, it refers perhaps to V. 12 above. For 'King of the ages' some of the best Greek manuscripts have
'king of the nations'.
[560]
APOCALYPSE
Six Angels pour out their Cups; the three Frogs
16
ing out his cup on to the earth; whereupon an ulcer broke out,
malignant and troublesome, upon
3
mark, and worshipped
his
out his cup over the sea, where
had been done 4
And
5
of water,
there,
till
And
turned into blood,
it
cup over the
the waters cry out.
Holy thou
award
art,
O Lord,
6
this
7
shed the blood of thy saints and prophets;
a just
is
another, too, saying
8
of thine,
from the
God
pronounce. Lord
rivers
Then
turned into blood.
it
bore the beast's
the second angel poured as i£
murder
every living creature in the sea was dead.
the third poured out his
where
men who
the
all
image.
I
and the springs
heard the angel of
and wast ever
blood to drink for those
altar.
it is
and
holy,
who
their due.
have heard
I
Yes, the judgements thou dost
almighty, are true and
The
just.
fourth
angel poured out his cup over the sun, which thereupon was given
9
power
to afflict
mankind with burning
which burned them,
men blasphemed
heat;
the
and in the great heat
name
of
God, who
dis-
poses of these plagues, instead of repenting, and giving praise to [0
And
him.
the fifth angel poured out his cup where the beast's
throne was; and with that, 11
darkness, in
which men
cause to blaspheme the
all
the beast's
sat biting their
God
of heaven in their pains
ulcers, instead of finding cause for
12
And
Then, in frogs;
15
whose waters dried up,
march from
that
14
and ill
their
deeds.
my
to
make
a passage for the kings
the East.
vision, three unclean spirits
appeared in the form of
one from the mouth of the dragon, one from the mouth of
the beast, and one
from the mouth of
his false prophet.
devilish spirits that can
do miracles, and find access
of the world, bidding
them meet
in battle
comes, the day of almighty God.
(Behold,
comes; blessed 16
repentance in their
into
finding
the sixth angel poured out his cup over the great river Eu-
phrates,
13
kingdom was turned
tongues for pain,
is
he that keeps watch, and
is
when I
These are
to all the
come
as the thief
ready clad, so that he
has no need to go naked, and be ashamed in men's sight.) V. 7.
'I
heard another,
too, saying
from the
kings
the great day
altar'; in
the Greek,
'I
The heard,
too, the altar saying'. V. 13. V.
15.
God's
'The false prophet'; that is, apparently, the second Beast (xiii. 11). This verse is a parenthesis, which insists upon the suddenness of
Matthew xxiv. 18, II Cor. v. 3. Latin here has 'he will gather them'; in the Greek, 'they gath-
visitations; cf.
V. 16.
The
ered them'.
[561]
APOCALYPSE
And
seventh
Woman
in Scarlet
the place called in
Hebrew,
Cup poured;
are bidden to meet
where they Armagedon.
place
17
The
17
is
the
the seventh angel poured out his cup over the
Then
air.
a
loud voice came out of the shrine, a voice which cried from the 18
throne,
over;
It is
and there were lightnings and mutterings and
thunder, and a violent earthquake; since 19
there
was never an earthquake
so great
man came
world
into the
and so violent
The
as this.
great city broke in three pieces, while the cities of the heathen
came down 20
were 21
in ruins.
And God
did not forget to minister a draught
Gone
of his wine, his avenging anger, to Babylon, the great city.
And
all
and the mountains were no more
hail-stones as big as a talent-weight fell
heaven,
and
the islands,
till
men
God
cursed
to
be seen.
upon mankind out of
for his plague of hail, so great
it
was,
so grievous.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
AND ^.
NOW ONE
of the angels that bear the seven cups
spoke to me.
how judgement
is
Come
drunk with the wine of her
me
all
cup in her hand,
full to the
with the lewdness of her over her forehead. all
The
that
is
drunk with the blood of
came and shew thee
will
harlot, that sits
the dwellers
by the
where
on earth have been
Then, in a I
The woman went
hung about with gold and
and
I
saw
a
trance, he car-
woman
scrawled over with names of blasphemy;
heads, and ten horns.
harlots,
and
kings of the world have com-
dalliance.
off into the wilderness,
scarlet beast,
all
The
rivers.
mitted fornication with her;
ried
said,
pronounced on the great
many
meeting-place of
with me, he
riding on a it
clad in purple
had seven
and
scarlet,
jewels and pearls, and held a golden
brim with those abominations of
harlot's ways.
There was
a
title
hers,
written
mystic Babylon, great mother-city of
abominable on earth. saints, the
all
woman
I
saw
this
blood of those
who
bore witness
v. ig. 'The great city' may be Jerusalem (xi. 8); but some commentators understand a double reference in tiiis verse to Babylon, that is, Rome.
[562]
The 7
APOCALYPSE
eight Kings
to Jesus;
and
I
was
with
its
which abyss,
this
But the
sight.
wonder?
I
will dis-
woman, and of the beast she rides, The beast thou sawest is that
seven heads and ten horns.
and now
lived once,
and find
which
dost thou find cause for
mystery of
close to thee the 8
with great wonder at the
filled
Why
angel said to me,
17
way
its
and
lived once,
dead; soon
is
to utter destruction.
now
must
it
The
awe
dead, will strike
is
rise
from the
sight of this beast
into every
dweller on earth, except those whose names have been written,
9
before the world was, in the book of
life.
Here
cerning mind. These seven heads are seven 10
woman
sits
enthroned.
have fallen already, one 11
when he
but
which yet 12
tion.
is
and
are also seven kings;
as
now
reigning
And
the ten horns
dominion which
lords,
15
King
of
theirs.
is
will all
will take his part. at
16
Lamb
title,
as the eighth,
utter destruc-
but are to enjoy such power
And
to the beast the
kings; whoever
Then he
told
And
become
All of
sits
is called, is
is
the ten horns,
all
faithful,
me, These waters in thy all
Lamb,
Lord of
is
chosen,
enthroned, are
them
power and the
they will fight against the
have the mastery of them; he
and languages.
in thy vision, will
yet,
the beast
which thou sawest are ten kings, who
whose meeting the harlot
nations,
come
And
kings have, for one hour, in succession to the beast.
but the
dis-
these the
of these, five
the last has not
now is dead must be reckoned now it is to find its way to
have a single policy; they surrender 14
;
one of the seven;
have not yet received their royal 13
need for a
upon
does, his reign will be a short one.
lived once
it is
They
is
hills;
vision,
her peoples,
which the beast had
the harlot's enemies; they will lay her
waste, and strip her quite bare, eat her flesh away, and then burn 17
down what
is left
of her.
God
has put
it
into their hearts to carry
vv. 8-1 1. It has been conjectured that the seven kings are the emperors Augustus, Tiberius, Gaius, Claudius, Nero, Vespasian, and Titus (Galba, Otho, and Vitellius being regarded as usurpers). There seems to have been a popular legend that Nero was not really dead, or perhaps would come to life again; he would thus be one of the seven and yet, as reincarnate, count as an eighth. If this interpretation is right, the present passage seems to allude to the short reign of Titus as the seventh king, and to identify his successor, Domitian, as a reincarnation of Nero, whose persecuting policy he revived. v. 12. 'In succession to the beast'; the Greek has 'together with the beast'. V. 16. The ten horns, which the beast had in thy vision'; the Greek has, 'the ten horns in thy vision, together with the beast'.
[563}
APOCALYPSE
The Doom
18
of Babylon
out his design, and to give their dominion over to the beast, so that i8
words of God may be
at last all the
woman
of thy vision, she
is
fulfilled.
And
as for the
that great city that bears rule over the
rulers of the earth.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN THIS I saw another angel, entrusted with great power, come down from heaven; earth shone with the glory of his
AFTER L
2
And
presence.
he cried aloud, Babylon, great Babylon
she has become the abode of devils, the stronghold of spirits,
the eyrie of
all
and hateful
birds that are unclean
fallen;
is
all
unclean to
3
The whole world
4
merchants have grown rich through her reckless pleasures.
tion; the kings of the earth
now
I
have lived in dalliance with her, and
heard another voice from heaven
people, that
you may not be involved
upon
5
plagues that
6
Lord has kept her
fall
her.
sins in
Her
brew double measure
mounts up
guilt
remembrance.
requite her with anguish
She 8
for her in the
tells herself,
not for me,
I
Here
shall
never
out of
to
heaven; the
Deal with her as she has all
she has done amiss;
cup she has brewed for others;
and sorrow for
I sit
Come
say.
its
And her, my
in her guilt, nor share the
dealt with you; repay her twice over for
7
man.
has drunk the maddening wine of her fornica-
her pride and luxury.
all
enthroned like a queen; widowhood
know what
to
it is
mourn;
and
all
is
her
plagues shall come upon her in one day, death and mourning and famine, and she will be burned to the ground; such power has the
9
God who
is
her judge.
How
they will
their breasts, those kings of the earth
and took 10
their pleasures
she burns!
Standing
weep over her and beat
who
once lived in dalliance
with her, as they see the smoke
at a distance, for fear of
ment, they will cry out, Alas, Babylon the great, 11
strong, in V. 6.
rise
alas,
Babylon the
one brief hour judgement has come upon thee!
'As she has dealt with you'; in the Greek,
the sentence be understood in this way, it to the angels in heaven, not to the martyrs. If
[564]
is
'as
where
sharing her punish-
And
all
she has dealt with others'. it as addressed
best to regard
APOCALYPSE
Lament over Babylon
weep and mourn over
the merchants of the world will 12
will
buy
merchandise now?
their
and
ver, of precious stone
and
and myrrh and cattle
14
men's
incense,
souls.
It
is
for; all that gaiety
15
wine and
and sheep and horses and gone from
and glory
The merchants
any more.
is
in ivory
silk
and precious stone
and wheat and
oil
fine flour,
and men's bodies, and
chariots,
longed
thee, the harvest thy soul
and
lost to thee,
grew
that
sil-
and
cinnamon and balm, perfume
and iron and marble;
brass
lawn and purple, of
wood, the work
scarlet; all the citrus
13
Their cargoes of gold and
pearl, of
18
who
her;
shall
never be seen
from such
rich
traffic
will
stand at a distance from her, for fear of sharing her punishment, 16
weeping and mourning; city, that
17
went
Alas, they will say, alas for the great
lawn and purple and
clad in
with gold and jewels and pearls; has vanished.
The
the mariners and 18
a distance,
19
burning.
sea-captains, too, all
who make
poured dust on
city
and
their heads,
ing, Alas, alas for the great city,
20
trace of her
any more.
fall,
the great
Never again
never again will the craftsmen of
bride.
laid waste.
her.
lifted
all
city,
will
up
a stone
and there
men
Uke
a
one
will be
no
listen there to the
flute-player
and trumpeter;
those crafts be found in thee,
never again the grinding of a mill heard in thee; light of
is
triumph, you saints in heaven,
music of harper and of minstrel, of
23
They
into the sea, crying out. So, with
it
crash of ruin, will Babylon
22
one brief hour she
fall,
an angel, of sovereign strength,
great mill-stone and cast
where she was
weeping and mourn-
and prophets; God has avenged you on
And now
ports,
stood at
whose magnificence brought wealth
at sea; in
Triumph, heaven, over her apostles
21
had ships
sea,
great city?
this
cried aloud,
rise
that wealth
between
from the
smoke
can compare with
all
that sail
all
their living
crying out, as they saw the
What
to all that
and
hung about
scarlet, all
in one brief hour
never again the
lamps shining, never again the voice of bridegroom and of
Once
the great
men
of the earth were thy purveyors; once
V. 13. The word 'balm' is omitted, probably by an error of printing, in the Clementine edition of the Vulgate. f. ly. 'Between ports'; literally, 'to a place', according to the Greek. Some Latin manuscripts have 'to the lake', apparently through the misreading of a
single letter.
[565]
APOCALYPSE 24
Triumph
19
The
thy sorceries bewitched the world.
saint lay at her doors; the blood of all that
of the Saints
blood of prophet and
were ever
on the
slain
earth.
CHAPTER NINETEEN AFTER ^
2
THIS
power belong
now
I
heard, as
seemed, the voices of countless muki-
it
tudes crying out in heaven, AUeluia; salvation and glory and
our God;
to
his sentence
is
ever true and just,
who
he has given sentence against the great harlot,
and
poisoned
now he has called her to account And again they cried. Alleluia, the
the earth with her harlot's ways; 3
for the blood of his servants.
4
smoke
up
of her burning goes
5
God, where he voice
the throne,
that are his servants,
6
whereupon
I
and
heard, as
like the noise of
fell
enthroned, crying,
sits
came from
all it
Then the twentydown and worshipped Amen, Alleluia. And a
everlastingly.
four elders and the four living figures
which
you that
said, Praise
our God,
fear him, litde
you
all
and great
alike;
seemed, the noise of a great multitude,
water in flood, or the noise of deep thunder, as
they cried out. Alleluia, the Lord our God, the Almighty, has 7
8
claimed his kingdom;
let
the praise; the time has
come
His bride has clothed
him Lamb.
us rejoice and triumph and give for the wedding-feast of the
herself in readiness for
it;
hers
it is
to
wear
linen of shining white; the merits of the saints are her linen.
9
[Q
And now the who are bidden said;
it
is
God's
angel said to me. Write thus: Blessed are those to the
own
worship him. But he I
am
Lamb's wedding-feast. All
Thereupon
utterance. said,
Never
that;
I
true,
he
fell at his feet,
to
this
is
keep thy worship for God;
only thy fellow-servant, one of those brethren of thine
V. 3. It
is
not certain that the words 'the
smoke
who
of her burning goes
up
everlastingly' are represented as part of the triumph-song. V. 8. 'The merits'; literally, 'the things which justify them'. V. 10. St. Augustine thinks that St. John mistook the angel (cf. xvii. i above) for Christ himself; but the ground on which the angel refuses his worship seems to be that St. John, too, was a prophet. Some think that the passage is a warning against the worship of angels mentioned in Col. ii. 18.
[566]
APOCALYPSE
Rider on the White Horse; the Beast overthrown
hold
Then,
11
concerning Jesus.
fast the truth
that inspires
all
my
in
and goes
heaven opened, and
vision,
13
there
14
of
15
horses,
is
title,
his
brow were many
white horse
a
His eyes were
like
flaming
royal diadems; the
name
written
He
garment deep
one that only he knows.
went clad
dyed with blood, and the name by which he
God;
saw
I
the Faithful, the True; he judges
batde in the cause of right.
to
and on
fire,
the truth concerning Jesus
prophecy.
appear. Its rider bore for his 12
It is
in a
called
is
is
the
Word
mounted on white From his mouth came
the armies of heaven followed him,
and clad
in linen, white
and
clean.
a two-edged sword, ready to smite the nations; he will herd
press,
whose wine
this tide is written
and the Lord 17
And all
18
I
He
with a crook of iron.
like sheep
16
And
then
where you
who cried aloud to Come and gather at God's
in the sun's orb,
mid
air,
shall eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of cap-
mankind,
free
saw the
beast
I
men and
and
their riders, the
slaves, the little
and the
and the kings of the earth muster
armies, to join battle with the rider on the white horse
20
which followed him.
The
beast
was made
the false prophet that did miracles in
who
bore the beast's
were thrown 21
And
of kings,
of lords.
the birds that hovered in
flesh of all
God.
The King
his cloak, over his thigh,
them
them the wine-
the avenging anger of almighty
is
on
saw an angel standing
great feast,
treads out for
tains, the flesh of the strong, the flesh of horses
19
19
its
mark and worshipped
prisoner,
its
their
and the army and with
presence, deluding
alive into the fiery lake that
great.
all
it
those
image; and both
burns with brimstone.
All the rest were slain by the sword of that horseman, the sword that
comes from
his
mouth; and
their flesh.
75. Ps.
ii.
9, Is. Ixiii. 3.
r^67i
all
the birds feasted royally on
APOCALYPSE
The thousand Years
20
CHAPTER TWENTY SAW, TOO, an angel come
I
abyss in his hand,
and
down from
dragon, serpent of the primal age,
and put him
Satan,
down him.
He
was not
in
He made prisoner of the whom wc call the devil, or
bonds for a thousand
and locking him
to the abyss
heaven, with the key of the
a great chain.
to delude the
world any more
years were over; then, for a short time, he I
saw thrones prepared
mitted ;
saw the
I
for those to
souls of all those
to
is
whom
setting a seal over
thousand
until the
judgement was com-
who went
to execution for love all
who
mark on
their
and of God's word, and
would not worship
its
image, or bear
foreheads and their hands. These were
Then
be released.
of the truth concerning Jesus, the beast, or
him
thrusting
years,
and
in there,
its
endowed with
reigned as kings with Christ for a thousand years;
life,
but the
and rest
of the dead remained lifeless while the thousand years lasted. Such is
the
first
in this
resurrection.
first
Blessed and holy
is
his lot
they will be priests of God, priests of Christ; years they will reign with him. are over, Satan will be let loose
seduce the nations that live is
the
who
has a share
no power,
resurrection; over such the second death has
meaning
of
all
those thousand
Then, when the thousand years
from
at the
his prison,
and
will
go out
four corners of the earth
Gog and Magog— and
muster them for
to
—that battle,
countless as the sand by the sea. vv. 2-y. This passage (as
gave
rise to the error of the Millenarians,
some Jewish authors held)
that Christ
would reign on
who
held
earth, in visible
triumph, for the period of a thousand years, between the Second Coming and the Final Judgement. Catholic expositors identify the thousand years with an indefinite but prolonged period between the Resurrection and the Second
Coming in Judgement (which latter event will be preceded by a brief interval when the devil will triumph through Antichrist). During this period the elect, living or dead, will worship Christ reigning in heaven, and share in the glories of his Church; they will be spiritually alive, even when they have passed through the first death, that of the body. The reprobate will, already, be spiritually as well as physically dead. V. 5.
'While the thousand years
lasted'; literally, 'until the
thousand years
were accomplished'; but this does not imply that the reprobate dead came to life at the end of the thousand years (see note on Matthew i. 25). V. 7. Gog and Magog are an allusion to the prophecy of Ezechiel (chh. xxxviii and xxxix).
[568]
The Judgement;
APOCALYPSE
the netv Jerusalem
21
They came up across the whole breadth of the earth, and beencampment of the saints, and the beloved city. But God sent fire from heaven to consume them, and the devil, their
leaguered the
was thrown
seducer,
and brimstone, where,
into the lake of fire
like himself, the beast
and the
prophet will be tormented
false
day and night eternally.
And now I saw a great throne, all white, and one sitting on it, at whose glance earth and heaven vanished, and were found no more. Before this throne, in my vision, the dead must come, great and alike;
little
and the books were opened. Another book,
opened, the book of as the
life.
And
The
books recorded them.
and death and
lay there,
hell
sea, too,
man was
and
were thrown into the lake of
judged according to
everyone must be thrown into
death;
name was found
was
gave up the dead that
gave up the dead they imprisoned,
and each hell
too,
the dead were judged by their deeds,
while death
his deeds, fire.
This
the second
is
this lake of fire, unless his
written in the book of
life.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
THEN
I
SAW
old earth
a
my
John, saw in
new
heaven, and a
new
earth.
The
old heaven, the
had vanished, and there was no more vision that holy city
which
is
sea.
new
the
And
I,
Jerusalem,
down by God from heaven, all clothed in readiness, like who has adorned herself to meet her husband. I heard,
being sent a bride
too, a voice
which
nacle pitched
be his
He
own
will
more
cried aloud
among men; he
people,
and he
wipe away every
from the throne, Here will dwell
will be
tear
from
among them, their eyes,
And
God's taber-
their
and there
death, or mourning, or cries of distress, no
those old things have passed away.
is
with them, and they will
he
who
sat
own God. will be
no
more sorrow; on the throne
v. 5. These words I was bidden write down'; literally, 'He says to me, it down'. It is not clear whether this direction was given by the Voice from the throne, or by the angel mentioned in xvii. i (who is clearly the
Write
speaker in xix.
9,
although the word 'angel' does not CKcur in the original).
C569}
APOCALYPSE Behold,
said,
6
7
things new. (These words
all
am
Alpha,
over.
I
their
end; those
am Omega,
I
who
have
his share in this;
is life.
will be his
I
and brimstone, and
them
and
with me, he
said,
10
groom
Lamb.
11
as
the
I
came down,
it
The
who
And
when
was
round
raised high all
God, from heaven,
it is it,
it
most
like crystal;
south, three
on the west.
tion stones;
and
he measured
east, three
The
these, too, bore
who was
same
its
Come
whose
bride-
city,
in
as any precious
and
a great wall
on the
had twelve founda-
names, those of the Lamb's twelve
and
its
carved on
the north, three
city wall, too,
its
me
had a rod of gold
and
gates,
length as in
its
its
wall.
The city when
breadth, and
with his rod, he counted twelve thousand furlongs.
its
are everywhere equal.
wall, he counted a
And when
hundred and forty-four
reckoned by the measure of a man, that ioning of
plagues.
tribes of Israel
on
speaking to
Length and breadth and height he measured
x8
on the
measure the
it
their
with twelve gates, and twelve angels
14
foursquare, the
any of
clothed in God's
was bright
and the names of the twelve
for a rule, to
not those
me off in a trance to a great shewed me the holy city Jerusalem,
three gates
angel
last
thee that bride,
the lintels;
16
He my
spoke to me, one of those seven
at the gates,
The
be
he carried
sent by
stone, as the jasper
apostles.
shall
belief,
are false in
13
17
God, and he
with the seven
light that shone over
15
free gift
wins the victory?
in the lake that burns with fire
shew
will
mountain, high up, and there
glory.
It is
the second death.
it is
And now an angel came and who bear the seven cups charged is
me,
things and
my
is
it
to
all
abominable; not the murderers, the fornicators, the
lives are
sorcerers, the idolaters, not those
lies
—
But not the cowards, not those who refuse
son.
dealings. Their lot awaits
12
Who
of the City
was bidden
I
he said
the beginning of
are thirsty shall drink
out of the spring whose water
whose
9
And
write down, words most sure and true.)
shall
8
The Measuring
21
make
I
is,
of an angel.
wall was of jasper, but the city
itself
cubits,
The
fash-
was pure gold,
'Are everywhere equal', not, presumably, equal to one another, city nearly 1500 miles high, whereas the next verse gives the height of the wall as 144 cubits. More probably the meaning is that the height of the city was uniform at every point, as its length and its breadth were. p.
16.
which would make the
[570]
Glory of the City; the River of
seemed
that
to
APOCALYPSE
Ufe
have the purity of
worked
the city wall were
And
glass.
22
the foundations of
The
in every kind of precious stone.
foundation was a jasper, the second a sapphire, the third a
first
chalcedony, the fourth an emerald;
the fifth a sardonyx, the sixth
a sardius, the seventh a chrysolite, the eight a beryl; the ninth a
topaz, the tenth a chrysoprase, the eleventh a jacynth, the twelfth
And
an amethyst.
pearl for each gate;
seemed is
the twelve gates were twelve single pearls,
and the
like transparent glass.
Lord God Almighty,
the
any need of sun or
city
Lamb
was of pure
street of the city
its
moon
saw no temple
I
temple
to
shew
the
is
shone
The
nations will live and
move
it;
the glory of
and the
radiance; the kings of the earth will bring
praise
and honour.
will be
no night
honour and
light.
it
the
God
in
there,
gave
temple
its
it;
Nor had
Lamb.
in
its
in
one
gold, that
it
their tribute of
All day the gates will never be shut (there
there),
their praise.
with their
as the nations flock into
it
Nothing
no source
that
is
corruption or deceit can ever hope to find
unclean, its
way
in; there
is
of
no
entrance but for those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of
life.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
HE SHEWED me, Lamb.
the
street,
On
tree that gives life,
for each
to all the nations. city;
on
No
flows,
midway along
bearing
its
the city
fruit twelvefold,
the leaves of this tree bring health
the
is
There
Lamb's throne)
and
no more
will be
will reign for ever
and
will be there, with
to see his face, his
from lamp or sun; the Lord God
and they
it
longer can there be any profanation in that
worship him,
their foreheads.
light
And
month.
God's throne (which
his servants to
life;
from the throne of God, from the throne of
either side of the river,
grows the
one yield
whose waters give
too, a river,
clear as crystal,
night,
name
written
no more need of
will shed his light
on them,
ever.
V. 2. It is likely enough that the trees are represented as bearing twelve different kinds of fruit, but St. John's language does not make this certain.
[ 571 ]
APOCALYPSE Then
6
servants I
8
9
These words are sure and
the angel said to me,
Lord God who 7
The Promise
22
am coming
find
soon. Blessed
he
is
who
ecy this book contains.
All this
ing and seeing
down
who
angel
fell
I
it,
revealed
it
to
due accomplishment.
its
as
if
holds fast the words of proph-
worship
to
But he
me.
his
tell
Patience,
John, heard and saw,
I,
The
true.
inspires his prophets has sent his angel to
what must soon
of Jesus
Never
said.
hear-
till,
at the feet of the
that; I
am
only
a fellow-servant of thine, and of thy brother prophets, and of
who
hold
fast the
words which
this
book
contains.
all
Keep thy wor-
ship for God. 10
Then
the
command came
to me.
prophecy that are contained in 11
12
corrupt in his corruption, the just
man
the holy in his
I
life
me comes
am
he has
Alpha,
I
their
award
before
No room
and
lives in
Spirit
and
my
it.
this in I,
am
all, I
soon; and
according
at the
end of
Lamb;
all,
who
Blessed are those
and find
life,
so they will have
their
way through
the
there for prowling dogs, for sor-
and wantons and murderers and
this read
18
am
in the blood of the
spring of David's race,
The
I
which gives
you the assurance of
17
hand.
his justification,
am coming repaying each man I
things and their end.
all
garments
loves falsehood
close at
lived.
gates into the city. cerers
is
deeds of wrong, the
winning
in
Patience,
make,
I
am Omega,
access to the tree
16
of holiness.
the
the beginning of
wash
15
not seal up the words of
persist in his
to the life
14
Do
book; the time
Meanwhile, the wrong-doer must
with
13
this
I,
Jesus,
idolaters, for
have sent
your churches;
I,
my
who
anyone
angel to give
the root,
I,
the off-
the bright star that brings in the day.
bride bid
me
come;
out say. Come. Come, you
let
who
everyone
who
hears
are thirsty, take,
who will, the water of life; it is my free gift. To all who hear the words of prophecy this book
you
contains, I give
'The angel said to me'; literally, 'he said to me'. See note on xix. 10 above. V. 10. 'The command came to me'; literally, 'he said to mc'. The context seems to indicate that our Lord is here the speaker, not the angel, as in V. 6. V. 9.
verse
6.
Some Greek manuscripts have 'those who carry out his commandments', instead of 'those who wash their garments'. The words 'in the blood of the Lamb' are not given in the Greek, or in most Latin manuscripts. V. 14.
[572I
The Warning warning.
this
If
anyone adds
ment
the plagues
cels a
word
the
which
in this
book of
life,
who
Be
so,
then; come,
V.
ig.
scripts)
to
them,
God
add
will
book threatens;
book of prophecy, God
he
May
this
and
gives this
warning
Lord
the grace of our
says.
to his if
22
punish-
anyone can-
will cancel his share in
in the holy city, in all that this
And it
APOCALYPSE
of Jesus
Indeed
I
book promises.
am coming
soon.
Jesus.
Lord
Jesus Christ be with
you
all.
Amen.
For 'the book of life', the Greek (followed by many Latin manuhas 'the tree of life'; our text probably arises from a mistake in
the Latin. V. 20. The words 'Be it so' represent 'Amen' in the Greek, which is attached by some commentators to the sentence which goes before it. V. 21. The best reading in the Greek here is 'with the saints', or 'with all the saints', not 'with you all'; many of the Greek manuscripts omit the word 'Amen'.
[573]
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